A Simple Guide to the IB Extended Essay

Choose a subject you actually enjoy

You will spend months with this topic, so pick a subject and area you find genuinely interesting and where you can access reliable sources. Strong EEs are usually narrow and deep rather than broad and shallow.

Get the research question right

The single biggest predictor of a strong EE is a focused, answerable research question. It should be specific, analytical (not merely descriptive), and realistic to investigate within 4,000 words.

Test your question by asking whether it invites analysis and evaluation — if it can be answered with a simple fact, narrow it further.

Plan structure and manage your time

Work backwards from your school deadlines and build in time for drafts and reflection sessions with your supervisor. A clear structure — introduction, methodology where relevant, analysis, and conclusion — keeps you within the word count.

• Start early; the best EEs are not written the week before
• Keep a running bibliography from day one
• Use your supervisor meetings — they feed the reflection marks

Avoid the common pitfalls

The most frequent issues are a vague research question, description instead of analysis, weak source evaluation, and poor referencing. Each is fixable with early feedback.

Wadhwa Institute mentors guide students through topic selection, research questions, and drafts — within academic-integrity rules. Reach out for a free consultation if you'd like structured EE support.