At TutorASAP, we understand that the International Baccalaureate (IB) is a demanding academic program that requires dedication, organization, and continuous support. Since 1997, we have been supporting students in this and other educational systems, helping them not only overcome academic challenges but also develop essential skills for university and professional success. One of the most significant and challenging components of the IB is the Extended Essay (EE), an independent research project that forms part of the program’s core.
The Extended Essay is a paper of up to 4,000 words that allows students to deeply explore a topic of personal interest within one of the IB subjects. This project not only develops research and academic writing skills but also serves as key preparation for the kind of work students will face at university. That’s why, at TutorASAP, we guide students through every phase of the EE, helping them tackle this challenge with confidence and achieve the best possible results.
For the Extended Essay to be clear, rigorous, and coherent, it’s essential to follow an organized structure that facilitates reading and evaluation by IB examiners. At TutorASAP, we recommend including the following key elements:
2. Table of Contents: A clear list of sections and subsections with corresponding page numbers.
3. Introduction: Presents the topic, research question, the significance of the study, and the chosen approach.
4. Main Body: Develops the analysis and argumentation, divided into logical sections, with references to sources and specific data.
5. Conclusion: Answers the research question based on the evidence provided and reflects on the implications or limitations of the study.
6. Bibliography: A complete and correctly formatted list of all sources consulted, following an academic citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
7. Appendices (optional): Additional material that adds value, such as graphs, interviews, or supplementary data.
Choosing the topic is one of the first and most important steps. Here are some examples of successful Extended Essay topics, categorized by subject:
Literature 🡪 “An Analysis of Symbolism in Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ and Its Impact on Modern Interpretation.”
Biology 🡪 “The Effect of Different pH Levels on the Growth Rate of Soil Bacteria.”
History 🡪 “The Influence of the Industrial Revolution on the Development of the Labor Movement in the United Kingdom.”
Economics 🡪 “The Impact of European Monetary Policy on Economic Recovery After the Financial Crisis.”
Mathematics 🡪 “Application of Fractal Models in Predicting Local Weather Patterns.”
Remember, it’s important for the Extended Essay topic to be specific enough to allow for in-depth analysis, while also offering sufficient material for research.
With over two decades of experience, we offer key advice to help IB students succeed in their Extended Essay:
Plan Ahead: Don’t leave it to the last minute. Break the work into research and writing phases.
Choose the Right Supervisor: We’ll assign you a tutor who’s an expert in your subject area.
Clear Research Question: Ensure it’s specific, focused, and allows for critical analysis.
Use Reliable Sources: Combine primary and secondary sources, and cite them correctly to avoid plagiarism.
Revise Thoroughly: Edit multiple times, ideally with external feedback, to improve clarity and accuracy.
Stay Academic: Base arguments on evidence, not unsupported personal opinions.
Mind the Presentation: Follow all formatting rules—margins, font, and document structure matter.
The Extended Essay is a demanding academic challenge, but an incredibly enriching experience for IB students. At TutorASAP, we support students every step of the way—from choosing the topic to submitting the final draft—with personalized tutoring that helps them learn how to research, stay organized, and write with rigor and confidence. This project not only contributes to earning the Diploma but also prepares students for university-level work, where these skills are essential. At our academy, we’re ready to guide you and help you achieve your academic goals!
