extended essay word count minimum

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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• How Long is Extended Essay? Minimum and Maximum Word Count

The International Baccalaureate Extended Essay is a challenging, independent research project that allows students to explore a topic of their choice within the context of one of the six available subject areas. This essay provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate the depth of their knowledge and understanding on an individual topic, and to develop their critical and independent thinking skills.

Extended essays are an essential part of the IB Diploma, since they allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding on a certain topic. Students must be aware of the criteria and guidelines for each subject before starting their research and writing.

• The main components of an IB Extended Essay are:
• Formulating a research question
• Gathering evidence from reliable sources
• Organizing evidence into a coherent argument
• Drawing conclusions based on facts
• Presenting the essay in a structural format

Students should also be aware of the assessment criteria which will be used to grade their work. This includes criteria such as focus and purpose, organization and structure, as well as content, referencing and accuracy.

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Overview of Requirements for Extended Essays

Writing an International Baccalaureate Extended Essay can be a daunting task. This essay is an important part of the IB Diploma Program and can have a significant impact on your overall score. To help you succeed, it’s important to understand the requirements for a successful Extended Essay.

There are certain guidelines and criteria that you must adhere to in order to successfully complete your essay. The most important guideline is the word count limit, which states that the essay should be between 1500 and 4000 words. This includes all text, headings and citations.

It is also important to structure your essay correctly. The essay should include a title page, an introduction and a conclusion, as well as two to four body sections describing and analyzing the topic you’re writing about. Each body section should contain evidence from at least two sources, such as scholarly articles, books or official websites.

When writing the essay, it is important to present your arguments clearly and concisely. Break up your text with headings that clearly identify each section. Additionally, use good grammar, short sentences and paragraphs – no longer than three to five lines.

Last but not least, make sure to cite all sources used accurately and consistently. While MLA format is generally preferred, it is also important to check with your teacher which citation style they prefer.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Extended Essay meets the requirements and stands out from the crowd. Good luck!

Word Count:

An IB Extended Essay should have a minimum of 1,500 words and a maximum of 4,000 words. It is important to stay within the specified word count , as going over the limit can lead to lower grades.

When writing your extended essay, it is important to make sure that each paragraph is well structured and contains only relevant information. Each paragraph should be around 200-300 words in length, and include evidence from reliable sources.

It is also important to keep track of your word count throughout the writing process. This way you can make sure you are not exceeding the limit or leaving out any key points.

Finally, when you have finished writing, make sure to read through your essay one more time and edit it for typos, grammar, punctuation and spelling mistakes. This will help to ensure that your essay is being assessed according to the correct criteria.

By following these tips, you can make sure that your IB Extended Essay meets the specified word limit and has a clear structure which allows it to be easily understood by readers.

Paragraph Length and Word Count

Writing an IB Extended Essay can be a challenging and complex task. One of the main components is the word count. It is crucial to understand why word count matters, and how long paragraphs should be in order for your essay to be successful.

Word count is necessary because it allows you to stay organized and plan out your ideas. If paragraphs are too short or too long, readers may lose focus and not understand your argument properly. Additionally, having too many short paragraphs can make your essay appear disorganized, while having too many long paragraphs can make it tedious and difficult to read.

The ideal paragraph length is around 5-7 sentences. This will help keep the reader’s attention and provide enough detail to explain your point. However, the length of each paragraph may vary depending on the content, so use your best judgement. Also, make sure that all of your paragraphs are related to the topic, focus on one main idea, and have a clear conclusion.

In conclusion, when writing an IB Extended Essay, it is important to understand why word count matters and how long paragraphs should be. Aim to have paragraphs of around 5-7 sentences, and make sure they are related to each other, focus on one main idea, and have a clear conclusion.

Research for an IB Extended Essay

Conducting research for your IB Extended Essay is a key component of the writing process. The essay should include around 8-12 sources, and they can be either primary or secondary sources. Primary sources are first-hand accounts of an event or topic, while secondary sources are accounts written by someone who is not directly involved.

When selecting sources, make sure they are credible and up to date. Consider sources such as academic journals, books, websites, newspaper articles and other reliable sources. Your sources should be balanced, so include a variety of perspectives on your topic.

When citing sources, use the citation format required by your school and the IB. Making sure to cite your sources will help you avoid plagiarism, which is a serious offense that can cost you points on your final grade.

Once you’ve found some good sources, it’s important to use them effectively. Distinguish between facts and opinions in the sources, and ensure that you are using enough evidence to support your thesis. In addition, don’t forget to cross check and verify any claims made in the sources.

Overall, the research process for an IB Extended Essay requires time and effort, but following these tips will help you find the sources that best fit your topic.

Structure of an IB Extended Essay

An IB Extended Essay requires a clear structure for it to be successful and achieve the highest grades. In order to effectively outline the structure of your extended essay, you need to understand what is expected from each component.

The standard structure for an IB Extended Essay comprises four components – introduction, body, conclusion, and bibliography. Each component is important and must be included in the essay.

Introduction

The introduction should provide an overview of the topic and the main argument or thesis statement. It should also introduce the research question and explain any background context or definitions that are relevant.

The body of your extended essay needs to be structured according to your research question. This can vary depending on the focus of your essay, but generally you will use evidence to back up your arguments and assertions throughout the body. Make sure you cite all sources you use in the text in order to avoid any issues with plagiarism.

The conclusion should summarise your findings and provide a brief explanation of the implications of the research. You should also discuss how your essay has addressed the research question and wrap up any loose ends.

Bibliography

The bibliography is the final component of your extended essay and should include full citations for all sources used in the body and conclusion. Make sure you follow the guidelines of your citation style (e.g. Harvard) when listing the sources.

By outlining the structure of your essay, you’ll ensure that it flows logically and can be easily understood by readers. This will help you make sure that your essay is effective and achieves the highest possible grade.

Time Management for IB Extended Essay Writing

Writing an IB Extended Essay can be an intimidating endeavor, but with the right planning and organization, students can effectively manage their time and produce a quality essay. Creating a timeline, setting deadlines, and following a structure are key components of writing a successful extended essay.

Setting a Timeline & Deadlines

Creating a timeline for completing your essay is critical for staying on track and meeting deadlines. Start by determining how much time you need to do the research, write, and proofread your essay. Break it down into smaller chunks of time so that you can focus on one task at a time. Set realistic deadlines that you can meet and document them somewhere you can reference them.

Staying Within the Word Limit One of the main requirements of the IB Extended Essay is that it must be within a certain word limit. This limit is between 1,500 and 4,000 words depending on the subject you choose. To ensure that you stay within the word limit, you should refer back to the limit regularly and adjust your essay accordingly.

Structuring & organizing.

Structuring your essay in advance gives you a blueprint for the essay which should help you avoid getting off track and make sure that each of the necessary components is included. A good essay should include an introduction, a body with multiple paragraphs, and a conclusion. Be mindful to use topic sentences, transitions, and other writing techniques to organize your thoughts effectively.

Proofreading & Editing

• Allow sufficient time to proofread and edit your essay.
• Reread your essay several times and make revisions as necessary.
• Make sure that your essay is organized and flows well.
• Look for typos, incorrect grammar, punctuation errors, and awkward phrasing.
• Ensure that all sources are correctly cited.

Completing an IB Extended Essay on time is possible with careful planning and organization. Establishing a timeline, setting deadlines, and organizing your work are essential steps in writing a successful extended essay.

Resources to Help Structure and Write Extended Essays

Writing an extended essay can be a daunting task. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available online to help you get started.

Using a template can be a great way to ensure that your extended essay follows the IB standards. Templates provide structure to an extended essay, making it easier for students to organize their thoughts. Many websites offer a variety of templates for extended essays, which can be edited to suit the specific requirements of your essay.

Sample Essays

An excellent way for students to learn about the structure and writing process of an extended essay is by reading sample essays. These essays can provide invaluable insight on the expectations of a quality extended essay. By reading samples written by peers, or viewing examples from international baccalaureate assessment sites, students can get an idea of what a successful extended essay looks like.

Mentorship can be invaluable when it comes to completing an extended essay. Organizations like the International Baccalaureate have advisors that can provide help and guidance on the structure of your essay. Additionally, depending on your school, you may have access to teachers or peers who have already completed the extended essay, and who can share their experiences and ideas.

Writing an extended essay can be a daunting task, but with the right resources and support, it can become a rewarding experience. By using templates, reading sample essays, and seeking mentorship, students can develop a successful extended essay that meets the IB standards.

Technical Considerations

Writing an IB Extended Essay is a task that requires precision and accuracy. It is critical to not just be aware of the requirements for your particular topic and school, but also to pay attention to technical details. This includes proofreading, formatting, and plagiarism awareness.

Proofreading

Proofreading is the process of reading and correcting errors in written work. It is important to carefully review all writing for mistakes in grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure. It is helpful to read your essay out loud to check for awkward phrasing or run-on sentences. Additionally, it is important to have someone else look over your essay and provide feedback.

Formatting plays an essential role in any extended essay. Every school has different specifications regarding font size, alignment, layout, and page number placement. It is important to check the instructions and adhere to the approved format. Additionally, it is beneficial to double-check that all elements such as hyperlinks and images are placed properly.

Plagiarism Awareness

Plagiarism is a serious issue, and can have serious consequences if found in an IB Extended Essay. It is essential to give credit to any sources used, and ensure that all quotes are indicated with quotation marks. Additionally, it is important to paraphrase information instead of copying word-for-word. If unsure, it is best to check with your school to make sure that your essay is free from plagiarism.

By paying close attention to technical details such as proofreading, formatting, and plagiarism awareness, you can ensure that your extended essay is professional and accurate. As a result, you will be well on your way to achieving a high score!

Grading Criteria for an IB Extended Essay

When it comes to writing an IB extended essay, it is important to remember that it is not just about how much you write, but how well you write. Your extended essay will be graded based on various criteria, and your grade will depend on how well you meet these criteria.

