How to Complete Your IB Extended Essay: A Step-by-Step Timeline [Free Template]

Did you know that 65% of IB students consider the Extended Essay (EE IB) their most challenging diploma requirement?

I’ve been there – staring at a blank document, wondering how to tackle this 4,000-word research paper. The good news? Breaking down this seemingly overwhelming task into manageable steps makes it much easier to handle.

Think about it: every successful IB graduate started exactly where you are now. They figured it out, and so will you. What makes the difference is having a clear roadmap and knowing exactly what to do at each stage.

That’s why I’ve created this practical guide with a free timeline template to help you navigate your Extended Essay journey. From choosing your topic to acing your final viva voce, we’ll cover everything you need to know to complete your EE successfully.

Ready to turn your Extended Essay from a source of stress into a showcase of your research skills? Let’s get started!

Understanding the IB Extended Essay Requirements

The Extended Essay (EE) forms a core pillar of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Before diving into the research process, understanding the foundational requirements will set you up for success.

What is the Extended Essay?

The Extended Essay is a mandatory, independently researched 4,000-word academic paper that all IB Diploma candidates must complete ^[1]. Unlike regular assignments, this is an in-depth study of a focused topic that showcases your ability to conduct research and present findings formally.

You’ll approach the EE through either:

• A subject-focused path (typically one of your six IB subjects)
• An interdisciplinary approach (combining two DP subjects)

What makes the EE particularly valuable is its emphasis on developing critical research skills. Under the guidance of a supervisor (an appropriately qualified teacher at your school), you’ll learn to formulate research questions, conduct independent research, and craft a coherent academic argument ^[2]. Furthermore, this experience provides practical preparation for undergraduate-level research, making it highly relevant for your future academic journey.

Word count and formatting guidelines

The word count requirement is strict—your essay must not exceed 4,000 words ^[3]. This limit includes your introduction, body, conclusion, and any quotations. However, several elements don’t count toward this total:

• The abstract (maximum 300 words)
• Contents page
• Maps, charts, diagrams, and tables
• Equations and calculations
• Citations and references
• Bibliography and appendices

For proper formatting, your essay should use:

• 12-point readable font (typically Calibri or Times New Roman)
• Double spacing throughout
• Page numbering (starting from the contents page)
• No identifying information (your name or school) on any page

Additionally, your essay must include a title page, contents page, introduction, body, conclusion, and references/bibliography ^[4]. The title should clearly indicate your essay’s focus without necessarily being phrased as a question ^[3].

Remember that examiners won’t read content beyond the 4,000-word limit ^[5]. Therefore, exceeding this count will negatively impact your assessment across all criteria.

How the EE contributes to your IB diploma

The Extended Essay is externally assessed by IB examiners using a scale from 0 to 34 points ^[2]. These points translate into bands ranging from A (excellent) to E (elementary).

What makes the EE particularly important is how it contributes to your overall diploma score. The Extended Essay is assessed alongside Theory of Knowledge (TOK), with a maximum of three points available based on your combined performance in both components ^[1].

This point contribution can be crucial for reaching your target IB score. Although the Extended Essay might seem challenging initially, its completion represents a significant achievement in your IB journey while providing valuable university preparation.

Throughout the process, you’ll have three mandatory reflection sessions with your supervisor, culminating in the final viva voce interview ^[2]. These reflections not only help guide your research but also contribute to your assessment through a 500-word reflective statement ^[1].

Planning Your Extended Essay Timeline

Creating a structured timeline is essential for completing your Extended Essay (EE IB) successfully. Most students spend approximately 40 hours on the entire extended essay process ^[6], making proper planning crucial for balancing this significant project with your other IB commitments.

Junior year planning (months 1-3)

The EE journey typically begins during the second term of your first IB year ^[7]. During these initial months, focus on these foundational steps:

1. Subject selection: Choose a subject that genuinely interests you and aligns with your academic strengths.
2. Supervisor assignment: Your school will match you with an appropriate supervisor, typically a teacher knowledgeable in your chosen subject area.
3. Topic exploration: Start identifying potential areas of interest and conduct preliminary research to determine viable topics.
4. Initial reflection session: After selecting your topic and drafting a research question, schedule your first formal reflection with your supervisor ^[7]. This reflection becomes part of your assessment and marks the official beginning of your EE process.

In many schools, deadlines during this phase include submitting an annotated bibliography with 4-8 sources and a preliminary research question ^[8]. These early organizational steps establish a solid foundation for the more intensive work ahead.

