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International Baccalaureate (IB)

IB students around the globe fear writing the Extended Essay, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress! In this article, I'll get you excited about writing your Extended Essay and provide you with the resources you need to get an A on it.

If you're reading this article, I'm going to assume you're an IB student getting ready to write your Extended Essay. If you're looking at this as a potential future IB student, I recommend reading our introductory IB articles first, including our guide to what the IB program is and our full coverage of the IB curriculum .

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

I myself am a recipient of an IB Diploma, and I happened to receive an A on my IB Extended Essay. Don't believe me? The proof is in the IBO pudding:

If you're confused by what this report means, EE is short for Extended Essay , and English A1 is the subject that my Extended Essay topic coordinated with. In layman's terms, my IB Diploma was graded in May 2010, I wrote my Extended Essay in the English A1 category, and I received an A grade on it.

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Extended Essay, or EE , is a mini-thesis you write under the supervision of an IB advisor (an IB teacher at your school), which counts toward your IB Diploma (learn more about the major IB Diploma requirements in our guide) . I will explain exactly how the EE affects your Diploma later in this article.

For the Extended Essay, you will choose a research question as a topic, conduct the research independently, then write an essay on your findings . The essay itself is a long one—although there's a cap of 4,000 words, most successful essays get very close to this limit.

Keep in mind that the IB requires this essay to be a "formal piece of academic writing," meaning you'll have to do outside research and cite additional sources.

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

• A title page
• Contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References and bibliography

Additionally, your research topic must fall into one of the six approved DP categories , or IB subject groups, which are as follows:

• Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
• Group 2: Language Acquisition
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies
• Group 4: Sciences
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: The Arts

Once you figure out your category and have identified a potential research topic, it's time to pick your advisor, who is normally an IB teacher at your school (though you can also find one online ). This person will help direct your research, and they'll conduct the reflection sessions you'll have to do as part of your Extended Essay.

As of 2018, the IB requires a "reflection process" as part of your EE supervision process. To fulfill this requirement, you have to meet at least three times with your supervisor in what the IB calls "reflection sessions." These meetings are not only mandatory but are also part of the formal assessment of the EE and your research methods.

According to the IB, the purpose of these meetings is to "provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with the research process." Basically, these meetings give your supervisor the opportunity to offer feedback, push you to think differently, and encourage you to evaluate your research process.

The final reflection session is called the viva voce, and it's a short 10- to 15-minute interview between you and your advisor. This happens at the very end of the EE process, and it's designed to help your advisor write their report, which factors into your EE grade.

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

• A check on plagiarism and malpractice
• Your reflection on your project's successes and difficulties
• Your reflection on what you've learned during the EE process

Your completed Extended Essay, along with your supervisor's report, will then be sent to the IB to be graded. We'll cover the assessment criteria in just a moment.

We'll help you learn how to have those "lightbulb" moments...even on test day!  

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

You can technically write about anything, so long as it falls within one of the approved categories listed above.

It's best to choose a topic that matches one of the IB courses , (such as Theatre, Film, Spanish, French, Math, Biology, etc.), which shouldn't be difficult because there are so many class subjects.

Here is a range of sample topics with the attached extended essay:

• Biology: The Effect of Age and Gender on the Photoreceptor Cells in the Human Retina
• Chemistry: How Does Reflux Time Affect the Yield and Purity of Ethyl Aminobenzoate (Benzocaine), and How Effective is Recrystallisation as a Purification Technique for This Compound?
• English: An Exploration of Jane Austen's Use of the Outdoors in Emma
• Geography: The Effect of Location on the Educational Attainment of Indigenous Secondary Students in Queensland, Australia
• Math: Alhazen's Billiard Problem
• Visual Arts: Can Luc Tuymans Be Classified as a Political Painter?

You can see from how varied the topics are that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to picking a topic . So how do you pick when the options are limitless?

How to Write a Stellar IB Extended Essay: 6 Essential Tips

Below are six key tips to keep in mind as you work on your Extended Essay for the IB DP. Follow these and you're sure to get an A!

