IB Extended Essay Guide: From Idea to Submission
Learn how to conquer the 4,000-word IB Extended Essay with this guide on research questions, structure, citations, and time management.
THE EXTENDED ESSAY ADVENTURE
Your guide to conquering the 4,000-word beast (without losing your mind)
THE VITAL STATS
4,000
Words Maximum
40
Hours Required
3
Points (with TOK)
WHERE DO THE 40 HOURS GO?
Pro Tip: Don't spend 39 hours researching and 1 hour writing. Balance is key!
CHOOSE YOUR FIGHTER
Pick a subject you actually like. You're stuck with it for a year!
Literature: Analyzing themes, imagery, or characters in depth.
Lang & Lit: How language shapes meaning in media, ads, or speeches.
Biology: Experiments! Enzyme activity, plant growth, or ecology.
THE RESEARCH QUESTION (RQ)
TOO BROAD: "I want to write about Biology."
JUST RIGHT: "How does temperature affect the catalase activity in yeast?"
DETECTIVE MODE: RESEARCH
PRIMARY SOURCES
Experiments (Bio), Surveys, Interviews, Analysis of specific texts (Lit).
SECONDARY SOURCES
Journal articles, academic books, reviews of literature. NOT Wikipedia.
THE SKELETON (STRUCTURE)
INTRODUCTION: Hook, Context, and your RQ.
BODY: Arguments, Evidence, Analysis. (Not just storytelling!)
CONCLUSION: Answer the RQ, limitations, unresolved questions.
DON'T STEAL, CITE!
Academic Honesty is non-negotiable.
Pick one style: MLA, APA, or Chicago. Stick to it.
Cite everything: Quotes, Images, and even Ideas.
THE RPPF & VIVA VOCE
It's about the journey, not just the destination.
First Reflection: The Idea
Interim: The Struggle
Viva Voce: The Victory Lap
NEXT STEPS
1. Brainstorm 3 topics that interest YOU.
2. Read the subject guide (Biology? Lit?).
3. Find a Supervisor this week.
WARNING: Do NOT wait until Year 2.
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