How to Write a Brilliant IB Extended Essay: the Ultimate Guide
IB extended essay without sweat, tears or pain
Table of Contents
- Before you start writing
- Understanding the IB Extended Essay
- Choosing the Right Topic
- Conducting In-Depth Research
- Developing a Strong Research Question
- Creating an Essay Plan
- Structuring Your Essay
The writing process
- Writing the First Draft
- Refining and Editing Your Essay
- Ensuring Coherence and Flow
- Language and Style Considerations
- Citation and Referencing
After you finished writing
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Before you start writing
Understanding the IB Extended Essay
Before embarking on your extended essay journey, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of what an IB extended essay entails. Familiarize yourself with the assessment criteria, the subject-specific guidelines, and the expectations set by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). This knowledge will help you align your essay with the requirements and maximize your chances of achieving a high score.
The IB EE is marked on the scale from 0 to 34 and the assessment is based on the following 5 criteria:
- Focus and Method (6 marks)
- Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)
- Critical Thinking (12 marks)
- Presentation (4 marks)
- Engagement (6 marks)
Total marks possible: 34 marks
Choosing the Right Diploma Program (DP) Subject and Topic
Selecting the right IB diploma program (DP) Â subject and a compelling and suitable topic is paramount to the success of your extended essay. Consider your interests, strengths, and available resources when choosing a subject. Brainstorm potential topics and evaluate their feasibility and research opportunities. Opt for a topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow, striking a balance between manageability and depth.
There are a few things you should consider when making these decisions.
- To choose the right subject ask yourself what will be useful for you in the future based on your university major selection. If it is science, choose one of the live science subjects, if it is English, choose English. Universities do evaluate IB EEs during their admission process, so make it count. It is important to remember that writing an IB EE serves as a preparation for the undergraduate studies. It will help you stay ahead of your peers and university work. It also gives you a lot of practice in writing long texts and citing. So if going to a university is important for you, take advantage of your IB EE.
- Write the IB EE in one of your high level (HL) subjects. Your HL courses give you a lot fo details and in-depth knowledge, which you can apply in your essay.
- If you want to save your time and effort, choose a theoretical EE from Group 1, 3 or even 6 subjects. You will still improve your writing and citing skills but might save a lot of sleepless nights on having to repeat research methodologies or changing your topic completely. Something that happens frequently n in experimental sciences 😅
- Avoid choosing an interdisciplinary topic. While combining two subjects like psychology and business to investigate a consumer’s buying behaviour might be very interesting it might also be too big of a question for only 4000 word essay. As this is likely your first attempt to write such a research essay we advise you to narrow down your topic to one specific subject that answers one specific question and uses its specific methodology.
- And hence our last point – there is no such thing as an EE topic that is too specific. In fact the IB wants you to narrow down your research question that investigates one specific hypothesis.
These five points are not here to discourage you from choosing a topic that you are very passionate about, but rather to give you some food for thought when making this decision. It is important to realistically evaluate your time, resources as well as your research and writing skills to identify the feasibility of finishing your essay on time.
Conducting In-Depth Research
Thorough research forms the foundation of a brilliant extended essay. Gather information from reputable sources such as books, scholarly articles, and academic databases. Make use of primary and secondary sources to support your arguments and provide evidence. Take diligent notes, ensuring proper citation and organization of your research materials.
Practical tips on how to select the right material for the IB EE:
- Scholarly articles are the best sources of first-hand information. They are also easy to cite as softwares such as Mendeley or Zotero can do it for you.
- If you are looking for a scholarly article the best databases are google scholar, ncbi, pubmed, research gate, jstor, sci-hub.
- If you use blog articles or youtube videos as your sources make sure to check the author and author’s expertise in the subject matter. Unfortunately, the internet is full of fake experts providing false information, so be cautious and double-check the correctness of the information from blogs, videos or social media.
- Using ChatGPT or other language models to do the literature research for you… Oh, this question would deserve its own blog post! 😅 You can check out this blog post to give you an idea of what I mean. All I can say is that it is definitely possible, but one needs to know exactly how to use it to use it correctly. ALWAYS ask Chat GPT for the source of its statements and go back to trace its correctness on the source’s website. Chat GPT tends to misinterpret, extract wrong information and halusinate. Plus, its knowledge database is still limited to 2021, so if you research a more recent topic, it won’t be of much help.
- Remember, when doing our literature research keep track of your sources. There is nothing worse than having to sift back through your entire essay and search the matching citation.
Developing a Strong Research Question
After you have selected your IBDP subject and topic and need to develop a strong research question (RQ) that you answer in your essay. Crafting a strong and focused RQ is essential for a brilliant extended essay. Your RQ should clearly articulate the main argument or objective of your research. It should be specific, concise, and debatable. A well-defined RQ will guide your research and provide a framework for your essay. Basically, everything in your essay, every paragraph, every method, every conclusion should tell a gradually developing story that strives to answer your RQ. You should only include the information in your EE that is related to your RQ and that serves to answer your RQ.