Below are the key components of an extended essay that graders look for:

• Organization: Does the essay have a clear structure and logical flow?
• Content: Does the essay have sufficient evidence or research to support its argument?
• Style: Is the essay written in a formal and academic tone?
• Language: Is the essay free from spelling and grammar mistakes?
• Punctuation: Does the essay use punctuation correctly?
• Formatting: Is the essay formatted correctly in accordance with the requirements?

Remember that meeting these criteria is essential for passing your extended essay. In addition to being aware of the grading criteria, it is also important to make sure that you proofread your essay multiple times and cite all sources correctly to avoid plagiarism issues.

By following these tips and understanding the grading criteria, you can rest assured that your extended essay will get the grade you deserve!

Writing an IB Extended Essay can be a daunting task. You need to understand the requirements of the paper and make sure you meet the criteria in order to get a good grade. Luckily, you now have all the information you need to start writing your essay!

The most important points to remember are that an IB Extended Essay must have a minimum of 1500 and a maximum of 4000 words, must include research from at least 8 sources, must have a clear structure, and should be proofread and formatted correctly. Additionally, it’s important to make sure you manage your time well and stay within the word limit.

To help you with your essay, there are several resources available online such as templates and sample essays. By understanding the grading criteria, you’ll know exactly what you need to focus on in order to achieve a good grade.

We hope this guide has been informative in helping you write the best IB Extended Essay possible. Good luck, and don’t forget to get help if you need it

• Last Edit 11 May 2023

Nick Radlinsky

Nick Radlinsky is a devoted educator, marketing specialist, and management expert with more than 15 years of experience in the education sector. After obtaining his business degree in 2016, Nick embarked on a quest to achieve his PhD, driven by his commitment to enhancing education for students worldwide. His vast experience, starting in 2008, has established him as a reputable authority in the field.

Nick's article, featured in Routledge's " Entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe: Development through Internationalization ," highlights his sharp insights and unwavering dedication to advancing the educational landscape. Inspired by his personal motto, "Make education better," Nick's mission is to streamline students' lives and foster efficient learning. His inventive ideas and leadership have contributed to the transformation of numerous educational experiences, distinguishing him as a true innovator in his field.

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International Baccalaureate (IB)

IB students around the globe fear writing the Extended Essay, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress! In this article, I'll get you excited about writing your Extended Essay and provide you with the resources you need to get an A on it.

If you're reading this article, I'm going to assume you're an IB student getting ready to write your Extended Essay. If you're looking at this as a potential future IB student, I recommend reading our introductory IB articles first, including our guide to what the IB program is and our full coverage of the IB curriculum .

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

I myself am a recipient of an IB Diploma, and I happened to receive an A on my IB Extended Essay. Don't believe me? The proof is in the IBO pudding:

If you're confused by what this report means, EE is short for Extended Essay , and English A1 is the subject that my Extended Essay topic coordinated with. In layman's terms, my IB Diploma was graded in May 2010, I wrote my Extended Essay in the English A1 category, and I received an A grade on it.

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Extended Essay, or EE , is a mini-thesis you write under the supervision of an IB advisor (an IB teacher at your school), which counts toward your IB Diploma (learn more about the major IB Diploma requirements in our guide) . I will explain exactly how the EE affects your Diploma later in this article.

For the Extended Essay, you will choose a research question as a topic, conduct the research independently, then write an essay on your findings . The essay itself is a long one—although there's a cap of 4,000 words, most successful essays get very close to this limit.

Keep in mind that the IB requires this essay to be a "formal piece of academic writing," meaning you'll have to do outside research and cite additional sources.

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

• A title page
• Contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References and bibliography

Additionally, your 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

Once you figure out your category and have identified a potential research topic, it's time to pick your advisor, who is normally an IB teacher at your school (though you can also find one online ). This person will help direct your research, and they'll conduct the reflection sessions you'll have to do as part of your Extended Essay.

As of 2018, the IB requires a "reflection process" as part of your EE supervision process. To fulfill this requirement, you have to meet at least three times with your supervisor in what the IB calls "reflection sessions." These meetings are not only mandatory but are also part of the formal assessment of the EE and your research methods.

According to the IB, the purpose of these meetings is to "provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with the research process." Basically, these meetings give your supervisor the opportunity to offer feedback, push you to think differently, and encourage you to evaluate your research process.

The final reflection session is called the viva voce, and it's a short 10- to 15-minute interview between you and your advisor. This happens at the very end of the EE process, and it's designed to help your advisor write their report, which factors into your EE grade.

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

• A check on plagiarism and malpractice
• Your reflection on your project's successes and difficulties
• Your reflection on what you've learned during the EE process

Your completed Extended Essay, along with your supervisor's report, will then be sent to the IB to be graded. We'll cover the assessment criteria in just a moment.

We'll help you learn how to have those "lightbulb" moments...even on test day!  

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

You can technically write about anything, so long as it falls within one of the approved categories listed above.

It's best to choose a topic that matches one of the IB courses , (such as Theatre, Film, Spanish, French, Math, Biology, etc.), which shouldn't be difficult because there are so many class subjects.

Here is a range of sample topics with the attached extended essay:

• Biology: The Effect of Age and Gender on the Photoreceptor Cells in the Human Retina
• Chemistry: How Does Reflux Time Affect the Yield and Purity of Ethyl Aminobenzoate (Benzocaine), and How Effective is Recrystallisation as a Purification Technique for This Compound?
• English: An Exploration of Jane Austen's Use of the Outdoors in Emma
• Geography: The Effect of Location on the Educational Attainment of Indigenous Secondary Students in Queensland, Australia
• Math: Alhazen's Billiard Problem
• Visual Arts: Can Luc Tuymans Be Classified as a Political Painter?

You can see from how varied the topics are that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to picking a topic . So how do you pick when the options are limitless?

How to Write a Stellar IB Extended Essay: 6 Essential Tips

Below are six key tips to keep in mind as you work on your Extended Essay for the IB DP. Follow these and you're sure to get an A!

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

You can't expect to write a compelling essay if you're not a fan of the topic on which you're writing. For example, I just love British theatre and ended up writing my Extended Essay on a revolution in post-WWII British theatre. (Yes, I'm definitely a #TheatreNerd.)

I really encourage anyone who pursues an IB Diploma to take the Extended Essay seriously. I was fortunate enough to receive a full-tuition merit scholarship to USC's School of Dramatic Arts program. In my interview for the scholarship, I spoke passionately about my Extended Essay; thus, I genuinely think my Extended Essay helped me get my scholarship.

But how do you find a topic you're passionate about? Start by thinking about which classes you enjoy the most and why . Do you like math classes because you like to solve problems? Or do you enjoy English because you like to analyze literary texts?

Keep in mind that there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your Extended Essay topic. You're not more likely to get high marks because you're writing about science, just like you're not doomed to failure because you've chosen to tackle the social sciences. The quality of what you produce—not the field you choose to research within—will determine your grade.

Once you've figured out your category, you should brainstorm more specific topics by putting pen to paper . What was your favorite chapter you learned in that class? Was it astrophysics or mechanics? What did you like about that specific chapter? Is there something you want to learn more about? I recommend spending a few hours on this type of brainstorming.

One last note: if you're truly stumped on what to research, pick a topic that will help you in your future major or career . That way you can use your Extended Essay as a talking point in your college essays (and it will prepare you for your studies to come too!).

#2: Select a Topic That Is Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow

There's a fine line between broad and narrow. You need to write about something specific, but not so specific that you can't write 4,000 words on it.

You can't write about WWII because that would be a book's worth of material. You also don't want to write about what type of soup prisoners of war received behind enemy lines, because you probably won’t be able to come up with 4,000 words of material about it. However, you could possibly write about how the conditions in German POW camps—and the rations provided—were directly affected by the Nazis' successes and failures on the front, including the use of captured factories and prison labor in Eastern Europe to increase production. WWII military history might be a little overdone, but you get my point.

If you're really stuck trying to pinpoint a not-too-broad-or-too-narrow topic, I suggest trying to brainstorm a topic that uses a comparison. Once you begin looking through the list of sample essays below, you'll notice that many use comparisons to formulate their main arguments.

I also used a comparison in my EE, contrasting Harold Pinter's Party Time with John Osborne's Look Back in Anger in order to show a transition in British theatre. Topics with comparisons of two to three plays, books, and so on tend to be the sweet spot. You can analyze each item and then compare them with one another after doing some in-depth analysis of each individually. The ways these items compare and contrast will end up forming the thesis of your essay!

When choosing a comparative topic, the key is that the comparison should be significant. I compared two plays to illustrate the transition in British theatre, but you could compare the ways different regional dialects affect people's job prospects or how different temperatures may or may not affect the mating patterns of lightning bugs. The point here is that comparisons not only help you limit your topic, but they also help you build your argument.

Comparisons are not the only way to get a grade-A EE, though. If after brainstorming, you pick a non-comparison-based topic and are still unsure whether your topic is too broad or narrow, spend about 30 minutes doing some basic research and see how much material is out there.

If there are more than 1,000 books, articles, or documentaries out there on that exact topic, it may be too broad. But if there are only two books that have any connection to your topic, it may be too narrow. If you're still unsure, ask your advisor—it's what they're there for! Speaking of advisors...

Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

#3: Choose an Advisor Who Is Familiar With Your Topic

If you're not certain of who you would like to be your advisor, create a list of your top three choices. Next, write down the pros and cons of each possibility (I know this sounds tedious, but it really helps!).

For example, Mr. Green is my favorite teacher and we get along really well, but he teaches English. For my EE, I want to conduct an experiment that compares the efficiency of American electric cars with foreign electric cars.

I had Ms. White a year ago. She teaches physics and enjoyed having me in her class. Unlike Mr. Green, Ms. White could help me design my experiment.