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

You can't expect to write a compelling essay if you're not a fan of the topic on which you're writing. For example, I just love British theatre and ended up writing my Extended Essay on a revolution in post-WWII British theatre. (Yes, I'm definitely a #TheatreNerd.)

I really encourage anyone who pursues an IB Diploma to take the Extended Essay seriously. I was fortunate enough to receive a full-tuition merit scholarship to USC's School of Dramatic Arts program. In my interview for the scholarship, I spoke passionately about my Extended Essay; thus, I genuinely think my Extended Essay helped me get my scholarship.

But how do you find a topic you're passionate about? Start by thinking about which classes you enjoy the most and why . Do you like math classes because you like to solve problems? Or do you enjoy English because you like to analyze literary texts?

Keep in mind that there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your Extended Essay topic. You're not more likely to get high marks because you're writing about science, just like you're not doomed to failure because you've chosen to tackle the social sciences. The quality of what you produce—not the field you choose to research within—will determine your grade.

Once you've figured out your category, you should brainstorm more specific topics by putting pen to paper . What was your favorite chapter you learned in that class? Was it astrophysics or mechanics? What did you like about that specific chapter? Is there something you want to learn more about? I recommend spending a few hours on this type of brainstorming.

One last note: if you're truly stumped on what to research, pick a topic that will help you in your future major or career . That way you can use your Extended Essay as a talking point in your college essays (and it will prepare you for your studies to come too!).

#2: Select a Topic That Is Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow

There's a fine line between broad and narrow. You need to write about something specific, but not so specific that you can't write 4,000 words on it.

You can't write about WWII because that would be a book's worth of material. You also don't want to write about what type of soup prisoners of war received behind enemy lines, because you probably won’t be able to come up with 4,000 words of material about it. However, you could possibly write about how the conditions in German POW camps—and the rations provided—were directly affected by the Nazis' successes and failures on the front, including the use of captured factories and prison labor in Eastern Europe to increase production. WWII military history might be a little overdone, but you get my point.

If you're really stuck trying to pinpoint a not-too-broad-or-too-narrow topic, I suggest trying to brainstorm a topic that uses a comparison. Once you begin looking through the list of sample essays below, you'll notice that many use comparisons to formulate their main arguments.

I also used a comparison in my EE, contrasting Harold Pinter's Party Time with John Osborne's Look Back in Anger in order to show a transition in British theatre. Topics with comparisons of two to three plays, books, and so on tend to be the sweet spot. You can analyze each item and then compare them with one another after doing some in-depth analysis of each individually. The ways these items compare and contrast will end up forming the thesis of your essay!

When choosing a comparative topic, the key is that the comparison should be significant. I compared two plays to illustrate the transition in British theatre, but you could compare the ways different regional dialects affect people's job prospects or how different temperatures may or may not affect the mating patterns of lightning bugs. The point here is that comparisons not only help you limit your topic, but they also help you build your argument.

Comparisons are not the only way to get a grade-A EE, though. If after brainstorming, you pick a non-comparison-based topic and are still unsure whether your topic is too broad or narrow, spend about 30 minutes doing some basic research and see how much material is out there.

If there are more than 1,000 books, articles, or documentaries out there on that exact topic, it may be too broad. But if there are only two books that have any connection to your topic, it may be too narrow. If you're still unsure, ask your advisor—it's what they're there for! Speaking of advisors...

Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

#3: Choose an Advisor Who Is Familiar With Your Topic

If you're not certain of who you would like to be your advisor, create a list of your top three choices. Next, write down the pros and cons of each possibility (I know this sounds tedious, but it really helps!).

For example, Mr. Green is my favorite teacher and we get along really well, but he teaches English. For my EE, I want to conduct an experiment that compares the efficiency of American electric cars with foreign electric cars.

I had Ms. White a year ago. She teaches physics and enjoyed having me in her class. Unlike Mr. Green, Ms. White could help me design my experiment.

