What is the most common mistake in an Extended Essay research question?

A common mistake is creating a research question that is too vague or broad. A strong research question must be focused, specific, and manageable within the 4000-word limit. For example, instead of 'How does climate change affect animals?', a better question is 'How is melting Arctic ice impacting the feeding patterns of polar bears in Northern Canada?'

What kind of sources should I use for my Extended Essay?

You should focus on using appropriate and reliable academic sources, such as scholarly articles from reputable journals, academic books, and credible primary sources. Avoid using non-scientific blogs or websites that lack citations and data.

How do I avoid plagiarism in my Extended Essay?

To avoid plagiarism, you must properly cite any ideas or information that are not your own. Be consistent with a standard citation style (e.g., MLA, APA) throughout your essay. When in doubt, it is always better to over-cite than to under-cite.

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Mastering the Extended Essay - Essential Tips

Mastering the Extended Essay

Essential Tips, Mistakes to Avoid

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:

"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:

"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.

❌ Inappropriate Source:

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

✅ Appropriate Sources:

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.