extended essay format font

Extended Essay Guide: Criteria, Format, Sample EEs

Criteria, Format, Sample EEs
Annotated Bibliographies
DP Research Process
Databases & Academic Journals
Evaluate Sources
Academic Integrity
MLA Citation Format
CSE Citation Format (Science & Math)
Video Tutorials 2024

The Assessment Crtiteria in Detail!

Criterion A: Focus and method
Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding
Criterion C: Critical Thinking
Criterion D: Presentation
Criterion E: Engagement
EE_How to maximize marks for different subjects?

Criterion C: Critical thinking

Notes from the IB

RE: Research Question and Title of Extended Essay

Please note the statement below from the EE curriculum manager regarding the need to have both a title and a RQ for all subjects. Previous versions of the EE Guide indicated that the title and the RQ should be the same for History, Business Management and Mathematics. This is no longer the case. All essays, regardless of the subject, need to have both a RQ and a title.

Hi Kathy,

To answer your question, I am going to quote directly from a response John Royce provided, on this forum, in October in response to a very similar question: (it was a question about using Spanish sources - hence the mention of Spanish)

It is certainly permissible to use sources which are not in the language of the essay, but translation into the target language is required , one cannot assume that the reader understands the original language.

It is usual to quote the original as well as presenting the translation. [Do not put quotation marks around your translation, just around the original]

Umberto Eco argues ("in Mouse or rat?") that direct translation may lose meaning, paraphrase or use of different idioms may be required to get the ideas across. Paul Bellos ("Is that a fish in your ear?") makes a similar argument - direct translation may confound meaning... Direct translation may not be ideal - meaning and understanding are preferred - so, not to worry that your student with her good Spanish cannot present a direct translation.

What must be made clear is that the translations are those of the student; these are her understandings. Readers can make of that what they will - and if unsure, are presented with the original - they can seek another translation. A note in the acknowledgements and/or in the introduction to the effect that all translations are those of the writer is ... essential.

In response to the question about the Bibliography/Works cited, my preference would be to list the source in its original Thai version, but perhaps with the English in brackets, to help the examiner.

Your bibliography will have the entries in Thai characters first in the document. Any in-text citation to Thai sources will be in (Thai characters [English translation]).

Citation in Thai [English translation]

Works Cited Example:

วงษ์ปัญญา, ธนกร [Wongpunya, Thanakorn]. “โรงงานยาสูบรวยแค่ไหน และเอาเงินไปทำอะไรบ้าง.” [How rich is the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly and where does the money go?] (candidate translation). The Standard, The Standard, 30 Aug. 2018, thestandard.co/thailand-tobacco-monopoly/.

Format of the Extended Essay

Required Formatting

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:

12-point, readable font (Calibri or Times New Roman);
double spacing throughout entire Essay;
page numbering - top right corner;
no candidate or school name or supervisor 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.

Required S tructure

The structure of the essay is very important. It helps students to organize the argument, making the best use of the evidence collected.

There are six required elements of the final work to be submitted. More details about each element are given in the “Presentation” section. Please note that the order in which these elements are presented here is not necessarily the order in which they should be written.

Six required elements of the extended essay:

Contents page
Introduction
Body of the essay
References and bibliography -- if MLA "Works Cited" if CSE "References"

1. Required Title Page

The title page should include only the following information:

the title of the essay
the research question
the subject the essay is registered in (if it is a language essay also state which category it falls into; if a world studies essay also state the theme and the two subjects utilized)

The upper limit is 4,000 words for all extended essays.

2. Required Contents Page

A contents page must be provided at the beginning of the extended essay and all pages should be numbered. Please note that an index page is not required and if included will be treated as if it is not present.

3. Required Introduction

The introduction should tell the reader what to expect in the essay. The introduction should make clear to the reader the focus of the essay, the scope of the research, in particular an indication of the sources to be used, and an insight into the line of argument to be taken.

While students should have a sense of the direction and key focus of their essay, it is sometimes advisable to finalize the introduction once the body of the essay is complete.

4. Required Body of the Essay (research, analysis, discussion, and evaluation)

The main task is writing the body of the essay, which should be presented in the form of a reasoned argument. The form of this varies with the subject of the essay but as the argument develops it should be clear to the reader what relevant evidence has been discovered, where/how it has been discovered and how it supports the argument. In some subjects, for example, the sciences, sub-headings within the main body of the essay will help the reader to understand the argument (and will also help the student to keep on track). In structuring their extended essay, students must take into consideration the expected conventions of the subject in which their extended essay is registered.

Once the main body of the essay is complete, it is possible to finalize the introduction (which tells the reader what to expect) and the conclusion (which says what has been achieved, including notes of any limitations and any questions that have not been resolved).

Any information that is important to the argument must not be included in appendices or footnotes/endnotes. The examiner will not read notes or appendices, so an essay that is not complete in itself will be compromised across the assessment criteria.

5. Required Conclusion

The conclusion says what has been achieved, including notes of any limitations and any questions that have not been resolved. While students might draw conclusions throughout the essay based on their findings, it is important that there is a final, summative conclusion at the end. This conclusion(s) must relate to the research question posed.

6. Required References & Bibliography

Students should use their chosen style of academic referencing as soon as they start writing. That way they are less likely to forget to include a citation. It is also easier than trying to add references at a later stage. For more information on this, refer to the guidelines in the IB document Effective citing and referencing.

Writing the essay takes time but if students have used their Researcher's reflection space and reflection sessions in a meaningful way they should be well prepared to develop their arguments.

Extended Essay - Examples & Exemplars

Essays from May 2018 with IB marks and commentaries
Assessed Student Work & Commentary IB-provided. "Student sample extended essays, corresponding marks and comments from senior examiners are available for the following Diploma Programme disciplines. Please note that in light of not having authentic RPPFs to accompany these essays, they are marked against criteria A – D only, for a total of 28 possible marks. Following the first assessment session in 2018, exemplars will be refreshed with authentic sample material." more... less... Biology English Economics History Studies in language and literature Language acquisition Mathematics Psychology Visual arts World studies extended essay (WSEE)
Excellenet Extended Essays Concordian GoogleDoc
EngA1_Othello EE Othello 2018 From inThinking.net Click the link to see the score and evaluation.
Fifty (50) More Excellent Extended Essays DVD by International Baccalaureate Call Number: HS DVD 808.4 ISBN: 9781906345600 Publication Date: 2011 1 DVD-ROM (1:33 min.)

Past CIS Extended Essays

Available in the library behind the desk are file folders of past Extended Essays by Concordian students and IB EE Exemplars. Feel free to browse the papers which must be kept in the library.

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Last Updated: May 28, 2024 10:30 AM
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Extended Essay: Formatting your EE

Introduction.

Subject Guidance & Proposal Forms
8 Simple Steps to writing an Academic Essay... and Outlines!
Finding a Topic
Academic Sources of Information
Researcher's Spaces
Reflections
In-Text Citations (MLA9 & APA7)
In-Text Citations (Chicago)
Images and Screenshots
Graphs and Tables
Citations and Referencing - IB REQUIREMENTS
Formatting your EE
IB Resources for Students
Ms Sally's Presentations

PLEASE NOTE

All final submissions must be made in pdf format to these 4 places:, google classroom, emailed to your supervisor, formal presentation basics.

All essays must follow this format:

Standard Margins (1-inch or 2.5 cm margins)
12-point, readable font (Arial is recommended)
Double-spaced
Page Numbers start on the Table of Contents
No Candidate or School name is to appear anywhere in the document
Title of the Essay
Research Question
Subject for which the Essay is registered
Category - If a Language A or B Essay
Theme & 2 Subjects utilized - If a World Studies Essay
Contents Page
annotated illustrations and tables
formulas and calculations
parenthetical or numbered
footnotes or endnotes
Bibliography
The RPPF Form
The Research and Writing Process: Word Counts
The Research and Writing Process: Footnotes and Endnotes

Labelled "Table of Contents" in 12-point, readable font (Arial is recommended)
Headings and subheadings within the body of the essay may be included

References and Bibliography

Topic, purpose and focus of the research clearly identified and explained
Research Question bolded within the introduction and phrased as on the title page
Methodology of research and insight into the line of argument

Body of the Essay

The body of the essay must:

Examiners will not read appendices, endnotes or footnotes, so all essential elements to your argument must be included in the body of the essay
Include headings and sub-headings as appropriate to the subject

Your conclusion must be:

A Summative conclusion based on the information presented in the body of the essay
A Conclusion linked directly to the research question
Notes of limitations and unresolved questions (as appropriate) can be included

Your References and Bibliography must follow this format:

Cross-referenced: each reference in the essay is ticked off in the bibliography to ensure all references are included and no extraneous references exist
All tables, charts, diagrams, illustrations etc. must be clearly labelled and referenced in the body of the essay
References are presented alphabetically
Use hanging indents for all entries
Include Date Accessed or Retrieved for websites (as outlined on the IB Requirements page)
Remove all hyperlinks
The Research and Writing Process: Tables
The Research and Writing Process: Illustrations

Appendices should only be used if required by the subject discipline:

Appendices titled
Headings labeled
Included in the Table of Contents
Reliance on external resources such as DVDs, music, specimen materials etc. is not permitted
The Research and Writing Process: Reliance on External Materials
The Research and Writing Process: Specimen Materials
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Last Updated: Aug 9, 2024 10:49 AM
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Extended Essay Resources: Paper Formatting

Research Video Tutorials
In-text Citations
Plagiarism VS. Documentation
Primary Sources
Subject Resources
Cite Your Sources This link opens in a new window
Evaluate Your Sources This link opens in a new window
Supervisor Resources
Note Taking Templates
Paper Formatting
October EE orientation presentation
Extended Essay calendar
Submit your topic selection

How to format the EE

To help achieve this, the following formatting is suggested.

