What Is the Extended Essay?
The Extended Essay (EE) is a 4,000-word independent research paper — the closest thing the IB offers to university-level work. It counts for up to 3 bonus points (combined with TOK) and gives universities a preview of your academic potential. It's also one of the most common sources of IB stress, usually because students start too late.
Choosing Your Topic — The Golden Rules
- Pick something you genuinely find interesting. You'll spend 40+ hours on this essay. If the topic bores you now, it will torture you by month three.
- Make it specific. "The effect of music on concentration" is too broad. "The effect of classical background music on short-term memory performance in 16-18 year olds" is researchable.
- Ensure sources exist. Before committing, check that you can find at least 10-15 credible sources. A brilliant question with no available research data is a dead end.
- Consider your HL subject. Writing your EE in your strongest Higher Level subject gives you the deepest background knowledge to work with.
Research Phase
Spend the first 3-4 weeks reading and taking notes before writing a single sentence of the essay itself.
- Use Google Scholar, JSTOR, and your school library database
- Create an annotated bibliography as you go — summarize each source and note how it's relevant to your argument
- Organize notes by subtopic, not by source
Writing Phase
- Start with the body paragraphs, not the introduction. Your thesis might evolve as you write, and that's fine.
- Each paragraph should have a clear argument that connects back to your research question
- Show critical thinking: don't just report what sources say — analyze, compare, and evaluate them
- Write the introduction and conclusion last
Timeline That Works
- Months 1-2: Choose topic, finalize research question, begin reading
- Months 3-4: Deep research and note-taking
- Months 5-6: Write first draft
- Month 7: Revisions based on supervisor feedback
- Month 8: Final editing, formatting, and submission
Strengthen your IB subject knowledge with our IB Course Quiz.