Summer break research period (months 4-6)

Summer vacation represents a critical window for making substantial progress without the pressure of regular classes ^[9]. To maximize this period:

• Set specific weekly goals rather than viewing the summer as one large block of time for writing ^[10]
• Create detailed plans for each EE section to make the task less overwhelming ^[11]
• Maintain consistent communication with your supervisor (establish this before summer begins) ^[9]
• Apply time management techniques like Pomodoro or time blocking to maintain steady progress ^[9]

Many students aim to complete a substantial portion (3,000-3,500 words) of their first draft during this period ^[12]. Nevertheless, balance is important—schedule regular breaks to prevent burnout during what should otherwise be a refreshing vacation ^[9].

Senior year completion (months 7-9)

Once senior year begins, the focus shifts to refinement and completion:

• Submit your complete draft (typically in September or October) ^[8]
• Meet with your supervisor to discuss necessary revisions
• Schedule your interim reflection session ^[7]
• Complete final edits based on supervisor feedback
• Submit your final essay (often in November or December, though some schools accept submissions until February) ^[13]
• Prepare for and complete your viva voce (final reflection meeting) ^[8]

Remember that schools have different submission deadlines—some require completion as early as November of senior year, while others accept submissions until February ^[13]. Consequently, check with your IB coordinator about your school’s specific timeline.

Free timeline template download

To help organize your Extended Essay journey, I’ve created a customizable timeline template that you can download below. This resource allows you to:

• Track personal deadlines alongside school requirements
• Visualize your progress through each phase of the EE
• Set reminders for key milestones
• Break down the 40-hour commitment into manageable segments

[Download the free Extended Essay timeline template here]

The template includes suggested weekly targets, helping you transform this seemingly enormous task into a series of achievable goals spanning across 9 months.

Choosing Your Topic and Research Question

Selecting the right topic and crafting a focused research question are the foundational elements of a successful Extended Essay (EE IB). According to IB guidance, the extended essay is “an independent, self-directed piece of research” ^[14], making these initial decisions particularly important for the entire research journey.

Subject area selection tips

The subject you choose should align with your genuine interests and academic strengths. Students who select subjects that match their academic strengths have a 40% better chance of reaching top assessment bands ^[7]. For most students, this process begins with subjects you’re already taking in your IB program.

When selecting your subject area, consider these factors:

• Your performance and analytical skills in different subjects
• Subjects where you excel in research methodology
• Topics that naturally spark your curiosity
• Potential alignment with your university aspirations

Although technically possible, writing in a subject you haven’t studied isn’t recommended, as it requires extra time learning fundamental concepts ^[15]. As the IB Extended Essay requires approximately 40 hours of work ^[16], choosing a familiar subject area maximizes your efficiency.

Narrowing down your topic

Once you’ve selected a subject, you need to identify a specific topic within that field. The IB emphasizes that “a well-crafted research question stands as the foundation of a successful extended essay” ^[7].

Firstly, conduct preliminary research to determine what information is available. This early exploration helps you:

• Discover what aspects of the topic genuinely interest you
• Identify gaps in existing research
• Assess whether sufficient sources exist for your investigation
• Determine the feasibility of your chosen direction

According to expert guidance, “before deciding on a topic you should do some preliminary research to see what information is out there” ^[17]. Aim to identify three potential topic areas before making your final decision.

Crafting an effective research question

Your research question transforms your focused topic into a specific inquiry that guides your entire essay. In essence, the research question “provides a path through which you can undertake achievable research” ^[18].

A strong research question must be:

• Clear – Easily understood and directs your research
• Focused – Specific enough for exploration within 4,000 words
• Arguable – Allows for analysis and reasoned argument development ^[7]

Avoid common pitfalls such as:

• Questions leading to simple yes/no responses
• Topics that are too broad or too descriptive instead of analytical
• Questions without consideration of available research sources ^[7]

For instance, instead of “What is the history of Chinese theater?” a better question would be “How does the legacy of Mei Lan Fang contribute to modern Jingju?” ^[18]

Remember that your research question will likely undergo several revisions as you progress through your preliminary research. Accordingly, consult with your supervisor to refine your question and ensure it meets IB requirements.

Working With Your EE Supervisor

Your relationship with your Extended Essay (EE IB) supervisor plays a vital role in the success of your research journey. The IB mandates three formal reflection sessions with your supervisor throughout the process, each serving a specific purpose in your EE development ^[19].

