IB Extended Essay Guide: How to write, examples, topics

The IB Extended Essay (or EE) is a a formal piece of academic writing (research work) in which students are expected to prepare a 4,000-word paper. Here’s how to write the essay to get maximum grades, sample topics and examples.

What is the Extended Essay

• The IB Extended Essay (EE) is a mini-thesis done under the supervision of a teacher, and it counts towards your IB Diploma.
• It is presented as a formal piece of sustained academic writing containing no more than 4,000 words accompanied by a reflection form of no more than 500 words.
• It is the result of approximately 40 hours of work by the student
• A typical IB Extended Essay follows the following structure: Title page, Contents page, Introduction, Body of the essay, Conclusion, References and bibliography, Appendices
• You are expected to carry out more research and also cite additional sources.
• You can choose a research topic from the following IB subject groups – Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, The Arts

Aim of the Extended Essay:

• Learn to engage in independent research
• Develop self-management, thinking, and communication skills
• Reflect on the learning throughout the research and writing process.

Tips to write an excellent IB Extended Essay:

• Choose a topic that you like
• Choose a topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow
• Choose an advisor who will push you to do your Best
• Make sure your essay has a proper structure
• Give sufficient time to prepare the essay – preparing 4000 words of content takes time

Useful Links

Extended essay (International Baccalaureate)

How-to: Research Help: Citation styles for IB Diploma Subjects

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