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Studies in Language & Literature

You have three options or Categories for the EE in Group 1.

Categories 1 & 2 are investigations in literature, while

Category 3 investigates language outside of literature.

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Studies in Literature

Categories 1 & 2

Category 1 essays focus on a literary work/s written originally in the language in which the essay is written (in this case English).

Category 2 essays investigate a literary work originally written in the language of the essay compared with a work in translation (English text + translated text).

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Studies in Literature

Categories 1 & 2

Parameters:

The text/s chosen may NOT have been studied in class, but students may write on another work by the same author.
The topic chosen must be literary in nature.

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Studies in Literature

Categories 1 & 2

Warnings:

Essays that attempt to interpret literature in light of the writer’s life are rarely successful; therefore, biographical studies should be avoided.

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Studies in Literature

Categories 1 & 2

Warnings:

Creative pieces and essays on social, philosophical, cultural, or political topics are not accepted for Group 1 extended essays.

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Studies in Literature

Categories 1 & 2

Warnings:

While literary works often address political, social, and philosophical issues, the major focus of the extended essay in English must remain literary.

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Studies in Language

Category 3

Category 3 essays are studies in language.

This is a relatively new option which offers many possibilities for investigation.

**Consult a member of the English department with your ideas.

Parameters: few

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Primary vs Secondary

In Group 1 EEs, most of the focus is on the primary text/s, either literary or linguistic.

That said, secondary sources are important and required.

Secondary sources may also include critical analysis, or writings about the genre or techniques relevant to the primary source(s).

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Expectations

You will read �
When time comes to talk to the supervisor, you will be knowledgeable about your topic.

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Primary vs Secondary

Primary sources refers to original texts and can be any occurrence of “communicative language”.

literary—eg books, book chapters, novels, essays, poems, stories, plays

media—eg interviews, discussions, newspaper headlines, articles

general—eg historical documents, speeches, advertising, theatre, informal conversations.

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Studies in Language and Literature

Sources suggested by IB

Peer-reviewed journals

Newspaper articles

Electronic resources and publications online

Specialized academic search engines

Unpublished conference papers

Previously published essays and book chapters

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Studies in Language and Literature

Undertaking an EE is a challenge and so planning is crucial. Students need to remember to start writing their papers early and discuss any emerging difficulties with their supervisor.

Supervisors and librarians are a great source of information, advice and support for students.

Students writing a studies in language and literature EE should search for primary and secondary sources of information prior to initiating the writing process.

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Suggested sources

Supervisors: please add other sources as needed