Extended Essay at an IBO School: What are some tips to tackle it effectively?

As an IB student, I'm supposed to start working on my Extended Essay soon. I've heard it's really consuming and tough. Any wisdom on how to approach the research and what I should consider while selecting my topic? Like, what are the key characteristics of a feasible and scoring topic?

First off, you're right—writing an Extended Essay as part of your International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program can indeed be daunting. But fear not! Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:

1. Choose a topic you are truly passionate about: You'll be spending quite a bit of time on your Extended Essay, so it's crucial to choose a topic you are genuinely interested in, and even excited about. This will not only make the process more enjoyable but also give you extra motivation when it gets tough.

2. Scope wisely: Your topic should be specific enough to explore in depth but broad enough to write 4,000 words about it. Avoid broad categories that can't possibly be covered in one essay (like "World War II") or overly narrow topics that won't have enough information to fill the essay ("The impact of the pebble's shape on the velocity of the river current").

3. Research-focused: Remember, the Extended Essay isn't about summarizing existing knowledge but about conducting original research. This means you should choose a topic that is conducive to new insights and not just repeating what's already known.

4. Mind the data: Ensure your chosen topic has enough relevant and accessible sources or data for you to draw from. You can't write a quality research paper without solid evidence and data to back up your points.

5. Supervisor support: Consider the areas of expertise of your potential supervisors. Working with a supervisor who is familiar with your topic and can provide valuable insights is beneficial.

6. Balance: Choose a topic with a reasonable balance between being challenging and achievable. You want to stretch yourself academically but don't pick a topic so complex it becomes insurmountable.

7. Creating your research question: Your research question should be clear, focused, and manageable. It should set the frame for your investigation and guide your approach.

8. Plan, plan, plan: A detailed plan will be your best friend during your Extended Essay journey. Break down the overall task into smaller, manageable parts and assign deadlines for each. Remember to include time for drafting, revising, and perfecting your essay.

For instance, if you're passionate about English Literature, you might want to explore the narrative architecture in a specific novel, focusing on how the author uses time or space to contribute to the work's overall theme.

Remember to seek advice from your supervisor throughout the process. The Extended Essay is a long-term project, but with careful planning, a topic you love, and a bit of perseverance, it is manageable. Good luck!