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

International Baccalaureate (IB)

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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:

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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.

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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?

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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...

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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!

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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.

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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

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Extended Essay (EE)

Chloe Atkinson

The Extended Essay (EE) is an exhilarating yet challenging journey that every IB student embarks upon during the diploma. It is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, an opportunity to delve into a subject you are passionate about, and a chance to demonstrate your research and writing skills. However, the path to completing an outstanding EE can be strewn with obstacles and pitfalls. Drawing from personal experience, I will share some valuable do’s and don’ts to guide you through your Extended Essay journey.

Do’s:

Utilize your supervisor.

 One of the greatest resources at your disposal is your EE supervisor. Regularly communicate with them, seek their guidance, and ask questions when you are unsure. A good rapport with your supervisor can make a significant difference in your EE experience.

Advocate for Yourself

If, like me, you find yourself shuffled through supervisors or encounter issues with your assigned supervisor, don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself. Request a change if necessary and ensure you have a supervisor who understands and supports your research goals.

Start Early

Procrastination is a common pitfall in the EE process. Start your research and writing as early as possible. A well-structured timeline can help you manage your time effectively and reduce last-minute stress. Starting your EE journey with research rather than writing will allow you to understand the implications of your question and your writing process will be a lot smoother. Then the summer holiday between Y1 and Y2 of IB is the best time to get ahead in writing your EE, even if you only do a little, it’s still going to make the whole process during Y2 so much easier.

Choose Your Passion

 Select a topic that genuinely excites you. Your EE is a substantial research project, and your passion for the subject matter will keep you motivated throughout the process. Plus, it will reflect in the quality of your work. This can also help in choosing a future area of study after the IB – who knows, maybe you could be on your way to a PhD in your EE area in the future.

Reading Widely

When researching, it’s beneficial to engage in a wide variety of sources. When you’re researching make sure to read all perspectives on your matter, from the journal articles to documents, to news articles, and even people’s personal anecdotes. While you may not use all of these, you do need to get every countless perspective on an issue to make informed interpretations and back up your claims. This wide-range of research and engagement with your topic also makes you develop a deeper passion and brings fun to the process.

Draft and Redraft

 Writing is a process that often requires multiple drafts. Don’t expect your first draft to be perfect. Edit and revise your work diligently, and seek feedback from peers and teachers to refine your essay.

Cite Sources Properly

Adhere to proper citation and referencing styles (such as MLA, APA, or Chicago). Plagiarism is a serious academic offense, and citing sources correctly is crucial to maintaining academic integrity. What is strongly advised by many IB schools is that the percentage of integrity – or TurnItIn score – should be under 20%, so citing and referencing is vital in all IB assignments.

Don’ts

Procrastinate.

As mentioned earlier, procrastination can be your worst enemy. Avoid putting off your EE tasks until the last minute. This can lead to rushed research, lower-quality work, and unnecessary stress.

Choose a Topic Solely for Its Ease

 While it’s important to choose a subject you are passionate about, avoid selecting a topic solely because you think it will be easy. EE is about challenging yourself and exploring your academic boundaries.

Overcomplicate Your Topic

 On the other hand, don’t choose a topic that is overly complex or beyond your current knowledge level. Striking the right balance between challenge and feasibility is essential.

Ignore feedback

When you receive feedback from your supervisor or peers, don’t dismiss it. Feedback is a valuable tool for improvement. Embrace constructive criticism and use it to refine your EE.

Neglect your Reflections

 Your 3 reflections are worth 6 marks, which is a lot in terms of EE. If you know that you might forget to complete them, or won’t remember things to put in them, keep a document while you’re on your EE journey to keep track of all problems, solutions and lessons you’ve learnt – this will help you synthesize great reflections and help your future self.

The IB Extended Essay is a rigorous and rewarding endeavor that can shape your academic and personal growth. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can navigate the challenges and make the most of this unique opportunity. Remember to harness your passion, seek guidance from your supervisor, and start early to ensure a successful Extended Essay journey. Embrace the process, and you’ll emerge with not only a valuable piece of research but also a sense of accomplishment that will stay with you long after your IB days are over.

You may also like…

  • Regina’s guide to citing (MLA formatting)
  • Christina’s tips on working with your EE supervisor

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Top IB Extended Essay Tips

ib extended essay advisor

Demystifying The Extended Essay: 8 Steps to make your life easier while writing it 

Let’s face it, it’s haunting. All of a sudden you find yourself coming to terms with one of the IB’s most feared tasks: the Extended Essay . 

Where to start? How do I choose a topic? How do I make sure I choose the right subject? 

Luckily for you we are here to give you tips and tricks to make the whole process as stress-free as possible and, who knows, maybe even enjoyable. 

Here are 8 top tips that have helped me through my journey of writing my Extended Essay in English Language and Literature, from beginning to end – and I even enjoyed it!

  • Target your strongest subject and area of interest.

While it should be noted that your Extended Essay should be written for one of your Higher Level (HL) subjects, there are plenty of ways you can pinpoint which one of these should be your Extended Essay subject. 

Is there a particular HL subject you perform best in? 

Is there a topic you are particularly passionate about? 

These are the first two steps to start writing a powerful EE. Do you feel lost? Check out this blog ! We give you more than 100 Extended Essay topics and ideas.

  • Study the Extended Essay marking criteria for your designated subject and Make a Checklist . 

When you have identified a topic and subject, the FIRST thing you should do is study the marking criteria for the Extended Essay in your designated subject. 

Pinpoint which elements of the markscheme are essential for a successful essay, and make a personal checklist that you can go back to when you are writing, to make sure you are always referring back to what the examiner is expecting from you.

Here is a simple example of what your EE checklist could look like: 

ib extended essay advisor

  • Come up with a CLEAR and concise research question.

No matter what your subject area is, your Extended Essay needs a CLEAR and concise subject in the form of a direct question. 

This is important because you will tailor your research to answering the question. In other words, how well you answer your research question in your essay will dictate how successful you will be with your performance in the Extended Essay. 

  • Don’t expect perfection right away. 

I remember the struggle and the frustration of having an insanely long first draft where I would get lost. 

Don’t worry, it’s totally normal. Give yourself the space to experiment with your arguments and start with a flexible plan, in order to allow some space for modifications as you build up a bibliography and make sense of your sources. 

Just make sure that when you find an argument that clicks, you stick to it and try not to cover too many areas all together. Focus is key, and less is more.

  • Identify primary and secondary sources – and specify which are which in your introduction.

When you have a solid draft and you have allowed yourself to choose your arguments,  make sure to pinpoint your primary and secondary sources in the introduction. Guide your reader step by step, and don’t take any information for granted.

  • When writing your paragraphs, use the PEEL method. 

The Extended Essay is about two things: properly answering your Research Question and abiding to marking criteria. 

To do the latter, you have your checklist. How to you make sure you answer you RQ correctly? Using the PEEL method.

  • Point (your own statement)
  • Evidence (primary source evidence)
  • Explanation (elaboration of the point or statement through your analysis of primary and/or secondary sources)
  • Link (to research question and to next paragraph)

This will allow for a solid structure, coherent argument and clear ideas. 

  • Use paper as you work. 

One of the best ways to proofread is to print your EE drafts and use different coloured pens to identify each PEEL component. If one color is absent, you know what you have to work on. Mind the Link component. At the end of each paragraph, always ask yourself if you have answered your research question and if it links correctly to your next paragraph. 

  • And finally… Make your EE aesthetically pleasing! 

You have a lot of liberty when it comes to formatting your EE. You can choose a font that most suits the tone you are aiming for, and use a table of contents, pictures and citations to make it formal and easy to follow. 

Now that you know all the tips and tricks, dive into your Extended Essay with no fear, and enjoy it!

