IB Extended Essay Guide: Word Count, Topics & Examples

You’ve probably heard older IB participants talk about the IB Extended Essay like it’s a mountain you need to climb. The truth is, it is quite hard, but with the right preparation, it becomes a challenge you can handle confidently.

It’s a 4000-word independent research project where you explore a focused question in any IB subject, developing your thinking, writing and analytical skills along the way.

The EE is important because it lets you prove your independence and curiosity. When you approach it well, you strengthen your diploma score and build real confidence for university-level work.

Now, let’s walk through the entire process step by step so you can begin your EE with clarity and direction.

What Is the IB Extended Essay?

The IB Extended Essay is a 4,000-word independent research project completed as part of the Diploma Programme. 

It lets you investigate a focused question in one IB subject or an approved interdisciplinary pairing, giving you the chance to work as a researcher rather than complete a standard assignment.

As a core DP component, the EE is externally assessed and builds key academic skills. You learn to frame a strong question, explore a topic independently, evaluate evidence and present a clear, well-supported argument.

Alongside the EE, you also complete a 500-word Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF), which captures how your question evolved, how your ideas developed and what you learned from the process.

How the Extended Essay Fits Into the IB Diploma

The Extended Essay is one of the three components of the DP core, alongside Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Activity and Service.

It is externally assessed by IB examiners and graded from A to E. Your EE grade is then combined with your TOK grade to award up to three bonus points, which sit on top of your subject grades and contribute to the maximum IB Diploma score of 45 points. 

The EE and TOK work together because both require critical thinking, clear argumentation and reflection on how you build knowledge. CAS complements them by developing your initiative, balance and personal growth. 

Together, the three elements strengthen the academic and personal profile you present when completing the full IB Diploma.

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IB Extended Essay Requirements and Word Count

The IB Extended Essay is a formal research investigation of up to 4,000 words. You don’t need to reach the full limit, but most strong essays fall between 3,500 and 4,000 words, as this range allows you to answer your research question with depth and clarity. 

Only the main text of your essay counts toward the 4,000-word limit. This includes your introduction, body, conclusion and any quotations. Excluded items include the title page, contents page, citations, bibliography, appendices, maps, charts and diagrams.

Seeing 4,000 words on paper often makes the EE feel intimidating. The IB Extended Essay is hard, but selecting a topic you care about and using your 40 hours wisely turns it into a manageable project.

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How to Choose an IB Extended Essay Topic

Choose your Extended Essay topic by first selecting a subject you already study. If your interests span two areas, the interdisciplinary pathway may suit you. Once your subject is set, narrow your ideas into a focused research question. 

Here’s how to choose an IB Extended Essay topic in a practical, manageable way.

1. List specific areas that genuinely interest you. For example, in Biology you might be curious about plant growth, while in Economics you might be drawn to market behaviour.
2. Do a quick scan of sources before committing. Look at textbooks, journal summaries or reliable online resources to check whether your idea has enough material to investigate.
3. Spot a gap, pattern or debate. For example, in Economics, you might notice conflicting views on whether minimum wage increases reduce employment, or in Literature, you might see that critics disagree about a character’s role. These tensions often lead to strong research questions.
4. Check whether your idea allows analysis, not just description. A topic like “How photosynthesis works” is descriptive, but “How light intensity affects the rate of photosynthesis in X species” allows you to investigate, interpret and evaluate results.
5. Check feasibility early. Avoid topics that require unrealistic data, specialist labs or advanced technology. For example, “measuring microplastic concentration across multiple oceans” or “testing new drug compounds” are far beyond the EE scope. Choose something you can research safely and realistically within school resources.

IB Extended Essay Topic Examples (All Major IB Groups)

IB Extended Essay topics span literature, languages, sciences, maths and the social sciences. Choose a topic that fits the methods of your subject.

Studies in Language and Literature

• How effectively does Oscar Wilde critique social expectations in The Importance of Being Earnest?

Language Acquisition

• How has the use of Anglicisms in Spanish social media influenced teenage communication?