First reflection session guidelines

The initial reflection session occurs early in your EE process after you’ve developed preliminary ideas and completed background reading ^[19]. To prepare effectively:

• Create a clear outline of your research interests and initial findings
• Draft a working research question before the meeting
• Prepare to explain why your topic deserves investigation

During this first meeting, your supervisor will likely ask questions about your research question’s relevance, anticipated challenges, and initial information-gathering strategies ^[19]. Remember that supervisors are limited to spending only 3-5 hours with each student throughout the entire EE process ^[20], making preparation essential for maximizing this valuable guidance time.

Interim meeting preparation

The interim reflection session takes place after you’ve completed substantial research but before finishing your first full draft ^[2]. Prior to this crucial meeting:

• Send your supervisor work-in-progress materials you wish to discuss
• Evaluate the quality of your research question based on your findings
• Assess your research progress and identify any methodology issues
• Document challenges encountered and solutions implemented

This meeting primarily focuses on analyzing your developing argument’s strength and coherence ^[2]. By the session’s conclusion, both you and your supervisor should feel confident about your refined research question, viable argument structure, and sufficient source materials ^[21].

Final viva voce meeting tips

The viva voce is a mandatory 20-30 minute interview conducted after submitting your completed essay ^[22]. This celebratory session reflects on your entire EE journey ^[23]. To maximize its effectiveness:

• Review your essay thoroughly before the meeting
• Prepare to explain your conclusions and research surprises
• Reflect on both rewarding and challenging aspects of your process
• Consider what skills you’ve gained from the experience

Beyond reflection, the viva voce also confirms your work’s authenticity ^[24]. Your supervisor may ask specific questions about your research to verify your understanding of the content ^[22].

Throughout all three sessions, maintain proactive communication with your supervisor. Since the EE is fundamentally a student-led process ^[25], taking initiative in scheduling meetings and seeking guidance demonstrates the engagement that examiners look for in this crucial component of your IB diploma.

Research and Writing Process

After selecting your topic and establishing a relationship with your supervisor, the next phase of your EE IB journey involves thorough research and careful writing. This methodical process transforms your research question into a polished 4000-word essay.

Creating an annotated bibliography

An annotated bibliography serves as a structured record of your sources that goes beyond simple citations. For each source, include:

• Complete reference in your chosen citation style
• Concise summary of key ideas (100-200 words)
• Evaluation of the source’s credibility
• Notes on how it relates to your research question

Creating this document early helps you “track sources and organize materials” ^[26], making it easier to remember where you found important information. Additionally, the process forces you to think critically about each source’s reliability and relevance to your topic ^[27]. Maintaining this document as you research saves significant time during the writing phase.

Organizing your research findings

The research approach you choose must align with your subject area and research question. Different topics require different methodologies—some need laboratory experiments while others rely on literary analysis or historical document review ^[1].

For effective organization:

1. Categorize information into themes or arguments
2. Create a skeletal structure that will form your essay’s framework
3. Use digital tools like Zotero or physical notebooks organized by topic

This early organizational work ensures your essay development follows a logical path and prevents scattered research.

Drafting your 4000-word essay

When beginning your draft, focus on structure first. Your essay requires six essential elements:

• Title page (with research question and subject area)
• Contents page with clear numbering
• Introduction (300-450 words recommended)
• Body (presented as a reasoned argument)
• Conclusion
• References/bibliography

Start with your body paragraphs, presenting arguments in a logical order supported by evidence from your research. Each paragraph should clearly connect to your research question. Subsequently, draft your introduction, which should identify your research question, provide context, explain the significance of your investigation, and outline your methodology ^[3].

Editing and proofreading strategies

Effective editing requires multiple revision cycles. First, review your essay for content and structure—ensuring arguments flow logically and evidence supports your claims. Next, proofread for grammar, spelling, and style consistency.

As one expert advises, “mark it up like you were me… find grammar and spelling mistakes… cross out superfluous writing” ^[4]. Reading your essay aloud helps identify awkward phrasing or repeated information.

Specifically, check that:

• You haven’t exceeded the 4,000-word limit
• Citations are consistent and accurate
• Your argument remains focused on your research question

Remember that “a great essay is polished through revision” ^[28]. Seeking feedback from peers can provide fresh perspectives on your work.

Conclusion

Starting your Extended Essay might feel daunting, but following this structured approach makes the journey much easier. Through careful planning, thoughtful topic selection, and organized research, you can create an essay that showcases your academic abilities and research skills.

Remember that success comes from breaking down this 4000-word challenge into smaller, achievable steps. Each phase – from selecting your topic to completing your final viva voce – builds upon the previous one, helping you develop valuable skills for university and beyond.