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EE Ideas

25 Unique EE Ideas

The extended essay is possibly the most exciting part of the IB. You get to fully nerd out on a subject that fascinates you. The endless possibilities could leave you in a state of choice paralysis! Because of that, we have thrown out a list of 25 unique EE ideas as a lifeline, so you do […]

EE Research question by Natasja Agermark Hansen

EE Research Question: 5 Tips to get an A

Do you struggle with figuring out your EE research question? It is the backbone of your essay, after all. This one question will dictate everything else you will write. So, there is a lot of pressure to get it right! Like most other IB students, I struggled to articulate my research question. Finding the right […]

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IB Extended Essay Guide: Steps, Tips & Examples

Tornike Asatiani - Co-founder & COO of Edumentors

The IB Extended Essay (EE) is a vital component of the IB Diploma Programme , serving as a challenging but rewarding opportunity for students to conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choice. This 4,000-word essay is a significant undertaking that not only contributes to the IB diploma but also prepares students for future academic endeavours.

At its core, the EE is an essential academic task that allows IB students to explore a question that fascinates them, while developing university-level research and writing skills . It’s a rigorous process that can significantly impact your final diploma score, making it a crucial step for those aiming to excel in the IB curriculum.

IB Extended Essay Guide

Tip For Success – IB Mentor For Guidance 

If you’re feeling stuck on deciding your research topic, question or just struggling with writing your essay, it might be best to seek assistance from an IB advisor – be it a teacher or a private tutor  

Your IB advisor, along with your IB teacher, plays a pivotal role in the Extended Essay (EE) process. Furthermore, these mentors guide you through the complexities of the EE. Initially, they assist you with the topic selection, and subsequently, they support you throughout the extended journey to the final stages of writing. Furthermore, they are there to help you refine your research question, structure your argument, and ensure that you stay on track with the EE timeline.

What is The Best Subject for EE?

If you’ve also had this question and pondered which subject to choose for your essay, here you can see which ones are chosen most often, as well as how they’re ultimately graded.

Top 10 Extended Essay Subjects - IB Extended Essay Guide

Writing the Extended Essay Step-by-Step

Step 1 – what is ib extended essay and what’s the purpose of the ee.

Before you begin, it’s essential to grasp what the EE entails. It’s an independent, self-directed piece of research , culminating in a 4,000-word paper. The EE is an opportunity to explore a topic of interest related to one of the subjects you are studying.

Step 2 – Choosing Your Topic Wisely

Select a topic that aligns with one of the IB subjects you are studying. Your topic should be narrow enough to be manageable but broad enough to facilitate in-depth research. Consult with your IB advisor or IB teacher to ensure your chosen topic meets IB criteria.  

📌 For example, if you’re studying IB Biology, a well-structured topic could be “The Effects of Urbanisation on Local Bee Populations”. This topic is specific to the biology field, offering a clear focus for research while remaining broad enough to explore environmental impacts, species adaptation, and conservation strategies..

Step 3 – Formulating Your Research Question

Your research question fundamentally guides your investigation and writing. Consequently, it should be focused, precise, and open to analytical debate. An effective research question typically leads to a more successful Extended Essay.

📌 Building on the previous topic, a strong research question might be, How has urban development in the past decade impacted the diversity and population density of bee species in the Greater London Area? Indeed, this question is specifically tailored to invite a thorough examination of changes over time. Consequently, it allows for detailed analysis and robust debate concerning the role of urbanisation in biodiversity. .

Step 4 – Researching and Gathering Data

Start your research early, utilising a variety of sources such as books, academic journals, and credible websites. Keep meticulous records of your sources to aid with citations and ensure your research is well-rounded.

Step 5 – Creating an Outline

Firstly, organise your findings into a structured outline. This should include an introduction, followed by body sections that are divided by subtopics or arguments, and finally, a conclusion. Importantly, a well-structured outline keeps your writing focused. Moreover, it ensures that you comprehensively cover all aspects of your research question.

Step 6 – The Writing Process

Start writing your Extended Essay (EE), thoughtfully expanding on each section of your outline. Moreover, ensure that each paragraph introduces a clear idea and is robustly supported with evidence. Additionally, it’s important to stay on track with your research question and thesis, diligently avoiding tangents or unnecessary information

Step 7 – Reflection

The IB mandates three reflection sessions following specific milestones in your EE process. Importantly, these reflections are pivotal for the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form and serve to encourage you to contemplate both the successes and the challenges of your research journey.

Step 8 – Reviewing and Revising

After completing your first draft, take the time to revise. Initially, check for clarity, coherence, and academic rigour. Subsequently, ask for feedback from your IB advisor or peers, and be ready to make substantial edits for improvement.

Step 9 – Finalising Your Essay

Incorporate the feedback you’ve received, correct any errors, and ensure your essay meets the IB extended essay structure. Pay special attention to the required components such as the title page, abstract, and contents page.

Step 10 – Proofreading and Submission

Before submitting, check your essay against the IB’s formal presentation guidelines to ensure proper formatting. Ensure that your word count stays within the limit and that you have correctly cited all sources.

Ensure you understand the submission deadline for the IB Extended Essay, typically around the end of the first term of the final year. Submit your EE via the IB’s required method, and ensure you have a submission confirmation.

Do’s and Don’ts When Writing the IB Extended Essay

  • Choose a Topic You’re Passionate About
  • Plan Your Time Wisely
  • Conduct Thorough Research
  • Create a Detailed Outline
  • Write Clear and Coherent Arguments 
  • Use Subject-Specific Language
  • Cite Your Sources Properly
  • Adhere to IB Guidelines
  • Seek Feedback
  • Procrastinate
  • Be Too General
  • Neglect the Essay Structure
  • Ignore the Word Count
  • Use Informal Language
  • Overlook the Importance of Reflections
  • Submit Without Proofreading
  • Disregard the Formatting Guidelines

Phrases to Use

– “This essay seeks to explore…”

– “The research question being investigated…”

– “A critical analysis of [topic] reveals…”

– “The evidence suggests that…”

– “Consequently, it can be argued…”

– “The data indicates…”

– “In light of these findings…”

Phrases to Avoid

– “I think…” or “I believe…” (instead, present evidence to support your claims)

– “This essay will cover everything about…” (be specific about what you will discuss)

– “Everybody knows that…” (avoid assumptions and generalisations)

– “In my opinion…” (the essay should be analytical rather than personal)

– “It is obvious that…” (make a case for your argument instead of assuming it is self-evident)

– “Stuff,” “things,” etc. (use precise and academic vocabulary)

– “In conclusion, this is a complex topic…” (your conclusion should summarise your specific findings, not restate the complexity of the topic) 

Remember – The Extended Essay is a formal academic piece, so maintaining a formal tone, adhering to a structured format, and demonstrating a high level of analysis are key to achieving a good grade.

IB Extended Essay Grading

The ee assessment criteria.

The IB Extended Essay is evaluated using a set of criteria that focus on different aspects of writing and research. These include:

1. Focus and Method (6 points) – This criterion firstly assesses the clarity and purpose of the research question. Additionally, it evaluates the appropriateness of the methodology, and furthermore, examines how well these elements align with the chosen topic.

2. Knowledge and Understanding (6 points) – In this section, the essay is assessed primarily on the demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the topic studied. Specifically, it focuses on how well you grasp and explain the concepts related to your research.. Additionally, it considers the context and significance of the research question, thereby ensuring a comprehensive assessment.”

3. Critical Thinking (12 points) – Critical thinking is essential consequently, this section meticulously reviews the extent to which the essay employs analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of knowledge to effectively support the argument.

4. Presentation (4 points) – The structure and presentation of the essay are assessed, specifically focusing on adherence to guidelines concerning word count and formatting. Furthermore, clear and coherent use of language is critically evaluated.

5. Engagement (6 points) – This criterion evaluates the student’s reflection on their research process, additionally considering the challenges encountered, as well as the skills and insights subsequently gained.

The EE Grading Scale

The Extended Essay is graded on a scale from A to E, with A being the highest and E being the lowest. Here’s how the points contribute to the final grade:

A (Excellent)29-34 Points
B (Good)23-28 Points
C (Satisfactory)16-22 Points
D (Mediocre)8-15 Points
E (Elementary)0-7 Points

Award of the IB Diploma

The Extended Essay contributes to the total score of the IB Diploma in tandem with the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) through a points system. Students can earn up to three additional points based on their performance in these two core components.

