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Writing a high-quality IB Extended Essay (EE) requires careful planning, research, and analytical skills. It must demonstrate critical thinking, originality, and engagement with the chosen topic. Apart from regularly meeting with your supervisors to get feedback and guidance, there are steps you should take in order to check off everything on the rubric and achieve top marks. Below, we break down the key elements of a successful EE and how you can maximize your score.
Clear Research Question
The foundation of a great EE is a well-defined research question (RQ). Your RQ should be focused, specific, and researchable within the 4,000-word limit. A common mistake is choosing a topic that is either too broad or too narrow. For example, a question like "How does climate change affect agriculture?" is too vague, while "How has climate change affected rice yields in Thailand since 2000?" is much more focused and manageable.
Additionally, your RQ must align with the chosen subject’s expectations—a Biology EE should involve a scientific investigation, while a History EE should focus on analysis rather than simply narrating events. A strong RQ serves as a guide for your research and ensures that your essay remains structured and relevant.
In-Depth Research
A high-scoring EE is backed by extensive and reliable research. Your sources should include peer-reviewed journals, books, primary sources, and reputable databases. While Wikipedia can be a useful starting point, it is not an academic source. Instead, use its references to find more credible material. If your EE involves an experiment, ensure that your methodology is well-documented and that your results are reproducible. For humanities-based EEs, primary and secondary sources provide depth and context to your analysis. It is also important to engage with a variety of perspectives rather than relying on a single viewpoint. Your research should serve as evidence to support your argument, not just as a summary of existing information.
Structuring Your Extended Essay
A well-organized EE follows a logical structure that allows the reader to navigate your argument easily. The basic structure includes a title page, table of contents, introduction, main body, conclusion, and references. In the introduction, clearly introduce your RQ, explain its significance, and outline the scope of your research. The main body should present your analysis, discussion, and evaluation of sources. Each paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence, followed by supporting evidence and a connection to your overall argument. Finally, the conclusion should summarize your key findings and directly answer your research question. A well-structured EE ensures clarity and coherence, making it easier for examiners to follow your argument.
Demonstrating Critical Analysis
The best EEs go beyond summarizing information—they engage in critical analysis by evaluating causes, effects, and implications. Instead of simply stating facts, analyze how different perspectives interact and what evidence supports or challenges them. Avoid one-sided arguments by acknowledging counterarguments and explaining why your position is stronger. If your EE is in the sciences, assess the reliability of your results and discuss potential limitations. In a literature EE, instead of summarizing the plot, focus on stylistic devices, themes, and historical context. Critical thinking is what separates an average EE from an excellent one, so make sure you are engaging deeply with your topic.
Strong Evidence to Support Your Argument
Every claim in your EE should be backed by relevant, high-quality evidence. When using sources, avoid excessive direct quotations; instead, paraphrase where possible while still giving credit. Be selective about your sources—blogs, opinion pieces, and unscholarly websites do not hold the same academic weight as peer-reviewed studies. If your EE involves statistical analysis, ensure that the methods used are appropriate and that your interpretation of data is sound. If additional details are necessary but would disrupt the flow of your essay, consider using footnotes or appendices. Strong evidence strengthens your argument and demonstrates your ability to engage with academic sources effectively.
Showing Engagement with the Subject
Examiners value EEs that reflect genuine interest and engagement with the topic. Choosing a subject that excites you will make the research and writing process much more enjoyable and insightful. When you are passionate about a topic, your analysis is likely to be deeper and more original. This is also why the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF) is important—it allows you to document how your ideas evolved throughout the process. In your reflections, discuss key challenges, moments of discovery, and how your thinking developed over time. Engagement and reflection demonstrate that you have taken ownership of your research and that your EE is not just a mechanical exercise.
Writing Thoughtful Reflections
The IB specifically assesses reflection in Criterion E, which means that your ability to engage with your research process is just as important as the final product. Good reflections go beyond stating, "I found this topic interesting." Instead, consider: How did your perspective change as you researched? What challenges did you encounter, and how did you overcome them? What unexpected findings shaped your argument? Your reflection should demonstrate intellectual growth and self-awareness. The best EEs show that the student actively thought about their research process, adjusted their approach when necessary, and learned something valuable from the experience.
Citing Sources Correctly
Academic integrity is crucial, and failure to cite sources properly can lead to serious consequences, including failing the EE. Choose a recognized citation style such as MLA, APA, or Chicago, and be consistent throughout your essay. To avoid plagiarism, keep track of sources as you research, rather than scrambling to cite everything at the last minute. Using citation managers like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote can make this process easier. Every idea that is not your own should be credited, whether it is a direct quote, a paraphrased statement, or an idea borrowed from a source. Proper citations show that you respect academic honesty and have conducted thorough research.
Formal and Clear Writing Style
Your EE should be written in a formal academic tone. Avoid slang, contractions, and overly personal language such as "I think" or "I feel." Instead, make strong, evidence-based statements. Grammar, punctuation, and clarity are essential—proofread multiple times to catch errors. Avoid excessive passive voice (e.g., "It was found that..." instead of "The experiment found that ...") unless necessary for your subject. Well-written essays use clear and logical transitions between paragraphs, making the argument easy to follow. Clarity and precision in writing will make your essay more persuasive and professional.
Originality and Insight
A strong EE is not just a summary of existing knowledge—it should provide a unique perspective or a well-supported argument. This could involve applying a new approach to a known issue, analyzing under-researched topics, or presenting original interpretations of data. While you are not expected to make groundbreaking discoveries, you should aim to contribute something meaningful to the discussion. Examiners appreciate essays that are thought-provoking, insightful, and intellectually engaging. Instead of simply repeating what others have said, show your own critical thinking and interpretation of the topic.
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