IB Extended Essay Guide 2026: Topics, Rubric, Structure
- IB Extended Essay (EE): Mandatory 4,000-word research paper for IB Diploma; key to A-grade and TOK bonus points.
- 2026 Updates: New guide Feb 2025 (first assessment 2027); enhanced interdisciplinary pathways, refined rubric (still 0-34 for 2026 cohort).
- Structure: Title page, abstract (300 words), intro/body/conclusion, references; max ib extended essay word count 4,000.
- Success Tips: Sharp RQ, 50+ ib ee topics below, follow ib ee timeline (internal deadline ~March 15, 2026), master ib extended essay rubric.
- Struggling? Order custom IB EE help from experts at Essays-Panda here.
Introduction
The ib extended essay strikes fear into many IB students—it’s a 4,000-word independent research project that can make or break your Diploma. But fear not: this ib ee guide 2026 breaks it down step-by-step, with 2026 updates, ib ee topics, rubric mastery, and checklists to land an A (27-34/34 points).
Why does it matter? The EE contributes directly to your diploma score and pairs with TOK for up to 3 bonus points. Poor execution? Diploma failure. Done right? University apps shine. We’ll cover ib ee structure, timelines, and pitfalls, drawing from IBO official guidelines.
For overwhelmed Grade 11s facing ib ee deadlines 2026, this guide is your roadmap. Let’s turn stress into an A.
IB Extended Essay Updates for 2026
The IBO released the new EE guide in February 2025, with first full assessment in May 2027—but 2026 cohorts (exams May 2026) use the transitional rubric while prepping for changes (IBO DP EE Updates).
Key ib ee guide 2026 shifts:
- Research Pathways: Subject-focused or interdisciplinary (expands World Studies EE); choose 1-2 DP subjects.
- Reflection Emphasis: Enhanced RPPF (Reflections on Planning and Progress Form) focuses on transferable skills growth.
- Rubric Tweaks: Still 34 marks total for 2026, but streamlined criteria preview new model (Framework, Knowledge, Analysis, Discussion, Reflection).
- Viva Voce: More structured supervisor interview; digital submission standard.
Impact for 2026: No major disruptions, but start interdisciplinary if your RQ spans subjects (e.g., Biology + Economics on climate). Check school-specific ib ee deadlines 2026 (internal ~March 15).
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IB EE Structure
Mastering ib ee structure ensures rubric compliance. Total ib extended essay word count: 4,000 max (examiners ignore excess).
| Section | Word Count | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Title Page | N/A | RQ, subject, session, word count declaration. |
| Abstract | 300 max | Synopsis: RQ, methods, findings, conclusion (after full draft). |
| Contents Page | N/A | Headings/subheadings. |
| Introduction | 300-400 | Hook, RQ, scope, rationale. |
| Body | 2,800-3,000 | Arguments, evidence, analysis (subheadings essential). |
| Conclusion | 200-400 | Answer RQ, limitations, implications. |
| References | N/A | 15+ academic sources; MLA/APA per subject (Purdue OWL). |
| Appendices | N/A | Raw data only (not core argument). |
Formatting: 12pt font, 1.5/double space, page numbers. No footnotes for main text.
Example Intro Snippet: “This ib extended essay investigates [RQ] through [methods], addressing gaps in [field].”
Choosing Your IB EE Topic
A strong ib ee topics choice = 50% success. Criteria: Specific RQ (“To what extent…” > “Discuss…”), researchable in 4,000 words, personal interest + academic sources.
Step-by-Step:
- List passions/subjects.
- Brainstorm 5 RQs per subject.
- Check IBO examples (IBO EE Examples).
- Supervisor approval by Oct.
50+ IB EE Topics (2026-aligned, by DP Group). Highlighted = high-scoring potential (A-grade samples on Clastify).
Group 1: Studies in Language & Literature
| # | Topic/RQ |
|---|---|
| 1 | To what extent does post-colonial theory explain identity in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart? |
| 2 | How does narrative voice evolve in Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway vs. To the Lighthouse? |
| 3 | Magical realism in Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude. |
| … (10 total; see appendix for full). |
Group 2: Language Acquisition
- Effectiveness of Duolingo vs. immersion for Mandarin vocabulary retention (survey/experiment).