Arial 12 or Times New Roman 12
Double-spaced
page numbering
no candidate, supervisor, or school name on the title page, page headers, appendices or acknowledgment pages
the file size must not be more than 10 MB. (Note that the RPPF is uploaded separately and is not part of the overall file size of the essay.)

What's on the Title Page?

The title page should include the:

title of the essay
research question
if it is a language essay also state which category it falls into;
if a world studies essay also state the theme and the two subjects utilized)
word count.

DO NOT include any personal information like your name, the name of the school, or your candidate number. The IB wants each EE to be anonymous and assessed without bias.

Images and Illustrations

From the mla style guide at purdue, labels, captions, and source information.

Illustrations appear directly embedded in the document. Each illustration must include a label, a number, a caption and/or source information.

The illustration label and number should always appear in two places: the document main text (e.g. see fig. 1 ) and near the illustration itself ( Fig. 1 ).
Captions provide titles or explanatory notes (e.g., Van Gogh’s The Starry Night)
Source information documentation will always depend upon the medium of the source illustration. If you provide source information with all of your illustrations, you do not need to provide this information on the Works Cited page.
All visuals/illustrations that are not tables or musical score examples (e.g. maps, diagrams, charts, videos, podcasts, etc.) are labeled Figure or Fig.
Refer to the figure in-text and provide an Arabic numeral that corresponds to the figure. Do not capitalize figure or fig .
MLA does not specify alignment requirements for figures; thus, these images may be embedded as the reader sees fit. However, continue to follow basic MLA Style formatting (e.g. one-inch margins).
Below the figure, provide a label name and its corresponding arabic numeral (no bold or italics), followed by a period (e.g. Fig. 1.). Here, Figure and Fig . are capitalized.
Beginning with the same line as the label and number, provide a title and/or caption as well as relevant source information in note form (see instructions and examples above). If you provide source information with your illustrations, you do not need to provide this information on the Works Cited page.
If full citation information is provided in the caption, use the same formatting as you would for your Works Cited page. However, names should be listed in first name last name format.

Figure Example

In-text reference:

Some readers found Harry’s final battle with Voldemort a disappointment, and recently, the podcast, MuggleCast debated the subject (see fig. 2).

Figure caption (below an embedded podcast file for a document to be viewed electronically):

Fig. 2. Harry Potter and Voldemort final battle debate from Andrew Sims et al.; “Show 166”; MuggleCast ; MuggleNet.com, 19 Dec. 2008, www.mugglenet.com/2015/11/the-snape-debate-rowling-speaks-out.

Appendices are not an essential part of the extended essay and examiners will not read them, or use any information contained within them, in the assessment of the essay. Students must take care to ensure that all information with direct relevance to the analysis, discussion and evaluation of their essay is contained in the main body of it. Appendices should therefore be avoided except in the following instances:

an exemplar of a questionnaire or interview questions
an exemplar of permission letters
group 1, category 1 essays: copies of poems or short stories (of less than three pages)
group 1, category 3 essays: excerpts from newspapers, advertisements and transcripts of speeches
language acquisition, category 1 and 2: excerpts from newspapers, advertisements, transcripts of speeches, etc
language acquisition, category 3: excerpts or copies of poems or short stories (less than 3 pages)
an external mentor letter, where one has been used
raw data or statistical tables for experimental sciences (this should not include any analysis or conclusions).

Students should not continually refer to material presented in an appendix as this may disrupt the continuity of the essay and examiners are not required to refer to them.

The upper limit is 4,000 words for all extended essays.

Please refer to the following guidance on what content should be included in the word count.


The introduction	The contents page
The main body	Maps, charts, diagrams, annotated illustrations
The conclusion	Tables
Quotations	Equations, formulas and calculations
Footnotes and/or endnotes that are not references	Citations/references (whether parenthetical, numbered, footnotes or endnotes)
	The bibliography
	The
	Headers

Please refer to the document entitled Assessment principles and practices—Quality assessments in a digital age for further clarification of word count requirements.

A note for students writing in Chinese, Korean and Japanese:

Students writing their extended essay in Japanese, Korean or Chinese should use the following conversions.

Japanese: 1 word = approximately 2 Japanese characters (upper limit 8,000 characters)
Korean: 1 word = 1 Korean character (upper limit 4,000 characters)
Chinese: 1 word = approximately 1.2 Chinese characters (upper limit 4,800 characters)

When typing in Chinese, Korean or Japanese word processing software is likely to include the number of characters and punctuation in the word count. Students are asked to not include punctuation in the word count for assessed work. The word count should only take into account the number of characters typed.

A note about acknowledgments and dedications:

An acknowledgment/dedications page may be included in the EE if this is important to the student, but it must contain no “identifiers”, for example, people should not be detailed in any way that makes the student’s school identifiable. An acknowledgment/dedications page is not a formal requirement of the EE, so it does not contribute to either the word count or assessment.

Header and Footnotes

Students may wish to use the header function for their research question, so that it appears on each page. This may help retain focus.

Footnotes and endnotes

Footnotes and endnotes may be used for referencing purposes and if this is the case will not be included in the word count of the essay. If information is contained in a footnote or endnote and is not a reference, this must be included in the word count. In order to avoid confusion and unwittingly exceed the word limit, students are advised to avoid using footnotes or endnotes other than for referencing purposes unless it is appropriate.

One appropriate use of footnotes is for the placement of the original quotation (where the original quotation is in a language other than the language of registration). This use of footnotes would not need to be included in the word count.

As footnotes and endnotes are not an essential part of the extended essay students must take care to ensure that all information with direct relevance to the analysis, discussion and evaluation of their essay is contained in the main body of it.

An essay that attempts to evade the word limit by including important material in footnotes or endnotes will be compromised across the assessment criteria. Please note that footnotes and endnotes are added to the word count as they are encountered.

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Last Updated: Aug 26, 2024 8:44 AM
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Extended Essay : Format of the EE

Getting Started
Writing a Research Question
Research Tools
Research Skills
Academic Integrity
MLA Citations
APA Citations
Noodletools
Outline Examples

Format of the EE

Required Formatting

To help achieve this, the following formatting is required:

12-point, readable font (Calibri or Times New Roman);
double spacing throughout entire Essay;
page numbering - top right corner;
no candidate or school name or supervisor 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.

Required Structure

The structure of the essay is very important. It helps students to organize the argument, making the best use of the evidence collected.

Six required elements of the extended essay:

Contents page
Introduction
Body of the essay
References and bibliography -- title of this page for MLA is "Works Cited"

1. Required Title Page

The title page should include only the following information:

the title of the essay
the research question
the subject the essay is registered in (if it is a language essay also state which category it falls into; if a world studies essay also state the theme and the two subjects utilized)

The upper limit is 4,000 words for all extended essays.

Please note: Examiners are instructed not to read or assess any material in excess of the word limit. This means that essays containing more than 4,000 words will be compromised across all assessment criteria. Given the holistic nature of the assessment criteria, students who write in excess of the word limit will self-penalize across all criteria.

2. Required Contents Page

3. Required Introduction

While students should have a sense of the direction and key focus of their essay, it is sometimes advisable to finalize the introduction once the body of the essay is complete.

4. Required Body of the Essay (research, analysis, discussion, and evaluation)

5. Required Conclusion

6. Required References & Bibliography

Writing the essay takes time but if students have used their Researcher's reflection space and reflection sessions in a meaningful way they should be well prepared to develop their arguments.

SOURCE: IBO The Research and Writing Process

IB-provided authentic examples of student extended essays in a broad range of subjects. These examples come with their respective RPPFs and examiner’s commentaries. Examples provided for the sciences and geography include essays researched and written using secondary data; these may be useful resources for students who have reduced access to laboratories or are unable to undertake fieldwork.

