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Extended Essay: Presentation Requirements

• Extended Essay- The Basics
• Step 1. Choose a Subject
• Step 2. Educate yourself!
• Using Brainstorming and Mind Maps
• Identify Keywords
• Do Background Reading
• Define Your Topic
• Conduct Research in a Specific Discipline
• Step 5. Draft a Research Question
• Step 6. Create a Timeline
• Find Articles
• Find Primary Sources
• Get Help from Experts
• Search Engines, Repositories, & Directories
• Databases and Websites by Subject Area
• Create an Annotated Bibliography
• Advice (and Warnings) from the IB
• Chicago Citation Syle
• MLA Works Cited & In-Text Citations
• Step 9. Set Deadlines for Yourself
• Step 10. Plan a structure for your essay
• Evaluate & Select: the CRAAP Test
• Conducting Secondary Research
• Conducting Primary Research
• Formal vs. Informal Writing
• Presentation Requirements
• Evaluating Your Work

How to Format the Extended Essay

Font and spacing

Use a readable 12-point font and double spacing. You will be helping your examiners read and assess your essay on-screen.

Referencing and citations

The IB does not specify what referencing/citation format you should use. Whichever system you choose, make sure that you follow it consistently. Check, too, that it meets the minimum requirements for acknowledging both written and electronic sources expected by the IB. See the IB publication:

What Should Be on the Title Page?

The title page should include only the following information:

• the title of the essay (optional)
• the research question (required)
• the word count (required)
• if it is a language essay it should also state which category it falls into
• if it is a world studies essay  it should also state the theme and the two subjects utilized

​ Distinguishing Between the Title and the Research Question

Your extended essay can have a title  and  a research question.  The research question is required on the cover page, while the title is optional. 

• The  title  is a clear, focused summative statement of the research which gives the reader an indication of the research topic. It should  not  be phrased as a research question.
• The  research question  indicates the specific topic of research and must be phrased as a question.

What should NOT be on the  first page/title page of your EE?

The title page should NOT include only the following information:

• the  school's name
• your  IB candidate number
• any identifying pieces of information (on the title page, or any other section of the essay, such as headers or footers)

When work is uploaded, the IB tags each document with the student's digital profiles so personal details like your name, your school, and your candidate number are not required.   Very important:  to make sure that IB assessment is unbiased and fair, IB does not give your name to examiners, so there should be nothing that could identify you in the essay itself.

Which Would Be Better to Send to IB?

Compare and contrast:  which would be better to send to IB?

Submitting a paper in the recommended format will set a serious tone. Take a look at the example text below formatted in two drastically different fonts. Notice the difference in tone and mood—which format would be easier for the examiner to read, assess and comment on?

 Example A (12 point, Arial, double-spaced)

Example B (9 point, Comic Sans, single-spaced)

Presentation Requirements of the EE

Required Elements of the Extended Essay

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Extended Essay: Formatting your EE

Introduction.

• Finding a Topic
• Subject Guidance & Proposal Forms
• Academic Sources of Information
• Formatting your EE
• Reflections
• IB Resources for Students
• Citations and Referencing - IB REQUIREMENTS
• In-Text Citations
• Further information on Citations Styles
• Researcher's Spaces
• Ms Sally's Presentations

PLEASE NOTE

All final submissions must be made in pdf format to these 4 places:, google classroom, emailed to your supervisor, formal presentation basics.

All essays must follow this format:

• Standard Margins (1-inch or 2.5 cm margins)
• 12-point, readable font (Arial is recommended)
• Double-spaced
• Page Numbers start on the Table of Contents 
• No Candidate or School name  is to appear anywhere in the document
• Title of the Essay
• Research Question
• Subject for which the Essay is registered
• Category - If a Language A or B Essay
• Theme & 2 Subjects utilized - If a World Studies Essay
• Contents Page
• annotated illustrations and tables
• formulas and calculations
• parenthetical or numbered
• footnotes or endnotes
• Bibliography
• The RPPF Form
• The Research and Writing Process: Word Counts
• The Research and Writing Process: Footnotes and Endnotes

Table of Contents

• Labelled "Table of Contents" in 12-point, readable font (Arial is recommended)
• Headings and subheadings within the body of the essay may be included

References and Bibliography

• Topic, purpose and focus of the research clearly identified and explained
• Research Question bolded within the introduction and phrased as on the title page
• Methodology of research and insight into the line of argument

Body of the Essay

The body of the essay must:

• Examiners will not read appendices, endnotes or footnotes, so all essential elements to your argument must be included in the body of the essay
• Include headings and sub-headings as appropriate to the subject 

Your conclusion must be:

• A Summative conclusion based on the information presented in the body of the essay
• A Conclusion linked directly to the research question
• Notes of limitations and unresolved questions (as appropriate) can be included

Your References and Bibliography must follow this format:

• Cross-referenced: each reference in the essay is ticked off in the bibliography to ensure all references are included and no extraneous references exist
• All tables, charts, diagrams, illustrations etc. must be clearly labelled and referenced in the body of the essay
• References are presented alphabetically 
• Use hanging indents for all entries
• Include Date Accessed or Retrieved for websites (as outlined on the IB Requirements page)
• Remove all hyperlinks
• The Research and Writing Process: Tables
• The Research and Writing Process: Illustrations

Appendices should only be used if required by the subject discipline:

• Appendices titled
• Headings labeled
• Included in the Table of Contents
• Reliance on external resources such as DVDs, music, specimen materials etc. is not permitted
• The Research and Writing Process: Reliance on External Materials
• The Research and Writing Process: Specimen Materials
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• Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024 11:16 AM
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Extended Essay Guide: Criteria, Format, Sample EEs

• Criteria, Format, Sample EEs
• Annotated Bibliographies
• DP Research Process
• Databases & Academic Journals
• Evaluate Sources
• Academic Integrity
• MLA Citation Format
• CSE Citation Format (Science & Math)
• Video Tutorials 2024

The Assessment Crtiteria in Detail!

• Criterion A: Focus and method
• Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding
• Criterion C: Critical Thinking
• Criterion D: Presentation
• Criterion E: Engagement
• EE_How to maximize marks for different subjects?

• Criterion C: Critical thinking

Notes from the IB

RE: Research Question and Title of Extended Essay

Please note the statement below from the EE curriculum manager regarding the need to have both a title and a RQ for all subjects. Previous versions of the EE Guide indicated that the title and the RQ should be the same for History, Business Management and Mathematics. This is no longer the case.  All essays, regardless of the subject, need to have both a RQ and a title.

Hi Kathy, 

To answer your question, I am going to quote directly from a response John Royce provided, on this forum, in October in response to a very similar question: (it was a question about using Spanish sources - hence the mention of Spanish)

It is certainly  permissible to use sources which are not in the language of the essay, but translation into the target language is required , one cannot assume that the reader understands the original language.

It is usual to quote the original as well as presenting the translation.  [Do not put quotation marks around your translation, just around the original]

Umberto Eco argues ("in Mouse or rat?") that direct translation may lose meaning, paraphrase or use of different idioms may be required to get the ideas across. Paul Bellos ("Is that a fish in your ear?") makes a similar argument - direct translation may confound meaning... Direct translation may not be ideal - meaning and understanding are preferred - so, not to worry that your student with her good Spanish cannot present a direct translation.

What  must be made clear is that the translations are those of the student;  these are her understandings. Readers can make of that what they will - and if unsure, are presented with the original - they can seek another translation.  A note in the acknowledgements and/or in the introduction to the effect that all translations are those of the writer is ... essential.

In response to the question about the  Bibliography/Works cited, my preference would be to list the source in its original Thai version, but perhaps with the English in brackets, to help the examiner.

Your bibliography will have the entries in Thai characters first in the document. Any in-text citation to Thai sources will be in (Thai characters [English translation]).

Citation in Thai [English translation]

Works Cited Example:

วงษ์ปัญญา, ธนกร [Wongpunya, Thanakorn]. “โรงงานยาสูบรวยแค่ไหน และเอาเงินไปทำอะไรบ้าง.”  [How rich is the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly and where does the money go?] (candidate translation). The Standard, The Standard, 30 Aug. 2018, thestandard.co/thailand-tobacco-monopoly/.

Format of the Extended Essay

Required Formatting

The extended essay should be written in a clear, correct and formal academic style, appropriate to the subject from which the topic is drawn. Given that the extended essay is a formally written research paper, it should strive to maintain a professional, academic look. 

To help achieve this, the following formatting is  required:

• 12-point, readable font (Calibri or Times New Roman);
• double spacing throughout entire Essay;
• page numbering - top right corner;
• no candidate or school name or supervisor name on the title page or page headers.

Submitting the extended essay in the required format will help set the tone of the essay and will aid readability for on-screen assessment by examiners.

Required S tructure

The structure of the essay is very important. It helps students to organize the argument, making the best use of the evidence collected. 

There are six required elements of the final work to be submitted. More details about each element are given in the  “Presentation”  section. Please note that the order in which these elements are presented here is not necessarily the order in which they should be written. 

Six required elements of the extended essay:

• Contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References and bibliography -- if MLA "Works Cited" if CSE "References"

1. Required Title Page  

The title page should include  only  the following information: 

• the title of the essay
• the research question
• the subject the essay is registered in (if it is a language essay also state which category it falls into; if a world studies essay also state the theme and the two subjects utilized) 

The upper limit is 4,000 words for all extended essays. 

2. Required Contents Page

A contents page must be provided at the beginning of the extended essay and all pages should be numbered. Please note that an index page is not required and if included will be treated as if it is not present.

3. Required Introduction

The introduction should tell the reader what to expect in the essay. The introduction should make clear to the reader the focus of the essay, the scope of the research, in particular an indication of the sources to be used, and an insight into the line of argument to be taken. 

While students should have a sense of the direction and key focus of their essay, it is sometimes advisable to finalize the introduction once the body of the essay is complete.

4. Required Body of the Essay  (research, analysis, discussion, and evaluation)

The main task is writing the body of the essay, which should be presented in the form of a reasoned argument. The form of this varies with the subject of the essay but as the argument develops it should be clear to the reader what relevant evidence has been discovered, where/how it has been discovered and how it supports the argument. In some subjects, for example, the sciences, sub-headings within the main body of the essay will help the reader to understand the argument (and will also help the student to keep on track). In structuring their extended essay, students must take into consideration the expected conventions of the subject in which their extended essay is registered. 

