By Jasmine Kurb
If you’re an IB student staring down the massive task called Extended Essay and have no clue what it is, you’re not alone, as many students are unaware of this type of essay. The good thing is you are at the right place.
Think of the Extended essay as a personalised deep dive into a topic you actually care about. Moreover, it is your chance to explore the topic beyond the textbook, develop a deep understanding, work on your research skills and prove to the IB gods that you are ready for university-level thinking.
So, what are you waiting for? If you want to learn more about what an extended essay is, how to write one and polish your skills, this blog is for you.
Here, we will walk you through the complete guide. Come on! Fasten your seat belt and be ready to dive into a world filled with essays.
What is an IB Extended Essay?
Let’s start with the basics. In short:
The extended essay is a 4,000-word independent research paper that is part of the core of the IB Diploma Programme.
It allows you to investigate a topic of your choice within a subject offered by the IB and develop an argument based on your research.
Think of it as writing a mini-thesis in high school. You simply choose the topic, formulate the question, do the digging and finally write, reflect and revise before submitting the essay.
Honestly, this is the only academic freedom you get while working on these tasks.
Why is the IB Extended Essay essential?
Surely, you must be wondering why you have to work on this IB extended essay again?
Good question!
The EE is not just some regular piece of content. Instead, it matters because of various reasons like:
- It teaches you how to research like a scholar.
- Furthermore, while writing, you develop amazing critical thinking and writing skills, which are valuable for the future.
- Also, it prepares you to handle university-related work.
- Surprisingly, it can earn you up to 3 bonus points towards your IB diploma.
- Honestly, writing an IB Extended essay looks fantastic on your university applications, especially if the topic connects to your major.
So, folks, while we agree that extended essays are challenging, working on them can be beneficial.
How long is the IB Extended Essay?
Ah! Another most asked question: how long is this IB Extended Essay?
For those with curious minds who may not know, this essay is approximately 4,000 words long. Hence, if you are thinking that this will be easier to work around with, you are in for a great surprise.
An extended essay usually follows the same structure, like introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion. However, the guidelines are a bit different from the regular ones. We will come to this topic later on.
Fun Fact: Your essay doesn’t have to be around 4,000 words in length. In fact, many students stop at 3,900 or 3,990, depending on their topic.
What is the Purpose of the IB Extended Essay?
Yes! Writing an IB extended essay does come with a purpose.
But what?
Well, at its core, the EE is all about independent intellectual discovery.
You pick a subject you are passionate about, formulate a specific question and then work through the process of answering it using the academic lingo and information.
Consider your extended essay as a training ground for:
- Structuring logical arguments.
- Develop information.
- Citing sources properly.
- Reflecting on your own learning.
Well, you might hate working on this essay from time to time. But, honestly, you can’t overlook the purpose. And you’ll love it when you are done with it.
Essential Tips for Writing An IB Extended Essay
Here comes the part most of you might have been anticipating for a long time. Writing an extended essay is like climbing up the mountain – daunting and will test your patience from time to time.
However, by mastering some tips and tricks, you can easily thrive and survive your IB EE. So, what are you waiting for?
Come on! Let’s get into the tips.
1. Understand the Basics
Before you start getting words on paper, you need to understand the basics. It’s exactly like learning the rules of the game so that you can thrive in your essay.
Here is what you should keep in mind:
- Word Count: Roughly around 4,000 max.
- Subject Choice: It must be related to the IB subject you are currently studying.
- Supervision: You will have a supervisor with you to guide. Hence, use them wisely.
- Timeline: Check the due date for your essay. We would suggest starting in the first year and submitting in the second.
- Grades: Determine how your extended essay is graded so that you know which parts to put in effort. Moreover, if you want to learn, look below.
How is the EE graded? What does the rubric look like?
Understanding how your essay is graded can help you achieve the desired marks. So, to put it, the EE is graded externally and scored out of 34 points, based on five criteria. It includes:
- Focus and Method (6 Points): This includes checking how precise your planning and research are.
- Knowledge and Understanding (6 Point): The more your knowledge is good on the topic, the better your chances of getting six points. Furthermore, it is marked based on whether your essay shows subject-specific requirements.
- Critical Thinking (12 points): You need to make sure that your analysis is strong and well-structured.
- Presentation (4 points): Getting words on paper is not enough. You need to ensure your formatting is consistent and professional.
- Engagement (6 points): This is based on your reflection form (RPPF).
That’s not it! These points are then converted into a grade from A, which is excellent, to E, which is failing. Well, you’ve got to aim for an A.
2. Choose a Compelling Topic
Here comes the most essential part of writing an extended essay. If your topic is not engaging or easy, you won’t be able to write your essay.
