Step-by-step: The IB Extended Essay Process

Every IB student does it. Writing your Extended Essay is unavoidable. This doesn’t mean, however, that there aren’t a few bumps along the way. I find the process of writing an EE goes like this for most people:

1. Confidence

Starting strong is always a good position to be in. You’ve got your idea set. You’ve started your reading. What could possibly go wrong?

2. Satisfaction

You’ve got a plan. Okay it might be pretty basic for an Extended Essay, but at least it’s something to work from, eh?

3. Break time

You’ve been working on your Extended Essay for a few hours now. Definitely time to take a break. You’ll only be a few hours watching Netflix, right?

4. Start work on other IAs- managing your time effectively…

Okay, so it’s been a few weeks since you worked on your Extended Essay. It’s fine though, you’ve been doing other stuff. Those IA wouldn’t be writing themselves. Time management is a keep ingredient of being an IB student…

5. Speak to your friends about their EEs

They all seem pretty far ahead. Am I missing something? Is the Extended Essay deadline closer that you thought?

6. Check deadline

WHAT!?

7. Panic

8. Cry

It’s okay to. Honestly!

9. Write

The realisation dawns on you that the only way to solve this situation is to get writing!

10. And finally—Celebrate!

I promise you, the feeling of handing in your completed Extended Essay is worth it!