How to Master Your Extended Essay Format: An Expert-Backed Final Draft Guide

Did you know that formatting errors account for up to 20% of grade deductions in extended essays?

Whether you’re staring at a blank document or finalizing your draft, getting the extended essay format right can feel overwhelming. I’ve seen countless students spend hours perfecting their research and writing, only to lose precious points on technical formatting requirements.

However, mastering the correct format isn’t as complicated as it might seem. In fact, with the right guidance and tools, you can set up your document perfectly from the start – saving time and avoiding last-minute formatting stress.

I’ll walk you through every step of formatting your extended essay, from setting up your document to checking for common mistakes. Ready to turn your draft into a properly formatted final submission? Let’s get started!

Understand the Required Structure

The foundation of a successful extended essay lies in understanding its required structure. Following the IB’s specific guidelines ensures your ideas are presented logically and meets all assessment criteria.

Title page, contents, and section order

Every extended essay must include six required elements in a specific order ^[1]. These elements help organize your argument and make the best use of your evidence:

1. Title page – Must only include your essay title, research question, subject (including category for language essays or theme and subjects for world studies), and word count ^[2]
2. Contents page – Required at the beginning with all pages numbered ^[1]
3. Introduction – Tells readers what to expect in your essay ^[3]
4. Body of the essay – The bulk of your work (typically 8-18 pages) presenting your research, analysis, discussion, and evaluation ^[4]
5. Conclusion – Summarizes what has been achieved, including notes on limitations ^[3]
6. References and bibliography – Documents your sources properly ^[3]

For the title page, remember that your name and school should never appear on it or any page headers ^[1]. This ensures anonymous assessment of your work.

Additionally, your contents page must appear at the beginning of your essay, with all pages properly numbered ^[2]. Unlike other academic papers, an index page is not required for an extended essay and will be treated as if not present if included ^[1].

What counts toward the word limit

The maximum length for all extended essays is 4,000 words ^[1]. This is a strict limit – examiners are instructed not to read or assess any material beyond this count ^[2]. Because assessment criteria are applied holistically, exceeding the word limit will negatively impact your score across all criteria.

These elements are included in the word count:

• The introduction
• The main body of text
• The conclusion
• All quotations
• Citations within the text (may vary by subject – consult your supervisor) ^[5]

These elements are not included in the word count:

• Contents page
• Maps, charts, diagrams, annotated illustrations
• Tables
• Equations, formulas, and calculations
• Footnotes/endnotes that are not references
• Citations/references (whether parenthetical, numbered, footnotes or endnotes)
• Bibliography
• Acknowledgments ^[5][1]

Understanding these word count inclusions helps you allocate your writing efforts efficiently. Focus your word allowance on the elements that count—your analysis, arguments, and critical thinking—rather than on supplementary material that supports but doesn’t directly contribute to your word limit ^[5].

When planning your essay structure, remember that a clear framework helps organize your arguments and make the best use of your evidence ^[3]. Each section should flow logically to the next, creating a coherent whole that effectively answers your research question.

Set Up Your Document Correctly

Setting up your document correctly from the start saves countless hours of reformatting later. The International Baccalaureate has specific formatting requirements that must be followed for your extended essay to maintain a professional, academic appearance.

Font, spacing, and margins

Proper formatting begins with selecting the right font and layout settings. The IB requires all extended essays to use a 12-point, readable font throughout the entire document ^[6][2]. While multiple sources confirm this requirement, there are several acceptable font options:

• Times New Roman
• Arial (specifically recommended by some schools)
• Calibri

Your extended essay must be double-spaced throughout the entire document ^[6][2][7]. This spacing requirement applies to all sections, including the main text, references, and appendices.

For margins, maintain standard 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins on all sides of your document ^[2][8]. These consistent margins ensure your essay has a clean, professional look while providing examiners with space for notes during assessment.

Page numbering and headers

Proper page numbering is essential for navigation and reference. Page numbers should appear in the top right corner of each page ^[6]. Furthermore, page numbering should start on the Table of Contents page ^[2].

While convention suggests you don’t need page numbers on the title page and table of contents, the IB won’t penalize you if you include them ^[9]. Most importantly, ensure that the page numbers referenced in your table of contents accurately match those in your document.

Remember that no candidate name, school name, or supervisor name should appear on the title page or in any page headers ^[6][1]. This requirement ensures anonymous assessment of your work. Additionally, your document’s file size should not exceed 10 MB when submitted ^[7].

Using styles for headings

Using document styles for headings creates a professional appearance and maintains consistency throughout your essay. Most word processors offer built-in heading styles that can be customized to match IB requirements.

Initially, set up your document with a proper structure before writing your first draft. Create a document with the contents page and all main sections with appropriate headings ^[7]. This approach provides a framework that guides your writing process.

For emphasis in headings, use bold formatting rather than underlining or fancy fonts ^[9]. Capitalize your headings consistently—either all major words or just the first word, depending on your chosen citation style.

