What If I Fail The IB Extended Essay?

The IB Extended Essay (opens in a new tab) (EE) is one of the most challenging parts of the IB Diploma Programme. It asks you to plan, research, and write a 4,000-word essay on a topic of your choice. Because it carries so much weight, many students worry: “What if I fail the IB Extended Essay?”

The good news is that failing the EE does not automatically mean you fail your whole Diploma. The outcome depends on how your EE grade combines with your Theory of Knowledge (TOK) grade, and there are still options available if things don’t go as planned. 

In this guide, we’ll explain how the EE is graded, what happens if you fail, how it links to TOK in the core points matrix, and what you can do to recover.

Key Takeaways

• The EE is graded from A (excellent) to E (failing), based on five assessment criteria.

• An E grade in the EE is considered a fail, but whether you lose the Diploma depends on your combined result with TOK.

• Failing both TOK and the EE automatically means failing the Diploma, but failing just the EE does not always block you from passing.

• You can still gain subject certificates, request a remark, or even resubmit your EE in a later session.

• With the right preparation and structure, you can avoid the common pitfalls that cause EE failures.

How the IB Extended Essay Is Graded

The Extended Essay (EE) is externally assessed by the IB against five assessment objectives (opens in a new tab), whether you choose a subject-focused or interdisciplinary topic. These include:

Examiners judge your work against five assessment objectives:

1. Knowledge & Understanding – showing strong subject knowledge and relevant sources.

2. Application & Analysis – applying appropriate research methods and analysing findings.

3. Synthesis & Evaluation – weighing up arguments, evaluating evidence, and reaching conclusions.

4. Structure & Communication – organising ideas logically, using clear language, and following academic conventions.

5. Engagement & Reflection – demonstrating personal involvement and reflecting on the research process.

Your score is then converted into a grade from A (excellent) to E (failing). An E grade means the essay did not meet the minimum standards in one or more areas.

Performance in the EE is combined with your Theory of Knowledge (TOK) result in the core matrix, which can contribute up to three bonus points towards your Diploma.

For practical tips on structuring, planning, and avoiding common pitfalls, see our IB Extended Essay Guide.

What Happens If You Fail the EE?

Failing the Extended Essay with an E grade does not always mean failing the Diploma. It depends on how your result combines with your Theory of Knowledge (TOK) grade.

• If you get an E in both the EE and TOK, the Diploma cannot be awarded.

• If you get an E in the EE but a D or higher in TOK, you can still pass the Diploma (as long as you meet the other subject and points requirements).

• You may miss out on bonus points from the core, but your Diploma is still possible.

Even if you don’t receive the full Diploma, you will still be awarded IB subject certificates for the courses you passed.

The TOK + EE Core Matrix Explained

Your EE and TOK grades are combined to award up to three bonus points for the Diploma. 

The matrix below shows how the combinations work.

In short, you need at least a D in both TOK and the EE to be eligible for the Diploma. For more detail on TOK assessment, see our IB TOK Essay Guide.

Can You Retake or Resubmit the EE?

Yes. If you fail the Extended Essay, you can usually resubmit it in a future exam session. This option is available to students who re-register for the Diploma Programme.

There are a few important points to keep in mind:

• Supervision is required: You’ll still need the support of an EE supervisor at your school (or IB coordinator) to oversee your resubmission.

• Next session deadline: Resubmission usually takes place in the next available exam session (May or November), which may delay university entry if your application depends on a full Diploma result.

• Re-marks: If you were surprised by your result, you can request a re-mark before deciding to resubmit. Sometimes, marks shift after moderation.

• Topic and research question: Some students rework their original essay, while others refine or adjust their research question to make it more focused.

Resubmitting the EE takes extra time and planning, but it can be the difference between losing the Diploma and securing it on your second attempt.

Common Reasons Students Fail the EE

Most students who fail the Extended Essay don’t do so because they aren’t capable; it’s usually because of avoidable mistakes. The most common issues include:

• Unfocused research question: If the question is too broad, it’s hard to create a clear, well-argued essay.

• Too much description, not enough analysis: Simply retelling information without critically evaluating sources or arguments leads to lower marks.

• Weak structure: A confusing essay without clear sections (introduction, argument, evaluation, conclusion) makes it difficult for examiners to follow your reasoning.

• Poor referencing: Missing citations or an incomplete bibliography can result in lost marks, and in severe cases, raise concerns about academic honesty.

• Word count issues: Essays far under the 4,000-word maximum usually lack depth, while going over the limit can mean important parts aren’t read by examiners.

• Missed deadlines: The EE has multiple checkpoints. Falling behind can mean rushing to complete the essay or failing to submit it on time.

The good news is that all of these problems can be prevented with good planning, consistent feedback from your supervisor, and steady progress over time.

What To Do If You Fail the EE

If you fail the Extended Essay, it can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t mean everything is lost. Here are the steps to take:

1. Talk to your IB coordinator
   They can confirm exactly how your result affects your Diploma, explain whether you still meet the passing requirements, and outline your options.

2. Request a re-mark (if appropriate)
   If your grade was much lower than expected, your school can request a re-mark. Sometimes essays do shift after moderation.

3. Plan a resubmission strategy
   If you need to retake the EE, work with your supervisor to identify what went wrong and how to improve. This may involve refining your research question, restructuring your argument, or strengthening your analysis.

4. Consider the impact on university applications
   If your Diploma is delayed, you may need to adjust your university plans, for example, by taking a gap year or applying in the next admissions cycle.

5. Don’t lose sight of alternatives
   Even without the full Diploma, you’ll still receive IB subject certificates for your individual courses. These are recognised qualifications and can still support university or career applications.

Failing the EE is stressful, but many students recover by either resubmitting successfully or finding another route forward.

How to Avoid Failing the Extended Essay

The best way to deal with EE stress is to prevent problems before they start. Here are some strategies that successful students use:

• Choose a subject you enjoy: You’ll spend months researching and writing, so pick a subject area you’re genuinely curious about.

• Narrow your research question: A focused question is easier to answer clearly and in depth. Broad questions often lead to descriptive essays.

• Follow a clear structure: Organise your essay into an introduction, main analysis, evaluation, and a conclusion. This keeps your argument logical and easy for examiners to follow. Use our guide on how to structure the IB Extended Essay to help.

• Prioritise analysis over description: Examiners want to see your critical thinking, not just summaries of what other people have said.

• Track your sources from the start: Keep notes of books, articles, and websites so you can build your bibliography easily and avoid plagiarism issues.

• Use feedback wisely: Supervisors and sample examiner reports can highlight weaknesses early. Take feedback seriously and act on it.

With consistent planning and steady progress, most students find that the EE becomes a manageable and even rewarding part of the Diploma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does failing the EE mean failing the IB Diploma?

Not always. You can fail the EE (grade E) and still pass the Diploma if you achieve at least a D in Theory of Knowledge and meet the other IB Diploma requirements. The only automatic fail is when you get an E in both the EE and TOK.

Can I pass TOK but fail the EE and still get the Diploma?

Yes. As long as your TOK grade is D or higher, you can still be awarded the Diploma (provided you also meet the overall points and subject-level requirements). 

You will not receive any bonus points from the core, but the Diploma can still be granted.

Can I redo my Extended Essay after failing?

Yes. You can resubmit your EE in a later exam session with support from your school supervisor. This might delay your university application, but it gives you the chance to improve your grade and secure the Diploma.

References:

• IB Extended essay (opens in a new tab)

• Diploma programme assessment - International Baccalaureate® (opens in a new tab)

• What is the extended essay? - International Baccalaureate® (opens in a new tab)