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International Baccalaureate (IB)

IB students around the globe fear writing the Extended Essay, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress! In this article, I'll get you excited about writing your Extended Essay and provide you with the resources you need to get an A on it.

If you're reading this article, I'm going to assume you're an IB student getting ready to write your Extended Essay. If you're looking at this as a potential future IB student, I recommend reading our introductory IB articles first, including our guide to what the IB program is and our full coverage of the IB curriculum .

2022 IB Exam Changes Due to COVID-19

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the IB has decided to extend the adaptations which were put in place for 2021 to 2022. May 2022 IB assessments will have two routes, exam and non-exam, depending on which your school chooses. Stay up to date with the latest information on what this means for IB diplomas, course credit for IB classes, and more with our our IB COVID-19 FAQ article .

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

I myself am a recipient of an IB Diploma, and I happened to receive an A on my IB Extended Essay. Don't believe me? The proof is in the IBO pudding:

If you're confused by what this report means, EE is short for Extended Essay , and English A1 is the subject that my Extended Essay topic coordinated with. In layman's terms, my IB Diploma was graded in May 2010, I wrote my Extended Essay in the English A1 category, and I received an A grade on it.

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Extended Essay, or EE , is a mini-thesis you write under the supervision of an IB advisor (an IB teacher at your school), which counts toward your IB Diploma (learn more about the major IB Diploma requirements in our guide) . I will explain exactly how the EE affects your Diploma later in this article.

For the Extended Essay, you will choose a research question as a topic, conduct the research independently, then write an essay on your findings . The essay itself is a long one—although there's a cap of 4,000 words, most successful essays get very close to this limit.

Keep in mind that the IB requires this essay to be a "formal piece of academic writing," meaning you'll have to do outside research and cite additional sources.

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

• A title page
• Contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References and bibliography

Additionally, your research topic must fall into one of the six approved DP categories , or IB subject groups, which are as follows:

• Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
• Group 2: Language Acquisition
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies
• Group 4: Sciences
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: The Arts

Once you figure out your category and have identified a potential research topic, it's time to pick your advisor, who is normally an IB teacher at your school (though you can also find one online ). This person will help direct your research, and they'll conduct the reflection sessions you'll have to do as part of your Extended Essay.

As of 2018, the IB requires a "reflection process" as part of your EE supervision process. To fulfill this requirement, you have to meet at least three times with your supervisor in what the IB calls "reflection sessions." These meetings are not only mandatory but are also part of the formal assessment of the EE and your research methods.

According to the IB, the purpose of these meetings is to "provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with the research process." Basically, these meetings give your supervisor the opportunity to offer feedback, push you to think differently, and encourage you to evaluate your research process.

The final reflection session is called the viva voce, and it's a short 10- to 15-minute interview between you and your advisor. This happens at the very end of the EE process, and it's designed to help your advisor write their report, which factors into your EE grade.

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

• A check on plagiarism and malpractice
• Your reflection on your project's successes and difficulties
• Your reflection on what you've learned during the EE process

Your completed Extended Essay, along with your supervisor's report, will then be sent to the IB to be graded. We'll cover the assessment criteria in just a moment.

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

You can technically write about anything, so long as it falls within one of the approved categories listed above.

It's best to choose a topic that matches one of the IB courses , (such as Theatre, Film, Spanish, French, Math, Biology, etc.), which shouldn't be difficult because there are so many class subjects.

Here is a range of sample topics with the attached extended essay:

• Biology: The Effect of Age and Gender on the Photoreceptor Cells in the Human Retina
• Chemistry: How Does Reflux Time Affect the Yield and Purity of Ethyl Aminobenzoate (Benzocaine), and How Effective is Recrystallisation as a Purification Technique for This Compound?
• English: An Exploration of Jane Austen's Use of the Outdoors in Emma
• Geography: The Effect of Location on the Educational Attainment of Indigenous Secondary Students in Queensland, Australia
• Math: Alhazen's Billiard Problem
• Visual Arts: Can Luc Tuymans Be Classified as a Political Painter?

You can see from how varied the topics are that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to picking a topic . So how do you pick when the options are limitless?

How to Write a Stellar IB Extended Essay: 6 Essential Tips

Below are six key tips to keep in mind as you work on your Extended Essay for the IB DP. Follow these and you're sure to get an A!

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

You can't expect to write a compelling essay if you're not a fan of the topic on which you're writing. For example, I just love British theatre and ended up writing my Extended Essay on a revolution in post-WWII British theatre. (Yes, I'm definitely a #TheatreNerd.)

I really encourage anyone who pursues an IB Diploma to take the Extended Essay seriously. I was fortunate enough to receive a full-tuition merit scholarship to USC's School of Dramatic Arts program. In my interview for the scholarship, I spoke passionately about my Extended Essay; thus, I genuinely think my Extended Essay helped me get my scholarship.

But how do you find a topic you're passionate about? Start by thinking about which classes you enjoy the most and why . Do you like math classes because you like to solve problems? Or do you enjoy English because you like to analyze literary texts?

Keep in mind that there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your Extended Essay topic. You're not more likely to get high marks because you're writing about science, just like you're not doomed to failure because you've chosen to tackle the social sciences. The quality of what you produce—not the field you choose to research within—will determine your grade.

Once you've figured out your category, you should brainstorm more specific topics by putting pen to paper . What was your favorite chapter you learned in that class? Was it astrophysics or mechanics? What did you like about that specific chapter? Is there something you want to learn more about? I recommend spending a few hours on this type of brainstorming.

One last note: if you're truly stumped on what to research, pick a topic that will help you in your future major or career . That way you can use your Extended Essay as a talking point in your college essays (and it will prepare you for your studies to come too!).

#2: Select a Topic That Is Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow

There's a fine line between broad and narrow. You need to write about something specific, but not so specific that you can't write 4,000 words on it.

You can't write about WWII because that would be a book's worth of material. You also don't want to write about what type of soup prisoners of war received behind enemy lines, because you probably won’t be able to come up with 4,000 words of material about it. However, you could possibly write about how the conditions in German POW camps—and the rations provided—were directly affected by the Nazis' successes and failures on the front, including the use of captured factories and prison labor in Eastern Europe to increase production. WWII military history might be a little overdone, but you get my point.

If you're really stuck trying to pinpoint a not-too-broad-or-too-narrow topic, I suggest trying to brainstorm a topic that uses a comparison. Once you begin looking through the list of sample essays below, you'll notice that many use comparisons to formulate their main arguments.

I also used a comparison in my EE, contrasting Harold Pinter's Party Time with John Osborne's Look Back in Anger in order to show a transition in British theatre. Topics with comparisons of two to three plays, books, and so on tend to be the sweet spot. You can analyze each item and then compare them with one another after doing some in-depth analysis of each individually. The ways these items compare and contrast will end up forming the thesis of your essay!

When choosing a comparative topic, the key is that the comparison should be significant. I compared two plays to illustrate the transition in British theatre, but you could compare the ways different regional dialects affect people's job prospects or how different temperatures may or may not affect the mating patterns of lightning bugs. The point here is that comparisons not only help you limit your topic, but they also help you build your argument.

Comparisons are not the only way to get a grade-A EE, though. If after brainstorming, you pick a non-comparison-based topic and are still unsure whether your topic is too broad or narrow, spend about 30 minutes doing some basic research and see how much material is out there.

If there are more than 1,000 books, articles, or documentaries out there on that exact topic, it may be too broad. But if there are only two books that have any connection to your topic, it may be too narrow. If you're still unsure, ask your advisor—it's what they're there for! Speaking of advisors...

Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

#3: Choose an Advisor Who Is Familiar With Your Topic

If you're not certain of who you would like to be your advisor, create a list of your top three choices. Next, write down the pros and cons of each possibility (I know this sounds tedious, but it really helps!).

For example, Mr. Green is my favorite teacher and we get along really well, but he teaches English. For my EE, I want to conduct an experiment that compares the efficiency of American electric cars with foreign electric cars.

I had Ms. White a year ago. She teaches physics and enjoyed having me in her class. Unlike Mr. Green, Ms. White could help me design my experiment.

Based on my topic and what I need from my advisor, Ms. White would be a better fit for me than would Mr. Green (even though I like him a lot).

The moral of my story is this: do not just ask your favorite teacher to be your advisor . They might be a hindrance to you if they teach another subject. For example, I would not recommend asking your biology teacher to guide you in writing an English literature-based EE.

There can, of course, be exceptions to this rule. If you have a teacher who's passionate and knowledgeable about your topic (as my English teacher was about my theatre topic), you could ask that instructor. Consider all your options before you do this. There was no theatre teacher at my high school, so I couldn't find a theatre-specific advisor, but I chose the next best thing.

Before you approach a teacher to serve as your advisor, check with your high school to see what requirements they have for this process. Some IB high schools require your IB Extended Essay advisor to sign an Agreement Form , for instance.

Make sure that you ask your IB coordinator whether there is any required paperwork to fill out. If your school needs a specific form signed, bring it with you when you ask your teacher to be your EE advisor.

#4: Pick an Advisor Who Will Push You to Be Your Best

Some teachers might just take on students because they have to and aren't very passionate about reading drafts, only giving you minimal feedback. Choose a teacher who will take the time to read several drafts of your essay and give you extensive notes. I would not have gotten my A without being pushed to make my Extended Essay draft better.

Ask a teacher that you have experience with through class or an extracurricular activity. Do not ask a teacher that you have absolutely no connection to. If a teacher already knows you, that means they already know your strengths and weaknesses, so they know what to look for, where you need to improve, and how to encourage your best work.

Also, don't forget that your supervisor's assessment is part of your overall EE score . If you're meeting with someone who pushes you to do better—and you actually take their advice—they'll have more impressive things to say about you than a supervisor who doesn't know you well and isn't heavily involved in your research process.

Be aware that the IB only allows advisors to make suggestions and give constructive criticism. Your teacher cannot actually help you write your EE. The IB recommends that the supervisor spends approximately two to three hours in total with the candidate discussing the EE.

#5: Make Sure Your Essay Has a Clear Structure and Flow

The IB likes structure. Your EE needs a clear introduction (which should be one to two double-spaced pages), research question/focus (i.e., what you're investigating), a body, and a conclusion (about one double-spaced page). An essay with unclear organization will be graded poorly.

The body of your EE should make up the bulk of the essay. It should be about eight to 18 pages long (again, depending on your topic). Your body can be split into multiple parts. For example, if you were doing a comparison, you might have one third of your body as Novel A Analysis, another third as Novel B Analysis, and the final third as your comparison of Novels A and B.

If you're conducting an experiment or analyzing data, such as in this EE , your EE body should have a clear structure that aligns with the scientific method ; you should state the research question, discuss your method, present the data, analyze the data, explain any uncertainties, and draw a conclusion and/or evaluate the success of the experiment.

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

You will not be able to crank out a 4,000-word essay in just a week and get an A on it. You'll be reading many, many articles (and, depending on your topic, possibly books and plays as well!). As such, it's imperative that you start your research as soon as possible.

Each school has a slightly different deadline for the Extended Essay. Some schools want them as soon as November of your senior year; others will take them as late as February. Your school will tell you what your deadline is. If they haven't mentioned it by February of your junior year, ask your IB coordinator about it.

Some high schools will provide you with a timeline of when you need to come up with a topic, when you need to meet with your advisor, and when certain drafts are due. Not all schools do this. Ask your IB coordinator if you are unsure whether you are on a specific timeline.