Both the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge are evaluated according to specific assessment criteria that measure the quality of work. The performance of the student in each component is graded within one of the five bands that have been outlined previously.

The cumulative points awarded for the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge are derived from a matrix that correlates the levels achieved in both components. This matrix decides the number of additional points that will be added to the student’s overall diploma score, reflecting the interconnectedness of knowledge and research within the IB framework.

The Diploma points matrix - IB Extended Essay - IB Extended Essay Guide

Closing Thoughts

For aspiring IB students, the journey of crafting your Extended Essay is both a challenge and an extraordinary opportunity for intellectual development. Embrace this venture with enthusiasm, knowing that it is a unique chance to explore your academic interests in depth.

If you feel like you might need some extra assistance during this difficult process that is writing your IB Extensive Essay, don’t hesitate to reach out to IB tutors from Edumentors – a platform where they truly care for your success.

As we conclude, I extend my best wishes to all students embarking on this rigorous but rewarding endeavour. May your Extended Essay not only be a gateway to academic success but also a fulfilling learning experience that stays with you long after your IB journey has ended.

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IB Extended Essay EE Guide

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The International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay (EE) is a rigorous academic research project that offers numerous benefits to students. This article aims to provide an overview of the IB EE and its advantages, as well as offer valuable resources, tips for choosing a research question, guidance on organizing and structuring ideas, revision and editing strategies, and advice on avoiding common mistakes. By following these guidelines, students can maximize their chances of success in completing this challenging assignment.

The IB EE provides students with an opportunity to delve deeply into a topic of interest and develop critical thinking skills. It also helps them acquire essential research skills and gain experience in writing extended essays. Access to valuable resources further enhances the quality of their work, allowing them to explore diverse perspectives on their chosen subject matter.

Through this article, readers will learn how to choose a suitable research question that aligns with their interests and goals. Additionally, it will guide them in organizing their ideas effectively for a coherent essay structure. Revision strategies provided will assist in refining their work before submission.

By highlighting success stories and inspirational examples, this article aims to inspire and motivate students undertaking the IB EE journey. In conclusion, it sets out the next steps for students embarking on this challenging yet rewarding academic endeavor.

IB Extended Essay EE

Key Takeaways

  • IB Extended Essay (EE) allows students to develop critical thinking skills and delve deeply into a topic of interest.
  • Students acquire research skills and gain experience in writing extended essays through the IB EE.
  • The IB EE enhances analytical abilities, time management, and effective communication skills.
  • Students undertaking IB EE need to evaluate the relevance, potential significance, and feasibility of their research question.

Overview of the IB Extended Essay (EE)

The IB Extended Essay (EE) is a research-based academic project that requires students to independently explore and investigate a specific topic within one of the six subject areas offered by the International Baccalaureate program. It provides an opportunity for students to engage in in-depth research and develop critical thinking skills, while also demonstrating their ability to communicate effectively and present their findings in a structured manner.

The EE is designed to encourage independent learning and intellectual discovery, allowing students to delve into a topic of personal interest or pursue further study in a particular subject area. Through this process, students are able to develop valuable research skills such as formulating research questions, conducting extensive literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence.

Furthermore, the EE offers numerous benefits for students. It allows them to gain experience in conducting independent research, which is highly beneficial for future academic pursuits at university level. Additionally, it helps improve time management skills as students are required to plan their work over an extended period of time. Moreover, the EE fosters self-motivation and perseverance as students take ownership of their project from start to finish.

Transitioning into the subsequent section about 'benefits of using ib ee', the IB Extended Essay not only provides valuable learning experiences but also offers various advantages that contribute positively towards student growth and development.

Benefits of Using IB EE

One advantage of utilizing the IB EE is the range of research skills it helps students develop. These skills are invaluable in promoting critical thinking and academic growth. Some benefits of using the IB EE include:

  • Enhanced analytical abilities : The process of conducting an extended essay requires students to analyze complex information, evaluate sources, and draw logical conclusions. This helps them develop a deeper understanding of their chosen subject and strengthens their analytical abilities.
  • Improved time management : Completing an extended essay involves setting deadlines, creating a timeline, and managing time effectively to ensure all components are completed on schedule. This cultivates important time management skills that will benefit students throughout their academic journey.
  • Effective communication skills : Writing an extended essay necessitates clear and concise expression of ideas. Students must articulate their arguments coherently and logically in order to convey their research findings effectively. By practicing this skill, students can enhance their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.

The development of these research skills not only prepares students for higher education but also equips them with valuable tools for lifelong learning. In addition to these benefits, access to valuable resources further enhances the effectiveness of the IB EE as an educational tool.

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Access to Valuable Resources

Access to a wide range of valuable resources further enriches the effectiveness of the IB EE as an educational tool. The availability of these resources allows students to delve deeper into their chosen research topics and develop a well-rounded understanding. Here is a table presenting some examples of valuable resources that can support students in their IB Extended Essay journey:

Resource TypeDescriptionBooksComprehensive and in-depth information on various subjects.Academic JournalsPeer-reviewed articles providing current research findings.DatabasesOnline platforms offering access to a vast collection of scholarly materials.LibrariesPhysical or digital spaces equipped with extensive academic resources.ExpertsIndividuals with specialized knowledge who can provide guidance and insights.

By having access to these resources, students are able to explore different perspectives, validate their arguments with evidence-based information, and strengthen the overall quality of their research. This not only enhances their critical thinking skills but also allows them to produce well-informed essays that contribute meaningfully to the field they are studying.

Considering the importance of choosing an appropriate research question for an effective IB EE, it is essential for students to carefully select a topic that aligns with their interests, skills, and available resources (as discussed above). By doing so, they can ensure that they have sufficient access to relevant materials and support throughout their research process.

Having access to a wide range of valuable resources empowers students undertaking the IB EE by enabling them to conduct thorough investigations and produce high-quality essays. As we move forward into discussing tips for choosing a research question, it becomes evident how crucial it is for students to consider resource availability as one of the key factors in this decision-making process.

Tips for Choosing a Research Question

Considerations for selecting an effective research question involve careful evaluation of the topic's relevance, potential significance, and feasibility. When choosing a research question for an extended essay, it is crucial to ensure that the topic is relevant to your chosen subject area and aligns with the guidelines provided by the International Baccalaureate (IB). The research question should focus on a specific aspect or problem within the subject area, allowing for in-depth analysis and exploration. Additionally, it is important to consider the potential significance of your research question. Will it contribute new insights or perspectives to existing knowledge? Will it address a gap in current understanding? These factors will help determine whether your research question has academic value.

Feasibility is another critical factor when selecting a research question. Consider whether you have access to sufficient resources such as literature, data, and experts in the field who can provide guidance and support. Moreover, think about whether you have the time and skills necessary to undertake thorough research on your chosen question.

Selecting an effective research question requires careful consideration of its relevance, potential significance, and feasibility. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your extended essay will be well-grounded academically. As we move into discussing organizing and structuring your ideas further, it is essential to develop a clear framework for presenting your findings effectively without losing sight of your original goal.

Organizing and Structuring Your Ideas

Organizing and structuring your ideas is essential for presenting a coherent and logical framework that effectively communicates your research findings. To achieve this, consider the following steps:

  • Categorize your information: Begin by organizing your research material into categories or themes. This will help you identify common threads and connections between different concepts, enabling you to present a well-structured argument.
  • Create an outline: Once you have categorized your information, create an outline that outlines the main points or arguments you wish to make in your research paper. This will serve as a roadmap for your writing and ensure that all relevant information is included.
  • Use clear headings: Clearly label each section of your research paper with descriptive headings. This not only helps guide readers through the content but also allows them to easily locate specific information they may be interested in.
  • Provide logical transitions: Ensure that there are smooth transitions between paragraphs and sections of your research paper. This will help maintain the flow of ideas and prevent confusion for readers as they navigate through your work.