Once the main body of the essay is complete, it is possible to finalize the introduction (which tells the reader what to expect) and the conclusion (which says what has been achieved, including notes of any limitations and any questions that have not been resolved). 

Any information that is important to the argument  must not  be included in appendices or footnotes/endnotes. The examiner  will not  read notes or appendices, so an essay that is not complete in itself will be compromised across the assessment criteria.

5. Required Conclusion

The conclusion says what has been achieved, including notes of any limitations and any questions that have not been resolved. While students might draw conclusions throughout the essay based on their findings, it is important that there is a final, summative conclusion at the end. This conclusion(s) must relate to the research question posed.

6.  Required References & Bibliography

Students should use their chosen style of academic referencing as soon as they start writing. That way they are less likely to forget to include a citation. It is also easier than trying to add references at a later stage. For more information on this, refer to the guidelines in the IB document  Effective citing and referencing.

Writing the essay takes time but if students have used their Researcher's reflection space and reflection sessions in a meaningful way they should be well prepared to develop their arguments.

Extended Essay - Examples & Exemplars

• Essays from May 2018 with IB marks and commentaries
• Assessed Student Work & Commentary IB-provided. "Student sample extended essays, corresponding marks and comments from senior examiners are available for the following Diploma Programme disciplines. Please note that in light of not having authentic RPPFs to accompany these essays, they are marked against criteria A – D only, for a total of 28 possible marks. Following the first assessment session in 2018, exemplars will be refreshed with authentic sample material." more... less... Biology English Economics History Studies in language and literature Language acquisition Mathematics Psychology Visual arts World studies extended essay (WSEE)
• Excellenet Extended Essays Concordian GoogleDoc
• EngA1_Othello EE Othello 2018 From inThinking.net Click the link to see the score and evaluation.
• Fifty (50) More Excellent Extended Essays DVD by International Baccalaureate Call Number: HS DVD 808.4 ISBN: 9781906345600 Publication Date: 2011 1 DVD-ROM (1:33 min.)

Past CIS Extended Essays

Available in the library behind the desk are file folders of past Extended Essays by Concordian students and IB EE Exemplars. Feel free to browse the papers which must be kept in the library.

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Extended Essay Resources: Paper Formatting

• Research Video Tutorials
• In-text Citations
• Plagiarism VS. Documentation
• Primary Sources
• Subject Resources
• Cite Your Sources This link opens in a new window
• Evaluate Your Sources This link opens in a new window
• Supervisor Resources
• Note Taking Templates
• Paper Formatting
• Ms Wood's presentation
• Extended Essay calendar
• Submit your topic selection

How to format the EE

The extended essay should be written in a clear, correct and formal academic style, appropriate to the subject from which the topic is drawn. Given that the extended essay is a formally written research paper, it should strive to maintain a professional, academic look.

To help achieve this, the following formatting is suggested.

• Arial 12 or Times New Roman 12
• Double-spaced
• page numbering
• no candidate, supervisor, or school name on the title page, page headers, appendices or acknowledgment pages
• the file size must not be more than 10 MB. (Note that the RPPF is uploaded separately and is not part of the overall file size of the essay.)

What's on the Title Page?

The title page should include the:

• title of the essay
• research question
• if it is a language essay also state which category it falls into;
• if a world studies essay also state the theme and the two subjects utilized)
• word count.

DO NOT include any personal information like your name, the name of the school, or your candidate number. The IB wants each EE to be anonymous and assessed without bias. 

Images and Illustrations

From the mla style guide at purdue, labels, captions, and source information.

Illustrations appear directly embedded in the document. Each illustration must include a label, a number, a caption and/or source information.

• The illustration label and number should always appear in two places:  the document main text (e.g.  see fig. 1 ) and near the illustration itself ( Fig. 1 ).
• Captions  provide titles or explanatory notes (e.g.,  Van Gogh’s The Starry Night)
• Source information  documentation will always depend upon the medium of the source illustration. If you provide source information with all of your illustrations, you do not need to provide this information on the Works Cited page.
• All visuals/illustrations that are not tables or musical score examples (e.g. maps, diagrams, charts, videos, podcasts, etc.) are labeled Figure or Fig.
• Refer to the figure in-text and provide an Arabic numeral that corresponds to the figure. Do not capitalize figure or fig .
• MLA does not specify alignment requirements for figures; thus, these images may be embedded as the reader sees fit. However, continue to follow basic MLA Style formatting (e.g. one-inch margins).
• Below the figure, provide a label name and its corresponding arabic numeral (no bold or italics), followed by a period (e.g. Fig. 1.). Here, Figure and Fig .  are capitalized.
• Beginning with the same line as the label and number, provide a title and/or caption as well as relevant source information in note form (see instructions and examples above). If you provide source information with your illustrations, you do not need to provide this information on the Works Cited page.
• If full citation information is provided in the caption, use the same formatting as you would for your Works Cited page. However, names should be listed in  first name last name  format.

Figure Example

In-text reference:

Some readers found Harry’s final battle with Voldemort a disappointment, and recently, the podcast,  MuggleCast  debated the subject (see fig. 2).

Figure caption (below an embedded podcast file for a document to be viewed electronically):

Fig. 2. Harry Potter and Voldemort final battle debate from Andrew Sims et al.; “Show 166”;  MuggleCast ; MuggleNet.com, 19 Dec. 2008, www.mugglenet.com/2015/11/the-snape-debate-rowling-speaks-out.

Appendices are not an essential part of the extended essay and examiners will not read them, or use any information contained within them, in the assessment of the essay. Students must take care to ensure that all information with direct relevance to the analysis, discussion and evaluation of their essay is contained in the main body of it. Appendices should therefore be avoided except in the following instances:

• an exemplar of a questionnaire or interview questions
• an exemplar of permission letters
• group 1, category 1 essays: copies of poems or short stories (of less than three pages)
• group 1, category 3 essays: excerpts from newspapers, advertisements and transcripts of speeches
• language acquisition, category 1 and 2: excerpts from newspapers, advertisements, transcripts of speeches, etc
• language acquisition, category 3: excerpts or copies of poems or short stories (less than 3 pages)
• an external mentor letter, where one has been used
• raw data or statistical tables for experimental sciences (this should not include any analysis or conclusions).

Students should not continually refer to material presented in an appendix as this may disrupt the continuity of the essay and examiners are not required to refer to them.

The upper limit is 4,000 words for all extended essays.

Please note:  Examiners are instructed not to read or assess any material in excess of the word limit. This means that essays containing more than 4,000 words will be compromised across all assessment criteria. 

Please refer to the following guidance on what content should be included in the word count.

Please refer to the document entitled  Assessment principles and practices—Quality assessments in a digital age  for further clarification of word count requirements.

A note for students writing in Chinese, Korean and Japanese:

Students writing their extended essay in Japanese, Korean or Chinese should use the following conversions.

• Japanese: 1 word = approximately 2 Japanese characters (upper limit 8,000 characters)
• Korean: 1 word = 1 Korean character (upper limit 4,000 characters)
• Chinese: 1 word = approximately 1.2 Chinese characters (upper limit 4,800 characters)

When typing in Chinese, Korean or Japanese word processing software is likely to include the number of characters  and  punctuation in the word count. Students are asked to  not  include punctuation in the word count for assessed work. The word count should only take into account the number of characters typed.

A note about acknowledgments and dedications:

An acknowledgment/dedications page may be included in the EE if this is important to the student, but it must contain no “identifiers”, for example, people should not be detailed in any way that makes the student’s school identifiable. An acknowledgment/dedications page is not a formal requirement of the EE, so it does not contribute to either the word count or assessment.

Header and Footnotes

Students may wish to use the header function for their research question, so that it appears on each page. This may help retain focus.

Footnotes and endnotes

Footnotes and endnotes may be used for referencing purposes and if this is the case will not be included in the word count of the essay. If information is contained in a footnote or endnote and is not a reference, this  must  be included in the word count. In order to avoid confusion and unwittingly exceed the word limit, students are advised to avoid using footnotes or endnotes other than for referencing purposes unless it is appropriate.

One appropriate use of footnotes is for the placement of the original quotation (where the original quotation is in a language other than the language of registration). This use of footnotes would not need to be included in the word count.

As footnotes and endnotes are not an essential part of the extended essay students must take care to ensure that all information with direct relevance to the analysis, discussion and evaluation of their essay is contained in the main body of it.

An essay that attempts to evade the word limit by including important material in footnotes or endnotes will be compromised across the assessment criteria. Please note that footnotes and endnotes are added to the word count as they are encountered.

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Extended Essay: Criteria D - Check your Formatting

• Introduction to the EE
• Step 1 - Choose a subject
• World Studies
• Step 3 - The Researchers Reflection Space
• Identify Sources
• Tools for Note Taking
• Video Guides
• Step 5 - Creating Research Questions
• Step 6 - Outlines and Plans
• Step 7 - Citing
• Criteria E - 3 Reflections
• Know Your Criteria
• Criteria D - Check your Formatting
• 4000 words final hand in

Why it is important

Criteria D is giveaway marks time - You get 4 marks for just formatting and citing properly. Do not lose any of these marks for simple errors.

No Abstract required

PLEASE NOTE

3 years ago the syllabus changed. You must not put an abstract in your Extended Essay. If you do you will lose many marks.

a) because it will show your lack of engagement

b) it will use up 300 words at the beginning of the essay. Therefore your conclusion will not be read.

Use only the latest criteria!!! DO NOT WRITE AN ABSTRACT

There are a number of checklists that you can use to ensure that you max out for Criteria D.

1) This is one that I recommend and is in a google doc format -    the checklist.

2) The one below (which you can download here as a pdf ) is taken from the excellent EE course companion by Kota Lekanides that is found in all of your AG classes.

There is also a fantastic check list in the book that you have in your AG classes. It is Simply called Extended Essay by Paul Hoang. 

What you need to do

Required Formatting

The extended essay should be written in a clear, correct and formal academic style, appropriate to the subject from which the topic is drawn. Given that the extended essay is a formally written research paper, it should strive to maintain a professional, academic look. 