Based on my topic and what I need from my advisor, Ms. White would be a better fit for me than would Mr. Green (even though I like him a lot).

The moral of my story is this: do not just ask your favorite teacher to be your advisor . They might be a hindrance to you if they teach another subject. For example, I would not recommend asking your biology teacher to guide you in writing an English literature-based EE.

There can, of course, be exceptions to this rule. If you have a teacher who's passionate and knowledgeable about your topic (as my English teacher was about my theatre topic), you could ask that instructor. Consider all your options before you do this. There was no theatre teacher at my high school, so I couldn't find a theatre-specific advisor, but I chose the next best thing.

Before you approach a teacher to serve as your advisor, check with your high school to see what requirements they have for this process. Some IB high schools require your IB Extended Essay advisor to sign an Agreement Form , for instance.

Make sure that you ask your IB coordinator whether there is any required paperwork to fill out. If your school needs a specific form signed, bring it with you when you ask your teacher to be your EE advisor.

#4: Pick an Advisor Who Will Push You to Be Your Best

Some teachers might just take on students because they have to and aren't very passionate about reading drafts, only giving you minimal feedback. Choose a teacher who will take the time to read several drafts of your essay and give you extensive notes. I would not have gotten my A without being pushed to make my Extended Essay draft better.

Ask a teacher that you have experience with through class or an extracurricular activity. Do not ask a teacher that you have absolutely no connection to. If a teacher already knows you, that means they already know your strengths and weaknesses, so they know what to look for, where you need to improve, and how to encourage your best work.

Also, don't forget that your supervisor's assessment is part of your overall EE score . If you're meeting with someone who pushes you to do better—and you actually take their advice—they'll have more impressive things to say about you than a supervisor who doesn't know you well and isn't heavily involved in your research process.

Be aware that the IB only allows advisors to make suggestions and give constructive criticism. Your teacher cannot actually help you write your EE. The IB recommends that the supervisor spends approximately two to three hours in total with the candidate discussing the EE.

#5: Make Sure Your Essay Has a Clear Structure and Flow

The IB likes structure. Your EE needs a clear introduction (which should be one to two double-spaced pages), research question/focus (i.e., what you're investigating), a body, and a conclusion (about one double-spaced page). An essay with unclear organization will be graded poorly.

The body of your EE should make up the bulk of the essay. It should be about eight to 18 pages long (again, depending on your topic). Your body can be split into multiple parts. For example, if you were doing a comparison, you might have one third of your body as Novel A Analysis, another third as Novel B Analysis, and the final third as your comparison of Novels A and B.

If you're conducting an experiment or analyzing data, such as in this EE , your EE body should have a clear structure that aligns with the scientific method ; you should state the research question, discuss your method, present the data, analyze the data, explain any uncertainties, and draw a conclusion and/or evaluate the success of the experiment.

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

You will not be able to crank out a 4,000-word essay in just a week and get an A on it. You'll be reading many, many articles (and, depending on your topic, possibly books and plays as well!). As such, it's imperative that you start your research as soon as possible.

Each school has a slightly different deadline for the Extended Essay. Some schools want them as soon as November of your senior year; others will take them as late as February. Your school will tell you what your deadline is. If they haven't mentioned it by February of your junior year, ask your IB coordinator about it.

Some high schools will provide you with a timeline of when you need to come up with a topic, when you need to meet with your advisor, and when certain drafts are due. Not all schools do this. Ask your IB coordinator if you are unsure whether you are on a specific timeline.

Below is my recommended EE timeline. While it's earlier than most schools, it'll save you a ton of heartache (trust me, I remember how hard this process was!):

• January/February of Junior Year: Come up with your final research topic (or at least your top three options).
• February of Junior Year: Approach a teacher about being your EE advisor. If they decline, keep asking others until you find one. See my notes above on how to pick an EE advisor.
• April/May of Junior Year: Submit an outline of your EE and a bibliography of potential research sources (I recommend at least seven to 10) to your EE advisor. Meet with your EE advisor to discuss your outline.
• Summer Between Junior and Senior Year: Complete your first full draft over the summer between your junior and senior year. I know, I know—no one wants to work during the summer, but trust me—this will save you so much stress come fall when you are busy with college applications and other internal assessments for your IB classes. You will want to have this first full draft done because you will want to complete a couple of draft cycles as you likely won't be able to get everything you want to say into 4,000 articulate words on the first attempt. Try to get this first draft into the best possible shape so you don't have to work on too many revisions during the school year on top of your homework, college applications, and extracurriculars.
• August/September of Senior Year: Turn in your first draft of your EE to your advisor and receive feedback. Work on incorporating their feedback into your essay. If they have a lot of suggestions for improvement, ask if they will read one more draft before the final draft.
• September/October of Senior Year: Submit the second draft of your EE to your advisor (if necessary) and look at their feedback. Work on creating the best possible final draft.
• November-February of Senior Year: Schedule your viva voce. Submit two copies of your final draft to your school to be sent off to the IB. You likely will not get your grade until after you graduate.

Remember that in the middle of these milestones, you'll need to schedule two other reflection sessions with your advisor . (Your teachers will actually take notes on these sessions on a form like this one , which then gets submitted to the IB.)

I recommend doing them when you get feedback on your drafts, but these meetings will ultimately be up to your supervisor. Just don't forget to do them!

The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

Extended Essays are graded by examiners appointed by the IB on a scale of 0 to 34 . You'll be graded on five criteria, each with its own set of points. You can learn more about how EE scoring works by reading the IB guide to extended essays .

• 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)

How well you do on each of these criteria will determine the final letter grade you get for your EE. You must earn at least a D to be eligible to receive your IB Diploma.

Although each criterion has a point value, the IB explicitly states that graders are not converting point totals into grades; instead, they're using qualitative grade descriptors to determine the final grade of your Extended Essay . Grade descriptors are on pages 102-103 of this document .

Here's a rough estimate of how these different point values translate to letter grades based on previous scoring methods for the EE. This is just an estimate —you should read and understand the grade descriptors so you know exactly what the scorers are looking for.

Here is the breakdown of EE scores (from the May 2021 bulletin):

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

The Extended Essay grade is combined with your TOK (Theory of Knowledge) grade to determine how many points you get toward your IB Diploma.

To learn about Theory of Knowledge or how many points you need to receive an IB Diploma, read our complete guide to the IB program and our guide to the IB Diploma requirements .

This diagram shows how the two scores are combined to determine how many points you receive for your IB diploma (3 being the most, 0 being the least). In order to get your IB Diploma, you have to earn 24 points across both categories (the TOK and EE). The highest score anyone can earn is 45 points.

Let's say you get an A on your EE and a B on TOK. You will get 3 points toward your Diploma. As of 2014, a student who scores an E on either the extended essay or TOK essay will not be eligible to receive an IB Diploma .

Prior to the class of 2010, a Diploma candidate could receive a failing grade in either the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge and still be awarded a Diploma, but this is no longer true.

Figuring out how you're assessed can be a little tricky. Luckily, the IB breaks everything down here in this document . (The assessment information begins on page 219.)

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

In case you want a little more guidance on how to get an A on your EE, here are over 40 excellent (grade A) sample extended essays for your reading pleasure. Essays are grouped by IB subject.

• Business Management 1
• Chemistry 1
• Chemistry 2
• Chemistry 3
• Chemistry 4
• Chemistry 5
• Chemistry 6
• Chemistry 7
• Computer Science 1
• Economics 1
• Design Technology 1
• Design Technology 2
• Environmental Systems and Societies 1
• Geography 1
• Geography 2
• Geography 3
• Geography 4
• Geography 5
• Geography 6
• Literature and Performance 1
• Mathematics 1
• Mathematics 2
• Mathematics 3
• Mathematics 4
• Mathematics 5
• Philosophy 1
• Philosophy 2
• Philosophy 3
• Philosophy 4
• Philosophy 5
• Psychology 1
• Psychology 2
• Psychology 3
• Psychology 4
• Psychology 5
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 1
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 2
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 3
• Sports, Exercise and Health Science 1
• Sports, Exercise and Health Science 2
• Visual Arts 1
• Visual Arts 2
• Visual Arts 3
• Visual Arts 4
• Visual Arts 5
• World Religion 1
• World Religion 2
• World Religion 3

What's Next?

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International Baccalaureate/Extended Essay Tips

• 1.1 Recommendations
• 1.2.1.1 Essay Competitions
• 1.3.1 Citing Sources
• 1.3.2 Organization
• 1.3.3 IBO Official Guide

Introduction and Getting Started!

Start Working NOW!

The Extended Essay (EE) is one of the requirements of the IB Diploma Programme. It provides students with an opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic of interest to them. It is written on a freely-chosen topic as long as there is a subject teacher in school, as the candidate must have a subject supervisor.

Recommendations

The IBO recommends that candidates spend approximately 40 hours in total on their extended essays, and if you put it off until that last weekend, your work won't be nearly as good as it can be. Talk to your IB school supervisor, as it is his or her job to set internal school deadlines (i.e. choosing a topic, formulating an outline, rough draft, final draft, etc).

Getting Started

• Firstly, find a topic you're actually interested in, or you'll never work on it.
• Don't stress. After doing all your research 4,000 words is nothing (your first draft could be 6,000-8,000 words). While the Extended Essay has the potential to make you hate your own topic (as many academic assignments do), an interest in the topic can motivate you to pull through in the end.
• Many students are appalled at the sheer number of words that this task requires. But by following the guidelines set out for you, you'll quickly realize how hard pressed you will be to contain your work to the limit.
• Make sure that your focus is somewhat specific, or that you have a specific topic in mind (instead of just a general subject area).
• Example : Your final essay title should be somewhat similar to the style used in the Internal Assessments for the 20th Century World Issues course - specific and focused with some form of cause and effect. Check the official Extended Essay guidelines for more on this - it offers sample essay titles (along with title choosing advice and essay titles to avoid) for each subject area.
• If the above example does not apply to you, perhaps ask your IB Coordinator for examples from students past. Many of them keep a record of every essay, mainly to ensure there is no plagiarism.
• Make sure you stay on top of the work.
• Look over the guidelines and the explanations.