Below is my recommended EE timeline. While it's earlier than most schools, it'll save you a ton of heartache (trust me, I remember how hard this process was!):

• January/February of Junior Year: Come up with your final research topic (or at least your top three options).
• February of Junior Year: Approach a teacher about being your EE advisor. If they decline, keep asking others until you find one. See my notes above on how to pick an EE advisor.
• April/May of Junior Year: Submit an outline of your EE and a bibliography of potential research sources (I recommend at least seven to 10) to your EE advisor. Meet with your EE advisor to discuss your outline.
• Summer Between Junior and Senior Year: Complete your first full draft over the summer between your junior and senior year. I know, I know—no one wants to work during the summer, but trust me--this will save you so much stress come fall when you are busy with college applications and other internal assessments for your IB classes. You will want to have this first full draft done because you will want to complete a couple of draft cycles as you likely won't be able to get everything you want to say into 4,000 articulate words on the first attempt. Try to get this first draft into the best possible shape so you don't have to work on too many revisions during the school year on top of your homework, college applications, and extracurriculars.
• August/September of Senior Year: Turn in your first draft of your EE to your advisor and receive feedback. Work on incorporating their feedback into your essay. If they have a lot of suggestions for improvement, ask if they will read one more draft before the final draft.
• September/October of Senior Year: Submit second draft of EE to your advisor (if necessary) and look at their feedback. Work on creating the best possible final draft.
• November-February of Senior Year: Schedule your viva voce. Submit two copies of your final draft to your school to be sent off to the IB. You likely will not get your grade until after you graduate.

Remember that in the middle of these milestones, you'll need to schedule two other reflection sessions with your advisor . (Your teachers will actually take notes on these sessions on a form like this one , which then gets submitted to the IB.)

I recommend doing them when you get feedback on your drafts, but these meetings will ultimately be up to your supervisor. Just don't forget to do them!

The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

Extended Essays are graded by examiners appointed by the IB on a scale of 0 to 34 . You'll be graded on five criteria, each with its own set of points. You can learn more about how EE scoring works by reading the IB guide to extended essays .

• Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum)
• Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum)
• Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum)
• Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum)
• Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

How well you do on each of these criteria will determine the final letter grade you get for your EE. You must earn at least a D to be eligible to receive your IB Diploma.

Although each criterion has a point value, the IB explicitly states that graders are not converting point totals into grades; instead, they're using qualitative grade descriptors to determine the final grade of your Extended Essay . Grade descriptors are on page 103 of this document .

Here's a rough estimate of how these different point values translate to letter grades based on previous scoring methods for the EE. This is just an estimate —you should read and understand the grade descriptors so you know exactly what the scorers are looking for.

Here is the breakdown of EE scores (from the May 2021 bulletin):

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

The Extended Essay grade is combined with your TOK (Theory of Knowledge) grade to determine how many points you get toward your IB Diploma.

To learn about Theory of Knowledge or how many points you need to receive an IB Diploma, read our complete guide to the IB program and our guide to the IB Diploma requirements .

This diagram shows how the two scores are combined to determine how many points you receive for your IB diploma (3 being the most, 0 being the least). In order to get your IB Diploma, you have to earn 24 points across both categories (the TOK and EE). The highest score anyone can earn is 45 points.

Let's say you get an A on your EE and a B on TOK. You will get 3 points toward your Diploma. As of 2014, a student who scores an E on either the extended essay or TOK essay will not be eligible to receive an IB Diploma .

Prior to the class of 2010, a Diploma candidate could receive a failing grade in either the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge and still be awarded a Diploma, but this is no longer true.

Figuring out how you're assessed can be a little tricky. Luckily, the IB breaks everything down here in this document . (The assessment information begins on page 219.)

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

In case you want a little more guidance on how to get an A on your EE, here are over 40 excellent (grade A) sample extended essays for your reading pleasure. Essays are grouped by IB subject.

• Chemistry 1
• Chemistry 2
• Chemistry 3
• Geography 1
• Geography 2
• Geography 3
• Mathematics 1
• Mathematics 2
• Mathematics 3
• Mathematics 4
• Philosophy 1
• Philosophy 2
• Philosophy 3
• Philosophy 4
• Psychology 1
• Psychology 2
• Psychology 3
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 1
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 2
• Visual Arts 1
• Visual Arts 2
• Visual Arts 3
• Visual Arts 4
• World Religion 1
• World Religion 2

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The Extended Essay Step-by-Step Guide

From setting the research question to submitting the Extended Essay, here is an easy-to-follow guide for IB EE students to follow, along with personal anecdotes with tips to apply critical thinking techniques and find success.

Before I started the IB, the thing I was most worried about was the extended essay. I’m pretty sure the reason why I was so worried is because I had no clue what writing it would actually entail.  In this week’s blog, I’ll be going over the basics of the extended essay so you don’t have to worried like I was!

What is an Extended Essay?

The extended essay (often called the EE) is a 4000-word structured essay on a topic of your choice which can take many different forms. Ultimately what your EE ends up looking like depends on the topic you choose.

Some students choose to write their extended essay about literature or history, which means they write a more traditional academic essay.

However, you can choose to conduct an experiment and write up the results if you want to focus on the sciences. Or you can try and solve an arithmetic problem if you are into maths. As long as it takes an academic format, it should be okay!

 What is Included in an Extended Essay?

There are several things that you have to include in your extended essay. As a side note, the requirements for the EE were changed quite drastically in 2016, so it’s important that when you look things up about the EE you are looking at the updated guidelines! You can find out more about this  here .

Based on these new guidelines your EE needs to contain:

• A research question
• A cover-page
• A table of content
• An introduction
• A main body
• A conclusion
• A bibliography
• 3 reflections from the beginning, middle and the end of the research process.

The Importance of The IB ee

The extended essay provides each student with the opportunity to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to either:

-One of the student’s six DP subjects, or

-the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay.

Students gain the following skills by writing an extended essay:

-formulating an appropriate research question

-engaging in a personal exploration and critical analysis of the topic

-communicating ideas

-developing an argument

Essentially, the assessment criteria will evaluate the student based on their ability to research a subject, or in the case of the world study extended essay, the two disciplinary perspectives applied. In both examples, you are required to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and application.

10 Steps to Writing an IB Extended Essay

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write an extended essay, from research question to complete essay.

1. Define the Topic and Draft the Research Question

2. create a timeline, 3. research sources and expand knowledge about the topic, 4. set deadlines, 5. plan the structure according to the total word count, 6. evaluate your understanding, 7. primary and secondary research and theory, 8. write the extended essay draft to explain what you learnt, 9. analyze and edit, 10. present.

By following the steps above, you should be able to produce a logical and coherent rationale to follow when writing the extended essay for your IB diploma programme.

Can You Get Help for the IB Extended Essay?

Of course you do! In fact, you actually get a lot of help. Your school will assign you a ‘supervisor’. Your supervisor will be an IB teacher at your school and it is their responsibility to meet with you and discuss your research question, your planning and also your first draft.

What are the Next Steps?

In conclusion: your extended essay is typically something you write towards the end of your first year of IB so I wouldn’t worry too much about it right now. However, it’s likely you will have to choose your topic and research question sooner rather than later.

What I would recommend is to start thinking about what subject would interest you enough to write a mini thesis of 4,000 words on it.

Pro Tip: Find an example of an extended essay that is effective so you can see how they applied the tips above and explored their research question.

If you find lots of essays, this suggests to you that this is probably a good topic! If there isn’t very much, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea, but you might want to change the focus a little to make it easier to conduct research and find enough data to work with.

Don’t let the task overwhelm you: the research and writing should be fun! Students who are truly interested in their topics will likely find the most success.

Get Support from a Tutor at Lanterna for the IB Diploma Programme

Lanterna has over 300 tutors who aced the Extended Essay for their courses. They are equipped with the knowledge and experience to help you get an A in your EE. What are you waiting for? Get your own tutor today and learn valuable insights sure to help you succeed.

For more details about your IB extended essay, be sure to check out our blog post with 100 topic ideas to get you started!

It explains how you can find your research topic, formulate a research question and explain it fully in accordance with the assessment criteria, and finally tips on how to write extended essays.

Read part 2: Choose Your Topic

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IB Extended Essay: Primary Text Research - Class of 2022: Overview

• Contextual Research - Resources for All Topics
• World Religions & Philosophy
• Citations & Passwords
• Contact a Librarian

IB Extended Essay: Primary Text Research

Class of 2022

This guide contains resources for Extended Essays in the following Categories: Dance, Film, Literature,  Language and Literature, Literature and Performance,  Music,  Theatre Arts, Visual Arts, Philosophy, and World Religions .

Essays within these subject areas involve student analysis and interpretation of a work of art or language (the "text") in combination with either a critic's, scholarly perspective or contextual research to support the student analysis .  

Today's Activities - Please click ALL of the tabs

• Learning Targets
• Opening Activity
• Subject Specific Source Lists
• Today's Research Goals
• Collaborative Exit Activity - Padlet

Today's Learning Targets 

Today I will:

• Consider the areas of inquiry as they relate to my primary text(s)
• Identify IB requirements for primary and secondary sources, including specialized types of sources required.

In order to: 

• At least ONE academic, critical journal article in a database.
• Locate a book on my topic in the Robinson Library catalog;
• Locate a college-level scholarly book on my topic from the Academic eBook collection (EBSCO);
• Locate an overview or reference article / definition relevant to my topic;  
• Locate an additional academic, critical article.

I'll know I'm successful when I:

• Share my best sources in the Primary Text Research Padlet; 
• Compile scholarly sources in Google Drive or NoodleTools;
• Find source material that will enable me to hone my research question, develop an argument, and draft the essay. 

Primary Text Research & Analysis: Examples

• Open this document and follow the color marking directions for the poem " A Far Cry from Africa " ( you will be prompted to make a copy ).  What do you need to know? 
• Open the   Areas of Inquiry Doc  ( you will be prompted to make a copy ). 
• A s we discuss each category, consider how these potential legs of research relate to the areas of inquir y in Walcott's p oem. 
• So what? How would any of these areas of inquiry be useful for an extended essay? 

​ Connection to Research Legs - Secondary Sources

• How do the areas of inquiry relate to your primary text(s)?  
• What questions do you need to ask about your own work(s)? 
• Please Note:   These areas of inquiry (the legs of secondary research) will be used most appropriately in the introduction and conclusion of your essay. They offer contextual perspective , necessary to understand your argument about your primary text. Warning! If you focus the entire extended essay on the legs, you are no longer writing a primary text extended essay. 

Subject Specific Primary & Secondary Sources

• Read the " subject-specific source lists " and the " types of sources ".  G uidance for each subject  will appear two times in this document;  be sure to read both sections. 
• What are the  primary sources  for your subject? And the  secondary ? What is the  treatment  of primary and secondary source material in your subject?
• Open  THIS Google Doc ( also available in the EE Google Classroom );  read the  EE Subject Guidance & Scoring Guidance  for your topic.   
• Create some notes for yourself : What did you learn by reading these documents? Where might you begin your research? 
• EE - Primary and Secondary Sources

The Next Steps

Research  - Using the resources in this guide, research and find the following items: 

1. Search for and find at least ONE academic article - either a  critic's perspective OR contextual research - in a database.

