How to Write an Extended Essay: Easy-to-Follow Guide

The IB extended essay (EE) is a mandatory component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. It is a 4,000-word independent research project that allows students to investigate a topic of their choice in depth. The IB EE is designed to develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills, and it is assessed based on a set of specific criteria outlined by the IB. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of writing your extended essay. From picking a topic and gathering research to shaping a clear research question and drafting your final essay, we'll guide you through each step.

If you find yourself stuck or need extra help after reading this guide, EssayHub is ready to assist you. Our expert human essay writer is ready to support you through any challenges you might face with your extended essay.

What is an Extended Essay?

The extended essay, or EE for short, is like a big 4000-word essay project where you get to pick a topic you're really interested in. How your piece looks depends on what you choose to explore.

Some students go for topics like books or history, and they write their essays in a more usual academic way. They do research, analyze things, and put it all together in a structured form.

If you're into science, you can choose to do an experiment and write about what you find. This means you not only talk about ideas but also show how things work in real life.

For those who like math, you can use your essay to solve a tricky math problem. It's a chance to show your skills in thinking through and solving mathematical challenges.

The important thing is to make sure your piece follows academic rules, no matter what prompt you pick. This means organizing your thoughts in a smart way, whether you're exploring literature, history, science, or math. By doing this, you can enjoy your exploration and meet the expectations of a well-done extended essay.

Extended Essay Format

Make sure your extended essay is written clearly, correctly, and in a formal academic style that fits the subject you're exploring. Since it's a formal research paper, aim for a professional and academic appearance.

To make this happen, follow these formatting guidelines:

1. Use a 12-point font that's easy to read, like Calibri or Times New Roman.
2. Keep double spacing throughout the entire piece.
3. Place page numbers in the top right corner.
4. Don't include your name, your school's name, or your supervisor's name on the title page or in the page headers.

By presenting your extended essay in this way, you'll establish a proper tone and make it easier for examiners to read and assess it on-screen.

Extended Essay Structure

How you organize your essay is crucial because it helps you present your argument in the best way, using the evidence you've gathered. When you submit your final work, make sure it includes these six necessary elements.

It's important to know that the order in which these elements are listed here might not be the order in which you write them. Whether you choose to buy essays or tackle them yourself, here are the six things your extended essay should have:

1. Title page: This is the page with the title of your piece and other details.
2. Contents page: This page outlines what's in your essay and where to find it.
3. Introduction: At the beginning of your extended essay, introduce your subject and explain what you're going to talk about.
4. Body of the essay: The main part where you share your argument and use the evidence you've gathered.
5. Conclusion: This is where you sum up your extended essay, restating your main points and showing why they matter.
6. References and bibliography: This part is about giving credit. If you're using MLA style, it's called 'Works Cited,' and if it's CSE, it's 'References.' Here, you list all the sources you used in your essay.

Title Page

The title page is the first page of your extended essay. It includes essential details such as the title of your essay, your full name, the subject area in which you are exploring your prompt, the date, and other relevant information.

The title page sets the stage for your piece, providing a snapshot of what the reader can expect. Make sure to follow any specific formatting guidelines provided by your educational institution or the guidelines associated with the citation style you are using.

Contents Page

The contents page, sometimes referred to as the table of contents, is a roadmap for your extended essay. It outlines the structure of your paper and indicates where each section and subsection can be found. This page helps the reader navigate through your work easily.

Each major section, such as the introduction, body, and conclusion, along with any subsections, should be listed with their corresponding page numbers. The contents page is a valuable organizational tool, allowing both you and your reader to locate specific information within your extended essay efficiently.

Introduction

The introduction is the opening segment of your extended essay, serving as a guide for your readers into the subject you're exploring. Here, you present the purpose of your essay, the research question or thesis statement you'll be addressing, and provide an overview of how you intend to approach the subject.

The introduction sets the tone for the entire essay, capturing the reader's attention and establishing the context for the discussion that follows. It's crucial to be clear and concise, giving your audience a clear understanding of the focus and significance of your extended essay.

Body of the Essay

The body of your writing is the main section where you present your argument, analysis, and evidence. This is where you delve into the details of your subject, supporting your thesis or research question with facts, examples, and scholarly sources. Organize the body into coherent paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect or subtopic related to your main argument.

