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The Complete IB Extended Essay Guide: Examples, Topics, and Ideas

International Baccalaureate (IB)

IB students around the globe fear writing the Extended Essay, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress! In this article, I'll get you excited about writing your Extended Essay and provide you with the resources you need to get an A on it.

If you're reading this article, I'm going to assume you're an IB student getting ready to write your Extended Essay. If you're looking at this as a potential future IB student, I recommend reading our introductory IB articles first, including our guide to what the IB program is and our full coverage of the IB curriculum .

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

I myself am a recipient of an IB Diploma, and I happened to receive an A on my IB Extended Essay. Don't believe me? The proof is in the IBO pudding:

If you're confused by what this report means, EE is short for Extended Essay , and English A1 is the subject that my Extended Essay topic coordinated with. In layman's terms, my IB Diploma was graded in May 2010, I wrote my Extended Essay in the English A1 category, and I received an A grade on it.

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Extended Essay, or EE , is a mini-thesis you write under the supervision of an IB advisor (an IB teacher at your school), which counts toward your IB Diploma (learn more about the major IB Diploma requirements in our guide) . I will explain exactly how the EE affects your Diploma later in this article.

For the Extended Essay, you will choose a research question as a topic, conduct the research independently, then write an essay on your findings . The essay itself is a long one—although there's a cap of 4,000 words, most successful essays get very close to this limit.

Keep in mind that the IB requires this essay to be a "formal piece of academic writing," meaning you'll have to do outside research and cite additional sources.

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

• A title page
• Contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References and bibliography

Additionally, your research topic must fall into one of the six approved DP categories , or IB subject groups, which are as follows:

• Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
• Group 2: Language Acquisition
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies
• Group 4: Sciences
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: The Arts

Once you figure out your category and have identified a potential research topic, it's time to pick your advisor, who is normally an IB teacher at your school (though you can also find one online ). This person will help direct your research, and they'll conduct the reflection sessions you'll have to do as part of your Extended Essay.

As of 2018, the IB requires a "reflection process" as part of your EE supervision process. To fulfill this requirement, you have to meet at least three times with your supervisor in what the IB calls "reflection sessions." These meetings are not only mandatory but are also part of the formal assessment of the EE and your research methods.

According to the IB, the purpose of these meetings is to "provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with the research process." Basically, these meetings give your supervisor the opportunity to offer feedback, push you to think differently, and encourage you to evaluate your research process.

The final reflection session is called the viva voce, and it's a short 10- to 15-minute interview between you and your advisor. This happens at the very end of the EE process, and it's designed to help your advisor write their report, which factors into your EE grade.

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

• A check on plagiarism and malpractice
• Your reflection on your project's successes and difficulties
• Your reflection on what you've learned during the EE process

Your completed Extended Essay, along with your supervisor's report, will then be sent to the IB to be graded. We'll cover the assessment criteria in just a moment.

We'll help you learn how to have those "lightbulb" moments...even on test day!  

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

You can technically write about anything, so long as it falls within one of the approved categories listed above.

It's best to choose a topic that matches one of the IB courses , (such as Theatre, Film, Spanish, French, Math, Biology, etc.), which shouldn't be difficult because there are so many class subjects.

Here is a range of sample topics with the attached extended essay:

• Biology: The Effect of Age and Gender on the Photoreceptor Cells in the Human Retina
• Chemistry: How Does Reflux Time Affect the Yield and Purity of Ethyl Aminobenzoate (Benzocaine), and How Effective is Recrystallisation as a Purification Technique for This Compound?
• English: An Exploration of Jane Austen's Use of the Outdoors in Emma
• Geography: The Effect of Location on the Educational Attainment of Indigenous Secondary Students in Queensland, Australia
• Math: Alhazen's Billiard Problem
• Visual Arts: Can Luc Tuymans Be Classified as a Political Painter?

You can see from how varied the topics are that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to picking a topic . So how do you pick when the options are limitless?

How to Write a Stellar IB Extended Essay: 6 Essential Tips

Below are six key tips to keep in mind as you work on your Extended Essay for the IB DP. Follow these and you're sure to get an A!

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

You can't expect to write a compelling essay if you're not a fan of the topic on which you're writing. For example, I just love British theatre and ended up writing my Extended Essay on a revolution in post-WWII British theatre. (Yes, I'm definitely a #TheatreNerd.)

I really encourage anyone who pursues an IB Diploma to take the Extended Essay seriously. I was fortunate enough to receive a full-tuition merit scholarship to USC's School of Dramatic Arts program. In my interview for the scholarship, I spoke passionately about my Extended Essay; thus, I genuinely think my Extended Essay helped me get my scholarship.

But how do you find a topic you're passionate about? Start by thinking about which classes you enjoy the most and why . Do you like math classes because you like to solve problems? Or do you enjoy English because you like to analyze literary texts?

Keep in mind that there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your Extended Essay topic. You're not more likely to get high marks because you're writing about science, just like you're not doomed to failure because you've chosen to tackle the social sciences. The quality of what you produce—not the field you choose to research within—will determine your grade.

Once you've figured out your category, you should brainstorm more specific topics by putting pen to paper . What was your favorite chapter you learned in that class? Was it astrophysics or mechanics? What did you like about that specific chapter? Is there something you want to learn more about? I recommend spending a few hours on this type of brainstorming.

One last note: if you're truly stumped on what to research, pick a topic that will help you in your future major or career . That way you can use your Extended Essay as a talking point in your college essays (and it will prepare you for your studies to come too!).

#2: Select a Topic That Is Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow

There's a fine line between broad and narrow. You need to write about something specific, but not so specific that you can't write 4,000 words on it.