Using styles for headings offers several advantages:

1. Ensures consistent formatting throughout your document
2. Makes creating and updating your table of contents easier
3. Helps with document navigation as you write and edit
4. Creates a professional, polished appearance

Consequently, setting up the document correctly before writing saves time and creates a more coherent extended essay. The formatting requirements may seem technical, but they serve an important purpose—they make your essay readable for examiners and demonstrate your attention to detail.

Format Each Section Step by Step

Now let’s break down each essential section of your extended essay format with practical, step-by-step guidance.

How to format the title page

The title page serves as the first impression of your work, yet many students overcomplicate it. Your title page must contain only four elements:

1. Title of your essay
2. Research question (exactly as it appears in your introduction)
3. Subject (including category for language essays or theme and two subjects for world studies)
4. Word count

Remember that your name, school name, candidate number, or supervisor name must never appear on the title page or any page headers since essays are assessed anonymously. This maintains assessment fairness and objectivity.

For proper formatting, center these four elements on the page, using the same 12-point font as the rest of your document. The title should be bolded or in a slightly larger font to stand out, although this isn’t strictly required by IB guidelines.

Creating a clean table of contents

A well-structured table of contents appears immediately after your title page. All extended essays must include this element, and all pages must be numbered properly. Moreover, the page numbers listed must precisely match the actual locations in your document.

To create an effective table of contents:

• Label it clearly as “Table of Contents” or “Contents”
• Include all section headings and subheadings
• Align page numbers consistently
• Use the same font and spacing as the rest of your document

Most word processors can generate and update a table of contents automatically based on your heading styles, saving time and reducing errors.

Structuring the introduction and body

The introduction tells readers what to expect in your essay. Similarly, it should clearly state:

• Your research question (bolded for emphasis)
• The focus and scope of your research
• The sources and methods you used
• Your line of argument

First, write the bulk of your essay as a reasoned argument. Afterward, finalize your introduction to accurately reflect what your completed essay contains. This ensures consistency throughout your work.

For the body, present your research as a logical argument where readers can easily follow your reasoning. As your argument develops, clearly show:

• What relevant evidence you discovered
• Where and how you discovered it
• How it supports your argument

In some subjects, especially sciences, using subheadings within the body helps readers understand your argument structure. Ensure each section flows naturally into the next.

Formatting the conclusion and references

Your conclusion summarizes what you’ve achieved, including limitations and unresolved questions. Although you may draw conclusions throughout your essay, a final summative conclusion is essential. This conclusion must directly connect to your original research question.

For references, begin using your chosen citation style from the moment you start writing. This practice prevents forgetting citations and is much easier than adding them later. Your bibliography or references section:

• Must follow a consistent academic style (such as MLA, APA, or Chicago)
• Should include all sources cited in your essay
• Must be formatted according to your chosen style guide

Throughout all sections, maintain consistent formatting with the same font, spacing, and style choices to create a polished, professional appearance.

Use Tools to Save Time and Avoid Errors

Modern word processors offer powerful tools that make formatting your extended essay significantly easier. Instead of manually adjusting each element, let technology handle the technical aspects while you focus on content quality.

Using Word or Google Docs formatting features

Both Microsoft Word and Google Docs provide built-in features specifically designed to simplify document formatting:

• Templates: Start with an extended essay template to avoid setting up the document structure from scratch. Many schools provide these templates to ensure proper formatting from the beginning ^[3].
• Styles menu: Apply consistent formatting throughout your document using the Styles feature. Format headings using the styles menu rather than manually adjusting text—this creates proper document structure and enables automatic table of contents generation ^[4].
• Automatic page numbering: Set up page numbers once and let the software handle them throughout your document. For extended essays, you can configure page numbering to start from a specific page (typically after the title page) ^[4].
• Headers and footers: Create consistent headers without including your name or school information to maintain anonymity requirements ^[7].

First thing to remember is that proper use of these features creates a professional academic look that will aid readability for on-screen assessment by examiners ^[10].

How to insert citations and manage references

Start using your chosen citation style as soon as you begin writing—this practice prevents forgetting citations and saves significant time compared to adding them later ^[11]. In essence, this early implementation creates good academic habits and reduces opportunities for unintentional plagiarism.

Consider these time-saving options for citation management:

1. Citation tools: Use built-in citation features in Word or dedicated tools like NoodleTools to format citations correctly ^[12].
2. Cross-referencing: Ensure each citation in your text has a corresponding entry in your bibliography. Many citation tools automatically generate matching bibliographies from your in-text citations ^[2].
3. Reference checking: Use the document’s search function to verify all sources mentioned are properly cited. As one document notes, “The first thing an examiner looks at is your works cited page” ^[13].

Alongside these digital tools, remember that Google Docs offers real-time collaboration features that allow supervisors to provide immediate feedback on your formatting and citations ^[14]. Therefore, sharing your document with your supervisor can help catch formatting errors early.

Ultimately, mastering these tools transforms the extended essay formatting process from tedious to efficient, giving you more time to refine your content and arguments.

Check for Common Formatting Mistakes

Even the most meticulously researched extended essays can lose marks due to simple formatting errors. After completing your draft, conducting a thorough formatting check helps ensure your hard work receives the recognition it deserves.

