How to Write a Successful IB English Literature Extended Essay (EE)
The IB English Literature Extended Essay (EE) offers you the opportunity to explore a literary topic of personal interest in depth. To succeed, you’ll need to craft a clear, focused argument, engage deeply with the text, and present your findings in formal academic style. Let’s explore 10 expert-backed tips to help you produce a high-scoring English Literature EE.
Introduction: What Makes a Great English Literature EE?
A successful English Literature EE demonstrates:
✅ Clear, focused research
✅ Detailed analysis of literary features
✅ Strong argumentation supported by evidence
✅ Independent critical thinking
✅ Formal academic writing
✅ Adherence to IB guidelines
Your essay should reveal a genuine engagement with the text and contribute original insights.
Tip 1: Choose a Focused and Analytical Research Question
Examples of strong vs weak research questions
❌ Weak: How is love portrayed in Shakespeare’s plays?
✅ Strong: How does Shakespeare use dramatic irony to convey the complexities of love in Romeo and Juliet?
How to refine your question for clarity and depth
- Focus on a specific literary device, theme, or character.
- Make sure the question invites analysis rather than summary.
- Test your question: Can it be answered within 4,000 words?
Tip 2: Engage Deeply With the Text(s)
Analyzing literary features: tone, imagery, symbolism
Explore how the author’s choices in tone, imagery, and symbolism shape meaning and affect the reader.
Exploring narrative techniques and style
Consider structure, point of view, and style. How do these contribute to the text’s impact?
Tip 3: Contextualize Your Analysis
Using historical, cultural, and biographical context
Context enriches interpretation. How might historical or cultural factors have influenced the author’s themes or techniques?
Linking context to authorial choices and themes
Avoid lengthy background summaries — focus on context that directly enhances your analysis.
Tip 4: Use Quotations Judiciously and Effectively
Selecting relevant quotations
Choose concise quotes that clearly support your argument.
Explaining significance, not just inserting quotes
Analyze how each quotation contributes to your point. Never let a quote stand alone without commentary.
Tip 5: Structure Your Essay Logically
Introduction: framing the research question and approach
State your research question, explain why it’s significant, and outline your method.
Body: focused paragraphs with clear arguments
Each paragraph should:
- Begin with a topic sentence.
- Present evidence.
- Link back to your main argument.
Conclusion: summarizing findings and their significance
Briefly restate your key points and reflect on their broader implications.
Tip 6: Write in a Formal Academic Style
Maintaining clarity, precision, and objectivity
Use clear, precise language suitable for literary analysis.
Avoiding colloquialisms and proofreading carefully
Stay objective and polished — proofread to eliminate errors.
Tip 7: Demonstrate Independent and Original Thinking
Offering fresh insights beyond common interpretations
Go beyond textbook readings. Offer your unique perspective, backed by solid evidence.
Supporting originality with evidence
Every fresh insight must be supported by careful textual analysis.
Tip 8: Meet IB Presentation and Formatting Requirements
Title page, contents page, and bibliography
Include a title page stating your research question, a contents page, and a properly formatted bibliography.
Word count, citations, and formatting guidelines
Stay within the 4,000-word limit and follow IB’s formatting rules consistently.
Tip 9: Revise and Refine Your Argument
Reviewing structure and clarity
Reread your draft to check flow, clarity, and logical development.
Seeking feedback from supervisors or peers
Early feedback can help you spot weaknesses and improve your analysis.
Tip 10: Manage Your Time Effectively
Planning a timeline for research, drafting, and revisions
Set deadlines for each stage of your EE to avoid rushing at the end.
Avoiding last-minute writing to ensure quality
Allow time for thoughtful revision and polishing.
FAQs on Writing a Successful IB English Literature EE
1️⃣ How specific should my research question be?
It should be narrow enough for focused analysis within 4,000 words and invite critical interpretation.
2️⃣ Can I write about more than one text?
Yes — but only if you can explore both texts in sufficient depth and compare them meaningfully.
3️⃣ Do I need to include secondary sources?
While not mandatory, thoughtful use of secondary sources can enrich your analysis. Always cite them properly.
4️⃣ How much context should I include?
Only as much as directly supports your argument. Avoid lengthy background sections.
5️⃣ What citation style should I use?
Use a consistent, recognized academic citation style (e.g., MLA, Chicago) as per IB guidelines.
6️⃣ How can I show personal engagement?
Choose a topic you care about and show curiosity and originality in your analysis.
Conclusion: Build a High-Scoring IB English Literature EE
A great English Literature EE combines focused inquiry, deep textual analysis, contextual awareness, and clear academic writing. By following these tips, you’ll produce a thoughtful, polished essay that reflects both your critical skills and passion for literature.