You can't write about WWII because that would be a book's worth of material. You also don't want to write about what type of soup prisoners of war received behind enemy lines, because you probably won’t be able to come up with 4,000 words of material about it. However, you could possibly write about how the conditions in German POW camps—and the rations provided—were directly affected by the Nazis' successes and failures on the front, including the use of captured factories and prison labor in Eastern Europe to increase production. WWII military history might be a little overdone, but you get my point.

If you're really stuck trying to pinpoint a not-too-broad-or-too-narrow topic, I suggest trying to brainstorm a topic that uses a comparison. Once you begin looking through the list of sample essays below, you'll notice that many use comparisons to formulate their main arguments.

I also used a comparison in my EE, contrasting Harold Pinter's Party Time with John Osborne's Look Back in Anger in order to show a transition in British theatre. Topics with comparisons of two to three plays, books, and so on tend to be the sweet spot. You can analyze each item and then compare them with one another after doing some in-depth analysis of each individually. The ways these items compare and contrast will end up forming the thesis of your essay!

When choosing a comparative topic, the key is that the comparison should be significant. I compared two plays to illustrate the transition in British theatre, but you could compare the ways different regional dialects affect people's job prospects or how different temperatures may or may not affect the mating patterns of lightning bugs. The point here is that comparisons not only help you limit your topic, but they also help you build your argument.

Comparisons are not the only way to get a grade-A EE, though. If after brainstorming, you pick a non-comparison-based topic and are still unsure whether your topic is too broad or narrow, spend about 30 minutes doing some basic research and see how much material is out there.

If there are more than 1,000 books, articles, or documentaries out there on that exact topic, it may be too broad. But if there are only two books that have any connection to your topic, it may be too narrow. If you're still unsure, ask your advisor—it's what they're there for! Speaking of advisors...

Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

#3: Choose an Advisor Who Is Familiar With Your Topic

If you're not certain of who you would like to be your advisor, create a list of your top three choices. Next, write down the pros and cons of each possibility (I know this sounds tedious, but it really helps!).

For example, Mr. Green is my favorite teacher and we get along really well, but he teaches English. For my EE, I want to conduct an experiment that compares the efficiency of American electric cars with foreign electric cars.

I had Ms. White a year ago. She teaches physics and enjoyed having me in her class. Unlike Mr. Green, Ms. White could help me design my experiment.

Based on my topic and what I need from my advisor, Ms. White would be a better fit for me than would Mr. Green (even though I like him a lot).

The moral of my story is this: do not just ask your favorite teacher to be your advisor . They might be a hindrance to you if they teach another subject. For example, I would not recommend asking your biology teacher to guide you in writing an English literature-based EE.

There can, of course, be exceptions to this rule. If you have a teacher who's passionate and knowledgeable about your topic (as my English teacher was about my theatre topic), you could ask that instructor. Consider all your options before you do this. There was no theatre teacher at my high school, so I couldn't find a theatre-specific advisor, but I chose the next best thing.

Before you approach a teacher to serve as your advisor, check with your high school to see what requirements they have for this process. Some IB high schools require your IB Extended Essay advisor to sign an Agreement Form , for instance.

Make sure that you ask your IB coordinator whether there is any required paperwork to fill out. If your school needs a specific form signed, bring it with you when you ask your teacher to be your EE advisor.

#4: Pick an Advisor Who Will Push You to Be Your Best

Some teachers might just take on students because they have to and aren't very passionate about reading drafts, only giving you minimal feedback. Choose a teacher who will take the time to read several drafts of your essay and give you extensive notes. I would not have gotten my A without being pushed to make my Extended Essay draft better.

Ask a teacher that you have experience with through class or an extracurricular activity. Do not ask a teacher that you have absolutely no connection to. If a teacher already knows you, that means they already know your strengths and weaknesses, so they know what to look for, where you need to improve, and how to encourage your best work.

Also, don't forget that your supervisor's assessment is part of your overall EE score . If you're meeting with someone who pushes you to do better—and you actually take their advice—they'll have more impressive things to say about you than a supervisor who doesn't know you well and isn't heavily involved in your research process.

Be aware that the IB only allows advisors to make suggestions and give constructive criticism. Your teacher cannot actually help you write your EE. The IB recommends that the supervisor spends approximately two to three hours in total with the candidate discussing the EE.

#5: Make Sure Your Essay Has a Clear Structure and Flow

The IB likes structure. Your EE needs a clear introduction (which should be one to two double-spaced pages), research question/focus (i.e., what you're investigating), a body, and a conclusion (about one double-spaced page). An essay with unclear organization will be graded poorly.

The body of your EE should make up the bulk of the essay. It should be about eight to 18 pages long (again, depending on your topic). Your body can be split into multiple parts. For example, if you were doing a comparison, you might have one third of your body as Novel A Analysis, another third as Novel B Analysis, and the final third as your comparison of Novels A and B.

If you're conducting an experiment or analyzing data, such as in this EE , your EE body should have a clear structure that aligns with the scientific method ; you should state the research question, discuss your method, present the data, analyze the data, explain any uncertainties, and draw a conclusion and/or evaluate the success of the experiment.

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

You will not be able to crank out a 4,000-word essay in just a week and get an A on it. You'll be reading many, many articles (and, depending on your topic, possibly books and plays as well!). As such, it's imperative that you start your research as soon as possible.

Each school has a slightly different deadline for the Extended Essay. Some schools want them as soon as November of your senior year; others will take them as late as February. Your school will tell you what your deadline is. If they haven't mentioned it by February of your junior year, ask your IB coordinator about it.

Some high schools will provide you with a timeline of when you need to come up with a topic, when you need to meet with your advisor, and when certain drafts are due. Not all schools do this. Ask your IB coordinator if you are unsure whether you are on a specific timeline.