To help achieve this, the following formatting is  required:

• 12-point, readable font (Calibri or Times New Roman);
• double spacing throughout entire Essay;
• page numbering - top right corner;
• no candidate or school name or supervisor name on the title page or page headers.

Required S tructure

The structure of the essay is very important. It helps students to organize the argument, making the best use of the evidence collected. 

There are six required elements of the final work to be submitted. More details about each element are given in the  “Presentation”  section. Please note that  the order in which these elements are presented here is not necessarily the order in which they should be written. 

Six required elements of the extended essay:

• Contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References and bibliography -- if MLA "Works Cited" if CSE "References"

1. Required  Title Page  

The title page should include  only  the following information: 

• the title of the essay
• the research question
• the subject the essay is registered in (if it is a language essay also state which category it falls into; if a world studies essay also state the theme and the two subjects utilized) 

The upper limit is 4,000 words for all extended essays. 

Please note:  Examiners are instructed not to read or assess any material in excess of the word limit. This means that essays containing more than 4,000 words will be compromised across all assessment criteria. Given the holistic nature of the assessment criteria, students who write in excess of the word limit will self-penalize across all criteria. 

Note for Chinese/ Korean/ Japanese Essays -  Clarification of word counts in Chinese for EEs. When typing in Chinese, word-processing software is likely to include the number of characters along with punctuation. Teachers and students are asked not to include punctuation in the word count for assessed work. The word count should only take into account the number of characters typed. (IBO Feb 2023)

Students writing their extended essay in Japanese, Korean or Chinese should use the following conversions.

• Japanese: 1 word = approximately 2 Japanese characters (upper limit 8,000 characters)
• Korean: 1 word = 1 Korean character (upper limit 4,000 characters)
• Chinese: 1 word = approximately 1.2 Chinese characters (upper limit 4,800 characters)

source: ibo.org

2. Required Contents Page

A contents page must be provided at the beginning of the extended essay and all pages should be numbered. Please note that an index page is not required and if included will be treated as if it is not present.

3. Required Introduction

The introduction should tell the reader what to expect in the essay. The introduction should make clear to the reader the focus of the essay, the scope of the research, in  particular  an indication of the sources to be used, and an insight into the line of argument to be taken. 

While students should have a sense of the direction and key focus of their essay, it is sometimes advisable to finalize the introduction once the body of the essay is complete.

4.  Required Body of the Essay  (research, analysis, discussion, and evaluation)

The main task is writing the body of the essay, which should be presented in the form of a reasoned argument. The form of this varies with the subject of the essay but as the argument develops it should be clear to the reader what relevant evidence has been discovered, where/how it has been discovered and how it supports the argument. In some subjects, for example, the sciences, sub-headings within the main body of the essay will help the reader to understand the argument (and will also help the student to keep on track). In structuring their extended essay, students must take into consideration the expected conventions of the subject in which their extended essay is registered. 

Once the main body of the essay is complete, it is possible to finalize the introduction (which tells the reader what to expect) and the conclusion (which says what has been achieved, including notes of any limitations and any questions that have not been resolved). 

Any information that is important to the argument  must not  be included in appendices or footnotes/endnotes. The examiner  will not  read notes or appendices, so an essay that is not complete in itself will be compromised across the assessment criteria.

5. Required Conclusion

The conclusion says what has been achieved, including notes of any limitations and any questions that have not been resolved. While students might draw conclusions throughout the essay based on their findings, it is important that there is a final, summative conclusion at the end. This conclusion(s) must relate to the research question posed.

6.  Required References & Bibliography

Students should use their chosen style of academic referencing as soon as they start writing. That way they are less likely to forget to include a citation. It is also easier than trying to add references at a later stage. For more information on this, refer to the guidelines in the IB document  Effective citing and referencing.

Writing the essay takes time but if students have used their Researcher's reflection space and reflection sessions in a meaningful way they should be well prepared to develop their arguments.

source: concordian-Thailand

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Gr. 11-12 Extended Essay

• Reflections
• Choose a Subject
• Choose a Topic
• Draft a Research Question
• Develop Your Search Strategy
• Computer Science
• Visual Arts
• World Studies
• Introduction

Formatting Your Essay

Example: title page, table of contents, page numbers, font use & spacing.

• Academic Integrity
• Common Questions
• For Supervisors
• EE Examples

Remember that the Extended Essay is a formal piece of academic writing. This means that you need to present your essay using the agreed-upon conventions of independently written research papers.

The IB discusses a set of aspects that must be included as part of your Extended Essay:

• Table of contents
• Page numbers
• Font use & spacing
• Referencing (citations and bibliography)
• Title (optional)
• Research question
• DO NOT INCLUDE

You can include a brief heading that provides a clear, focused summative statement of your research, but this is  optional .

For example:

Research question : In what ways does Jane Austen express her attitudes to the themes of love and marriage inherent in her work  Pride and Prejudice ?

Title : Austen's Attitudes to Marriage in Pride and Prejudice

You must  include your research question on the title page.

Ensure that your RQ is the same question that appears in other sections of your essay (i.e., the introduction and conclusion). Double check that the spelling is correct and grammatically accurate (and that it ends with a question mark).

Specify the subject to which your essay belongs, as well as the category (if necessary).

If it is a language essay it should also state which category it falls into.

SUBJECT:  English A, Category 3

If it is a world studies essay it should also state the theme and the two subjects utilized.

SUBJECT:  World Studies, Equality and Inequality, History and Economics

Include the  exact number  of words in your essay on the title page.

Remember that the upper word count limit is 4,000 words . Examiners are instructed not to read or assess any material in excess of the word limit, so essays over 4,000 words will be compromised across all assessment criteria.

Use this site to estimate word count:

Do not include the following items on your title page, or any other section of the essay (like headers and footers).

• Your school's name
• Your candidate number
• Any other information that could identify you

All Extended Essays must contain a table of contents placed  after  the cover page and before the introductory section of your essay.

The table of contents should include:

• indented and numbered sub-chapters (or sub-sections) , if you have them
• page numbers  next to each section or chapter heading (placed on the far right of the page)

Example: Table of Contents

Page numbers should be included on all pages of the Extended Essay.

• You can write your page numbers in whichever format you choose (e.g., 1, 2, 3... or Page 1, Page 2, Page 3).
• Put your page numbers at the bottom of your page (e.g., at the bottom right or centre)
• Make sure that the page numbers referred to in your table of contents match those on the actual page.

The font size of your essay must be  12 pt  and  readable , and your essay should be  double spaced . 

• Don't use cursive, floral, or cartoon fonts that would make the script difficult to read.
• If you want to emphasize a word or heading, use  bold  (or capitalize your headings).
• Times New Roman
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US IB Extended Essay: Home

• Academic Writing
• Researchers Reflective Space (RRS)
• Research Questions
• Databases & Web Resources (English & Spanish)
• Bibliographies, References & Citations
• Reflections
• Subject Specific EE Resources

Getting Started

Academic Integrity-The IB Guide

To read the full Academic Integrity IB Guide, click HERE.

Extended Essay Guides

If you have questions or concerns about the Extended Essay, see your supervisor, or Dr. Bree. Research needs, see Ms. Keating.

The first part of the IB guide contains general information that is relevant to all Extended Essays, regardless of subject. The section is quite short, and it is well worth reading for the advice and information given. 

Six required elements of the extended essay: Title page Contents page Introduction Body of the essay Conclusion References and bibliography https://ibpublishing.ibo.org/extendedessay/apps/dpapp/guide.html?doc=d_0_eeyyy_gui_1602_1_e&part=5&chapter=5

Presentation of Your Extended Essay https://ibpublishing.ibo.org/extendedessay/apps/dpapp/guide.html?doc=d_0_eeyyy_gui_1602_1_e&part=5&chapter=6

ESSENTIAL TO KNOW!

The extended essay should be written in a clear, correct and formal academic style, appropriate to the subject from which the topic is drawn. Given that the extended essay is a formally written research paper, it should strive to maintain a professional, academic look.

To help achieve this, the following formatting is required: the use of 12-point, readable font double spacing page numbering no candidate or school name on the title page or page headers.

Submitting the extended essay in the required format will help set the tone of the essay and will aid readability for on-screen assessment by examiners.

• ASM Extended Essay Information
• General EE Info for Juniors

Assessment Points

Points awarded for the Extended Essay in conjunction with the Theory of Knowledge Essay - out of a maximum total of 45 points.   (See the IBO webpage on Assessment for more information.)

Extended Essay Topics

Your Extended Essay (research topic) must fall into one of the six approved DP categories , or IB subject groups, which are as follows:

• Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
• Group 2: Language Acquisition
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies
• Group 4: Sciences
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: The Arts

IB Academic Honesty/Integrity

Academic honesty in the IB educational context

Most students understand that it is wrong to copy another student's work and submit as their own. However, it is also dishonest to copy and paste text from WWW into your paper and submit as your own writing or ideas. 

Academic Honesty   The Plagiarism.org website provides some helpful information on intentional and unintentional plagiarism, and on how students can avoid plagiarism by good citation. Paraphrasing can be difficult, and the  Indiana University Writing Tutorial Services provides some helpful information on how to properly paraphrase.

Citing Sources for Academic Research When doing research for papers and projects, it is necessary to properly acknowledge authors whose work has been used in your end product. This acknowledgement takes place in your writing in the form of parenthetical references, footnotes, endnotes, works cited pages or bibliographies. There are many documentation styles used by a variety of academic disciplines.  At the American School of Madrid , students are strongly encouraged to use MLA. Noodle Tools is an excellent way to assure students that their citations will be correctly formatted.

Plagiarism Plagiarism is often clear to students only when it involves non-electronic sources. For example, buying a paper from a paper mill to turn in as one's own work is unquestionably plagiarism. Students realize that copying from a book or journal without properly citing the source is plagiarism, but using materials from Web documents seems to be different. Students have the perception that everything on the Web is free, therefore could be no theft involved in taking material that is found there. However, plagiarism is not limited to any specific format, electronic or non-electronic.

