IB Extended Essay (EE): choosing a topic, research question and hitting the top band
How to write the IB Extended Essay (EE): choosing a subject and research question, the 4,000-word structure, the assessment criteria and the RPPF, plus how to reach an A grade.
The Extended Essay (EE) is a core component of the IB Diploma Programme: a 4,000-word independent research paper on a topic of the student's choice, supervised within one subject. Together with TOK it contributes up to 3 bonus points. More than that, the EE is the closest thing the IB offers to university-style research — which is why selective universities read it as a signal. This guide covers subject choice, the research question, the assessment criteria and how to reach the top band. For one-to-one help see IB Extended Essay tutoring.
Choosing the subject and topic
The EE is written in one DP subject (or in World Studies, an interdisciplinary route). Choose a subject you are strong in and genuinely interested in — you will live with it for months. Then narrow ruthlessly: a good EE topic is specific enough to answer in 4,000 words with real analysis, not a broad survey. "The chemistry of caffeine" is a topic; a research question turns it into an EE.
From topic to research question
The research question (RQ) is the single most important decision. A strong RQ is narrow, arguable and answerable with the evidence you can access. Compare "How does deforestation affect the environment?" (unanswerable in 4,000 words) with "To what extent did the 1960s land-reform policy affect smallholder yields in region X?" (focused, evidenced, arguable). The RQ should invite analysis, not description.
Structure and the RPPF
A typical EE runs: introduction (RQ and its worth) → body (argument built on evidence) → conclusion (answer, limitations, unresolved questions). Alongside the essay, students complete the Reflection on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF) — three reflections (up to 500 words) recording decisions and setbacks. The RPPF is marked and is where genuine engagement is demonstrated.
The assessment criteria (34 marks)
- Focus and method: a clear RQ and an appropriate methodology.
- Knowledge and understanding: subject-specific terminology used accurately.
- Critical thinking: analysis and evaluation, not summary — the heaviest-weighted area.
- Presentation: structure, referencing and formatting conventions.
- Engagement: reflection via the RPPF.
Reaching the A grade
- Nail the RQ early: most low grades trace back to a question that is too broad or purely descriptive.
- Argue, don't report: critical thinking is the largest criterion; every section should advance an argument.
- Start in the DP1 summer: the strongest essays are drafted before DP2's assessment crunch begins.
- Use the reflection sessions well: the RPPF rewards honest, specific reflection on decisions and dead ends.