Based on my topic and what I need from my advisor, Ms. White would be a better fit for me than would Mr. Green (even though I like him a lot).

The moral of my story is this: do not just ask your favorite teacher to be your advisor . They might be a hindrance to you if they teach another subject. For example, I would not recommend asking your biology teacher to guide you in writing an English literature-based EE.

There can, of course, be exceptions to this rule. If you have a teacher who's passionate and knowledgeable about your topic (as my English teacher was about my theatre topic), you could ask that instructor. Consider all your options before you do this. There was no theatre teacher at my high school, so I couldn't find a theatre-specific advisor, but I chose the next best thing.

Before you approach a teacher to serve as your advisor, check with your high school to see what requirements they have for this process. Some IB high schools require your IB Extended Essay advisor to sign an Agreement Form , for instance.

Make sure that you ask your IB coordinator whether there is any required paperwork to fill out. If your school needs a specific form signed, bring it with you when you ask your teacher to be your EE advisor.

#4: Pick an Advisor Who Will Push You to Be Your Best

Some teachers might just take on students because they have to and aren't very passionate about reading drafts, only giving you minimal feedback. Choose a teacher who will take the time to read several drafts of your essay and give you extensive notes. I would not have gotten my A without being pushed to make my Extended Essay draft better.

Ask a teacher that you have experience with through class or an extracurricular activity. Do not ask a teacher that you have absolutely no connection to. If a teacher already knows you, that means they already know your strengths and weaknesses, so they know what to look for, where you need to improve, and how to encourage your best work.

Also, don't forget that your supervisor's assessment is part of your overall EE score . If you're meeting with someone who pushes you to do better—and you actually take their advice—they'll have more impressive things to say about you than a supervisor who doesn't know you well and isn't heavily involved in your research process.

Be aware that the IB only allows advisors to make suggestions and give constructive criticism. Your teacher cannot actually help you write your EE. The IB recommends that the supervisor spends approximately two to three hours in total with the candidate discussing the EE.

#5: Make Sure Your Essay Has a Clear Structure and Flow

The IB likes structure. Your EE needs a clear introduction (which should be one to two double-spaced pages), research question/focus (i.e., what you're investigating), a body, and a conclusion (about one double-spaced page). An essay with unclear organization will be graded poorly.

The body of your EE should make up the bulk of the essay. It should be about eight to 18 pages long (again, depending on your topic). Your body can be split into multiple parts. For example, if you were doing a comparison, you might have one third of your body as Novel A Analysis, another third as Novel B Analysis, and the final third as your comparison of Novels A and B.

If you're conducting an experiment or analyzing data, such as in this EE , your EE body should have a clear structure that aligns with the scientific method ; you should state the research question, discuss your method, present the data, analyze the data, explain any uncertainties, and draw a conclusion and/or evaluate the success of the experiment.

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

You will not be able to crank out a 4,000-word essay in just a week and get an A on it. You'll be reading many, many articles (and, depending on your topic, possibly books and plays as well!). As such, it's imperative that you start your research as soon as possible.

Each school has a slightly different deadline for the Extended Essay. Some schools want them as soon as November of your senior year; others will take them as late as February. Your school will tell you what your deadline is. If they haven't mentioned it by February of your junior year, ask your IB coordinator about it.

Some high schools will provide you with a timeline of when you need to come up with a topic, when you need to meet with your advisor, and when certain drafts are due. Not all schools do this. Ask your IB coordinator if you are unsure whether you are on a specific timeline.