Below is my recommended EE timeline. While it's earlier than most schools, it'll save you a ton of heartache (trust me, I remember how hard this process was!):

• January/February of Junior Year: Come up with your final research topic (or at least your top three options).
• February of Junior Year: Approach a teacher about being your EE advisor. If they decline, keep asking others until you find one. See my notes above on how to pick an EE advisor.
• April/May of Junior Year: Submit an outline of your EE and a bibliography of potential research sources (I recommend at least seven to 10) to your EE advisor. Meet with your EE advisor to discuss your outline.
• Summer Between Junior and Senior Year: Complete your first full draft over the summer between your junior and senior year. I know, I know—no one wants to work during the summer, but trust me—this will save you so much stress come fall when you are busy with college applications and other internal assessments for your IB classes. You will want to have this first full draft done because you will want to complete a couple of draft cycles as you likely won't be able to get everything you want to say into 4,000 articulate words on the first attempt. Try to get this first draft into the best possible shape so you don't have to work on too many revisions during the school year on top of your homework, college applications, and extracurriculars.
• August/September of Senior Year: Turn in your first draft of your EE to your advisor and receive feedback. Work on incorporating their feedback into your essay. If they have a lot of suggestions for improvement, ask if they will read one more draft before the final draft.
• September/October of Senior Year: Submit the second draft of your EE to your advisor (if necessary) and look at their feedback. Work on creating the best possible final draft.
• November-February of Senior Year: Schedule your viva voce. Submit two copies of your final draft to your school to be sent off to the IB. You likely will not get your grade until after you graduate.

Remember that in the middle of these milestones, you'll need to schedule two other reflection sessions with your advisor . (Your teachers will actually take notes on these sessions on a form like this one , which then gets submitted to the IB.)

I recommend doing them when you get feedback on your drafts, but these meetings will ultimately be up to your supervisor. Just don't forget to do them!

The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

Extended Essays are graded by examiners appointed by the IB on a scale of 0 to 34 . You'll be graded on five criteria, each with its own set of points. You can learn more about how EE scoring works by reading the IB guide to extended essays .

• Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum)
• Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum)
• Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum)
• Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum)
• Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

How well you do on each of these criteria will determine the final letter grade you get for your EE. You must earn at least a D to be eligible to receive your IB Diploma.

Although each criterion has a point value, the IB explicitly states that graders are not converting point totals into grades; instead, they're using qualitative grade descriptors to determine the final grade of your Extended Essay . Grade descriptors are on pages 102-103 of this document .

Here's a rough estimate of how these different point values translate to letter grades based on previous scoring methods for the EE. This is just an estimate —you should read and understand the grade descriptors so you know exactly what the scorers are looking for.

Here is the breakdown of EE scores (from the May 2021 bulletin):

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

The Extended Essay grade is combined with your TOK (Theory of Knowledge) grade to determine how many points you get toward your IB Diploma.

To learn about Theory of Knowledge or how many points you need to receive an IB Diploma, read our complete guide to the IB program and our guide to the IB Diploma requirements .

This diagram shows how the two scores are combined to determine how many points you receive for your IB diploma (3 being the most, 0 being the least). In order to get your IB Diploma, you have to earn 24 points across both categories (the TOK and EE). The highest score anyone can earn is 45 points.

Let's say you get an A on your EE and a B on TOK. You will get 3 points toward your Diploma. As of 2014, a student who scores an E on either the extended essay or TOK essay will not be eligible to receive an IB Diploma .

Prior to the class of 2010, a Diploma candidate could receive a failing grade in either the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge and still be awarded a Diploma, but this is no longer true.

Figuring out how you're assessed can be a little tricky. Luckily, the IB breaks everything down here in this document . (The assessment information begins on page 219.)

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

In case you want a little more guidance on how to get an A on your EE, here are over 40 excellent (grade A) sample extended essays for your reading pleasure. Essays are grouped by IB subject.

• Business Management 1
• Chemistry 1
• Chemistry 2
• Chemistry 3
• Chemistry 4
• Chemistry 5
• Chemistry 6
• Chemistry 7
• Computer Science 1
• Economics 1
• Design Technology 1
• Design Technology 2
• Environmental Systems and Societies 1
• Geography 1
• Geography 2
• Geography 3
• Geography 4
• Geography 5
• Geography 6
• Literature and Performance 1
• Mathematics 1
• Mathematics 2
• Mathematics 3
• Mathematics 4
• Mathematics 5
• Philosophy 1
• Philosophy 2
• Philosophy 3
• Philosophy 4
• Philosophy 5
• Psychology 1
• Psychology 2
• Psychology 3
• Psychology 4
• Psychology 5
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 1
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 2
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 3
• Sports, Exercise and Health Science 1
• Sports, Exercise and Health Science 2
• Visual Arts 1
• Visual Arts 2
• Visual Arts 3
• Visual Arts 4
• Visual Arts 5
• World Religion 1
• World Religion 2
• World Religion 3

What's Next?

Trying to figure out what extracurriculars you should do? Learn more about participating in the Science Olympiad , starting a club , doing volunteer work , and joining Student Government .

Studying for the SAT? Check out our expert study guide to the SAT . Taking the SAT in a month or so? Learn how to cram effectively for this important test .

Not sure where you want to go to college? Read our guide to finding your target school . Also, determine your target SAT score or target ACT score .

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The IB Extended Essay Guide: Topics, Process, and Grading

• December 17, 2024

The IB Extended Essay

The EE involves conducting in-depth research on a specific topic and writing a longer essay than typical DP assignments. Students are expected to invest forty hours conducting detailed research about a topic of their choice  and focusing on a well-defined research question that requires original inquiry. To achieve a high score, the research question should not be easily answered through existing knowledge or simple literature review. Instead, it should demand rigorous research, data collection, analysis, and comparison with other studies.  

By completing the EE, students develop essential skills such as critical thinking, research, and writing and learn how to structure and present a research paper. These skills are invaluable for university studies and beyond. The process of researching, analyzing, and presenting findings can boost students’ confidence and prepare them for future academic endeavors. Additionally, the skills acquired through the EE can benefit students in their other DP subjects, improving their performance in written assignments and internal assessments.