To get a diploma, you need to complete the TOK Essay and the Extended Essay. At best, you can achieve 3 bonus points towards your IB diploma, so don't ignore your schoolwork, as your courses are worth much more. The point matrix is outlined in the "Diploma Points Matrix for the Extended Essay and TOK" grid in the IBO form. You can still get your diploma if you get a "Mediocre" on one and an "Elementary" on another. NOTE: As of May 2010, an 'Elementary' on both TOK and Extended essay is an automatic fail, but you may still pass with an 'Elementary' on either one, just not both. An 'Elementary' on either is a so called 'failing condition' which requires a minimum 28 points rather than the usual 24 to obtain your diploma.

However, you can make a very good essay, provided you allot yourself enough time to write about something you are interested in. The IBO knows that you are between 16 and 18 years old and thus does not require a perfect essay or a groundbreaking new discovery. They just want to see that you can work on and complete a big project.

Picking a Topic

You'll want to write about a topic or subject you're fairly familiar with. For instance, if you've nailed the process of writing labs, do a science investigation. It'll be just like a big lab write-up, and writing the method, materials, qualitative/quantitative observations are all part of the word count, and take up a significant amount of words.

Essay Competitions

Find out if there are competitions or scholarship opportunities in which you can enter your essay. Why not kill two birds with one stone and head off to university with a scholarship? If you don't win, at least you'll get feedback, something the IBO neglects to give.

Writing a Good Extended Essay

Everyone wants to write a good Extended Essay, but just remember that it's really not as overwhelming as it sounds. Some candidates will find their first drafts are in the 6,000 to 8,000 range, while others will reach about 2800-3500. In fact, keep in mind that 4,000 words is the maximum word count and not where you must get to. While most essays have a word count in the 3,900 range, it is perfectly acceptable to submit an essay that is 3,500 words. While there is no actual minimum word count, you would probably want to write over 3,000 words, since a short essay might imply that the topic was not investigated thoroughly enough. However, some topics - mathematics among them - may require only 2,000 words to fully investigate them.

Citing Sources

Keep legible, consistent and accurate notes that include bibliographic information. There's nothing more annoying than browsing through a 1200 page book looking for where that key quotation came from. Cite your sources in a consistent manner (either in MLA or APA format, or some other recognized format). IBO is very strict with plagiarism, so remember that the text has to be your own and do not forget to make references. You will have to sign an IBO form certifying that your EE is your own, and has no unsourced material in it, before they will even read your essay. Failure to submit an Extended Essay will result in no diploma being awarded.

Use the internet to find information but do include books in your research especially if your essay is not on the Sciences. Be skeptical in your use of the internet. Anyone can post anything, so read with a critical eye. Generally, university and academic websites are good sources to refer to. News sources are generally reliable, but be sure to stay away from "gossip" media which often contorts the truth.

Keep in mind that a general guide line used in many schools is 5 sources minimum for the IA in History, so if you are doing a History paper aim to have as close to ten sources as possible if not more for the EE.

Organization

Once you have researched your topic, you should spend a lot of time structuring and organizing your essay. Make sure your essay has a clear introduction, research question/focus (i.e. what you will be investigating), body, and conclusion. A poorly organized or unclear essay will hurt the assessment of your essay. You should also spend some time making sure that your 300-word abstract is clear and succinct in summarizing your essay. An unclear abstract will make your essay difficult to understand and will also hurt the assessment of your essay.

Although this is stated in the "General Requirements" for the Extended Essay, I feel it is necessary to repeat: if you are doing a paper in a subject not offered at your school, be very careful , especially if doing your paper in World Religions. You might want to either reconsider your choice of topic, or make sure you have several people with good credibility in that topic reading your paper. If you don't, especially in World Religions, you could end up offending your reader, and I promise you, you do not want to do that.

You can do your extended essay on any topic for which an IB class exists - i.e. something like Islamic History, which only about 100 candidates a year write about. However, you cannot do your extended essay in Theory of Knowledge, most pilot subjects and school-based syllabus subjects (check with your IB coordinator). Bear in mind that getting a good score in your extended essay, combined with your score for your Theory of Knowledge essay, may reward you with up to 3 bonus points. So aim high!

IBO Official Guide

The IBO's official guide to writing the Extended Essay can be found here: http://xmltwo.ibo.org/publications/DP/Group0/d_0_eeyyy_gui_1012_1/html/production-app3.ibo.org/publication/258/part/1/chapter/1.html

The above site is quite useful in perusing tips and hints for writing the essay, in addition to viewing the IBO standards for the essay. Note that the above link is for consideration purposes only.

"three: The Ultimate Student's Guide to Acing the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge" by Alexander Zouev - a book full of tips and time savers for IB EE.

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Ib Extended Essay Word Count Rules: Everything You Need to Know

Unraveling the mysteries of ib extended essay word count rules contract.

Writing an IB extended essay can be a daunting task, as students are required to delve deep into a topic of their choice and produce a comprehensive piece of research. One key of extended essay word count, often leaves puzzled rules guidelines.

As a former IB student myself, I understand the challenges and frustrations that can come with navigating the word count regulations. In blog post, aim provide thorough insightful of IB Extended Essay Word Count Rules Contract, clarity guidance current future students.

the Word Count Requirements

According to the official IB Extended Essay Guide, the word count for the extended essay must be between 3,000 and 4,000 words. This word limit includes the main body of the essay, as well as any quotations, footnotes, and in-text citations. The title page, abstract, table of contents, bibliography, and appendices are not included in the word count.

It is crucial for students to adhere to these word count regulations, as exceeding or falling short of the specified range can result in penalties and potential loss of marks. It essential students carefully plan structure essays ensure meet word count requirements.

Case Studies and Practical Examples

To provide a practical understanding of the word count rules, let`s consider a case study of two hypothetical extended essays:

In the first case study, the essay falls within the permissible word count range, demonstrating compliance with the regulations. However, in the second case study, the essay exceeds the upper limit of 4,000 words, potentially resulting in penalties for the student.

Strategies for Meeting the Word Count

As students to meet word count requirements, essential adopt strategies managing length essays. May include:

• Conducting research selecting focused to ensure depth analysis within word limit.
• Being and in language, avoiding repetition verbosity.
• Carefully quotations citations within text contribute word count without padding.

By implementing these strategies, students can navigate the word count regulations while producing high-quality, substantive essays that fulfill the requirements of the extended essay assessment.

The word count rules for the IB extended essay play a significant role in shaping the structure and content of students` research projects. By gaining a clear understanding of these rules and employing effective strategies, students can confidently navigate the word count requirements while producing compelling and well-researched essays.

IB Extended Essay Word Count Rules Contract

In accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the International Baccalaureate organization, this contract outlines the word count rules for the extended essay.

This contract is entered into on the date of submission of the extended essay.

Top 10 Legal Questions About IB Extended Essay Word Count Rules Contract

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Extended Essay: Formatting your EE

Introduction.

• Subject Guidance & Proposal Forms
• 8 Simple Steps to writing an Academic Essay... and Outlines!
• Finding a Topic
• Academic Sources of Information
• Researcher's Spaces
• Reflections
• IB Resources for Students
• Citations and Referencing - IB REQUIREMENTS
• In-Text Citations
• Formatting your EE
• 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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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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How to Write an Extended Essay: from Outline to Conclusion

write an extended essay

As a student, especially those pursuing International Baccalaureate (IB), you will be faced with the challenge of coming up with an extended essay. But few students do not know how to write long essays like an extended essay. That is where we come in.

In this comprehensive guide, I will guide you on the 8 steps to follow when writing a good extended essay and provide you with examples of topics you can use.

As noted by one of our top essay writers for hire , extended essays are not like your ordinary essays. As the name suggests, they are extended versions of essays and it may take longer and a unique approach to writing them.

However, before delving into such details, it is important to first understand what extended essays are.

Need Help with your Homework or Essays?

What is an extended essay.

An extended essay (EE) is a form of writing that provides learners with a chance to carry out independent research concerning a topic of their interest.

It is part of the requirements for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and its content is based on a freely-selected topic provided that there is an instructor for the subject in school since candidates should have a supervisor for the subjects.

To be more precise, an extended essay can be regarded as a 4000-word structured piece of writing centered on an International Baccalaureate student’s topic and it may take various forms.

What is meant by “it may take various forms” is that the way it looks depends on the topic selected. The next section will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write an extended essay. 

People Also Read : I Can’t Write My College Essay: Here’s what to do to score A

How to Write an Extended Essay

When writing an extended essay, there 8 steps that should be taken to effectively complete it on time. Carefully read through the 8 steps to fully understand how to write an extended essay.

Step 1: Selecting a Topic and Researching on it

This is the first step that you should take before writing your extended essay.

As noted, extended essays will allow you to write on the topic of your interest.

However, various topics are provided by your instructor and it is upon you to select the topic that interests you.

You should keep in mind that the topic selected should have enough material and resources to support your topic and the position of your arguments concerning the topic.

Some topics may have limited resources.

At the same time, select a topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow. A narrow topic may lack enough material to have a 4000-word extended essay while a broad topic may require a lot of supporting material that may exceed the 4000-word limit.  

If you find the first step confusing or you find it difficult to tackle it on your own, it is advisable to seek a mentor/advisor. You should select an advisor or mentor with whom you will connect well and the one who understands the topic and what is required when writing extended essays.