By organizing and structuring your ideas using these strategies, you can effectively communicate the results of your research study in a way that is clear, concise, and easy to follow for readers seeking safety-related insights. In the next section on meeting deadlines and time management, we will explore how efficient time management practices can contribute to successful completion of an IB Extended Essay project without compromising safety considerations."

Meeting Deadlines and Time Management

Meeting deadlines and effectively managing time are crucial components of successfully completing an IB Extended Essay project, ensuring timely submission without compromising safety protocols. In the context of this academic endeavor, adhering to deadlines is essential to maintain a systematic workflow and prevent last-minute rushes that may compromise the quality of work or even jeopardize one's well-being. By allocating specific time slots for conducting research, analyzing data, drafting chapters, and revising content, students can ensure a balanced approach that minimizes stress while maximizing productivity. Additionally, employing effective time management strategies such as creating schedules, setting realistic goals, prioritizing tasks, and avoiding procrastination can aid in meeting deadlines more efficiently.

Furthermore, in the pursuit of timely completion of the IB Extended Essay project, it is important to consider safety protocols. This includes allocating adequate time for experimentation or fieldwork while adhering to ethical guidelines and following safety procedures. Students must prioritize their own well-being by taking breaks when needed and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Meeting deadlines and managing time effectively are essential for successful completion of an IB Extended Essay project while ensuring safety throughout the process. By adhering to timelines and incorporating efficient time management techniques into one's routine, students can navigate the challenges associated with this demanding task more smoothly.

Transitioning into the subsequent section about writing and formatting tips: Moving on to writing and formatting tips…

Writing and Formatting Tips

To ensure a polished and professional final product, it is imperative to adhere to proper writing and formatting techniques when composing an IB Extended Essay. The essay should be written in a clear, concise, and organized manner, with attention given to grammar, punctuation, and spelling. It is important to use formal language that is appropriate for an academic audience. Avoid using slang or colloquialisms that may detract from the credibility of the essay.

When formatting your essay, follow the guidelines provided by the International Baccalaureate (IB). This includes using a standard font such as Times New Roman or Arial, with a font size of 12 points. Ensure that there is consistent spacing throughout the document and use headings and subheadings to clearly structure your essay.

Additionally, include in-text citations and provide a comprehensive list of references at the end of your essay to acknowledge any external sources used. Adhering to proper citation style, such as MLA or APA format, demonstrates academic integrity and avoids plagiarism.

Following proper writing and formatting techniques is essential for producing an outstanding IB Extended Essay. By adhering to these guidelines, you will create a well-structured and credible piece of work that showcases your research skills effectively. Transitioning into the next section on peer review and feedback allows for further improvement in refining your essay's content.

Peer Review and Feedback

Receiving constructive peer review and feedback is crucial in refining the quality and clarity of an IB Extended Essay, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the research conducted. Peer review serves as an opportunity to gain valuable insights from others who can provide fresh perspectives and identify areas for improvement. Constructive criticism helps students to identify weaknesses in their arguments or evidence, ensuring that their research is rigorous and well-supported.

During the peer review process, it is important to maintain a respectful and supportive environment. Focus should be on providing objective feedback that highlights both strengths and weaknesses of the essay. Language appropriate for an audience that desires safety should be used, avoiding any derogatory or offensive remarks. Encouraging comments can motivate students to continue working on their essays and make necessary revisions.

Constructive feedback received during peer review paves the way for effective revision and editing strategies. By incorporating suggestions from peers, students can enhance their essays by strengthening arguments, clarifying concepts, or improving organization. This iterative process allows students to refine their work before final submission.

Receiving constructive peer review and feedback plays a critical role in enhancing the quality of an IB Extended Essay. It provides valuable insights, identifies areas for improvement, and fosters growth as a researcher. Transitioning into the subsequent section about revision and editing strategies ensures a seamless continuation of this essay refinement process.

Revision and Editing Strategies

Revision and editing strategies are crucial for refining an IB Extended Essay, allowing students to enhance their arguments, clarify concepts, and improve overall organization. By engaging in a systematic process of revision and editing, students can identify areas that require further development or clarification in their essay. This may involve reviewing the structure of the essay to ensure a logical flow of ideas, reevaluating the evidence used to support arguments, and ensuring that all information is accurately cited. Additionally, revising and editing allows students to refine their language use by eliminating unnecessary jargon or repetition while ensuring clarity and precision.

One effective strategy for revision is seeking feedback from peers or teachers who can provide valuable insights into areas that may need improvement. Collaborating with others can help identify weaknesses in the argument or highlight areas where more evidence is needed. Another strategy is taking breaks between revisions to gain a fresh perspective on the content. This enables students to spot errors or inconsistencies that they may have missed during initial drafting.

Revision and editing strategies play a vital role in refining an IB Extended Essay by enhancing arguments, clarifying concepts, and improving overall organization. These strategies enable students to critically evaluate their work while also incorporating valuable feedback from peers and teachers. By dedicating time to thorough revision and editing processes, students can avoid common mistakes such as weak arguments or inadequate evidence presentation as they strive for excellence in their extended essays.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

One common mistake to avoid in writing an IB Extended Essay is the failure to provide sufficient evidence to support arguments and claims. In order to produce a well-rounded and convincing essay, it is crucial to back up any statements with substantial evidence. This can include data, statistics, expert opinions, or examples from relevant sources. By failing to do so, the essay loses its credibility and may be seen as unsubstantiated or lacking in depth.

To avoid this mistake, it is important for students to conduct thorough research and gather enough evidence before making any claims or arguments. This involves consulting various sources such as books, scholarly articles, reputable websites, or interviews with experts in the field. Additionally, students should critically analyze and evaluate the gathered information to determine its reliability and relevance.

By providing sufficient evidence throughout the essay, students can demonstrate their understanding of the topic and present a strong argumentative case. It not only adds credibility but also enhances the overall quality of the essay.

Avoiding the mistake of insufficient evidence is crucial when writing an IB Extended Essay. By incorporating credible sources and supporting arguments with evidence throughout the essay, students can strengthen their academic work. The next section will explore success stories and inspirational examples that highlight effective strategies employed in previous IB Extended Essays.

Success Stories and Inspirational Examples

In examining success stories and inspirational examples, it is evident that effective strategies employed in previous IB Extended Essays have resulted in impressive academic achievements. Here are four key strategies that have contributed to the success of these students:

  • Thorough research: Successful students demonstrated a deep understanding of their chosen topic by conducting extensive research using a variety of reputable sources. They utilized academic databases, books, scholarly journals, and primary sources to gather information.
  • Clear structure and organization: These students meticulously organized their essays, employing clear headings and subheadings to guide readers through their arguments. By presenting their ideas logically and coherently, they made it easier for readers to follow their thought process.
  • Critical analysis: The most successful essays showcased critical thinking skills by analyzing different perspectives and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each argument. These students demonstrated an ability to present balanced viewpoints while offering insightful interpretations.
  • Effective use of evidence: Strong essays incorporated relevant evidence from credible sources to support their claims. Students selected evidence judiciously, ensuring its relevance and reliability in strengthening their arguments.

By utilizing these strategies, previous IB Extended Essay candidates achieved remarkable academic accomplishments. As we move towards the conclusion and next steps, it is important to reflect on these successes as inspiration for our own endeavors without losing sight of the practical aspects required for a successful essay.

Conclusion and Next Steps

To conclude, it is imperative to reflect on the successes of previous IB Extended Essay candidates and consider the next steps required for our own academic achievements in this endeavor. The success stories and inspirational examples discussed earlier serve as a reminder that with dedication, perseverance, and effective time management, we can excel in our own research projects. These stories highlight the importance of thorough planning, selecting an appropriate topic, conducting extensive research, and seeking guidance from supervisors.

Moving forward, it is crucial to acknowledge that embarking on the IB Extended Essay journey requires a cautious approach. It is essential to prioritize our physical and mental well-being throughout this process. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance will contribute to overall productivity and prevent burnout.

Furthermore, recognizing the significance of collaboration within ethical boundaries is essential. Seeking assistance from peers or professionals can enhance our understanding of complex concepts and improve the quality of our work. However, it is essential to uphold academic integrity by avoiding plagiarism or any other form of misconduct.

