Exam Prep
How to Write the IB Extended Essay
By James Whitfield · · 4 min read
Quick answer
The IB Extended Essay is an independent 4,000-word research project on a question you choose. Success depends on a sharply focused research question, genuine analysis rather than description, and meeting the assessment criteria precisely. Start early, narrow your question ruthlessly, and use your supervisor.
A focused question is everything
The single biggest predictor of a strong Extended Essay is a narrow, focused research question. Broad questions produce shallow, descriptive essays; narrow ones allow genuine depth within the word count.
Spend real time refining the question. 'How does X affect Y in this specific case?' beats 'What are the effects of X?' every time. Narrowing is not limiting — it is what makes depth possible.
Analysis, not description
The criteria reward analysis and argument, not a summary of what you read. A well-organised description of a topic scores in the middle; an argued answer to a focused question scores at the top.
Every section should advance an argument towards answering your research question, not simply report information.
Know the criteria
The Extended Essay is marked against explicit assessment criteria covering focus, knowledge, analysis, evaluation, presentation and engagement. Read them closely and write to them deliberately.
Students who ignore the criteria lose marks on things they could easily have secured — proper referencing, a clear structure, evidence of reflection.
Start early and plan
The Extended Essay rewards a sustained, planned process, not a last-minute rush. Begin the research early, keep a research journal, and build the essay over months rather than weeks.
The reflection and engagement components specifically reward evidence of an ongoing, thoughtful process, which cannot be faked at the end.
Use your supervisor
Your supervisor is there to guide the process — to help refine the question, check your direction, and give feedback within the permitted limits. Not using them is a wasted resource.
Come to supervision meetings prepared with specific questions and drafts. The more focused your use of their time, the more useful their guidance.
Reference rigorously
Academic honesty and consistent referencing are essential and assessed. Choose a citation style, apply it consistently, and reference everything, because presentation and integrity carry marks and errors are costly.
Keep track of sources as you go rather than reconstructing them at the end, which is where referencing errors and accidental plagiarism creep in.
Frequently asked questions
What is the IB Extended Essay?+
An independent research project of around 4,000 words on a question you choose, assessed against explicit criteria. It is a core component of the IB Diploma and rewards genuine analysis over description.
How do I choose a research question?+
Narrow it ruthlessly. A sharply focused question allows real depth within the word count, while a broad one produces shallow description. Spend real time refining it before you start writing.
What's the most common mistake in the Extended Essay?+
Describing a topic rather than arguing an answer to the research question. The criteria reward analysis and argument, so every section should advance towards answering your question.
How early should I start?+
As early as possible — it rewards a sustained, planned process over months, and the reflection component specifically credits evidence of ongoing engagement that cannot be produced at the last minute.
How important is referencing?+
Essential and assessed. Academic honesty and consistent referencing carry marks, and errors are costly. Choose a style, apply it consistently, and track sources as you research rather than at the end.
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