Seniors: The following is a repeat of what I have told you in class. Two clean copies need to be turned in to me (not your advisor) by the end of the day on Friday, December 21. You should indicate your advisor with a sticky note or by writing it in light pencil on the paper. The two papers should be paper clipped together.
The following is an email I sent out to all advisors:
--------
Good afternoon,
Students will be turning their Extended Essays in to me by the end of the day on Friday, December 21, 2007. They will be turning in two clean copies.
After the break, you will be receiving the grading criteria and papers from me so you can provide your predicted grade and comments for the paper(s) you supervised.
Students should NOT be bringing you another copy of their paper. Your job up until now was to review the paper once and give meaningful comments to the students. If they turned in a lousy paper the first time, it's not your job to re-read it. You can choose to read it again, but it is your choice.
Thanks again for all of your support and assistance regarding the Extended Essays.
--------
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
FINAL DEADLINE for Extended Essays - Class of 2008
Two copies of your final extended essay should be given to me (Mrs. Banas) by Friday, December 21, 2007. This is the paper that will be sent to the International Baccalaureate Organization. DO NOT turn your papers into your advisor.
PLEASE remember to pick ONE citation style and use it correctly and consistently throughout your paper.
PLEASE remember to pick ONE citation style and use it correctly and consistently throughout your paper.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Extended Essay Information for the Class of 2009
Here is a link to the Extended Essay guide. It is the web version of the same guide I showed you in TOK. Be sure to fully read what the requirements are for a subject before you pick a topic within that subject area. The link is here.
Available subject areas for your essay are:
Group 1 (English/Literature)
Group 2 (Literature in another language)
Biology
Business and management
Chemistry
Classical Greek and Latin
Computer science
Dance
Design technology
Economics
Environmental systems and societies
Film
Geography
History
Human rights
Information technology in a global society
Mathematics
Music
Peace and conflict studies
Philosophy
Physics
Politics
Psychology
Social and cultural anthropology
Theatre
Visual arts
World religions
Available subject areas for your essay are:
Group 1 (English/Literature)
Group 2 (Literature in another language)
Biology
Business and management
Chemistry
Classical Greek and Latin
Computer science
Dance
Design technology
Economics
Environmental systems and societies
Film
Geography
History
Human rights
Information technology in a global society
Mathematics
Music
Peace and conflict studies
Philosophy
Physics
Politics
Psychology
Social and cultural anthropology
Theatre
Visual arts
World religions
Friday, November 9, 2007
Guidance Volunteer Opportunities Folder
A reminder that the Guidance Counselors have many, many volunteer opportunities listed in the volunteer folder in the Guidance Office.
Volunteer Opportunity at Child Advocacy Center
The Child Advocacy Center is looking for assistance at their center, located at 556 Franklin St. in Downtown Buffalo.
They have a children's waiting room with toys that need to be cleaned, a book shelf that needs to be organized, along with donations that need to be either stored or put out for the children. "Volunteer days" are Saturdays. The time commitment would be a couple of hours and they prefer no more than eight students at a time. Contact jolin@catswny.org to volunteer.
They have a children's waiting room with toys that need to be cleaned, a book shelf that needs to be organized, along with donations that need to be either stored or put out for the children. "Volunteer days" are Saturdays. The time commitment would be a couple of hours and they prefer no more than eight students at a time. Contact jolin@catswny.org to volunteer.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Winter Break Internship Opportunities in Senator Schumer's Office
Senator Schumer's local office is looking for City Honors interns for winter break. Hours would be at least 1/2 days between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. This is an unpaid internship, but looks good on a resume and can be used for CAS Hours.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
More Volunteer Opportunities
Chinese Culture Fair - November 10 from 1-5 p.m. See Mrs. Holden in the Library for details.
Kids Voting - students are needed to "man" Kids Voting booths in the City of Buffalo on Election Day. Call Kate Biggie at 829-6170 or email her at kjbiggie@buffalo.edu
Kids Voting - students are needed to "man" Kids Voting booths in the City of Buffalo on Election Day. Call Kate Biggie at 829-6170 or email her at kjbiggie@buffalo.edu
Monday, October 22, 2007
Volunteer Opportunity in the Parks
There will be an Olmsted Tree Planting in the Olmsted Parks the next two weekends.
