Question 1

How early should my child start working on the Extended Essay?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, research question exploration should begin in Term 2 of DP1. The most successful EEs are those where students have time to research deeply, write multiple drafts, and refine their argument without rushing. Starting early also reduces stress during DP2 when subject exams, IAs, and university applications all compete for attention. Our tutors help students create a realistic timeline that works alongside their other commitments.

Question 2

How is the Extended Essay graded?

Accepted Answer

The EE is graded A–E across 5 criteria totalling 34 marks: Focus & Method (6), Knowledge & Understanding (6), Critical Thinking (12), Presentation (4), and Engagement (6). Critical Thinking carries the most weight at 12/34, which is why our tutors place heavy emphasis on helping students move beyond description into genuine analysis and evaluation.

Question 3

Can you help choose the right EE subject and topic?

Accepted Answer

Yes — topic selection is one of the most important decisions. A good EE topic should be in a subject your child enjoys, allow access to sufficient sources, be narrow enough for 4,000 words, and enable genuine argumentation. Our tutors help students explore options, test research questions for viability, and settle on a topic that balances personal interest with academic feasibility.

Question 4

What's the biggest mistake students make on the EE?

Accepted Answer

Being too descriptive. Many students write 4,000 words of well-researched description without ever constructing a genuine argument or evaluating their evidence critically. The mark scheme heavily rewards critical thinking (12/34 marks), so students who describe rather than analyse typically score C or below. Our tutors explicitly teach the difference and help students develop analytical writing skills.

Question 5

Does the tutor write the essay for my child?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not — and the IB takes academic integrity very seriously. Our tutors guide the process: helping refine the research question, teaching research and writing skills, providing feedback on drafts, and coaching critical thinking. All writing is the student's own. This is exactly the kind of support the IB encourages — similar to what a school supervisor should provide, but more intensive and regular.

Question 6

How does the EE contribute to the IB Diploma score?

Accepted Answer

The EE and TOK grades are combined in a matrix that awards 0–3 bonus points. An A in EE with an A in TOK earns the maximum 3 bonus points. These bonus points can be the difference between a 38 and a 41, which significantly affects university offers. An E in either component results in automatic diploma failure, regardless of subject scores. This is why we take Core components as seriously as subjects.

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