What Is the Viva Voce?
The viva voce is your final, reflective interview with your EE supervisor after your essay is submitted. It’s short—usually 10 to 30 minutes—but highly significant.
Why it matters:
- It lets you reflect on your learning journey
- Helps confirm the authenticity of your work
- Contributes to Criterion E: Engagement, worth up to 6 marks
Think of it as a reflective wrap-up rather than a test. The goal? Show that your EE was more than an assignment—it was a learning experience.
✅ How to Prepare Effectively
1. Review Your Reflections (RRS)
Bring specific notes from your Researcher's Reflection Space—the journal you kept throughout your EE. These notes help you:
- Recall key decisions
- Explain why your question changed
- Show personal growth and engagement
2. Practice Common Viva Voce Questions
Here are some examples you should prepare answers for:
Challenges: "What challenges did you face while conducting your research?"
Growth: "What did you learn about yourself as a learner?"
Evaluation: "If you were to do it again, what would you change?"
Insight: "What surprised you during your research?"
3. Know Your Essay Inside-Out
- Be ready to defend your argument
- Explain your methodology
- Clarify sources and interpretations
Tip: Re-read your EE a few days before the viva and highlight key arguments and evidence.
4. Reflect on Skills and IB Learner Profile Traits
Show how you grew in these areas:
- Critical thinking
- Time management
- Research strategies
- Open-mindedness
- Communicator & inquirer
5. Be Honest, Confident, and Positive
- Acknowledge mistakes or challenges
- Stay calm and collected
- Speak with passion—this was your topic!
🚀 Supercharge Your Viva Voce Prep with RevisionDojo
Feeling stuck or unsure how to articulate your reflection?
🎯 Visit RevisionDojo to access:
- Model viva voce questions and answers
- Reflection templates and video walkthroughs
- EE marking criteria breakdowns
- Real student examples with supervisor feedback
Whether you're preparing your reflections or the final interview, RevisionDojo gives you the tools to succeed.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the viva voce graded?
Yes—indirectly. It contributes to Criterion E (Engagement) worth 6 marks, based on your reflection and depth of thinking.
Q2: How long should my answers be?
Keep them concise but thoughtful—1–2 minutes per answer, ideally.
Q3: Can I bring notes?
Yes, especially excerpts from your Researcher's Reflection Space (RRS). Just don’t read from them word-for-word.
Q4: What if I forget something during the interview?
Don’t panic—take a moment, or admit it honestly. Reflection is about growth, not perfection.
Q5: Can the viva voce affect my final grade?
Yes. A strong interview can validate your authorship and increase engagement marks.
Q6: Is it okay to say I struggled?
Absolutely. The IB values honest reflection—just explain what you learned or how you overcame it.
🌟 Final Thoughts
The viva voce is your moment to reflect, articulate your growth, and celebrate completing your Extended Essay. With the right preparation—and a little help from RevisionDojo—you can turn this short conversation into a strong finish to your IB research journey.