Individuals and Societies

• Economics: Does recent research on minimum wage challenge the neoclassical claim that wage increases reduce employment?

Sciences

• Biology: How does salinity affect the germination rate of mangrove seeds?

Mathematics

• To what extent can logistic growth models predict the spread of an invasive species in Region X?

The Arts

• Visual Arts: To what extent do Joni Brenner’s skull compositions express the cyclical nature of life and death?

For deeper preparation in Physics, Chemistry or other subjects, you can explore our IB resources to strengthen your subject understanding.

How to Write a Strong IB Extended Essay Research Question

A strong research question is focused and analytical, while a weak one is broad or descriptive. Strong questions lead to interpretation and argument, not simple explanation.

Here’s a practical comparison:

To refine your question, start with preliminary reading. Scan textbooks, academic summaries or reliable studies to see what research already exists and where the debates or gaps are. 

As you read, ask yourself:

• What feels unclear or contested?
• What small detail or pattern catches my attention?
• What could realistically be explored in 4,000 words?

If your question can be answered with a definition, it’s too simple. If it feels like a thesis-level project, narrow it down. 

A strong EE question should lead you toward analysis, not summary, and allow you to use evidence to build your own interpretation.

Researching for the Extended Essay (Step-by-Step)

Effective research is what turns a good Extended Essay idea into a strong, well-supported investigation. 

These five steps will help you gather reliable information and stay organised from the start.

1. Build your background understanding. Start with textbooks, class notes and reputable summaries to get a solid grasp of the key concepts. This helps you refine your focus before diving deeper.
2. Search credible academic sources. Use platforms like Google Scholar, JSTOR (if available), PubMed and university repositories to find peer-reviewed studies, reports and articles. Adjust your keywords as your question becomes more focused.
3. Organise your notes in one clear system. Create folders in Google Drive, OneNote or Notion to group notes by themes or arguments. Save PDFs, highlight key points and record page numbers for anything you might cite later.
4. Evaluate what you find. Check each source for credibility, relevance and bias. Prioritise well-supported research and avoid sources with unclear authorship or weak evidence.
5. Use AI tools to support your research efficiently. Tools like Elicit can help you discover relevant papers and summarise them, while Scite shows whether a study is supported or challenged by other research.

Structuring Your Extended Essay

A clear structure helps your argument flow logically and shows examiners you understand academic organisation. Here’s what each section should include.

• Introduction: Present your topic, explain its relevance and state your research question clearly.
• Methodology (if applicable): Describe how you gathered data or analysed sources, including any limitations.
• Body / Investigation: Present evidence and ideas in a logical order, linking each point to your research question.
• Analysis: Interpret your findings, evaluate patterns and explain what they mean for your argument.
• Conclusion: Answer your research question directly and summarise key insights without adding new information.
• Works Cited / Bibliography: List all sources in the correct citation style with consistent, complete formatting.

How to Write Each Section of the Extended Essay

Writing each section with intention helps you build a clear academic voice and a strong line of argument. 

The guidance below shows exactly what examiners expect and how you can meet those expectations confidently.

Introduction

Your introduction should set the context, explain why your topic matters and present your research question clearly. 

If appropriate, include a brief hypothesis to show the direction of your thinking. Finish with a short outline so the reader understands how your argument will unfold.

Method / Approach

Explain how you carried out your investigation.

For science-based subjects, maths, psychology or Individuals and Societies, outline the tools, data, models or procedures you used and briefly justify why they suit your question.

For text-based subjects, describe your analytical approach, such as close reading or comparative analysis. Keep it concise and relevant.

Body / Investigation

The body of your essay is where your argument develops. Organise your ideas logically, using clear paragraphs that each explore a single point supported by evidence. 

Use subject-appropriate thinking. For example:

• In sciences, analyse patterns and assess reliability
• In Individuals and Societies, evaluate perspectives and causal factors
• In literature, interpret language, symbolism and technique
• In Mathematics, justify models and assess accuracy

Conclusion

Answer your research question directly and summarise your key findings. Acknowledge any limitations and, if useful, suggest areas for further inquiry. 

