With so many sources available, how do you keep track of what’s useful? From my experience as an IB writer, one of the best tools for managing research effectively is an annotated bibliography. It’s a structured way to engage with the material and refine your argument.

Selecting the right sources is one of the most important steps in EE research, yet many IB students struggle with finding the right balance between primary sources and secondary sources. From my experience, using both effectively can make the difference between a strong, well-supported argument and an essay that lacks depth.

In this article, I draw on my experience as an IB writer to break down what works best in high-scoring extended essays. We’ll examine case studies from subjects such as history, biology, economics, psychology, business management, and film studies, each highlighting key elements such as a well-defined research question, strong methodology, and unique analytical approaches.

In this article, I’ll share practical advice on how to select the best supervisor for your IB EE and how to work with them effectively. You’ll learn what makes a good supervisor, what their role actually includes (and what it doesn’t), and how to get the most out of their feedback.

Unlike the extended essay in the Diploma Programme, the IB Reflective Project focuses specifically on real-world ethical issues, encouraging students to think deeply about the moral challenges professionals face in their chosen field. With flexible formatting options, students can either write a traditional extended essay or create a structured project.

If you’re an IB student or just someone looking to understand academic writing better, you may wonder about the difference between an extended essay and a regular essay. While both require strong writing skills, they serve very different purposes.

The Extended Essay remains a cornerstone of the IB Diploma Programme, challenging students to engage in independent research while developing critical thinking and writing skills. However, the latest EE requirements updates for the years 2025/2026 bring significant changes. In this article, I’ll guide you through the most important changes, offering practical insights.