By learning from past successes while prioritizing personal well-being and ethical conduct in our research endeavors, we can navigate through the challenges posed by the IB Extended Essay program successfully. With determination and careful planning, we are capable of achieving outstanding results while ensuring a safe and balanced academic journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the specific requirements for the ib extended essay.

The specific requirements for the IB Extended Essay include choosing a subject from one of the approved categories, conducting in-depth research, formulating a clear research question, and producing a 4,000-word essay following proper academic guidelines.

How can the IB Extended Essay contribute to college and university applications?

The IB Extended Essay can enhance college and university applications by showcasing a student's in-depth research, critical thinking skills, and ability to independently pursue an academic topic.

Are there any scholarships or grants available for students working on the IB Extended Essay?

There are scholarships and grants available for students working on the IB Extended Essay. These financial aids can help alleviate the costs associated with research materials, travel expenses, or other resources required for completing the project.

Can the IB Extended Essay be completed in a group or collaborative setting?

The IB Extended Essay cannot be completed in a group or collaborative setting. It is an individual research project that allows students to demonstrate their independent thinking and research skills.

Are there any online platforms or communities where students can connect with others working on the IB Extended Essay?

Yes, there are online platforms and communities available where IB students can connect with others working on the Extended Essay. These platforms facilitate collaboration, provide support and resources, and enable students to share their experiences and seek guidance.

In conclusion, the IB Extended Essay (EE) offers numerous benefits to students, including access to valuable resources and the opportunity to develop research and writing skills. By carefully choosing a research question, organizing ideas, and using effective revision strategies, students can avoid common mistakes and produce high-quality essays. Success stories and inspirational examples serve as motivation for students undertaking this challenging task. Overall, the IB EE provides a platform for academic growth and prepares students for future endeavors in higher education.

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What Is An Extended Essay & How to Write It?

Read this article for 5 tips to ace your IB Extended Essay. this article shows IB students how to write an Extended Essay for IB Diploma.

What Is An Extended Essay & How to Write It?

Table of content

Introduction , what is ib extended essay, choosing your mentor, how to select your topic, the structure of ib extended essay, research question, table of contents, methodology, the main body, the conclusion, bibliography, ib extended essay checklist.

Introduce and elaborate topic that you are researching in your EE.

  • A crisp description of what you will explore and how you will do so. If you are aiming at a particular firm/industry, discuss the problems and your investigation method.
  • To provide context to your question, you must address the situation from where the question is coming.
  • State your research question and emphasize the importance of answering that question.
  • Please describe how your research is helpful and exciting and how it is valuable to your audience.

This article will reveal helpful information on what your IB Extended Essay (EE) requires. Consider this your IB Extended Essay Checklist, which covers everything you must know about your EE.

Hey! Make sure you listen to Ivy, who will explain what NOT to do on your EE.

These mountains you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb!

Understand that no warrior ever conquered the battlefield with an unhinged mind. We say this because, being past IB students, we have seen and faced what we are about to and have a good knowledge and acquired the ability to differentiate between more enormous beasts and smaller beasts.

IB Extended Essay  is a smaller beast considering that you give it enough time before it becomes more prominent. All you need to do is relax your mind, de-stress and follow a simple procedure explained further in the article. There is no need to panic. Trust us, listen to us, and be like us!

Moving ahead from punny insertions, let us tell you why the IB extended essay can be an easy and exciting mountain to climb:

  • Subject of your choice (Good practice to choose from your HLs)
  • Independence of choosing a topic  
  • Choice of choosing your mentor
  • Continuous feedback and support from your chosen mentor.

IB extended essay (IB EE) is another one of the mandatory requirements of the IB Diploma Programme. It is a mini-thesis that you write under the supervision of a mentor/advisor. Your mentor will be an IB teacher from your school. The students must conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, which must be at most the limit of 4000 words. You begin by choosing a research question as a topic that will be further approved by IBO. It is up to you to either do a typical research paper, conduct an experiment/solve a problem-type EE.

I can write too many paragraphs giving you unnecessary information but let’s cut to the chase and admit the heart wants what it wants. You will go with an advisor/mentor with whom you will connect the most. However, suppose your judgment is clouded between the advisor you want to choose solely because you click with them better and the mentor who is knowledgeable about your chosen topic and can help you improve your research work. In that case, the choice is pretty straightforward: listen to your brain. Get rid of your toxic love and make a wise decision to choose a knowledgeable mentor. If you are lucky, the mentor you connect with and the one with ample knowledge about your chosen topic will be the same person. On that note, consider only two things while choosing your advisor:

  • An advisor who is familiar with your topic 
  • An advisor who will push you to be your best

Before diving into the topic selection and the structure of your IB extended essay, refer to this table to get an insight into the grade breakdown table. This will be helpful in your planning phase.

NoExtended EssayTheory of KnowledgeTotal Grade
1AA3
2AB3
3BA3
4AC2
5BB2
6CA2
7AD1
8DA1
9BC1
10BD1
11CB1
12CC1
13DB1
14CD0
15DC0
16DD0

17

E

A

F*

18

E

B

F*

19

E

C

F*

20

E

D

F*

21

E

E

F*

Moving ahead towards essential aspects of this article. After choosing your mentor, the next step for ‘how to write an EE’ is choosing a topic with the help of your mentor’s input. It is as essential as our  TOK Essay  and  TOK presentation .

Keep the following in mind while selecting your topic:

  • Choose a topic that interests you.
  • A topic that has enough resources and material.
  • Choose a topic that is neither too narrow (so you have enough material) nor too broad (to avoid exceeding the word limit of 4000 words)

Before we dive into the structure, let us make one thing clear, there is a difference between the title and the research question. A title is different from your research question. Your research question is a clear and focused summative statement of your research. For instance, “The Effect of Gender and Age on the photoreceptor cells in the human retina” is a title whereas the following as the examples of research questions:

“Does the efficiency of Rods and cones decrease with age?

“What is the efficiency of L-cone vs M-cone vs S-cone?“

“To what extent are rod cells more efficient than the three cone cells?”

“Does the efficieny of rods and cones differ between genders?”

This will include the following:

  • Introduction

Quick Note: The content on this page will not be included in your essay word count.

NO ABSTRACT REQUIRED. The latest IB guide states that an abstract should not be included in EE anymore.

You should split this section into two major areas to cover all the essential aspects.

  • Section - 1 Explaining your sources
  • Section - 2 Related topics, theories, and arguments that you will use to explore

Quick Note: Ensure that besides giving the readers an insight into the theories, arguments, and resources you plan to use for your research, you also point out the weaknesses and limitations.

Section- 1: Sources

  • Describe each of your major sources of primary and secondary research.
  • Inform the readers how these sources are helpful.
  • To provide the readers with insight into each source's weaknesses or limitations. For example, there may have been room for bias or a limited scope of your research. Or there are other reasons why other data you used could be unreliable or invalid.
  • Some useful sources of secondary research are company annual reports, news articles, magazine articles, business textbooks, and encyclopedias.
  • Mention any adjustments (at least one) you made to your research as you progressed with your EE.

Section- 2: Related topics, theories, and arguments

  • Briefly explain the ideas you will use and why (what are you aiming to support by using these).
  • Address weaknesses or limitations of each addressed topic, theory, or related argument.
  • Mention any changes made to these as you progressed with your EE.

This part of your essay will be the most elaborate. It will concentrate on research, analysis, discussion, and evaluation.

To maintain the flow of your previous section, we suggest splitting this section into two parts, identical to the previous bifurcation, to showcase your understanding of the IB concepts learned in your business management class and the other addressing the insightful material outside of your course.

Section-1: Related arguments, theories, and topics form your course learning

  • Include 4 or 5 of these to help you answer your research question.
  • It is suggested that you include at least one financial element. Address your qualitative tools before the quantitative ones.

Section- 2: Beyond your Course

Take up this section as an opportunity for you to educate your reader/evaluator.