Copyright law protects Web documents. Georgia Harper, a lawyer for the University of Texas, says that people assume that everything on the Web is public domain, probably because the law used to require that copyrighted material display a copyright notice. The law changed, however, and "putting the fingers on the keyboard creates a copyrighted work." She says that copyright protection is automatic, so that postings of all kinds are protected (Harper). (Southeastern Louisiana University)

To view this PowerPoint click HERE.

The Extended Essay-Understand the Process

Click here to get the full Extended Essay Guide , or the links below to the specific sections. 

Overview of the Extended Essay

Academic honesty in the IB

Ethical guidelines for Extended Essay research and fieldwork

Researcher's Reflection Space

Role of External Mentors

Viva voce final reflection session

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• Last Updated: Oct 16, 2023 4:40 PM
• URL: https://asmadrid.libguides.com/IBExtendedEssay

• Peterborough

APA 7 Style: Formatting Guidelines

Common guidelines for apa-format papers.

APA 7 (2020) has introduced new guidelines for student papers that differ from the guidelines for professional papers being submitted for publication. Make sure to check with your professor or teaching assistant on whether they prefer that you use the student or professional format for your work.

Common Guidelines for All APA-Format Papers

Line Spacing

Paragraph alignment and indentation, page numbers.

• Figures and Tables

References Page

Guidelines Specific to Student Papers

Guidelines Specific to Professional Papers Being Submitted for Publication

• Headers with Running Head and Page Numbers

Guidelines for All APA-Format Papers

APA 7 (2020) accepts the use of a wider range of fonts than previous editions. Use a consistent font throughout the paper. While the size of the font in the text of the paper should confirm to one of the options below, figures may include a smaller or larger font size as needed.

Font options include:

• Times New Roman (12-point)
• Calibri (11-point)
• Arial (11-point)
• Lucinda (10-point)
• Sans Unicode (10-point)
• Georgia (11-point)
• Computer Modern (10-point)

The entire paper, including the title page, body of the paper, references and appendices, should be double-spaced. The bodies of figures and tables are excluded from this rule. Do not add extra line spaces between paragraphs or after a heading. 

Use 2.54 CM (1 inch) margins on all sides of the paper.

All paragraphs should be left-aligned (do not full-justify text). For each new paragraph indent five spaces or ½ inch.  Use the tab key to indent paragraphs.

All papers should have a page number in the top right corner of the header. Page numbers should be on every page of the paper, with the title page being page 1.

APA 7 (2020) recommends the use of headings in order to clarify the organization of papers. Note that a heading for the introduction is not needed or recommended. The number and level of headings required depend on the length and complexity of the paper.

• Level One headings are centred and bolded and use title case capitalization (all key words capitalized). The text of the paper begins on the next line as a new paragraph.
• Level 2 Headings are left-aligned and bolded and use title case capitalization (all key words capitalized). The text of the paper begins on the next line as a new paragraph.
• Level 3 Headings are left-aligned, bolded, and italicized . They use title case capitalization (all key words capitalized). The text of the paper begins on the next line as a new paragraph.
• Level 4 Headings are indented, bolded and use title case capitalization (all key words capitalized). There is a period at the end of a level 4 heading, and the text of the paragraph begins immediately after the period.
• Level 5 Headings are indented, bolded, and italicized . They use title case capitalization (all key words capitalized). There is a period at the end of a level 5 heading, and the text of the paragraph begins immediately after the period.

Sample Paper with Different Levels of Headers  

Tables and Figures

Label both tables and figures, numbering them consecutively in the order that they are discussed in the text. 

Tables include a numbered label, such as “Table 1”, and this bolded label is placed above the title. Below the label, insert a table title in italics; this title should briefly identify the data in the table that follows the label.

Figures can include maps, graphs, charts or other images. Place a label, such as "Figure 1", above the figure; this label is in bold. Below the label, insert a figure title using title case and italics. Below the image, place a caption to offer more detailed information on the figure.

Refer to all tables and figures in the text of your paper by their label: “In Table 1, it is clear that . . .” or “. . . area is separated into five geographically distinct sections (see Figure 2).

APA 7 (2020) offers two options for the placement of tables and figures. They can either be integrated into the text of the paper soon after it is first mentioned in the text. Or, tables and figures can be included after the references. If you choose to position tables and figures after the references page, each table should be positioned on a separate page followed by each figure positioned on a separate page.

More advice on figures and tables from the APA Style website

• APA (2020) recommends that you ask your professor or the editor to which you are submitting a manuscript for publication whether they have a preference as to whether figures and tables be integrated into the text or included on separate pages after the references.

All sources cited in the paper (except for personal communications) should be included in a references list. Begin the references page on a separate page, following the conclusion on the text of the paper. On the top line of the references page, the word References should be centred and bolded. The first reference begins on the next line of the reference page.

For further information on how to format the references page, see APA 7 Style: References . 

Sample References Page

Appendices 

An appendix includes relevant, supplementary information to the paper. Appendices should be placed after the references page and tables and figures (if relevant).

• Each appendix should begin on a separate page and should have a label and title.
• The appendix label and title should be centred and bolded. Write the label on one line and then the title on the next line.
• If you have only one appendix, label it Appendix.
• If you have more than one appendix, label them Appendix A, Appendix B, or Appendix C etc. in the order that it is discussed in the text of the paper.
• You must refer to all appendices in the text of your paper by their label (see Appendix) or (see Appendix A).

Sample Appendix 

Extended Essay (IB): Expressing your ideas

• The Inquiry Process
• EE Seminar 1
• EE Seminar 2
• IT Workshop 1
• EE Investigation Days
• EE Writing Days
• Choosing a subject and topic
• Developing a line of inquiry
• Finding and selecting sources
• Working with ideas
• Expressing your ideas
• Using ManageBac
• Supervisor resources
• Who can help?

Introduction

This is the stage you have been building towards - writing your essay. On this page you will find guidance on:

Am I ready to start writing my essay?

Referencing styles

Citing and referencing, academic writing.

• Key IB presentation requirements

As well as resource boxes at the side containing:

• Link to the Subject Specific Guides
• IT guides for PC users and Mac users
• Examples of sample EEs with mark schemes
• Constructing your understanding grids for Group 4 (and some Group 3 and 5) essays and Non-Group 4 essays .

Am I ready?

Before you start writing, think:

• Is my investigation largely complete? As you write you may find that you need a few additional resources or information to support your argument, but you should not start to write until you are largely sure where your argument is going.
• Have I filled in a Research Organiser (see sidebar)? This will help you to organise your thoughts and make sure you understand the argument you intend to make and have the evidence to support it.
• Do I understand the formal requirements of the EE (what sections I need, word limits, referencing and layout requirements)? It is significantly easier to set all this up correctly from the start than to try to correct it at the end.
• Do I understand how to write in an appropriate academic style ?
• Do I know how to import my sources from my Investigative Journal? Don't waste time putting all your citation data in again! Import all your sources as you set up your EE document. There are helpsheets in the Resources for PC / Mac users boxes to the right and more help in IT Workshop 2 .

You should use the Oakham APAv3 Academic Writing Template  -   click on the image below -  rather than a generic Word template to set up your essay. Further guidance will be given in EE Seminar 4.

The document below is a model of how to lay out an Extended Essay, with notes to explain how it meets the formal requirements.

Oakham School's 'house' referencing style is APA (version 6), which is an 'Author-date' style. Although the IB do not dictate which referencing style you should use, you are required to use a recognised style. We strongly recommend that you stick to APA as Library staff are unable to support you in citing and referencing accurately if you choose to use a different style. We do not support the use of footnote referencing styles.

The only deviation from this style is that the IB require you to add the "date accessed" for websites to show when you viewed the site (because information on websites can change). You can do this in Word by checking the "Show All Bibliography Fields" box when you add or edit a source and scrolling down to "Year/Month/Day Accessed"

For detailed information and guidance on how to use sources in your writing and how to cite and reference them accurately using the tools in Microsoft Word, consult the Citing and Referencing LibGuide . Note that this site includes IB specific guidance, such as how the IB require you to reference websites and interviews (which is slightly different to standard APA referencing) and what to do if you are using a source written in a language that is not the language of your essay.

Stages in an academic essay

Your thesis is the point you want to make. It emerges from your research and your task is to use the evidence you have found to establish it as the most reasonable response to that research.

In both approaches, you must state the research question in your introduction, and follow your Subject-specific guidelines carefully.

Sections required in your essay

Note: the rule changes for 2018 onwards state that an Abstract is no longer required. Given the strict word limit, examiners reports state that you SHOULD NOT INCLUDE AN ABSTRACT as it would now be included in the word limit and this reduces the number of words you have left to make your case.

Paragraph Structure

Paragraphs themselves have a structure - the most common you will have come across is likely to be PEEL. The letters often stand for slightly different things in different subjects, but the idea is largely the same - introduce your main idea for the paragraph ( Point ), justify it with Evidence and/or Examples , and Evaluate this evidence. Finally, Link back to the Research Question and/or Link forward to the next paragraph.

This is not the only way to write a paragraph and, with experience, you will soon find that your argument develops a flow of its own that does not require a formula - indeed, your essay would be very dull if every paragraph followed exactly the same structure. However, this structure can be a useful scaffold to get you started and make sure you don't miss anything important.

The structure of academic writing

Planning your essay

It is vital to plan your essay before you start writing. An essay plan provides an outline of your argument and how it develops.

Reread your EE Subject Guide . What MUST your essay include? Make a checklist to refer to throughout your essay.

• Do you have to have a map or chart? Data? Primary and/or secondary sources?
• Reread the assessment criteria, particularly Criterion D: Presentation . Are there any presentation requirements specific to your subject? Note that some subject guides say advise a section-subsection structure, some say it must be used and some say it is unusual in that subject area and a "continuous body of text" is normal. Make sure you know which is the case for your subject. Regardless of how whether or not you use subheadings for the main body of your essay (and in most subjects, you will), you should have a clear plan for the structure of your essay before you start writing, so...

What sections and subsections do you need?

Although this might change as you write your essay, you should not start writing until you have your overall structure. Then think about roughly how you are going to divide your word 4000 words between the different sections. 4000 words seems like a lot before you start writing, but it is much easier to write to the limit, section by section, than to try to cut your essay down once it is written.

What will the reader will expect to see and where?