2. Complete at least TWO items on this list:

• Locate a book on my topic in the Robinson Library catalog ( you may borrow books using curbside pickup @ RBSS );
• Locate a college-level scholarly book on my topic from the database: Academic eBook collection (EBSCO);

3. Complete at least ONE item on this list:

• Locate the citation for a database article and add it to NoodleTools (or a note sheet in Google);
• Email yourself an article or download one to your Google Drive;
• Try an advanced search in a database (use the “and” function to search for two keywords at once);
• Revise your search strategy; use different keywords in two databases and compare results.

Share - Please complete the Padlet, on the next tab, before the next TOK class meeting .

Exit Activity 

Share your best sources in a Padlet (areas of inquiry); scroll to the right to view all areas of inquiry (of expand the Padlet). After all TOK classes complete this lesson ( Jan. 21 & 22, 2021 ), return to the Padlet to learn from your peers and take note of their findings for future reference. 

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• Last Updated: Sep 14, 2023 12:33 PM
• URL: https://robinsonss-fcps.libguides.com/EE-2022

Gr. 11-12 Extended Essay

What is the extended essay.

• The York School Extended Essay Handbook 2021/2022

IB Extended Essay Guide (updated February 2022)

Student responsibilities, tips for a successful ee journey, extended essay workshops 2022-2023, extended essay workshops 2021-2022.

• Reflections
• Choose a Subject
• Choose a Topic
• Draft a Research Question
• Develop Your Search Strategy
• Computer Science
• Visual Arts
• World Studies
• Introduction
• Academic Integrity
• Common Questions
• For Supervisors
• EE Examples

EE Coordinator

MS/SS Librarian

What is the significance of the extended essay.

The extended essay provides:

• practical preparation for undergraduate research
• an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to one of the student's six DP subjects, or takes the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay.

Through the research process for the extended essay, students develop skills in:

• formulating an appropriate research question
• engaging in a personal exploration of the topic
• communicating ideas
• developing an argument. 

Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge.

An extended essay can also be undertaken in world studies , where students carry out an in-depth interdisciplinary study of an issue of contemporary global significance, across two IB diploma disciplines.

How is study of the Extended Essay structured?

Students are supported throughout the process of researching and writing the extended essay, with advice and guidance from a supervisor who is usually a teacher at the school.

Students are required to have three mandatory reflection sessions with their supervisors. The final session, a concluding interview, is also known as  viva voce .

The extended essay and reflection sessions can be a valuable stimulus for discussion in countries where interviews are required prior to acceptance for employment or for a place at university.

How is the Extended Essay assessed?

All extended essays are externally assessed by examiners appointed by the IB. They are marked on a scale from 0 to 34.

The score a student receives relates to a band. The bands are:

A – work of an excellent standard. B – work of a good standard. C –work of a satisfactory standard. D – work of a mediocre standard. E – work of an elementary standard.

Find out how points awarded for the extended essay contribute to a  student’s overall diploma score .

IB Diploma Points Matrix (TOK + EE)

Source: International Baccalaureate. (n.d.).  What is the extended essay?   https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/extended-essay/what-is-the-extended-essay/ 

Regarding the EE in general:

• Observe the extended essay regulations as set by the school and the IB
• Meet all EE deadlines
• Practice Academic Integrity by careful note-taking and proper referencing & citation of information sources used
• Maintain and update the Extended Essay workspace in ManageBac

Regarding subject choice:

• Choose a subject in which you are already enrolled,   and which you thoroughly understand and are comfortable with
• READ the subject-specific requirements for your chosen subject

Regarding your supervisor:

• Initiate regular communication with your supervisor & respond to their communications
• Attend  3 mandatory   reflection sessions with your supervisor

Start EARLY! 

Talk to diploma subject teachers. Ask questions!

Map out a timeline of deadlines, research days, writing days. Allow for unforeseen delays. 

Plan your information sources. Keep track of what you've used through a working bibliography. 

ALWAYS proofread your drafts before submitting them

Get a Toronto Public Library card (free access to their databases & resources)

What strategies can students use to discuss the extended essay in their university application?

• Intro to EE Research Resources Presentation from November 2022 sessions.
• Choosing & Refining a Topic / Identifying Sources Presentation from December 2022 sessions.
• Annotating & Evaluating Sources Presentation from January 2023 sessions.
• Rocking the Research Question Workshop Presentation from April 6, 2022 EE Research Day.
• Identifying & Accessing Sources Workshop Presentation from April 6, 2022 EE Research Day.
• Evaluating Sources Workshop Presentation from April 6, 2022 EE Research Day.
• Structure & Formatting for the EE Workshop Presentation from May 3, 2022 EE Research Day.
• Awesome Editorial Techniques Workshop Presentation from May 3, 2022 EE Research Day.
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• Last Updated: Aug 28, 2023 7:59 PM
• URL: https://yorkschool.libguides.com/extendedessay

IB Study Tips

April 22, 2022

IB Extended Essay Guide 2022: Deadlines And Requirements

IB 2022 exams are fast approaching. This means that many IB students around the world are already working double time to be able to study enough for the exams, comply with all the IB requirements, and meet all their deadlines. And one of such is the most important IB component that students need to get ready for – their Extended Essay (EE) .

EE is a component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) that students are required to write and submit before a given deadline. It is a structured essay containing no more than 4,000 words on a particular topic chosen by the student, which assesses their research ability and communication skills. The 4000-word essay is then accompanied by a reflection form that should contain a maximum of 500 words.

If you are currently in the process of writing your extended essay, or if you are an upcoming IB student who wishes to understand more about this IB requirement, this article is right for you. Here are some of the most important pieces of information you should know about the 2022 IB EE.

What should your extended essay include?

The extended essay is basically a mini-thesis that you write with the help of and under the supervision of your IB advisor. To begin your EE, you first need to decide on a research question as your topic, conduct independent research, and then write an essay on the findings of your research.

When writing your EE, you should always keep in mind that the IB requires the essays to be a formal academic piece. This means that you need to do outside research, cite sources properly, and follow the writing requirements set by the IB. Here are the parts that your IB EE should include:

• A page for your title
• A table of contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• Bibliography and references

When it comes to formatting, your essay should be written in a readable 12-point font with double spacing. Using an easy-to-read font is important, so you can help the examiners read and evaluate your essay more easily. The IB also does not require any specific citation or referencing format, so you can pick whichever system you are comfortable with. Just make sure to follow your chosen citation style consistently throughout your essay.

What is the process for writing your extended essay?

The first step to writing your extended essay is choosing your research topic, which must fall into one of the six approved IB subject groups or categories: Mathematics, Sciences, Language and Acquisition, Studies in Language and Literature, Individuals and Societies, and the Arts.

Once you have already decided on your research topic, you need to come up with a topic proposal and meet with your IB advisor for approval and consultations. As of 2018, the IB already mandates that the EE supervision process of each student should include a “reflection process,” under which you are required to meet with your advisor in “reflection sessions” at least thrice.

According to the IB, the objective of the reflection meetings is to provide students with an opportunity to contemplate their engagement with the research process and to allow the advisors to offer feedback and evaluation of the students’ research process.

At the end of the EE process, a final reflection session called the “viva voce” will then take place. It is a quick 10- to 15-minute interview between the student and the advisor, which will help the latter write a report that will contribute to the student’s EE grade. The things usually covered in a viva voce are a plagiarism check, a reflection on your success and difficulty, and an overview of your learning during the EE process.

How to prepare a topic proposal for your extended essay?

As mentioned, coming up with a topic proposal is one of the first and most important steps in your EE writing process. Your topic proposal will basically provide an overview of what your essay will look like and how you will go about your research process. It is to be submitted to your advisor and a DP coordinator, who will read your proposal and decide on whether your chosen topic can be used for your extended essay.

Before handing in your topic proposal, it is important to consider every aspect of your research topic first to make sure you will obtain the approval of your academic advisor. Here are some of the questions you should ask when preparing your topic proposal:

• What is your research area, and why have you selected it?
• What is your research question all about?
• What is the importance of your topic?
• What background information do you know about your chosen topic?
• What research methods will you use, and what processes will you undergo?
• What primary and secondary sources are you planning to use for your research?
• Have you found any reading material for your topic already?

What are the deadlines for the EE submission?

Generally, the due dates for the submission of all extended essays this 2022 are on the 15th of March for the May exam session and on the 15th of September for the November session. However, the IB gives schools the freedom to set earlier due dates and internal deadlines for the various stages of producing the EE.

It is basically the schools’ responsibility to make sure all the works of their candidates are received by the IB on or before the submission date. To learn more about the EE submission deadlines, it is best to contact your IB school directly.

The extended essay is one of the most important components of IB that you should really prepare for. This requirement will not only demonstrate your research, communication, and self-management skills, but it will also reflect how much you have learned from your IB journey. To achieve a grade of D or higher on your IB EE, be sure to always follow the requirements and stick to the deadlines set by the IB and your school.

If the upcoming IB exams (particularly the hard ones like math and chemistry) are stressing you out, do not hesitate to seek the help of an IB maths tutor now. Here at QE, we have expert and experienced IGCSE and IB maths tutors in Singapore who will help you improve your study schedule and prepare better for the upcoming IB exams. To find out more about our reliable programs or tuition classes, get in touch with any of our educators and advisers today.

Related Posts

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How to Write a Research Proposal for Your IB Extended Essay

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Extended Essay: Extended Essay- The Basics

• Extended Essay- The Basics
• Step 1. Choose a Subject
• Step 2. Educate yourself!
• Using Brainstorming and Mind Maps
• Identify Keywords
• Do Background Reading
• Define Your Topic
• Conduct Research in a Specific Discipline
• Step 5. Draft a Research Question
• Step 6. Create a Timeline
• Find Articles
• Find Primary Sources
• Get Help from Experts
• Search Engines, Repositories, & Directories
• Databases and Websites by Subject Area
• Create an Annotated Bibliography
• Advice (and Warnings) from the IB
• Chicago Citation Syle
• MLA Works Cited & In-Text Citations
• Step 9. Set Deadlines for Yourself
• Step 10. Plan a structure for your essay
• Evaluate & Select: the CRAAP Test
• Conducting Secondary Research
• Conducting Primary Research
• Formal vs. Informal Writing
• Presentation Requirements
• Evaluating Your Work

The Extended Essay - the Basics

This guide explains the process required to complete the IB Extended Essay - from the initial step of choosing a research topic, through effectively searching for information and organizing your sources to presenting your findings with accurate references and citations.

On this page you can find information on:

What is the Extended Essay? Extended Essay Timeline, Class of 2024 (Due Dates and Assignments) Extended Essay Forms and Contracts - Class of 2024 How to Get Started - the Twelve-step Plan for Researching the EE IB Extended Essay Guide, first exams 2018

Extended Essay Timeline, Class of 2024 (Due Dates and Assignments)

This timeline applies to students submitting Extended Essays or Senior Essays. Completion of an Extended Essay or Senior Essay is required for graduation from West Sound Academy.

February 2 – May 12, 2023

EE grade for Semester 2, 2022-2023, is ¼ credit Pass/Fail grade.

February 3, 2023:

Juniors meet on Project Day for a half day on campus, to do beginning work on their Extended essays with EE Coordinator, 8:20 AM to 12:20 PM. Students will:

• Learn what the Extended essay is. (Most components apply to those doing Senior Essays that will not be submitted to IB.
• Understand what is required for the different available subject areas, then choose the subject area that they would like to have for their EE.
• Decide on a topic within that chosen subject area, and think about ways to approach that topic and any problems that may come up.
• Establish a Researcher's Reflection Space - virtual or written.
• Create a project in NoodleTools for saving their sources.
• Do preliminary research.
• Establish the feasibility of their subject and topic.
• Develop a preliminary research question.
• Be ready to be assigned to a WSA faculty member who will serve as their Supervisor.