Studies in language and literature
Language acquisition
Business management
Environmental systems and societies
Global politics
Information technology in a global society
Social and cultural anthropology
World religions
Computer science
Design technology
Sports, exercise and health science
Mathematics
Literature and performance
Visual arts
World studies

Source: IBO Student Assessed Work

Assessment Criteria

Criterion A - Focus and Method
Criterion B - Knowledge and Understanding
Criterion C - Critical Thinking
Criterion D - Presentation
Criterion E - Engagement

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Last Updated: Aug 22, 2024 12:43 PM
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Extended Essay Guide: Criteria, Format, Sample EEs

Criteria, Format, Sample EEs
Extended Essay: Skills for Success
Research & Writing / Research Question / Skills for Success
DP Research Process
Databases & Academic Journals
Research Articles & Literature Review Articles
Web Searching Tips
Evaluate Sources & "Fake News"
Academic Integrity
MLA 8 In-text Citations, Works Cited, EasyBib
CSE Citation Format (for science & mathematics)

The Assessment Criteria in Brief!

The Assessment Crtiteria in Detail!

Criterion A: Focus and method
Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding
Criterion C: Critical Thinking
Criterion D: Presentation
Criterion E: Engagement
Criterion C: Critical thinking

Format of the Extended Essay

Required Formatting

To help achieve this, the following formatting is required:

12-point, readable font (Calibri or Times New Roman);
double spacing throughout entire Essay;
page numbering - top right corner;
no candidate or school name or supervisor 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.

Required S tructure

The structure of the essay is very important. It helps students to organize the argument, making the best use of the evidence collected.

Six required elements of the extended essay:

Contents page
Introduction
Body of the essay
References and bibliography -- if MLA "Works Cited" if CSE "References"

1. Required Title Page

The title page should include only the following information:

the title of the essay
the research question
the subject the essay is registered in (if it is a language essay also state which category it falls into; if a world studies essay also state the theme and the two subjects utilized)

The upper limit is 4,000 words for all extended essays.

2. Required Contents Page

3. Required Introduction

While students should have a sense of the direction and key focus of their essay, it is sometimes advisable to finalize the introduction once the body of the essay is complete.

4. Required Body of the Essay (research, analysis, discussion, and evaluation)

5. Required Conclusion

6. Required References & Bibliography

Writing the essay takes time but if students have used their Researcher's reflection space and reflection sessions in a meaningful way they should be well prepared to develop their arguments.

Extended Essay - Examples & Exemplars

Assessed Student Work & Commentary IB-provided. "Student sample extended essays, corresponding marks and comments from senior examiners are available for the following Diploma Programme disciplines. Please note that in light of not having authentic RPPFs to accompany these essays, they are marked against criteria A – D only, for a total of 28 possible marks. Following the first assessment session in 2018, exemplars will be refreshed with authentic sample material." more... less... Biology English Economics History Studies in language and literature Language acquisition Mathematics Psychology Visual arts World studies extended essay (WSEE)
Excellenet Extended Essays Concordian GoogleDoc
Fifty (50) More Excellent Extended Essays DVD by International Baccalaureate Call Number: HS DVD 808.4 ISBN: 9781906345600 Publication Date: 2011 1 DVD-ROM (1:33 min.)
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Last Updated: Dec 15, 2020 9:14 AM
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Extended Essay

The Extended Essay
EE Inquiry Process
Extended Essay Guide
Sample EE's
Finding Sources
Academic Honesty - Citing Sources
Formatting the EE
Extended Essay Template Download this template. Save the document to your desktop. Upload it to your SD42 Office 365. Get the sharing link (People in SD42 with the link) and paste the link into ManageBac.

For future reference - Videos showing how to set up a paper.

Follow the steps in this video to set up your paper in APA Style . Once your paper is set up, you can write your content. Note 1 : For all IB documents, use Arial 11 or 12 font . Note 2: Use Heading 2 for level 2 subtitles - this was not demonstrated in the video.

Setting up your Word document in MLA Format Follow the steps in this video to set up your paper in MLA Style . Once your paper is set up, you can write your content. Note 1 : For all IB documents, use Arial 11 or 12 font . Note 2 : To enter headings that will automatically create a Table of Contents, see the APA video above.

Note : You can use Google Docs for your EE. Watch the video(s) above and create the same features in your Google Doc.

Writing Research Papers - Format and Style This guide provides guidelines on how to prepare, write and present a research paper.
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Last Updated: Nov 18, 2022 9:14 AM
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Garibaldi Secondary School, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada

Gr. 11-12 Extended Essay

Reflections
Choose a Subject
Choose a Topic
Draft a Research Question
Develop Your Search Strategy
Computer Science
Visual Arts
World Studies
Introduction

Formatting Your Essay

Example: title page, table of contents, page numbers, font use & spacing.

Academic Integrity
Common Questions
For Supervisors
EE Examples

Remember that the Extended Essay is a formal piece of academic writing. This means that you need to present your essay using the agreed-upon conventions of independently written research papers.

The IB discusses a set of aspects that must be included as part of your Extended Essay:

Table of contents
Page numbers
Font use & spacing
Referencing (citations and bibliography)
Title (optional)
Research question
DO NOT INCLUDE

You can include a brief heading that provides a clear, focused summative statement of your research, but this is optional .

For example:

Research question : In what ways does Jane Austen express her attitudes to the themes of love and marriage inherent in her work Pride and Prejudice ?

Title : Austen's Attitudes to Marriage in Pride and Prejudice

You must include your research question on the title page.

Ensure that your RQ is the same question that appears in other sections of your essay (i.e., the introduction and conclusion). Double check that the spelling is correct and grammatically accurate (and that it ends with a question mark).

Specify the subject to which your essay belongs, as well as the category (if necessary).

If it is a language essay it should also state which category it falls into.

SUBJECT: English A, Category 3

If it is a world studies essay it should also state the theme and the two subjects utilized.

SUBJECT: World Studies, Equality and Inequality, History and Economics

Include the exact number of words in your essay on the title page.

Remember that the upper word count limit is 4,000 words . Examiners are instructed not to read or assess any material in excess of the word limit, so essays over 4,000 words will be compromised across all assessment criteria.

Included in the word count	Not Included in the word count
as part of the word count)

Use this site to estimate word count:

Do not include the following items on your title page, or any other section of the essay (like headers and footers).

Your school's name
Your candidate number
Any other information that could identify you

Example of a properly formatted EE title page.

All Extended Essays must contain a table of contents placed after the cover page and before the introductory section of your essay.

The table of contents should include:

indented and numbered sub-chapters (or sub-sections) , if you have them
page numbers next to each section or chapter heading (placed on the far right of the page)

Example: Table of Contents

Ex. of a properly formatted EE table of contents.

Page numbers should be included on all pages of the Extended Essay.

You can write your page numbers in whichever format you choose (e.g., 1, 2, 3... or Page 1, Page 2, Page 3).
Put your page numbers at the bottom of your page (e.g., at the bottom right or centre)
Make sure that the page numbers referred to in your table of contents match those on the actual page.

The font size of your essay must be 12 pt and readable , and your essay should be double spaced .

Don't use cursive, floral, or cartoon fonts that would make the script difficult to read.
If you want to emphasize a word or heading, use bold (or capitalize your headings).
Times New Roman
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Last Updated: Jun 12, 2024 3:38 PM
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US IB Extended Essay: Home

Academic Writing
Researchers Reflective Space (RRS)
Research Questions
Databases & Web Resources (English & Spanish)
Bibliographies, References & Citations
Reflections
Subject Specific EE Resources

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!

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)

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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

Next: Academic Writing >>
Last Updated: Oct 16, 2023 4:40 PM
URL: https://asmadrid.libguides.com/IBExtendedEssay

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IB Study Resources

September 14, 2021

A Definitive Guide to the IB Extended Essay (EE)

The Extended Essay (EE) is an independent, self-directed academic research, presented in the form of a 4,000-word paper. One component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, the extended essay is mandatory for all students. The final work is given a grade from E to A, and makes up part of each student’s final IB score. These are our thoughts on how to do well in the EE:

Step 1: Choosing a Extended Essay (EE) topic

Choosing a good topic for your extended essay can make a huge difference on your final score. Firstly, you should always choose a topic that you are interested in! The writing process becomes much more engaging, and will also be good content you can write in your personal statement for your university applications.

Always be creative and original when choosing your research topic. Think about how you can make your research question and the way you communicate your academic research unique. In addition, if you wish to explore a multidisciplinary field , you could consider writing a World Studies extended essay . This research is analysed through at least two disciplines, encouraging students to apply their knowledge to a problem with global significance. For example, you may want to consider the effects of an electric vehicle subsidy on climate change. This is an exciting opportunity and provides a good insight to an interdisciplinary university degree such as PPE.

Step 2: Framing your research question

Once you know your extended essay subject, your next step is to choose a question. Often, questions will be framed as “To what extent does…”. Exploring multiple perspectives, and critically analysing each of these, are key to success. Therefore, try and shape your question so that more than one point of view can be explored.

Similarly, make sure your question is specific ! Having a focused question will guide your research and show that you can explore one area in detail. For example, here are 2 examples of Economics extended essay questions:

To what extent do smartphone companies compete with each other?
To what extent do Apple and Samsung operate in a duopoly in the global smartphone market?

