Extended Essay,
from topic to
grade A.
The 4,000-word independent research essay that every IB Diploma student must complete — and the component that separates a good IB score from a great one. Our EE coaches have supervised 50+ Extended Essays across every subject and know exactly what examiners reward.
4,000-word independent research essay. Topic selection → research → drafting → final submission. Worth up to 3 bonus points via the TOK/EE matrix.
The EE is a 4,000-word university preview.
The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word independent research essay on a topic of the student's choice, within one of their IB subjects. It is assessed against 5 criteria: Focus & Method, Knowledge & Understanding, Critical Thinking, Presentation, and Engagement. A strong EE demonstrates university-level research skills — and earns up to 3 bonus points via the Core matrix.
Why the EE is the highest-leverage IB component
Unlike subject exams (which test breadth), the EE tests depth — the ability to ask a focused question, research it systematically, argue a position and evaluate limitations. Universities read Extended Essays as part of applications. An A-grade EE is one of the most powerful signals a student can send.
Our EE coaching model
We coach the EE as a 6–8 session programme running from DP1 through to the DP2 submission deadline. Session 1: topic exploration. Session 2: research question refinement. Session 3: methodology design. Sessions 4–5: draft review. Session 6: final polish. Sessions 7–8 (if needed): examiner-standard evaluation and Viva Voce preparation.
The full scope of our coaching.
We coach every phase of the Extended Essay — from the first idea to the final submission and Viva Voce reflection.
Topic Exploration
Brainstorming, feasibility assessment, subject alignment.
Research Question
Crafting a focused, arguable, subject-specific RQ.
Research Methodology
Primary vs secondary sources, referencing, ethical considerations.
Structure & Outline
Introduction, body sections, conclusion, bibliography planning.
First Draft Review
Full draft feedback against all 5 criteria, with track changes.
Final Draft & Polish
Language precision, argument tightening, format compliance.
Viva Voce Preparation
Reflection session preparation — the final assessment component.
All EE Subjects
Sciences, Humanities, Languages, Maths, Arts — we coach all.
Five criteria. One essay. Maximum 34 marks.
Understanding what each criterion rewards is essential for reaching grade A.
Focus & Method
Clear RQ, appropriate methodology, systematic approach.
Knowledge & Understanding
Demonstrates understanding of the subject context and existing scholarship.
Critical Thinking
Analysis, evaluation, argumentation and synthesis of evidence.
Presentation
Structure, layout, referencing and word count compliance.
Engagement
Reflections, intellectual initiative, personal voice.
Why students lose marks here.
The three traps we see most often — every one is fixable with focused coaching.
Topic too broad
The single biggest EE failure. "Causes of climate change" cannot be answered in 4,000 words. "To what extent has mangrove restoration in Can Gio reduced coastal erosion since 2010?" can. We narrow the topic in session 1.
Descriptive not analytical
Students who describe research findings without analysing them cap at grade C on Criterion C (12 marks). We teach the "describe → analyse → evaluate → conclude" framework.
Last-minute rush
Students who start the EE in DP2 September and submit in DP2 November produce shallow, poorly researched essays. We start in DP1 and build steadily over 6–8 months.
From draft to final grade.
My Extended Essay on Vietnamese coffee economics earned 31/34 — grade A. My Times Edu coach made me rewrite the Research Question three times until it was genuinely answerable. That precision carried the whole essay.
What families always ask.
Which EE subject should my child choose?
The subject they are most passionate about AND most confident in. The best EEs come from genuine intellectual curiosity. We help students evaluate options during the topic exploration session.
Can you coach EEs in any IB subject?
Yes — we have coached EEs in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Business Management, History, English Literature, Psychology, Visual Arts and World Studies. Each subject has specific EE conventions we are familiar with.
When should my child start the EE?
January of DP1 is ideal. Topic exploration in Jan–Feb, RQ refinement in Mar–Apr, research over the summer, first draft in Sep of DP2, final submission by the school deadline (usually Oct–Nov DP2).
Can you help if the EE has already been drafted?
Yes — we regularly review and rebuild draft EEs. A common scenario is a student with a C-grade draft in September who needs an A by November. We have achieved this many times with focused criterion-by-criterion coaching.
Ready to start your Extended Essay?
Book a free diagnostic. Bring your topic ideas (or come with nothing) — our EE specialist will help you find a focused, researchable question in the first session.