A clear conclusion gives your essay a strong sense of completion.

Extended Essay Examples (What a Good EE Looks Like)

Strong Extended Essays show clear focus, disciplined research, thoughtful analysis and consistent academic presentation. 

Here are high-quality examples that illustrate what examiners reward.

Language and Literature Example (30/34)

Narrative Voice in Nabokov’s Lolita

This Extended Essay analysed how Humbert’s narration of the erotic vignettes shifts throughout Lolita and the effects these changes create.

Key features of the essay:

• Clear organisational structure shown in the table of contents on page 2, supporting a logical progression.
• A sharply focused research question on page 1 centred on narrative change and reader impact.
• Strong close reading examining tone, manipulation and narrative reliability with well-chosen quotations.
• A coherent argument that returns to the research question throughout, ending with a focused conclusion on page 15.

Chemistry Example (28/34)

Reaction Between Methyl Azide and Propyne With and Without Catalysts

This Chemistry EE investigated whether adding a homogeneous catalyst alters the reaction rate between methyl azide and propyne using computational chemistry.

Key features of the essay:

• A structured flow from theory to modelling shown in the table of contents on page 2.
• A clear research question on page 11 comparing catalysed and uncatalysed reaction pathways.
• Effective use of Density Functional Theory and Hartree-Fock calculations, supported by molecular diagrams and energy tables on pages 17–24.
• A conclusion on page 30 that answers the question directly and reflects on modelling limitations.

IB Extended Essay Assessment Criteria (Explained Simply)

Every Extended Essay is externally assessed by official IB examiners. Your work is marked out of 34 points, which is then converted into a final grade:

• A excellent
• B good
• C satisfactory
• D mediocre
• E elementary

Examiners assess your work using five criterias.

Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 marks)

Assesses how clearly you define your research question and how appropriate your method is.

To score well:

• Use a precise, focused research question
• Choose a method suited to your subject
• Show a brief justification for your approach

Common issues:

• Broad or simple questions
• Methods that do not match the subject
• Little explanation of source or data choices

Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)

Evaluates how well you understand your topic and use subject-specific concepts.

To score well:

• Use credible, relevant sources
• Explain key terms clearly
• Apply theories or concepts accurately

Common issues:

• Too many quotations
• Weak or non-academic sources
• Misused terminology

Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)

The most important criterion. It measures your analysis and the strength of your argument.

To score well:

• Build a logical line of argument
• Interpret evidence rather than describe it
• Address limitations or alternative viewpoints

Common issues:

• Descriptive writing
• Disconnected or inconsistent arguments
• Ignoring contradictory evidence

Criterion D: Presentation (4 marks)

Assesses organisation, formatting and academic conventions.

To score well:

• Use clear headings, labels and consistent formatting
• Apply one citation style throughout
• Include a complete bibliography

Common issues:

• Disorganised visuals
• Inconsistent units or citations
• Missing structural elements

Criterion E: Engagement (6 marks)

Assessed through your RPPF reflections, focusing on how thoughtfully you approached your research.

To score well:

• Reflect honestly on decisions and challenges
• Show how your thinking developed
• Explain why you chose your topic and method
  

Common issues:

• Describing actions instead of reflecting on them
• Vague comments with little insight
• Writing all reflections at once

Academic Integrity and Referencing for the EE

Academic integrity is central to the Extended Essay. You must show which ideas come from your research and which are your own. Anything you quote, paraphrase or use as evidence needs a clear citation.

Referencing expectations:

Choose a recognised citation style and use it consistently. Common options include:

• Harvard or APA for sciences and social sciences
• MLA for Language and Literature (in-text citations)
• Chicago for History (footnotes)

Your referencing should stay uniform throughout the essay and must include a full bibliography.

How to avoid plagiarism:

• Paraphrase in your own words and still cite the source
• Use quotations sparingly and integrate them into your argument
• Record citation details during research
• Label graphs, tables and images with source information

AI tools can support your understanding, but the ideas and wording in your EE must be entirely your own. Always check and cite the original sources, not the AI output.