Saturday, November 3 - 9 a.m. to Noon
Cazenovia Park
Martin Luther King, Jr.
South Park
Saturday, November 10 - 9 a.m. to Noon
Delaware Park
Riverside Park
Registration is required and volunteers can learn more about Community Tree Plantings by calling the Olmsted Parks Conservancy at 716-838-1249 ext. 14, or online at www.BuffaloOlmstedParks.org.
Saturday, November 3 - 9 a.m. to Noon
Cazenovia Park
Martin Luther King, Jr.
South Park
Saturday, November 10 - 9 a.m. to Noon
Delaware Park
Riverside Park
Registration is required and volunteers can learn more about Community Tree Plantings by calling the Olmsted Parks Conservancy at 716-838-1249 ext. 14, or online at www.BuffaloOlmstedParks.org.
Friday, October 12, 2007
More guidelines for the Extended Essay (for seniors)
GENERAL GUIDELINES
The Nature of the Extended Essay
The extended essay is defined as an in-depth study of a limited topic within a subject. Its purpose is to provide candidates with an opportunity to engage in independent research. Emphasis is placed on the process of engaging in personal research, on the communication of ideas and information in a logical and coherent manner, and on the overall presentation of the extended essay in compliance with these guidelines. Many of these general issues, such as the way in which information is handled, the level of analysis and the quality of argument, are assessed through the general assessment criteria. This is reflected in the relative weighting of relative weighting of 2:1 between the general and subject assessment criteria.
The topic of the extended essay is the particular area of study within the chosen subject. Before a final decision is made about the choice of topic the relevant subject guidelines should be carefully considered.
Candidates should aim to choose a topic that is both interesting and challenging to them. The topic chosen should be limited in scope and sufficiently narrow to allow candidates to examine an issue or problem in depth. It should present the candidate with the opportunity to collect or generate information and/or data for analysis and evaluation. Candidates are not expected to make a contribution to knowledge within a subject. A broad topic is unlikely to result in a successful extended essay. A topic which requires no personal research and/or requires an essentially narrative or descriptive approach is not suitable for an extended essay. Similarly, although a reliance on secondary sources is sometimes necessary, an extended essay which only provides a summary of such sources will not be successful. Writing a precis of a well-documented topic is unlikely to result in a successful extended essay.
The Research Question
When an appropriate topic has been chosen, candidates should narrow the focus of the
investigation and formulate a specific research question. For many extended essays this will be phrased in the form of a question, but alternatives such as launching the investigation with a hypothesis are acceptable. By frequently referring to this research question, candidates should be able to maintain the purpose and orientation of the investigation. Candidates are encouraged to formulate a challenging research question but to ensure that it can be explored within the constraints of essay length, time and resources available to them.
The Research Process
Owing to the diversity of subjects and the different approaches to research, this guide does not offer detailed advice on the methods and skills of research. However, a systematic process, shaped by the nature of the subject, is essential to generate and gather information and ideas that can be used to develop a convincing answer to the specified research question.
Organizing the Essay
After careful outlining and drafting, it is likely that the majority of extended essays will follow a structure similar to that described below.
Introduction
The introduction should include: an indication of why the topic chosen is interesting, important or worthy of study some background information and an attempt to place the topic in an appropriate context an indication of whether the topic has been narrowed to a focus of more manageable proportions; a clearly and precisely stated research question; a clear concluding statement of the thesis and argument, i.e. the response to the research question that will subsequently be developed in the body of the essay.
Body/Development
The essential feature of the major section, or body, of the essay is the systematic development of a convincing answer to the research question. The structure and the approach to this section will be shaped by the conventions of the particular subject in which the extended essay is being undertaken. Some subjects may require sub-headings for major sections within the main body. For example, scientific investigations will usually have separate sections for method and results. In some other subjects, however, sub-headings should be avoided because they disrupt the flow and unity of an essay.
Conclusion
The requirements of the conclusion are that it
- is clearly stated
- is relevant to the research question being investigated
- is substantiated by the evidence presented
- indicates issues, unresolved questions and new questions that have emerged from the
research.
Formal Presentation
The extended essay should be written in a clear, correct and formal style appropriate to the subject from which the topic is drawn. The use of typewriters or word processors is encouraged.
