As a tutor who has worked with many IB students and seen the good and bad sides of extended essay writing, I can say that getting a failing grade can be very upsetting. Don’t worry, though!
But what should you do if you fail your extended essay? I’ll explain in this piece, along with some tips to help you get back on track.
Can an IB Student Fail the Extended Essay?
This does happen, and I’ve seen it happen more often than most students think. The truth is that the EE is a very important IB project that needs to be taken very seriously. In general, the IB uses a range from A to E to grade the extended essay, with A being the highest grade and E being the lowest, indicating a fail. An E on your extended essay is a failing grade, and it will directly affect your ability to get the full IB Diploma.
I believe that the main reasons why extended essays fail are bad research planning, not doing enough critical analysis, and not following basic rules for writing or citing sources. From what I’ve seen, many students also don’t realize the amount of time and work the EE requires. You must show that you can think critically, do detailed research, be original, and really understand the topic. Many students fail the IB extended essay for the following reasons:
- A research question is unclear or weak.
- Not enough research and proof.
- The essay is not well organized.
- Failure to properly cite sources or plagiarism.
- Turning in the essay late or not fully written.
Of course, passing the extended essay doesn’t mean you’re done with the IB. However, it’s important to know how bad the problem is and act appropriately.
So, don’t freak out if you find yourself in this situation. From what I’ve seen, you can get through this loss and still reach your academic goals if you get the right help and are willing to learn from your mistakes.
How Many Points Do You Need to Pass an Extended Essay?
IB general standards state that the extended essay is scored on a scale of 34 points, with each point corresponding to a different criterion. Each criterion is given a score between 0 and 6 or 0 and 12. Your total score is converted into a letter grade.
| A | 27–34 points |
| B | 21–26 points |
| C | 14–20 points |
| D | 9–13 points |
| E | 0–8 points |
The most important thing to remember is that you need at least a D grade on the extended essay to pass. That’s about 9 out of 34 points. If you get an E, you failed.
However, aim for more than just the basic passing. A better grade will help your overall diploma score and also show colleges how good you are at writing and researching.
You indeed need at least 9 points to pass, but I think you should take your time, push yourself and really show what you can do!
Can You Retake or Resubmit Your Extended Essay?
The short answer is “yes,” but there are some circumstances. According to IB rules, students who receive a failed grade (an E) on their extended essay may retake it or resubmit it, but this varies depending on several factors.
You can turn in a new version of your extended essay during a retake session if you are still in the IB program. It doesn’t always mean making minor changes to your old essay. The IB frequently asks students to either greatly edit their original essay or write a new one on a different topic. You’ll also have to follow the dates and rules set by your school for EE resubmissions. So, let’s summarize:
- You can resubmit your extended essay during a retake session if you remain enrolled in the program.
- You may need to choose a new research question or topic if your previous essay was fundamentally flawed.
- The retake EE must meet all original formatting and citation guidelines to be considered valid.
- It’s better to consult with your IB coordinator or EE supervisor about your school’s policies and deadlines.
When students retake and resubmit their extended essay, they often do better if they think about the mistakes they made the first time. Remember that the retake is a new chance, not a way to fix something.
Immediate Steps to Take If You Fail Your Extended Essay
When you find out you got a poor grade on your extended essay, I know how stressful it can be. But not to freak out. Being calm and taking your time can make all the difference, in my experience.
1. Look at Your Official Results and Feedback
First of all, slow down before making any choices. Rather, spend some time carefully going over your grade report and the IB examiners’ comments. Find the precise places where you lost points. Was it the way your essay’s structure? Poor analysis? Inadequate referencing?
See where you made mistakes by comparing your essay to the IB extended essay rubric. If you have the chance to edit or resubmit, this thorough assessment helps you avoid making the same errors.
2. Contact Your IB Coordinator or EE Supervisor
I think the next thing you should do is talk to your school’s IB coordinator or EE supervisor. They know what you can do and have enough information to help you figure out what your choices are. You can discuss a retake, file an appeal, or seek additional help. Show that you are ready to take responsibility and get better.
3. Reflect and Stay Calm
I understand how easy it is to feel stressed out in this case. But moving without thinking won’t help. Take a deep breath and think about it. When students pause to consider their next steps, they often handle things more effectively. Think about the feedback, talk to IB advisors you trust, and keep in mind that this is only one part of your school life. You’re mental health is more important than your EE grade.
What If You Can’t Retake the Extended Essay?
There are times when you can’t retake the EE and your school doesn’t offer a retake. Don’t worry, though—you can still reach your goals and move forward.
One of the first things I tell my students is to work on getting better at other parts of the IB program. You should consider improving your Theory of Knowledge or CAS points if your extended essay didn’t get the grade you needed. Doing well in these areas could make up for a failed EE, and you can still get the title as long as you meet the total points standard.
Here are some ideas for strategies:
- Pay attention to TOK and CAS; raise your marks to make up for failing EE.
- Do additional assignments or projects. Some schools offer extra coursework to demonstrate your skills.
- Talk to your IB coordinator—they can help you figure out what to do next and walk you through your choices.
Don’t give up if getting the diploma becomes difficult. Many colleges around the world accept subject certificates or alternative qualifications. Indeed, I have seen students get into great programs by showing good results in individual IB subjects along with a well-written personal statement. Do some research on the schools you’re interested in and call their admissions offices to find out what they need from you.
Finally, remember that failing the EE doesn’t define who you are or your future. In my view, it can actually be a good chance to learn. Many students learn how to study better, handle their time better, and become more determined after going through this.
Although it may be upsetting right now, trust me, this is only the beginning of great things to come. Don’t give up, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
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Conclusion
So, failing the extended essay does not spell disaster. It’s merely a bump on the road, based on my own experience. The secret is to maintain concentration, grow from your errors, and make progress in concrete ways. Keep in mind that handling failures well is often more critical to success than achieving flawless outcomes.
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FAQs
If you fail the EE and don’t meet other diploma requirements, you may not earn the full IB Diploma. However, alternative options like subject certificates exist.
Usually, you can’t rewrite the EE after graduation unless you register for a retake session through your school.
While it’s not extremely common, it does happen. In my experience, it’s often due to avoidable issues like poor time management or unclear research questions.
