EE Guide - How To Blitz Your Extended Essay
IB DP EE Assignment Schedule
1. Analyse & Brainstorm the focus topic and question
Before you do anything else, make sure you understand the task (word count, structure, time frame and mark scheme)
Get familiar with your chosen topic
Jot down some preliminary ideas in a mind map
Refine the topic and identify the focus area, identify potential primary research people; and consider your angle/slant/argument.
Create a general research questions (broad brush stroke... because it can be refined later)
2. Start your research
Develop a strategy for researching your assignment -
who will be your focus groups for primary research
how and when will your gather loads of secondary research on the topic
what foundation knowledge is needed to ground the essay and act as a springboard
Find relevant databases in your subject guide
If you need help, ask a teacher(s), classmates and the librarian
Take notes as you read, including page numbers for referencing
Check for the desired referencing style
3. Plan a preliminary structure
Follow the appropriate structure for your assignment type
Use your mind map and preliminary research to create a linear plan
4. First draft
Paraphrase and reference what you use
Get feedback on your draft (teacher(s), peers and librarian)
Use your detailed plan to write complete paragraphs in an academic style
5. Continue your research
Make sure you have enough ideas and evidence from valid sources
Use Google Scholar
Adjust your plan and draft to reflect new ideas from your research
6. Redraft
Revise your draft, paying attention to structure and content
Make sure you synthesise information from different sources
7. Edit logical flow
Edit for completeness, structure and meaning
Check your paragraphs are well-formed and flow
Check your academic style of writing
8. Proofread and format
Check your referencing style is correct
Use a spell checker and grammar checker
Check your punctuation
Check the formatting and submission requirements