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Extended Essay: Getting Started

Everything you need to know about the Extended Essay and more!

Getting Started on the EE

Getting Started: EE Basics

  • The Extended Essay is a unique, student-driven research project consisting of a 4000 word essay.  
  • Students choose their own topics based on personal preference or academic interest, but must adhere to the IB EE guidelines.
  • The EE is important because it allows students to use all of the research skills they have developed in their other IB subjects and showcase to the IB Examiners that they have become skilled researchers. 
  • The Extended Essay is compulsory.  This means that it is a requirement and the IB Diploma will not be awarded without a passing grade on the Extended Essay. 

Essential Components of the EE

An Extended Essay consists of the following components: 

  • Research Question 
  • Title Page
  • Table of Contents
  • Introduction 
  • Main Body of essay (organization may vary depending on student) 
  • Conclusion 
  • Works Cited or Reference List (Bibliography of sources) 
  • Optional Appendices (if needed) 
  • Three formal Reflections 

TOK/EE Points Matrix

Finding a Topic

Choose a topic that is meaningful to you.  It should be in a subject you are currently studying.  This makes sure that you will use the language, philosophies, and methodologies from that subject correctly.  It is also a good idea to write your essay using a subject you are familiar with because you will have easier access the content and sources you need. You do not need to choose a subject that you think you will be studying in university, although that does give you and your teachers more to write about when you apply to a school. 

In any case, the subject and the topic you choose should lead you to a "workable research question". This means that you have found a question with a clear focus that can be successfully answered within the 4000 word limit.  

Here's an example of how you can narrow down a subject and topic that will lead to a workable research question: 

(From the Oxford EE Guide) 

Research Planning