As an IB diploma candidate, you should have good time management skills and responsibility for meeting all deadlines on time. However, things do not always go as planned. There are many reasons you would need a deadline extension, such as:
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Poor time management (due to circumstances within or beyond or control)
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Topic change / major rework requested by your teacher
In the math IA, there are two main deadlines: the first draft submission and the final draft submission. In fact, there is a separate deadline for the teacher for official submission to IBO, and there are cases where teachers allow extra time to adjust your IA before the official submission even after the final draft submission. Shoutout to all teachers who do this (you guys are the true heroes), but this is usually the exception rather than the norm. Hence, you should always try to submit your final draft on time. Nevertheless, when all else fails and things do not work out as planned, we have no choice but to ask for a deadline extension.
Be honest
If you think that you will not be able to meet the deadline because you have personal issues or other commitments, you should communicate your situation transparently to your teacher as early as possible. The teacher may understand and empathize with your circumstance and give an extension. Even if you have a valid excuse, the teacher may not allow an extension if you wait until the day before the deadline. Hence, you should be honest and quick with your actions.
Persuade your teacher
You should convince your teacher why they should give you a deadline extension, instead of simply begging for it. For example, if your teacher deems your current version of the IA is unviable for final submission and suggests a topic change or implementation of major changes to your draft, you have a more convincing case to plead for an extension. Then, you should use your communication skills; instead of asking for an extension without any explanation, provide timely updates to your teacher on your current progress and your specific plan for completing your IA. For instance, you can use phrases like “I have managed to do A, B, and C, but I need more time to do D. I will need X amount of time to complete my IA.” In persuasion, your attitude is the key. No one is entitled to an extension, so courtesy is a must when it comes to communicating with your teacher.
Group Action (Apes. Together. Strong.)
If you feel burdened to approach your teacher individually, you can look for other classmates who are also in need of a deadline extension. If the majority of the class pleads for an extension, there is a higher chance that the teacher will allow it.
Yet, you should remember that instead of relying on these tactics, you must endeavor to finish your math IA beforehand so that you can receive additional oral feedback and have sufficient time to improve your IA. You may also get external help to accelerate your work pace to avoid the need of deadline extension.