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

ntroduction – Why Format Matters

Submitting your EE with correct formatting shows clarity, attention to detail, and improves readability. More importantly, IB requires specific structure and presentation standards, which directly affect your overall score. Let’s walk through the essential formatting rules step by step!

📄 1. Structure and Order of Sections

Your EE should follow this exact order:

Title Page
Abstract (≈300 words)
Contents Page
Introduction
Body (Analysis/Discussion)
Conclusion
References/Bibliography
Appendices (optional)

⚠️ Note: Only sections 4–6 count towards the 4,000-word limit; everything else—title page, abstract, table of contents, references, and appendices—is excluded.

🖋️ 2. Title Page Essentials

Include the following information, centered on one page:

Full research title
Subject and level (e.g., “History, Higher Level”)
Your name
Candidate number
Supervisor name
Date of submission

✅ Keep it clean, no images or decorative fonts.

✍️ 3. Abstract: A Clear Snapshot

This 300-word maximum summary should cover:

Research question
Scope of the study
Methodology
Main findings
Conclusion

Use complete sentences—avoid bullet points—and place it on its own page immediately after the title page.

📑 4. Table of Contents

List each section and its page number, including:

Introduction
Body (with subsections)
Conclusion
References
Appendices

Make sure the page numbers are accurate before final submission.

📚 5. Introduction, Body, and Conclusion Tips

Introduction: Set context, explain significance, and state your research question.
Body: Organize with clear headings and subheadings and ensure the argument flows logically.
Conclusion: Summarize findings, answer the research question, and reflect on limitations or implications.

📏 6. Formatting and Style Standards

Use a clean, readable font (Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri), 11–12 pt
Double-space text; single-space long quotations or references
Use standard margins (≥2.5 cm / ≈1")
Page numbers should appear in the header or footer
Format headings consistently (e.g. bold H1, italic H2, etc.)

📌 7. Citations and Bibliography

Use a recognized citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago) and stick to it
Cite all quotes, facts, ideas, images, and data
Include a separate bibliography listing all sources used—no word count penalty
Appendices can include raw data, maps, questionnaires, etc., but only if referenced in the body

📆 8. Word Limit and Counting

The essay itself (intro, body, conclusion) must not exceed 4,000 words
Excluded items: abstract, table of contents, acknowledgments, references, and appendices
Trim unnecessary filler and stay within the word count carefully

🎯 9. Final Checklist Before Submission

Title page completed and clear
Abstract on a separate page
Table of contents accurate
Proper headings and section flow
Page numbers present and correct
Bibliography formatted consistently
Word count under 4,000 (excluding permitted sections)
Appendices included only if needed and referenced

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Does the abstract count towards the 4,000-word limit?

A: No. The abstract, references, table of contents, and appendices are excluded from the word count.

Q2: Can I use MLA or APA?

A: Yes—use any IB-accepted citation style, just remain consistent throughout.

Q3: Do headings count in the word count?

A: Yes. Headings are part of the main body, so they count toward the 4,000 words.

Q4: Where do I insert graphs or tables?

A: In the body, with captions and citations. The raw data can go in the appendix.

Q5: Is there a required format for the bibliography?

A: No fixed format, but entries must include author, title, year, publisher, and page numbers or URL/access date if online.

Q6: Do I need page numbers from the start?

A: Yes. Add page numbers before creating the table of contents to ensure accuracy.

✅ Conclusion

Formatting your EE to IB standards isn't just an administrative task—it shows your commitment to clarity, precision, and academic rigor. Follow these guidelines to stay organized and make a strong impression.

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