The Ultimate Guide to IB Extended Essay

Expert insights from Tutors Who’ve Read Hundreds of Extended Essays

What is the IB Extended Essay?

If you’re in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, you’ve heard about the IB Extended Essay (EE). 

This is no ordinary essay; it's a substantial piece of independent research totalling 4,000 words, and (along with your TOK Essay) counts for a total of 3 points.

It’s the perfect opportunity to explore a topic you’re passionate about, almost like a highschool thesis (similar to what you’ll encounter in university).

With that said, the importance of being well-prepared cannot be overstated. 

In this IB Extended Essay guide we’ll walk you through:

  1. Choosing an EE topic that’s right for you

  2. How to do research for your EE

  3. How to structure your EE effectively

  4. Understanding the EE criteria

  5. Staying motivated despite the workload

A well-executed EE will boost your IB Diploma score, potentially granting you access to your dream university.

As experienced IB tutors, we’ve read through hundreds of successful Extended Essays - the following are our top tips that will make your EE writing process much smoother!

How to Choose your Extended Essay Topic:

The topic you select for your IB Extended Essay is crucial—it sets the foundation for your research and writing process. Of course, you’ll have to choose a topic within one of your IB subjects, but beyond that there is a fair amount of flexibility.

Here’s how to make sure your choice not only resonates with your interests but also plays to your academic strengths:

  • Follow Your Passions: Start by reflecting on the subjects and themes that captivate you the most. An EE topic that aligns with your passions will sustain your motivation over the long research and writing phase. This doesn’t have to just be an assignment; it can be an opportunity to explore what you truly care about.

  • Leverage Your Higher Level Courses: You're already familiar with the advanced material from your HL subjects, which can give you a substantial advantage, not to mention it’s probably what you’re most interested in anyway.

  • Find the Sweet Spot: Your topic should be focused enough to allow for in-depth study, yet broad enough to gather sufficient data and sources. Avoid overly broad topics that don’t allow for a detailed exploration, and steer clear of extremely niche topics that make sourcing information excessively difficult. Remember: original doesn’t mean obscure.

  • Preliminary Checks: Before you settle on a topic, do a quick review of available resources. Make sure there are enough scholarly sources to support your research. This initial check can save you a lot of time and stress later on.

  • Consult with Your EE Supervisor: Once you have a few potential topics in mind, discuss them with your EE advisor. Their experience can guide you towards a topic with the right scope and depth, and they can alert you to any potential pitfalls.

If you need more personalized advice on selecting the perfect topic, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help!


How to write a Research Question for your IB Extended Essay:

Once you’ve chosen a solid topic for your EE, it’s time to develop a strong research question for your EE.  Your RQ will guide your research and greatly influence the structure of EE (more in the next section on structuring).

Here’s how to craft a research question for you EE that not only focuses your research, but also makes for an interesting paper:

  1. Start with Interest: Begin with a topic that intrigues you within your IB subject. This personal interest will help sustain your motivation throughout the research and writing phases.

  2. Pose Open-Ended Questions: Generate questions related to your topic that begin with "how", "why", or "to what extent." These questions should invite analysis and interpretation rather than simple yes or no answers.

  3. Evaluate Your Questions: Assess your questions for clarity and focus. Ensure they are:

    • Clear: Is it understandable and does it guide your research effectively?

    • Focused: Is it narrow enough to be thoroughly addressed within the constraints of the essay?

    • Arguable: Does it allow for discussion and differing viewpoints?

  4. Consider Research Outcomes: Think about potential answers and outcomes your research might yield. This helps in structuring your essay and framing your argument.

  5. Consult with Your Supervisor: Before finalizing your question, discuss it with your EE advisor. They can provide valuable feedback and help you refine your question to ensure it meets the criteria.

At this stage it’s always helpful to check out EE exemplars that are available - this will give you a sense of what has worked well in the past and what hasn’t.


We have access to tons of Extended Resources and exemplar sample papers and templates that we include with our tutoring! 

Book a trial session to address any and all EE doubts!


