How to Format Your EE According to IB Guidelines: Tips + FAQ

It must list:

• Introduction
• Main sections and subsections of the body
• Conclusion
• References
• Appendices (if used)

Ensure page numbers are accurate. Always generate or update the table of contents after final edits to avoid misalignment.

Introduction, Body, and Conclusion: Structural Expectations

Introduction

The introduction should establish context, explain the academic relevance of the topic, and clearly state the research question. It should orient the reader without summarizing conclusions.

Body

The body is the core of the essay. It should be divided into logically ordered sections and subsections with clear headings. Each section should advance the argument through analysis, evidence, and evaluation rather than description.

Conclusion

The conclusion should directly answer the research question, synthesize key findings, and briefly reflect on limitations or implications. New evidence should not be introduced here.

Formatting and Style Standards

To meet IB expectations, apply the following consistently:

• Use a clear academic font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri
• Font size: 11 or 12 point
• Double-space the main text
• Use single spacing only for long quotations and references
• Standard margins of at least 2.5 cm (approximately 1 inch)
• Page numbers included throughout the essay
• Consistent heading hierarchy (for example: main headings in bold, subheadings in italics)

Consistency matters more than stylistic preference.

Citations and Bibliography

All sources must be cited accurately and consistently.

Key rules:

• Use a recognized citation style (MLA, APA, or Chicago)
• Apply the same style throughout the essay
• Cite all quotations, data, ideas, and visuals that are not your own
• Include a separate bibliography listing all sources used

The bibliography does not count toward the word limit.

Appendices may include raw data, surveys, transcripts, or maps, but only if they are directly referenced in the main body.

Word Limit and What Counts

The Extended Essay must not exceed 4,000 words.

Included in the word count:

• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion
• Headings within these sections

Excluded from the word count:

• Title page
• Table of contents
• References / bibliography
• Appendices

Exceeding the word limit can result in penalties, so careful trimming is essential.

Final Checklist Before Submission

Before submitting your EE, confirm that:

• The title page is complete and correctly formatted
• The table of contents matches page numbers exactly
• Headings are clear and consistent
• Page numbers appear throughout
• Citations are complete and consistent
• The bibliography is properly formatted
• The main essay is under 4,000 words
• Appendices are necessary and referenced

A final formatting check can prevent avoidable mark loss.

Strengthening Your EE with RevisionDojo

Formatting is only one part of a high-scoring Extended Essay, but it is a part you can fully control. RevisionDojo provides structured EE guides, formatting walkthroughs, and planning tools that help students present their research clearly and professionally.

Combined with tools like Jojo AI for structure checks and clarity feedback, students can focus on argument quality without worrying about presentation errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the table of contents count toward the word limit?
No. The table of contents is excluded.

Can I use MLA or APA referencing?
Yes. Any IB-accepted style is fine, as long as it is applied consistently.

Do headings count toward the word count?
Yes. Headings within the main essay are included.

Where should tables or graphs appear?
They should appear in the body, labeled and cited. Raw data can be placed in the appendix.

Is there a fixed bibliography format?
No single format is required, but entries must include full publication details and be consistent.

Should page numbers be added early or at the end?
Add page numbers early so the table of contents remains accurate.

Conclusion

Correct formatting is not an administrative afterthought. It reflects academic discipline and protects marks you have worked hard to earn. By following IB formatting expectations carefully, you remove unnecessary risk and allow examiners to focus on the quality of your research and analysis.

A well-presented essay does not guarantee a top grade—but a poorly formatted one can quietly undermine it.

Learn the best revision order for IB exams based on exam structure, fatigue, and subject demands—not guesswork.