There's nothing more annoying than browsing through a 1200 page book looking for where that key quotation came from. Keep legible, consistent and accurate notes that include bibliographic information. However, some topics - mathematics among them - may require only 2,000 words to fully investigate them. 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. 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. In fact, keep in mind that 4,000 words is the maximum word count and not where you must get to. Some candidates will find their first drafts are in the 6,000 to 8,000 range, while others will reach about 2800-3500. 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.Įveryone wants to write a good Extended Essay, but just remember that it's really not as overwhelming as it sounds. 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.įind out if there are competitions or scholarship opportunities in which you can enter your essay. For instance, if you've nailed the process of writing labs, do a science investigation. You'll want to write about a topic or subject you're fairly familiar with.

They just want to see that you can work on and complete a big project. 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. However, you can make a very good essay, provided you allot yourself enough time to write about something you are interested in. 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.

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.

You can still get your diploma if you get a 'Mediocre' on one and an 'Elementary' on another. The point matrix is outlined in the 'Diploma Points Matrix for the Extended Essay and TOK' grid in the IBO form. 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. To get a diploma, you need to complete the TOK Essay and the Extended Essay.

Look over the guidelines and the explanations.

Many of them keep a record of every essay, mainly to ensure there is no plagiarism.

If the above example does not apply to you, perhaps ask your IB Coordinator for examples from students past.

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.

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.

Make sure that your focus is somewhat specific, or that you have a specific topic in mind (instead of just a general subject area).

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.

Many students are appalled at the sheer number of words that this task requires.

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. After doing all your research 4,000 words is nothing (your first draft could be 6,000-8,000 words).

Firstly, find a topic you're actually interested in, or you'll never work on it.

choosing a topic, formulating an outline, rough draft, final draft, etc).

Talk to your IB school supervisor, as it is his or her job to set internal school deadlines (i.e. 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.

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. It provides students with an opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic of interest to them. The Extended Essay (EE) is one of the requirements of the IB Diploma Programme.

Ib extended essay