  • Review several related theories and concepts more extensively than the course does.
  • Impress your reader by giving the sense that you know how the particular industry works. Showcase your expertise or knowledge gained through expert opinions in several aspects of your question.
  • Please add some analytical insight in this section rather than just descriptive. Be careful to ensure that all of your theories in this section are really helping you answer your research question.
  • You can use a graph here, but it must link to the research question.
  • Use theories and supportive arguments that apply to your research and are beyond your course (if relevant).

Quick Note: Relate every paragraph to your research question.

This section is self-explanatory. It is time to bind all your areas together.

  • It would help if you concentrated on making your EE sections cohesive.
  • Please address what you have researched and how it helps answer your research question.
  • Keep everything new in your conclusion.
  • Shine through by including mini-conclusions to synthesize your essay.
  • You can include several evaluative insights as well, if applicable.
  • Mention some weaknesses and limitations of your research and their effect on your research. You can even address the inaccuracies these limitations may have caused and state the reason behind them.
  • Explain at least one thing that you would have done differently if you were to do it again.

Quick Note: Don’t include a recommendations section in your EE

This section gives the reader an insight into your research resources. It may include:

  • Books –textbooks, internet resources, journals, academic papers, competitor interviews, etc.
  • Primary Resource (if applicable) –Interview, data (focus group, survey, etc.).

Quick note: The content on this page will not be included in your essay word count.

Take this section as more of an essential formality of showcasing the process of hard work that you have put in.

  • Transcripts from your interviews,
  • The additional analysis you didn't fit in the body of your EE.
  • Any other exciting data which you would like to refer to in the body of your work.

With this, we come to the end of our article on what is an IB extended essay and how to write an extended essay. As we mentioned earlier, it is relatively easy. All you need is dedication, set timelines, and proper research. So, don't worry; no rabbits can pull out your hat today. If you want to score a 36 on 36 your Extended Essay, check out our  Extended Essay Guide , which offers '5 never heard before' tips to help you write a quality essay.

Make an IB Extended Essay Checklist! I cannot emphasize enough on this point. The submission for your EE happens simultaneously when you are expected to take your exams. There will be a million things that you would have to keep track of. There is a high chance of forgetting to make that final edit or perfecting your EE's introduction in the midst of it all. Therefore, an IB Extended Essay Checklist will ensure you do everything. IB Extended Essay Checklist will be your savior during the final submission days.

We want Nail IB to be your virtual companion to hustle through IB. We have many helpful blogs that will help you navigate your way through IB. Apart from our blogs, we offer a "Take A Test' module, which allows IB students to evaluate their level in the IB Program. Make sure to try a  test  and see your strengths and weaknesses. And finally, to ensure you have all the resources you might need to nail IB, we have curated special  student bundles  for your convenience.

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How to Make the Most Out of Meetings With Your IB Extended Essay (IB EE) Advisor: some valuable tips from a Vaid Tutoring IBDP Psychology expert

The entire IB Extended Essay (EE) process seems so terribly daunting, and the idea of having to meet with a complete stranger once every few months to go over the biggest essay you’ve probably ever written in your IB years, sounds even more stressful. I survived the IB EE and did well in the end, but that doesn’t mean I don’t wish someone explained to me a little bit more about the process and how to make the most out of the meetings with my IB Extended Essay advisor.

At first, I was so scared of letting my IB EE advisor down and embarrassing myself that I ended up just keeping my head down and doing my IB essay, without actually asking for his advice along the way. This resulted in a full EE first draft that, simply put, wasn’t any good! After hearing my IB advisor’s feedback on my objectively terrible first draft, I was crushed. And not only was I crushed, but I was even more embarrassed that I didn’t feel confident enough to just be honest with him before and ask him all the questions I had.

From that point on, I began to trust him; I listened to his advice, and came to our meetings regularly with questions ready. Instead of avoiding him at all costs, I would actually seek him out when I needed help.

All this to preface that I have some important tips you should keep in mind to  actually make the most out of your IB Extended Essay advisor meetings:

  • Gather all your dates. If you already know when your first meeting will be, when your first draft is due and all other relevant deadlines, put them into your calendar immediately. Then, break those end deadlines down into smaller tasks. Your advisor will be impressed if you are aware of your timeline and have set clear goals for yourself.
  • Understand that everyone’s IB EE experience will be vastly different. Some schools are much stricter than others such as having very rigid first draft deadlines and your IB advisor may be very formal. Meanwhile other schools are more relaxed and prefer to have much more discussion between advisor and advisee. Your IB EE advisor has the freedom to provide guidance in their own unique ways, so be ready to adapt and learn a lot.
  • Do not focus on what your friends’ IB advisors say or do . If your friend is doing an IB DP English EE, while you are doing an IB DP Biology EE, do not compare their advice. Similarly, if someone’s IB advisor is more relaxed and less strict about deadlines than yours, do not try to get your advisor to accommodate others’ deadlines (there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all structure!).
  • Respect your IB advisor’s time . It does neither you nor your IB advisor any favours if you show up to a meeting unprepared. Realistically they can tell if you are faking your way through a meeting and making things up on the spot. If you genuinely are unprepared, respectfully reschedule (with at least a day’s notice).
  • Be open with your IB EE advisor . If you are worried about a specific part of your IB essay or part of the IB EE process, tell them that from the get go. They are your advisor , allow them to advise you. Besides, once you share your problem with someone else, it’s never as bad as it is in your head.
  • You are not going to embarrass yourself by asking questions, they are used to it! It is your first time writing a long research paper, so your advisor won’t expect you to be perfect at it. If anything, having questions and areas of concern ready to discuss with your advisor means your meetings will be richer, more fruitful, and inspiring. To add, you’re more likely to learn a lot from your advisor this way.
  • Your school may only allocate a certain number of ‘official’ meetings you are supposed to have with your IB advisor , but if you need more, that is perfectly fine! Speak to your advisor about your progress, and if you feel you need some more meetings, check with them and their schedule and you can certainly have some extra time to consult them.
  •   Do not pester your advisor to read another draft after they have read your first draft. It is not fair to ask them to do something they are not allowed to do according to the IBO, so don’t put them in that position. Once again, respecting your advisor is key. They are helping you with this huge project, so don’t make their job harder than it needs to be.
  • After your first draft, ask your advisor about specific segments of your IB essay . Since your advisor can’t read another full draft again, you can definitely show them or ask them about specific segments. You will get a lot out of this and it will make you feel less stressed about submitting your final essay, especially if a lot of changes were made between your first and final draft (like mine was).

And those were all my tips! I truly believe that cultivating a good advisor-advisee relationship is key to succeeding at your IB Extended Essay, and I’m certain you will get there too if you follow these tips.

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April 22, 2022

IB Extended Essay Guide 2022: Deadlines And Requirements

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

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

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

What should your extended essay include?

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

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

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

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

What is the process for writing your extended essay?

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

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

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

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

How to prepare a topic proposal for your extended essay?

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

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

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

What are the deadlines for the EE submission?

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

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

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

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

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Internal Assessments (IA) and Extended Essay (EE): The Inside Scoop!

Michelle

“I don’t know what topic to choose.” “Ughhhh. My teacher says my essay lacks focus.” “I don’t think these assignments are important, are they?”

Well, if you find those remarks relatable, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about the IA and EE .

Internal Assessment (IA)

What is it.

Anything graded by your teacher is known as an internal assessment. This is opposed to external assessments that are marked by a trained IB marker outside your school. Every subject in the IB has some form of IA. For example, in IB Physics, you conduct an investigation and do a write-up of 6 to 12 pages which is then graded internally.

Does what my teacher say about the assignment matter?

Yes, absolutely. Your teacher will be giving you your final grade, so, it’s really important to follow his/ her advice. Be sure to take notes when you consult your teacher about your IA.

Is my teacher going to mark harshly because she is a strict teacher?

While your teacher would be awarding you the final grade, the IB has some standards in place to make sure students aren’t unfairly graded simply because of strict teachers. One of such method is moderation . An IB external examiner will review a sample of teacher-assessed assignments. This examiner will determine whether the marks are correct. The IB uses Dynamic Sampling:

From the figure above, we see that when the initial sample of a teacher’s mark is deemed harsh or lenient, the IB would require further samples of work and adjust the grades.

