How to Cite Sources Properly in Your IB Extended Essay (EE) and Internal Assessment (IA)
Citing sources properly in your IB Extended Essay (EE) or Internal Assessment (IA) is essential for demonstrating academic honesty, respecting intellectual property, and supporting the credibility of your work. Let’s explore 10 best practices that will help you reference accurately and meet IB expectations for integrity and presentation.
Introduction: Why Proper Citation Is Crucial in IB EE and IA
Accurate citation:
✅ Acknowledges the work of others
✅ Helps readers verify your sources
✅ Demonstrates academic integrity
✅ Prevents plagiarism
The IB takes academic honesty seriously. Failure to cite sources properly can lead to penalties — so it’s vital to get this right.
Tip 1: Cite All Borrowed Ideas, Words, and Media
When to cite direct quotes, paraphrases, and data
- Cite whenever you quote, paraphrase, or use data, ideas, or visuals from another source.
- This applies to both published works and media like images, graphs, or videos.
Avoiding plagiarism through careful citation
Always acknowledge where your information comes from. When in doubt — cite!
Tip 2: Use a Consistent Academic Citation Style
Choosing APA, MLA, or Chicago style
The IB doesn’t require one specific style, but you must choose a recognized academic style and apply it consistently.
Importance of consistency throughout your work
Mixing styles or formats weakens your credibility and presentation. Pick one style and stick to its rules.
Tip 3: Include Clear and Accurate In-Text Citations
Citing print sources: author, year, page number
Example (APA): (Smith, 2020, p. 45)
Example (MLA): (Smith 45)
Citing online sources: author, URL/DOI, access date
For online material, include author (if available), title, publication date, full URL or DOI, and access date.
Tip 4: Format Long Quotations Correctly
When and how to use block quotes
Use block formatting (indented text without quotation marks) for quotations longer than 3–4 lines.
Citing block quotes without quotation marks
Even without quotation marks, include the proper in-text citation at the end of the block quote.
Tip 5: Create a Detailed, Alphabetized Reference List
What to include for books, articles, websites
- Books: Author, title (italicized), publisher, year, page numbers.
- Articles: Author, article title, journal name, volume, issue, pages, DOI.
- Websites: Author, title, URL, publication date, access date.
Hanging indents and no categorization of sources
List sources alphabetically in a single list. Do not separate by type (e.g., books vs websites). Use hanging indents for clarity.
Tip 6: Cite All Visuals, Graphs, and Media
Referencing images both below the visual and in the bibliography
Every visual must have:
- A caption that includes the source.
- A full reference in your bibliography.
Transparency in using external visuals
This shows honesty and helps examiners verify your sources.
Tip 7: Provide Full Details for Online Sources
Including full URL, publication date, and access date
Example: Smith, J. (2020). Title of article. https://www.full-url-example.com (accessed May 10, 2025).
Avoiding shortened or broken URLs
Never use URL shorteners — provide the full, direct link to your source.
Tip 8: Keep Track of Sources From the Start
Organizing references during research
Keep a running list of your sources as you research to avoid losing details.
Tools for managing citations efficiently
Use tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or BibGuru to manage and format citations consistently.
Tip 9: Follow IB Formatting Guidelines for Citations
Font, spacing, margins, and page numbers
- Use a clear font (e.g., Arial 12pt).
- Double-space your text.
- Set 1-inch margins.
- Include your last name and page numbers on each page.
Title and structure of the reference list
Title the page References or Works Cited, and start on a new page at the end of your essay.
Tip 10: Review and Cross-Check All Citations
Avoiding accidental omissions
Check that every in-text citation appears in your reference list and vice versa.
Ensuring citations match the reference list
Verify that all details (e.g., author names, dates) are consistent between your citations and bibliography.
FAQs on Citing Sources in IB EE and IA
1️⃣ Do I need to cite paraphrased ideas?
Yes — anytime you use someone else’s ideas, whether you quote or paraphrase, you must cite.
2️⃣ Can I use footnotes instead of in-text citations?
Yes, depending on the style (e.g., Chicago) — but be consistent throughout.
3️⃣ What happens if I forget to cite a source?
It may be considered academic misconduct. Always double-check your work.
4️⃣ Is it acceptable to cite Wikipedia?
No — use original academic sources. Wikipedia is not considered reliable for citation.
5️⃣ Can I use citation generators?
Yes — but review the output carefully for accuracy and consistency.
6️⃣ How many sources should I cite in an EE or IA?
There’s no set number, but ensure your work is well-supported by credible, relevant sources.
Conclusion: Build Credibility and Integrity Through Proper Citation
By following these best practices, you’ll ensure your IB EE or IA meets academic integrity standards, supports your arguments effectively, and demonstrates professionalism. Proper citation isn’t just about avoiding plagiarism — it’s about showing respect for scholarship and strengthening your own research.