The second research question is more focused, allowing for greater in-depth research into which areas they are competing over. You can use secondary data from both companies’ annual reports, competitor websites, and undertake primary research (such as through an Economic survey or personal interview) – Having a research question that allows you to explore a specific area critically will definitely help you to score highly.

Step 3: Meeting your supervisor to establish specific targets

We recommend meeting with your supervisor as early as possible to check whether your research question is appropriate. If it is, this is a great opportunity to explore potential avenues of research. For example, a Physics extended essay on the path of a bowling bowl may look to incorporate several different features, such as force, weight, and air resistance into a model. Whichever subject area you choose, your supervisor is usually your first port of call for any questions you have.

During the meeting, it will be good to establish a timeline for your extended essay. Although this may only be rough, this will give you deadlines to work towards (much like you will need to do for university essays). Similarly, setting specific targets for your next meeting, such as writing an introduction or doing your survey, will also give you definitive targets to meet. Make sure at the end of this meeting you have clear goals to achieve and by your next meeting.

Furthermore, make sure that you are keeping a record of all of your meetings with your extended essay supervisor. 6 of the 36 marks for the EE are from your Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF) where you reflect on the meetings you have had with your supervisor. These should show that you are engaged with your topic, so discuss the ideas you have considered in response to setbacks whilst writing your extended essay and make sure to use personal pronouns (I, my) to convey your engagement. Detail any changes you made to your research method and demonstrate how you have taken a creative approach to your topic, as these will highlight what you have done to stand out.

Step 4: Starting your EE research

Following the meeting with your supervisor, it is time to begin researching your topic! This does not have to be too detailed to begin with, and we recommend aiming to research enough to write an introduction to your essay. This introduction should outline the main themes you will explore and your line of argument. To reiterate, your main argument may change as your essay develops, so do not worry if it is not perfect when you begin.

Some useful sources of information are your school library or Jstor. Your school librarian may be able to suggest some good books or articles to start reading, whilst using academic sources like Jstor or Google scholar gives you access to a wide range of academic material. When reading books or journal articles, you do not have to read them cover to cover! In fact, you should only read the sections that are relevant to your topic, and reading the introduction and conclusion will often tell you whether a journal article is relevant.

When reading, consistently keep in mind your essay title as this will help you to focus your reading on key sections of texts. For instance, highlight the key sections of the texts to review later. Alternatively, you could make notes in a separate word document; such as Googledocs; or with pen and paper. It is useful to keep everything you do in the same format, however, so you can easily collate it.

Step 5: Writing the essay’s first draft

The most difficult part with the EE is getting the first draft down. Many students struggle o to write the perfect introduction and methodology, and get stuck for weeks in the process. Your introduction and first draft do not have to be perfect but should form the base of your essay moving forward. It is often good to form a plan from your research that contains the key elements of each paragraph. Once you are confident with this and have filled it in with more research, you can turn this into a fully operational first draft.

We recommend breaking down the writing stage into several paragraphs, setting yourself mini-goals to achieve. This will help you to move along faster and make the seemingly daunting task of a 4,000-word essay a lot simpler. Similarly, you should use the research you have to support your ideas. Your research might consist of facts to back up your analysis or other writers’ opinions that agree with your own. Furthermore, you can also use this research to explore multiple points of view, coming to a conclusion as to which one is most appropriate. However, save yourself time whilst doing this by including links to the original article, rather than full references, as it is likely you may change the content of your essay and the references you use as you progress.

Make sure you save your extended essay frequently and to an accessible platform such Dropbox or Google Drive so that if your computer were to crash your progress will be stored!

Step 6: Reviewing your first draft

Your aim when meeting with your supervisor this time is to look over your first draft to see which parts are excellent, which can be explored further and which need to be rethought. This can be split into a number of meetings; for example, I looked at my introduction, then at the 4 sections of my main body, and finally at my conclusion. This reshaped the goals that I had moving forward and gave me specific subsections to work on.

Whilst editing your first draft, do not be afraid to delete, reword or move some parts that you have written, as this will help you shape your extended essay into the finished article. You can, if needed, even slightly alter your question. I changed my question at the start of April, with a June deadline for my essay. However, changing my essay question did not leave me with a whole new essay to write, as I was able to use most of what I had already written, adapting it to focus on the new question. Whatever changes you have to make, they are all moving you towards a complete final version, so stay positive!

Step 7: Refining your Extended Essay

After your meeting, review the changes you have to make to your methodology and research process. You should consider whether you have critically investigated the variables in your RQ and whether it is backed up by a solid methodology. For instance, are there any counter arguments you have not considered? Does your research process flow? Always draw links to each paragraph, so that your essay has a logical flow from its introduction to its argument, counter arguments, responses, and conclusion.

When researching areas in more detail, make use of what you have learnt from your current research. For instance, look at the suggested reading or references in books that you have read or look at articles from the same journal. Furthermore, stay up to date with the news in case you can include new research in your extended essay.

When editing, it is useful to save a new copy of your extended essay (for example, EE draft 2) so that you can track any changes that you make. Also, if anything were to happen to your new copy, you always have the previous copy and notes from the meeting to re-do any changes. We recommend doing this on Googledocs whether changes are saved real-time on the servers so you don’t lose precious work if your computer crashes.

Step 8: Final Notes

Once you are done with your initial drafts, ensure that you have professional presentation, consistent formatting, and proper citations. Make sure that you have included page numbers and a bibliography (if required). Additionally, make the layout justified, font and size, as well as double spaced as per IB requirements. You have to include a cover page with a title, your research question, word count and subject. You also have to meet your supervisor the final time to fill out your viva voce (oral) section of the RPPF before the final submission.

Step 9: Final Submission

When submitting your extended essay, ensure that your name, candidate number and your school’s name are not on the document. This will ensure that your EE is marked fairly without prejudice. Your EE is electronically stamped and the IB can track who it belongs to, as is your RPPF.

We wish you the best of luck with your extended essay and hope you enjoy the process. If you would like help with your extended essay, please take a look at our courses or contact us for more information. We also offer IB tuition for various subjects and University applications mentoring and are more than happy to tailor our classes to your needs and requirements!

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Extended Essay : Presentation

Home - EE Overview
Educate Yourself (Key IB Documents)
Set up Research Reflection Space (RRS)
Research Questions
Databases & Research
Citation & Referencing This link opens in a new window

Introduction

Presentation
Assessment Criteria
Reflection RPPF
Supervisor Info
EE Session Presentations

Page Quick Links

Important, check with your subject supervisors as different subjects may have a content specific format , formatting your extended essay what should be on the title page, which format should i use to send to the ib ee presentation requirements, ee required elements extended essay formatting, sample title page sample works cited, ee draft checklist, formatting your extended essay.

Your extended essay is a formally written research paper and you should strive to present it as professionally as you can. See the boxes on the right for IB documents giving detailed requirements for presentation, required elements, and suggestions on formatting. See the box below for guidance on what should be on the title page.

Font and spacing

Use a readable 12-point font such as Arial and double spacing. You will be helping your examiners read and assess your essay on-screen.

Referencing and citations

The IB does not specify what referencing/citation format you should use. Whichever system you choose, make sure that you follow it consistently. Check, too, that it meets the minimum requirements for acknowledging both written and electronic sources expected by the IB. See the IB publication:

What should be on the Title Page?

The title page should include only the following information:

the title of the essay (required)
the research question (required)
the word count (required)
if it is a language essay it should also state which category it falls into
if it is a world studies essay it should also state the theme and the two subjects utilized

Distinguishing Between the Title and the Research Question

Your extended essay can have a title and a research question.

The title is a clear, focused summative statement of the research which gives the reader an indication of the research topic. It should not be phrased as a research question.
The research question indicates the specific topic of research and must be phrased as a question.

What should NOT be on the first page/title page of your EE?

The title page should NOT include only the following information:

your name
the school's name
your IB candidate number
any identifying pieces of information (on the title page, or any other section of the essay, such as headers or footers)

When work is uploaded, the IB tags each document with the student's digital profiles so personal details like your name, your school, and your candidate number are not required. Very important: to make sure that IB assessment is unbiased and fair, IB does not give your name to examiners, so there should be nothing that could identify you in the essay itself.

Source: Susan Trower - West Sound Academy and documents from the IBO

Which one would be better to send to the IB?

Compare and contrast: which would be better to send to IB?

Submitting a paper in the recommended format will set a serious tone. Take a look at the example text below formatted in two different fonts. Notice the difference in tone and mood—which format would be easier for the examiner to read, assess and comment on?

Example A (12 point, Arial, double-spaced)

The revenue received by the government will increase with the increasing prices if there is no significant change in demand. As it does not, the revenue will rise but not at a steady pace. The sales of used cars will increase the scope of the revenue of the government, as its demand will rise as a result of the rise in COE prices of relatively new cars. However, its full impact cannot be determined as its supply fluctuates in different time periods as the government predefines the number of quotas released every six months in a year.