Such a mentor will help you select the topic that fits your interest. While helping you select a topic that is not too narrow or broad, they should push you to deliver your best. Mentors/advisors can be your instructors or friends who have completed extended essays. 

Once this is done, research extensively concerning your topic and ensure that the sources of your information are peer-reviewed and credible. They should provide the most recent research or information concerning your topic.

Note the sources of your information so that you can cite and reference them in your extended essay. 

Step 2: Coming up With a Research Question

This is an important step because selecting a research question will provide you with a focused and clear summative statement to be used during your research.

It will act as a roadmap or a guideline that will help you during the writing process. It will also help you formulate a clear and concise thesis statement that will summarize your arguments and the position you will take in your extended essay. 

Step 3: Structuring Your Extended Essay

As aforementioned, extended essays should always take an academic format. This means that it should have an acceptable academic structure.

At the same time, since International Baccalaureate (IB) guidelines are constantly updated, you should follow the latest guidelines so that you can utilize the latest format. 

The acceptable format for your extended essay will include an introduction, methodology, main body, conclusion, bibliography, and appendices.

This will be the general structure for your extended essay.

It should be noted that this structure is not an outline.

What this means is that the structure should be considered when coming up with an outline.

Once you have decided the structure of your extended essay, come up with an outline based on your topic, thesis, and arguments.

An outline will act as a guide during the drafting process and it will save a lot of time.

This is because you will have already outlined your extended essay and what you will be doing is to add content to the points you have highlighted. Ensure that individual points translate to a single paragraph. 

You should also note that the extended essay will have a table of contents. Therefore, the outline will be very important when coming up with your table of contents that is located after the cover page of your extended essay. 

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Step 4: Writing the Introduction

Once you have completed the above steps and you have come up with an outline based on the extended essay’s structure, the next step is to introduce your topic and elaborate it to your target readers.

There are various things you should consider when coming up with an introduction.

First of all, the introduction should be catchy and interesting.

This is because your readers will read it before deciding on whether to continue with the rest of the paper.

The best way to do this is to begin your introduction with something catchy or attention-grabbing sentence.

This will arouse the reader’s curiosity to know more about the topic.

The second thing you should know about the introduction is that it should offer a crisp and clear description of what you are going to talk about and the various strategies you will use to explore the topic. It all depends on the topic.

You can decide to highlight the issues that will be explored and the ways of addressing such issues. It is all about proving some brief background of what you will be exploring in the rest of the paper.

Do you remember that you formulated a research question after researching your topic? While introducing the topic of your extended essay, you should provide the context of your research question where you address the situation or the background from which the question comes.

While doing so, you should state the research question and elaborate on why answering the question is important for the paper’s findings. 

The introduction should also tell the readers why the research you present in your extended essay is important, interesting, and/or valuable to the discipline and the audience.

Finally, you should conclude your introduction by writing your thesis statement. This should be the last sentence of your introduction paragraph(s). 

Step 5: Methodology

This is also a very important step when writing an extended essay. To make sure that all the important aspects of the methodology are covered, you should divide this section into two.

The first section of the methodology explains your sources of information and the second section explores the related theories, topics, and arguments that will be used to explore your topic. 

In the first section, you should describe every primary and/or secondary source used, why the sources are important, and their limitations.

Sources of secondary research can include news articles, annual reports for companies, business textbooks, magazine articles, and encyclopedias. The final thing you should do while in section 1 is to state the adjustments made in your research. 

For the second section, you should provide a brief explanation of the theories that are going to be applied and the reason why they are the most appropriate in explaining your arguments.

Also, give the limitations of each theory, topic, or argument applied. Finally, state the changes made during the research and writing process.

Step 6: Drafting the Main Body

This should be the most elaborate part of your extended essay because you will concentrate on the research, analysis of the research, discussion, and evaluation.

You should try to retain the flow of step 5 that has steps 1 and 2. This will demonstrate that you understand the concepts of the International Baccalaureate while still addressing your topic using the relevant sources. 

In the first section, for each of the theories, arguments, and topics used to address your topic, include about 4 examples of each to help you answer the research question effectively. Also, address the qualitative tools applied before the quantitative tools.

The second section goes beyond the course to educate your evaluator and/or readers concerning your topic. Explore the related concepts and theories deeply while providing different perspectives on the topic.

Remember that you should be evaluating the findings here. Use analytical insight to further explain your arguments and points of view. Graphs and other forms of data presentation can be used. However, they should apply to the research.

Step 7: Writing the Conclusion

In this step, you should sum up your arguments from all your sections. It is important to stipulate what has been researched and how it has helped answer the research question.

It should be noted that no new information should be added in the conclusion. Mention some limitations of the research and their impact, and the reasons behind such limitations.

Finally, state the thing(s) you can do differently if you were to write another extended essay.

Step 8: Bibliography and Appendices

On a different page or the next page after the conclusion, reference your sources of information using the correct format (APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard styles). Always remember to arrange the references from A to Z. Bibliography or references are not part of the word count.

The appendices section showcases the extra work you have done such as transcripts of the interviews conducted, additional analysis, and any other data that you found interesting but did not include in the body of your paper. 

Once you are done with writing, thoroughly proofread your work and correct any grammatical or spelling errors made. Make sure that the work is well formatted with all the sections included.

At the same time, make sure that nothing in your paper is copy-pasted because it will be regarded as plagiarism. Always do this before submitting your extended essay. 

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Best Length of an Extended Essay

While there is no universally agreed minimum word count for an extended essay, you should not write less than 3,000 words. This is because lesser than that will demonstrate that you did not adequately research your topic.

Since the acceptable word limit on the upper side is 4,000 words, always strive to write more than 3,500 words. Unlike other types of essays like a GRE Essay that is short, an extended essay is long in terms of word count.

In other cases, the minimum word count is 1,500 words, and the maximum word count is 4,000 words. It is up to the student to decide what their word count should be. It is important not to go over or under the prescribed word count by more than 10%. The upper limit of 4000 words should be a guideline rather than a firm rule.

Can the extended essay be over 4000 words?

Yes, the extended essay may be up to 4000 words in length. The upper limit is 4,000 words for all extended essays. This upper limit includes the introduction, the body, the conclusion, and any quotations, but does not include:

• the abstract
• the contents page
• acknowledgments
• any diagrams, charts, tables, and graphs
• the bibliography

How Many Pages is an Extended Essay?

4000 words is 8 pages single spaced, and 16 pages double spaced. The number of pages changes depends on the number of words, the font, and the font size. Usually, the extended essay is 4000 words in length, so it is quite a bit longer than your average essay. Double-space, Times New Roman 12 is pretty much universal, in college anyway.

What are the extended essay minimum and maximum word count?

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12 Examples of Extended Essay Topics

• What is the effect of age and gender on the photoreceptor cells in the human retina?
• How is climate change impacting the appearance of coral reefs?
• An evaluation of how antioxidants work in our bodies?
• Is there an association between viewing violence on television and the display of violent acts?
• What motivational climate should a coach employ to achieve optimal performance in athletes?
• How does the X hormone affect human behavior?
• How were women treated differently in the 1920s and 1950s Great Britain?
• What role did economics play in the unification of Germany from 1834 to 1871?
• How does the sugar concentration affect the refractive index of water?
• What factors influence the location of industries in country/city X?
• An investigation into the significance of preserving the quality of water in a continent/country/city?
• What effect does the coating of aspirin tablets have on the hydrolysis of aspirin?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you redo an extended essay.

Yes. You can redo an extended essay if you appeal to the relevant institution about the reason(s) why you failed on the first try. You should provide credible and sensible reasons for you to be considered. It is only then that you are granted a retake. 

Can You Fail an Extended Essay?

Yes. You can fail an extended essay if you do not follow the essay’s requirements, instructions, or rubric. 

What Happens if You Fail an Extended Essay?

If you fail an extended essay, you will not graduate with a diploma. Therefore, if you fail, you should request a retake and do your best to write a good extended essay. 

How many points is the extended essay worth?

The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word essay that you write on a topic of your choice. This counts towards your IB Diploma and it’s worth 3 points of your overall score.

The Extended Essay is often the most rewarding part of the IB Diploma. It gives you the chance to study something that you want to learn about in-depth, and it can be on any topic you choose – as long as there’s an expert to supervise it!

Can I publish my extended essay?

You may publish your extended essay. There are some things to consider before you do though: • Check that the subject of your essay is appropriate for publishing. Some subjects, such as science and math, may not be appropriate for publication because of how quickly the field develops. Also, check that your advisor approves of publishing the essay. • Check that you have gotten all the necessary permissions you need before you publish. • Check with your advisor if you have any doubts about these things.

Josh Jasen or JJ as we fondly call him, is a senior academic editor at Grade Bees in charge of the writing department. When not managing complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In his spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.

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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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• Next: Annotated Bibliographies >>
• Last Updated: Feb 27, 2024 8:42 AM
• URL: https://concordian-thailand.libguides.com/ee

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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• Next: Reflection >>
• Last Updated: Feb 2, 2024 1:39 PM
• URL: https://libguides.westsoundacademy.org/ee

How Long is Extended Essay? Minimum and Maximum Word Count

Table of contents.

Welcome! This article will dive into the world of extended essays, exploring the most important aspects like minimum and maximum word count.

To start things off, let’s define what an extended essay is. An extended essay is a type of academic writing assignment that requires a student to research and write about a specific topic . They are typically longer than traditional essays, allowing for more in-depth research and analysis.

Furthermore, extended essays are usually part of university applications or part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. The purpose of such assignments is to assess the student’s ability to think critically and apply the knowledge and skills gained from their studies.

Now that you have an idea of what an extended essay is, let’s move on to the actual topic of this article: the length of an extended essay. This is an important factor in writing an extended essay since it determines the scope of research and analysis that needs to be done. In this article, we’ll discuss the general length of an extended essay, any variations as well as the minimum and maximum word count.