February 6-10, 2023

Extended Essay Supervisors assigned

February 13-17, 2023

Initial meeting of students with supervisors (Initial Reflection Session) 

March 17, 2023:

Juniors meet on Project Day for a half day on campus, to do continue work on their Extended essays with EE Coordinator, 8:20 AM to 12:20 PM. Students will:

• • Reflect on their research, and write a refined research question.
• • Write an annotated bibliography.
• • Look at sources, and ask what is still needed.
• • Write up an 'action plan' mapping out how you will finish the EE project in the time between now and the due date of the first complete draft: September 5, 2023 (Complete 'action plan' due May 1, 2023)
• • Begin to write up an outline of the EE argument / paper (Complete outline due May 1, 2023)
• • Research, research, research.

March 20-24, 2023

Present this  assignment either as a calendar or a list of calendar dates, showing your plans by week, starting with May 21 (the last week of Semester 2), going through  September 5 (due date for the first complete draft.)

May 8-12, 2023

Check-in meeting with supervisor. Topics:

• Outline of complete essay
• Plan for finishing work on first complete draft.

June - August 2023

Students write first draft of their essays.

Draft must conform to IB Formal Presentation Requirements. 

• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Body of Paper
• In-text citations (MLA) or Footnotes (Chicago)
• Works Cited (MLA) or Bibliography (Chicago)
• Readable, 12-point font (for example, Arial or Calibri)
• Double-spaced text
• Numbered pages
• Indented paragraphs
• Appropriate margins (1" on all sides is acceptable)

August 21, 2023

Individual student meetings with EE Coordinator at Senior Retreat to discuss the ‘Draft of the draft’ assignment

EE grade for 2023-2024 is ¼ credit letter grade, and is posted to transcript in March, 2024.

September 11-22, 2023

Supervisor provides comments on the first complete draft. Students meet for Interim Reflection Session with supervisors. 

October 31 - November 10, 2023

Final Reflection Session  (Viva Voce) with supervisor

Extended Essay Forms and Contracts - Class of 2023

Extended Essay Coordinator

What is the Extended Essay?

The extended essay is a required component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). 

It is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.

What is the significance of the extended essay?

The extended essay provides:

• practical preparation for undergraduate research
• an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to one of the student's six DP subjects, or takes the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay.

Through the research process for the extended essay, students develop skills in:

• formulating an appropriate research question
• engaging in a personal exploration of the topic
• communicating ideas
• developing an argument. 

Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge.

An extended essay can also be undertaken in  world studies , where students carry out an in-depth interdisciplinary study of an issue of contemporary global significance, across two IB diploma disciplines.

How is study of the extended essay structured?

Students are supported throughout the process of researching and writing the extended essay, with advice and guidance from a supervisor who is usually a teacher at the school.

The IB recommends that students follow the completion of the written essay with a short, concluding interview with their supervisor. This is known as  viva voce.

The extended essay and interview can be a valuable stimulus for discussion in countries where interviews are required prior to acceptance for employment or for a place at university.

How is the extended essay assessed?

All extended essays are externally assessed by examiners appointed by the IB. They are marked on a scale from 0 to 34.

The score a student receives relates to a band. The bands are:

• A – work of an excellent standard.
• B – work of a good standard.
• C –work of a satisfactory standard.
• D – work of a mediocre standard.
• E – work of an elementary standard.

Students are evaluated on five criterion:

• Criterion A – focus and method.
• Criterion B – knowledge and understanding.
• Criterion C – critical thinking.
• Criterion D – presentation.
• Criterion E – engagement.

However, when your supervisor marks your essay in order to arrive at a predicted grade, the grading will be based on the  qualitative  grade descriptors for the EE, not a translation of a number score into a letter grade.

Find out how points awarded for the extended essay contribute to a student’s  overall diploma score .

Source:    International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme website

Twelve-step Plan for Researching the Extended Essay

1.  Choose an available Diploma Programme subject for the extended essay for the session in question.

2.  Educate yourself. Read the following materials:  the assessment criteria, relevant subject-specific chapter of the Extended Essay guide, the IB's ethical guidelines and other associated policies where relevant, such as those relating to animal experiments

3. Set up the Researcher's Reflective Space (RRS) and use this as the key planning and reflection tool for the extended essay process.

4.  Choose a topic and undertake some background reading in it.

5.  Formulate a preliminary research question.  Try to incorporate an IB command term in the research question if possible.

6.  Draw up an outline plan for the research and writing process.  This should include a timeline.

7.  Begin to identify how and where you will gather source material for your research.

8.  Identify which system of academic referencing they will use, ensuring that this meets the minimum requirements for the IB.

9.  Set deadlines for yourself that are realistic and take into consideration WSA's internal EE deadlines.

10.  Plan a structure for the essay.  This may change as the research develops but it is useful to have a sense of direction from the start.

11.  Undertake some preparatory reading in light of the proposed research question.  NOTE:  If you discover that it will not be possible to obtain the evidence needed in the time available, the research question should be changed.  This is  better done sooner rather than later; do not lose time waiting and hoping that something will turn up.  Go back to step 3, 2, or 1, and choose a new research question that can be answered.

12.  Carry out the research.  The material collected should be assembled in a logical order, linked to the structure of the essay and clearly focused on the research question posed.  Only then will you know that you have enough evidence for each stage of the argument so that you can proceed to the next.  You should be prepared for things to occasionally go wrong.  Sometimes you may discover something later in the research that undermines what you thought had been established earlier.  If that happens, your research plan needs to be revised.

IB Extended Essay Guide (first exams 2018)

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IB Guide: Extended Essay

• EE Examples
• NoodleTools Students
• NoodleTools Teacher
• Using the Library Catalogue
• Bibliothéque nationale de Luxembourg
• IB Official Resources This link opens in a new window

Great Extended Essay Books

Subject Specific Guidance

Subject Specific Pages

Group 1:  studies in language and literature, group 2:  language acquisition, including classical languages, group 3:  individuals and societies, group 4:  the sciences, group 5:  mathematics, group 6:  the arts, additional/other:  interdisciplinary essays, extended essay: what write it, the extended essay provides:.

• practical preparation for undergraduate research
• an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to one of the student's six DP subjects, or takes the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay.

Through the research process for the extended essay, students develop skills in:

• formulating an appropriate research question
• engaging in a personal exploration of the topic
• communicating ideas
• developing an argument. 

Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge.

EE Reflection Process

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• Last Updated: Jun 13, 2023 3:56 PM
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Submission deadline

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) sets a submission date for the extended essay, which is communicated to schools.

It is each school’s responsibility to ensure that all candidate work is received by the IB, with the required paperwork received by the submission date set.

Schools should set internal deadlines

It is strongly recommended that schools set internal deadlines for the different stages of producing an extended essay, keeping in mind the IB’s submission date.

If you wish to find out more about the deadline for a particular school, please contact that school directly .

Further information on deadline setting

There is further information on the requirements for meeting external deadlines in the Diploma Programme Assessment Procedures .

Educators in IB World Schools can access the relevant parts of the handbook on the IB’s programme resource centre , using their existing log-in details.

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How to Write an Extended Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

by  Antony W

October 10, 2023

In this guide, you’ll learn how to write an Extended Essay that not only explores a research issue comprehensively but also earns top grades.

To write a good Extended Essay, choose a topic you’re interested in, develop a specific research question, do your research, and structure your essay. Plan your writing process, schedule meetings with your supervisor, write the essay, and proofread before submitting.  

An alternative way to write an Extended Essay is to seek for professional academic writing help online. 

At Help for Assessment, we offer the  best EE writing service online   and this writing assistance can go a long way to get your Extended Essay written on time.

To be clear, an Extended Essay isn’t an assignment you should fail unless you purposely intend to do so. A good way to write an EE on any subject is to develop a solid structure and then follow it from start to finish.

How to Write an Extended Essay Step-by-Step

To write a comprehensive Extended Essay on any subject within the 40 hours:

1. Choose a Topic

The first step to write an EE is to choose an Extended Essay topic to explore.

Unfortunately, you can’t scrape a good topic off a book or ask a friend in your IB class to share their thoughts. You have to brainstorm and do some preliminary research to find an interesting topic to work on.

You don’t have to spend so many hours looking for a topic for your EE.

First, determine what your passion outside the classroom is. Then, come up with a list of potential topics that you can explore based on the subject of your choice.

As you do your topic hunting, you might discover that you have an interest in more than one topic.

We recommend that you choose the most interesting of all topic, particularly the one tied to an area you’ve always wanted to explore.

Also, make sure the topic allows you to have something original to write in the essay.

Should the topic be one that doesn’t allow you to share ideas beyond what’s obvious, drop it and look for something else. 

2. Research Your Topic

Researching your topic will help to inform your essay in the writing stage. If you do the research right, the structure, case study, and the experiments will easily fit on their own.

To do your research more effectively:

• Start by reading the EE guidelines for the subject you’d like to explore. Doing so will help you determine whether you need primary sources, secondary research, or a combination of both.
• Determine if you have to collect data from someone else, look for facts, create your own data, or use other people’s opinion.
• Check with your supervisor how recent your research should be.
• Conduct your research based on the subject, the topic you selected, and the suggestions from your supervisor.

Note that you may have to search multiple sources to identify the most relevant information for your Extended Essay.

You want to make sure your bibliography is detailed enough to show that you have invested enough time to research your topic.

3. Develop a Research Question

You need to develop a clear and concise research question that gives your intended reader a clear focus of the essay.

The Extended Essay Guide requires that your research question be precise, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be in the form of a question. In addition, your research question should be something worth asking.

If the research issue you’ve developed is concise, detailed, specific, and linked to the topic you would like to explore in 4,000 words, you’re set to start writing the Extended Essay.

4. Structure and Plan Your EE

Your Extended Essay should feature the following format:

• Your research question
• Table of contents
• Introduction
• Bibliography
• 3 Reflections

Use this outline in the order provided to organize your research and write the Extended Essay.

5. Consult Your Supervisor

One of the advantages of being in an IB program is that you can always choose someone to guide you through the Extended Essay reflection process .

It could be a teacher you're comfortable with or a fellow student.

Ensure you make good use of them by consulting them with your research so they can tell you whether you're on the right path.

6 Write Your First and Last Draft

Once you're comfortable that you've done comprehensive research, use your outline to write your first draft.

Don't worry about grammar or punctuation.

Just give life to your outline; then afterward, you can use this first draft to write the official extended essay you will submit.

7. Proofread and Edit Your Work

When your final extended essay is ready, edit and proofread for grammatical errors or any other errors you may not have noticed while rewriting it from your first draft.

If possible, have your supervisor go through it as well before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how long does it take to write an extended essay.

IB requires you to write your Extended Essay within 40 hours.

That’s enough time to start and complete the writing process if you start working on the EE as early as right now.

2. When Should I Write an EE?

The right approach to tackle an Extended Essay assignment is to start early. Instead of waiting to write a last minute essay , start right away so that you have ample time to do the work.  

Keep in mind that time management is critical to your success.

Once you’ve selected a topic for your Extended Essay assignment, the next task should be to create a schedule you can work with.