Creating an Essay Plan
Creating an essay plan is one of the most important steps in your essay writing process as it allows you to be structured and stay on topic. An essay plan serves as a roadmap that guides you through the writing process and helps you organize your thoughts, arguments, and supporting evidence in a logical manner. Having an essay plan also helps prevent a writer’s block as your ideas are already defined and you just need to put them in a sentence.
So how do you create an essay plan? Basically, an essay plan is similar to the table of contents in your essay, a skeleton of your story, but it also includes the main idea of each section and its sources. Let’s look at the example of the essay plan for this blog article below. Before starting to write this article I clearly identified every subtopic I want to talk about and what exactly I want to say in each paragraph. Therefore, every paragraph delivers a very specific message and all of them serve to answer my article’s main question – How to write a brilliant IB EE.
Introduction
Introduction to the blog topic and why it’s important
Before your start writing
- Understanding the IB Extended Essay
- What it is (sources: IBO)
- # of words (sources: IBO)
- Assessment criteria (sources: IBO)
- Choosing the Right Topic
- Importance for university (sources: ….)
- HL, interdisciplinary, theoretical subjects (sources: ….)
- Specificity of the topic (sources: ….)
- Conducting In-Depth Research
- Collecting background knowledge (sources: ….)
- Using reputable sources (scholary articles, avoidance of authorless blogposts, videos and SM posts) (sources: ….)
- Developing a Strong Research Question
- How everything should serve to answer the RQ (sources: ….)
- Creating an Essay Plan
- Roadmap of the essay (sources: ….)
- Defines the structure of the essay and content of each paragraph (sources: ….)
- Structuring Your Essay
- Essential parts of every essay (sources: ….)
- ……
Conclusion
- Challenging but rewarding
One personal writer’s tip I can give you (after 3 theses, multiple lab reports, scientific articles and blog posts): when you start writing something, ask yourself – “What do I want to say to my reader in this paragraph?â€. Then write your message in a clear, concise and simple manner, do not overthink, write what you are thinking 😉
Structuring Your Essay
To ensure a logical flow and coherence in your extended essay, adhere to a well-structured format. Consider the following sections:
- Abstract
The abstract is a concise summary of your essay that appears at the beginning. It should provide a brief overview of your research question, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. Write the abstract after completing the rest of your essay.
- Introduction
The introduction sets the stage for your essay. Present the context of your research, state your research question or thesis, and provide a clear outline of your essay’s structure. Hook the reader with an engaging opening that sparks their curiosity.
- Main Body
The main body is where you present your arguments, analysis, and evidence. Divide it into logical subparts and paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of your topic. Use headings and subheadings to enhance readability and organization. Support your claims with relevant examples and data.
- Conclusion
In the conclusion, summarize your main points, restate your thesis statement, and provide a concise overview of your findings. Reflect on the significance of your research and its implications. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion.
Practical tips on your IB EE structure:
- Do not overlook the importance of structure, organization, and language! Many students place a great emphasis on content and analysis and forget that structure, organization, and language are weighed equally in terms of marks.
- Read sample assays to see how good essays are structured.
The writing process
Writing the First Draft
Once you have gathered ample research material and outlined your essay’s plan and structure, it’s time to write the first draft. Don’t worry about perfection at this stage; focus on getting your ideas down on paper. Write freely and let your thoughts flow without being overly concerned about grammar or style.
Refining and Editing Your Essay
After completing the first draft, take a break and then begin the refining process. Read through your essay critically, paying attention to the clarity and coherence of your arguments. Eliminate unnecessary repetitions, rephrase awkward sentences, and strengthen weak areas. Trim down excessive wordiness to ensure conciseness.
It is also useful to let others read your essay. People who are not so closely familiar with your topic as you now are, will be able to tell you if you provided enough background information, if it is relevant and if your essay is cohesive and understandable. Do it early enough to have enough time for corrections.
Ensuring Coherence and Flow
Maintain a logical flow throughout your extended essay to guide the reader through your arguments. Stick to your essay plan. Use appropriate transition words and phrases to connect paragraphs and ideas. Ensure that each paragraph contributes to the overall coherence of your essay and supports your RQ.
Language and Style Considerations
While writing your extended essay, employ a language and style that is clear, concise, and appropriate for an academic essay. Avoid excessive jargon or overly complex sentences that might confuse your readers. Be consistent in your use of tense and maintain a formal tone throughout.
Citations and References
Throughout your essay, ensure proper citation and referencing of all sources used. Follow the citation style specified by your school or the IBO, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago. Maintain consistency in formatting and accurately record all necessary bibliographic details.