Below is my recommended EE timeline. While it's earlier than most schools, it'll save you a ton of heartache (trust me, I remember how hard this process was!):

• January/February of Junior Year: Come up with your final research topic (or at least your top three options).
• February of Junior Year: Approach a teacher about being your EE advisor. If they decline, keep asking others until you find one. See my notes above on how to pick an EE advisor.
• April/May of Junior Year: Submit an outline of your EE and a bibliography of potential research sources (I recommend at least seven to 10) to your EE advisor. Meet with your EE advisor to discuss your outline.
• Summer Between Junior and Senior Year: Complete your first full draft over the summer between your junior and senior year. I know, I know—no one wants to work during the summer, but trust me—this will save you so much stress come fall when you are busy with college applications and other internal assessments for your IB classes. You will want to have this first full draft done because you will want to complete a couple of draft cycles as you likely won't be able to get everything you want to say into 4,000 articulate words on the first attempt. Try to get this first draft into the best possible shape so you don't have to work on too many revisions during the school year on top of your homework, college applications, and extracurriculars.
• August/September of Senior Year: Turn in your first draft of your EE to your advisor and receive feedback. Work on incorporating their feedback into your essay. If they have a lot of suggestions for improvement, ask if they will read one more draft before the final draft.
• September/October of Senior Year: Submit the second draft of your EE to your advisor (if necessary) and look at their feedback. Work on creating the best possible final draft.
• November-February of Senior Year: Schedule your viva voce. Submit two copies of your final draft to your school to be sent off to the IB. You likely will not get your grade until after you graduate.

Remember that in the middle of these milestones, you'll need to schedule two other reflection sessions with your advisor . (Your teachers will actually take notes on these sessions on a form like this one , which then gets submitted to the IB.)

I recommend doing them when you get feedback on your drafts, but these meetings will ultimately be up to your supervisor. Just don't forget to do them!

The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

Extended Essays are graded by examiners appointed by the IB on a scale of 0 to 34 . You'll be graded on five criteria, each with its own set of points. You can learn more about how EE scoring works by reading the IB guide to extended essays .

• Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum)
• Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum)
• Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum)
• Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum)
• Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

How well you do on each of these criteria will determine the final letter grade you get for your EE. You must earn at least a D to be eligible to receive your IB Diploma.

Although each criterion has a point value, the IB explicitly states that graders are not converting point totals into grades; instead, they're using qualitative grade descriptors to determine the final grade of your Extended Essay . Grade descriptors are on pages 102-103 of this document .

Here's a rough estimate of how these different point values translate to letter grades based on previous scoring methods for the EE. This is just an estimate —you should read and understand the grade descriptors so you know exactly what the scorers are looking for.

Here is the breakdown of EE scores (from the May 2021 bulletin):

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

The Extended Essay grade is combined with your TOK (Theory of Knowledge) grade to determine how many points you get toward your IB Diploma.

To learn about Theory of Knowledge or how many points you need to receive an IB Diploma, read our complete guide to the IB program and our guide to the IB Diploma requirements .

This diagram shows how the two scores are combined to determine how many points you receive for your IB diploma (3 being the most, 0 being the least). In order to get your IB Diploma, you have to earn 24 points across both categories (the TOK and EE). The highest score anyone can earn is 45 points.

Let's say you get an A on your EE and a B on TOK. You will get 3 points toward your Diploma. As of 2014, a student who scores an E on either the extended essay or TOK essay will not be eligible to receive an IB Diploma .

Prior to the class of 2010, a Diploma candidate could receive a failing grade in either the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge and still be awarded a Diploma, but this is no longer true.

Figuring out how you're assessed can be a little tricky. Luckily, the IB breaks everything down here in this document . (The assessment information begins on page 219.)

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

In case you want a little more guidance on how to get an A on your EE, here are over 40 excellent (grade A) sample extended essays for your reading pleasure. Essays are grouped by IB subject.

• Business Management 1
• Chemistry 1
• Chemistry 2
• Chemistry 3
• Chemistry 4
• Chemistry 5
• Chemistry 6
• Chemistry 7
• Computer Science 1
• Economics 1
• Design Technology 1
• Design Technology 2
• Environmental Systems and Societies 1
• Geography 1
• Geography 2
• Geography 3
• Geography 4
• Geography 5
• Geography 6
• Literature and Performance 1
• Mathematics 1
• Mathematics 2
• Mathematics 3
• Mathematics 4
• Mathematics 5
• Philosophy 1
• Philosophy 2
• Philosophy 3
• Philosophy 4
• Philosophy 5
• Psychology 1
• Psychology 2
• Psychology 3
• Psychology 4
• Psychology 5
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 1
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 2
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 3
• Sports, Exercise and Health Science 1
• Sports, Exercise and Health Science 2
• Visual Arts 1
• Visual Arts 2
• Visual Arts 3
• Visual Arts 4
• Visual Arts 5
• World Religion 1
• World Religion 2
• World Religion 3