Look back at your checklist and think about where in your essay you are planning to include the required information. Make sure the flow of your essay makes sense to a reader who may be a subject expert but knows little about your topic. Have you included background information? Details of experimental methods? Arguments and counter arguments?

Now get writing!

You've read all the guidance. You've made your plan. Now you have a blank screen in front of you and you just need to get started! Start with the section you think you will find easiest to write and work outwards from there, or follow the steps below to get started. Don't forget to write with the word limit in mind though.

What if you are writing lots of paragraphs but your essay just doesn't seem to be coming together?

1. Condense each paragraph into a short statement or bullet point. This is the skeleton structure of your essay.

2. Look at the order of the statements.

• Is the order logical?
• Does each point follow another in a sensible order?
• Do you need to change the order?
• Do you need to add paragraphs?
• Do you need to remove paragraphs?

3. Add, subtract and rearrange the paragraphs until your structure makes sense.

4. Redraft using your new paragraph order.  

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

Willard, D. (2003) My journey to and b eyond tenure in a secular university . Retrieved from: www.dwillard.org/articles/individual/my-journey-to-and-beyond-tenure-in-a-secular-university . Accessed: 9th May 2020

Oh no! It's too long!!

If you haven't managed to write to the word limit and are suddenly faced with cutting down an essay that is over the word limit, try these tips on concise writing from Purdue Online Writing Lab.

Use the menu on the left of this page from Purdue OWL to browse the four very practical pages on writing concisely and one on the Paramedic Method for reducing your word count.

Key presentation requirements for the EE

General requirements

Your essay MUST have:

• "font, font size and spacing conducive to on-screen marking. [We recommend Arial 12pt, which was the previous IB recommendation.]
• page numbering [In the Header or Footer]
• no candidate, supervisor, or school name on the title page, page headers, appendices or acknowledgment pages
• the file size must not be more than 10 MB. (Note that the RPPF is uploaded separately and is not part of the overall file size of the essay."

(IB EE Guide 2020, Presentation)

It is also suggested that:

• You include a header containing your research question on every page to help you to maintain focus

You essay must have at most 4000 words. While there is no set penalty for exceeding this, examiners will stop reading at 4000 words, so may not, for example, read your conclusions and your mar is likely to suffer siginficantly. The following table summarises what is and is not included in the word count:

Note: The Guide states explicitly in several places that text in tables should be brief and tables should not be used to get around word limits. If the examiner feels you have put too much text into tables, then they will include it in your word count.

Illustrations (anything that isn't just text)

• Must only be included if they relate directly to the text, are acknowledged where appropriate and help you to make your argument more effectively. It is not acceptable to include images just to make it look pretty!
• Whether they are photographs, other images, graphs, tables, maps or charts, they must be clearly labelled with the minimum information required for the examiner to understand them. This labelling will not be included in the word count as long as it does not include any commentary .
• We recommend that ll illustrations have brief captions with Figure/Table numbers to allow you to refer to them clearly in the text, and anything that is not entirely your own original work must be cited and referenced as you would for text.

Footnotes and endnotes

• May be used for referencing (but we recommend you use APA, which is an in-text citation system and does not require footnotes. The Library will not provide any technical referencing support for any other system).
• Otherwise the IB advises against using them to avoid confusion with word counts. The only exception to this is for quotations in languages other than the language of the essay. In this case you can provide a translation in the body of the essay with the quotation in the original language in the footnote. In this case it would not be included in the word count.

Since examiners will not read appendices, the IB suggests they should NOT be used, except in the following cases:

• "an exemplar of a questionnaire or interview questions
• an exemplar of permission letters
• group 1, category 1 essays: copies of poems or short stories (of less than three pages)
• group 1, category 3 essays: excerpts from newspapers, advertisements and transcripts of speeches
• language acquisition, category 1 and 2: excerpts from newspapers, advertisements, transcripts of speeches, etc
• language acquisition, category 3: excerpts or copies of poems or short stories (less than 3 pages)
• an external mentor letter, where one has been used
• raw data or statistical tables for experimental sciences (this should not include any analysis or conclusions)."

External sources and specimen materials

Examiners will not access any external resources (e.g. hyperlinks or DVDs), and you may not submit any specimen materials made during the EE (although you may include clearly labelled photographs of these in your EE).

Acknowledgements

The material in this section has been informed by:

• The Academic Writing in English at Lund University platform for their overview of writing an academic essay
• Daniel Kies, Department of English, College of DuPage, for his detailed descriptions of the analytical and argumentative approaches to writing an academic essay
• The Harvard College Writing Center, Harvard University, for their Strategies for Essay Writing resource, especially Elizabeth Abrams for her guidelines for mapping an academic essay

EE Checklist

Use this checklist as a starting point for a discussion with your EE Supervisor to determine whether you are ready to submit your final draft to Managebac.

You should use it in conjunction with:

The example EE layout : https://oakham-rutland.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=33268875

The essay outline document : https://oakham-rutland.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=33268851

You should be able to answer “Yes” to all of the questions.

Links to other tabs

Don't forget to review your subject specific guide before you start writing!

If you need some guidance about the difference between a Title, Topic and Research Question, look here .

Citing and Referencing Guides

Guides for PC users

• Citing and Referencing in Word 2016 for Windows
• Managing Sources in Word 2016 for Windows
• Creating a Table of Contents in Word 2016 for Windows

Guides for Mac users

• Managing Sources in Word 2016 for Mac
• Citing and Referencing in Word 2016 for Mac

Examples of EEs with mark schemes

• Sample EEs These are sample essays, with mark sheets, on the IB Extended Essay website. Do not spend too long reading the essays - the most important use of these is to look at the mark schemes for essays in your subject to see what examiners are looking for, and what mistakes to avoid.

Sample EEs in German Language and Literature A (not provided on site above)

NOTE: These were all written before the 2018 rule changes so contain structural features such as abstracts, which should no longer be used. The mark scheme has also changed substantially, so be careful how you use these.

• May 2015—Example A
• May 2015—Example B
• May 2015—Example C
• May 2013—Example A
• May 2013—Example B
• May 2013—Example C

Constructing your understanding from your information G4

Before you start to write your essay you need to understand the argument you are trying to make clearly, and that you know what information you are required to include. This resource has been carefully designed using Group 4 mark schemes to make sure that you address all the main points required. It may also be useful if you are writing in Groups 3 or 5. Complete it in note form once you are close to completing your investigation to help you to structure your final essay.

While this is not an official IB document, so is not compulsory, it is very strongly recommended and it will almost certainly make it much quicker and easier to write your essay if you complete this first.

Constructing your understanding from your information (not G4)

Before you start to write your essay you need to understand the argument you are trying to make clearly, and the evidence you are using to support it. This resource has been designed to help you to organise your ideas. Complete it in note form once you are close to completing your investigation to help you to structure your final essay.

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• Last Updated: Mar 15, 2024 9:45 AM
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Extended Essay: Structure of the Extended Essay

• Before You Start
• Business Management
• Language and Literature
• Visual Arts
• World Studies
• Developing a Research Question
• Structure of the Extended Essay
• Writing the Essay
• Citations/Sources/Academic Honesty
• Timelines and Materials
• Example Research Questions
• Supervisors

Elements To Be Included

• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References/Bibliography

Not sure yet but something should be here

The Extended Essay Step by Step Guide 5: Structure and Planning When it comes to writing a brilliant first draft of your Extended Essay, or any essay, I fully believe that a solid structure is one of the surest guarantees of success there is. It's the skeleton of the essay that makes it into a fully formed being instead of a pile of jelly.

What's the Difference Between the Topic, Title, and Research Question?

• The  topic  of the extended essay is the subject, issue or theme that you are investigating within a specific DP subject or world studies area of study. The topic, which develops during the initial thinking about the EE, should later be reflected in the wording of the title.
• be short, descriptive and succinct
• not be phrased as a question
• use key words that connect with the topic and the DP subject or world studies area of study
• attract the interest of the reader.
• be clear and focused
• provide a path through which you can undertake achievable research
• use key words that connect with the topic, the title, and the DP subject or world studies area of study
• support the development of an argument.

Presentation Requirements

Title Page (i tems that should be included in the title page):

• Title of the essay
• Research question
• Subject for which the essay is registered (and category if necessary)

Times New Roman 12 pt. font 

Double spaced

Pages numbered after the title page

Bibliography/work cited

Table of contents

No more than 4000 words

Assessment of the EE - Advice for Students

Use this list to help you think about the assessment criteria and whether you have addressed the expectations within your essay. You do not need to address all of the questions posed, but they do provide some guidance in terms of what to consider.

Criterion A:  Focus and Method

What It Means: This criterion focuses on the topic, the research question and the methodology. It assesses the explanation of the focus of the research (this includes the topic and the research question), how the research will be undertaken, and how the focus is maintained throughout the essay.

Questions to ask:

• Does this essay meet the requirements for the subject for which you are registering it? • Is your research question stated as a question?

• Have you explained how your research question relates to the subject that you selected for the extended essay?

• Have you given an insight into why your area of study is important?

• Is your research question feasible within the scope of the task? Could your research question be “answered” or it is too vague?

• Did you refer to your research question throughout the essay (not only in the introduction and conclusion)? • Did you explain why you selected your methodology?

• Are there other possible methods that could be used or applied to answer your research question? How might this change the direction of your research?

• If you stated a particular methodology in the introduction of your essay, or specific sources, have you used them?

• Are there any references listed in the bibliography that were not directly cited in the text?

Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding

What It Means: This criterion assesses the extent to which the research relates to the subject area/discipline used to explore the research question; or in the case of the world studies extended essay, the issue addressed and the two disciplinary perspectives applied; and additionally, the way in which this knowledge and understanding is demonstrated through the use of appropriate terminology and concepts.

• Have you explained how your research question relates to a specific subject you selected for the extended essay?

• Have you used relevant terminology and concepts throughout your essay as they relate to your particular area of research?

• Is it clear that the sources you are using are relevant and appropriate to your research question?

• Do you have a range of sources, or have you only relied on one particular type, for example internet sources?

• Is there a reason why you might not have a range? Is this justified?

Criterion C: Critical Thinking

What It Means: This criterion assesses the extent to which critical thinking skills have been used to analyze and evaluate the research undertaken.

• Have you made links between your results and data collected and your research question?

