Introduction
The Extended Essay (EE) is one of the most distinctive parts of the IB Diploma Programme. Every student writes a 4,000-word research paper on a topic of their choice, guided by a supervisor. The EE is meant to be original, academic, and submitted only to the IB for assessment.
But what if something unusual happens — like your Extended Essay being published accidentally? Maybe you uploaded it to the wrong website, submitted it to a student journal without realizing the risks, or shared it on a public forum. Would the IB count it as plagiarism? Could you lose your diploma?
This guide takes a deep dive into what the Extended Essay is, why it must remain private before submission, what happens if it gets published, and how you can protect yourself from academic honesty issues.
Why the Extended Essay Is So Important
The EE is more than just another assignment. It’s a core requirement of the IB Diploma Programme and contributes up to 3 bonus points when combined with TOK (Theory of Knowledge). But beyond grades, it’s valuable because:
- It builds research skills that prepare you for university-level work.
- It teaches independence, since you choose your topic and carry out research with limited guidance.
- It sharpens academic writing, requiring proper citations and formal structure.
- It encourages critical thinking, as you analyze evidence and construct arguments.
Because of this importance, the IB takes the integrity of the Extended Essay very seriously.
Why the Extended Essay Should Not Be Published Before Submission
Unlike university dissertations, the EE is not intended for public release before grading. Here’s why:
- Plagiarism checks. The IB runs every EE through plagiarism-detection software like Turnitin. If your essay is online, the system may flag it as “copied,” even if you are the original author.
- Assessment fairness. IB examiners must evaluate your work without external influence. If your EE is already public, it could undermine the fairness of the process.
- Academic honesty policy. The IB explicitly requires students to keep their work private until after the diploma is awarded.
What Happens If Your Extended Essay Is Published Accidentally?
Accidents happen. Maybe you uploaded a draft to a free plagiarism checker that saved it to a database. Maybe you submitted your EE to a student research journal and forgot to withdraw it. Or maybe a teacher unknowingly shared it on a school website.
If your Extended Essay ends up published before submission, here’s what you can expect:
- Your EE may be flagged. The plagiarism checker will likely identify it as already existing in a database or online source.
- The IB coordinator is alerted. Your school’s IB coordinator will receive a notice of suspected plagiarism.
- You’ll need to prove authorship. Drafts, supervisor feedback, and saved notes are critical. They show that the essay is genuinely your own work.
- The investigation begins. The IB and your school will assess whether the publication was intentional or accidental.
- The outcome depends on evidence. If you clearly prove authorship, your EE will still be graded. If not, the IB may disqualify it.
How the IB Decides on Cases Like This
The IB Academic Integrity Policy guides all decisions. The IB considers intent, authorship, and fairness when handling flagged Extended Essays.
- If it was accidental: For example, uploading to a forum without realizing it would make it public, IB will likely accept your EE once authorship is proven.
- If it looks deliberate: If the IB believes you tried to pass off work as your own or gain unfair advantage, it may withhold your diploma.
- If authorship can’t be proven: The EE could be rejected, meaning you would not earn the diploma even if you passed all your other subjects.
This is why keeping careful records — drafts, notes, emails with your supervisor — is essential.
How to Prevent Accidental Publication
Avoiding mistakes is much easier than explaining them later. Here are concrete steps to protect your EE:
- Do not upload your essay to free plagiarism checkers. Many of them store your text.
- Save your drafts privately. Use password-protected folders, personal cloud storage, or school-approved platforms.
- Avoid student journals until after IB. While it’s tempting to share your research, wait until you receive your diploma.
- Keep track of versions. Save different drafts, with dates, so you always have proof of authorship.
- Double-check sharing settings. If you use Google Docs or similar tools, make sure your document is not set to “public.”
What If You Want to Publish Your Extended Essay After IB?
Once your EE has been graded and your IB diploma awarded, you are free to publish it. Many students:
- Submit their EE to high school research journals.
- Use it as a starting point for university applications or projects.
- Adapt it into a longer research paper at university.
In fact, publishing your Extended Essay after IB can be a great way to showcase your research ability. The key is to wait until the IB has completed its assessment.
Crisis Checklist: What to Do If Your EE Gets Published
If you realize your Extended Essay has been published by mistake, act quickly:
- Tell your IB coordinator immediately. Don’t wait until it’s flagged — being proactive helps.
- Collect your drafts and notes. Gather every version of your essay, including supervisor comments.
- Contact the publisher if possible. Ask for your essay to be taken down from the journal, website, or forum.
- Document the situation. Keep a record of when and how the mistake happened.
- Cooperate with the investigation. Be honest — IB examiners can usually tell the difference between dishonesty and genuine error.
FAQs About Extended Essays and Publication
1. What if my Extended Essay is flagged but I wrote it myself?
You’ll be asked to prove authorship. Earlier drafts, notes, and supervisor comments usually resolve the issue.
2. Could I lose my diploma if my EE gets published accidentally?
Only if you cannot prove authorship or if the IB believes dishonesty occurred. Genuine mistakes are usually forgiven when supported with evidence.
3. Can I share my EE with friends or family before submission?
Yes, privately. Just avoid public platforms or sites that save copies of your work.
4. Should I publish my EE after IB?
Yes, if you want. Many students share their essays once results are finalized. It can even strengthen university applications.
5. What if my teacher accidentally uploads my EE?
Inform your coordinator right away. Since supervisors also keep records, they can confirm your authorship to the IB.
Conclusion
The Extended Essay is meant to showcase your originality, research skills, and ability to think critically. But if it’s accidentally published, don’t panic. As long as you can prove you are the author, the IB will recognize your work as legitimate.
The key takeaway: keep your EE private until after submission. Use secure storage, avoid public sites, and save multiple drafts. Once your IB results are finalized, you’re free to publish your Extended Essay proudly — and many students do, turning it into a springboard for future academic success.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
The Extended Essay is challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. RevisionDojo helps IB students break down complex research tasks, understand examiner expectations, and stay on track with deadlines. With step-by-step guidance, you’ll gain the confidence to produce an EE that truly stands out.
Take control of your IB journey — start revising smarter with RevisionDojo today.
