How Long is The IB Extended Essay? - Writing Metier


The IB extended essay is the part of the IB program that many students find challenging. The fact that it holds very high weightage means that students spend a lot of time planning so that they can get it just right and can make it big. When we talk about the IB extended essay subjects, there are several subjects that you can choose from. But the choice depends entirely on what you want and what you think will work out for you best.


However, you can make a very good essay, provided you allot yourself enough time to write about something you are interested in. The IBO knows that you are between 16 and 18 years old and thus does not require a perfect essay or a groundbreaking new discovery. They just want to see that you can work on and complete a big project.

Everyone wants to write a good Extended Essay, but just remember that it's really not as overwhelming as it sounds. Some candidates will find their first drafts are in the 6,000 to 8,000 range, while others will reach about 2800-3500. In fact, keep in mind that 4,000 words is the word count and not where you must get to. While most essays have a word count in the 3,900 range, it is perfectly acceptable to submit an essay that is 3,500 words. While there is no actual minimum word count, you would probably want to write over 3,000 words, since a short essay might imply that the topic was not investigated thoroughly enough. However, some topics - mathematics among them - may require only 2,000 words to fully investigate them.

Extended Essay Word Count Guide | IB Essentials

Keep legible, consistent and accurate notes that include bibliographic information. There's nothing more annoying than browsing through a 1200 page book looking for where that key quotation came from. Cite your sources in a consistent manner (either in MLA or APA format, or some other recognized format). IBO is very strict with plagiarism, so remember that the text has to be your own and do not forget to make references. You will have to sign an IBO form certifying that your EE is your own, and has no unsourced material in it, before they will even read your essay. Failure to submit an Extended Essay will result in no diploma being awarded.

Although this is stated in the "General Requirements" for the Extended Essay, I feel it is necessary to repeat: if you are doing a paper in a subject not offered at your school, be very careful, if doing your paper in World Religions. You might want to either reconsider your choice of topic, or make sure you have several people with good credibility in that topic reading your paper. If you don't, especially in World Religions, you could end up offending your reader, and I promise you, you do not want to do that.

You can do your extended essay on any topic for which an IB class exists - i.e. something like Islamic History, which only about 100 candidates a year write about. However, you cannot do your extended essay in Theory of Knowledge, most pilot subjects and school-based syllabus subjects (check with your IB coordinator). Bear in mind that getting a good score in your extended essay, combined with your score for your Theory of Knowledge essay, may reward you with up to 3 bonus points. So aim high!

"three: The Ultimate Student's Guide to Acing the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge" by Alexander Zouev - a book full of tips and time savers for IB EE.


International Baccalaureate/Extended Essay Tips - Wikibooks

The IBO recommends that candidates spend approximately 40 hours in total on their extended essays, and if you put it off until that last weekend, your work won't be nearly as good as it can be. Talk to your IB school supervisor, as it is his or her job to set internal school deadlines (i.e. choosing a topic, formulating an outline, rough draft, final draft, etc).

Extended Essay: Advice (and Warnings) from the IB

My experience has shown that knowing the fundamentals of the word count for the extended essay is essential to your success. The IB EE wordcount requires accuracy; it’s not enough to satisfy the requirement; you must also build your case carefully within a set word constraint. This accuracy contributes to the continuity of depth and emphasis, making your extended essay thorough and concise.

What is in the word count for the extended essay (EE)

When it comes to writing an International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay (EE), one of the most critical aspects is understanding and managing the word count. The 4,000-word limit is more than just a guideline; it promotes academic discipline and precision. But why is this limit so crucial, and how can students navigate it effectively?

Understanding the Word Count for IB Extended Essay - ZuAI Blog

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the importance of word count in the EE, explore its distribution across sections, clarify what counts and what doesn’t, and offer tips on staying within the limit while maintaining the quality of your essay. Let’s ensure your EE meets the IB’s rigorous standards while showcasing your research and analytical skills effectively.

Understanding the Word Count for Extended Essay | A Students Guide

The word count of your Extended Essay serves as more than just a guideline—it’s a tool to shape and refine your argument. It ensures clarity, precision, and a balanced exploration of the topic. Understanding its importance will not only help you meet IB requirements but also equip you with essential academic skills. From maintaining focus to avoiding penalties, adhering to the word count is crucial for a successful essay.