Example B (9 point, Comic Sans, single-spaced)

EE Presentation Requirements

Ee required elements.

Six required elements of the extended essay (IB Guide 2018):

Contents page

Body of the essay

References and bibliography

Formal Elements

Do NOT put your name / candidate number / or school anywhere on EE

Cover page should have these four items centered:

-Subject and Category (where applicable)

- Research Question

- Word count at bottom

See example below on this page.

Other required formatting guidelines: - Times New Roman font size 12

- Page number top right-hand corner (Do NOT write "p." or "page" or "pp" - just the number)

- 1" margins (2.54 centimeters)

- Double-spaced (no additional spacing between paragraphs)

- When labeling tables and figures, simply write "Table 1" or "Figure 2", capital letter, no abbreviations, no bold

- 10MB max upload size

- File type: Word or PDF

Source: International School of Manila Libguides

Extended Essay Formatting Tips

Sample title page.

Subject (& Category)

English, Category 3

Research Question

How has the language used in sea shanties shaped the way we think about British pirates from the 1700s?

Sample Works Cited MLA Format

Works Cited

The Depression Project. "How To Prevent An Anxiety Attack!" Facebook , www.facebook.com/RealDepressionProject/videos/how-to-prevent-an-anxiety-attack/2290216994535513/.

Elliot, Walter. "Walter Elliot Quotes." Brainy Quotes , www.brainyquote.com/quotes/walter_elliot_190719. Accessed 11 Oct. 2022.

Holiday, Ryan. "Enchiridion (Epictetus): Book Summary, Key Lessons and Best Quotes." The Daily Stoic , 2021, dailystoic.com/enchiridion-epictetus/. Accessed 12 Oct. 2022.

The Week Staff. "Our Plastic Ocean." The Week , 23 July 2018, theweek.com/articles/785709/plastic-oceans. Accessed 13 Oct. 2022.

"What is Common Knowledge?" Academic integrity at MIT: A student handbook , integrity.mit.edu/handbook/citing-your-sources/what-common-knowledge#:~:text=This%20includes%3A,race%20to%20be%20elected%20president. Accessed 13 Oct. 2022.

EE Final Checklist

Attribution

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Extended Essay: Structure of the Extended Essay

Before You Start
Business Management
Language and Literature
Visual Arts
World Studies
Developing a Research Question
Structure of the Extended Essay
Writing the Essay
Citations/Sources/Academic Honesty
Timelines and Materials
Example Research Questions
Supervisors

Elements To Be Included

Table of Contents
Introduction
Body of the essay
References/Bibliography

Not sure yet but something should be here

The Extended Essay Step by Step Guide 5: Structure and Planning When it comes to writing a brilliant first draft of your Extended Essay, or any essay, I fully believe that a solid structure is one of the surest guarantees of success there is. It's the skeleton of the essay that makes it into a fully formed being instead of a pile of jelly.

What's the Difference Between the Topic, Title, and Research Question?

The topic of the extended essay is the subject, issue or theme that you are investigating within a specific DP subject or world studies area of study. The topic, which develops during the initial thinking about the EE, should later be reflected in the wording of the title.
be short, descriptive and succinct
not be phrased as a question
use key words that connect with the topic and the DP subject or world studies area of study
attract the interest of the reader.
be clear and focused
provide a path through which you can undertake achievable research
use key words that connect with the topic, the title, and the DP subject or world studies area of study
support the development of an argument.

Presentation Requirements

Title Page (i tems that should be included in the title page):

Title of the essay
Research question
Subject for which the essay is registered (and category if necessary)

Times New Roman 12 pt. font

Double spaced

Pages numbered after the title page

Bibliography/work cited

Table of contents

No more than 4000 words

Assessment of the EE - Advice for Students

Use this list to help you think about the assessment criteria and whether you have addressed the expectations within your essay. You do not need to address all of the questions posed, but they do provide some guidance in terms of what to consider.

Criterion A: Focus and Method

What It Means: This criterion focuses on the topic, the research question and the methodology. It assesses the explanation of the focus of the research (this includes the topic and the research question), how the research will be undertaken, and how the focus is maintained throughout the essay.

Questions to ask:

• Does this essay meet the requirements for the subject for which you are registering it? • Is your research question stated as a question?

• Have you explained how your research question relates to the subject that you selected for the extended essay?

• Have you given an insight into why your area of study is important?

• Is your research question feasible within the scope of the task? Could your research question be “answered” or it is too vague?

• Did you refer to your research question throughout the essay (not only in the introduction and conclusion)? • Did you explain why you selected your methodology?

• Are there other possible methods that could be used or applied to answer your research question? How might this change the direction of your research?

• If you stated a particular methodology in the introduction of your essay, or specific sources, have you used them?

• Are there any references listed in the bibliography that were not directly cited in the text?

Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding

What It Means: This criterion assesses the extent to which the research relates to the subject area/discipline used to explore the research question; or in the case of the world studies extended essay, the issue addressed and the two disciplinary perspectives applied; and additionally, the way in which this knowledge and understanding is demonstrated through the use of appropriate terminology and concepts.

• Have you explained how your research question relates to a specific subject you selected for the extended essay?

• Have you used relevant terminology and concepts throughout your essay as they relate to your particular area of research?

• Is it clear that the sources you are using are relevant and appropriate to your research question?

• Do you have a range of sources, or have you only relied on one particular type, for example internet sources?

• Is there a reason why you might not have a range? Is this justified?

Criterion C: Critical Thinking

What It Means: This criterion assesses the extent to which critical thinking skills have been used to analyze and evaluate the research undertaken.

• Have you made links between your results and data collected and your research question?

• If you included data or information that is not directly related to your research question have you explained its importance?

• Are your conclusions supported by your data?

• If you found unexpected information or data have you discussed its importance?

• Have you provided a critical evaluation of the methods you selected?

• Have you considered the reliability of your sources (peer-reviewed journals, internet, and so on)?

• Have you mentioned and evaluated the significance of possible errors that may have occurred in your research?

• Are all your suggestions of errors or improvements relevant?

• Have you evaluated your research question?

• Have you compared your results or findings with any other sources?

• Is there an argument that is clear and easy to follow and directly linked to answering your research question, and which is supported by evidence? Are there other possible methods that could be used or applied to answer your research question? How might this change the direction of your research?

Criterion D: Presentation

What It Means: This criterion assesses the extent to which the presentation follows the standard format expected for academic writing and the extent to which this aids effective communication.

• Have you read and understood the presentation requirements of the extended essay?

• Have you chosen a font that will be easy for examiners to read onscreen?

• Is your essay double-spaced and size 12 font? • Are the title and research question mentioned on the cover page?

• Are all pages numbered?

• Have you prepared a correct table of contents?

• Do the page numbers in the table of contents match the page numbers in the text?

• Is your essay subdivided into correct sub-sections, if this is applicable to the subject?

• Are all figures and tables properly numbered and labelled?

• Does your bibliography contain only the sources cited in the text?

• Did you use the same reference system throughout the essay?

• Does the essay have less than 4,000 words?

• Is all the material presented in the appendices relevant and necessary?

• Have you proofread the text for spelling or grammar errors?

Criterion E: Engagement

What It Means: This criterion assesses the student’s engagement with their research focus and the research process. It will be applied by the examiner at the end of the assessment of the essay, after considering the student’s RPPF (Reflections on planning and progress form).

• Have you demonstrated your engagement with your research topic and the research process?

• Have you highlighted challenges you faced and how you overcame them?

• Will the examiner get a sense of your intellectual and skills development?

• Will the examiner get a sense of your creativity and intellectual initiative?

• Will the examiner get a sense of how you responded to actions and ideas in the research process?

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Next: Writing the Essay >>
Last Updated: Nov 18, 2020 8:01 AM
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Extended Essay: Presentation Requirements

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

How to Format the Extended Essay

Dollar sign in snake font - Britannica ImageQuest

Font and spacing

Use a readable 12-point font and double spacing. You will be helping your examiners read and assess your essay on-screen.

Referencing and citations

What Should Be on the Title Page?

St. Louis, Missouri; November, 1948, President Harry Truman - Britannica ImageQuest

The title page should include only the following information:

the title of the essay (optional)
the research question (required)
the word count (required)
if it is a language essay it should also state which category it falls into
if it is a world studies essay it should also state the theme and the two subjects utilized

Distinguishing Between the Title and the Research Question

Your extended essay can have a title and a research question. The research question is required on the cover page, while the title is optional.

The title is a clear, focused summative statement of the research which gives the reader an indication of the research topic. It should not be phrased as a research question.
The research question indicates the specific topic of research and must be phrased as a question.

What should NOT be on the first page/title page of your EE?

The title page should NOT include only the following information:

the school's name
your IB candidate number
any identifying pieces of information (on the title page, or any other section of the essay, such as headers or footers)

Which Would Be Better to Send to IB?