How to Structure an IB Extended Essay:

A well-structured Extended Essay (EE) is essential for clear communication of your research and arguments. Clarity above all is the general rule, however, depending on the subject and topic you choose you’ll benefit from presenting the information in your Extended Essay in a different way. 

Nonetheless, here’s an overview of the typical components of an EE and how each part helps to build your narrative:

IB Extended Essay Essential Formatting:

  • Font: Use a readable 12-point font like Calibri or Times New Roman.

  • Spacing: Double space the entire essay.

  • Page Numbers: Place these in the top right corner of each page.

  • Anonymity: Do not include your name, your supervisor's name, or your school name on the title page or in the headers.

Extended Essay Required Elements:

Your Extended Essay must include the following elements, presented in the following order:

  1. Title Page: This should include the title of your essay, your research question, and your IB subject. The title should be concise and reflective of your research focus. Also, ensure your name and school details are omitted to maintain the assessment's anonymity.

  2. Abstract (optional): While recent changes in the IB curriculum have eliminated the requirement for an abstract in the EE, some students still choose to include a brief summary of their research, methodology, and findings. This can help set the stage for your reader, but remember, it's no longer a formal requirement.

  3. Table of Contents: This aids in the essay's navigability and should clearly list all sections of your EE, including subheadings for the body paragraphs and any appendices, along with their page numbers.

  4. Introduction: Here's where you introduce your topic, state your research question, and provide necessary background information. Outline the scope of your research and your essay's objective. The introduction sets the stage and should pique the reader’s interest in your research question.

  5. Body (Development/Methodology): This is the core of your essay. It should be logically organized around the main points of your argument or the major steps in your methodology. Use appropriate subheadings to structure this section well. Each paragraph should contribute clearly and directly to addressing your research question.

  6. Conclusion: Sum up your findings and reinforce how they answer your research question. Discuss the implications of your findings and any limitations or potential for further research. Your conclusion should leave a strong impression of your research’s significance.

  7. References and Appendices: Proper citation of all sources used in your research is crucial to maintain academic integrity. Use a consistent citation style throughout. Appendices are for additional supporting information like charts, graphs, or raw data and should only be included if they provide value to understanding your work.

Importance of Logical Structure: A logical flow not only makes your essay easier to read but also enhances the coherence of your argument. Each section should connect smoothly to the next, guiding your reader through your research journey clearly and effectively.

A lot of students get hung up on structure.  Working with your supervisor or a competent tutor can facilitate this process tremendously.

If structuring your essay seems daunting, remember, we’re here to help guide you through each step of the process, ensuring your EE is both thorough and compelling.


How to Conduct Research and Gather Data for Your IB Extended Essay:

The EE is above all a research essay, not an opinion piece, so unlike an English Essay where a single primary source may suffice, you’ll need multiple scholarly secondary sources to investigate your research question.

This isn’t the time to assume the reader’s basic understanding of a topic - any claim you make must be backed by evidence, and all analysis and information must be presented through the lens of established academic theory.

Your IB high school will most likely offer you access to academic databases like JSTOR that are good places to begin.

Start with Diverse Sources:

  • Primary Sources: Direct evidence or firsthand accounts related to your topic, such as experiments, surveys, historical documents, or interviews. These sources provide unique insights and are critical for a robust argument.

  • Secondary Sources: Analyses, interpretations, or summaries of primary data found in books, scholarly articles, and reputable websites. These help build the contextual framework for your primary data.

Gather Data Efficiently:

  • Plan Your Visits: Organize any visits to libraries, labs, or fieldwork in advance, ensuring you have the necessary tools to collect or record data.

  • Take Detailed Notes: Keep comprehensive notes with full bibliographic information for each source, simplifying the later creation of your references and bibliography.

Keep Your Research Organized:

  • Digital Tools: Utilize tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or Google Scholar for source tracking and bibliography management.

  • Physical Organization: If you prefer hard copies, maintain a dedicated notebook or folders sorted by theme or source type.

Stay Critical of Source Quality:

  • Source Evaluation: Assess each source's reliability, validity, and bias. Rely on scholarly sources and academic databases whenever possible.

