The York School 2024/25 Year in Review - Extended Essay: Analyzing song lyrics that indicate the evolution of a protagonist in a musical

The Extended Essay, one of the core components of the Diploma Program (DP), challenges students to complete an independent, self-directed piece of research that culminates in a 4,000-word paper. This essay provides practical preparation for undergraduate research by teaching students to formulate an appropriate research question, communicate ideas and develop an argument. Students also develop the ability to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge. All extended essays are externally assessed by examiners appointed by the IB.
Alexa K. ‘26 examined the ways that subtle changes in the language used in the songs in the musical ‘Wicked’ signal the transformation of the character Elphaba from a good person to an evil one. Alexa concluded that “the language used in the musical numbers illustrated her emotional evolution, allowing the audience to feel her pain, joy and her growing self-doubt.”
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