Extended essay (EE) is one of the most important components of the IB programme – a 4,000-word independent research project that develops analytical thinking, source evaluation, and coherent argumentation. Many students encounter challenges as early as choosing a topic, planning their research, or drafting the first outline – which is why the support of an experienced tutor often determines the quality of the entire process.
During IB tutoring at Tuteer, we help organise the work on the EE so that the student understands each step – from defining an effective research question to analysing materials and refining the structure in line with IB criteria. Our lessons are conducted online, making it easier to maintain consistency and steady progress. Learn more about the extended essay and see how we can support you in preparing it.
What is the extended essay and how does it influence your overall IB score?
The extended essay is a full research project in which the student independently selects a topic, formulates research questions, and conducts analysis in line with academic standards. Unlike shorter school assignments, the EE requires deeper engagement with literature, the ability to evaluate sources, and the skill to construct a logical, well-argued narrative.
The extended essay can contribute additional points toward the final IB score as part of the 3 core points, and a passing grade is required to obtain the diploma. Many students also incorporate the EE into their university applications abroad – the essay topic often appears in a personal statement, admissions interviews, or programme-specific essays, demonstrating the candidate’s ability to work independently and conduct meaningful research.
The most common challenges when choosing a topic and conducting research for the EE
The first challenge usually appears when formulating the research question – students often choose a topic that is too broad, making it difficult to address within 4,000 words. If the topic is too narrow, it becomes harder to conduct analysis or find sufficient sources. At Tuteer, we help assess the potential of an idea, ensure it meets IB requirements, and develop a research question that is academically sound.
Another challenge is organising the research process – many students begin collecting sources without a clear plan, which leads to an accumulation of materials that do not support the main argument. In the extended essay, the relevance of sources matters far more than their quantity – our online tutors help you select academic publications, data, articles, or literary works that genuinely strengthen your argument.
What does professional Tuteer support look like when creating the extended essay?
IB tutoring at Tuteer for the EE begins with a detailed discussion of the student’s idea and strengths – the tutor helps determine whether the topic meets subject requirements and then builds a work plan with the student. It includes research, planning, producing an initial draft, and subsequent revisions – this structured process prevents chaotic work and makes progress easy to track.
At later stages, the tutor focuses on developing analytical skills – with our support, you learn how to present arguments, justify methodological choices, and connect different parts of the text into a coherent narrative. Support also extends to working with data or literature – the tutor explains how to interpret findings so that they align with IB criteria and strengthen the main argument of the extended essay.
An important element of IB online tutoring is feedback on each new draft – the tutor identifies errors and areas needing expansion or clearer justification. Thanks to this systematic online approach, the project develops consistently and the student sees real progress week by week.
Understand the EE assessment criteria – how to work toward a high score?
IB criteria are often misunderstood, as students focus mainly on content and overlook technical elements that significantly affect the grade. The extended essay is assessed across five areas, each requiring a different approach. Understanding these distinctions helps build a project that not only meets expectations but maximises the possible score.
The key extended essay criteria we address during IB online tutoring include:
- A – framework for the essay: evaluation of whether the research question, the choice and application of research methods, and the structural conventions create an effective framework for the essay. This criterion assesses whether the question is clearly defined and appropriately focused, whether methods are suitable and used correctly, and whether the structure supports clear communication of research.
- B – knowledge and understanding: assessment of whether the student uses relevant and sufficient research materials, applies subject-appropriate terminology correctly, and demonstrates understanding of key concepts needed for analysis.
- C – analysis and line of argument: this criterion evaluates whether the student conducts genuine analysis rather than description and whether they can create a coherent, logical line of argument that connects the research question, findings, and conclusions. It examines the breakdown of the problem into components, the interpretation of data, and the consistency of the argument.
- D – discussion and evaluation: assessment of whether the student provides a balanced discussion of the significance of their findings using appropriate evidence, and whether they critically evaluate the work—including strengths, weaknesses, methodological limitations, and source quality. The discussion and evaluation must be clearly connected to the research question.
- E – reflection: this criterion concerns the student’s ability to analyse their research experience, evaluate their own learning process, and demonstrate development and transfer of skills through reflective writing.
As you can see, a high score does not depend solely on the content of the essay – it also requires precise justification of decisions, consistent argumentation, and awareness of the research process. During IB online tutoring at Tuteer, we work with students on each of these elements, helping them develop skills that are essential not only for the EE but also for university studies abroad.
Start IB online tutoring and discuss your extended essay idea with specialists in the field
The first step in IB tutoring for the extended essay is a brief discussion of the topic, subject, and preliminary research question. In many cases, the consultation alone helps clarify the student’s thinking and establish a direction for further work.
Consistent academic support and a clear plan make the creative process smoother, and the final result more polished and aligned with IB expectations. If you want to approach the project with confidence and a well-structured strategy, Tuteer will help you begin your extended essay – contact our team today.