Understanding the IB Extended Essay

Definition and objectives.

The Extended Essay is an independent task completed by all full DP students (it is optional for DP courses students), requiring the investment of 40 hours of in-depth research about a topic of their choice and based on a focused research question. The end products are an essay or research paper of not more than 4000 words written in any one of the DP courses studied by the student and a completed reflection form with a maximum of 500 words.

The Extended Essay is designed to cultivate advanced academic research and writing skills. Students independently investigate a topic of personal interest, guided by a qualified supervisor. This process culminates in a substantial, formally presented piece of writing. The essay challenges students to develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication skills as they explore their chosen subject, formulate a clear research question, and present their findings in a coherent and well-supported manner. Additionally, undertaking the Extended Essay supports the cultivation of the learner profile attributes.

The Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme

Similar to the other core components of the Diploma Programme, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) , the Extended Essay supports and is supported by the DP courses of the 6 groups. All three core components emphasize reflection, but the Extended Essay takes a unique approach by focusing on the research process itself. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate their decision-making, from the time that they choose a topic and the subject in which they will do their research until they complete their viva voce. This reflective process allows them to gain valuable insights into their own learning and problem-solving abilities.

Something worth noting, is that the grades for the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge are combined to determine bonus points for the Diploma Programme. A specific matrix is used to calculate the number of bonus points awarded, with a maximum of 3 points possible. However, to be awarded the IB diploma, students must score a D grade or higher in both their Extended Essay and TOK.

Importance of the Extended Essay

Skill Development

Though research and thinking skills seem the most obvious skills developed through the Extended Essay, students need to use their self-management skills to help them plan, implement and submit their Extended Essay writeup on time. For instance,  students will have to organize their work, manage their time to meet all deadlines, keep persevering and showing resilience when met with challenges and most importantly practice self-motivation and mindfulness throughout the Extended Essay process. 

Reflection is ongoing during the whole Extended Essay process. To decide on their topic and research questions, students reflect on what they know, their interest and what they have learnt through preliminary research. Once they have started with their study they constantly reflect on evidence gathered and data collected to decide on the next step. At the end of their research they reflect to evaluate their research and identify limitations and make suggestions for improvements. Hence, reflection forms an integral part of the Extended Essay. 

Additionally, reflection is the only ATL skill that is specifically assessed through criterion E (Engagement) by using the Reflections on planning and progress form (RPPF). Through this form students document their reflection during the three reflection meetings. The student’s engagement with the research process and subsequent reflection on this experience are central to the assessment.  This reflective component highlights the student’s intellectual and personal development, as well as the impact of this growth on the final essay.

Depth of Knowledge

The 40-hour commitment required for the Extended Essay underscores the depth to which students should explore their topic of interest and their research question. Students can choose to write their Extended Essay within a specific academic discipline or explore an interdisciplinary topic. For disciplinary essays, students must demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the theories, methods, as well as tools and techniques associated with their chosen subject area. Conversely, those opting for a World Studies essay must showcase how an interdisciplinary approach deepens their comprehension of a significant global issue.

Students should carefully choose a research question that requires in-depth investigation, as selecting a well-documented or easily answered topic is unlikely to lead to a high grade. This involves devising a clear methodology, collecting substantial data, consulting reputable sources, conducting a detailed analysis, using valid arguments supported by evidence, comparing findings with existing research, drawing a conclusion, and evaluating the entire research process. The way these sections are presented in the Extended Essay allows the examiner to gauge the student’s depth of knowledge and understanding.

Preparation for University

The rigorous academic research and writing process provides students with invaluable preparation for university. By engaging in the Extended Essay, students develop the confidence and skills necessary to tackle challenging academic tasks, such as long written assignments, research projects, and dissertations. Additionally, the skills developed through the Extended Essay process are not only essential for tertiary education but also for future employment.

Personal Growth

Recognition

The Extended Essay is recognized worldwide, with some universities offering course credits for achieving a grade of B or higher. It underscores the student’s ability to conduct independent academic research, carefully select relevant resources, and produce a well-structured research paper. These qualities are highly valued by universities as they indicate the student’s readiness to undertake a university-level dissertation.

Choosing the Right Topic For Your Extended Essay

Choosing the right topic is crucial for a successful Extended Essay. To select an appropriate topic, students should consider their personal interests, the topic’s relevance, and its feasibility within the given timeframe and resource constraints. The topic should be broad enough to allow for in-depth exploration but specific enough to focus the research.

It is important to avoid topics that are overly narrow or well-documented, as these may limit the scope of research and the potential for original analysis. A good topic should provide the scope for students to develop a well-crafted research question that necessitates extensive research (approximately 40 hours) to arrive at a meaningful conclusion.

How to Write an IB Extended Essay

The journey of the Extended Essay begins with meticulous planning and organization. Creating a detailed outline is crucial to structure the research and writing process effectively. This outline should include key sections, headings, and subheadings, providing a roadmap for the essay. It is essential for students to discuss this outline with their supervisor to gain approval and ensure that the format aligns with the subject-specific requirements of the Extended Essay. 

As the research progresses, students should remember to continuously refine and update their outline. This dynamic approach ensures that the essay remains focused and coherent. Writing should be an ongoing process, allowing students to develop their ideas gradually and avoid last-minute rushes.

To maintain clarity and accessibility, it is important to use a simple language and explain complex technical terms. Additionally, students are strongly advised to incorporate in-text citations as they write to avoid accidental plagiarism and strengthen the credibility of their research. By following these guidelines, students can lay a solid foundation for a successful Extended Essay.

Introduction

The introduction section of the extended  essay should provide an overview of the topic to establish the context of the research within the chosen subject. This should lead to the research question, which should be clear and concise and crafted as a question. Next, depending on the subject, either a strong thesis statement should be presented to outline the main argument or point of view, or a hypothesis can be stated (relevant for Mathematics, Sciences and  Economics) to indicate the expected outcome. Finally, the introduction should conclude with an outline of the essay’s structure, guiding the reader through the subsequent sections.