Hence, take your time and determine your interest within the subject. Additionally, choose the topic that excites you yet is easily researchable and narrow.
Shakespeare is too broad, narrow it down to “Investigating how Lady Macbeth challenges the Gender Roles”.
This is a more engaging topic and will make for a good discussion. Your goal is to be specific and focused.
Many students initially choose the wrong topic and then wonder if they can change it later. Well, let’s find out.
Can I change my topic later?
Well, yes! You can change your topic later, but it’s better to do so early, as adhering to the word count at the end may be difficult, and you might risk falling behind.
Therefore, we suggest taking your time when choosing a topic so that you don’t encounter any problems in the middle of writing, and it will save you from all the hassle.
3. Start Early
Starting early on your extended essay is recommended as the 4,000 word count is a bit too much, and you need time for thorough research, outline, editing and proofreading.
Surely, you guys must be wondering when the ideal time to start working is. Well, here is your answer:
When should I start working on my Extended Essay?
The ideal thing is that you should start planning your EE in the second term of your first IB year. This way you will have enough time for:
- Exploring the topic.
- Research
- Drafting
- Feedback
- Revisions.
Procrastinators thinking they will pull off the task last-minute, this is not a kind of project you can complete quickly. Hence, be aware.
4. Develop an Outline
Thinking of starting your 4,000-word essay without any outline?
Oh! You are in so much trouble! It will only mess up your mind, and who knows, you might skip the essential part.
That’s where outlining comes in. This way, not only can you track your progress, but it also makes your work appear precise and helps the readers navigate through the content.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Introduction: Present your research question, purpose of writing and how it can help the readers.
- Body: Break your essay into different headings, each one exploring the arguments and evidence.
- Conclusion: Summarise the findings and answer the research question.
- References: Cite the sources you have used in your essay using the correct referencing styles.
Having an outline will strengthen your argument and make the essay writing easier.
5. Create a Good Research Question
So, folks, all of the above was the pre-planning stage. Brace yourself because we are now diving into the actual writing part.
The research question is the heartbeat of your extended essay. It ties your main topic together and helps readers understand what you are talking about. It is a focused and open-ended question. Think of it as an inquiry which you answer through your analysis, investigation and research.
Creating a good research question is essential. However, how can you do it?
Let’s find out!
How do I choose a good research question?
Here are some elements of a good research question. It is:
- Focused and doesn’t include any broad topics.
- Furthermore, it is open-ended. A simple yes or no!
- It is analytical and not descriptive.
- Moreover, it is linked to your subject.
Wondering how to write a good question? Well, here is an example for you:
To what extent did the U.S media coverage influence public opinion during the Vietnam War?
This brings us to another question:
How long should a research question be?
Ideally, the length of the research question is one sentence, under 30 words. Furthermore, it is clear, concise and easy to understand. If you are having a
tough time developing a research question, consider seeking guidance from the IB extended essay writing service. They have writers who can help you create engaging yet simple research questions which will grab the readers’ attention.
6. Conduct Research
Developed a research question? It’s time for you to collect the relevant information. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your laptop and dive deep into the research resources.
Make sure to go beyond Wikipedia. Instead, use academic journals and textbooks, primary sources and credible databases.
While conducting the research, you need to be careful and make sure that the sources you are using will add value to the work.
Are there any restrictions on sources I can use?
Yes! There are specific sources that you should avoid, like:
- Wikipedia. It is better if you use it only for the background information.
- Don’t take information from informal blogs.
- Also, avoid the unverified opinions.
Instead, you should consider using sources like:
- Peer-reviewed journals.
- Books by experts.
- Primary data was needed.
7. Create a Draft
Well, it is time for you to start working on the draft. Remember your first one, don’t have to be flawless.
Instead, just focus on getting words on paper and worry about perfection later on. Start with an introduction where you tell the readers about your topic, the research question, how it can help and background information.
Next, break your essay into different headings and subheadings, each one covering the essential parts. Make sure to back your work with relevant examples, case studies and real-world scenarios.
Lastly, conclude effectively by summarising the main points. Make sure not to include anything new. Instead, stick to the point and provide recommendations.
What should I do if I’m stuck or don’t know how to start?
Feeling stuck with your draft and facing writer’s block is quite normal. The good thing is that you can overcome the stress by following these essential writing tips:
- Break your essay into chunks and allocate a deadline for each.
- Furthermore, be smart with a small section and write even if it’s bad.
- Use the Pomodoro technique, where you work for 25 minutes and take a break of 5 minutes to focus.
- Be committed, as it will help build momentum.
8. Get help
Writing an extended essay is not easy at all. We know this! Even the teachers know this. Therefore, if you are feeling stuck, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can connect with the professionals who specialise in this. Whether you want help with the research or receive some feedback, they are your best option.
