Hello! I'm starting to plan my IB extended essay, and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. Can anyone share your experience, tips, or suggestions on how to choose a solid topic, develop an argument, and write an essay that stands out? I'd really appreciate any advice. Thanks!
Hello! The IB Extended Essay can be quite a challenge, but don't worry—I'm here to help with some advice on how to approach it successfully.
1. Choose a subject and topic that interest you: This is essential, as you'll be working on your Extended Essay for an extended period. Select a subject from one of your IB courses, and then choose a specific area within that subject that piques your curiosity. Make sure it's an area you can research extensively and has enough material available.
2. Consult your supervisor: Once you have a general topic idea, talk to your IB Extended Essay supervisor. They can provide valuable input, suggest refinements, and help you assess the feasibility of your chosen topic.
3. Conduct preliminary research: Before committing to a specific research question, gather preliminary information on your chosen topic. This research will help refine your question and determine if enough sources are available for thorough exploration.
4. Develop a research question: Your research question should be laser-focused. A well-formulated question guides your investigation and is crucial for a successful Extended Essay. Ensure your question lends itself to in-depth analysis and argument development.
5. Create an outline and timeline: Once you have your research question, outline your essay, breaking it down into sections such as introduction, main arguments, counterarguments, and conclusion. This structure will help you organize your research and thoughts efficiently. Additionally, create a realistic timeline that allocates adequate time for each stage of the project, including research, writing, editing, and meeting with your supervisor.
6. Conduct thorough research: Aim to use a variety of high-quality sources, such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites. Keep track of your sources and take detailed notes, as this will make referencing and citation easier later.
7. Develop strong arguments and counterarguments: As you research, build your argument based on evidence and analysis. Be sure to address counterarguments as well, demonstrating why your position is stronger or more valid.
8. Write clearly and concisely: Maintain a formal, academic tone, and ensure your essay is well-structured and logically organized. Focus on clarity and precision. Revisit your outline to ensure you're addressing your research question and providing evidence for your arguments.
9. Edit, revise, and proofread: Once you've completed your essay, set it aside for a short period, then return to it with fresh eyes. Edit for clarity, coherence, and conciseness, and ensure your arguments are supported with appropriate evidence. Eliminate any fluff, redundancies, or irrelevant content. Finally, proofread multiple times for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
10. Finalize your essay: Once you're satisfied with your revisions, prepare the final version of your essay. Don't forget to include an abstract, and ensure your citations and bibliography are complete and properly formatted.
Remember, starting early, seeking guidance, and staying organized will be crucial to the success of your IB Extended Essay. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.