• If you included data or information that is not directly related to your research question have you explained its importance?

• Are your conclusions supported by your data?

• If you found unexpected information or data have you discussed its importance?

• Have you provided a critical evaluation of the methods you selected?

• Have you considered the reliability of your sources (peer-reviewed journals, internet, and so on)?

• Have you mentioned and evaluated the significance of possible errors that may have occurred in your research?

• Are all your suggestions of errors or improvements relevant?

• Have you evaluated your research question?

• Have you compared your results or findings with any other sources?

• Is there an argument that is clear and easy to follow and directly linked to answering your research question, and which is supported by evidence? Are there other possible methods that could be used or applied to answer your research question? How might this change the direction of your research?

Criterion D: Presentation

What It Means: This criterion assesses the extent to which the presentation follows the standard format expected for academic writing and the extent to which this aids effective communication.

• Have you read and understood the presentation requirements of the extended essay?

• Have you chosen a font that will be easy for examiners to read onscreen?

• Is your essay double-spaced and size 12 font? • Are the title and research question mentioned on the cover page?

• Are all pages numbered?

• Have you prepared a correct table of contents?

• Do the page numbers in the table of contents match the page numbers in the text?

• Is your essay subdivided into correct sub-sections, if this is applicable to the subject?

• Are all figures and tables properly numbered and labelled?

• Does your bibliography contain only the sources cited in the text?

• Did you use the same reference system throughout the essay?

• Does the essay have less than 4,000 words?

• Is all the material presented in the appendices relevant and necessary?

• Have you proofread the text for spelling or grammar errors?

Criterion E: Engagement

What It Means:  This criterion assesses the student’s engagement with their research focus and the research process. It will be applied by the examiner at the end of the assessment of the essay, after considering the student’s RPPF (Reflections on planning and progress form).

• Have you demonstrated your engagement with your research topic and the research process?

• Have you highlighted challenges you faced and how you overcame them?

• Will the examiner get a sense of your intellectual and skills development?

• Will the examiner get a sense of your creativity and intellectual initiative?

• Will the examiner get a sense of how you responded to actions and ideas in the research process?

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• Last Updated: Nov 18, 2020 8:01 AM
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Extended essay

The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.

One component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, the extended essay is mandatory for all students.

Read about the extended essay  in greater detail.

You can also read about how the IB sets deadlines for the extended essay , find examples of extended essay titles from previous DP students and learn about the world studies extended essay .

Learn more about the extended essay in a DP workshop for teachers . 

DP subject briefs

Find out about what each subject offers within the Diploma Programme (DP).

Our DP subject briefs—for both standard and higher level—contain information about core requirements, aims and assessment.

• Explore the DP subject briefs

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Extended Essay - Criteria: Home

• Criterion A: Focus and Method
• Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding
• Criterion C: Critical Thinking
• Table of Contents
• Citations and Referencing
• Appendices (Optional)
• Initial reflection
• Interim reflection

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Overview

General Formatting Guidelines

DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR CANDIDATE NAME OR NUMBER, YOUR SCHOOL OR CENTRE NUMBER ANYWHERE IN YOUR EXTENDED ESSAY!

DO NOT INCLUDE AN ABSTRACT. 

I t is required  that you use the following format:

• Size 12 font
• Double line spacing
• Portrait orientation (may use landscape only for illustrations or graphs where required)
• Margins - 1 inch all around
• All paragraphs are indented
• Numbered pages
• Next: Criterion A: Focus and Method >>
• Last Updated: Feb 7, 2023 7:58 AM
• URL: https://sturgischarterschool.libguides.com/EEcriteria

Essay writing: Formatting

• Introductions
• Conclusions
• Analysing questions
• Planning & drafting
• Revising & editing
• Proofreading
• Essay writing videos

Jump to content on this page:

Essays are formal documents and should look professional Advice from the Skills Team

Whilst there are no hard rules about how you format essays, there are some conventions and common practices that are best to follow. If you use the settings on this page, you will produce an acceptably formatted essay.

Document layout

Margins - between 2 cm and 2.54 cm (1 inch) all around.

Line spacing - either 1.5 or double-line spacing.

Paragraph spacing - either 1 clear line between or at least 8 pt space after each paragraph (more if double-line spaced)

Alignment - left aligned (fully justified with a straight right-edge is not recommended as this reduces readability and accessibility). Some longer essays may require subheadings which should also be left-aligned.

Indents - no indents on first lines of paragraphs are needed.

It is also good practice to put your student number and module number in the header of the document and a page number at the bottom of the page.

Text formatting

Font - the default font that comes with MS Word (currently Calibri) is fine for academic work. You may see persistent advice in handbooks that suggests you should use Times New Roman or Arial. If you prefer these, you can change it - but this is no longer a requirement.

Font size - fonts should be 11 or 12 point.

Font style - headings and subheadings, if they are required (most essays will not use them), are usually formatted in bold and should be at least 2 point sizes larger than the standard text. Underlining should be avoided as this is seen as rather dated. Some text can be formatted in italics - see our page  Italics, when to use them , for guidance.

Shorter quotations in the text do not need to be italicised and should have double-quotations marks "like this" to indicate they are direct quotations. Longer quotations (what counts as this differs depending on your referencing style) should be created in their own paragraph, single spaced and indented by 1cm from both left and right margins:

For example:

Graduate attributes for employability are described as:

a set of achievements – skills, understandings and personal attributes – that makes graduates more likely to gain employment and be successful in their chosen occupations, which benefits themselves, the workforce, the community and the economy. (Yorke, 2006)

The main change in this definition compared to the earlier definition of graduate attributes from Bowden (2000) is that that the attributes are no longer ...

UoH Harvard/APA

Your reference list should be in alphabetical order (by author surname) and single line spaced. There should be a clear line space (or at least 6 pt space) between each reference. All references should be left-aligned with no indentation. For information about how to format individual references, see the Harvard Hull Referencing Guide.

UoH Footnotes

Your reference list should be in alphabetical order (by first author surname) and single line spaced.  All references should be left-aligned and have a hanging indent (all but the first line are indented by approx. 1cm). For information about how to format individual references, see the  Footnotes Hull Referencing Guide.

Other referencing styles

Please see your individual departmental guidance.

We provide here a Microsoft Word template that can be used for your essays. It has the correct layout and formatting, including useful styles.

• Essay template

Download this template to somewhere you can access easily. When you click to open it, it will open a new document based on the template , leaving the original intact.

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Extended Essay

A Step-by-Step Guide For Writing an Extended Essay

13 min read

Published on: May 3, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

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Struggling to write a successful extended essay that meets all the criteria and impresses your IB teachers?

An extended essay requires in-depth research, critical thinking, and excellent writing skills. It can be overwhelming, and the stakes are high - your final grade depends on it.

With our comprehensive extended essay guide, you'll have everything you need to succeed. We'll walk you through each step of the process with expert advice and insider tips.

Let us help you achieve academic excellence with the extended essay, whether you're a seasoned student or a first-timer feeling the pressure.

So without further ado, let’s begin!

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What is an Extended Essay?

The Extended Essay (EE) is a research-based academic paper that is a core component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. 

It is an independent, self-directed piece of research. The maximum extended essay word count is 4,000 words. In simple terms, you can think of an extended essay as a "mini-thesis." Both involve in-depth research and a detailed exploration of a specific topic.

Purpose of an Extended Essay

The purpose of the extended essay is to provide students with an opportunity to:

• Engage in independent research
• Develop advanced research and writing skills
• Deepen their understanding of a chosen topic
• Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of a specific subject area
• Prepare for university-level research

Importance of Extended Essay

The extended essay is an essential component of the IB Diploma Programme and for a good reason.  Here are some of the reasons why the extended essay is so important:

• Develop research and writing skills: The extended essay IB requires students to engage in independent research and develop advanced research skills.
• Fosters critical thinking: The extended essay encourages students to think critically and analyze information independently, which is a valuable skill for both academic and personal success.
• Deepens subject knowledge: The extended essay allows students to deepen their understanding of a specific subject area and pursue their academic interests in greater depth.
• Prepares for university-level research: The skills and knowledge developed through the extended essay are invaluable for university-level research and academic success.
• Impacts university admissions: The extended essay is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their academic potential and passion for a subject area, which can impact university admissions decisions.

Choosing a Topic

The first step is choosing a topic for your extended essay. Here are some tips to help you choose a topic that's right for you:

Understanding the Criteria

Before you choose a topic, it's important to understand the criteria that your essay will be assessed against. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the research question, the subject area, and the assessment criteria. 

Brainstorming Techniques

Brainstorming is a great way to generate ideas and narrow down your topic options. Here are some brainstorming techniques to help you get started:

• Mind maps: Draw a circle in the middle of a piece of paper with your main topic idea, then draw lines out from the circle with related subtopics and ideas.
• Freewriting: Write down everything that comes to mind about your topic for a set amount of time, without worrying about grammar or structure.
• Listing: Make a list of all the topics that interest you or that you have knowledge in, then narrow down the list by eliminating topics that are too broad or too narrow. Check out our extended essay topics blog for detailed ideas.

Choosing a Topic That You Enjoy

Choosing a topic that you enjoy is crucial for your success in the Extended Essay. Here are some tips to help you choose a topic that you'll enjoy researching and writing about:

Consider your passions: Choose a topic that you're passionate about, whether it's a particular subject area or a specific research question. Look for inspiration: Read books, articles, and other sources to find inspiration and ideas for your topic. Talk to your teachers: Your teachers can offer guidance and support in choosing a topic that's appropriate for the subject area and meets the assessment criteria.

Choose a Topic that Falls into 6 Approved DP Categories  

You must ensure that your research topic fits into one of the six designated IB subject groups, also known as DP categories. These categories include the following:

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature Group 2: Language Acquisition Group 3: Individuals and Societies Group 4: Sciences Group 5: Mathematics Group 6: The Arts

So when selecting your research topic, it's important to make sure it aligns with one of these groups to ensure it meets the requirements of the IB program.

Research and Writing Process

Once you've chosen your topic for the extended essay, it's time to begin the research and writing process. 

Here are some tips to help you navigate this stage:

Conducting Research

Here are a few steps to conduct appropriate research for your next essay!

