Why Choosing Quality Sources Matters
Your EE’s strength lies in the credibility and relevance of its research materials. Most A-grade essays include around 20–30 well-chosen sources, but ultimately, depth of engagement matters more than count.
👉 Mastering IB Extended Essays: How to Research, Write, and Revise
Top-Tier Sources to Use
1. Peer‑Reviewed Journals & Scholarly Articles
Find reliable studies via platforms like JSTOR or Google Scholar, especially through your school library’s subscriptions.
2. Primary Sources
Utilize documents or data directly from the period or context you’re studying—e.g., archival records, experiments, surveys, or literary texts.
3. Subject‑Specific Books & Theory Texts
Look for reputable academic books and IB-recommended literature to frame your analysis within subject methodologies.
4. Institutional Databases & LibGuides
Library guides (like LibGuides) offer curated subject-specific resources and source recommendations.
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5. Official IB Materials
If available through your school, the IB Programme Resource Centre (PRC) provides model essays and EE exemplars essential for understanding examiner expectations.
Balancing Quality and Quantity
Many students report even a modest bibliography (e.g. 18 sources) earned top grades when sources were truly relevant and well-integrated:
“The number of sources is generally irrelevant. It’s the quality that matters.”
“I had 18 in my English EE and still got an A.” (revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, Reddit)
Evaluating Source Credibility
Ensure your sources meet these standards:
- Peer-reviewed or academically published
- Clearly attributed authors and publication data
- Direct relevance to your research question
- Reflective commentary in your essay demonstrating critical engagement
Subject-Based Source Strategies
- Sciences: Use journal articles and verified experimental data
- History: Use primary sources plus academic analyses
- Humanities & Arts: Incorporate original texts and critical essays
- Human Sciences: Use both qualitative and quantitative studies, surveys, and reports
RevisionDojo’s Guidance on Choosing Sources
RevisionDojo offers:
- Curated recommendations by EE subject
- Templates for structuring annotations and bibliographies
- Prompts aligned with Knowledge Questions to guide evidence selection
👉 Explore RevisionDojo’s Extended Essay Resources (revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many sources should I include?
A: Around 20–25 is common—but meaningful depth matters most. (revisiondojo.com)
Q2: Is Wikipedia acceptable?
A: No—only use it to find reliable sources, not as a citation.
Q3: Should I include primary and secondary sources?
A: Yes. Primary adds originality; secondary adds scholarly context.
Q4: Are older sources okay?
A: Yes—especially in fields like history or literature where context is key.
Q5: Can multimedia sources count?
A: Yes (films, interviews, art), if critically engaged in analysis.
Q6: What about IB model essays?
A: These are excellent for understanding assessment expectations and structure. (revisiondojo.com)
Conclusion & RevisionDojo Call to Action
High-quality EE research stems from credible, pertinent, and critically analyzed sources. Academic journals, primary evidence, thoughtful secondary literature, and IB exemplars form the foundation of a top-scoring investigation.
📚 Looking for help developing your source strategy? Visit RevisionDojo for curated EE topic guides, annotated bibliography templates, and expert research advice. Thousands of students have elevated their essays with RevisionDojo support—start enhancing your research today!
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