Inconsistent fonts or spacing

Examinations of student work reveal that inconsistent formatting is among the most common errors in extended essays. Your entire document must maintain a 12-point readable font throughout – including headings, body text, and references ^[2]. Arial and Times New Roman are recommended options, but whichever font you choose, stick with it consistently ^[9].

Double-spacing is mandatory for the entire manuscript without exception ^[15]. This includes the main text, quotations, notes, and bibliography. Verify there are no sections with extra vertical spacing between paragraphs or subheadings, as this creates an unprofessional appearance.

Standard 1-inch (2.5 cm) margins must be maintained on all sides ^[2]. Inconsistent margins not only look untidy but also suggest carelessness in your approach.

Incorrect citation style

Perhaps the most critical formatting element is proper citation. Your reference style (MLA, APA, or Chicago) must be applied consistently throughout ^[2]. Notably, every source cited in your text must appear in your bibliography with matching spelling and capitalization ^[15].

Cross-reference your citations by checking that each reference in your essay corresponds to an entry in your bibliography ^[5]. Many students make the mistake of including sources in their bibliography that aren’t actually cited in the text – this indicates poor scholarship.

Missing page numbers or section labels

Every page of your extended essay must be numbered appropriately ^[9]. Typically, page numbering should start on the Table of Contents page ^[2]. Ensure the page numbers referenced in your contents page precisely match their actual location in the document ^[9].

Section labeling errors, such as forgetting to label your contents page as “Table of Contents,” can create confusion for examiners ^[2]. Additionally, all tables, charts, diagrams and illustrations must be clearly labeled ^[2].

Conclusion

Proper formatting stands as a crucial element of your extended essay success, directly impacting up to 20% of your final grade. Each formatting requirement serves a specific purpose – from maintaining academic standards to ensuring fair assessment through anonymity.

Most importantly, starting with the right document setup saves countless hours of last-minute reformatting stress. The correct font choice, proper spacing, and consistent citation style demonstrate your attention to detail and academic rigor. Therefore, following these formatting guidelines helps your ideas shine through without technical distractions.

Your extended essay represents significant research and analytical effort. Perfect your EE with expert review from IB ++tutors—get feedback today! A well-formatted essay not only meets assessment criteria but also presents your arguments clearly and professionally.

Remember to double-check your formatting before submission, paying special attention to page numbers, citations, and section labels. These small details make a big difference in how examiners perceive and evaluate your work. Through careful attention to formatting requirements and regular review, you’ll create an extended essay that stands out for all the right reasons.

FAQs

Q1. What are the key elements of an extended essay format?
An extended essay should include a title page, table of contents, introduction, body, conclusion, and references. The document must use a 12-point readable font, be double-spaced throughout, and maintain 1-inch margins on all sides.

Q2. How many words can an extended essay be?
The maximum word count for an extended essay is 4,000 words. This limit is strictly enforced, and examiners are instructed not to read or assess any material beyond this count.

Q3. What should be included on the title page of an extended essay?
The title page should only contain four elements: the essay title, research question, subject (including category for language essays or theme and subjects for world studies), and word count. Personal information like name or school should not appear.

Q4. How should citations and references be handled in an extended essay?
Citations and references should follow a consistent academic style (such as MLA, APA, or Chicago) throughout the essay. Every source cited in the text must have a corresponding entry in the bibliography, and vice versa.

Q5. What are some common formatting mistakes to avoid in an extended essay?
Common formatting errors include inconsistent fonts or spacing, incorrect citation style, and missing page numbers or section labels. It’s crucial to maintain consistency in formatting throughout the document and ensure all citations are properly formatted and correspond to the bibliography.

References

[1] – https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/high-schools/r-w/rmhs/ib/ee_student_guide_2021__1_.pdf
[2] – https://nist.libguides.com/c.php?g=951784&p=6903453
[3] – https://gss.sd42.libguides.com/c.php?g=720592&p=5150876
[4] – https://sites.google.com/a/gapps.uwcsea.edu.sg/dover-primary-ict/resources/extendedessaytemplates
[5] – https://www.ibo.org/contentassets/76d2b6d4731f44ff800d0d06d371a892/effective-citing-and-referencing-en.pdf
[6] – https://concordian-thailand.libguides.com/c.php?g=530178&p=3626648
[7] – https://sites.google.com/site/isbextendedessayhandbook/format-of-the-ee/writing-the-ee
[8] – https://www.plusplustutors.com/how-to-master-the-ib-extended-essay-guide-topic-selection-and-structure/
[9] – https://yorkschool.libguides.com/extendedessay/formatting
[10] – https://aswarsaw.libguides.com/c.php?g=696290&p=5163888
[11] – https://www.unis.org/uploaded/02_ACADEMICS/2014-15/Files_PDFs_(Academics)/IB_General_Files/Extended_Essay_Guide_abrev.pdf
[12] – https://sturgischarterschool.libguides.com/c.php?g=893522&p=7071170
[13] – https://cis.libguides.com/extendedessay/Citing
[14] – https://ajmccarthynz.wordpress.com/2010/10/22/extended-response-writing-using-google-docs/
[15] – https://www.pacifica.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/TenCommonFormattingErrors.pdf