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DP core ยท Extended Essay

Learn how to turn a question into sustained research.

The Extended Essay is an independent, formally presented research project. It develops the habits needed to investigate, argue, reference and reflect with academic integrity.

4,000maximum words in the essay, according to the IB overview
The point of the EE

It is a research process, not just a long assignment.

You will define a focused question, select appropriate methods and sources, build an evidence-based line of reasoning, and reflect on decisions made along the way. A supervisor guides the process, but the thinking and project management remain yours.

A promising question

Focused and researchable

  • Fits an approved subject framework
  • Can be investigated with available evidence
  • Invites analysis rather than simple description
  • Is realistic within the time and word limit
A sustainable process

Document decisions early

  • Keep a working bibliography from day one
  • Record search terms, methods and source judgments
  • Separate notes, paraphrases and direct quotations
  • Plan backwards from XWA milestones
A practical workflow

Move through the project in deliberate stages.

Your actual deadlines and required reflection points come from XWA. Use this sequence to understand what each stage is trying to achieve.

  1. Explore an areaRead broadly enough to see what is interesting, contested and feasible.
  2. Shape the research questionNarrow the topic until the question is clear, analytical and manageable.
  3. Plan method and sourcesDecide what evidence is needed and how its quality will be judged.
  4. Draft an argumentOrganise claims around evidence; revise the logic, not only the wording.
  5. Reference and reflectComplete citations, review academic integrity and explain how your thinking developed.