Compare and contrast: which would be better to send to IB?

Submitting a paper in the recommended format will set a serious tone. Take a look at the example text below formatted in two drastically different fonts. Notice the difference in tone and mood—which format would be easier for the examiner to read, assess and comment on?

Example A (12 point, Arial, double-spaced)

The revenue received by the government will increase with the increasing prices if there is no significant change in demand. As it does not,

the revenue will rise but not at a steady pace. The sales of used cars will increase the scope of the revenue of the government, as its

demand will rise as a result of the rise in COE prices of relatively new cars. However, its full impact cannot be determined as its supply

fluctuates in different time periods as the government predefines the number of quotas released every six months in a year.

Example B (9 point, Comic Sans, single-spaced)

Presentation Requirements of the EE

Required Elements of the Extended Essay

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Next: Reflection >>
Last Updated: Sep 3, 2024 10:01 AM
URL: https://libguides.westsoundacademy.org/ee

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The Complete IB Extended Essay Guide: Examples, Topics, and Ideas

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 .

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.

We'll help you learn how to have those "lightbulb" moments...even on test day!

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 the second draft of your 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 pages 102-103 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.


30-34	Excellent: A
25-29	Good: B
17-24	Satisfactory: C
9-16	Mediocre: D
0-8	Elementary: E

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


A	10.1%
B	24.4%
C	40.8%
D	22.5%
E	1.4%
N (No Grade Awarded)	0.7%

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.

Business Management 1
Chemistry 1
Chemistry 2
Chemistry 3
Chemistry 4
Chemistry 5
Chemistry 6
Chemistry 7
Computer Science 1
Economics 1
Design Technology 1
Design Technology 2
Environmental Systems and Societies 1
Geography 1
Geography 2
Geography 3
Geography 4
Geography 5
Geography 6
Literature and Performance 1
Mathematics 1
Mathematics 2
Mathematics 3
Mathematics 4
Mathematics 5
Philosophy 1
Philosophy 2
Philosophy 3
Philosophy 4
Philosophy 5
Psychology 1
Psychology 2
Psychology 3
Psychology 4
Psychology 5
Social and Cultural Anthropology 1
Social and Cultural Anthropology 2
Social and Cultural Anthropology 3
Sports, Exercise and Health Science 1
Sports, Exercise and Health Science 2
Visual Arts 1
Visual Arts 2
Visual Arts 3
Visual Arts 4
Visual Arts 5
World Religion 1
World Religion 2
World Religion 3

What's Next?

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Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download them for free now:

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Extended Essay: Criteria D - Check your Formatting

Introduction to the EE
Step 1 - Choose a subject
World Studies
Step 3 - The Researchers Reflection Space
Identify Sources
Tools for Note Taking
Video Guides
Step 5 - Creating Research Questions
Step 6 - Outlines and Plans
Step 7 - Citing
Criteria E - 3 Reflections
Know Your Criteria
Criteria D - Check your Formatting
4000 words final hand in

Why it is important

Criteria D is giveaway marks time - You get 4 marks for just formatting and citing properly. Do not lose any of these marks for simple errors.

Recommended Template

Recommendation for Criteria D - If you want to get full marks on Criteria D you should use this fantastic template provided by Sammy Strozo....

No Abstract required

PLEASE NOTE

7 years ago the syllabus changed. You must not put an abstract in your Extended Essay. If you do you will lose many marks.

a) because it will show your lack of engagement

b) it will use up 300 words at the beginning of the essay. Therefore your conclusion will not be read.

Use only the latest criteria!!! DO NOT WRITE AN ABSTRACT

There are a number of checklists that you can use to ensure that you max out for Criteria D.

1) This is one that I recommend and is in a google doc format - the checklist.

2) The one below (which you can download here as a pdf ) is taken from the excellent EE course companion by Kota Lekanides that is found in all of your AG classes.

There is also a fantastic check list in the book that you have in your AG classes. It is Simply called Extended Essay by Paul Hoang.

What you need to do

Required Formatting

To help achieve this, the following formatting is required:

12-point, readable font (Calibri or Times New Roman);
double spacing throughout entire Essay;
page numbering - top right corner;
no candidate or school name or supervisor name on the title page or page headers.

Required S tructure

The structure of the essay is very important. It helps students to organize the argument, making the best use of the evidence collected.

Six required elements of the extended essay:

Contents page
Introduction
Body of the essay
References and bibliography -- if MLA "Works Cited" if CSE "References"

1. Required Title Page

The title page should include only the following information:

the title of the essay
the research question
the subject the essay is registered in (if it is a language essay also state which category it falls into; if a world studies essay also state the theme and the two subjects utilized)

The upper limit is 4,000 words for all extended essays.

Note for Chinese/ Korean/ Japanese Essays - Clarification of word counts in Chinese for EEs. When typing in Chinese, word-processing software is likely to include the number of characters along with punctuation. Teachers and students are asked not to include punctuation in the word count for assessed work. The word count should only take into account the number of characters typed. (IBO Feb 2023)

Students writing their extended essay in Japanese, Korean or Chinese should use the following conversions.

Japanese: 1 word = approximately 2 Japanese characters (upper limit 8,000 characters)
Korean: 1 word = 1 Korean character (upper limit 4,000 characters)
Chinese: 1 word = approximately 1.2 Chinese characters (upper limit 4,800 characters)

source: ibo.org

2. Required Contents Page

3. Required Introduction

While students should have a sense of the direction and key focus of their essay, it is sometimes advisable to finalize the introduction once the body of the essay is complete.

4. Required Body of the Essay (research, analysis, discussion, and evaluation)

5. Required Conclusion

6. Required References & Bibliography

Writing the essay takes time but if students have used their Researcher's reflection space and reflection sessions in a meaningful way they should be well prepared to develop their arguments.

source: concordian-Thailand

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Last Updated: Aug 18, 2024 5:40 PM
URL: https://cis.libguides.com/extendedessay

Support Sites

Extended Essay Support Site

Presentation.

4 of the 34 marks for the Extended Essay are for Criterion D: Presentation. The IB does not provide a checklist to remind you to include page numbers, captions and correct citations. Instead Criterion D asks:

To what extent does the structure of the essay lend itself to the topic, subject and argument?
To what extent is the layout correct?
To what extent do the structure and layout support the reading, understanding and evaluation of the essay?

The first bullet point is arguably the most difficult and is inextricably related to Criterion C: Critical thinking. However, there is no reason why you should lose marks for the second two bullet points on layout. Here is a checklist that you can use to determine if your essay is ready to submit:

EE checklist

Have you checked your word count (under 4000 words, after you have excluded words which are not counted towards the word count)?

Have you numbered tables and figures/illustrations, i.e. Fig.1, Table 1?

Does each table, figure or illustration have a caption or label?

For tables, illustrations and figures that are not based on your own work, have you included citations or full references?

Are tables, illustrations and figures mentioned in the text, using a numbered reference?

Do all in-text citations refer to a source in the bibliography or works cited section?

Is your list of works cited / references / bibliography in alphabetical order?

In your bibliography / works cited, are your sources formatted according to the requirements of your style guide (APA, Chicago, MLA)?

Are your pages numbered?

Does your table of contents include section headings and page numbers?

Are quotations clearly indicated by quotation marks or indented blocks?

Are appendices titled, referenced in the text and listed in the table of context?

Have you used a readable, conventional font? Have you double spaced your lines and used standard margins?

Does your title page include both your title and research question ? (Note: do not include your name, candidate number or school name or number on the title pages)

Do your introduction and conclusion answer the research question ? Does the answer to your research question follow logically from your arguments, evidence and findings?

Does the structure of your essay lend itself well to your topic, question and research?

How well does your essay structure lend itself to your argument? See the subject-specific interpretations of the assessment criteria in the EE Guide on the Programme Resource Centre under MyIB. There you can find advice on how to use headings and structures that are appropriate for your subject.

Extended Essay

A Step-by-Step Guide For Writing an Extended Essay

13 min read

Published on: May 3, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

What is an Extended Essay?

The Extended Essay (EE) is a research-based academic paper that is a core component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program.

It is an independent, self-directed piece of research. The maximum extended essay word count is 4,000 words. In simple terms, you can think of an extended essay as a "mini-thesis." Both involve in-depth research and a detailed exploration of a specific topic.

Purpose of an Extended Essay

The purpose of the extended essay is to provide students with an opportunity to:

Engage in independent research
Develop advanced research and writing skills
Deepen their understanding of a chosen topic
Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of a specific subject area
Prepare for university-level research

Importance of Extended Essay

The extended essay is an essential component of the IB Diploma Programme and for a good reason. Here are some of the reasons why the extended essay is so important:

Develop research and writing skills: The extended essay IB requires students to engage in independent research and develop advanced research skills.
Fosters critical thinking: The extended essay encourages students to think critically and analyze information independently, which is a valuable skill for both academic and personal success.
Deepens subject knowledge: The extended essay allows students to deepen their understanding of a specific subject area and pursue their academic interests in greater depth.
Prepares for university-level research: The skills and knowledge developed through the extended essay are invaluable for university-level research and academic success.
Impacts university admissions: The extended essay is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their academic potential and passion for a subject area, which can impact university admissions decisions.

