It can be tough to write an extended essay, but I’ve found that looking over EE case studies is one of the best ways to figure out what works. High-scoring extended essays show trends, tactics, and techniques that can help students organize their writings well.
Analyzing these writings is crucial to receive the highest possible grade. This piece will explain what makes good extended essays stand out in different subjects and break down the main parts of those essays. It will also include helpful tips you can use on your work.
- What Are EE Case Studies?
- High-Scoring EE Case Studies Across Different Subjects
- History – the effects of World War II propaganda
- Biology – how caffeine affects reaction time
- Literature – Edgar Allan Poe’s short stories and unreliable narrators
- Economics – how New York’s minimum wage affects small businesses
- Psychology – social media’s impact on teens’ anxiety levels
- ESS – how urban green spaces affect air quality
- Business Management – how brand loyalty affects customer behavior
- Need Help with Your Extended Essay?
- Final Thoughts
What Are EE Case Studies?
An actual example of an extended essay that received outstanding grades is referred to as an EE case study. These writings are helpful resources for students writing extended essays since they have been evaluated according to the IB grade standards. They exhibit strong case, in-depth research, and lucid writing—elements every IB student should aspire to.
According to my observations, many students have trouble organizing their essays, honing their research question, or creating a compelling argument. Writing an extended essay is just one aspect of creating a well-thought-out academic paper. Students often make the same errors when they don’t know what examiners are looking for: they choose too general topics, they don’t critically assess their sources, or they don’t have a clear framework. Analyzing EE case studies with high scores, however, may provide light on what works and what doesn’t.
Examining actual examples is one of the finest strategies to become better at writing if you want to get a high grade. The following points are often seen in a good extended essay case study:
- A targeted research question that isn’t too general or specific.
- A coherent framework with a compelling conclusion, well-developed arguments, and an understandable introduction.
- Critical analysis that goes beyond summarization.
- Accurate citations and appropriate use of sources, including primary and secondary sources.
- A formal and academic writing style.
By analyzing well-written essays, you may see these components in action and understand how to use them in your work.
High-Scoring EE Case Studies Across Different Subjects
Even though each subject has different standards, high-scoring essays all have something in common, such as a clear research question, compelling analysis, and a well-organized argument. To make this more applicable, examine three EE case studies from various subjects and analyze their success factors.
History – the effects of World War II propaganda
A compelling and targeted research question.
“To what extent did Nazi propaganda influence the perception of war among German civilians between 1939 and 1945?” was the topic of one of the most fantastic IB History EE case studies I’ve ever examined.
Why was this essay given such a high score? To begin with, the research question was clear and targeted. Instead of addressing Nazi propaganda in its whole (which would be too general), the student focused on a particular period and intended audience.
The essay also drew on original materials, including as speeches, radio transcripts, and Nazi propaganda posters. In addition to describing these documents, the students examined how they influenced public opinion by contrasting them with German citizens’ private letters and diaries.
📌 A targeted research question enables in-depth examination rather than a broad overview. If your topic is too general, consider focusing on a particular era, occasion, or group.
Biology – how caffeine affects reaction time
Data analysis and a well-designed methodology.
Extended essay topics in the sciences need to show a solid research strategy. “How does caffeine consumption affect reaction time in high school students?” was one remarkable Biology EE topic.
The students’ well-organized experiment made this essay stand out. They planned a study in which individuals took reaction time tests both before and after ingesting measurable quantities of caffeine rather than depending only on theoretical research. The findings are more trustworthy since the data was gathered in a controlled setting to reduce outside influences.
To ascertain if the differences were significant, the student also used statistical analysis using t-tests. IB examiners seek credibility in scientific EEs, and this gave their results more of it. They also spoke about possible drawbacks, including differences in coffee tolerance amongst people, demonstrating a greater comprehension of the scientific method.
📌 A science that scores highly clear experimental design, precise data analysis, and a description of constraints are necessary for EE. Make sure your approach is comprehensive and the outcomes are statistically assessed if your EE involves an experiment.
Literature – Edgar Allan Poe’s short stories and unreliable narrators
A distinct interpretation and robust literary analysis.
“How does Edgar Allan Poe use unreliable narrators to create psychological suspense in ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’ and ‘The Black Cat’?” was the analysis of a literature EE that really stuck with me. Below are the main points:
- This essay was successful because the student provided a unique study of how Poe uses his narrators to influence the reader’s viewpoint rather than just summarizing the tales.
- They examined the narrators’ contradictory narratives, psychological instability, and inconsistent storytelling, demonstrating how these elements heighten tension and suspense.
- The student used studies on paranoia and delusions to relate Poe’s methods to actual psychiatric problems rather than just repeating passages.
So, the main argument gained depth and uniqueness from this interdisciplinary approach that connected psychology and literature.