By the end of this article, you should be able to determine the right word count for your extended essay and understand why sticking to it is important. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

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What is an Extended Essay?

The extended essay gives students the opportunity to explore a particular field or topic in depth. For example, a student studying art history might choose to explore a particular artist or school of art. Similarly, a student studying physics might research the properties of a particular phenomena. The research process allows students to apply the theories and concepts they’ve learned in class to real-world scenarios.

The extended essay is also designed to give students practice in critical thinking, research skills, and writing. By having to conduct thorough research, develop a well-structured piece, and form an argument in their written work, students are able to hone their academic writing skills.

Overall, the extended essay provides students with a valuable learning opportunity and the chance to delve into a topic of interest at a more in-depth level.

Length of an Extended Essay

The standard length for an extended essay is typically between 3,000 and 4,000 words. The exact word count required for an extended essay could vary depending on the subject and area of the topic being discussed.

In some cases, students may be asked to submit an essay of a different length. For example, essays related to arts and film topics can sometimes be longer, while essays related to science topics are often shorter.

When deciding how many words to write in your essay, it’s important to consider the complexity of your topic, the depth of your research, and the requirements of the assignment or institution.

It’s also important to note that if you exceed the maximum recommended word count for an extended essay, the quality of your essay could suffer. Exceeding the word count limit could result in the essay sounding rushed or incomplete.

Minimum Word Count for an Extended Essay

Maximum word count for extended essay.

When you are writing an extended essay, there is a recommended maximum word count that you should aim for. This maximum word count is usually required in order to ensure the essay has enough depth and detail while not going over the top and becoming too long. It is usually recommended to have an essay of 4,000 words or less.

Having an essay that is too long can be detrimental for several reasons. Firstly, it is likely that your essay will become disjointed and unfocused if there is too much information included. Secondly, having a longer essay can make it harder to assess, as the markers may struggle to read and understand all of the content in your essay without getting bored. Furthermore, exceeding the maximum word count can also detract from other parts of your submission, such as the quality of your research or the written presentation of your essay.

It is important to remember that having an essay that is more than 4,000 words does not automatically mean that it is a bad essay. However, it is usually best to avoid going over the maximum recommended word count, as this can have a negative impact on the assessment of your essay. The best way to make sure you are meeting the maximum word count is to keep track of your word count while writing and to stick to a specific structure to ensure your essay stays focused and concise.

Writing an Extended Essay

Extended essays (EE) are in-depth research papers that require significant effort and planning. While each institution has its own unique requirements, there are generally accepted guidelines to follow when writing an extended essay.

Generally, both the structure and format of an EE should be clear and concise. It should begin with an introduction, followed by body paragraphs which support the thesis statement, and end with a conclusion that summarizes the main points of the essay.

An introduction should provide some background on the topic of the essay and introduce the reader to the main idea that will be explored. This will help the reader gain a better understanding of the paper’s purpose.

The body paragraphs should provide evidence and analysis to support the main point. Make sure to cite all sources used and include relevant facts and quotes. The goal is to make sure the reader understands the argument presented and can easily follow the paper’s flow.

The conclusion should be a summary of the main points discussed in the body and should leave an impression on the reader. Additionally, if any particular requirements or style guidelines were requested by the institution, they should be adhered to.

By following these guidelines, one can create an effective and well-structured extended essay that meets the requirements of the institution that it is being submitted to.

Pros and Cons of a Long Extended Essay

Writing an extended essay is no easy task, so it’s important to consider both the pros and cons of writing a longer essay. On one hand, a longer essay provides you with more space to develop your argument, while on the other hand, it can limit the scope of your research if you run out of time and words.

On the plus side, having more words allows you to properly explore the ideas, evidence and arguments that you have available to you. This can provide more space to make your case stronger and more convincing. Your reader will be able to get a better understanding of your viewpoint as well as the depth of your research.

However, there can sometimes be disadvantages to writing a longer essay. If you don’t manage your time effectively and you get towards the end of your essay with too many words left to write, then you may find yourself rushing through your conclusion. This could leave your essay feeling incomplete and your argument underdeveloped.

Additionally, having too many words can also make it difficult to stay focussed on your topic. Your essay can meander, as you try to cover too much ground in too few words. This can also lead to a lack of clarity in your paper, leaving your reader feeling confused or unable to see the connections between your points.

In conclusion, writing a longer essay provides both advantages and disadvantages. A longer essay allows you to properly explore your arguments and provide more space for evidence and proof, however it can be difficult to manage the word count and maintain momentum throughout the paper.

How to Measure Word Count and Plan Time

Measuring word count, planning time, breaking it down, sticking to the plan, advantages of sticking to the word count, examples of word counts.

When writing an extended essay, it is important to understand what the word count guidelines are, and what kind of essay should be written according to each one. Here we will look at examples of essays with different word counts and discuss their content.

A good starting point is the standard minimum word count for an extended essay. This is usually 1,500 words, although the requirement may vary depending on the subject or the school. At this length, it is possible to cover a fairly broad topic in-depth. For example, an essay about the history of the American Civil War could include discussion on the causes of the war, key battles, and the results of the conflict.

On the other end of the spectrum is the maximum word count for an extended essay. This is usually 4,000 words, again depending on the subject or school. At this length, it is possible to have a very focused examination of a particular event, issue, or person. For example, a student might write an essay on the life and works of Martin Luther King Jr., including his campaigns for civil rights and his impact on the world.

In between these two numbers are other word count levels ranging from 2,000 – 3,000 words. These can be used for more specialized topics that require greater detail. Examples include a study of the psychological effects of cyberbullying or the role of gender in modern literature.

It’s important to note that it’s possible to write good extended essays within any of the word count ranges, as long as the content is suitable for the length. The key is to identify a topic that fits the overall length and achieve a balance between breadth and depth.

With this in mind, here are some examples of extended essays of different lengths and what topics would be suitable for each:

• 1,500 words: A comparison between the civilizations of Greece and Rome
• 2,000 words: An analysis of the role of technology in the modern workplace
• 3,000 words: A study of the rise and fall of Napolean Bonaparte
• 4,000 words: A close examination of the Cuban Missile Crisis and its implications

As you can see, there is a wide range of potential topics and word counts when writing an extended essay. The key is to identify a suitable topic, understand the required word count, and create an essay of the right length with enough detail to cover the topic thoroughly.

Summarizing the Article

When summarizing an article, it’s important to make sure you have a strong conclusion. This means going back to the main points of the article and providing a summary. It should cover the main ideas, facts, and opinions discussed in the article.

To sum up the tips from this guide, here’s what you need to know about extended essays:

• Extended essays are a valuable tool for writing assignments, especially in academic contexts.
• The standard length of an extended essay is usually around 4000 words, but there can be exceptions to this.
• The minimum word count for an extended essay is usually around 2000 words and the maximum is usually around 6000 words.
• An extended essay should have an introduction, body, and conclusion, as well as any specific requirements outlined by the assignment.
• Writing an extended essay that is too long can hurt the quality of your work, while sticking to the recommended word count can help improve it.
• It’s important to track your word count and plan your time accordingly so that you don’t exceed the recommended length.

For best results, it’s important to remember the key points from this guide and apply them when writing your own extended essay. By sticking to the recommended length and following the structure, you’ll be able to create an effective and successful extended essay.

Writing an extended essay is a challenging process that requires plenty of research and planning. Understanding the guidelines for length and word count is essential for producing a high-quality essay.

Essays must meet the minimum requirements for length, typically ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 words. Successfully meeting this requirement depends on the complexity and scope of the subject matter. Exceeding the maximum word count can negatively affect the quality of the essay, so it’s important to adhere as closely to the guidelines as possible.

Nailing down the structure, format and content of an extended essay are all part of the writing process and require careful planning. Following the guidelines for word count helps ensure that the essay is succinct and focused, and will help the reader understand the key points of the essay quickly.

We hope this guide has been helpful for any students embarking on the journey of writing an extended essay. By understanding the importance of the word count guidelines and how to use them, you can write an effective and well-structured essay that meets the necessary demands.

• Last edit 22 APR 2023

Valerie Green

Valerie Green is a dedicated educator who spends her time helping high school and college students succeed. She writes articles and guides for various online education projects, providing students with the tools they need to excel in their studies. Friendly and approachable, she is committed to making a difference in the lives of students.

What Is IB Reflective Project?

The Reflective Project is an in-depth study where students select an ethical issue related to their career-related studies to research and analyze through various lenses. This research is not a mere academic exercise; it is a rigorous, reflective process that encourages students to connect their findings with their own beliefs, values, and experiences.

What’s the Ideal Number of Sources for Your IB EE?

What’s the ideal number of sources for my EE? The answer, nuanced and subject-specific, depends on striking the perfect balance between breadth and depth of research. As a seasoned IB writer, I’ve seen how this balance varies across disciplines — a History EE might thrive on many sources to construct a well-rounded argument, while a Math EE might depend on a few texts for its foundational theory.

How Much Does It Cost to Order a Custom Extended Essay Online?

When tackling the International Baccalaureate program, students often wonder about the cost of ordering a custom extended essay online. As an experienced IB writer, I can tell you that several factors influence this cost. These include the essay’s length, its complexity, the urgency of your deadline, and the writer’s expertise.

Pros and Pitfalls of Using Internet-Sourced EE Topics

In the ever-evolving landscape of academic research, the Internet has emerged as a significant resource for students undertaking the challenging task of the IB Extended Essay (EE). As an experienced IB writer, I’ve observed the transformative impact of Internet-sourced EE topics. This article aims to highlight both the benefits and challenges of this modern approach to research.

How Can You Ensure Originality in Your IB Extended Essay?

Ensuring originality in your IB extended essay is a crucial step in distinguishing your work in the world of academic research. As an experienced IB essayist, I’m here to guide you in creating an essay that not only meets academic standards, but also showcases your unique intellectual contributions. Originality in the IB extended essay is about bringing your personal insights and perspectives to every aspect of your work, from the choice of topic to the final argument.