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Guide to the IB Extended Essay in 2024

January 24, 2024

If you’re an International Baccalaureate student getting ready to write your IB Extended Essay, you might be experiencing some very understandable trepidation. But have no fear—we’re here to help you understand what’s required of you, how to plan ahead (IB extended essay topics), and how you’ll be graded (IB extended essay rubric). Keep reading for a good dose of preparation and confidence before you begin the journey. In this article, we’ll cover:

What is the IB Extended Essay?

The ib extended essay—required content, ib extended essay topics.

IB Extended Essay—Sample Essays

IB Extended Essay Tips

Ib extended essay rubric, ib extended essay—more resources.

The IB Extended Essay is a 4,000-word paper that asks you to immerse yourself in research and academic writing. A required part of the IB program, the Extended Essay is a chance to dig deep into a topic that fascinates you.

Although it’s no small task, the IB Extended Essay is an opportunity to gain practical research and writing skills that will come in handy again in college. As you write, you’ll learn how to:

• Identify credible sources
• Formulate a research question and limit your scope of research
• Communicate ideas to an audience
• Develop a well-supported argument

The IB Extended Essay is largely an independent, self-directed project, but don’t worry—the IB program doesn’t throw you into the deep end. You do get to select a mentor (usually a teacher at your school) to help guide you through the process. As you write, you’ll be required to meet with your mentor three times. As part of your final evaluation, your mentor will interview you in a final reflection section called a viva voce . During the viva voce, your mentor will check for plagiarism and malpractice, ask you to reflect on challenges and difficulties, and prompt you to discuss what you’ve learned through the research and writing process. Your mentor will then generate a report that factors into your final grade.

Your final essay must include the following:

• Contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References and bibliography

For this essay, it will be up to you to generate a topic; the International Baccalaureate does not provide prompts. However, your essay will need to fit within one of six provided subject areas . You’ll choose from the following list of IB Extended Essay Topics:

• Language and literature
• Language acquisition
• Individuals and societies
• Mathematics

IB Extended Essay Topics (Continued)

At a glance, the subject areas might look limited, but the topics you can choose to write about are actually wide-ranging. The “Individuals and societies” category includes social science topics like economics, history, world religions, and philosophy. And, if you’re leaning toward “Science,” you can choose from classic subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics, or related topics like environmental systems or health science, among others.

The IB also offers a special “World Studies” option for students interested in researching global issues. This subject would allow you to center your writing on global issues such as migration, global health, cultural exchange, or climate change.

Wondering what an outstanding IB Extended Essay looks like? The International Baccalaureate provides quite a few sample student essays online . Here are five essays that earned A grades.

Language and literature: An exploration of an aspect of the narrative voice in Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita

Environmental Systems and Societies: The economic impact of the 1995 reintroduction of grey wolves to Yellowstone National Park

Psychology: To what extent do social networking sites (SNS) usage lead to experience of anxiety in adolescents?

Music: Composition techniques in the 1st movement of Johannes Brahms’s Symphony No. 2, Op. 73

Business Management: Corporate Culture at Oracle

1) Pick something you’re passionate about

As you can see from the titles above, the IB Extended Essay is a great place to delve into a niche topic that fascinates you. Since you’ll be spending many months on this essay, you’ll want to pick a topic you genuinely enjoy spending time learning about. It’s also smart to choose something you’ve already learned about in your IB classes so that you have a strong foundation of knowledge to start with. In music class, do you love pondering why music makes us feel a certain way? Maybe an essay about music theory will keep your gears turning. Do you come alive trying to solve seemingly impossible problems in physics class? Now’s your chance to put those equations into action.

