The EE may relate to work students have already completed during the course, but they must also demonstrate relevant wider reading and individual study.
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the topic of their EE does not overlap with any other work they are preparing for assessment in language A—for example, the written assignment in the literature course, or the written task in the language and literature course. Students risk their diploma if academic misconduct is detected.
Clarification on the use of non-fiction in a Language A EE:
Works of fiction and non-fiction can be considered as part of literary investigations provided that the works in question are of literary merit. Candidates should ensure that the work that they wish to investigate has a body of established literary criticism before deciding that the work is worthy of investigation. The availability of secondary sources to support arguments is vital to fulfilling criterion C (Critical thinking).
Important note on the use of film in studies in language and literature essays:
If a student wishes to study a film adaptation of a literary work with the original written text as part of their studies in language and literature essay they must refer to the studies in language and literature guide, Option 3 Literature and film for guidance on how film may be used. The use of film has to be in light of the requirements as detailed in the guide. The focus of the essay must be clearly on the screenplay (the written or spoken word), its delivery and effect. It must not be about the filmic qualities in terms of technology – essays focused on these aspects will be more appropriately placed in “film” or “literature and performance” and will be self-penalizing if submitted as language and literature essays.
Through the work they have already undertaken, students may have developed an interest they wish to pursue further, for example:
Students can choose literary works from any source, including the IB Diploma Programme prescribed list of authors.
Crucially, students’ chosen text(s) should be of sufficient literary merit to sustain in-depth analysis.