Is the IA even important?

Of course, it is! Students tend to place a much greater emphasis and effort on the external assessments, sometimes neglecting IAs. However, the IA is as important as the external exams. Here’s why: both internal and external assessments contribute to your final grade . Internal assessments typically contribute between 20-30% of the subject assessment grade, but for some courses, the IA can contribute up to 50%.

Covid-related update:

Since COVID has transformed the face of the world as we know it and since safe examinations are still a concern, ‘the IB has confirmed that it will offer a dual-route for the May 2021 Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme examination session.’ What does this mean? According to its official website, the IB is currently in discussion with schools in different parts of the world to determine “which of the two pathways is best for their region: written examinations, where they can be administered safely, or an alternative route using a combination of internal assessment coursework and teacher-predicted grades, where they can’t.”

At the time of writing this article, the news we have is that “roughly 71% schools (61% of students) have indicated that they will be able to administer the exams”.

Extended Essay (EE)

It’s a long piece of writing (4,000 words max) on a topic of your choosing. It is a research paper that allows you to explore an academic area that you have an interest in. All extended essays are graded by an external IBO examiner.

How many hours should I spend on my EE?

The IB recommends spending about 40 hours on your EE. Of course, these 40 hours are spread out over your IB journey.

How is it assessed?

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

  • Focus and method – 6 marks
  • Knowledge and understanding – 6 marks
  • Critical thinking – 12 marks
  • Presentation – 4 marks
  • Engagement – 6 marks

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

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

Is the EE even important?

YES! The EE and TOK are awarded individual grades and can collectively contribute to 3 points towards your overall diploma score .

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IB and the Extended Essay

The International Baccalaureate program is a popular curriculum used in international schools around as well as domestic high schools in locations around the world seeking to offer a challenging curriculum.

The extended essay is required for all IB students. The IB extended essay is about 4,000 words (or about 16 pages double-spaced) and is usually due sometime between November and February of a student's senior year. The IB extended essay can be about anything (as long as the IBO approves it), and a student chooses a teacher in the school to serve as their advisor throughout the project.

AP Research

Advanced Placement is a sort of "product" or set of curricula made by the College Board, the producer of the S.A.T. The College Board maintains an AP Capstone Degree Program--in order to qualify, students must complete several AP classes, AP Seminar, and AP Research. AP Research is a year-long course wherein a student writes a 4,000-5,000 word essay, building on what they learned in previous coursework.

The Connection

AP Research, the IB Extended Essay, and Horizon Academic all seem quite similar on the surface: they all involve writing a lengthy essay about a topic that a student is interested in, and they likely are the most significant and ambitious academic project that a student has undertaken in their high school career up to that point. But beneath the surface, there are actually several significant differences.

  • Age: AP Research and IB Extended Essays tend to be senior year projects, whereas most students that do Horizon Academic are in grades 10 and 11. In fact, many students apply for Horizon Academic in order to better prepare for the IB Extended Essay or AP Research the follow year.
  • Who the Advisor Is:  At Horizon Academic, our instructors are professors, lecturers, and PhD researchers at universities like Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Columbia, and Dartmouth. Horizon Academic's instructors are experts in their fields and have been published in peer reviewed journals on the topics that they advise students on. On the other hand, AP Research and the IB Extended Essay are in-school offerings, meaning that a student's advisor is an in-school teacher. This isn't to say that in school teachers can't also contribute! In school teachers tend to know their students very well and can check in with students in person about their progress. But in terms of the actual content that a student is researching, in-school teachers often assume a role that resembles more of a coach than an expert advisor, offering suggestions on time management, general advice on composition, and possible connections with the mandatory curriculum, as opposed to being able to provide detailed suggested readings or the latest data sets on a research topic.
  • Duration : The IB Extended Essay and AP Research are 1-2 year long processes. Sometimes, students lose interest in their topic or discover that their original research question needs to change significantly after researching a question for so long. On the other hand, Horizon Academic is a 15 week program, meaning that students can complete their research projects much faster, if they have time to dedicate to the program.
  • Faculty to Student Ratio : Most school classes have between 12-24 students in them. In schools where every student must complete a research project, that might mean that a single teacher is advising as many as 24 students on their research papers while teaching a full course load. At Horizon Academic, our biggest group classes have 6 students, and our average class size is 4. At Horizon Labs, our classes are 1-on-1, meaning that each student has private advising sessions with their instructor. 
  • The Stakes, and Also Credit:  AP Research and the IB Extended Essay carry high school class credit and may even carry college credit at universities that accept the scores. Many are surprised to discover that Horizon Academic does not offer college credit, because we aim to create an environment wherein students feel comfortable experimenting with new ideas, trying new subjects, and exploring their interests, even if they aren't completely cultivated or refined just yet. With a credit-bearing class, students are obligated to report their grades in their college applications because they're a part of a students academic record and belong on a transcript. On the other hand, experiential programs like Horizon Academic are not credit-bearing, which means that students can feel comfortable taking risks in their research; if all doesn't quite go according to plan and a student earns a grade that they feel isn't representative of their ability, they are not obligated to report that grade in their college applications.

Interested in preparing better for AP Research or the IB Extended Essay? Or interested in working with an outside expert to help guide your research? Apply to Horizon Academic!

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IB EE examples for all subjects

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the change in corporate leadership at apple inc. from steve jobs to tim cook impacted the company's innovation and product development, fluid’s density effect on falling objects, to what extent will toyota’s diversification help increase business revenues and market share, to what extent does vivienne westwood's sustainable fashion initiatives provide it with a competitive advantage over other luxury brands, to what extent were queer people liberated in weimar germany, 1919-1933, to what extent does market-oriented approach give netflix, inc. a competitive advantage in the streaming entertainment industry, how is the lift at various angles of attack affected by flap deflection angles, to what extent do different species of chili pepper consumption biologically affect the rate of lipid digestion in terms of ph change within 30 minutes, to what extent do phytochemicals such as resveratrol, glyceollin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (egcg) possess comparable antibacterial effects against staphylococcus aureus bacteria to a non-prescription otitis externa (oe) treatments such as ciprofloxacin using bacillus subtilis as a prokaryotic model organism, to what extent is blood pressure related to the development of alzheimer’s disease in people in age above 50, to what extent does oxytocin affect interpersonal trust in young adults, how has apple used sustainable innovation to gain a competitive edge, to what extent do extracts of allium sativum (garlic) and zingiber officinale (ginger) reduce antimicrobial activity and how effective it is compared to antibiotics, how do different concentrations of punica granatum extracts: peel, flower and leaves (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/ml) affect the rate of reaction of α-amylase and compare with metformin (anti-diabetic drug) as measured by a spectrophotometer at 587nm, how effective is the cone repair technique when treating ebstein’s anomaly in comparison to other treatments, to what extent do social networking sites increase rates of anxiety in adolescents, what effect does the difference in radius at the top and bottom of the roller coaster loop have on the maximum change in g-force that a passenger experiences, to what extent can four seasons hotel’s success be attributed to its corporate culture and isadore sharp’s leadership style, how does the concentration of harpagoside, which is identified by the surface area of the spot on the chromatography paper, changes in the equine mane over the period of one month after gradual consumption of the supplement “devil’s claw”, what is the relationship between the height of the siphon and the flow velocity out of the siphon, what is the effect of salinity stress (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 mm nacl) measured through microscopic (stomatal aperture) and morphological (leaf area, leaf dry mass, and root length) characteristics on pre-treated radish (raphanus sativus) seeds with magnetopriming (48 hours), to what extent has the launch of disney+ proven successful in advancing disney’s digital presence and establishing market dominance in the subscription-based video on demand (svod) market, how could family-based therapies such as cff-cbt, fft, and fft-hr be implemented in the treatment of pediatric bipolar disorder, to what extent were the nuremberg trials defendants afforded a fair due process, to what extent has google's diversification into the wearables industry increased its profitability, to what extent has japan taken steps to end overfishing in order to meet sustainable development goal 14, to what extent was the popular violence of the cultural revolution driven by mao’s need to eliminate opposition, to what extent has the vehicular emissions scheme (ves) been effective in increasing the consumption of light electric vehicles between 2018 and 2020 in singapore, how does the type of solvent (ethanol, propanone) and its solvent to water ratio (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% v/v) in the extraction of polyphenols via ultrasound-assisted extraction (uae), affect the total phenolic content extracted from rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis), quantified by folin-ciocalteu assay.