Determine how much time you’re willing and able to assign to your research process , break the task into small sections that you can manage, and then assign each section a realistic deadline.

3. How Do You Structure an Extended Essay?

Your Extended Essay must feature your research question, a cover page, table of contents, an introduction, the main body, a conclusion, a bibliography, and 3 reflections.

It’s possible to feel stuck as you continue to work on your Extended Essay, but your supervisor will be there to help you during the reflection sessions.

During these sessions, your supervisor will evaluate your research question, look at your structure and writing plan, and comment on your first draft.

Remember, you have 40 hours to work on the essay, which should be enough to get the assignment completed on time. 

Should you feel stuck in the writing process, you can reach out to the IB team at Help for Assessment and we’ll be happy to help.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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What Is an IB Extended Essay and How to Write It?

Table of contents

The IB extended essay is a paper of up to 4,000 words that is required for students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program. The extended essay allows students to engage in independent research on a topic within one of the available subject areas.

The extended essay should be an original piece of academic writing that demonstrates the following student's abilities:

• Formulating a research question
• Conductig independent investigation
• Presenting key findings in a scholarly format.

Check out this article by StudyCrumb to discover how to write an IB extendend essay properly. We will give you a complete writing guide and critical tips you need for this essay type.

IB Extended Essay: What Is It?

An extended essay is independent research. Usually students choose a topic in consultation with a mentor. It is an integral part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) degree program. This means that you won't receive a degree without a successfully written paper. It requires 4,000-word study on a chosen narrow topic. To get a high score, you should meet all required structure and formatting standards. This is the result of approximately 40 working hours. Its purpose is giving you the opportunity to try independent research writing. It's approved that these skills are critical for student success at university. The following sections explain how to write an extended article with examples. So keep reading!  

Choosing a Mentor for Extended Essay

IB extended essay guidelines require supervisor meetings, totaling 3-5 hours. They include three critical reflections. A mentor won't write a paper instead of you but can help adjust it. So it is important to consult with them, but no one will proofread or correct actual research for you. In general, initially treat an essay as an exclusively individual work. So your role and contribution are maximal.

Extended Essay Outline

Let's take a look at how to write an extended essay outline. In this part, you organize yourself so that your work develops your idea. So we especially recommend you work out this step with your teacher. You can also find any outline example for essay . In your short sketch, plan a roadmap for your thoughts. Think through and prepare a summary of each paragraph. Then, expand annotation of each section with a couple more supporting evidence. Explain how specific examples illustrate key points. Make it more significant by using different opinions on general issues.  

Extended Essay: Getting Started

After you chose an extended essay topic and made an outline, it's time to start your research. Start with a complete Table of Contents and make a choice of a research question. Select the subject in which you feel most confident and which is most interesting for you. For example, if at school you are interested in natural science, focus on that. If you have difficulties choosing a research question, rely on our essay topic generator .

Extended Essay Introduction

In the introduction of an extended essay, present a thesis statement. But do it in such a way that your readers understand the importance of your research. State research question clearly. That is the central question that you are trying to answer while writing. Even your score depends on how you develop your particular research question. Therefore, it is essential to draw it up correctly. Gather all relevant information from relevant sources. Explain why this is worth exploring. Then provide a research plan, which you will disclose further.  

Extended Essay Methodology

In accordance with extended essay guidelines, it's mandatory to choose and clearly state a methodological approach. So, it will be apparent to your examiner how you answered your research question. Include your collection methods and tools you use for collection and analysis. Your strategies can be experimental or descriptive, quantitative or qualitative. Research collection tools include observations, questionnaires, interviews, or background knowledge.

Extended Essay Main Body

Well, here we come to the most voluminous part of the extended essay for IB! In every essay body paragraph , you reveal your research question and discuss your topic. Provide all details of your academic study. But stay focused and do it without dubious ideas. Use different sources of information to provide supporting arguments and substantial evidence. This will impress professors. For this section, 3 main paragraphs are enough. Discuss each idea or argument in a separate paragraph. You can even use supporting quotes where appropriate. But don't overcomplicate. Make your extended essay easy to read and logical. It's critical to stay concise, so if you aren't sure how to make your text readable, use our tool to get a readbility test . Following the plan you outlined earlier is very important. Analyze each fact before including it in your writing. And don't write unnecessary information.

Extended Essay Conclusion

Now let's move on to the final part of IB extended essay guidelines. In conclusion, focus on summarizing the main points you have made. No new ideas or information can be introduced in this part. Use conclusion as your last chance to impress your readers. Reframe your own strong thesis. Here you must show all key points. Do not repeat absolutely every argument. Better try to make this part unique. This will show that you have a clear understanding of the topic you have chosen. And even more professional will be recommendations of new areas for future research. One good paragraph may be enough here. Although in some cases, two or three paragraphs may be required.

Extended Essay Bibliography & Appendices

To write an impressive extended essay, you should focus on appropriate information. You must create a separate page for bibliography with all sources you used. Tip from us: start writing this page with the first quote you use. Don't write this part last or postpone. In turn, appendices are not an essential section. Examiners will not pay much attention to this part. Therefore, include all information directly related to analysis and argumentation in the main body. Include raw data in the appendix only if it is really urgently needed. Moreover, it is better not to refer to appendices in text itself. This can disrupt the narrative of the essay.  

Extended Essay Examples

We have prepared a good example of an extended essay. You can check it by downloading it for free. You can use it as a template. However, pay attention that your paper is required to be unique. Don't be afraid to present all the skills you gained during your IB.

Final Thoughts on IB Extended Essay

In this article, we presented detailed IB extended essay guidelines. An extended essay is a daunting academic challenge to write. It is a research paper with a deep thematic analysis of information. But we have described several practical and straightforward tips. Therefore, we are sure that you will succeed!

If topics seem too complex, turn to our top essay writers. They will accomplish any IB assignment in the best way your professor can evaluate it!  

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US IB Extended Essay: Home

• Academic Writing
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Getting Started

Academic Integrity-The IB Guide

To read the full Academic Integrity IB Guide, click HERE.

Extended Essay Guides

If you have questions or concerns about the Extended Essay, see your supervisor, or Dr. Bree. Research needs, see Ms. Keating.

The first part of the IB guide contains general information that is relevant to all Extended Essays, regardless of subject. The section is quite short, and it is well worth reading for the advice and information given. 

Six required elements of the extended essay: Title page Contents page Introduction Body of the essay Conclusion References and bibliography https://ibpublishing.ibo.org/extendedessay/apps/dpapp/guide.html?doc=d_0_eeyyy_gui_1602_1_e&part=5&chapter=5

Presentation of Your Extended Essay https://ibpublishing.ibo.org/extendedessay/apps/dpapp/guide.html?doc=d_0_eeyyy_gui_1602_1_e&part=5&chapter=6

ESSENTIAL TO KNOW!

The extended essay should be written in a clear, correct and formal academic style, appropriate to the subject from which the topic is drawn. Given that the extended essay is a formally written research paper, it should strive to maintain a professional, academic look.

To help achieve this, the following formatting is required: the use of 12-point, readable font double spacing page numbering no candidate or school name on the title page or page headers.

Submitting the extended essay in the required format will help set the tone of the essay and will aid readability for on-screen assessment by examiners.

• ASM Extended Essay Information
• General EE Info for Juniors

Assessment Points

Points awarded for the Extended Essay in conjunction with the Theory of Knowledge Essay - out of a maximum total of 45 points.   (See the IBO webpage on Assessment for more information.)

Extended Essay Topics

Your Extended Essay (research topic) must fall into one of the six approved DP categories , or IB subject groups, which are as follows:

• Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
• Group 2: Language Acquisition
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies
• Group 4: Sciences
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: The Arts

IB Academic Honesty/Integrity

Academic honesty in the IB educational context

Most students understand that it is wrong to copy another student's work and submit as their own. However, it is also dishonest to copy and paste text from WWW into your paper and submit as your own writing or ideas. 

Academic Honesty   The Plagiarism.org website provides some helpful information on intentional and unintentional plagiarism, and on how students can avoid plagiarism by good citation. Paraphrasing can be difficult, and the  Indiana University Writing Tutorial Services provides some helpful information on how to properly paraphrase.

Citing Sources for Academic Research When doing research for papers and projects, it is necessary to properly acknowledge authors whose work has been used in your end product. This acknowledgement takes place in your writing in the form of parenthetical references, footnotes, endnotes, works cited pages or bibliographies. There are many documentation styles used by a variety of academic disciplines.  At the American School of Madrid , students are strongly encouraged to use MLA. Noodle Tools is an excellent way to assure students that their citations will be correctly formatted.

Plagiarism Plagiarism is often clear to students only when it involves non-electronic sources. For example, buying a paper from a paper mill to turn in as one's own work is unquestionably plagiarism. Students realize that copying from a book or journal without properly citing the source is plagiarism, but using materials from Web documents seems to be different. Students have the perception that everything on the Web is free, therefore could be no theft involved in taking material that is found there. However, plagiarism is not limited to any specific format, electronic or non-electronic.

Copyright law protects Web documents. Georgia Harper, a lawyer for the University of Texas, says that people assume that everything on the Web is public domain, probably because the law used to require that copyrighted material display a copyright notice. The law changed, however, and "putting the fingers on the keyboard creates a copyrighted work." She says that copyright protection is automatic, so that postings of all kinds are protected (Harper). (Southeastern Louisiana University)

To view this PowerPoint click HERE.

The Extended Essay-Understand the Process

Click here to get the full Extended Essay Guide , or the links below to the specific sections. 

Overview of the Extended Essay

Academic honesty in the IB

Ethical guidelines for Extended Essay research and fieldwork

Researcher's Reflection Space

Role of External Mentors

Viva voce final reflection session

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IB Extended Essay: Past Essays

• Research Questions
• Past Essays
• Notes & Outlines
• Works Cited Page
• In-Text Citations
• Assessment Criteria
• Reflections
• Supervisor Info
• Net Valley Library This link opens in a new window

Check these CAREFULLY to be sure your topic fits with IB expectations!

• Language & literature (language A)
• Language acquisition (language B)
• Mathematics
• Visual Arts
• World Studies

Business Management

English a & b ee examples.