The body of the Extended Essay is where students present their research findings and analysis. This section should demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject matter through accurate use of terminology and effective analysis of the research question. Students must clearly outline their research methodology, including the sources used and the specific methods employed to collect and analyze data. By presenting evidence and using critical thinking skills to evaluate the information, students can develop strong arguments that support their thesis. The structure of the body will vary depending on the subject area. For example, Biology Extended Essays often include sections such as literature review, methodology, results and analysis, and discussion and evaluation.  

The conclusion is a crucial component of the Extended Essay. It should effectively summarize the key findings and arguments presented throughout the essay, and restate the research question. A strong conclusion will also address any unresolved questions or limitations encountered during the research process, and may suggest potential avenues for further investigation. While students might draw conclusions throughout the essay based on their analysis and evaluation of the evidence gathered, it is essential for the Extended Essay to have a final, summative conclusion at the end.  This conclusion must relate to the research question posed. 

Appendices and Bibliography

The appendix and bibliography are essential components of the Extended Essay, but they must be placed correctly and used judiciously.

The appendix, if included, should be placed after the bibliography. Inserting the appendix/appendices before the bibliography is marked down as a weakness in the presentation of the essay. It may contain supplementary material that supports the main body of the essay but is not crucial to understanding the core argument. This might include raw data tables (as is often the case for science or mathematics Extended Essays), survey questionnaires, or interview transcripts, consent form, external mentor form, etc. However, it is important to note that key information, such as the research methodology or analysis, should not be relegated to the appendix. If this happens, the score for the corresponding assessment criteria will be negatively impacted.

The bibliography, on the other hand, should list all the sources cited in the essay by using a consistent referencing style. Additionally, for online sources, it is crucial to include the date of access. By following these guidelines, students can ensure that their Extended Essays are well-structured, well-referenced, and meet the high standards of the IB.

Research and Resources

Writing and Revision 

The writing and revision process is a crucial aspect of the Extended Essay. Students should begin drafting early (writing should be taking place on an ongoing basis as work on the Extended Essay progresses), allowing ample time for multiple revisions. These revisions help to identify areas for improvement in terms of clarity, coherence, and argumentation. Self-assessment, using the Extended Essay assessment criteria, is another valuable strategy to ensure that all aspects of the criteria are addressed. Meticulous attention to grammar, style, and formatting is essential for a polished final product. By following these guidelines, students can produce high-quality Extended Essays that showcase their academic abilities.

Understanding the grading criteria

The five assessment criteria for the Extended Essay are:

• Criterion A : focus and method (6 points)
• Criterion B: knowledge and understanding (6 points)
• Criterion C: critical thinking (12 points)
• Criterion D: presentation (4 points)
• Criterion E: engagement. (6 points)

While the same five criteria are applied to all Extended Essays, their interpretation varies depending on the subject area. The IB Extended Essay Guide provides specific guidance (under subject specific guidance for each subject) on how to apply these criteria to different subjects. Students should hav e access to the subject specific guidance for the subject in which they are writing their Extended Essay to ensure that their work aligns with the subject specific interpretation of  those criteria.

Each assessment criteria is divided into: 

• mark bands that indicate the mark range 
• strands which highlight what is being assessed and under each strand a few indicators are listed which describes how the strands can be demonstrated.

Examiners determine the appropriate mark band for  each s trand (by scoring each indicator) and then use a best-fit approach to assign a final grade for that criterion.

Some tips to meet each criteria at the highest band:

Criterion A: 

• Choose a research question that is specific enough to allow for in-depth exploration within the word and time constraints of the Extended Essay.
• The research question chosen should be relevant to the student’s interests and the subject area.
• A research question that can be answered solely based on existing DP course knowledge should not be pursued for the Extended Essay.
• Refer to literature while explaining the topic and setting the context of the research. This adds credibility to the research focus chosen.
• Justify the sources and method used.

Criterion B:

• Source materials accessed should be relevant, credible and appropriate to the research question and effectively referenced and incorporated into the body of the essay in a way that demonstrates the student’s understanding (conceptual understanding). 
• Prioritize sources that are reliable and predominantly from acknowledged sources (especially for science Extended Essays).
• Demonstrate understanding by paraphrasing and summarizing information from sources rather than relying solely on quotations. Excessive use of quotation should be avoided.
• Define technical terms clearly and concisely, especially when used for the first time. Students must demonstrate an understanding of these terms by using them correctly and accurately within the context of the essay.
• Respect consistently the convention for writing symbols, units and names throughout the essay.

Criterion C:

• Discussion should connect the data and evidence gathered to the research question with well-integrated references.
• An effective and focused argument should be developed based on the research, with the conclusion directly reflecting the evidence presented and addressing the research question.
• In essays exceeding 4000 words, the discussion, evaluation, or conclusion may fall outside the word count limit. As examiners only read up to the 4000-word mark, these crucial sections may be overlooked, negatively impacting the overall score for Criterion C.

Criterion D: 

• All components related to the presentation of the Extended Essay should be present, namely the title page, the table of content, page numbers, and bibliography.
• All graphs, tables and charts should have an overall title/caption as well as relevant labels and units.
• There should be consistency in decimal points or significant figures of data collected (science and mathematics Extended Essays).
• Data tables that run over several pages tend to break the flow of the essay and hence should be placed in the appendix with a sample of the data table included in the text.
• Tables should be strictly used to tabulate data collected and not to circumvent the word count.
• Footnotes  should not be used to explain technical terms, as these will be added to the word count. Only reference related material should be included in footnotes.
• Use a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) to cite sources within the text.
• Use a consistent format for headings, subheadings, and paragraphs.
• Create a comprehensive bibliography listing all sources cited in the essay.