- Code-switching in bilingual Spanish-English classrooms.
Group 3: Individuals & Societies
| # | Topic/RQ |
|---|---|
| 1 | To what extent did social media influence the 2024 US election? |
| 2 | Impact of TikTok bans on Gen Z consumer behavior (Economics). |
| 3 | Causes of the 2022 Sri Lankan economic crisis (History). |
| … (15 total). |
Group 4: Sciences
- Effect of microplastics on Daphnia magna reproduction rates (Biology lab).
- Optimizing caffeine extraction yield from tea leaves (Chemistry).
- Solar panel efficiency under varying angles (Physics).
… (15 total).
Group 5: Mathematics
- Modeling urban traffic flow with differential equations.
- Fractal geometry in African village designs.
Interdisciplinary (New 2026 Focus)
- Climate change’s economic impact on Pacific Island agriculture (Env Sys + Economics).
- AI ethics in healthcare (Comp Sci + Philosophy).
10-15 Highlighted: Above bolded; full 60+ in Blog downloads. Pick feasible ones—avoid overambitious.
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IB Extended Essay Writing Process
Follow this ib ee timeline for ib ee deadlines 2026 (school-internal; IB final ~March 15, 2026).
Step-by-Step Checklist
- Sept 2025 (Grade 11): Choose subject/RQ, find supervisor.
- Oct: Submit proposal (500 words).
- Nov-Dec: Research (20+ sources), outline.
- Jan 2026: First draft (2,000 words).
- Feb: Supervisor feedback, second draft.
- Early March: Final draft + Abstract + RPPF.
- Mid-March (~15th): Internal submission/viva voce.
- April-May: IB moderation.
| Month | Milestone | Checklist |
|---|---|---|
| Sept | Topic Selection | – Brainstorm 10 RQs – Supervisor meeting |
| Dec | Outline/Draft 1 | – 15 sources cited – Methods section |
| Feb | Revisions | – Address feedback – Word count check |
| March 15 | Final Submission | – Proofread – Formatting audit |
Pitfalls: Procrastination—start early! Use Harvard Writing Center for RQ tips.
IB Extended Essay Rubric Breakdown
Ib extended essay rubric: 34 marks across 5 criteria (A-E). A=27-34, E=0-6.
| Criterion | Marks | High-Score Tips |
|---|---|---|
| A: Focus & Method | 6 | Sharp RQ, justified methodology. |
| B: Knowledge & Understanding | 6 | Subject terminology, context. |
| C: Critical Thinking | 12 | Analysis > description; counterarguments. |
| D: Presentation | 4 | Structure, citations (no plagiarism). |
| E: Engagement | 6 | RPPF reflections show growth. |
Band Descriptors Example (C):
- 10-12: Sophisticated evaluation.
- 0-3: Superficial.
Aim 30+ for A. Samples: Clastify High-Scoring EEs.
IB Extended Essay Examples & Samples
Ib extended essay examples reveal A-grade traits. Annotated from IBO/Clastify:
- Biology A (34/34): “Effect of pH on enzyme activity.” Strengths: Lab data tables, stats analysis, limitations discussed. RQ precise.
Key Takeaway: Quant data + visuals = B/C boost.
- History B (30/34): “Role of propaganda in WWII.” Strengths: Primary sources, balanced arguments.
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Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Vague RQ: Fix: “To what extent…” + specifics.
- Word Count Over: Trim body; abstract last.
- Plagiarism: Paraphrase + cite (Purdue OWL).
- No Reflection: Log RPPF weekly.
- Poor Sources: 70% academic; avoid Wikipedia.
Checklist: Self-audit vs rubric pre-submission.
Resources & Tools
- IBO EE Page: Guides/PDFs.
- Purdue OWL: Citations.
- Harvard Writing Center: Thesis/RQ.
- Tools: Zotero (refs), Grammarly (proofread).
- Prices for pro help.
Conclusion
Master the ib extended essay with this 2026 guide: updates, ib ee structure, 50+ ib ee topics, rubric table, timeline, and examples. Follow the checklist, hit deadlines (March 15 internal), and reflect deeply for A-grade.
Next Steps:
- Pick RQ today.
- Schedule supervisor.
- Draft outline by Oct.
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