What’s Your Secret Writing Weapon in EE? Annotated Bibliographies!

Imagine having a map that guides you through the labyrinth of research and enriches your understanding and appreciation of the topic. That’s what an annotated bibliography does. It allows you to keep track of your sources, critically evaluate their content, and reflect on their relevance to your research question. This process deepens your engagement with the topic, providing a clearer direction for your argument and analysis.

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Extended Essay Requirements: Everything to Cover This Year

by  Antony W

October 28, 2023

Have you read the Extended Essay assessment criteria but find them somewhat confusing? You’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, we’ll explore the extended essay requirements and give you some tips that you can use to make the writing process less stressful from start to finish.

The extended essay assignment gives you a taste of academic freedom by allowing you to decide what to write and how to write it.

By choosing a topic that interests you, or an area you find interesting to explore, you’ll find the process of writing an extended essay not only easy but also enjoyable.

Because writing the essay helps you to develop the writing skills necessary to write academic assignments when you join college or university, it’s important to understand the EE requirement first before you start writing.

Key Takeaways

• Your essay must not exceed the intended word count. 
• IB requires you to do your project based on a strict format. 
• Your EE's topic should fall within one of the subjects approved by IB. 
• Ensure you attend all the reflection sessions, as they contribute to your final grades. 

So you don't have enough time left to complete your EE project? You can hire the writing service of the team at Help for Assessment to get the task completed in good time. 

Extended Essay Requirements: 4 Most Important Rules to Observe

Every student wishes to score high marks for their extended essays, but only a few ever manage to score 34.

It’s not that IB EE is difficult to write. It’s only that they don’t pay close attention to the requirements of the essay.

Our goal at Help for Assessment is to help you succeed in IB by guiding you as much as we can so you can score top marks for your EE. If you can’t do your best to score a 34, aim for a 25 or a 29.

To make sure you’re on the right track from start to finish, here are some extended essay requirements that you need to take seriously:

1. Pay Attention to the Set EE Word Count

The IB program gives you the liberty to write an Extended Essay on the topic of your choosing. However, it does put a cap on how much you can, even if you find the topic a lot more interesting than you initially did.

As an assignment that requires independent research and compilation of your findings, the Extended Essay should be at most 4,000 words long . Keep in mind that 4,000 is the set maximum and any additional word can cost you some marks.

You might find yourself with more words as you write your first draft, and that’s completely fine. You should come back to your work later and edit to bring the length down to 4,000 words at least.

Some students think that their extended essays have to hit the exact word limit set by IB. That’s not often the case. It’s important to understand that 4,000 is the maximum number of words you can write in an EE, not the exact target.

That means you can write an EE that’s 2,500 words long and do just fine. However, for clarity and comprehensiveness’s safe, we do suggest that you make your essay at least 3,500 words long.

2. Make Sure Your EE Reflects the Right Format

You can have the best ideas for your extended essay assignment, but you will fail if you don’t use the proper format recommended by IB.

Take your time to prepare your outline, and make sure you include all the relevant sections before you start writing.

Your extended essay should have:

• A title page
• Contents page
• An introduction
• The body section
• A conclusion
• References and bibliography

You will notice that we haven’t included an abstract in the outline. That’s because IB no longer requires you to write a 300 words summary of the essay anymore.

You can read more about EE abstract here to learn why it’s no longer necessary and what you should do instead.

3. Your EE Must Be On Topics That Fall into IB Approved Categories

Just because you can write an EE on any topic doesn’t mean you have the freedom to write on anything really. IB does put limitation on the extent to which you can go when it comes to choosing a topic to write.

In other words, your EE can be on any topic provided it falls into one of the six subject groups approved by the IB. The subject groups we’re talking about 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

As you can see, you do have quite some options when it comes to topic selection. All you have to do is to identify a subject category and then explore as many topics as possible to choose one that you can easily work on.

4. You Must Attend Reflection Sessions

In 2018, IB added a reflection process as part of the extended essay assignment with the intention to ensure every student do the best possible to score high grades. It’s important to note that reflection process is mandatory and will reflect in your final grades.

The rule of the reflection process is simple. You have to meet with your supervisor three times to discuss your extended essay.

During these meetings, you and your supervisor will discuss your engagement with your research process.

By helping to reflect on the elements that matter the most, your supervisor can give you feedback that not only help you to think differently but also encourage you to reevaluate your research process.

The final meeting with your supervisor is the viva voice. It’s usually 10 to 15 minutes long and takes place in the final state of the extended essay.

During the viva voice, your supervisor will focus on plagiarism and malpractice, reflect on your success and failures, and stress on what you’ve learned throughout the process. Also, it’s here that your supervisor writes a report about your essay, which will reflect in your grade.

Final Thoughts on Extended Essay Requirements

As you can see, these extended essay requirements are so simple that’s easy to overlook them.

However, we do suggest that you pay close attention to these so that you have an easy time working on your assignment right from the first day all the way to the end.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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minimum word count

By thefencingguy December 15, 2013 in Extended Essay

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Thefencingguy.

Could someone give me a hand and tell me what the minimum word count is for and Extended Essay? I'm having some troubles writing the 4000 word limit.

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battlescarves

If your subject *is* math or science then I have no idea, sorry

I've heard there's been successful maths EE's which only had ~2500 words, since formulas and such aren't part of the word count. The IB doesn't really care how much you write with those subjects, so I wouldn't worry about the word count with such subjects.

It is about The United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

I'm assuming that falls under History, in which case I *highly* recommend your word count is above 3500, preferably above 3700.

The absolute minimum should be 3800-3900. Most of the EEs I've seen that scored A or B generally had more than 3800 words.

Neh, the EE has a word limit and not a word floor for a reason: successful EEs can be quite short! However, how short your EE will be depends a lot on the topic. For most EEs you would want to aim for 3500-4000 words to fully explain everything enough in-depth.

There are, of course, cases in which students have written EEs that are way less than the word count (say 2000 words) and still succeeded with good grades. Some years ago there was a case in my school in which that happened, but the guy wrote in IB Art so maybe it is a special case...? What you have to remember, is that it might work for the very few that are able to do it but for the majority it does not work . Try to fill out the word limit as best as you can and make sure that you explain everything sufficiently in-depth.

EDIT: on a second thought, I am not even sure if the case I mentioned that happened in my school is an urban myth or something. Bottom line: explain your topic sufficiently in-depth and attempt to have at least more than 3500 words!

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Extended Essay Writers

TOK Essay Word Count in 2024/2025

Luke MacQuoid

Hello IB enthusiasts! As an experienced IB writer, I’ve seen my fair share of Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essays. I can’t stress enough the importance of the TOK essay word count. It’s not just a number; it’s a critical component that can make or break your paper. So, let’s dig into why this count is important and how to master it.

What Is the Theory of Knowledge Essay?

First things first, what exactly is a TOK essay? From my extensive experience in the International Baccalaureate program , I can tell you it’s quite a unique component. It focuses on exploring and understanding the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know. The essay encourages critical thinking and challenges students to reflect on the knowledge acquisition process and its implications.

Typically, students must choose from a list of prescribed titles provided by the IB, and their essay should demonstrate their ability to engage with abstract ideas and philosophical questions. This essay is an integral part of the TOK course in the IB Diploma, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the complexity and diversity of knowledge. To better understand the TOK essay, let’s break down its core elements:

• Critical Thinking . It challenges you to analyze and evaluate knowledge claims rather than accept them at face value.
• Reflection on Knowledge Issues . It means considering various viewpoints and understanding the complexities of knowledge.
• Connections to Real-Life Situations . The essay encourages you to relate theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world examples.
• Personal Insight . It’s not just about what others have said; your perspective is crucial in shaping your essay.
• Balanced Argumentation . You’re expected to consider counter-arguments and different perspectives, demonstrating a well-rounded understanding.
• Integration of AOKs and WOKs . The essay allows you to research different areas of knowledge (like mathematics, the arts, and sciences) and ways of knowing (such as emotion, reason, and language).

As such, every word you write needs to serve a purpose, either in advancing your argument, providing evidence, or reflecting on the nature of knowledge. That’s why the word count in a TOK essay is a guideline to help you make a concise, focused, and insightful exploration of knowledge.

TOK Essay Word Count Requirements

Adhering to the word count requirements for 2024/2025 is crucial when tackling the Theory of Knowledge essay in the IB program. From my extensive experience with IB essays, the word count is not just a formality but a fundamental aspect of your essay’s structure and effectiveness. So, the TOK essay typically comes with specific word count requirements.

In 2024/2025, this paper should be within a specific range of 1,200 to 1,600 words. It’s important to note that these limits are strict. Now, let’s outline several important points.

Why the Range Matters

Remember the TOK essay minimum word count of 1,200 and a maximum of 1,600. This range is set to balance depth with brevity. It challenges you to be thorough yet concise in exploring knowledge issues. A TOK essay is a skill test for articulating complex ideas within a constrained format.

Consequences of Not Meeting the Limits

Essays falling short of the minimum or exceeding the maximum word count are at a serious disadvantage. If your essay is too brief, it might indicate a lack of depth in your understanding or an inability to develop your ideas fully. On the other hand, an essay that surpasses the maximum word count can suggest a lack of precision and an inability to express ideas efficiently. Both scenarios can lead to loss of marks and, in severe cases, disqualification.

Precision in Expression

The word count limits compel you to prioritize your points, choose your words wisely, and structure your essay strategically. This precision in expression is a critical skill in academic writing. It’s not just about fitting into a numerical range; it’s about crafting your arguments and insights in a clear, direct, and impactful manner.

Planning Your Essay

Given these constraints, effective planning becomes crucial. Outlining your essay beforehand ensures you cover all necessary points within the word limit. In this planning stage, you decide which ideas are essential and which can be condensed or omitted for clarity and conciseness.