Criterion E: 

• Reflections should demonstrate both personal and intellectual engagement as well as should have a strong evaluative component. 
• For personal reflection, students should consider their choices, justifying their decisions and evaluating their effectiveness. They should also discuss skill development, challenges faced, and the advice sought from experts.
• For intellectual engagement students should assess whether their data  and evidence support the hypothesis or thesis statement, evaluate the relevance of the collected data, consider alternative approaches (methods or sources) and suggest potential improvements.

IB Extended Essay Examples

The IB’s repository of Extended Essays  (available for different subjects on its Extended Essay website) provides a valuable resource for students and supervisors alike. By analyzing both high-scoring and lower-scoring essays, students can gain insights into the expectations and standards of the assessment. Successful exemplars offer models of effective research methodologies, strong argumentation, and clear writing styles. In contrast, lower-scoring essays can highlight common pitfalls, such as weak thesis statements, insufficient evidence, or poor organization. By learning from both types of examples, students can improve their own work and produce high-quality Extended Essays that meet the rigorous requirements of the IB diploma programme. Hence, Extended Essay supervisors are encouraged to share Extended Essay exemplars (good and bad essays) with the students they are supervising.

Overcoming Common Challenges

“To get through the hardest journey, we need to take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping.” Chinese Proverb.

Despite the fact that the Extended Essay may look like a mammoth  task, that perspective definitely changes as students create a plan for the completion of the Extended Essay wherein the whole research is broken down into smaller chunks each with their own interim deadlines. Students can then enter these interim deadlines on their personal calendars (to generate reminders) and ensure that they work consistently and respect those interim deadlines. This approach ensures that students are not overwhelmed by having to write a whole Extended Essay within a few weeks, but rather they build their essay over a stretch of time (usually several months to one year). There will be time that progress in the research would be minimal due to various challenges, yet students will have to keep persevering and use all their problem-solving and creative thinking skills to find solutions or find ways to work around the road-blocks they are facing. To summarise, the key to completing the Extended Essay on time is to create a plan and to follow it to completion by practicing proper time management and by persevering.

Students would also benefit by keeping track of all the literature sources they are consulting for their Extended Essay and to continuously add their in-text citations and update their bibliography. Waiting for completion of the Extended Essay and then try recalling or searching for sources used to add in-text citation or update the bibliography is a practice that may lead to violation of academic integrity. Whenever in doubt about how to correctly reference a source, students should reach out to their school librarian or supervisor for help. Students are expected to have a clear understanding of what is considered as academic malpractice and to always give due credit to authors whose work are being referenced in their Extended Essays.

Conclusion: Embarking on Your IB Extended Essay Journey

The Extended Essay is less about the final product and more about the transformative learning journey students undertake.   It offers a unique opportunity for students to delve deeply into a subject of their interest, fostering independent research, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. This process encourages further exploration and research, ultimately leading to academic and personal growth, intellectual curiosity, problem-solving abilities, and a lifelong love of learning.

Gayethree Bojnauth

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Extended Essay (First Exams 2018): Examples of Extended Essays

• EE Intro to Inquiry
• Examples of Extended Essays
• Recommended Research Tools
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Samples from the IBO

The IBO publishes two volumes of  50 Excellent Extended Essays , covering all Diploma Programme groups -- and all scored a top A grade.

Click on the link below to access PDFs of the essays. 

50 Excellent Extended Essays

All 50 essays are also available in electronic form in the QD Library on the iPads.  Look for the display at the circulation desk. The essays are found in the iBooks app. The iPads are available for check out at the circulation for periods of 30 minutes at one time.

Recently, the IBO has produced another list of exemplars with marks. Click on the link below to access this:

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The Complete Extended Essay Guide | 100 Topics & Examples

Published by Ellie Cross at November 3rd, 2021 , Revised On July 10, 2023

One of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme’s mandatory requirements is to produce a 4,000 words long extended essay, which should be submitted as an independent piece of research.

All IB students must complete the extended essay assignment regardless of the subjects they are taking because, together with CAS and TOK, it is a core module of the IB programme.

An extended essay allows students to choose any suitable topic of their choice and demonstrate their knowledge and capability beyond what they learn in the classroom. This assignment sets the stage for students to hone their research and writing skills for Bachelor’s and Master’s level coursework.

Students write an extended essay in the second term of the IB program’s first year. All students are expected to work closely with their supervisor to finalise the essay topic and the research questions.

The project involves submitting one extended essay draft to get the supervisor’s feedback before submitting the second and final version. A short viva voce must be included at the end of the essay.

Extended Essay Facts

• The length of the essay should not be more than 4,000 words.
• The project is expected to be completed over a period of one year.
• Significance of the extended essay
• In 2019 – approximately 200,000 students took the IB Programme exam
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is for students in the age group of 16 to 19 years.

Significance of Extended Essay

So how significantly does the extended essay assignment contribute towards the overall grade?

The extended essay is of critical importance for the following reasons:

• It allows students to polish their skills for undergraduate and Masters’s level essay assignments.
• They can independently explore the topic of their interest, which relates to one of the six modules of the IB Programme.
• Students learn to conduct desk-based research to find appropriate and manageable topics.
• They learn the basics of how to formulate research questions
• They learn to develop an argument.
• Successful completion of this assignment enhances their ability to analyse and assess information critically.

If you choose to undertake the extended essay in world studies, you will be required to conduct extensive interdisciplinary research on an issue of global significance.

Extended Essay Assessment Criteria

Extended essays are marked on a scale from 0 to 34 by external examines chosen by the IB itself. The score you will achieve in the assignment will relate to one of the following bands:

• A – work of an excellent standard.
• B- work of a good standard.
• C – work of a satisfactory standard.
• D- work of a mediocre standard.
• E- work of an elementary standard.

