How To Structure The IB Extended Essay

The IB Extended Essay (EE) is a core component of the IB Diploma Programme, and for many students, one of its most challenging aspects. At up to 4,000 words, it’s a formal, independent research project that can feel daunting without a clear plan.

That’s where structure makes all the difference. A well-organised essay helps you stay within the word limit, keeps your argument focused, and makes your work easier for examiners to follow.

In this guide, we’ll break down the recommended structure of the Extended Essay, explain what belongs in each section, and share practical tips for word count management and avoiding common mistakes.

Key Takeaways

• The IB Extended Essay is a compulsory research project of up to 4,000 words.

• A strong EE follows a clear structure: title page, contents page, introduction, body, conclusion, and bibliography.

• Aim for: 250–400 words in the introduction, 2,500–3,000 words in the body, and 250–400 words in the conclusion.

• Success comes from answering your research question directly, organising arguments logically, and using consistent referencing.

What Is the IB Extended Essay?

The Extended Essay (EE) is a mandatory part of the IB Diploma Programme core. It’s a piece of self-directed research, ending with a formal essay of up to 4,000 words.

Every Diploma student must complete the EE, but the topic is your choice, as long as it fits within an approved IB subject. Your work is shaped around a clear research question, which you explore in depth through analysis and argument.

As well as contributing up to 3 bonus points when combined with Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the EE develops skills that are essential for university: independent research, critical thinking, time management, and academic writing. The IB also provides subject briefs with guidance for each subject area, since expectations differ. For example, a science EE may include a hypothesis and data analysis, while a history EE is more essay-based.

Recommended IB Extended Essay Structure

While you have flexibility in how you write, most successful Extended Essays follow a clear structure. This makes it easier to plan your research, stay on track with the word count, and present your ideas in a way that examiners can follow.

Title Page

• Title of the essay.

• Research question.

• Subject area.

• Word count.

• Candidate details (your school will confirm the exact format).

Contents Page

• Lists all main sections with page numbers.

• Shows examiners that your essay is well-organised.

Introduction (Approx. 250–400 words)

• State your research question clearly.

• Provide background and context for your topic.

• Explain why the topic matters and its significance.

• Outline the scope of your essay (what you will and won’t cover).

• Briefly describe your approach or methodology.

Body / Main Argument (Approx. 2,500–3,000 words)

• Divide into logical sections or subsections.

• Use headings/subheadings if appropriate.

• Present your arguments and evidence clearly.

• Ensure that each part is linked back to your research question.

• Use consistent referencing throughout.

• Include analysis, not just description.

• For science EEs, this may look closer to a research paper (method, data, analysis). For humanities, it’s more like a structured essay with thematic sections.

Conclusion (Approx. 250–400 words)

• Directly answer the research question.

• Summarise your main findings concisely.

• Reflect on the limitations of your research.

• Suggest areas for further investigation.

References and Bibliography

• Use a consistent citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc. — as agreed with your school).

• Only include sources you actually cited in the essay.

• Check formatting carefully, as poor referencing costs marks.

Word Count Management Tips

The Extended Essay has a strict upper limit of 4,000 words. Examiners will stop reading beyond that, so it’s important to manage your word count carefully.

Here are some strategies to stay within the limit:

• Plan early: Divide your essay into sections with rough word allocations (e.g. 300 for the introduction, 2,800 for the body, 300 for the conclusion).

• Be concise: Avoid long descriptions or background information that doesn’t directly answer your research question.

• Prioritise analysis over description: Marks come from argument and evaluation, not just retelling facts.

• Cut repetition: If you’ve already explained something clearly, don’t restate it later.

• Check what counts: Footnotes, references, and the bibliography don’t count towards the 4,000-word limit. However, appendices usually aren’t marked, so don’t rely on them to extend your word count.

Keeping your focus on the research question is the best way to avoid wasted words and keep your essay sharp.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in EE Structure

Even strong essays can lose marks if the structure isn’t clear. Watch out for these common pitfalls:

• Writing a narrative instead of an argument: The EE is not a story or a timeline of events. Every section should help you build and support your answer to the research question.

• Forgetting to answer the research question: It’s easy to get lost in background detail. Keep linking your points back to the question.

• Weak or missing conclusion: Don’t just restate your introduction. A strong conclusion directly addresses the research question and explains why your findings are significant.

• Poor referencing: Inconsistent or incomplete citations can cost you marks and may even lead to academic honesty issues. Use one citation style and stick to it.

• Unbalanced sections: If your introduction or conclusion is too long, or if one part of your body takes up most of the word count, the essay can feel lopsided. Aim for balance.

Avoiding these mistakes helps your EE look professional, coherent, and examiner-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sections should the IB Extended Essay have?

There’s no fixed number, but most successful essays include: an introduction, 2–4 main body sections (with subsections if needed), a conclusion, and references. 

The key is that your structure should clearly guide the reader through your argument.

Do I need to include an abstract in the EE?

No. Abstracts were a requirement in the past, but since 2018 the IB no longer asks for them.

Focus instead on a strong introduction and conclusion.

How do I structure my EE differently for sciences vs humanities?

The structure depends on your subject area: science essays usually follow a research report style, while humanities essays are more thematic and argumentative.

• Sciences: Expect sections like hypothesis, method, results, and analysis, similar to a lab report. Evidence and data form the backbone of your argument.

• Humanities: Organised more like a traditional essay, with themes, case studies, or arguments developed across sections. The focus is on critical discussion of sources.

• Interdisciplinary subjects: These combine elements of both approaches but should still follow a clear progression and directly answer the research question.

Final Thoughts

Structuring your IB Extended Essay may seem overwhelming at first, but with a clear plan, it becomes far more manageable. Break the essay into sections, keep your research question at the centre, and focus on analysis over description.

Once you’re organised, you can enjoy the opportunity to explore a subject you’re genuinely interested in, building skills along the way that will serve you well at university and beyond.

For more support, explore Save My Exams’ full range of IB study guides and resources to help you stay confident and organised throughout your Extended Essay journey.

References:

Extended essay - International Baccalaureate® (opens in a new tab)

IB Extended essay - Subject Brief (opens in a new tab)