Is It Possible to Write an IB EE in a Week?
Technically, yes—but it’s extremely challenging and not recommended. The IB Extended Essay is a 4,000-word independent research project requiring careful planning, research, drafting, and revision. Ideally, students spend months developing their EE.
Writing an EE in a week means you must work intensively and strategically, focusing on essential elements while sacrificing depth and polish.
Challenges of Writing an IB EE in a Week
- Limited time for thorough research: Gathering credible sources and data takes time.
- Insufficient drafting and editing: Good writing needs multiple revisions.
- Risk of plagiarism: Rushed writing increases accidental plagiarism risks.
- Stress and burnout: Intense pressure can harm mental health and work quality.
If You Must Write Your IB EE in a Week: A Step-by-Step Plan
Day 1: Choose Topic and Gather Sources
- Pick a topic you know well or have easy access to research.
- Collect 5–10 credible sources (books, articles, journals).
Day 2: Create a Detailed Outline
- Draft your research question clearly.
- Plan introduction, body sections, and conclusion.
Day 3: Write the Introduction and Methodology
- Explain your topic’s relevance and research question.
- Describe your approach or methods.
Day 4-5: Write the Main Body
- Break it into sections based on your outline.
- Use clear, concise paragraphs with evidence.
Day 6: Write the Conclusion and Abstract
- Summarize findings and answer your research question.
- Write a brief abstract highlighting your essay’s focus.
Day 7: Edit, Proofread, and Format
- Check for clarity, grammar, and citation errors.
- Ensure compliance with IB formatting and citation guidelines.
Tips to Maximize Efficiency
- Avoid distractions—use focused work sessions (Pomodoro technique).
- Use reference management tools to organize citations quickly.
- Keep language simple and direct to save time.
- Ask teachers or peers for quick feedback if possible.
- Use official IB EE guides to follow structure and requirements strictly.
FAQs About Writing the IB EE Quickly
Q1: Can I get a good grade writing the EE in a week?
It’s possible but difficult. Quality may suffer without adequate research and revision.
Q2: What if I don’t finish the EE on time?
You risk missing IB deadlines and possibly not earning the diploma.
Q3: Can I get help with my EE?
You can get guidance and feedback but the work must be your own.
Q4: Should I choose an easy topic to save time?
Choose a manageable topic, but ensure it meets IB criteria for depth.
Q5: Is the abstract mandatory?
Yes, a 300-word abstract is required for submission.
Final Thoughts
Writing an IB Extended Essay in a week is a tough challenge but not impossible with intense focus and planning. However, for the best results, start early and allow yourself ample time to research and revise.
Want a quick EE template or last-minute checklist?
RevisionDojo offers helpful tools to guide your IB projects efficiently!