The IB Extended Essay (EE) is a mandatory component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. It is a research paper of up to 4,000 words that gives students the opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice. The EE is a challenging task and requires a lot of time and effort, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience. In this blog post, we will provide some tips and tricks on how to write an outstanding EE.

Choose a topic that interests you

When writing an extended essay, it’s essential to assess the credibility of sources. This includes checking for potential bias and inaccuracies, as well as considering the qualifications and interests of the author or publisher. This helps ensure the information used and conclusions drawn are accurate and unbiased.

You can search for articles using online databases such as JSTOR, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. Look for articles that are relevant to your research question and written by reputable authors. Read and evaluate multiple articles, and select the one that best supports your research and provides the most useful information for your essay.

Find a appropriate research methodology

When it comes to research methodology, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the type of research you will conduct. For example, if you are studying a social science topic, qualitative research may be more appropriate. This involves collecting data through methods such as interviews, observations, and document analysis. On the other hand, if you are studying a natural science topic, quantitative research may be more appropriate. This involves collecting numerical data through methods such
experiments and surveys. Mixed methods research, which combines both qualitative and quantitative methods, can also be used.

It is also important to have a clear research design, which outlines the steps you will take to collect and analyze your data. For example, if you are conducting a survey, you will need to decide on the sample size, the questions to include, and the method of data collection.

When it comes to data analysis, it is important to use appropriate techniques for your type of research. For example, if you are conducting a survey, you may use statistical analysis to analyze your data. If you are conducting qualitative research, you may use content analysis to analyze your data.

Formulate a research question

Formulating a research question is an important step in the research process as it helps to define the scope of your study and guide your research efforts. It is essential to begin with a broad topic and then narrow it down by asking specific and relevant questions. The resulting research question should be clear, focused, and answerable within the scope of your study. This process can be applied to any subject area and can help you to identify key issues, trends, and gaps in the existing literature that you can investigate further. It is also a good practice to review the research question throughout the research process and adjust if needed.

Understand the requirements

It’s important to review the EE guide published by the IB, which outlines the requirements for writing an EE. This guide includes information on the structure of the essay, research question, introduction, investigation, analysis, and conclusion. Each criterion has specific requirements that students need to meet in order to receive a good grade.
It’s important for students to understand the format and conventions of academic writing and use them in their own essay. Furthermore, students should be aware of the different types of sources that are available and how to use them effectively, as the IB recommends using a variety of sources, including academic journals, books, and online sources.

Review your resources

When writing an extended essay, it is important to question the credibility of any resources you use. This is because not all sources are created equal, and some may be biased or contain inaccurate information. One reason to review a resource is the potential for bias. Even reputable sources can have a bias, whether it is intentional or not. This bias can be present in the form of an agenda or a particular point of view. It is important to be aware of any potential biases in a source, as it can affect the information presented and the conclusions drawn from it. Another reason to review a resource is the potential for inaccuracies or misinformation. Not all sources are thoroughly researched or fact-checked, and some may contain errors or misconceptions. This can lead to incorrect conclusions or misunderstandings about a topic.

Revise, revise and revise

To revise your extended essay effectively, start by reading it from beginning to end. Take note of any areas that seem confusing or unclear. This will help you see mistakes or areas for improvement that you may have missed before. Check for grammar and spelling errors, as even a few small errors can detract from the overall quality of your essay. Make sure that your essay is well-organized and that the introduction, body, and conclusion are clear and logical. Check your essay for consistency and make sure that your arguments are well-supported and that your sources are properly cited.

In conclusion, writing an IB Extended Essay requires a lot of time and effort, but with the right approach and by following the tips provided in this blog post, students can write an outstanding EE. To ensure success, consider enrolling in our tuition program where experienced tutors will provide personalized support and feedback. Contact us for more information.