1. Choosing Sources Choosing credible and reliable sources is crucial for the success of your extended essay. To choose sources, consider the following:

• Appropriate sources: Make sure to choose sources that are appropriate for the subject area and research question.
• Reputable sources: Ensure that the sources you use are up-to-date, relevant, and reputable. Some common sources include academic journals, books, and reputable websites.
• Balance: Strive to include a variety of sources to ensure a balanced approach to your research.

2. Taking Effective Notes Effective note-taking will help you organize your ideas and write your essay. Here are some tips for taking effective notes:

• Use a system: Choose a note-taking system that works for you, whether it's outlining, summarizing, or highlighting.
• Keep track of sources: Record the sources you use, including author, title, and publication information, to make referencing easier.
• Analyze information: Analyze the information you gather and make connections between different sources to develop your own ideas. 

Developing a Research Question

A clear and focused research question is essential for the success of your Extended Essay. To develop your research question, consider the following:

• Specificity: Ensure your question is specific and relevant to the subject area.
• Manageability: Your question should be manageable in scope and allow for in-depth analysis and exploration.
• Significance: Your question should be significant and meaningful, addressing a gap or issue in the field.

Outlining the Essay

Outlining your essay is a helpful way to organize your ideas and ensure that your essay is structured and coherent. 

Your extended essay outline should include the following:

Writing the Essay

Once you have your outline, it's time to begin writing your essay. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Stay focused: Keep your research question in mind and ensure that each paragraph and section supports your argument.
• Use evidence: Use evidence and analysis to support your claims and ensure that your essay is well-supported.
• Edit and revise: After writing a draft, edit and revise your essay to ensure clarity, coherence, and accuracy.

Overall, the research and writing process for the extended essay requires careful planning and organization. 

By choosing credible sources, developing a clear research question, outlining your essay, and following a structured writing process, you'll be on your way to success. With time and dedication, you can produce a high-quality essay that showcases your research and writing skills.

Formatting and Citations

Ensure to complete the following steps while you are formatting your extended essay.

Formatting Requirements

Formatting is an essential aspect of any academic essay, including an extended essay. It ensures that the essay is well-organized, readable, and professional-looking.  Your extended essay format requirements may differ depending on the institution or department. So, it's essential to check the guidelines carefully before submitting your essay. 

Here are some general formatting requirements that you should consider when writing your extended essay:

• Font and Size: Most academic essays require a standard font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, in size 12.
• Margins: The margins should be set to one inch (2.54 cm) on all sides of the paper.
• Page Numbering: Page numbers should be placed in the header or footer of the essay, with the title page being page 1.
• Title Page: The title page should include the title of the essay, the candidate's name, the candidate's ID number, the subject area of the essay, and the date.
• Table of Contents: The table of contents should include all the headings and subheadings in the essay, along with the corresponding page numbers.

Citation Styles (APA, MLA, Chicago)

When conducting research for your extended essay, it's essential to give credit to the sources you use.  Citing sources not only acknowledges the work of others but also demonstrates the credibility and validity of your own research.  There are different citation styles that you can use, and the most common ones are:

• APA (American Psychological Association): This citation style is commonly used in the social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, and education.
• MLA (Modern Language Association): This citation style is commonly used in the humanities, such as in English literature, history, and philosophy.
• Chicago: This citation style is commonly used in history, social sciences, and some humanities.

Each citation style has its own set of rules and guidelines. So, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the one required by your institution or department. 

When citing sources, you should include the author's name, the title of the work, the publication date, and other relevant information, depending on the type of source. 

Failing to properly cite sources can lead to plagiarism, which can result in severe academic consequences.

Extended Essay Examples 

One of the best ways to understand what an extended essay entails is by examining examples of successful essays.  These examples can provide insight into the extended essay structure and writing style. 

Here are some examples of extended essays that can help you get a better understanding of what to expect:

IB Extended Essay Guide 2024

Extended Essay Reflection

Research Extended Essay Sample

You can find more examples in our ' extended essay examples ' blog. Give it a read to find more examples. 

Grading the IB Extended Essay

When it comes to the IB Extended Essay, examiners appointed by the IB assess your work and grade it on a scale of 0 to 34. To determine your final grade, they evaluate your essay on five different criteria, each with its own point value. 

Here is an overview of the extended essay grade boundaries:

Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum) Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum) Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum) Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum) Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

You must score at least a D to be eligible for your IB Diploma. While each criterion has a maximum number of points, the IB emphasizes that graders are not simply converting point totals into letter grades. 

Instead, they use qualitative grade descriptors found on page 103 of the IB guide to extended essays to determine the final grade.

To give you an idea of how these different point values translate to letter grades, based on previous scoring methods for the EE, here is a rough estimate:

A: 25-34 points B: 19-24 points C: 13-18 points D: 7-12 points E: 0-6 points

Rubric for Grading the IB Extended Essay

Here is an extended essay rubric to help you better understand how your IB Extended Essay will be assessed:

In conclusion, writing an extended essay can be a challenging yet rewarding experience that develops critical thinking and research skills. 

By planning ahead and staying organized, students can produce a high-quality essay that showcases their knowledge and understanding of the subject. 

If you're feeling overwhelmed with your extended essay, consider seeking assistance from an essay writing service like CollegeEssay.org . 

Our extended essay writing service can help you with every step of the process. Visit our website today to learn more and get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do extended essays and descriptive essays share any similarities.

Extended essays and descriptive essays share some similarities in their approach to detail and depth. Both require a thorough exploration of the subject matter, but an extended essay typically involves a more extensive investigation, analysis, and argumentation. In contrast, a descriptive essay primarily focuses on vividly portraying a scene, person, or experience with rich sensory details.

Are there limitations on the topics that can be chosen for an extended essay?

No, there are no specific limitations on the topics for an extended essay. Students can choose from a wide range of subjects within the framework of the IB program.

Can I include personal experiences or anecdotes in my extended essay?

Yes, you can include personal experiences or anecdotes in your extended essay. However, it's important to ensure that they contribute to the overall understanding of the topic and are relevant to your research question.

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Latest Extended Essay Requirements Updates for the Years 2023/2024

Luke MacQuoid

The extended essay — those two words that either thrill you or send shivers down your spine. You’re probably here because you want to stay ahead of the curve. In my experience, nothing spells success like being prepared. The extended essay requirements are guidelines and a gateway to academic growth. Thus, being in the know is crucial. So, let’s dig into what’s new and what remains timeless for the extended essay in the coming academic years .

The Basics: What Hasn’t Changed

While updates are significant, let’s remember the enduring aspects of the extended essay that remain the same. These unalterable elements serve as your steady footing in the ever-shifting landscape of IB criteria. Knowing what hasn’t changed is just as vital as understanding what has. So, without further ado, let’s tackle the basics here to stay.

The Core Structure

Here’s the good news: the basic framework of the extended essay hasn’t been overhauled. According to general IB criteria, you’ll still be working with the tried-and-true formula of an introduction, body, and conclusion. Adhering to this core structure is your first step to crafting an impressive extended essay. Now, let’s talk about components to include:

• Introduction . Your opening should clearly outline your research question and the scope of your investigation.
• Body . This is where the magic happens. Your arguments, evidence, and analysis go here.
• Conclusion . Wrap up your ideas and state the implications of your findings.

Now, you might think this is pretty straightforward, and it is! However, how you fill in this structure makes all the difference.

Assessment Criteria

Furthermore, let’s talk about what you’re being graded on. While the extended essay requirements may get updated, some things remain constant. You’re still judged on a range of criteria, from the strength of your argument to how well you can organize your thoughts. Believe me, these aren’t just arbitrary rules; they are the core skills you need to develop not just for the IB but for academic pursuits beyond. Here are all the criteria you need to keep in mind:

• Focus and Method . It refers to how well you have defined your topic and the quality of your research question.
• Knowledge and Understanding . It measures how well you grasp the issue you’re writing about.
• Critical Thinking . Examiners consider how well you analyze, synthesize, and evaluate your topic.
• Presentation . It includes your essay’s layout, organization, and citation of sources .
• Engagement . This relatively new addition examines your engagement with the research process.

In sum, while the updates are essential to take into account, remember that the essence of the extended essay remains rooted in rigorous research, structured argumentation, and original thought. From my experience, mastering these core elements is the key to success.

Significant Updates: What You Need to Know

Alright, let’s shift gears and focus on the new changes. While the foundation of the extended essay remains robust, the IB is open to tweaking the details. And they are not just cosmetic; they can significantly impact your score. Let’s break down these recent updates and why they’re essential.

Updated Formatting Rules

The devil is in the details, they say, and nowhere is this truer than in the formatting of your extended essay. New rules have emerged, affecting how you cite your sources and even how your title page should look:

• Citation Styles . Pay attention to changes in citation guidelines. Whether using APA, MLA, or Chicago, ensure you’re up-to-date.
• Title Page Layouts . Previously, title pages had more flexible guidelines, but recent updates have standardized this more.
• Page Margins and Fonts . A minor but crucial aspect that’s often overlooked. The guidelines might specify particular fonts or margin sizes you must adhere to.

Remember to consider these changes; they can impact your score.

Changes in Subject Availability

For those who relish variety, there are changes in the subjects available for the extended essay. Some topics entered the arena, while others quietly bowed out. Here are all the critical aspects to consider:

• New Subjects . Find out what’s new on the menu. It could be an opportunity to explore a fresh area of interest.
• Removed Subjects . Just as crucial, make sure your chosen subject is still available.
• Altered Guidelines . Sometimes, the subject stays, but the rules change. Keep an eye on that as well.

As someone who has been through this, I know that consulting the latest extended essay guide for subject availability is a non-negotiable step.

Topic and Research Question Guidelines

Now, this is the meat and potatoes of your extended essay. The topic and research question are your guiding lights. From what I’ve seen, the recent updates place an even greater emphasis on framing a research question that doesn’t just pique your curiosity but also meets the IB’s stringent academic criteria. So, let’s talk about some areas to focus on:

• Question Specificity . The more specific your issue, the better. A focused question allows for in-depth analysis.
• Alignment with Subject Guidelines . Make sure your question fits the guidelines for your particular subject.
• Interdisciplinary Approaches . Consider a multidisciplinary question that spans multiple areas if your issue allows it.