Planning Your Extended Essay Timeline

A clear plan helps you use your 40 hours effectively. Here is a concise structure to guide your workflow:

1. Choose your subject and topic (2 hours): Explore interests, review subject expectations and confirm feasibility.
2. Develop your research question (3 hours): Narrow your topic, do light reading and refine a clear, focused question.
3. Conduct your research (15 hours): Gather sources, take organised notes and track citations as you go.
4. Create your outline (3 hours): Plan your structure, group evidence and map your line of argument.
5. Write your draft (10 hours): Produce a full draft focused on clarity, analysis and subject-appropriate methods.
6. Get feedback and revise (5 hours): Use supervisor feedback to strengthen your argument and improve organisation.
7. Final editing and presentation (2 hours): Polish wording, fix citations, format correctly and complete your RPPF reflections.

How Hard Is the IB Extended Essay? (Honest Breakdown)

Around 40 percent of IB participants say the Extended Essay is the most challenging part of the programme, largely because it requires sustained independent work. The difficulty often comes from broad topics, weak planning or rushed timing. 

But with a focused question, steady use of your 40 hours and support from your supervisor, the EE becomes demanding but very achievable.

Common Extended Essay Mistakes

Here are the mistakes students most often make, along with practical fixes you can apply immediately.

• Choosing a topic that is too broad: If you can explain your whole topic in one sentence, it is too big. Zoom in on one text, one variable, one time period or one case study.
• Writing descriptively instead of analytically: Ask yourself “So what?” after every piece of evidence. If you can’t explain why it matters, you’re describing, not analysing.
• Using a weak or unfocused research question: Test your question by trying to answer it in two sentences. If you can, it needs tightening. Make it specific enough that it demands interpretation.
• Having a disorganised structure: Create a simple outline before writing. Use headings for each section and one idea per paragraph so your argument flows clearly.
• Referencing inconsistently or incorrectly: Choose a citation style on day one. Use a tool like Zotero, Mendeley or even Google Docs’ citation feature to keep your references accurate and automatic.

Tips for Scoring High on the IB Extended Essay

These practical strategies help you meet key IB criteria and strengthen your overall argument.

• Show analytical depth. Interpret evidence, make connections and explain why your findings matter, not just what they show.
• Reference consistently. Choose one citation style and stick to it. Use tools like Zotero or Google Docs to stay organised.
• Use a clear structure. Plan your sections before writing. Keep paragraphs short and focused so your argument flows logically.
• Build a strong argument. Link every point back to your research question. Make your reasoning clear and well supported.
• Reflect with purpose. Use the RPPF to explain decisions, challenges and how your thinking developed.
• Present cleanly. Label graphs, format consistently and proofread carefully.

IB Extended Essay FAQs

What is the Extended Essay in IB?

It is a 4,000-word independent research project where you investigate a focused question in an IB subject.

Is it compulsory?

Yes. All full IB Diploma candidates must complete the Extended Essay to earn the diploma.

Is an IB Extended Essay hard?

It can be challenging, but with a focused topic and good planning, it’s completely manageable.

Does the EE have to be exactly 4000 words?

No. It must stay under 4,000 words, but strong essays typically fall between 3,500 and 4,000.

What is an example of an EE?

Examples include literary analysis, scientific investigations, economic evaluations or computational modelling, depending on your chosen subject.

Final Thoughts

The IB Extended Essay can feel daunting at first, but with clear planning and a focused question, it becomes a project you can manage step by step. 

Remember that the goal is not perfection, but purposeful exploration.

Approach your topic with confidence and curiosity. The skills you build here in independent thinking, analysis and academic writing will stay with you long after the IB.

Take your time, stay organised and use the support available to you. Each stage becomes easier when you break the work into small, steady steps.

If you want guided support, you can join our Online Research Programme, where you’ll be guided through a university-level piece of writing by an expert tutor, or explore more advice in our IB preparation blogs to strengthen your research skills and begin your EE with clarity.