• English A EE Example
• English A EE Example 1
• English A EE Example 2
• English A EE Example 3
• English B EE Example
• English B EE Example 1
• English B EE Example 2
• English B EE Example 3
• English B EE Example 4
• English B EE Example 5
• English B EE Example 6

Philosophy EE Examples

• Philosophy Example 1
• Philosophy Example 2
• Philosophy Example 3
• Philosophy Example 4

Economics EE Examples

• Econ Example 1
• Econ Example 2
• Econ Example 3
• Econ Example 4
• Econ Example 5
• Econ Example 6
• Econ Example 7
• Econ Example 8

Review Past Papers

• From the IB:  papers from other students and how they scored
• Renaissance Library Past Essays :  Links to all subject area examples

Music EE Examples

• Music EE Example 1
• Music EE Example 2
• Music EE Example 3
• Music EE Example 4

Psychology EE Examples

• Psych EE Example 1
• Psych EE Example 2
• Psych EE Example 3

Chinese EE Examples

• Chinese EE Example 1
• Chinese EE Example 2
• Chinese EE Example 3
• Chinese A EE Cat 1
• Chinese A EE Cat 2
• Chinese A EE Cat 3
• Chinese B EE Example 1
• Chinese B EE Example 2
• Chinese B Example 3
• Business EE Example 1
• Business EE Example 2
• Business EE Example 3

Visual Arts EE Examples

• Visual Arts EE Example 1
• Visual Arts EE Example 2
• Visual Arts EE Example 3
• Visual Arts EE Example 4

Film EE Examples

• Film Example 1
• Film Example 2

Chemistry EE Examples

• Chemistry EE Example

Biology EE Examples

• Biology EE Example
• Biology EE Example 1
• Biology EE Example 2
• Biology EE Example 3

Physics EE Examples

• Physics EE Example
• Physics EE Example 1
• Physics EE Example 2
• Physics EE Example 3
• Physics EE Example 4
• Physics EE Example 5

Math EE Examples

• Math EE Example 1
• Math EE Example 2
• Math EE Example 3
• Math EE Example 4
• Math EE Example 5
• Math EE Example 6

World Studies EE Examples

• World Studies Example 1
• World Studies Example 2
• World Studies Example 3
• World Studies Example 4
• World Studies Example 5
• World Studies Example 6
• World Studies Example 7
• World Studies Example 8
• World Studies Example 9
• World Studies Example 10
• World Studies Example 11
• World Studies Example 12
• World Studies Example 13
• World Studies Example 14
• World Studies Example 15
• World Studies Example 16
• World Studies Example 17
• World Studies Example 18
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Ib Extended Essay Writing Guide

Looking for a more down to earth Extended Essay Guide? Then look no further. It is safe to assume that you are currently tackling the challenges of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum . Nonetheless, that does not mean that students are given all the necessary resources to address complex extended essay questions. Throughout this IB Extended Essay Guide, experts from our online paper writing service will be exploring the most efficient methods to manage and complete such a challenging task.

What is an IB Extended Essay?

It is a well-known fact that the IB Diploma Programme is quite demanding as it includes multiple forms of assessment, one of which is the Extended Essay . It is designed for students aged between 16 to 19 to help prepare them for life's challenges. Overall it aims to do so by encouraging its participants to be independent thinkers that are knowledgeable, caring, compassionate as well as have an inquisitive nature about the world around them. One develops their intercultural understanding due to the methods used to teach the material, particularly the Extended Essay, and the multicultural learning environment that prepares students to approach issues from a multitude of viewpoints.

Visibly the IB programme is designed to empower students by allowing them to engage in higher level studies of their preferred subjects. Thus, the Extended Essay Topics will be based on one of the higher level subjects. In most cases, the IB Extended Essay is shortened to EE.

Regardless of what Extended Essay topics are being taken into consideration, the assignment itself cannot exceed 4000 words. The assignment must make use of a

• Cover Page/Title Page;
• Table of Content;
• Main Body and a Bibliography.

This task should be structured as a mini-thesis written under the supervision of an academic supervisor, usually one of the IB teachers available at the school. The result obtained from students Extended Essay topics is counted towards the value of their IB Diploma. For those seeking a more detailed explanation of how it is tallied up, we will go over that in the sections to come.

The process itself requires one to have their Extended Essay topics approved by the IBO which is not as complicated as most expect it to be. After it has been accepted, it is time to decide whether one will make use of a typical research paper format, conduct some form of experiment or seek to solve a prominent problem. Most IB schools will allow their students to pick the advisor they want to provide them with various IB Extended Essay Guidelines.

How will the Assignment be Graded?

Usually, the advisors are required to provide students with a handout explaining the grading scheme for all Extended Essay questions. However if it is still unclear, we will go over it again in the section below. As stated by the official Extended Essay Guidelines, the assignment will be marked by a number of external examiners which have been appointed by the IB. The grading scale begins at 0, being the lowest, and ends at 36, being the highest. Nevertheless, despite having a range, there are still some subject-specific as well as general criteria applied to the Extended Essay format as well as content. Therefore, according to how many Rubric Assessment Points you obtain, a Description Letter will be allocated to indicate the final grade.

As you can see a Extended Essay will take up a significant amount of time from the student, but it is vital to make sure it comes out perfect. So what are you waiting for? Get the best college essay writing help from the EssayService today.

Extended Essay Example: Grading Scheme.

How does the Extended Essay impact my diploma?

As of 2014, since the first examination in May 2015, students who receive an E on their Extended Essay topics or Theory of Knowledge (TOK) will no longer be eligible to be awarded the prestigious IB diploma. These two grades are still being combined allowing students to receive up to 3 points towards their degree by completing both assignments successfully.

Specific Criteria

If you have been wondering how to get all those 36 points for your Extended Essay topics then here is the answer. Having mentioned several times that there are some rather rigorous strict criteria used to grade Extended Essay topics, we will now have a look at all of them individually explaining their relevance and role. We have included the maximum amount of points each of these sections carry to give pupils a better understanding of their worth, nonetheless despite their numerical value all are equally important.

A: Research Question [ 2 points Max ]

In most subjects, the purpose of the essay will be highlighted in the form of a question , which is why this criterion is called Research Question . Nonetheless, specific Extended Essay topics will allow and even encourage different approaches when defining them. With that in mind, the research question still has to be included on the title page, and an introduction of the Extended Essay format requires that.

B: Introduction [ 2 points Max ]

According to the IB Extended Essay Guidelines examiners must assess the degree to which pupil’s introduction highlights the relationship between the research question and background knowledge the individual already posses on the Extended Essay topic. Students should look to underline the significance and worth of this examination holistically. Overall the context of the chosen research question must be stated and examined.

C: Investigation [ 4 points Max ]

As indicated by the IB Extended Essay Guide our following criterion entails examining the degree to which students have planned their investigations. In essence, examiners are looking to see an extensive range of sources is taken into consideration, efficient use of data as well as implementing these elements in the right places. Overall make sure you collect ONLY relevant material that has been carefully selected as it must support the idea of the investigation.

D: Knowledge and Understanding of the Topic Studied [ 4 points Max ]

This criterion assesses the degree to which students are aware of the current state of affairs in the respective field they are investigating. Nonetheless, that statement has to be taken with a pinch of salt since it is referring to what a pre-university student can elaborate on and not a Masters graduate. Thus, our Extended Essay Guide encourages students to evidentiate their knowledge and understanding of the topic at hand by indicating how the investigation impacts this subject from their current academic perspective.

E: Reasoned Argument [ 4 points Max ]

Due to the title, it is somewhat straightforward what will be placed under assessment. The IB Extended Essay Guidelines explicitly require students to make good use of all the data or reading material collected to showcase their ideas coherently and logically. Thus, pupils may decide to argue against their research question or choose to find various ways of proving it. Keep in mind that the paper must succeed in proving or disproving the original hypothesis according to the IB Extended Essay Guide.

F: Application of Analytical and Evaluative Skills Appropriate to the Subject [ 4 points Max ]

Students display an appropriate use of their analytical and evaluative skills throughout each section included in their Extensive Essay structure.

G: Use of Language Appropriate to the Subject [ 4 Points Max ]

Appropriate use of academic terminology, language, grammar, etc. throughout the assignment. Overall the goal is to get one's ideas across to the public in a clear and concise manner.

H: Conclusion [ 2 points Max ]

The goal here is clearly to assess the impact of a student's conclusion . Relevancy and consistency throughout one's argument will play a significant role for examiners. Make sure not to leave any unanswered questions to tackle within the conclusion. Doing so can indicate the student's research was not thorough enough or the Extended Essay structure was not properly organized. The keys to success are to be consistent in the methods and evidence used to support one's argument as well as keeping things as clear and concise as possible without repeating the introduction.

I: Formal Presentation [ 4 points Max ]

As simple as it might sound at first, the following criterion concerns itself with the formal physical elements of the Extended Essay. It is utterly crucial that students are aware of these requirements depicted in any Extended Essay Guide. Again consistency is critical as students must adhere to the standard format described below in the IB Extended Essay Guidelines section. For more information on what these elements are, consult “What is an IB Extended Essay?” located at the start of our Extended Essay Guide . Sticking to a simple set of rules can end up awarding the student 4 points, which would be a shame to lose out on.

J: Abstract [ 2 points Max ]

Remember that regardless of what Extended Essay topics are being taken into consideration the abstract can never exceed 300 words as it will result in losing these 2 points. Make sure you include the research question being investigated, how the data or reading material will be collected as well as how one expects the investigation to conclude.

K: Holistic Judgement [ 4 points Max ]

The last criterion sets out to assess the qualities which distinguish an excellent Extended Essay from a fantastic one. In essence what it means is displaying a passionate intellectual initiative and a firm understanding of what the topic entails. It is highly recommended in any Extended Essay Guide that pupils seek to apply holistic judgment throughout the entire assignment.

IB Extended Essay Guidelines

Similar to all standardized testing systems the Extended Essay guidelines are based on common criteria, some interpreted in specific ways according to the subject. So let’s have a look at the most general ones provided by our psychology essay writing service experts:

• The assignment is compulsory for all Diploma Programme students. Make sure to meet all the deadlines, including those for drafts.
• It can be done in the form of an investigation or independent research on the Extended Essay topics that have been approved by the Diploma Programme.
• Review the May 2017 Extended Essay structure requirements form in case things have changed.
• According to the Extended Essay Guidelines, everything has to be typed up and double-spaced.
• Most institutions will recommend that this process is undergone with the help of a supervisor.
• Students should look to pick Extended Essay topics they are comfortable with since it is an opportunity to display one’s knowledge and understanding of the subject with lots of enthusiasm.
• If the student is going to create their own topic, they have it approved by the IBO and their supervisor since it has to fit within the criteria.
• It must be presented as a formal piece of academic writing having no more than 4,000 words.
• The Extended Essay will be externally assessed alongside the TOK essay to determine how many points shall be contributed to the final grade.
• Remember to acknowledge all sources used in solving any Extended Essay questions according to the approved academic requirements.
• Overall it takes approximately 40 hours of work, depending on the student, and ends with a viva voce (voice interview which will be recorded) conducted by your chosen academic supervisor (recommended).

Such Extended Essay Guidelines should be given out to you by every IB institution. Nonetheless, they are quite lengthy and can take a while to get through. We hope that by reading a shortened and more succinct version of it, you will have saved some time, which you can now invest into perfecting one’s Extended Essay Outline.

What are the Best Extended Essay Topics?

Before exploring where one might strike goals regarding their Extended Essay topics, it is essential to be aware of the examiner's expectations. The IB programme makes use of a complex system where everything is interconnected.

When first confronted with the Approaches to Teaching and Learning (ATL) available topics it can get a bit confusing due to how layered the system is. First off what ATL concerns itself with are planned strategies, skills and/or attitudes designed to suffuse one's teaching and learning environment. The goal behind ATL is to help students develop in five different areas, namely:

• Becoming an Independent Thinker
• Developing Self-Management Traits
• Encouraging Effective Communication
• Exploring Social Aspects
• Performing Fruitful Research

Thus, to help students in their grooming process and prepare them for writing some fantastic Extended Essay topics the curriculum is designed much like one of a university. Meaning each pupil must choose six courses from six distinct groups. Doing so gives one a taste of what everything entails so they may gauge what field is best suited for their Extended Essay questions. The groups go as follows:

• The Arts [Theater Arts, Visual Arts, Dancing, etc.]
• Individuals and Societies [Previously known as Humanities involves: History, Geography, Economics, Business Management, Information Technology, etc.]
• Sciences [Physics, Biology, Chemistry, etc.]
• Studies in language and literature [English, German, French, Spanish as a Native Speaker]
• Language Acquisition [Learning a new language either from scratch or at a higher level, but less knowledgeable than a native speaker as they are not eligible]
• Mathematics

In case you change your mind on what subjects fit best one has the option to change them up to a specific date. The date is established by each institution, in particular. Nevertheless, once the period has passed, it will be physically impossible for students to catch up with the material they have missed. With that being said, each must have at least three, with a maximum of four, higher level (HL) classes while taking the rest at the standard level (SL). The difference between those is straightforward: a higher level class will require 240 recommended teaching hours and standard level a total of 150 recommended teaching hours.