  • Cross-Verification: Verify information across multiple sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Ethical Considerations:

  • Cite Diligently: Proper citation is crucial for maintaining academic honesty and integrity.

  • Respect Copyrights: Adhere to copyright laws and fair use policies, especially when utilizing digital resources.

Good research is the foundation of a good argument, and a well-argued EE can significantly enhance your IB Diploma score. 

If you find yourself struggling with the research process, don't hesitate to reach out for guidance.


How To Start Writing Your IB Extended Essay

Once your research is compiled and you’ve got a strong sense of how you’re going to answer your research question, it’s time to turn your detailed notes into an outline that will serve as a skeleton for your Extended Essay:

  1. Start with a Clear Outline:
    The importance of this step cannot be stressed enough!

    An outline that details not just the main sectionsintroduction, body, conclusion—but also the key points under each will act as your roadmap, keeping your essay focused and cohesive. We’ve worked with many successful students whose outlines have spanned almost 3000 words long. At that point, the essay practically writes itself, protected by the guardrails of your meticulous outlining, along with the upper word limit.

  2. Focus on Analytical Writing: Your essay should analyze, not just describe.

    Make sure every part of your essay works to unfold your thesis, applying evidence critically and offering a nuanced discussion. Avoid simple summaries; cut straight to what the evidence means in the context of your research question.

  3. Integrate Your Sources: Showcase your ability to think critically by framing your analysis within theoretical insights. Include varied perspectives into your analysis whenever relevant. This demonstrates not just your understanding but your ability to engage with complex ideas at a deeper level.

  4. Use Reflections to Personalize Your Essay: Reflections are more than a requirement—they're your chance to narrate your intellectual journey. Share the challenges, breakthroughs, and how the research shifted your perspective. This personal touch can elevate the engagement and impact of your essay.

  5. Keep Sections Coherent and Clear: Keep asking yourself if each section of your essay clearly contributes to addressing your research question and enriching your argument. Smooth transitions and a logical flow are crucial for keeping your reader engaged from start to finish.

  6. Revise After Every Draft: A great essay is polished through revision. After your first draft, take the time to refine your arguments, clarify your points, and tighten your writing. Feedback from peers or your advisor is invaluable in this process.

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Avoid These Common Extended Essay Pitfalls:

Many students reach out to us for tutoring because they’ve accidentally created more work for themselves than necessary, such as starting with the writing process before having your finished outline approved by your supervisor. 

While tutoring is helpful at every stage of the process, the earlier you get support the more likely you are to avoid the following potential mistakes:

  1. Overreliance on Sources: It’s vital to use your sources to inform and support your analysis, but relying too heavily on them can turn your essay into a summary rather than an analytical piece. Make sure to weave your own insights and interpretations throughout the essay to demonstrate your ability to think critically and independently.

  2. Ignoring the Rubric and EE Guide: Each subject has specific criteria detailed in the EE guide, which includes everything from the layout to how arguments should be structured. Not adhering to these guidelines can significantly impact your final score. Familiarize yourself with these requirements early on to make sure your essay aligns with the expectations.

  3. Procrastination and Poor Time Management: The Extended Essay requires substantial research, planning, and revision. Starting late or managing time poorly often leads to rushed work and suboptimal analysis. Establish a timeline with milestones from the outset to manage your workload effectively and allow ample time for each stage of the essay process.

The list continues, and each topic requires its own personalized care -If you find yourself struggling with any aspect of your EE, consider reaching out for guidance—we’re here to help!


It’s Never Too Late to Start Your IB Extended Essay

Many students have transformed their Extended Essay experience by starting tutoring at the right time. Whether you're just beginning or nearing the finish line, getting the right support can elevate your essay and your IB score.

Reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a smart move towards making your EE the best it can be.

Ready to tackle your Extended Essay with confidence? Contact us today and take the first step towards success!


Need more personalized advice or have other questions?

Reach out to us at Think Smart Tutoring. We’re here to help you get through the IB with confidence and success.

Contact us today to see how we can support your IB journey!

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