Introduction
The IB Extended Essay (EE) is one of the most challenging tasks in the IB Diploma Programme. At 4,000 words, it demands independent research, academic writing skills, and time management like no other IB component. Many students feel overwhelmed at the start, but with the right approach, the process becomes manageable—even rewarding. This guide breaks down the research process into clear steps, helping you stay organized, avoid common pitfalls, and finish strong.
Quick Start Checklist
Before diving in, here’s a quick checklist to keep your EE on track:
- Pick a subject you genuinely enjoy.
- Narrow down a clear, focused research question.
- Learn how to access and evaluate reliable academic sources.
- Keep a detailed research log.
- Create a realistic writing timeline.
- Schedule regular meetings with your supervisor.
- Leave time for editing and polishing.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Topic
Your EE journey begins with the topic. The best advice? Pick something you care about. Students who select topics just because they “sound academic” often struggle to stay motivated. Instead:
- Align your topic with a subject you’re passionate about.
- Ensure it’s specific enough to answer within 4,000 words.
- Check if you’ll have access to enough sources.
Step 2: Crafting a Focused Research Question
The IB rewards clarity and precision. A strong research question is:
- Narrow and specific (not too broad).
- Open-ended (not a yes/no answer).
- Researchable with available resources.
For example, instead of asking “What are the causes of World War II?” you might refine it to “To what extent did economic sanctions contribute to Japan’s decision to enter World War II?”
Step 3: Gathering Reliable Sources
Researching for the EE is very different from Googling. Use a mix of:
- Academic journals (via JSTOR, Google Scholar).
- Books from libraries or digital archives.
- Reputable websites (universities, government sites, scholarly blogs).
Keep track of every source—IB penalizes weak referencing.
Step 4: Organizing Your Research
Disorganized notes are the downfall of many EE students. Use systems like:
- Cornell notes for reading academic texts.
- Mind maps to connect ideas.
- Citation tools like Zotero or Mendeley.
Pro tip: create a document just for quotes and references. This saves huge amounts of time later.
Step 5: Writing the Essay in Stages
Don’t try to write the whole thing at once. Break it into:
- Introduction – outline your research question and why it matters.
- Body – present evidence, analysis, and discussion.
- Conclusion – answer the research question and reflect critically.
- References and Appendices – ensure proper formatting.
Step 6: Managing Stress and Motivation
The EE can feel overwhelming, but you can survive it with:
- A realistic weekly schedule.
- Short, focused writing sessions instead of all-nighters.
- Regular supervisor check-ins.
- Rewarding yourself for milestones.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a topic that’s too broad.
- Ignoring IB guidelines on citations.
- Starting too late.
- Forgetting to evaluate sources critically.
- Writing descriptively instead of analyzing.
RevisionDojo Tip: Using Past Work to Guide You
Many high-scoring students look at past essays for structure and tone. At RevisionDojo, we provide resources that help you understand what examiners want while showing you how to develop your own ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long should the research stage of the EE take?
Ideally, 2–3 months. This gives you enough time to explore, narrow down, and refine your sources without rushing. Students who compress this stage often regret it when they discover gaps late in the writing process.
2. Can I change my research question midway?
Yes, but only early in the process. Many students start broad, then refine their question after discovering stronger angles during research. However, avoid last-minute changes—they often derail timelines.
3. How important is the EE in my final IB score?
The EE, combined with TOK, can contribute up to 3 bonus points to your final IB diploma. While that may seem small, those points can be the difference between achieving your target score or missing it.
Conclusion
Surviving the IB Extended Essay research process isn’t about genius—it’s about strategy. By choosing a topic you care about, planning ahead, and staying organized, you’ll not only survive the EE but also gain valuable skills in research and critical thinking. And remember, RevisionDojo has your back with resources, guidance, and support tailored for IB success.
Call to Action
Struggling with the IB Extended Essay? RevisionDojo helps students break down complex tasks like the EE into manageable steps. Visit our blog for more guides and strategies designed to help you thrive in the IB.