Since this essay is all about your academic interests, it’s also a good idea to pick a topic that’s relevant to what you plan to study in college. Selecting a relevant topic will provide you with significant exposure to the field and will also give you something meaningful to talk about in your college admissions essays.

2) Limit your scope

What’s the meaning of life? Why do wars happen? What is time? Some questions are just way too big to answer, and your IB Extended Essay is not a good place to tackle expansive, philosophical questions. Instead, think of this essay as a place to investigate one piece of a big question. If, let’s say, you’re generally interested in what helps women reach positions of leadership in business, this is a good place to examine how one or a few companies approach this issue. Or, if you’re interested in studying what inspires surrealist painters, you’ll want to pick one or a few painters to research, likely all from the same time period. For both these topics, you’d need a whole textbook to tackle the full question, but limiting your scope will make it much easier to write a clear and cohesive 4,000 words.

On the other hand, it’s possible to narrow your focus too much. It would be impossible, for example, to write 4,000 words about a single sentence in a novel. Make sure you talk about scope early and often with your mentor. Together, you can find the perfect Goldilocks scope for your project that’s not too big and not too small.

3) Choose a good mentor

Speaking of mentors, choosing wisely will help you enormously as you embark on your IB Extended Essay. You’ll want to make sure you choose someone with existing knowledge in your research topic. Your English teacher may be able to give you great writing advice, for example, but they won’t be able to guide your research and scope if you’re writing about marine animals or modern dance.

Before you approach a teacher, make sure you have at least one topic idea (or even a few ideas) in mind so that you can make sure they’ll be a good fit to supervise your project. When you meet with them, find out what their mentorship style is like. Make sure they’ll have time to read several drafts of your essays, meet with you a few times, and give you feedback. Some IB schools will require your IB Extended Essay mentor to sign an agreement form too, so make sure you find out what paperwork is required in advance.

4) Get organized, way organized

The IB Extended Essay is not something you can crank out the night before it’s due. The essay is meant to be a substantive, in-depth, thoughtful, and thoroughly researched analysis, and Rome simply isn’t built in a day. This might be the longest paper you’ve written to date, and this project might require more research than you’ve been asked to do before. Timelines vary by school, but you’ll likely spend between eight months and a year working on your IB Extended Essay. So, how will you pull it all off? For these 8-12 months, organization will be your guiding light. We recommend you:

• Get started early. If your essay is due November of your senior year, start generating topic ideas during your junior year right after winter break.
• Create a long-view schedule for yourself. What will you accomplish each month of your process?
• Give yourself deadlines. Once you choose a mentor, suggest 2-3 draft deadline dates so that you will be held accountable throughout the writing process.
• Find a note-taking system that works for you. You’ll be reading many articles and books and it’s hard to keep track of all your sources. Create a document or spreadsheet where you keep track of the sources you’ve found and check them off as you read. As you finish reading a text, type up important quotes and a few notes explaining how it connects to your topic and to your other texts.

5)Write a messy first draft

Writing never comes out perfect the first time, even for New York Times bestselling authors and the most experienced researchers. In your first draft, give yourself permission to get all your thoughts out, no matter how unstructured or rambling they are. Call this your brainstorming draft. When you’re ready to revisit it, see what patterns emerge, what common ideas you can group together, what beginning buds of ideas you can make bloom into full-fledged analysis.

6) Communicate for an audience

When you’re used to producing writing that only your teacher reads, it can be hard to remember to write for an audience. But at the end of the day, writing is communication , and the best writing is clear and thorough communication that anyone could pick up and read. For your IB Extended Essay, you’ll want to remember that many people will be reading your final essay, and not all of them will be experts in the niche topic you choose to study. Ask yourself: how can I explain my research to an audience who doesn’t already agree with my analysis?