Ensure a logical flow of ideas, and use clear transitions between paragraphs. The body is the heart of your extended essay, showcasing your understanding of the subject and your ability to critically analyze and synthesize information.

Conclusion

The conclusion marks the endpoint of your extended essay, providing a summary of the key points and insights derived from your exploration. Here, you restate your thesis or research question and briefly recap the main arguments presented in the body of the paper.

Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion; instead, focus on reinforcing the significance of your findings and their broader implications. This section offers you the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your readers, leaving them with a clear understanding of the importance of your study and its potential implications on the chosen subject.

References & Bibliography

The references and bibliography section is where you give credit to the sources that influenced and supported your extended essay. If you're using MLA style, this section is called 'Works Cited,' and in CSE, it's referred to as 'References.' In this part, list all the books, articles, websites, and any other sources you referenced or consulted during your research.

Ensure that you follow the citation style guide recommended by your academic institution, providing accurate and complete information for each source. This section not only acknowledges the intellectual contributions of others but also adds credibility to your work by demonstrating the depth and breadth of your research.

How to Write an Extended Essay in 6 Steps

Select a Topic

Start by selecting a subject area that genuinely excites you. A strong interest in your topic will keep you motivated throughout the research and writing process. Narrow down your focus to a specific aspect of the subject that can be thoroughly explored within the 4,000-word limit. For example, instead of a broad topic like "world history," consider focusing on "the influence of the Silk Road on the cultural exchanges between Europe and Asia during the medieval period."

Next, ensure your topic meets the criteria for your IB subject and has sufficient academic resources available. This will help you refine your topic into a precise research question that is both feasible and significant for your extended essay.

Conduct Research

Continue by identifying key themes and concepts within your topic. Use academic databases, library catalogs, and specialized search engines to find high-quality sources such as peer-reviewed articles, books, and primary documents. Prioritize sources that offer detailed analyses, original data, or expert opinions relevant to your specific research question.

While researching, systematically organize your notes by theme or argument to make synthesis easier later. Pay attention to the methodology and scope of each source, and note any gaps or contradictions in the literature that you can address in your essay.

Come Up With a Research Question

A well-formulated research question will direct your research process and provide a clear framework for your essay. So, refine your topic into a clear, focused research question that addresses a specific issue or aspect. Your question should be precise enough to guide your research and broad enough to allow for in-depth analysis. It should also be debatable, meaning it allows for multiple perspectives or interpretations.

Develop Structure and an Outline

Create a detailed outline to organize your research and guide your writing. Start by breaking down your essay into main sections: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. Within each section, outline key points and subpoints you want to address, ensuring each part contributes to answering your research question. Follow your outline to develop each section systematically, incorporating your research findings and analysis.

Write the First Draft

With your outline in place, begin drafting your extended essay. Start by writing the Introduction, ensuring you clearly state your research question and set the context for your study.

In the Body, focus on presenting your arguments and evidence coherently, linking each section back to your research question. Maintain clarity and consistency in your writing, and ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next. Once you've completed the draft, review and revise it to improve structure, coherence, and argumentation. This initial draft is a foundation you'll refine as you develop your essay further.

Finalize the Draft 

After revising your first draft, focus on refining and polishing your essay. Ensure that each section aligns with your research question and contributes to your overall argument. Pay close attention to clarity, coherence, and academic rigor.

Review your introduction to confirm it effectively sets up your research question and objectives. Check that the body of your essay presents your arguments logically and integrates evidence seamlessly. Ensure your conclusion clearly summarizes your findings and reflects on their significance.

Proofread the Work

Finally, proofread for grammatical accuracy, consistency in style, and adherence to citation guidelines. Verify that your references and bibliography are correctly formatted. Finalize your draft by incorporating any feedback from your supervisor or peers, ensuring your essay is well-structured and thoroughly edited. Or simply pay for an essay and have it delivered tailored to your needs.

The Bottom Line

Writing an IB extended essay involves several important steps:

1. Choose a Topic: Select a specific and interesting subject.
2. Research Information: Gather and evaluate relevant sources.
3. Develop a Research Question: Formulate a clear, focused question.
4. Outline Your Essay: Create a structured outline.
5. Write the First Draft: Draft your essay based on your outline.
6. Revise and Finalize: Refine your draft to meet IB criteria.

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