Mastering the Extended Essay

Essential Tips, Mistakes to Avoid

The Extended Essay is a core requirement of the IB Diploma Programme. Use our IB Credit Transfer Tool to see how your EE grade translates to university credit.

Expert Guide By

Brent Whitted, PhD

Doctor of English Literature

Author of "IB English A Literature IB Prepared"

Former Hack Your Course Tutor

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Vague Research Question (RQ)

Formulating a research question that is too broad or narrow. Make sure your research question is focused, clear and can be reasonably addressed within the scope of the extended essay.

❌ Too Broad/Wrong:

"How does climate change affect animals?"

This is overly broad and lacks specificity. It doesn't indicate which animals, aspects of climate change, or geographical regions.

✅ Well-Focused/Right:

"How is the melting Arctic ice impacting the feeding patterns of polar bears in Northern Canada?"

Specific effect, specific species, specific location. Allows for targeted, manageable research.

Using Inappropriate or Unreliable Sources

Many websites are not suitable as academic sources. Focus on using scholarly articles, books, and primary sources. Always evaluate the credibility of your sources.

❌ Too Broad/Wrong:

Non-scientific, opinion-based blogs without citation of scientific data or studies.

✅ Well-Focused/Right:

Scholarly articles from reputable journals (e.g., American Meteorological Society), IPCC reports, books by field experts, governmental/educational institution data.

Incorrect or Incomplete Referencing

Ideas that are not your own must always be properly cited to avoid plagiarism. Be consistent in following a standard citation style like MLA or APA.

Best Practice: Use a consistent citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago) throughout. Track all sources from the start. When in doubt, cite it!

Writing That Is Too Descriptive Rather Than Analytical

Don't just present facts; analyze them to build a coherent argument that reflects your original thinking and understanding of the topic. This approach demonstrates your ability to engage critically with the material, a key criterion for a successful Extended Essay.

Remember: Analysis shows understanding and critical thinking. Move beyond "what" to explore "why" and "how" to demonstrate depth.

Tips and Advice for Success

Strategic Deadline Planning for a Manageable Essay Process

Set personalized deadlines for completing each stage of the essay. This helps with time management and avoids last-minute rushes. Breaking up the work makes the task more manageable.

Cultivate a Strong Partnership with Your Supervisor

Establish a good working relationship with your supervisor. Take the initiative to set up regular meetings. Your supervisor's guidance is invaluable, so openly discuss your progress and challenges.

Crafting the Perfect Research Question: Your Essay's Foundation

Take the time to carefully develop your research question. A well-constructed research question is crucial as the backbone of your essay. Make sure it is specific, can be answered within 4000 words, and relates clearly to your subject area.

Efficient Source Management: Track Early, Avoid Stress

Keep meticulous track of all sources used from the very start. This saves time later and ensures you can easily revisit information and compile a complete bibliography. Consider using reference management software.

Avoid Easy Losses: Nail the Technical Details of Your Essay

Pay attention to all the required technical details of the essay – things like the title page, table of contents, page numbers, tables, graphs, etc. Losing marks on these easy things is avoidable.

Master Academic Honesty to Avoid Plagiarism

Understand academic honesty and how to avoid plagiarism. Always err on the side of over-citing rather than under-citing. Your work should represent your own thinking but build upon properly attributed previous work by others.

Embrace Feedback: Refine Your Essay with Constructive Insights

Be open to feedback from your supervisor and others. Use their advice to refine and strengthen your arguments and writing. Don't take constructive criticism personally.

Stay Motivated: Celebrate Small Wins and Seek Support When Needed

Stay motivated by setting small goals and rewarding your progress. If you hit a wall, talk to your supervisor. Remember that this is a learning process and an impressive accomplishment once completed.

Frequently Asked Questions: Mastering the Extended Essay

Research & Analysis Strategy

How do I fix an essay that is "too descriptive"?