Please click here to check how your grade in the extended essay assignment affects the overall diploma score. Here is the breakdown of EE scores (from the May 2019 bulletin)

How to Select a Topic for the Extended Essay?

Selecting an enjoyable and manageable topic for the extended essay is perhaps the most exciting yet challenging part of the whole process. In a nutshell, you will be required to research a topic in one of the six subjects you are undertaking for the IB Programme. The selection criteria are based on the analysis of an issue of global significance in a specific context. For example, you can investigate technological, environmental, medical, or cultural trends from the local perspective. Here are some tips for choosing the best extended essay topic:

• It should neither be too broad nor too narrow.
• Choose a topic you are passionate about.
• Are there any global trends you are curious to explore and understand?

Choosing the topic can often be overwhelming. Think about the issues you enjoy the most, and more specifically, why you want to learn about them. This will help you develop many ideas that you can review, compare, and pick from. Note: The IBO approves the proposed topic.

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How to Formulate Research Questions for the Extended Essay?

Once the topic has been approved, you can proceed to formulate the research questions (s). A poorly planned research question can cause complications at a later stage, so make sure to take your time to develop a question that would genuinely add value to the existing literature.

The answer to the formulated research question should not be a simple yes or no. It should instead provide valuable information in a larger context. The research question should be focused and relevant to the title. If the research question includes a hypothesis, then there is no obligation on your part to provide it right or wrong. Your job is to test the hypothesis and reveal the facts only.

The question should not necessarily start with words like “Is”, “Will”, “Should”, “Why”, “How”, or “Does”. Merely asserting that “yes, this is correct”, or “no, this is not correct” is inappropriate.

The highest-scoring essays usually address a research question that starts with broader phrases such as, “An investigation of”, “Exploring the idea”, “An analysis of”, “To what extent”, “A review of”, or “Examining the role”. Or it could simply be a hypothesis statement that you aim to test.

If you set out to answer a research question without contemplating the resources required to address it, then you are making a fatal mistake. Whether the essay research is primary or secondary, we cannot understate the importance of a well-thought-out plan to gather relevant supporting academic sources.

However, in most cases, it is only possible to base your essay on secondary data because conducting primary research can involve time and money. But make sure to state your reasons for choosing one research method over another.

Finally, if you cannot find a sufficient number of sources for your research question, you can alter it with your supervisor’s help.

Also read: Mental health essay topics

Choosing the Supervisor

Here are some suggestions on how to choose an advisor

• If you are unsure about who you would like to work with, create a list of potential advisors.
• The supervisor should be familiar with your topic.
• Pick an advisor who would get the best out of you.
• An advisor who is patient with you would not mind reviewing several drafts of your essay and providing feedback.
• It would be best if you were comfortable discussing ideas with them.
• The supervisor should know you well personally because their assessment will contribute towards your final EE score. A teacher who does not know you well may not assess you fairly.
• Simply having your favourite teacher as an advisor may not be a good idea because they may not be familiar with the topic.
• Check whether your school requires the advisor to sign a consent form and make the necessary arrangements.

Structure of an Extended Essay

The extended essay follows the standard essay structure , including the introduction , main body , and conclusion. However, always check with your supervisor about the structure you must follow to avoid complications later.

Your supervisor will provide the necessary guidance and advice to support you throughout the research and writing process.

The project includes up to three reflection rounds with the assigned supervisor, with the final round consisting of an interview, also known as the viva voce.

The extended essay and the reflection meetings provide a much-needed impetus, especially to those required to pass an interview assessment for a place at university and before acceptance for employment.

There are six required components of an extended essay structure:

The title page is where you state the research question you set out to address, the subject you are studying, your school name, your name, total word count of the essay, and category (for language essays).

Contents Page

This is where you must list the heading and the subheadings with corresponding page numbers. All pages should be numbered using the Microsoft page numbering feature.

Introduction

The extended essay’s introduction should provide a brief background to the research question, thesis statement , and the central argument presented in the essay.

This is where you present your arguments, evaluation, comparison, discussion, and analysis of the subject matter. This section’s structure varies according to the subject of the essay, but the supporting evidence should accompany every piece of information.

The conclusion section should relate to the thesis statement, the overall scope of the research, and the line of argument taken. It should also reflect any open questions, research limitations, and unexplained problems.

References and Bibliography

A list of academic sources used is provided in the required citation style at the end of the essay. The citation style you need to follow varies subject to subject, but make sure you consistently use it throughout the essay.

The deadline you Need to Meet

Your school will let you know the deadline for the extended essay assignment. Each school has a different official IB deadline. You will have a year to complete the essay, but unfortunately, most students leave their essay to the last week before the deadline.

Careful planning can help you complete the task promptly and avoid a last-minute crunch. Many students make the fatal mistake of giving too much time to research and reading and with very little time to write an essay .

Most schools set their deadlines for different project milestones to help students stay on schedule. Keep in regular contact with your advisor and management to ensure each section is completed in due time.

The viva voce Interview

The viva voice interview allows students to demonstrate the significance of the research results. More specifically, students can provide details of the challenges and the successes of their research during the interview.

For example, you could tell your supervisor about the problem you faced during the data collection process, the strategies you used to overcome them, and how the exercise helped improve your writing skills.

Free Extended Essay Topics

Here are some amazing topic ideas in various subjects that you can consider for your extended essay.

Biology Extended Essay Topics

• Investigate the relationship between indole acetic acid, a growth hormone, and the growth of X (a crop).
• To examine the relationship between the population size of X and population density between X.
• How significantly do live cultures in dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, and cheese reduce the concentration of lactose present for a 2 hour incubation period at x °C?
• Discuss the relationship between the production process of plants and the climate.
• To examine the possibility of manufacturing flowers.
• An investigation into the idea of planting healing a disease.
• The impact of various drugs on the functioning of the human brain
• Does the change of habitat affect the life of an organism?
• Investigate the process of storing cow’s milk safely.
• The relationship between the photoreceptor cells in the human retina and “the age and gender”.
• Examining the growth of an X plant when the climate changes
• Neadderthalian DNA in people who have European ancestors

Psychology Extended Essay Topics

Discuss the relationship between violent acts and viewing the violence shown on social media platforms.