Now, since we have a basic idea of how the system works and what is expected of us, we can have a look at what makes Extended Essay topics shine. Most students tend to deviate from the given list of topics by adding their own unique spin to it. The best way to go about any Extended Essay questions is by having the topic based on one of your higher level subjects. Below we will provide an Extended Essay example for each of the six groups.

English A1 HL : How effective was Seamus Heaney’s response in “The Pen’s view of the Sword” to “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland as shown in “Wintering Out and North”?

History HL: A in-depth comparative study between Chinese and Japanese high school history textbooks depicting the acts of Japanese Aggression in China from 1935 to 1937.

Visual Arts HL: To what extent has Salvador Dali’s surrealist movement impacted our interpretation of modern artworks?

Physics HL: Deformation from free-falling - Investigating how the height from which we drop molten wax onto a water surface affect its size and shape.

Mathematics HL: An investigation into the relationship between Pascal's Triangle and the Fibonacci sequence.

Economics/Business Management HL: To what extent has the recession affected the consumption of demerit goods in China?

Secret Tips and Tricks To Tackle Any IB Extended Essay Questions

Phew, it has been quite a journey so far, and it’s not over yet. Since we have covered all the significant elements which need to include in your Extended Essay topics what else could be left? Well, below, our talented paper writers have come up with some fantastic tips and tricks that students can put into practice quite quickly. Unless you order essay online directly from our website, this type of Extended Essay guide looks to get you going in the right direction so you don't have to spend countless hours correcting silly mistakes which can sometimes occur.

The following segment of the Extended Essay Guide is split into two distinct sections. One is a simple list of what to do and not to do while tackling this assignment as well as some fantastic tips and tricks to help you get it done in no time. So let’s have a look at each list of these Extended Essay tips carefully and understand how they will help us get it done in time.

The “Do’s and Don'ts” of Tackling Any Extended Essay Questions

Since the IB Extended Essay Topics are quite challenging here is a roadmap to help you understand what the examiners are looking for.

Extended Essay Dos:

• Look to find a topic that you have a lot of background information on. This will not only reduce the number of research hours for the Extended Essay but also make it a lot easier to get one’s thoughts organized.
• Get working on it as quickly as possible.
• Go over the assessment criteria for the Extended Essay format several times, since it would be a shame to lose points for small structural errors.
• Maintaining a good relationship with the chosen academic supervisor is crucial.
• Carefully consider what the best Extended Essay Research Question might be for the assignment.
• Try imagining the full finished essay before deciding on your final research question. Do not be shy to reconstruct the Extended Essay questions if needed entirely. However, if it involves a change in topics, then it must be resubmitted to get the IB Coordinator’s approval.
• Instead of being overwhelmed by the sheer size of the Extended Essay format, one should look to start by completing the requirements such as the abstract, organizing their sources and table of content or perfecting the cover page.
• Create a schedule: Plan out the when, where and hows regarding the material needed. It should also include dates. These will be used to determine when the research period ends, when the actual writing of the Extended Essay begins, etc. Make sure to include some wiggle room just in case there are unforeseen delays.
• Have a clear Extended Essay Structure. Meaning one should have it ready before they start writing. It will ensure the sources being used are well incorporated into the text.
• Have multiple copies of the assignment on various platforms. E.g., On your PC, Laptop, Hard-Drive, Phone, Tablet, etc. This way if one piece of equipment breaks down there is a backup file.
• Always double-check and proofread the final version multiple times.

Extended Essay Don’ts:

• Avoid working with Extended Essay topics which are inappropriate. Meaning they should not be too vague, broad, narrow or too confusing to answer within the Extended Essay word count.
• Remember this kind of assignment seeks to find questions worth investigating which students can explore passionately. Overall students should avoid Extended Essay questions that can be quickly answered as well.
• Make sure all the data needed to develop the paper are readily available or can be made easily accessible. Without being able to interact with these resources, it is best to choose a different topic.
• Avoid including irrelevant material and sources at all cost.
• Do not ignore the Extended Essay Assessment Criteria and references your resources accordingly as to dodge the deadly bullet called plagiarism.
• Do not turn the assignment into a summary or a simple report depicting a given set of facts. Construct it in such a way so that analyzing the Extended Essay Research Question remains the star of the show.
• Stay clear of repeating the introduction in the conclusion as it is unacceptable for this particular assignment.
• Never cite sources that are not included in the bibliography.

Secret Tips and Tricks:

Find The Perfect Balance For Your Extended Essay Research Question

Quite often students tend to struggle when trying to create their perfect Extended Essay questions. The issue arises due to the topics needing to be broad enough so writing 4,000 words for them is not an issue but at the same time make sure they are narrowed down to keep them from turning into books. A great example is history students who are passionate about World War II ( WWII ) seeking to create their topics. It is easily understood that choosing to write about the impact the war had on Europe is primarily a book in itself. Thus it is better to look at it from a different perspective . One can instead narrow it down to the impact WWII had on the performance of German military forces from 1945-1950.

As easy as it might sound in this Extended Essay guide, the best way to go about perfecting your topic is by brainstorming multiple alternatives which seem attractive. Some students work better with Extended Essay topics requiring pupils to make some sort of comparison. But how could one apply that in such a scenario? It is essential to keep in mind that if choosing to do so we must find a form of comparison tailored to enrich the context. Thus, in our case, we can take a look at how a country such as Britain saw the German military in the time period selected. Overall we would now have researched two different sources that come to offer opposing viewpoints in our Extended Essay Outline. For example, a German source would describe the militaries lack of strength as increasing local civil unrest instead of helping maintain peace. While on the other hand, the British source would illustrate how the state of the German military had to remain this way since they had proven to be a threat to the international security of Europe twice in less than 50 years.

Avoid using comparisons unless they are genuinely relevant to the Extended Essay Topics being developed. If you are still unsure whether a specific comparison can match your topic the best thing to do is to consult the academic advisor.

Avoid Picking Up Extravagant Topics, Stick To Writing About Something You Really Enjoy

So how does one go about finding their passion for writing a fantastic Extended Essay? Quite often the answer is staring us right in the face.

Despite how demanding the IB Diploma Programme can be, eventually, we all find a class that helps relieve some of the pressure since everything comes to you naturally. It is highly recommended throughout this Extended Essay Guide that students pursue their passions since they will end up spending a lot of time working on the assignment. An unexpected benefit which can come from writing an fantastic Extended Essay is obtaining a scholarship by using it as a term of reference in interviews.

Let’s assume that by now you’ve discovered the most suitable subject for your Extended Essay. If it is English A1 then apparently it will involve researching what books literal motifs can create a fascinating comparison. Start by brainstorming, as previously mentioned, to narrow it down to a manageable margin or list of possible options. Usually the fastest way to complete the Extended Essay outline is by looking at what your favorite chapters were in that book or course and why. However, try not to spend more than 2 hours on this process at most to obtain satisfactory results. If it seems to need more time then perhaps it is best to consider choosing a different Extended Essay topic.

Choose the Best Possible Academic Advisor:

When looking to pick an academic supervisor for your Extended Essay topic, it is essential to keep a few things in mind.

First off, you have to convince them to supervise your Extended Essay early on since other students might want to seek out this particular teacher as well. In a sense, it is first come, first served. Some might require candidates to submit an Extended Essay outline before being accepted, but it is always worth it. Doing so ensures one does not end up with a random supervisor who is not passionate about the Extended Essay topic itself. Another crucial thing to value is selecting a tutor who is willing to take the time to go through several Extended Essay drafts and include an extensive set of notes on what can be improved. However, with that being said the IBO states explicitly that while advisors are allowed to suggest improvements to students Extended Essay topics they can not directly engage in writing up changes for it. Thus, one can understand why there is such a high demand for a detailed Extended Essay Guide. Overall the academic advisor should spend between two to three hours with the candidate discussing the intricacies of their Extended Essay topic. In essence, the process makes the students choice quite crucial since if they pick a teacher they have no connection to, this individual might not push the student to their limits. Thus, that is why in this Extended Essay Guide we recommend pupils always select a teacher you have worked with before either in class or during an extracurricular activity.

So what are the keys to getting the best possible academic advisor for any Extended Essay Topics again?

• Pick an advisor that will motivate you and push you to the limit.
• Make sure you get in touch with them early on, so they are not overburdened.
• Submit an agreement form if necessary.
• Always ask if they are willing to take the time and review multiple drafts.
• Avoid choosing one's favorite teacher to be the advisor, UNLESS what they teach is directly related to the Extended Essay topic.

Starting Sooner Is Always Better Than Later

As dull as it might sound by now, it cannot be stressed enough by any Extended Essay Guide. But as evident as it might be, there is always something a lot more fun to do in high school than coming up with Extended Essay topics. However, regardless of how confident one is in their academic skills and ability to write up assignments quickly, it is nearly impossible to produce a convincing 4,000-word essay in a week or less and expect a good grade. As previously mentioned in the Extended Essay Guide the task requires students to read multiple articles, books, plays, or even watch several documentaries. Thus, unless one decides to buy an essay from our service, the sooner one gets started, the faster they can finish.

Despite the universal IBO curriculum, not all institutions have the same deadlines. Meaning some schools will want them handed in as early as November from their Senior year class while others will have to submit theirs by February at the latest. Usually, the task deadlines will be provided to you in advance during the student's Junior Year. Nonetheless, if this has not come up the best thing to do is talk to the IB coordinator and find a useful Extended Essay Guide.

Having mentioned it several times throughout this Extended Essay Guide, we will provide you with an ideal timetable which students can use to plan out this paper:

* Note: The timeline is tailored, so everything is done in advance before everything is due to help relieve some of the pressure.

Establishing a clear structure is half the battle

Visibly the IB loves the use of an organized Extended Essay structure . A smart way to approach such a challenge, as indicated by our Extended Essay Guide, is to have a clear introduction ( 2 pages max ), research question, main body ( up to 18 pages max usually ), conclusion ( 1 page ) and a robust, reliable set of references (separate page). Steer clear of coming up with an ambiguous abstract confusing the examiner more rather than give them a good understanding of what is to come in the Extended Essay structure.

Since the Extended Essay Guide indicates the main body will take up the most space, it is best to split it up into several components or elements. This way it is easier to define one’s Extended Essay outline, especially if it is a comparison. However, for those looking to conduct various experiments, it is best to follow the scientific method style. Meaning the Extended Essay outline begins by explaining the research question , describing the research methods that will be used to collect data, present the data, analyze the data, present all the possible uncertainties the experiment carries and lastly evaluate the success of the research in the form of a conclusion.

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Extended Essay: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2023)

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Extended Essay is becoming a common type of essay for IB students. Unlike Advanced Placement, the International Baccalaureate is a more demanding, structured education framework that requires students to study extensively, write assignments, and score top grades to earn a diploma. 

One of the research assignments you must complete to earn an IB diploma is the Extended Essay. 