In conclusion, while the basics give you a stable foundation, understanding the significant updates in requirements equips you with the latest tools to excel. It’s like having an old recipe but with new spices — you’re taking something proven and adding your contemporary flair. Happy writing!

Subject-Specific Changes: A Closer Look

These changes are like those special spices; each subject has unique requirements that can make or break your essay. Let’s dig into how these changes impact your choice of subject.

Humanities and Social Sciences

Ah, the ever-fascinating fields of History , Economics, Psychology, and the like. For instance, historical research now demands more primary sources than before, or economics emphasizes real-world applications. So, what to watch for:

• Primary Sources . Especially in History, the emphasis on original documents or eyewitness accounts has increased.
• Current Events . In subjects like Economics or Politics, incorporating current affairs might now carry more weight.

From my experience, these subjects often have specialized criteria that might surprise you.

Natural Sciences

For those of you inclined towards the empirical and the logical, subjects like Biology , Chemistry , and Physics have also seen notable updates:

• Experimental Design . Recent guidelines might demand more stringent controls in your experiments.
• Ethical Considerations . Especially in Biology, ethical considerations for experiments involving living organisms have tightened.

These changes often revolve around research methods. Some older techniques might be out, and new, more reliable ways are in.

As for the creatively inclined, fields like Visual Arts and Music have also seen their fair share of updates. If you’re a budding artist or musician, you’re in for exciting changes. For instance, there may be more emphasis on the contextual study of artworks or the integration of theory and practice in Music :

• Portfolio Requirements . The need for a portfolio, complete with process journals or sketchbooks, might have been updated.
• Contextual Analysis . New guidelines may require you to relate your work to broader themes or social issues.

As always, I advise reading the fine print for your chosen subject. It’s like reading the recipe before cooking; you’ll have something more palatable.

The Assessment: What Examiners Are Looking For

Finally, let’s tackle a vital aspect often glossed over—the assessment criteria. This is where the proverbial rubber meets the road; knowing what the examiners want can spell the difference between a middling and an outstanding essay. So, let’s take a moment to decode the essentials.

Understanding the Rubric

I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to familiarize yourself with the grading rubric. It doesn’t just tell you what to include; it tells you what is valued most:

• Research Question . A well-framed question can set the stage for the entire essay.
• Methodology . How you plan to tackle your research question is often as important as the findings.
• Organization and Structure . Yes, how well your essay flows can indeed impact your score.
• Originality and Insight . Examiners love to see a new angle or fresh perspective on a topic .

Many students underestimate its importance, thinking it’s just a box-ticking exercise. But believe me, this is your roadmap to success.

Need help with your IB extended essay?

From research and analysis to structuring and editing, our skilled mentors will be by your side, helping you craft an exceptional extended essay that not only meets the wordcount and stringent IB criteria but also reflects your passion for selected IB group .

Past Students’ Experiences

You know what they say — the story often repeats itself. It holds for extended essays as well. Past essays can be a goldmine of do’s and don’ts. From my experience, essays that hit the mark often share some common characteristics, like clear arguments, robust evidence, and a compelling narrative:

• Clarity of Argument . A well-articulated thesis that is supported throughout the essay.
• Strong Evidence . Use reputable sources to back up your claims.
• Cohesive Structure . Logical flow from the introduction to the conclusion.
• Engaging Narrative . The ability to weave a fascinating story around your facts and findings.

The best way to meet the requirements is to understand them inside out. It’s akin to reading the rules before playing a new board game — the more you know, the better your chances of winning. So, whether you’re just starting or in the middle of your extended essay adventure, remember these pointers to align with what the examiners seek. And, of course, make it a fun learning experience!

Conclusion: Your Roadmap to Success

Knowing the extended essay Requirements can make or break your IB experience. Keep an eye on these updates, consult regularly with your supervisors, and give yourself plenty of time to research and write. Lastly, numerous guides and tools can help you along the way. Seek them out and use them to your advantage.

I’ve covered the updates in extended essay requirements as comprehensively as possible while keeping it engaging. Happy essay writing , future scholars!

Luke MacQuoid has extensive experience teaching English as a foreign language in Japan, having worked with students of all ages for over 12 years. Currently, he is teaching at the tertiary level. Luke holds a BA from the University of Sussex and an MA in TESOL from Lancaster University, both located in England. As well to his work as an IB Examiner and Master Tutor, Luke also enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with others through writing articles for various websites, including extendedessaywriters.com blog

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The Ultimate Guide To Font Size For Essay Writing

When choosing the font size for your essay introduction, it is important to consider readability and professionalism. A common and recommended font size for academic essays is 12 point.

This size ensures that your text is legible and easy to read without appearing too large or too small. Most academic institutions use it as a standard size, which helps maintain your essay’s professional appearance.

However,  We will delve into the importance of font size for essay writing and explore how it affects how your paper is perceived. We’ll discuss the proper font size for academic essays and its impact on readability. Additionally, we’ll provide recommendations for choosing the right font size for different components of your essay and examine how it can affect your essay’s length and formatting.

Table of Contents

The Importance Of Font Size For Essay Writing

Regarding font size for essays, it is generally recommended to use fonts that are either 11 or 12 points in size. This ensures the text is easy to read and does not strain the reader’s eyes.

Additionally, if headings and subheadings are required in your essay (although most do not use them), it is common practice to format them in bold and make them at least 2 points larger than the main body text. This helps to distinguish the headings from the rest of the content and provides a clear visual hierarchy.

What Is The Proper Font Size For Essay Writing?

In essay writing, selecting the proper font size is crucial for legibility and professionalism. The standard font size for essays is usually 12 points. This size balances being easily readable and allowing sufficient content to fit within the required page limit.

However, it’s always essential to check the specific guidelines provided by your instructor or institution, as they may have different requirements. Adhering to the correct font size ensures your essay appears polished and meets the necessary academic standards.

Choosing The Right Font Size For Academic Essays

Choosing the right font size for academic essays is an important aspect of formatting. The standard font size for academic papers is usually 12 points. This widely accepted size ensures the text is legible and easy to read. However, it’s important to note that different fonts may appear larger or smaller at the same point size, so previewing your essay before submitting it is always a good idea.

Additionally, some professors or institutions may have specific guidelines regarding font size, so check any provided instructions or style guides. Ultimately, the goal is to choose a font size that allows your essay to be easily read and understood by your audience.

The Recommended Font Sizes For Different Essay Components

The recommended font sizes for different essay components play a crucial role in an essay’s readability and overall presentation. In the main body of the essay, it is usually advised to use a font size of 12 points. This size ensures easy reading while maintaining a professional appearance. When it comes to headings and subheadings, they can be slightly larger, ranging from 14 to 16 points.

Different font sizes make sections clearly differentiated, resulting in improved organization. In addition, the title should be larger and more prominent, typically around 18 to 20 points. With a larger font size, the title stands out and grabs the reader’s attention.

Remember to maintain consistency in font sizes throughout the essay for a polished and cohesive look. Always make any necessary adjustments to font sizes following the formatting guidelines provided by your instructor or institution.

How Font Size Affects Essay Length And Formatting

The length and formatting of essays can affect by the font size. In academic writing, the most commonly used fonts are Times New Roman and Arial, with a standard font size of 12 points. However, it is essential to note that font size choices can impact an essay’s overall appearance and readability.

While increasing the font size may create the illusion of a longer paper, it can compromise readability. Conversely, a smaller font size can help fit more content within the given word count, but it could strain the reader’s eyes and make the essay look cluttered. To ensure the proper length and formatting of essays, following any guidelines provided by the instructor or institution is crucial.

The font size for essay is an important consideration to ensure readability and professionalism. The standard font size for academic essays is typically 12-point Times New Roman or Arial. This size allows easy reading and ensures your essay looks polished and well-presented.

However, it is always a good idea to check with your instructor or follow any specific guidelines provided by your school or university. Additionally, it’s important to maintain consistency throughout your essay by using the same font size for all sections, including the body paragraphs, headings, and citations. By choosing an appropriate font size, you can enhance the overall appearance of your essay and make it easier for readers to engage with your ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.What Is The Best Font Size For Essays?

Ans: The standard font size for essays is typically 12 points, but following your instructor or institution’s guidelines is crucial. Some instructors may prefer 11 point or even 10 point. Ultimately, clarity and readability are key, so ensure your essay is easy to read.

2.How Do You Choose A Suitable Font Size For Essays?

Ans: When selecting a font-size essay, it is recommended to use 12 point as a standard. However, always check the guidelines provided by your instructor or institution. Make sure the font size is easy to read and doesn’t strain the reader’s eyes while considering space efficiency.

3.What Are The Benefits Of Using A Font Size Larger Than 10 Point For Essays?

Ans: Using a font size larger than 10 point in essays can enhance readability, particularly for those with visual impairments. It can also emphasize key points and headings and make the essay appear longer. However, avoid using excessively large font sizes, as it may appear unprofessional or attempt to increase the length artificially.

4.How Does Font Size Affect The Readability And Overall Appearance Of An Essay?

Ans:  The choice of font size is crucial for an essay’s readability and overall appearance. A smaller font can make the text crowded and hard to read, while a larger font may look unprofessional and take up more space. Finding a balance that ensures easy reading while maintaining visual appeal is important.

5.How Does Font Size Affect The Readability And Overall Appearance Of An Essay?

Ans: The font size you choose for your essay significantly impacts its readability and overall appearance. If the font is too small, it can strain the reader’s eyes, while a font that is too large may appear unprofessional. A standard font size of 12 points for academic essays is generally recommended as it balances readability and professionalism. Adjusting the font size can also help control your essay’s length and visual appeal.

David Egee, the visionary Founder of FontSaga, is renowned for his font expertise and mentorship in online communities. With over 12 years of formal font review experience and study of 400+ fonts, David blends reviews with educational content and scripting skills. Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design and a Master’s in Typography and Type Design from California State University, David’s journey from freelance lettering artist to font Specialist and then the FontSaga’s inception reflects his commitment to typography excellence.

In the context of font reviews, David specializes in creative typography for logo design and lettering. He aims to provide a diverse range of content and resources to cater to a broad audience. His passion for typography shines through in every aspect of FontSaga, inspiring creativity and fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of lettering and calligraphy.

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