The Length of the Extended Essay
The upper limit is 4000 words for all extended essays. This upper limit includes the
introduction, the body, the conclusion and any quotations, but does not include:
- the abstract acknowledgments
- the contents page
- maps, charts, diagrams, annotated illustrations and tables
- the references/bibliography
appendices.
Essays in excess of 4000 words are subject to penalties and examiners are not required to read material in excess of the word limit.
Title
The title should provide a clear indication of the focus of the essay. It should be precise and not necessarily phrased in the form of a question.
Abstract
An abstract not exceeding 300 words must be included. It does not serve as an introduction but presents a synopsis of the extended essay, and therefore should be written last. The inclusion of an abstract is intended to encourage candidates to examine closely the development of an argument within the extended essay and the pertinence of any conclusions that are reached. It is also designed to allow readers to understand quickly the contents of the extended essay.
The minimum requirements for the abstract are to state clearly:
- the research question being investigated
- the scope of the investigation
- the conclusion/s of the extended essay.
The abstract should be typed or word processed on one side of a sheet of paper, and placed immediately after the title page.
Contents Page
A contents page must be provided at the beginning of the extended essay and all pages should be numbered. An index is not required.
The Nature of the Extended Essay
The extended essay is defined as an in-depth study of a limited topic within a subject. Its purpose is to provide candidates with an opportunity to engage in independent research. Emphasis is placed on the process of engaging in personal research, on the communication of ideas and information in a logical and coherent manner, and on the overall presentation of the extended essay in compliance with these guidelines. Many of these general issues, such as the way in which information is handled, the level of analysis and the quality of argument, are assessed through the general assessment criteria. This is reflected in the relative weighting of relative weighting of 2:1 between the general and subject assessment criteria.
The topic of the extended essay is the particular area of study within the chosen subject. Before a final decision is made about the choice of topic the relevant subject guidelines should be carefully considered.
Candidates should aim to choose a topic that is both interesting and challenging to them. The topic chosen should be limited in scope and sufficiently narrow to allow candidates to examine an issue or problem in depth. It should present the candidate with the opportunity to collect or generate information and/or data for analysis and evaluation. Candidates are not expected to make a contribution to knowledge within a subject. A broad topic is unlikely to result in a successful extended essay. A topic which requires no personal research and/or requires an essentially narrative or descriptive approach is not suitable for an extended essay. Similarly, although a reliance on secondary sources is sometimes necessary, an extended essay which only provides a summary of such sources will not be successful. Writing a precis of a well-documented topic is unlikely to result in a successful extended essay.
The Research Question
When an appropriate topic has been chosen, candidates should narrow the focus of the
investigation and formulate a specific research question. For many extended essays this will be phrased in the form of a question, but alternatives such as launching the investigation with a hypothesis are acceptable. By frequently referring to this research question, candidates should be able to maintain the purpose and orientation of the investigation. Candidates are encouraged to formulate a challenging research question but to ensure that it can be explored within the constraints of essay length, time and resources available to them.
The Research Process
Owing to the diversity of subjects and the different approaches to research, this guide does not offer detailed advice on the methods and skills of research. However, a systematic process, shaped by the nature of the subject, is essential to generate and gather information and ideas that can be used to develop a convincing answer to the specified research question.
Organizing the Essay
After careful outlining and drafting, it is likely that the majority of extended essays will follow a structure similar to that described below.
Introduction
The introduction should include: an indication of why the topic chosen is interesting, important or worthy of study some background information and an attempt to place the topic in an appropriate context an indication of whether the topic has been narrowed to a focus of more manageable proportions; a clearly and precisely stated research question; a clear concluding statement of the thesis and argument, i.e. the response to the research question that will subsequently be developed in the body of the essay.
Body/Development
The essential feature of the major section, or body, of the essay is the systematic development of a convincing answer to the research question. The structure and the approach to this section will be shaped by the conventions of the particular subject in which the extended essay is being undertaken. Some subjects may require sub-headings for major sections within the main body. For example, scientific investigations will usually have separate sections for method and results. In some other subjects, however, sub-headings should be avoided because they disrupt the flow and unity of an essay.
