EXTENDED ESSAY
Score an A in your IB Extended Essay
The Extended Essay is 4,000 words of independent research — the longest piece of academic writing most IB students will have attempted. Done well, it's a genuine differentiator for university applications.
A
Average grade achieved
72%
Students score A or B
30+
Subjects supported
3pts
Bonus points available
What is the IB Extended Essay?
A 4,000-word independent research paper submitted at the end of DP1 or early DP2. Combined with your TOK grade, it can earn you up to 3 additional Diploma points.
Structure
Title page, contents, introduction, body, conclusion, references, and appendices. Must include a research question framed as a clear, focused question — not a topic statement.
Grading
Graded A–E against five criteria: focus and method, knowledge and understanding, critical thinking, presentation, and engagement. A grade combined with a high TOK score earns 3 bonus points.
Timeline
You have approximately 18 months from topic selection to final submission. Three mandatory Reflections on Planning and Progress (RPPF) with your supervisor are built into the process.
Choosing your EE topic & subject
Start with genuine interest
You will spend 40+ hours on this topic. A subject that bores you at week two will produce a mediocre essay by month six. Interest is a prerequisite.
Choose the right subject category
The EE must be submitted in one of six subject groups. Physics and History essays have different conventions, sources, and expectations — understand the genre before you commit.
Narrow to a specific research question
"Climate change and renewable energy" is a topic. "To what extent did Germany's Energiewende policy reduce household energy prices between 2010 and 2022?" is a research question.
Check source availability
A narrow RQ is useless if there are no accessible primary or secondary sources. Do a preliminary literature scan before committing.
Most popular EE subjects
History, Economics, and Biology are consistently the most common EE subjects worldwide. English A: Language & Literature and Psychology are growing rapidly.
Our tutors cover all 30+ approved subjects, with particular depth in Sciences, Humanities, and Language & Literature.
Students who submit a second draft to their supervisor before the RPPF 2 meeting score on average half a grade higher than those who submit only a first draft.
The EE process — step by step
A strong Extended Essay is built gradually through structured planning, feedback, and revision — not rushed at the last minute.
Topic selection & RPPF 1
Choose subject, draft three candidate research questions, consult supervisor, narrow to one RQ. First reflection recorded.
Research & source collection
Build bibliography, collect academic sources, conduct experiments or textual analysis, and refine argument direction.
First complete draft
Write full essay draft with citations, analysis, and structure. Submit draft for supervisor review and detailed feedback.
Revision & RPPF 2
Strengthen analysis, tighten structure, improve evaluation quality, and complete second reflection with supervisor guidance.
Final submission & viva voce
Submit final essay, complete viva voce interview, and finalize the final RPPF reflection before IB submission.
EE assessment criteria explained
Understanding how examiners award marks is essential if you want to score at the highest level in the IB Extended Essay.
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Extended essay examples by subject
"To what extent was the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact a rational strategic decision for the Soviet Union in 1939?"
Strong use of primary sources including Soviet diplomatic cables. Criterion C score of 11/12 for sustained analytical argument throughout.
"How effective was the Bank of England's 2021–2023 interest rate policy in reducing UK inflation?"
Excellent data collection and analysis. Uses both real-world data and economic theory to evaluate policy outcomes. Clear, specific RQ delivers well-scoped research.
"The effect of pH levels on the enzyme activity of amylase in starch hydrolysis"
Solid experimental design but loses marks on Criterion C for insufficient evaluation of limitations and inconsistent data interpretation in the conclusion.
"How does Kazuo Ishiguro use narrative unreliability in 'Never Let Me Go' to construct a critique of bioethics?"
Perceptive close reading combined with literary theory. RQ is original and sophisticated. Earns full marks on Criterion B for depth of subject knowledge.
Common EE mistakes & how to avoid them
A topic, not a research question
"The effects of social media" is not an RQ. Every EE needs a focused, arguable question with a clear scope that can be answered within 4,000 words.
Description over analysis
Summarising what sources say earns low marks on Criterion C. You must evaluate, compare, and argue — not report. Every section should advance your answer.
Neglecting the RPPF
The three reflection entries are worth 6 marks. Many students write them as an afterthought. They should show genuine intellectual development over time.
Inconsistent referencing
Pick one citation style (MLA, APA, or Chicago) and use it throughout without exception. Mixing styles or omitting citations loses Criterion D marks quickly.
A conclusion that introduces new points
The conclusion must answer the research question — nothing more. New evidence or arguments in the conclusion confuses the examiner and signals poor planning.
Leaving it to DP2
Students who begin genuine research in DP2 consistently score lower. The process takes time. Start topic selection in DP1 Term 1 — not later.
How our EE tutors support you
Our EE tutors work with you across every phase — from RQ selection to final proofread. All are subject specialists with IB experience.
Parul Sharma
Specialises in science EEs. Expert at helping students design laboratory methodologies that satisfy Criterion A and produce high-quality data for Criterion C.
Krisha Santwani
Humanities and Social Sciences specialist. Particular strength in helping students develop a historiographical argument and select the right primary sources.
Nishath Parveen
Economics and Business EE expert. Helps students ground theoretical analysis in real-world data and structure arguments that score well on Criterion C.
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