To communicate to an audience, you’ll want to:

• Provide lots of general background information on your topic.
• Don’t assume your reader is familiar with your sources. Introduce them as if they’re guest speakers about to walk up to a podium and deliver a lecture.
• After including quotes, facts, and figures, be sure to explain what those sources mean in your own words and how they connect to your bigger-picture argument.
• Don’t assume your arguments are self-evident. In this essay, communicating for an audience means supplying ongoing interpretation and analysis, even if it feels like you’re explaining the obvious. Your reader isn’t on your research journey with you, so your points might not be so obvious to your reader.

Although your IB Extended Essay provides a report that factors into your grade, your essay will also be assessed by external examiners the IB. Per the IB Extended Essay Rubric , essays are graded on a scale from 0 to 34 based on 5 different criteria:

• Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum)
• Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum)
• Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum)
• Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum)
• Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

As you can see, Critical Thinking is the most significant rubric category. This means that the IB wants to see you arrive at your own unique analysis of your topic, drawing connections between sources and data, and making well-supported arguments. This means they want a lot of you: your ideas, your interpretations, your thoughts. Make sure you emphasize that in your essay, but of course don’t forget the other categories.

The score a student receives corresponds to a letter grade scale that is slightly different than what we’re accustomed to in the U.S. Here’s the letter grade to numerical score breakdown:

You must earn a D or higher to receive your IB Diploma. To learn more about the different criteria included in the IB Extended Essay Rubric, you can explore the IB’s full guide to the Extended Essay .

We hope you found our look at the IB extended essay rubric and IB extended essay topics to be helpful. Ready to dive into research? You may want to read our 10 Expert Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension before you hit the books.

And if you’re a high school student in the process of mapping out your pathway to college, take a look at a few other useful guides:

• IB vs AP—Which Classes are Best for College Admission?
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Christina Wood

Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeney’s , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story “The Astronaut” won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a “Distinguished Stories” mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.

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7 Tips to Achieve a Level 7 on the IB HL English Essay

What is the IB English HL Essay?

The IB English HL Essay is usually written at the end of the first year of IB English in international schools and constitutes 25% of the IB English grade. For IB HL English Language & Literature, the source for the 1200-1500 word essay will be a non-literary or literary text studied in the course; for HL English Literature, this will be a literary text studied in the course.

As an International Baccalaureate Higher Level English student, one of the most daunting tasks is achieving a level 7 on the essay. However, with the right approach and mindset, it’s definitely achievable. Here are the top tips to help you achieve a level 7 on your IB HL English essay.

• Analyze the question carefully: Before diving into writing, read the prompt carefully and identify the key themes and ideas. Make sure you understand what the question is asking for. This will help you to stay focused and on-topic throughout the essay.
• Develop a strong thesis statement: Your thesis statement should reflect the main argument of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and specific. Remember, a strong thesis statement is the foundation of a successful essay.
• Use evidence effectively: Include specific quotes and examples from the text to support your arguments. Make sure to explain how the evidence relates to your thesis statement.
• Analyze literary techniques: IB exams often require students to analyze literary techniques such as symbolism, imagery, and metaphors. Make sure to identify these techniques in the text and explain how they contribute to the overall meaning.
• Plan your essay: Before writing, take some time to plan out your essay. Create an outline or a rough draft to organize your thoughts and ideas. This will help you to structure your essay effectively and ensure that you cover all the necessary points.
• Edit and revise: After finishing your essay, take some time to edit and revise. Check for grammar and spelling errors, and make sure that your sentences are clear and concise. Also, ask someone else to read your essay and provide feedback.
• Stay calm and focused: Finally, stay calm and focused throughout the exam. Remember to manage your time effectively, and don’t panic if you encounter a difficult question. Take a deep breath and approach the question logically and systematically.

In conclusion, achieving a level 7 on your IB HL English essay requires careful planning, effective use of evidence, and a clear and concise writing style. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to success.

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IB English Paper 1 Explained

Ace your IB English Paper 1 exam with the #1 IB English Resource for 2022 as Voted by IB Students & Teachers

IB English Paper 1 is one of those nerve-wracking experiences that everyone has to endure. It's especially scary because you have no idea what you'll end up writing for your final exam–and your grades depend on it!