As you work on your essay, stay focused on your research question and maintain regular communication with your supervisor. Their guidance, combined with proper time management and organized research, will help you craft a strong academic paper. Finalizing your EE? Get detailed feedback from IB tutors to perfect your paper!

The Extended Essay represents more than just a requirement – it’s an opportunity to explore a subject you’re passionate about while developing essential academic skills. Take it step by step, follow the timeline, and trust in your ability to create something meaningful. You’ve got this!

FAQs

Q1. What is the IB Extended Essay and why is it important?
The IB Extended Essay is a 4,000-word independent research paper that all IB Diploma candidates must complete. It’s important because it develops critical research skills, contributes to your overall IB score, and provides valuable preparation for university-level academic writing.

Q2. How long does it typically take to complete the Extended Essay?
Most students spend approximately 40 hours on the entire Extended Essay process, which usually spans over 9 months. This includes time for topic selection, research, writing, and revisions.

Q3. How should I choose my Extended Essay topic?
Choose a subject that aligns with your interests and academic strengths. Conduct preliminary research to identify specific topics within that subject, and then craft a focused research question that guides your investigation.

Q4. What role does the Extended Essay supervisor play?
Your supervisor guides you through the EE process, offering advice and feedback during three mandatory reflection sessions. They help refine your research question, discuss your progress, and conduct the final viva voce interview.

Q5. How is the Extended Essay assessed?
The Extended Essay is externally assessed by IB examiners on a scale from 0 to 34 points. These points are then combined with your Theory of Knowledge (TOK) score to contribute up to 3 points to your overall IB diploma score.

References

[1] – https://www.ibaceacademy.com/navigating-the-ib-extended-essay-methodology-a-guide/
[2] – https://sturgischarterschool.libguides.com/EEcriteria/InterimReflection
[3] – https://sturgischarterschool.libguides.com/c.php?g=893522&p=6425089
[4] – https://www.ibmastery.com/blog/how-to-make-your-good-extended-essay-great
[5] – https://aswarsaw.libguides.com/c.php?g=696290&p=5163888
[6] – https://libguides.westsoundacademy.org/ee/timeline
[7] – https://www.plusplustutors.com/how-to-master-the-ib-extended-essay-guide-topic-selection-and-structure/
[8] – https://campussuite-storage.s3.amazonaws.com/prod/1558602/90daf322-3937-11e9-b44f-0a33b25134a0/2538314/bf5c4bf2-97f1-11ed-ba1a-0e545d18e21d/file/IB 2024 Extended Essay Timeline.pdf
[9] – https://iblieve.org/progressing-with-your-ee-during-summer-break-group-4-subjects/
[10] – https://lanterna.com/blog/how-to-finish-your-extended-essay-over-summer/
[11] – https://lanterna.com/blog/ib-blogextended-essay-procrastination/
[12] – https://www.vhstigers.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=24353&type=u&pREC_ID=1555602
[13] – https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-guide-to-ib-extended-essay-tips-grading-guideline-and-sample-essays
[14] – https://www.ibo.org/programs/diploma-program/curriculum/dp-core/extended-essay/
[15] – https://www.clastify.com/blog/how-to-choose-an-extended-essay-topic
[16] – https://www.casieonline.org/post/the-ib-extended-essay-guide-topics-examples-and-grading/
[17] – https://oakham-rutland.libguides.com/ib-extended-essay/connect
[18] – https://cis.libguides.com/extendedessay/research_questions
[19] – https://sturgischarterschool.libguides.com/EEcriteria/InitialReflection
[20] – https://help.pamojaeducation.com/hc/en-us/articles/360058822831-IB-Extended-Essay-Responsibilities
[21] – https://huilieducation.libguides.com/EE/step7
[22] – https://sturgischarterschool.libguides.com/EEcriteria/VivaVoce
[23] – https://www.ibo.org/contentassets/71f2f66b529f48a8a61223070887373a/angela-riviere.pdf
[24] – https://www.themantic-education.com/ibpsych/2020/11/26/ee-supervisor-tips-the-viva-voce/
[25] – https://guide.fariaedu.com/extended-essay/your-ee-supervisor
[26] – https://buytokessay.com/blog/role-of-annotated-bibliographies-in-ee-writing/
[27] – https://ismanila.libguides.com/c.php?g=899545&p=6959663
[28] – https://www.ts-tutoring.com/blog/ib-extended-essay-guide