Learn how to write an extended essay correctly

This helpful article will provide all the necessary information to show you how to write an extended essay without mistakes. You will learn about an EE length, how it can be used, and what steps must be taken to get things done. You shall learn what must be included to ensure nothing is missed. While an extended essay can take many forms and subjects, we will provide helpful tips and a checklist.

What is an extended essay? 

Before you learn how to write an extended essay, it is crucial to understand what kind of academic writing it represents. As the title implies, it is an essay you have to write on a chosen research topic. Nowadays, most students tend to choose ideas that can be extended and brainstormed. History, Sociology, and Literature are some of the most popular EE topics. Apparently, the presence of your research and a reflection sets an extended essay apart.

As you learn what an EE is, you must take a closer look at what you know well. You have to do a deeper kind of research, focusing on those parts that have not been researched before (if possible).

The EE length aspect 

You must provide at least 4,000 words in your extended essay paper if there is one finite aspect. Keeping within this word count is recommended because you must provide an independent piece. It must be self-directed and structured correctly, as you will learn a bit. Many students start with an extended essay rubric that speaks of an upper limit and often exceeds the 4,000 mark. What must be noted is that examiners and college professors are always told to avoid reading and examining words beyond the specified limitation. 

The most popular extended essay areas

Another factor in learning about what is an extended essay implies understanding the purpose and the academic environment where an extended essay can be met. If you are a student who would like to undertake specific research and showcase one's skills and reflection, writing this piece is a good idea. Some of the most popular subjects include:

  • English Literature and AP Lang Essay Assessment;
  • History and Anthropology;
  • Business Management and Economics;
  • Geography and Geology;
  • Global Politics;
  • Philosophy and Psychology;
  • Social Sciences and Religion. 

If you are stuck with certain ideas and do not know what to choose, you can look at extended essay ideas to help you overcome the creative block. We know how to help you out with anything, so feel free to take a look before you create an extended outline example! Once you are set on something you can support with good sources, you must submit your research objectives and discuss them with your academic advisor.

The structure of an extended essay 

One of the most important parts is learning about how to structure and what parts must be included. It will help you stay within an extended essay length and the obligatory structure aspects.

  1. A research question that you must include in your introduction.
  2. A cover page with the information that helps to identify you.
  3. A table of contents.
  4. An introduction that talks about your subject and research objectives.
  5. The main body parts are where you discuss your subject’s arguments. The style is similar to writing an explanatory essay, in which you start by explaining things.
  6. A strong conclusion that restates your thesis.
  7. A bibliography is done according to the formatting specified in your extended essay guide or instructions from your academic advisor.

Your research must include at least three reflections in its beginning, middle, and final parts to be balanced. For example, your introduction should be at least two to three pages long and include an outline.

How do you structure EE arguments?

Speaking of structuring your arguments, you must provide information based on your most important data (from strong to weak) or according to some chronology (or done alphabetically). If you are unsure about what must be done and how exactly, you can look at extended essay subjects and see what is most popular or what ideas can be narrowed down. It helps to avoid confusion and having your ideas scattered all over the place. If you are unsure about structuring, talk about it with your academic advisor.

The steps you must take to write an extended essay

Before starting your writing, you must closely examine your instructions and the limitations. If you have the freedom to choose your subject, you should start with what you really know well. It will help you to sort data and collect relevant resources.

Step 1: Always start with your extended essay requirements. It will help you to narrow things down and take notes to use further in your writing.

Step 2: Define your subject and draft your research outline. Submit up to three ideas to determine the best one.

Step 3: Create your writing timeline. This is one of the most important parts you must consider because meeting the deadlines for each part is essential. If you need to include an interview essay, you should manage your time correctly and follow the same formatting.

Step 4: Work on your research sources and sort them first. Trustworthy sources and reliable resources must be present, as your purpose is to showcase the analysis and synthesis of already existing information.

Step 5: Plan your structure and create an outline. It is usually based on a specified extended essay format and limitations.

Step 6: Evaluate your thesis statement and objectives. It can be created at the beginning or adjusted at the end when your extended research is complete. Remember that a thesis can be more than one sentence long, so use an explanatory part. The main purpose is to explain things well!

Step 7: Conduct primary and secondary research. As a rule, it will depend on your subject. Primary research is often more beneficial as you can use personal interviews or data you collected independently. The sample data and the list of equipment used must also be outlined.

Step 8: Outline several theories. You should include at least three theories. The golden rule is to dedicate a separate paragraph to each theory. You must follow a logical rationale, which means a theory you started within the topic sentence must be followed by an example. If unsure, use this pattern: “An introduction ─ thesis ─ explanatory ─ example ─ analysis” style.

Step 9: Provide analysis and editing. This is where you do most of the editing and proofreading work. It has to be clear and provide a logical flow. Think about your work as working with an evaluation essay where you consider how accessible your writing is! As you extend your research, you must not make it overly complex!

Step 10: Consider using appropriate terms based on your course. Also, consider your cover page and the accuracy of your personal names. These parts are often ignored, so proper editing is necessary. Even when you are done editing and proofreading, double-check these aspects!

Helpful tip: When you write an extended essay, you will be assigned a special supervisor to help you through your writing. An IB teacher will help you submit your first draft and provide sufficient information based on your chosen research. An IB extended essay guide should also be provided, usually including deadlines and information unique to your work.

How do you make your EE stand out?

When you have to provide extensive research, you must sit back and take your time to evaluate all of your objectives. The most important rule that you should start with is staying within an extended essay word count. Basically, you must think about these helpful tips to consider:

  • Choose one of the subjects you know really well or a subject where you must increase your academic credits. 
  • Choosing an interdisciplinary approach related to World Studies is always possible as it's one of the most flexible ideas.
  • The main purpose is to formulate an appropriate research question that can and should be discussed with an academic supervisor.
  • Provide sufficient personal exploration and critical analysis based on examples.
  • Remember to set your objectives as you work on an extended essay introduction part.
  • Communicate ideas with the bridging words as you develop your arguments.

Helpful tip: Remember to provide stellar grammar and proofreading that makes each aspect accessible and clear. When you need to revise an essay because of poor grammar, it is always better to do things right from the beginning!

Understand the evaluation of your EE

An average college professor will examine your ability to research a chosen subject. You may have to provide an oral presentation if you work with multiple subjects. You should explain your subject and showcase how it can be implemented. While understanding a certain theory is necessary, you must talk about examples and an implementation in real life.

While looking at various IB extended essay examples that can help you, studying your grading rubric is necessary because your work will remain unique. Since a part of a personal essay must be included, you should work on a classic structure and discuss things with an advisor. The only thing that will always remain the same is the presence of a bibliography and formatting. Each part of your EE is essential and will be evaluated by your college professor.

Are you feeling stuck with an extended essay? We’re glad to help!

Life in a baccalaureate is never easy; each task takes time and effort. If you feel stuck or exceeded the word count in your extended writing, we are ready to help you! No matter what subject you have chosen or are struggling with, it is possible to pay for essay online and avoid all stress. We are available 24/7 to provide timely delivery with a free plagiarism report. Since you must use many sources, the presence of 100% originality and double-checking helps you stay safe.

If you need immediate help, look no further and let us help you provide excellent extended essay examples that always stand out!

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