Also, there is a most common question pupils ask:
Can I get help from my supervisor?
Yes! And you should! Your supervisor is allowed to help you narrow down the topic, review your research question, provide one round of feedback and guide you.
However, they aren’t allowed to correct your grammar or write your essay. However, the good thing is that their input can steer you in the right direction.
So, make the most of it.
9. Submit the Draft for Feedback
Now that you have completed your first draft, submit it to your supervisor for feedback. Moreover, ask them to highlight your strengths and weaknesses. Also, look for their suggestions for improvements, take notes effectively, ask questions and revise thoroughly.
This will help you enhance the quality of your extended essay, ensuring you get the best grades.
10. Reflect
When working on your extended essay, you need to engage in three different reflection sessions, as it is crucial. It is also known as the RPPPF (Reflection on Planning and Progress Form).
Here is what you need to reflect on:
- What challenges did you face?
- What did you learn about yourself?
- Moreover, how did your ideas evolve?
By engaging in reflection, you tell the readers that you have a thorough understanding of the topic and help build credibility.
11. Edit and Finalise
Here comes the last writing step. You need to edit and finalise the final draft. Focus on refining the quality of the content.
Read aloud and listen to how it sounds to the readers. Furthermore, ensure that your essay is grammatically correct, properly formatted, logically structured, and free of unnecessary content. Also, ensure consistency in font and font size, which should be Times New Roman, 12, throughout the essay.
For this, consider using tools like Grammarly and Hemingway. It is beneficial to have a second pair of eyes review your final draft, as it will help you further refine the content.
12. Add References
References are an integral part of your IB Extended essay as they help build credibility. Moreover, they are known to help you avoid plagiarism.
However, unaware of their importance, many students wonder:
Do I need to add a Bibliography?
Well, the answer is yes! Adding the bibliography is essential as it shows your understanding towards the topic.
Hence, your essay should include in-text citations and a full bibliography.
For this,
- Familiarise yourself with different referencing styles like APA, MLA, Harvard, etc.
- Choose the one mentioned in your guidelines and proper citations.
- Organise your sources in a chronological manner and ensure that they are relevant.
- Also, use tools like Zotero and Hemingway for writing the extended essay.
13. Submit the Final Draft
Yay! You are finally done with the extended essay. Now, once you are confident everything is in place, you’ve added all the crucial information, there is no plagiarism and the essay matches all the requirements, submit the final draft and hope for good grades.
Common Mistakes of Writing an IB Extended Essay
Your work regarding the extended essay is not done. There are some rookie errors which can ruin your hard work. Hence, make sure to steer clear of them.
Here are the ones that you need to avoid:
- Picking a topic you don’t care about will only make things harder for you.
- Furthermore, choosing a vague research question. Instead, it should be broad.
- Also, ignoring the deadlines.
- Not following the proper structure. Make sure that your essay is formatted correctly and includes all the subheadings and headings.
- Citing weak or irrelevant sources. Ensure that the references are credible and will add value to your work. Also, make sure to follow the correct referencing style.
- Skipping the reflection process.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your essay is relevant, easy to read, engaging and well-written.
Wrapping Up!
This brings us to the end of the guide! To recap:
- The IB Extended essay is a 4,000-word essay which requires deep analysis and research on the topic.
- Working on this essay might be challenging, but it is also rewarding as it helps you develop good critical thinking and research skills.
- Moreover, to tackle this essay, start early, create an outline, conduct research, reflect, ask your supervisor for feedback, edit and submit.
Remember, by mastering the tips, you can efficiently work on your essay. Also, believe in yourself and know that you’ve got this!
FAQs
1. Can I Write My EE in a Subject I am Not Taking?
No! You must choose from subjects you are currently studying.
2. Can I write my Extended Essay in a language other than English?
Yes! You can write an extended essay in a language other than English. Just make sure that it is one of the courses that you are registered for.
3. Can the EE topic be interdisciplinary?
Yes! The Extended essay topic can be interdisciplinary, which means you can combine two or more IB subjects you are working on. This gives you the opportunity to dive deeper into the concept and boost your subject-matter understanding.
4. What happens if I miss the EE deadline?
If by chance you miss your IB extended essay deadline, the consequences will depend on your school’s specific policies and your IB coordinator. In most cases, it can lead to the deduction of marks. Therefore, it is better to adhere to the guidelines and start as soon as possible.
5. How much does the EE affect the final diploma score?
The extended essay and Theory of knowledge can contribute up to three bonus points towards he final IB diploma score. Furthermore, these points are awarded in addition to the 42 points students can earn from their six subject exams.
6. Can I go over 4000 words?
No! Anything over 4000 words is irrelevant. Hence, the teacher will cut it off from the assessment. Hence, it is better to stick to the word count.