Quality Over Quantity

The focus should always be on the quality of your arguments rather than the quantity of your words. Each sentence should serve a clear purpose, whether introducing a concept, providing evidence, or drawing a conclusion.

TOK Essay Word Count for Each Section

a well-written Theory of Knowledge essay involves adhering to the overall word count and effectively distributing words across different sections. As an experienced IB writer, I recommend a strategic approach to ensure each part of your essay is concise, impactful, and aligned with the total word count of 1,200 to 1,600 words. Here’s a breakdown that can guide you:

• Introduction (Approx. 150-200 words) . Your introduction should be concise, setting the stage for your essay. It should introduce the topic, outline your central thesis or knowledge question, and briefly state how you intend to research it.
• Body Paragraphs (Approx. 800-1000 words) . The body is where you dig into your analysis and arguments. This section should be the longest, giving you space to consider different perspectives, linking to areas of knowledge and ways of knowing, and providing examples. Aim for around 200-250 words each if you have four body paragraphs.
• Conclusion (Approx. 150-200 words) . In your conclusion, briefly summarize your main points and restate your thesis in light of the arguments you’ve made. This section should tie everything together and reflect on the implications of your findings.

Within each section, be mindful of how you allocate words. It’s crucial to balance providing clear explanations, presenting examples, and offering analysis and insights. Avoid over-elaborating examples at the expense of analysis. While this breakdown provides a guideline, remember there’s flexibility.

Some essays may require a more extended introduction to set up a complex thesis, while others might need more words in the body for in-depth analysis. Always prioritize clarity and depth over strictly adhering to a per-section word limit.

As you write, keep an eye on your word count. It ensures you evenly distribute words across sections and stay within the overall limit. After completing your draft, revisit each section. Trim any excess words, ensure each section contributes effectively to your argument, and adhere to the word count.

Need help with your IB TOK essay?

From research and analysis to structuring and editing, our skilled mentors will be by your side, helping you write an exceptional TOK essay that meets the word count and stringent IB criteria.

Strategies for Managing TOK Essay Word Count

Managing the word count in your Theory of Knowledge essay is a critical skill that requires strategic planning and thoughtful writing. I want to share some practical strategies to help you stay within the word limit while ensuring your essay is rich in content and insight.

1. Begin with a Detailed Outline

Before you start writing, create a comprehensive outline. This map should include your main points, supporting arguments, and examples. An outline helps you stay on track and prevents you from deviating into less relevant content.

2. Prioritize Key Points

Focus on the most significant aspects of your topic. In TOK essays, depth is more valuable than breadth. Concentrate on a few key ideas and research them thoroughly rather than trying to cover too many points superficially.

3. Be Concise and Direct

Practice writing clearly and concisely. Avoid lengthy introductions and conclusions; get straight to the point. Use simple language and short sentences. This approach not only helps in managing the word count but also makes your essay more understandable.

4. Edit Ruthlessly

After drafting, revise your essay meticulously. Look for redundant phrases, unnecessary words, and repetitive arguments. Be critical and cut out anything that does not contribute directly to your thesis or argument.

5. Use Word Count Tools Wisely

Regularly check your word count using tools available in most word processors. This habit will keep you aware of your word usage and alert you if you need to adjust.

6. Seek Feedback

Sometimes, it’s hard to judge your work. Ask teachers, peers, or mentors to review your essay. They can offer valuable insights on where you can condense or expand your thoughts. This way, you can write a top-scoring essay on any title.

7. Balance Examples and Analysis

While examples are essential in illustrating your points, they should not overshadow your analysis. Ensure that your examples are succinct and directly relevant to your argument.

8. Practice Writing to a Word Limit

Like any skill, writing to a specific word count improves with practice. Try writing short essays or paragraphs on various topics to express your ideas within a set word limit.

The Bottom Line

By focusing on clarity and precision, you will ensure that every word you write serves a purpose in advancing your argument or clarifying your point. As you apply these insights to your TOK essay, you will likely find that your writing becomes more focused, persuasive, and engaging. It’s not just about meeting a word limit. It’s about expressing your thoughts in a way that resonates with your readers. Also, if you need help with your TOK essay, our team of experts at EEW Service is always ready to assist you.

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 Essay Extenders: Maximize Your Word Count

Understanding the Purpose of Essay Extenders

Essay extenders are valuable tools that can help students, writers, and academic professionals meet word count requirements without compromising the quality of their work. These extenders serve the purpose of expanding the content of an essay, allowing for a more comprehensive exploration of ideas and arguments.

Meeting word count requirements is crucial in academic writing as it demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic and provides ample evidence to support claims. However, many individuals struggle to reach these requirements, resulting in incomplete or insufficient essays.

This is where essay extenders come into play. They enable writers to maximize their word count by providing additional information, examples, and analysis. By utilizing these extenders effectively, writers can enhance their essays with more depth and complexity while maintaining clarity and coherence .

In the following sections, we will explore various techniques for extending your essay effectively and provide tips on using essay extenders without compromising quality. Let's dive in!

Techniques for Effective Essay Extension

When it comes to extending your essay effectively, there are several techniques you can employ. These techniques not only help you meet the word count requirements but also enhance the overall quality of your writing. Let's explore two key strategies: utilizing transitional phrases and words , and expanding on supporting evidence .

1. Utilizing Transitional Phrases and Words

Transitional phrases and words play a crucial role in expanding ideas within your essay. They act as bridges between different paragraphs or sections, allowing for a smooth flow of thoughts and arguments. By incorporating these transitions, you can elaborate on your points and provide additional context.

For instance, phrases like "in addition," "furthermore," and "moreover" can be used to introduce new supporting information or examples. Similarly, words such as "similarly," "likewise," and "comparatively" help draw connections between different ideas or concepts.

To use transitional phrases and words effectively, consider the following tips:

Use them sparingly: While transitions are valuable tools, overusing them can make your writing appear repetitive or forced. Use them strategically where they add value.

Choose appropriate transitions: Select transitions that accurately convey the relationship between ideas. Ensure they fit naturally within the context of your essay.

Maintain coherence: Transitions should contribute to the overall coherence of your essay by guiding readers through your thought process smoothly.

2. Expanding on Supporting Evidence

Providing sufficient evidence is essential for building strong arguments in an essay. To extend your essay effectively, focus on expanding on the supporting evidence you present.

Start by ensuring that you have included enough evidence to support each claim or point you make in your essay. If necessary, conduct further research to find additional sources or examples that strengthen your arguments.

Once you have gathered enough evidence, expand on it by providing detailed explanations, analysis, or relevant anecdotes. This will not only add depth to your essay but also demonstrate a thorough understanding of the topic.

While expanding on supporting evidence, it is crucial to maintain clarity and coherence. Make sure that each piece of evidence directly relates to your main argument and contributes to the overall flow of your essay. Avoid tangents or unrelated information that may confuse or distract your readers.

By utilizing transitional phrases and words effectively and expanding on supporting evidence, you can extend your essay in a meaningful way while maintaining its quality. In the next section, we will explore additional tips for using essay extenders without compromising the clarity and conciseness of your writing.

Tips for Using Essay Extenders Effectively

Using essay extenders effectively requires careful consideration to maintain the quality and coherence of your writing. Here are two key tips to help you make the most out of these tools: avoiding filler words and phrases, and adding relevant examples and case studies.

1. Avoiding Filler Words and Phrases

Filler words and phrases can unnecessarily inflate your essay without adding any meaningful content. They not only waste valuable word count but also dilute the clarity and conciseness of your writing. To use essay extenders effectively, it's important to identify and eliminate these unnecessary elements.

Start by reviewing your essay for words or phrases that do not contribute to the overall message or argument. Common examples of filler words include "very," "really," "basically," and "in my opinion." These words often add little value and can be removed without affecting the meaning of your sentences.

Additionally, watch out for redundant phrases or repetitive statements that can be condensed or eliminated. For example, instead of saying "I personally believe," simply state "I believe."

By eliminating filler words and phrases, you can ensure that every word in your essay serves a purpose, allowing you to focus on expanding substantive content.

2. Adding Relevant Examples and Case Studies

One effective way to extend your essay while maintaining its quality is by incorporating relevant examples and case studies. These provide concrete evidence to support your arguments, making them more persuasive and compelling.

When selecting examples or case studies, ensure they directly relate to the topic at hand. Look for real-life scenarios, research findings, historical events, or personal anecdotes that illustrate key points or demonstrate the validity of your claims.

To find relevant examples, consider conducting additional research in reputable sources such as academic journals, books, or credible websites. Make sure the examples align with the overall argument of your essay and contribute to its coherence.

When incorporating examples and case studies, provide sufficient context and analysis to help your readers understand their significance. Explain how each example supports your main argument and strengthens your overall position.

Remember, the goal is not simply to add more content but to enhance the quality and persuasiveness of your essay. By avoiding filler words and phrases and incorporating relevant examples and case studies, you can effectively extend your essay while maintaining its clarity and coherence.

In the next section, we will explore how to maximize word count without compromising the quality of your writing.

Maximizing Word Count without Compromising Quality

When it comes to extending your essay, it's crucial to strike a balance between meeting word count requirements and maintaining the quality of your writing. While essay extenders can help you reach the desired length, it's important not to sacrifice clarity and coherence in the process.

To ensure that your extended essay remains of high quality, be sure to revise and edit your work thoroughly. This includes checking for grammar and spelling errors, refining your arguments, and ensuring a logical flow of ideas.

Additionally, pay attention to the overall coherence and cohesion of your essay. Each paragraph should contribute to the central thesis, and transitions should guide readers smoothly through your thoughts.

By following these tips and techniques throughout the writing process, you can maximize your word count without compromising the quality of your essay. Happy writing!

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