Conclusion
The requirements of the conclusion are that it
- is clearly stated
- is relevant to the research question being investigated
- is substantiated by the evidence presented
- indicates issues, unresolved questions and new questions that have emerged from the
research.
Formal Presentation
The extended essay should be written in a clear, correct and formal style appropriate to the subject from which the topic is drawn. The use of typewriters or word processors is encouraged.
The Length of the Extended Essay
The upper limit is 4000 words for all extended essays. This upper limit includes the
introduction, the body, the conclusion and any quotations, but does not include:
- the abstract acknowledgments
- the contents page
- maps, charts, diagrams, annotated illustrations and tables
- the references/bibliography
appendices.
Essays in excess of 4000 words are subject to penalties and examiners are not required to read material in excess of the word limit.
Title
The title should provide a clear indication of the focus of the essay. It should be precise and not necessarily phrased in the form of a question.
Abstract
An abstract not exceeding 300 words must be included. It does not serve as an introduction but presents a synopsis of the extended essay, and therefore should be written last. The inclusion of an abstract is intended to encourage candidates to examine closely the development of an argument within the extended essay and the pertinence of any conclusions that are reached. It is also designed to allow readers to understand quickly the contents of the extended essay.
The minimum requirements for the abstract are to state clearly:
- the research question being investigated
- the scope of the investigation
- the conclusion/s of the extended essay.
The abstract should be typed or word processed on one side of a sheet of paper, and placed immediately after the title page.
Contents Page
A contents page must be provided at the beginning of the extended essay and all pages should be numbered. An index is not required.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
This Extended Essay due date change is THE LAST so get it done!
Final rough drafts of IB Extended Essays are due to your advisor by Wednesday, October 17, 2007.
Your finished Extended Essay is due to your advisor on Friday, November 30, 2007.
Forms for your advisors to sign (indicating you turned your essay in) will be passed out in HOTA class in the next week.
Your finished Extended Essay is due to your advisor on Friday, November 30, 2007.
Forms for your advisors to sign (indicating you turned your essay in) will be passed out in HOTA class in the next week.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Essay writing assistance
Mrs. Holden has a shelf full of books in the library that can help with writing college essays. They are excellent resources that are underused.
Mrs. Holden can also help you if you're struggling with your topic because it is too narrow or too broad.
Mrs. Holden can also help you if you're struggling with your topic because it is too narrow or too broad.
CAS Volunteer Opportunities
The American Heart Association Heart Walk needs volunteers. Report to the HSBC Arena at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 15, 2007. You will be finished by approximately 1:00 p.m.
Help with the Elmwood Village Tour of Kitchens. Sunday, September 23, 2007. Call Nate or Dan at 881-0707 to sign up.
Are you interested in volunteering with young kids who have been adopted from China? Asian Connection, a local adoption group for families with kids from Asia, is looking for students to assist with their Chinese Cultural Fair on November 11, 2007. Students interested should stop by the Library to see Mrs. Holden, or drop her an email at mholden@buffaloschools.org
Help with the Elmwood Village Tour of Kitchens. Sunday, September 23, 2007. Call Nate or Dan at 881-0707 to sign up.
Are you interested in volunteering with young kids who have been adopted from China? Asian Connection, a local adoption group for families with kids from Asia, is looking for students to assist with their Chinese Cultural Fair on November 11, 2007. Students interested should stop by the Library to see Mrs. Holden, or drop her an email at mholden@buffaloschools.org
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Extended Essay Timeline
Monday, September 10, 2007: Turn in missing EE topic forms.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007: Rough draft finished and given to your advisor for review. You will turn in a sheet with your advisor's signature indicating that you have turned in the rough draft.
Between October 10 and November 19 you should fix any issues/concerns your advisor had and show it to your advisor again.
Monday, November 19, 2007: Final Extended Essay turned into Mrs. Banas. Make sure your advisor has signed off on the final copy.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007: Rough draft finished and given to your advisor for review. You will turn in a sheet with your advisor's signature indicating that you have turned in the rough draft.
Between October 10 and November 19 you should fix any issues/concerns your advisor had and show it to your advisor again.
Monday, November 19, 2007: Final Extended Essay turned into Mrs. Banas. Make sure your advisor has signed off on the final copy.
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