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Fellow students who got an A or B in their extended essay

So after a lot of trouble I was still flagged for my extended essay and received an N grade causing me to not recieve a diploma despite getting a 28/45. So now I will have retake my extended essay in November. My IB subjects were Math sl, Econ HL, Chem HL, Eng Lang&Lit HL, Physics SL, and French ab. I wrote my extended essay on music which then turned out to be a big mistake. Now to make it simple, I want you high scorers to tell me what subject is the easiest to write on, and what are some tips and tricks you can tell me to score an A or B in my extended essay. Thanks in advance :)

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IMAGES

  1. IB Extended Essay Advisor Comment and Assessment Rubric

    ib extended essay advisor

  2. The IB Extended Essay Handbook: Ultimate Guide for Reference

    ib extended essay advisor

  3. IB Extended Essay 是什麼?完整攻略看這篇

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  4. IB Extended Essay Advisor Comment and Assessment

    ib extended essay advisor

  5. Fillable Online IB Extended Essay Advisor Comment and Assessment Rubric

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  6. The Best IB Extended Essay Guide & Tips

    ib extended essay advisor

COMMENTS

  1. 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 ...

  2. The Complete IB Extended Essay Guide: Examples, Topics, Ideas

    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.

  3. The Do's and Don'ts of Extended Essay (EE)

    The IB Extended Essay is a rigorous and rewarding endeavor that can shape your academic and personal growth. By following these do's and don'ts, you can navigate the challenges and make the most of this unique opportunity. Remember to harness your passion, seek guidance from your supervisor, and start early to ensure a successful Extended ...

  4. Top IB Extended Essay Tips

    Here are 8 top tips that have helped me through my journey of writing my Extended Essay in English Language and Literature, from beginning to end - and I even enjoyed it! Target your strongest subject and area of interest. While it should be noted that your Extended Essay should be written for one of your Higher Level (HL) subjects, there are ...

  5. PDF SON IBDP Extended Essay Supervisor's Handbook

    The role of an Extended Essay Supervisor is the same as the supervisor described in all documents published by the IBO regarding the Extended Essay. This role is similar to that of a mentor who provides appropriate guidance to the student regarding their extended essays. The extended essay supervisor has these principal responsibilities: 1.

  6. IB Extended Essay Guide: Steps, Tips & Examples

    Your IB advisor, along with your IB teacher, plays a pivotal role in the Extended Essay (EE) process. Furthermore, these mentors guide you through the complexities of the EE. Initially, they assist you with the topic selection, and subsequently, they support you throughout the extended journey to the final stages of writing.

  7. Examples

    These highlight the diverse range of topics covered by International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) students during their extended essays. Some examples are: "An analysis of costume as a source for understanding the inner life of the character". "A study of malnourished children in Indonesia and the extent of their recovery ...

  8. IB Extended Essay EE Guide

    The International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay (EE) is a rigorous academic research project that offers numerous benefits to students. This article aims to provide an overview of the IB EE and its advantages, as well as offer valuable resources, tips for choosing a research question, guidance on organizing and structuring ideas, revision and editing strategies, and advice on avoiding ...

  9. PDF Extended essay

    The Extended Essay (EE) is an essential component in the IB Diploma Program. The purpose of the essay is to allow students to engage in independent research and pursue knowledge in a subject area of personal interest. The students will be required to communicate their information in a logical manner and present the final essay according to the ...

  10. Extended Essay resources

    Items in the IB store are available to everyone. Publications include: 50 more extended essays, a DVD of essays submitted in the DP that all fulfil the requirements for an 'A' grade in the current syllabus; The Extended Essay Guide, a free material in the Programme Resource Centre (PRC), which requires a log-in given to IB World Schools; 10 monografias excelentes, a digital document ...

  11. Writing the IB Extended Essay

    The IB Extended Essay, rather than a single-day exam, is a mandatory, year-long research project that IB students write with a faculty advisor's guidance. The essay, which is typically at or around 4,000 words in length, falls within one of the following thematic groups:Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and ...

  12. What Is An Extended Essay & How to Write It?

    IB extended essay (IB EE) is another one of the mandatory requirements of the IB Diploma Programme. It is a mini-thesis that you write under the supervision of a mentor/advisor. Your mentor will be an IB teacher from your school. The students must conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, which must be at most the limit of 4000 ...

  13. How to Make the Most Out of Meetings With Your IB Extended Essay (IB EE

    The entire IB Extended Essay (EE) process seems so terribly daunting, and the idea of having to meet with a complete stranger once every few months to go over the biggest essay you've probably ever written in your IB years, sounds even more stressful. I survived the IB EE and did well in the end, but that doesn't mean I don't wish someone explained to me a little bit more about the ...

  14. IB Extended Essay Guide 2022: Deadlines And Requirements

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

  15. PDF A Student Guide To Writing the Extended Essay

    question on which your entire extended essay and foreseeable future will be based. EE Pre-Draft Planning Assignment - February. You will focus your research in order to compose a preliminary introduction to your extended essay. First EE Advisor Meetings - February/March. You will receive an advisor and must meet with said advisor

  16. Internal Assessments (IA) and Extended Essay (EE): The Inside Scoop!

    It is a research paper that allows you to explore an academic area that you have an interest in. All extended essays are graded by an external IBO examiner. on your EE. Of course, these 40 hours are spread out over your IB journey. All extended essays are assessed by external examiners appointed by the IB. They are marked on a scale from 0 to 34:

  17. Horizon Academic, AP Research, and the IB Extended Essay

    The IB extended essay can be about anything (as long as the IBO approves it), and a student chooses a teacher in the school to serve as their advisor throughout the project. AP Research Advanced Placement is a sort of "product" or set of curricula made by the College Board, the producer of the S.A.T.

  18. IB EE examples for all subjects

    EE Biology A. Fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by IB examiners. Upgrade now 🚀. Promoted. Advertise with Clastify. To what extent do phytochemicals such as resveratrol, glyceollin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) possess comparable antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to a non-prescription ...

  19. IB Extended Essay Advisor Comment and Assessment Rubric

    The document provides assessment criteria and rubrics for evaluating IB Extended Essays in Language B. It includes four criteria: A) Research Question, B) Introduction, C) Investigation, and D) Knowledge and Understanding of Topic. For each criterion, descriptors are provided to assess performance at levels 0-4, with level 4 being the highest. Supervisors are instructed to highlight the ...

  20. IB Extended Essay Advisor Job Description

    The extended essay requirements: It is a research paper. Maximum number of words is 4000. It is supposed to represent approximately 40 hours of work. It is meant to allow students to investigate a topic of special interest and practice independent research and writing skills. It is an analysis of a topic supported with relevant research.

  21. PDF Extended essay

    The IB recommends 240 teaching hours for HL subjects and 150 hours for SL. Subjects at HL are studied in greater depth and breadth than at SL. In addition, three core elements—the extended essay, theory of knowledge and creativity, ... The extended essay contributes to the student's overall score for the diploma through points awarded

  22. Fellow students who got an A or B in their extended essay : r/IBO

    Fellow students who got an A or B in their extended essay. Advice. So after a lot of trouble I was still flagged for my extended essay and received an N grade causing me to not recieve a diploma despite getting a 28/45. So now I will have retake my extended essay in November. My IB subjects were Math sl, Econ HL, Chem HL, Eng Lang&Lit HL ...

  23. DP extended essay updates

    The new extended essay (EE) will be launched in February 2025. First assessment will take place in May 2027. Below you will find an overview of the course updates. For a technical breakdown of the DP curriculum and assessment methods for this course, read the extended essay subject brief. You also can view information on the current extended ...