If your sources are primarily scholarly articles or books, we recommend using citation management programs. These programs allow you to save your articles into your essay folder directly from your browser extension and add them into your essay in a selected style directly in Word. While these programs work well with scholarly articles as they are usually formatted in a consistent way, citing sources like websites, blogs, videos and so on will require manual editing.
A few popular citation management programs:
- Mendeley: Mendeley is a widely used reference manager and academic social network that allows you to organize, annotate, and cite research papers. It offers features like PDF annotation, collaboration tools, and citation generation. You can download Mendeley from their official website: Download Mendeley
- Zotero: Zotero is another highly regarded citation management tool that helps you collect, organize, cite, and share research sources. It seamlessly integrates with web browsers and word processors, making it convenient to save and cite references. You can download Zotero from their official website: Download Zotero
- EndNote: EndNote is a comprehensive reference management tool that allows you to organize and cite references in various citation styles. It offers features like PDF importing, collaboration options, and automatic citation generation. You can download EndNote from their official website: Download EndNote
- RefWorks: RefWorks is a web-based citation management platform that helps you collect, organize, and cite references. It offers a user-friendly interface and features like cloud storage, collaboration options, and easy citation formatting. You can access RefWorks from their official website: Access RefWorks
- Citavi: Citavi is a reference management and knowledge organization tool that assists you in collecting, analyzing, and citing academic sources. It offers features like project organization, literature search, and citation formatting. You can download Citavi from their official website: Download Citavi
After you finished writing
Proofreading and Revising
Proofreading and revising are crucial steps in the writing process. Carefully review your essay for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Pay attention to sentence structure and word choice. Read your essay aloud to catch any awkward phrasing or lack of clarity.
Seeking Feedback and Revisions
Seek feedback from your teachers, mentors, peers or even parents. Their fresh perspectives can help identify areas that require improvement. Revise your essay based on their feedback, making necessary changes and strengthening your arguments. Incorporate constructive criticism to enhance the overall quality of your extended essay.
Finalizing Your Extended Essay
Once you have incorporated feedback and made revisions, it’s time to finalize your extended essay. Ensure that all formatting requirements are met, including page numbers, headers, footnotes, and bibliography. Review your essay one last time to ensure its coherence, accuracy, and adherence to the assessment criteria.
Managing Your Time Effectively
Writing an IB extended essay requires effective time management. Break down the writing process into manageable tasks and set deadlines for each stage. Create a schedule that allows ample time for research, writing, revising, and editing. Avoid procrastination and stay organized throughout the process. The best time for writing your EE is summer between DP1 and DP2. So get started! 😉
Conclusion
Writing a brilliant IB extended essay is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. By following a systematic approach, conducting thorough research, and employing effective writing strategies, you can create an outstanding essay that demonstrates your academic abilities. Remember to choose a compelling topic, develop a strong research question, and refine your essay through multiple revisions. Also, do not hesitate to contact your teachers and mentors for advice any time, they are here to help you! Finally, with dedication and perseverance, you can excel in your extended essay and achieve academic success 👊
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I choose any topic for my IB extended essay?
Yes, you have the freedom to choose a topic that falls within the subject areas covered by the IB program. However, it’s important to ensure that your topic aligns with the guidelines and requirements provided by your school and the IBO.
How long should an IB extended essay be?
The recommended length for an IB extended essay is between 3,500 and 4,000 words. However, it’s essential to consult your school’s guidelines and requirements, as word limits may vary.
Can I use personal pronouns in my extended essay?
While personal pronouns are generally not encouraged in academic writing, the use of “I” or “we” may be allowed in certain contexts, such as when discussing your research process or personal reflections. However, always check with your school or teacher for specific guidelines.
Is it important to follow a specific citation style?
Yes, following a specific citation style, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago, is crucial for academic integrity. It ensures that you provide proper credit to the sources you have used and allows readers to locate and verify your references.
Can I seek help from others when writing my extended essay?
While you are expected to conduct independent research and writing for your extended essay, it is acceptable to seek guidance and feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers. They can provide valuable insights, offer suggestions, and help you improve the quality of your essay.
References and useful links:
- IBO, 2023. What is an extended essay.
- Alexander Zoev, 45 Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for the Successful IB Student.
- Summary of student experiences and advice from Reddit threads.
- Lilia Lark, 2020. What NOT to do on your EXTENDED ESSAY | my EE mistakes and advice!
- Nicole Su, 2022, Tips for writing an IB English extended essay: my workflow + how I got an A on my.
- IB Survivors, 2018, Video series:
- Episode One
- Episode Two
About the Author
Anzhelika is a PhD candidate in Genetics and a marketing consultant at U4Success from Vienna, Austria. She leads our website and social media content strategy.
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