🧩 Interdisciplinary pathway → World Studies Extended Essay

Your WSEE should be structured according to the general formal requirements for all extended essays, while also incorporating the specific need to integrate approaches from two DP subjects.

In summary, an interdisciplinary Extended Essay should follow a standard academic structure with a clear introduction, a sectioned main body that integrates analysis from two chosen DP subjects, and a concluding section that synthesises findings and evaluates the essay's effectiveness. Rigour is demonstrated through the appropriate application of concepts, methods, and terminology from both disciplines, supported by relevant evidence and properly presented visuals.

Formatting

[ ] The essay must be presented formally, written in continuous prose.
[ ] Recommended formatting includes Arial or Times New Roman font, size 11 or 12 point, 1.5 or double line spacing, portrait orientation (landscape is acceptable for visuals), A4 size, and numbered pages.
[ ] No abstract is required.
[ ] All visual material must be clearly labelled, cited accurately, and referred to in the body of the essay.
[ ] Maps should include elements like scale, key/legend, a north arrow and a title.

Title Page

[ ] Student personal code
[ ] The two DP subjects and the interdisciplinary framework
[ ] Your research question phrased as a question
[ ] Word count (not exceeding 4,000 words)

[ ] Should have accurate page references
[ ] Should be accurately numbered.
[ ] Goes beyond a very basic structure (like introduction, main body, conclusion).
[ ] Use effective subheadings to help with structure. The table of contents should list the main areas being investigated (indicated by subheadings) along with accurate page numbers.

Introduction

The introduction is crucial for a WSEE and often needs to be longer than in other subjects, sometimes taking five to eight pages.

It should tell the reader what to expect in the essay.

This section should provide the context of your research question, clearly state the question, explain the scope and focus of your investigation, and outline the overall approach or strategy.

The introduction must also explain how the topic fits the criteria, clarify which two subjects are being combined, state the chosen framework, and explain how responding to the research question will be explored through the integration of elements from the two subjects.

While you can plan this early, it is recommended to write the introduction last once the essay has taken shape.

Clearly state the contemporary global issue and the local case study (or studies/manifestations) used to investigate it, including justification for their use. The global issue should be established, not just stated.

Clearly state the two DP subject lenses and justify their use in an interdisciplinary framework. Explain how and why each subject will be utilised to answer the RQ.

Provide an insight into the line of argument to be followed.

Methodology

Outline the scope of the research, indicating the sources to be used.

Describe and justify the methodology used. This should be more than just listing sources; it needs to show informed decision-making on how the subjects will be used and a rationale for the chosen methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments).

Based on the sources, the methodology section of a World Studies Extended Essay (WSEE) should be clearly explained and justified, primarily within the introduction. Dedicating time and attention to this aspect is important, as it helps justify the validity of the higher-order skills assessed in Criterion C (critical thinking).

Specifically, the methodology should:

Explain how the research question (RQ) will be answered.
Identify and explain the methods and sources used.
Go beyond simply listing a few sources.
Demonstrate informed decision-making regarding how the chosen subjects will be used and why there is a need for an interdisciplinary approach. This includes explaining how and why each subject will be utilised in answering the RQ.
For students who decide to use primary research methods such as a survey, experiment, or interview, the methodology must be explained appropriately. This explanation should be detailed, specific, and complete, not just a superficial explanation. It can include the specific models, theories, or concepts being used, as well as a rationale for the utilisation of the method, such as who was surveyed or interviewed.

A clear explication of the interdisciplinary framework and relevant methodology helps ensure a strong foundation for demonstrating knowledge and understanding (Criterion B). Without a clear methodology, essays often read as generalizations without academic underpinnings.

Common weaknesses noted in student methodologies include:

Not including an explanation or sufficient justification of their methodology.
Methodology being incomplete, offering only a brief description of sources used but no reference to methods of analysis or explanation of how each subject would be used.
Cursory analysis of findings from methods like questionnaires.

A longer introduction is often necessary in a WSEE to cover these points adequately. While some essays structurally separate out methodology, placing it within the introduction can be very helpful.

Analysis

This is the core of your argument, where you analyse, discuss, and evaluate your research findings to address the research question.

This is where the research, analysis, and discussion take place.
The focus and method outlined in the introduction must be sustained throughout the essay.
Subheadings can help structure the essay and facilitate the reading and coherence. Ensure subheadings listed in the table of contents appear in the body. Avoid overly-fragmenting the essay with arbitrary subheadings.
Analysis and evaluation should be supported by selected sources.
It is beneficial if evaluation runs throughout the essay, rather than being confined to a separate section at the end. Mini-conclusions in sections can help show how the content links back to the research question.
The main body should be structured to develop a line of argument that is informed by connections made between elements (knowledge, concepts, theories, perspectives, methods) from the two chosen subjects.
The essay must clearly draw on both subject lenses.
Subheadings help frame the argument and outline the key areas investigated in relation to the research question.
The structure must ensure the argument develops logically, showing the connection between different parts and the conclusion.
Within the main body sections, structure within paragraphs is important. A common structure suggested is PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link back to RQ).
Each paragraph should contribute insight to the overall research question and link back to it.
The essay must apply relevant methods, concepts, theories, and terminology from both chosen DP subjects.
While a perfectly balanced combination of the two subjects is not necessary, the essay must clearly demonstrate that the integration of elements from the two subjects has enabled an effective response to the research question.
Diagrams, graphs, maps, images, and data tables can be included to support points.

Conclusion

There must be a formal, summative conclusion at the end of the essay.
The conclusion should clearly address and answer the research question.
It should summarise what has been achieved.
Ideally, the conclusion should allow the local case study to shed light on the overall global issue.
It should also note any limitations of the research and any questions that have not been resolved.
Relating findings back to the initial context or secondary sources is important.