• Can drug therapy heal bipolar disorder?
• Can General Anxiety Disorder be healed through meditation?
• Examining the relationship between cognitive environment and social variables such as educational setting, poverty, culture, parenting, and more
• How do our relationships evolve? Why causes a relationship to an end?
• Investigate the effects of domestic violence on the human brain.
• Discuss the causes of depression from a psychological perspective.
• Different between female and male schizophrenia.
• The relationship between General Anxiety Disorder and stress
• The relationship between stress and bulimia medical condition
• The relationship between obesity and our social media-oriented lifestyle
• What causes suicide? How do suicidal behaviours develop over time?

English Extended Essay Topics

• The importance of learning English literature in the modern world
• Examine the importance of the literary function of the English language.
• Explore the relationship between politics and social Darwinism.
• Sexual and ethnic identity in the twenty-first century
• The impact of the English language on any other language of your choice
• Comparing English learning bend with other languages
• The distinct patterns of the United States English phonetics.
• Identifying the use of the Sanskrit language in English
• Tracing the differences between British English and American English in a systematic way
• Identify the English phrases and words embraced by other Hindi and Urdu languages during the British Raj
• The influence of the French language on the evolution of the English language.

Literature Extended Essay Topics

• Examine the significance of different Noble prize winners in the literature on the stylistic evolution.
• An analysis of the controversy surrounding Bob Dylan’s Noble prize award
• The Role of Emile Zola’s “J’accuse” in the Dreyfus Affair.
• Analysing Jane Austen
• Jame’s Baldwin’s illustration of Racism.
• The evolution of an ideal woman in English literature
• The traits of the Islamic religious text
• Emma by Jane Austen and the importance of Dance
• An investigation of Severus Snape’s character in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secret. What are the similarities and differences between J.K Rowling’s characterization of Severus in the two novels?
• The evolution of the character of Bilbo Baggins from Lord of the Rings to the Hobbit Sequel

Economics extended essay topics

• The impact of Covid-19 on the global airline industry
• How Covid-19 has forced car manufacturers around the work to redesign its economic model
• The growing importance of the role of India in the world economy
• China’s plans to take over the world economy by 2050 – How valid is this statement?
• The role of the road infrastructure in the development of a growing country such as Afghanistan
• The relationship between an increase in exports and empowerment of the local farmers in an agricultural country like India
• Tax handling in a world dominated by multinationals.
• The impact of an ageing population on Japan’s economy
• Offshore tax havens and the corruption of politicians. How can this trend be stopped?
• The impact of Brexit on the UK’s economy. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages from the UK’s perspective.

Movie and Film Extended Essay Topics

• The elements of social protest in Charlie Chaplin’s films
• How modern have computer capabilities revolutionized conventional cinematography?
• Avoiding the “soap opera” effect – why movies stay at 24 frames per second (including future predictions)
• Moving camera – revolutionary ideas (for example, as depicted in the Matrix and the Tenet)
• Correlation between IMDB marks and differing nationwide and film that is international
• Metamorphosis of masculinity in our contemporary world as depicted in battle club
• Kinds of timeline manipulation approach to paper writing service cinematography
• Massively distorted scientist or systematic technique depiction in Sci-Fi films

History Extended Essay Topics

• The rise of the Ottoman Empire – An analysis of the role of King Salman-II
• How significant was the battle of Vienna in European history?
• The implications of the British Raj on the Indian Subcontinent
• Discuss the reasons that caused the Arabs to lose in six days against resurging Israel?
• The treatment of women in India of the 1950s vs India of 2000s
• The history behind the animosity between two nuclear-armed neighbours – India and Pakistan
• An investigation of the events led to Hitler’s rise to power in Germany.
• The simultaneous invasion of Poland by the USSR and Nazi Germany in the second world war
• An examination of the pearl harbour attack from the Japanese perspective
• What caused the abnormal expansion of the Islamic empire between the 8 th century and the 10 th

Geography Extended Essay Topics

• The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) significance for Chinese economic domination
• An analysis of the current climate change trends and their impact on our oceans
• Discuss and evaluate the various strategies used to prevent power outages caused by solar storms.
• India’s improving fertility rate’s relationship with women empowerment and improved women education environment
• To what extent is biodiversity being managed in Regent’s Park in London.
• The relationship between obesity risk and parameters such as educational environment, gender, genes, and social settings
• Examine the affectivity of the environmental sustainability programme initiated by company X.
• Compare a country with no access to the sea with the one that has access to it.
• An analysis of the agricultural revolution impact on the world’s environment
• Does geography influence the social relationships between people?

Mathematics and Physics Extended Essay Topics

• General functions of the theory of partitions
• General relativity and cosmology
• Symmetries of plane tessellations
• Egyptian forces in arithmetic
• A review of the various methodological approaches employed by academic researchers
• Why do planets move the way they do? What causes their circular motion?
• An investigation into the string theory
• How quantum physics has the potential to change the rules of science?
• The basics of dynamics – forces and motion
• Discuss the different types of forces, including magnetic force, quantum force, and physical
• The quantum movement of particles
• How much of an influence does the quantum slit experiment have on traditional Newtonian physics?
• The nature and behaviour of light
• The cosmic patterns of stars and planets
• Gravitational waves – generation, propagation rules, detection on Earth?
• Is there scientific proof of the existence of another intelligent species in the universe like humans?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an extended essay.

The Extended Essay is a research-based academic project undertaken by International Baccalaureate (IB) students. It allows them to investigate a topic of interest in depth, develop critical thinking skills, and produce a 4000-word essay.

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