📌 A perfect Literary EE must provide a distinct interpretation and a text summary. Connecting literary and practical ideas (such as history, psychology, or philosophy) helps strengthen your case.
Economics – how New York’s minimum wage affects small businesses
Application of economic theory to real-world data.
One of the best economics questions examined was, “How much has the 2019 New York City minimum wage increase impacted small businesses in the restaurant industry?”
This essay was unique because it integrated economic theory with empirical facts. The student carried out primary research by speaking with restaurant owners and gathering information on employment rates, price adjustments, and profit margins both before and after the wage rise. They also examined secondary data from economic reports to assess trends in comparable metropolitan regions.
This EE was strong because the student used economic models—supply and demand graphs, elasticity calculations, and cost-benefit analysis—to demonstrate the effect of growing labor costs. The essay also examined alternative perspectives, reviewing arguments made by labor rights activists and company owners.
📌 Excellent economics essays successfully include economic theory and use evidence from the actual world. Do primary research if you can to support your claims.
Psychology – social media’s impact on teens’ anxiety levels
Psychological research methods and ethical considerations.
“To what extent does Instagram use correlate with increased anxiety levels among teenagers?” was the topic of an EE in psychology that pleased IB examiners.
This essay was excellent because it used ethical research methods. The student followed IB ethical norms to avoid asking upsetting topics and created a survey that guaranteed participant privacy. After gathering information from high school students on their self-reported anxiety levels and social media use, they employed statistical techniques (such as correlation coefficients) to examine the connection between social media use and mental health.
This essay was unique because it critically examined causality vs. correlation. The student admitted that although social media could play a role in anxiousness, it is not the only one. To bolster their case, they also contrasted their results with accepted psychological theories, including graphs, the Social Comparison Theory, and the Cognitive Behavioral Theory.
📌 Psychology EEs need to strike a balance between sound data analysis and moral research practices. A well-structured argument should acknowledge alternative reasons for results and limitations.
ESS – how urban green spaces affect air quality
Environmental data and perfect scientific analysis.
“How do urban green spaces affect air pollution levels in downtown Los Angeles?” was the subject of an excellent environmental systems EE.
This student scientifically collected actual environmental data. During three months, they used portable air quality sensors to quantify CO2, NO2, and particulate matter levels in locations with and without green spaces. The results were then contrasted with pollutant data accessible to the public.
The scientific rigor of this EE was its strongest point. The student utilized environmental models to calculate how green areas contribute to air purification and described how plants and trees absorb pollutants. They also discussed urban planning regulations and suggested methods for local leaders to enhance air quality.
📌 A high-scoring environmental EE needs to integrate scientific models into practical problems and include primary data collection.
Business Management – how brand loyalty affects customer behavior
Primary research and market analysis are the main areas of focus.
A top-tier business management EE investigated the question, “How does Apple’s brand loyalty impact consumer purchasing decisions in the smartphone industry?”
What set this essay apart was the way it combined primary and secondary research. The student asked questions regarding emotional attachment, desire to pay premium pricing, and purchase choices to gauge brand loyalty among Apple customers using surveys and interviews. Additionally, they examined Apple’s marketing tactics and contrasted Apple’s customer base with those of other companies like Samsung.
The student also used business theories, such as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Kotler’s Model of Consumer Behavior, to explain why Apple customers stick with the company despite its higher costs. The essay showed a good mix of research and analysis by fusing known business principles with real-world facts.
📌 To bolster the argument, a good business EE incorporates theoretical analysis with primary data collection (surveys or interviews).
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Film Studies – Wes Anderson’s use of color symbolism in his films
The main emphasis is on artistic interpretation and cinematic techniques.
“How does Wes Anderson use color symbolism to enhance character development and themes in The Grand Budapest Hotel?” was the subject of one of the most original extended essay case studies I’ve ever seen.
This essay distinguished itself because it concentrated on visual storytelling approaches instead of just narrative analysis. The student examined the ways in which Anderson’s unique color scheme—which includes pastel pinks, blues, and reds—affects audience perception, mood, and narrative tone.
The students’ discussion of how color composition impacts narrative by referencing Eisenstein’s Theory of Montage and Mise-en-Scène principles strengthened this essay’s use of cinema theory. To emphasize stylistic influences, they also contrasted Anderson’s use of color with those of iconic filmmakers like Stanley Kubrick.
📌 To provide a more thorough grasp of the subject, EE should do more than just summarize a film; it should also examine creative decisions, cinematic processes, and theoretical viewpoints.
Final Thoughts
One of the best ways to improve your extended essay is to look at EE case studies that got good grades. From what I’ve seen, students who look at good writings learn what IB judges look for and how to avoid making common mistakes. You can write an excellent extended essay if you take the time to research, plan, and learn from other people’s work. Choose a great research question, organize your points well, and make your essay stand out!
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