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the Extended Essay, from what it is and why it’s essential to choosing a supervisor and creating an outline. 

In short, if you’re looking for the complete guide to an Extended Essay, you’ll find this post incredibly helpful.

What is an Extended Essay? 

An Extended Essay is an IB assignment that requires a student to conduct independent, self-directed research and present their findings in a 4,000-word paper. 

Mandatory for all IB students, the role of the Extended Essay is to evaluate whether you can demonstrate critical thinking to solve complex, real-life problems. 

The assignment is flexible because IB allows you to select your topic and approach to the project. And provided you write the EE based on the assessment criteria while ensuring you pay close attention to context presentation; you can be confident of scoring top marks. 

To be abundantly clear, your Extended Essay can be about anything as long as it’s within the approved IB subjects’ limitations. Your instructor will want to see an essay on any of the following six subjects:

• Visual Arts
• Biology 
• Chemistry 
• English 
• Geography 

How Long Should An Extended Essay Be? 

An Extended Essay should be 4,000 words long. Because it’s a self-directed piece of research with a rigid structure, the Extended Essay must not exceed the target word limit. 

An Extended Essay must follow a rigid structure, which means you must not exceed the word limit set for the assignment. Ideally, IB states clearly that their instructors never read past the suggested word limit, and writing more words could cause you to lose some points. 

The first draft can be 6000 words or even more for some research topics. However, such a lengthy document would require dedicated revision to delete 2,000 words. Still, writing more and editing later is a good practice because it helps to ensure you maintain relevance and clarity throughout the essay.  

The Significance of IB Extended Essay 

Writing an IB Extended Essay takes you on a learning journey that will help you to develop essential skills. Beyond the ability to demonstrate your prowess on the topic in writing, an Extended Essay is substantial in the following ways: 

You Develop Research Skills : In addition to introducing, you to the type of undergraduate-level research, writing an Extended Essay will allow you to explore a topic of personal interest.  

You Develop a Clear Understanding of Research : As you begin to work on the Extended Essay, you’ll meet with a supervisor who will help you to develop relevant research questions. By doing so, you’ll find it easy to explore the different aspects of your selected topic. 

Develop Communication Skills : The IB Extended Essay will shape how you communicate ideas in high school and beyond your current education level. In the end, developing concrete arguments become easier.   

Develop Social Relationships : You will meet with your supervisor throughout the Extended Essay project. The meetings can be an excellent opportunity to learn how to develop social relationships in high school and further education. 

Given that an Extended Essay encourages independent, self-directed research on a topic of your choice, you should work on the project with the confidence that you’ll score high marks in the review stage. 

How to Select Your IB EE Mentor 

Before you learn how to write an Extended Essay on any subject, it’s important to pick the right EE supervisor (or mentor) to guide you through the process. 

Remember, the EE is a strict, 4,000-word project with endless possibilities for topics. In this respect, it might be challenging to know where to start. However, with the help of a mentor, you’ll have an easy time planning, researching, and writing the assignment. 

So, here’s how to select your mentor:

1. Pick a Mentor Who Teaches Your Subject of Choice  

A teacher who teaches your subject of choice can give you more objective, in-depth feedback for your Extended Essay drafts. 

However, don’t stress out if you can’t identify one. Even a teacher who teaches a related subject can be handy. 

If you chose Visual Arts, you can ask a Language A or History teacher to guide you through the EE research and writing process.  

2. Choose a Teacher You’ve Interacted With  

It’s better to have smoother writing, feedback, and revision process than one filled with procrastination, postponement, and uncertainty. 

We recommend choosing a teacher you’re already familiar with to be your supervisor. 

3. Ask Early 

IB teachers have busy schedules. From teaching class sessions to supervising students during an examination, they likely have more work to do and less time to themselves.

So, if you’ve identified a teacher who understands your subject and one you are familiar with, ask them a month or two before to be your EE mentor. 

IB Extended Essay Assessment Criteria  

The following are the assessment criteria used to review your IB Extended Essay: 

A: Focus and Method (6 Marks)

To get six marks, you must communicate your message accurately and efficiently. That is, you should have identified and explained the research topic, making sure that the focus and purpose of the research are clear and appropriate. 

B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 Marks) 

To score six marks, ensure the source materials you select for the Extended Essay are relevant to the research question. In addition to using sources with understanding, you must ensure that the use of subject-specific concepts and terminologies is accurate and consistent. 

C: Critical Thinking (12 Marks) 

Critical thinking accounts for the highest points in the Extended Essay assignment. To score top marks for this criterion, you must demonstrate that: 

Your research is relevant to the research question, with its application consistently suitable throughout the essay. 

You have critically evaluated your study and focused on the research question. At the same time, the inclusion of less relevant research must not undermine the overall quality of research analysis. 

The individual conclusions included in the study are not only pertinent but also supported by concrete evidence. 

You must include focused and reasonable arguments developed from the research and provide reflective conclusions of the presented evidence.

Despite minor inconsistencies in your arguments, such errors don’t undermine the strength of your argument or conclusion.  

D: Presentation: (4 marks)

To get four marks for the presentation, the structure of your Extended Essay must be relevant in terms of the convention of the topic, the argument, and the registered subject. 

Moreover, you must present your layout based on the required consideration, with the structure and layout enhancing the reading, understanding, and review of the essay. 

E: Engagement: (6 marks)

A score of 5 or 6 marks means your engagement with your Extended Essay topic is excellent.

In addition to your reflections on planning and decision-making being evaluative, they include references to your ability to consider action and ideas fit to counter setbacks experienced during the research process. 

Furthermore, your reflections show an in-depth level of intellectual and personal engagement with the writing process and writing in a way that demonstrates authenticity, intellectual initiative, and a creative approach to writing. 

8 Steps to Writing a Good IB Extended Essay

The following is how to write a good IB Extended Essay: 

1. Understand Extended Essay Requirements 

To write a good Extended Essay, you must first understand what the assignment requires. Although the essay gives you a taste of academic freedom by letting you to choose what to write, you must understand the following requirements first:  

• Word Count Matters: Your EE must not exceed 4,000 words. Any additional word might cost you some marks or, worse, you may fail the paper. 
• Outline: You must ensure your Extended Essay reflects the right format. We recommend that you prepare the outline and include all the relevant sections first, and then you can start writing.  
• IB Approved Subjects: While you can write an Extended Essay on any topic, your topic selection must fall within one of the IB approved subjects. 
• Reflection Sessions: Reflections are mandatory. They account for 17% of the final grades. So ensure you meet with your supervisor thrice to discuss your work’s progress. 

2. Choose a Topic 

IB gives you the option to choose any topic. So we recommend that you choose an interesting topic or a topic tied to an area that you’ve always wanted to explore. 

Since you have limitless possibilities when it comes to topic selection, it makes more sense to select a topic that allows you to write something original. 

3. Research, Research, Research 

You must get the research right. Otherwise, the structure, case studies, and experiments won’t fit on their own. 

• Read the assignment guidelines to find out whether you should use primary sources, secondary sources, or both. 
• Check whether the assignment requires you to collect data from someone else, use people’s points of views, look for facts, or create personalized data. 
• Consult with your supervisor to determine how recent your research should be. 

You must conduct your research based on the suggestions from your mentor, the topic selected, and the subject of choice. 

4. Develop Your Research Question 

The third step to writing an Extended Essay is to develop a research question. You must develop a clear research issue to give your reader an apparent focus of the essay. 

According to the IBO EE guide, your research must meet the following requirements: 

• It must be clear, concise, detailed, and specific. 
• Your research question must have a tight link to the topic you would like to explore in 4,000 words. 
• The question should be something worth asking. 

5. Create an Outline for the Assignment 

An Extended Essay outline should feature the following format. 

• Your research questions
• Table of contents
• Introduction
• Bibliography
• 3 Reflections

You must use the outline in the order provided. 

Also, note that an Extended Essay doesn’t require an abstract. You can include one if you want to, but it won’t be part of the word count. 

6. Consult Your Supervisor 

Perhaps the best thing about the EE assignment is that you have the opportunity to consult with your supervisor any time you like. 

We’ve already shown you how to choose a mentor. 

Now all you have to do is consult with them. They will help you to determine whether you’re on the right track or not.  

7. Write Your First and Last Draft 

If you’re confident that you’ve done sufficient research and organized your ideas in a logical order, write your drafts. 

Your first and second drafts don’t have to be perfect, so you don’t have to worry about grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. 

Focus on giving life to your outline. Then, you can use the second draft to write a final draft to edit for submission. 

8. Edit Your Work 

The last step in writing an Extended Essay is to proofread and edit your work. Editing helps you to remove grammatical, typographical, and spelling mistakes. Also, it helps you correct errors of omission, not to mention it allows you to make your Extended Essay comprehensive and concise. 

How to Make Your Good Extended Essay (EE) Perfect  

If you’ve written your Extended Essay, but you aren’t satisfied with the conciseness and the quality of information you’ve put down on paper, here are some tips to help you make your good EE great. 

1. Check Your Work for Plagiarism 

The last thing an EE supervisor wants to see is a copy of plagiarized work. Even a small percentage of plagiarism can hurt your overall score – or get the whole paper canceled out altogether. As such, countercheck your work for uniqueness before submission to ensure that your writing is 100% custom. 

2. Attend All the Reflection Sessions

Ensure you attend all the three reflection meetings as instructed in the Extended Essay guideline.

There are three reasons why these meetings are important: 

• The reflection sessions account for 17.6% of your final grades. 
• The reflection sessions allows you to get mixed comments on your Extended Essay. 
• Feedback from the reflections will help you to make your final draft concise and comprehensive. 

3. Do Additional Research (If You Have To) for your Extended Essay 

If you’ve written the first 3,500 words of the essay but feel like the paper would use additional information to strengthen your argument or point of view, do additional research. 

Dip your toes in academic databases such as Google Scholars, JSTOR, and Academic Search for peer-reviewed articles and journals. These can make for some great primary and secondary sources of information for your Extended Essay. 

4. Check Your EE Against the Grading Criteria 

There is no better way to earn top marks for your Extended Essay than to get into the head of an examiner. 

Since you already have access to the assessment criteria, check your work against the document immediately you finish with the second draft. Doing so is the only sure way to determine whether your writing meets the requirements for the EE. 

5. Read Your Friend’s Extended Essay 

The idea here isn’t to feel bad if you find your friends’ EEs to be better than yours. The exemplars are goldmines intended to help you identify what others have done better. Add these touches to your Extended Essay to make an appeal. 

6. Edit Your Work to refine your Extended Essay

Your first and second drafts won’t be perfect. Some of the most common mistakes you’ll make include redundancy, spelling errors, typographical issues, error of omission, and overly superfluous writing. 

So, edit your work. 

Delete words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs that neither make sense nor add value to your research. Correct spelling mistakes, remove typographical errors, and remove instances of complex writings.  

7. Countercheck the Sources Used in Your Extended Essay

Even if you strongly believe that your Extended Essay includes the best information on the topic, countercheck your sources to ensure you’ve thoroughly analyzed your topic and drawn the most reasonable conclusion for the study.

Important Links

• 15 Extended Essay Writing tips to help you score an A in 2023: Ideas, Guide, Examples
• How is IB EE Graded? 2023 IB EE Grading
• What is an Essay? The Complete Guide with Definition, Types, and Writing Tips
• Google Scholar | Get the best credible sources.

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