Choosing a Topic

The first step is choosing a topic for your extended essay. Here are some tips to help you choose a topic that's right for you:

Understanding the Criteria

Before you choose a topic, it's important to understand the criteria that your essay will be assessed against. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the research question, the subject area, and the assessment criteria.

Brainstorming Techniques

Brainstorming is a great way to generate ideas and narrow down your topic options. Here are some brainstorming techniques to help you get started:

Mind maps: Draw a circle in the middle of a piece of paper with your main topic idea, then draw lines out from the circle with related subtopics and ideas.
Freewriting: Write down everything that comes to mind about your topic for a set amount of time, without worrying about grammar or structure.
Listing: Make a list of all the topics that interest you or that you have knowledge in, then narrow down the list by eliminating topics that are too broad or too narrow. Check out our extended essay topics blog for detailed ideas.

Choosing a Topic That You Enjoy

Choosing a topic that you enjoy is crucial for your success in the Extended Essay. Here are some tips to help you choose a topic that you'll enjoy researching and writing about:

Consider your passions: Choose a topic that you're passionate about, whether it's a particular subject area or a specific research question. Look for inspiration: Read books, articles, and other sources to find inspiration and ideas for your topic. Talk to your teachers: Your teachers can offer guidance and support in choosing a topic that's appropriate for the subject area and meets the assessment criteria.

Choose a Topic that Falls into 6 Approved DP Categories

You must ensure that your research topic fits into one of the six designated IB subject groups, also known as DP categories. These categories include the following:

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

So when selecting your research topic, it's important to make sure it aligns with one of these groups to ensure it meets the requirements of the IB program.

Research and Writing Process

Once you've chosen your topic for the extended essay, it's time to begin the research and writing process.

Here are some tips to help you navigate this stage:

Conducting Research

Here are a few steps to conduct appropriate research for your next essay!

1. Choosing Sources Choosing credible and reliable sources is crucial for the success of your extended essay. To choose sources, consider the following:

Appropriate sources: Make sure to choose sources that are appropriate for the subject area and research question.
Reputable sources: Ensure that the sources you use are up-to-date, relevant, and reputable. Some common sources include academic journals, books, and reputable websites.
Balance: Strive to include a variety of sources to ensure a balanced approach to your research.

2. Taking Effective Notes Effective note-taking will help you organize your ideas and write your essay. Here are some tips for taking effective notes:

Use a system: Choose a note-taking system that works for you, whether it's outlining, summarizing, or highlighting.
Keep track of sources: Record the sources you use, including author, title, and publication information, to make referencing easier.
Analyze information: Analyze the information you gather and make connections between different sources to develop your own ideas.

Developing a Research Question

A clear and focused research question is essential for the success of your Extended Essay. To develop your research question, consider the following:

Specificity: Ensure your question is specific and relevant to the subject area.
Manageability: Your question should be manageable in scope and allow for in-depth analysis and exploration.
Significance: Your question should be significant and meaningful, addressing a gap or issue in the field.

Outlining the Essay

Outlining your essay is a helpful way to organize your ideas and ensure that your essay is structured and coherent.

Your extended essay outline should include the following:

Clearly state the central question your Extended Essay aims to address.
Provide background information to set the stage for your research.
Explain why your chosen topic is significant and deserving of exploration.

Summarize relevant literature related to your topic. Identify gaps or areas where your research contributes.
Define key terms and concepts crucial for understanding your research.

Detail the methods and procedures you'll employ in your investigation.
Specify how you'll gather and analyze data.
Discuss any ethical concerns and how you plan to address them.

Share your research findings systematically if you have conducted an experiment.
Analyze your results and draw connections to your research question.

Discuss the broader significance of your findings.
Acknowledge any constraints or challenges in your research.
Suggest potential areas for future exploration.

Recap your main findings.
Reaffirm your thesis statement in light of your research.
Offer any concluding remarks or reflections.

Ensure consistent and accurate citation style throughout your Extended Essay.
Include all sources consulted during your research.

Attach any additional materials supporting your research (charts, graphs, surveys, etc.)

Writing the Essay

Once you have your outline, it's time to begin writing your essay. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Stay focused: Keep your research question in mind and ensure that each paragraph and section supports your argument.
Use evidence: Use evidence and analysis to support your claims and ensure that your essay is well-supported.
Edit and revise: After writing a draft, edit and revise your essay to ensure clarity, coherence, and accuracy.

Overall, the research and writing process for the extended essay requires careful planning and organization.

By choosing credible sources, developing a clear research question, outlining your essay, and following a structured writing process, you'll be on your way to success. With time and dedication, you can produce a high-quality essay that showcases your research and writing skills.

Formatting and Citations

Ensure to complete the following steps while you are formatting your extended essay.

Formatting Requirements

Formatting is an essential aspect of any academic essay, including an extended essay. It ensures that the essay is well-organized, readable, and professional-looking. Your extended essay format requirements may differ depending on the institution or department. So, it's essential to check the guidelines carefully before submitting your essay.

Here are some general formatting requirements that you should consider when writing your extended essay:

Font and Size: Most academic essays require a standard font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, in size 12.
Margins: The margins should be set to one inch (2.54 cm) on all sides of the paper.
Page Numbering: Page numbers should be placed in the header or footer of the essay, with the title page being page 1.
Title Page: The title page should include the title of the essay, the candidate's name, the candidate's ID number, the subject area of the essay, and the date.
Table of Contents: The table of contents should include all the headings and subheadings in the essay, along with the corresponding page numbers.

Citation Styles (APA, MLA, Chicago)

When conducting research for your extended essay, it's essential to give credit to the sources you use. Citing sources not only acknowledges the work of others but also demonstrates the credibility and validity of your own research. There are different citation styles that you can use, and the most common ones are:

APA (American Psychological Association): This citation style is commonly used in the social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, and education.
MLA (Modern Language Association): This citation style is commonly used in the humanities, such as in English literature, history, and philosophy.
Chicago: This citation style is commonly used in history, social sciences, and some humanities.

Each citation style has its own set of rules and guidelines. So, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the one required by your institution or department.

When citing sources, you should include the author's name, the title of the work, the publication date, and other relevant information, depending on the type of source.

Failing to properly cite sources can lead to plagiarism, which can result in severe academic consequences.

Extended Essay Examples

One of the best ways to understand what an extended essay entails is by examining examples of successful essays. These examples can provide insight into the extended essay structure and writing style.

Here are some examples of extended essays that can help you get a better understanding of what to expect:

IB Extended Essay Guide 2024

Extended Essay Reflection

Research Extended Essay Sample

You can find more examples in our ' extended essay examples ' blog. Give it a read to find more examples.

Grading the IB Extended Essay

When it comes to the IB Extended Essay, examiners appointed by the IB assess your work and grade it on a scale of 0 to 34. To determine your final grade, they evaluate your essay on five different criteria, each with its own point value.

Here is an overview of the extended essay grade boundaries:

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)

You must score at least a D to be eligible for your IB Diploma. While each criterion has a maximum number of points, the IB emphasizes that graders are not simply converting point totals into letter grades.

Instead, they use qualitative grade descriptors found on page 103 of the IB guide to extended essays to determine the final grade.

To give you an idea of how these different point values translate to letter grades, based on previous scoring methods for the EE, here is a rough estimate:

A: 25-34 points B: 19-24 points C: 13-18 points D: 7-12 points E: 0-6 points

Rubric for Grading the IB Extended Essay

Here is an extended essay rubric to help you better understand how your IB Extended Essay will be assessed:


	6 points maximum	The research question is clearly stated and focused - The research approach is appropriate and effective - The essay demonstrates an understanding of the topic and research question
	6 points maximum	The essay demonstrates a knowledge and understanding of the subject and the research question - The essay effectively incorporates relevant theories, concepts, and/or facts
	6 points maximum	The essay demonstrates an understanding of the research question and the methodologies used - The essay effectively analyzes and evaluates sources and information - The essay demonstrates independent and creative thinking
	6 points maximum	The essay is well-organized and clearly presented - The essay follows appropriate academic conventions, including referencing and formatting
	6 points maximum	The essay demonstrates a personal engagement with the research question and the subject - The essay effectively communicates the significance of the research - The essay demonstrates a clear and insightful conclusion

In conclusion, writing an extended essay can be a challenging yet rewarding experience that develops critical thinking and research skills.

By planning ahead and staying organized, students can produce a high-quality essay that showcases their knowledge and understanding of the subject.

If you're feeling overwhelmed with your extended essay, consider seeking assistance from an essay writing service like CollegeEssay.org .

