The EE is one of the most interesting assignments you’ll work on in the IB program. And now that you understand the basics of this self-directed, independent piece of research, let’s give you some handy Extended Essay tips that you can implement to score a 34.
Key Takeaways
- EE requires that you choose a subject from a list of IB –approved subjects, pick a topic of your interest, and write a 4,000-word report.
- There will be reflections in between, and you must attend all of them because they count towards your final grades.
- While you have enough time to write the essay, the best advice we can give you is that you start early to avoid the last minute rush.
A good way to write the essay fast is to invest in custom writing help. You can hire an Extended Essay writer here and our IB experts will help you get the assignment done in good time.
7 Extended Essay Writing Tips to Make a Good EE Great
Here’s the deal:
You cannot fail an Extended Essay unless you purposely intend to do so. If you can develop a solid structure for the assignment based on the topic of your interest, even your IB teacher won’t have an option but to award you the marks you deserve.
Here are Extended Essay tips to help you ace the essay:
1. Choose an Interesting Topic
Relying on a book or a classmate for ideas won’t suffice, as you’ll need to brainstorm and conduct some initial research to find an interesting topic within the subject that you’ve selected.
Begin by identifying your personal interests outside of the classroom and then generate a list of potential ideas within your subject.
You may find yourself fascinated by several possibilities as you explore. As such, we strongly suggest that you chose the most captivating topic, especially if it’s something you’ve always wanted to explore.
Additionally, ensure that the topic lends itself to originality in your essay. If it only allows for obvious ideas, it’s advisable to abandon it and look for something else.
2. Research Your Topic for More Insights
Proper research will help to ensure that the structure, case studies, and experiments align seamlessly.
- Begin by reviewing the EE guidelines for your chosen subject to determine whether primary sources, secondary research, or a combination of both is necessary.
- Decide whether you need to collect data from external sources, search for facts, create original data, or use the opinions from others.
- Consult with your supervisor to determine the appropriate timeframe for your research.
- Conduct thorough research based on the subject, your chosen topic, and your supervisor’s recommendations.
Be prepared to seek information from multiple sources to identify the most relevant data for your assignment.
3. Don’t Forget to Develop a Research Question
To provide your reader with a clear direction for your essay, it’s crucial to develop a focused and succinct research question.
Your research question should be precise, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be in the form of a question. Furthermore, your research question should be significant and worthy of exploration.
If your research question is concise, detailed, specific, and closely tied to the topic you plan to explore in 4,000 words, you’re good to go.
4. Use an Outline to Direct Your Writing
You should use the following format for your Extended Essay:
- Your research question
- Cover page
- Table of contents
- Introduction
- Main body
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- 3 Reflections
Ensure you use the outline in the order in which they appear, as your teacher will be looking at your work to determine whether they can find these elements.
Also, you’ll notice that there is no abstract on the list above. That’s because EEs don’t need abstracts anymore, and your teacher may actually penalize you for including one in your work.
5. Don’t Hesitate to Consult Your Supervisor
One of the benefits of participating in the IB program is having access to guidance throughout the Extended Essay writing process.
Be sure to take advantage of this resource by consulting with your supervisor about your research. They can give their feedback on your work and help you stay in the right direction.
6. Start Early
The worst disservice that you can do to yourself is to procrastinate your EE to the last minute.
In fact, the assumption that an EE is an easy assignment that you can do in just a week is a far-fetched theory.
Remember:
- You have to choose a subject and select a topic.
- You must conduct research.
- You have to write the first, second, and third draft.
- There will be three reflection sessions in between your first and last draft, and you must attend them before they contribute to your final grade.
That’s a lot of work.
So if you want to do well in your Extended Essay, it’s important to start working on the assignment as early as today.
7. Proofread Your Work Before Submission
You should proofread your Extended Essay before submission, and for the following reasons:
- Accuracy: Proofreading ensures that your document is accurate and error-free. It helps to eliminate grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting mistake that can detract from the credibility of your work.
- Clarity: A well-proofread document is easier to read and understand. It ensures that your message is clearly, and that your ideas are in a logical and concise manner.
- Professionalism: Errors in a document can make it look unprofessional and can give the impression that you’re careless or not detail-oriented. A well-proofread document, on the other hand, shows that you took the time to ensure that your work is of a high standard.
It’s important to note that a single typo or error can change the meaning of a clause or sentence. Proofreading ensures that the document is legally binding and accurate.
Overall, proofreading your Extended Essay is important because it helps to ensure that your document is of a high quality and free of errors, making it more effective in achieving its intended purpose.