To move from descriptive to analytical, ask "Why?" and "So what?" after every factual statement. Don't just report what a source says; evaluate its validity, compare it to another source, or explain how it proves your thesis.

How do I narrow down a "broad" Research Question?

Add specific constraints. Instead of "Climate Change" (Broad), specify:
1. Geography (Northern Canada)
2. Subject (Polar Bears)
3. Timeframe/Event (Melting Arctic Ice).

What counts as an "Academic Source"?

Academic sources are peer-reviewed journals (e.g., via JSTOR or Google Scholar), books published by university presses, or reports from reputable organizations (e.g., IPCC, WHO). Avoid commercial blogs, Wikipedia, or opinion sites.

Why is my bibliography a mess?

Likely because you didn't track sources as you went. We recommend using reference management software (like Zotero, EasyBib, or Mendeley) from Day 1 to auto-generate citations and keep your research organized.

How do I demonstrate "Critical Thinking"?

Critical thinking involves questioning your own evidence. Discuss the limitations of your data, acknowledge counter-arguments, and explain why your conclusion is valid despite these limitations. This skill is also essential for Theory of Knowledge (TOK).

Can I use "I" (First Person) in my EE?

In some subjects (like Science or Math), it is generally avoided. In Humanities (Literature, History), it can be used sparingly to state your argument ("I will argue that..."). However, maintaining an objective, academic tone is usually safer.

What if I can't find enough sources?

This usually means your topic is too niche or too recent. Try broadening your scope slightly or looking for "adjacent" research that you can apply to your specific topic. If that fails, you may need to pivot your RQ.

How many sources should I have?

There is no fixed number, but a healthy bibliography typically has 15-30 quality sources. Relying on only 3 or 4 sources will severely hurt your "Knowledge and Understanding" score.

Can I use data from a previous school assignment?

No. This is "Double Dipping." Your EE research must be entirely new and distinct from your IA or other classwork.

Execution & Managing Support

What should I do if my supervisor isn't helpful?

Take the initiative. Schedule meetings yourself and come prepared with specific questions (e.g., "Does this paragraph flow logically?" vs "Is this good?"). Supervisors respond better to specific queries than general requests for help.

How can a tutor help without breaking the rules?

A tutor acts as a "Guide," not a ghostwriter. They can help you brainstorm, teach you research methodologies, explanations of complex theories, and provide feedback on structure. They cannot write or edit the essay for you.

How do I handle "Writer's Block"?

Break the essay into micro-tasks. Instead of "Write EE," try "Write 200 words on the Methodology." Also, creating a detailed outline before writing prevents you from getting lost in the middle. If stress becomes overwhelming, check out our strategies to prevent exam anxiety.

Do technical details (formatting) really matter?

Yes. Criterion D (Presentation) is worth 4 marks. Missing page numbers, messy tables, or inconsistent fonts can cost you an entire grade boundary. It is the easiest criterion to score full marks on if you are careful.

What is the "Viva Voce"?

It is the final 20-30 minute interview with your supervisor. It's a "celebration" of your work but also a check for academic honesty. Be prepared to answer questions about your research process and challenges. For more exam preparation tips, see our guide to acing IB exams.

How do I avoid Plagiarism/Malpractice?

When in doubt, cite it. If you use an idea, image, or data point that isn't yours, reference it. Using a consistent style (MLA/APA) and a citation manager helps prevent accidental plagiarism.

Should I edit my essay as I write?

No. Write the first draft freely to get your ideas down. Edit later. Trying to perfect every sentence while drafting slows you down and interrupts your analytical flow.

Why are "Reflections" (RPPF) so important?

The RPPF form accounts for 18% of your grade (Criterion E). Generic reflections score low. You must document your personal intellectual growth, specific challenges, and how you overcame them. Learn more about IB grading guidelines.

Can I change my topic halfway through?

Yes, but it is risky. If your research hits a dead end, pivot immediately. It is better to restart with a viable topic than to force a broken one. Consult your supervisor before switching.