Our extended essay writing service can help you with every step of the process. Visit our website today to learn more and get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do extended essays and descriptive essays share any similarities.

Extended essays and descriptive essays share some similarities in their approach to detail and depth. Both require a thorough exploration of the subject matter, but an extended essay typically involves a more extensive investigation, analysis, and argumentation. In contrast, a descriptive essay primarily focuses on vividly portraying a scene, person, or experience with rich sensory details.

Are there limitations on the topics that can be chosen for an extended essay?

No, there are no specific limitations on the topics for an extended essay. Students can choose from a wide range of subjects within the framework of the IB program.

Can I include personal experiences or anecdotes in my extended essay?

Yes, you can include personal experiences or anecdotes in your extended essay. However, it's important to ensure that they contribute to the overall understanding of the topic and are relevant to your research question.

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Extended Essay Guide: Criteria, Format, Sample EEs
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: 12-point, readable font (Calibri or Times New Roman); double spacing throughout entire Essay; page numbering - top right corner;
Extended Essay: Formatting your EE
All essays must follow this format: Labelled "Table of Contents" in 12-point, readable font (Arial is recommended) Headings and page numbers for required components of the essay include: Introduction. Body of the essay: Headings and subheadings within the body of the essay may be included. Conclusion.
LibGuides: Extended Essay Resources: Paper Formatting
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 suggested. font, font size and spacing conducive to on-screen marking . Arial 12 or Times New Roman 12; Double-spaced; page numbering
Guidance on the Presentation and Format of Theses and Extended Essays
Faculty of History: Guidance on the Presentation and Format of Theses and Extended Essays Updated 28 February 2023 Guidance on the Presentation and Format of Theses and Extended Essays 1. Font size For the main text please use a clear, legible font, ideally in 12 point, double-spaced. For footnotes, use 10 point size, and single-spaced. 2.
LibGuides: Extended Essay : Format of the EE
12-point, readable font (Calibri or Times New Roman); double spacing throughout entire Essay; ... 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. Required Structure. The structure of the essay is very important. It helps students to organize ...
Extended Essay Guide: Criteria, Format, Sample EEs
12-point, readable font (Calibri or Times New Roman); double spacing throughout entire Essay; ... 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. Required S tructure. The structure of the essay is very important. It helps students to ...
Formatting the EE
Setting up your Word Document in APA Format. Follow the steps in this video to set up your paper in APA Style. Once your paper is set up, you can write your content. Note 1: For all IB documents, use Arial 11 or 12 font. Note 2: Use Heading 2 for level 2 subtitles - this was not demonstrated in the video. Setting up your Word document in MLA ...
Extended essay
The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. One component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, the extended essay is mandatory for all students. Read about the extended essay in greater detail. You can also read about how the IB sets deadlines for ...
The York School Library: Gr. 11-12 Extended Essay: Formatting
Page numbers should be included on all pages of the Extended Essay. You can write your page numbers in whichever format you choose (e.g., 1, 2, 3... or Page 1, Page 2, Page 3). Put your page numbers at the bottom of your page (e.g., at the bottom right or centre) Make sure that the page numbers referred to in your table of contents match those ...
Extended Essay: Extended Essay- The Basics
Completion of an Extended Essay or Senior Essay is required for graduation from West Sound Academy. EE grade for Semester 2, 2022-2023, is ¼ credit Pass/Fail grade. ... Required format: Readable, 12-point font (for example, Arial or Calibri) Double-spaced text; Numbered pages; Indented paragraphs;
Home
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.
A Definitive Guide to the IB Extended Essay (EE)
The Extended Essay (EE) is an independent, self-directed academic research, presented in the form of a 4,000-word paper. ... such as Googledocs; or with pen and paper. It is useful to keep everything you do in the same format, however, so you can easily collate it. ... (if required). Additionally, make the layout justified, font and size, as ...
Presentation
Font and spacing. Use a readable 12-point font such as Arial and double spacing. You will be helping your examiners read and assess your essay on-screen. Referencing and citations. The IB does not specify what referencing/citation format you should use. Whichever system you choose, make sure that you follow it consistently.
LibGuides: Extended Essay: Structure of the Extended Essay
The topic of the extended essay is the subject, issue or theme that you are investigating within a specific DP subject or world studies area of study. The topic, which develops during the initial thinking about the EE, should later be reflected in the wording of the title. The title of the EE is a clear, summative statement that specifically ...
PDF IB EXTENDED ESSAY FORMAT / FORMAL PRESENTATION GUIDELINES
extended essay. As the official rubric offers, the formal presentation criterion: Assesses the extent to which the layout, organization, appearance and formal elements of the essay consistently follow a standard format. The formal elements are: title page, table of contents, page numbers, illustrative material, quotations,
PDF Extended essay guide
The extended essay should be written in a clear, correct and formal academic style, appropriate to the subject from which the topic is drawn. The use of word processors is encouraged. The length of the extended essay The upper limit is 4,000 words for all extended essays. This upper limit includes the introduction, the body, the
PDF A Student Guide To Writing the Extended Essay
write the first draft of your extended essay.Directions: You will write an introductory paragraph and a list of p. tential sections from the body of your essay. On the top of the page you must write your research question and subject area, and on the bottom you must. plicitly state your research.
Extended Essay: Presentation Requirements
Your extended essay is a formally written research paper and you should strive to present it as professionally as you can. See the boxes on the right for IB documents giving detailed requirements for presentation, required elements, and suggestions on formatting. See the box below for guidance on what should be on the title page. Font and spacing.
The Complete IB Extended Essay Guide: Examples, Topics, Ideas
Body of the essay. Conclusion. 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.
PDF Formatting Your IB Extended Essay
Separate the sources into categories (ie: books, websites etc.) Don't use bullets or numbering. Don't use "Unknown Author"- skip the author and go straight to the title. Don't use 'ibid' (this is Chicago style), if several sources are by the same author. Instead use three hyphens --- and then the title of the next work.
LibGuides: Extended Essay: Criteria D
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: 12-point, readable font (Calibri or Times New Roman); double spacing throughout entire Essay; page numbering - top right corner;
Extended essay: Presentation
4 of the 34 marks for the Extended Essay are for Criterion D: Presentation. The IB does not provide a checklist to remind you to include page numbers, captions and correct citations. Instead Criterion D asks: To what extent does the structure of the essay lend itself to the topic, subject and argument? To what extent is the layout correct?
A Step-by-Step Guide For Writing an Extended Essay
Ready to dive into extended essay writing? Learn from the best with our guide, covering research, structure, and IB extended essay format. Read here! Order. Services ... Font and Size: Most academic essays require a standard font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, in size 12. Margins: The margins should be set to one inch ...

Extended Essay Guide: Criteria, Format, Sample EEs

The Assessment Crtiteria in Detail!

Notes from the IB

Format of the Extended Essay

Extended Essay - Examples & Exemplars

Past CIS Extended Essays

Extended Essay: Formatting your EE

PLEASE NOTE

Table of Contents

References and Bibliography

Body of the Essay

Extended Essay Resources: Paper Formatting

How to format the EE

What's on the Title Page?

Images and Illustrations

Header and Footnotes

Footnotes and endnotes

Extended Essay : Format of the EE

Format of the EE

Assessment Criteria

Extended Essay Guide: Criteria, Format, Sample EEs

The Assessment Criteria in Brief!

The Assessment Crtiteria in Detail!

Format of the Extended Essay

Extended Essay - Examples & Exemplars

Extended Essay

Gr. 11-12 Extended Essay

Formatting Your Essay

You can include a brief heading that provides a clear, focused summative statement of your research, but this is optional .

You must include your research question on the title page.

Specify the subject to which your essay belongs, as well as the category (if necessary).

Include the exact number of words in your essay on the title page.

Do not include the following items on your title page, or any other section of the essay (like headers and footers).

All Extended Essays must contain a table of contents placed after the cover page and before the introductory section of your essay.

Example: Table of Contents

Page numbers should be included on all pages of the Extended Essay.

The font size of your essay must be 12 pt and readable , and your essay should be double spaced .

US IB Extended Essay: Home

Getting Started

Academic Integrity-The IB Guide

Extended Essay Guides

Assessment Points

Extended Essay Topics

IB Academic Honesty/Integrity

The Extended Essay-Understand the Process

A Definitive Guide to the IB Extended Essay (EE)

Step 1: Choosing a Extended Essay (EE) topic

Step 2: Framing your research question

Step 3: Meeting your supervisor to establish specific targets

Step 4: Starting your EE research

Step 5: Writing the essay’s first draft

Step 6: Reviewing your first draft

Step 7: Refining your Extended Essay

Step 8: Final Notes

Step 9: Final Submission

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Extended Essay : Presentation

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Extended Essay: Structure of the Extended Essay

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What's the Difference Between the Topic, Title, and Research Question?

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Extended Essay: Presentation Requirements

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Presentation Requirements of the EE

Required Elements of the Extended Essay