The best preparation you can do is be acutely aware of the exam structure and proven strategies that have worked for past IB7 graduates.

If you want to fully wrap your head around the IB English Paper 1 guided analysis, then this quick guide is for you.

Meet your instructor Jackson Huang, Founder of LitLearn. His mission is to make IB English as pain-free as possible with fun, practical lessons. Jackson scored an IB45 and was accepted to Harvard, Amherst, Williams Colleges, and full scholarships to University of Melbourne & Queensland.

What is a Paper 1 exam?

In a Paper 1 exam, you are given two mysterious, unseen texts . Each text is between 1-2 pages in length.

For SL students, you're in luck! Your task is to write a guided analysis on just one of the two texts. Total marks: 20. You have 1 hour and 15 minutes.

For HL students, you're in less luck… Your task is to write two guided analysis essays–one on each of the texts. Total marks: 40. You have 2 hours and 15 minutes.

The mystery text types you'll get for Paper 1 depend on whether you're in IB English Language & Literature or IB English Literature.

For IB English Literature , Paper 1 text types belong to four neat categories (hooray!):

• Fictional prose (e.g. short stories, extracts from novels)
• Non-fiction prose (e.g. scientific articles, extracts)
• Dramatic plays

For IB English Language and Literature , your text types could be… really… anything. Be prepared to be surprised. Typically, at least one of the text types will include some visual element like an image, photo, or cartoon. Here's the (non-exhaustive) list of Lang Lit text types:

• Magazines, blogs, articles and editorials
• Speeches, interview scripts, radio transcripts
• Instruction manuals, brochures
• Comic strips, political cartoons
• … and the list goes on…

What do I write in a guided analysis?

For each Paper 1 text, the IB English Gods pose a short, open-ended question.

This question is called the guiding question , and your essay must focus on answering this guiding question using analysis (we'll explain “analysis” in a second).

Examples of guiding questions:

• How does the writer characterize the protagonist's state of mind?
• How and to what effect do textual and visual elements shape meaning?
• How is narrative perspective used to create meaning and effect?

Even though you're technically allowed to choose your own focus and ignore the default guiding question, it's highly recommended that you go along with what's given… unless you really don't know how to answer it, or you're super confident in your Paper 1 skills.

Now, what are we supposed to do with the guiding question?

Guiding questions always ask you to explain how and why certain language or visual choices are used to build one or more central ideas .

And so the vague instruction "Answer the guiding question" actually translates to something very specific:

Explain  how and why the writer uses specific language to build their central idea(s).

This sentence pretty much sums up not just IB English Paper 1, but the gist of analysis and IB English overall.

Writing Deep, Insightful Analysis

If you want to get a high score on Paper 1 (and every IB English assessment in general), you must know how to write deep, insightful analysis.

After helping numerous IB English students at LitLearn, we've found that weak analysis is the #1 reason students struggle in IB English.

Biggest Mistake

The main mistake you're likely making is that your analysis doesn't dig deep enough .

Students make the mistake of only touching the surface-level meaning of the texts. For example, common mistakes include:

• only recounting the plot
• mentioning techniques and ideas without digging into the how and why
• not identifying the most relevant techniques for analysis.

The diagram below shows the difference between surface-level meaning, deep analysis, and deeper analysis.

If you're unsure about how to write strong analysis for IB English, or you're not confident in what to look for in your texts, then you should watch this free 7-minute video lesson from Learn Analysis: Analysis Foundations.

Learn Analysis

No sign up or credit card required.

Essential Techniques you need to know

So how do we write strong analysis that scores highly on Criterion B?

First things first, we need to know how to analyze the major literary and visual techniques (visual for Lang Lit), so that we can quickly find and analyze them under exam stress.

If you're cramming for Paper 1, here are the 7 most important techniques and concepts that you should know for IB English Paper 1. They apply to all text types in Lang Lit as well as Literature:

• Tone, atmosphere and mood
• Diction and voice
• Metaphor, simile, and personification
• The 4 main types of imagery
• The 3 types of irony
• Juxtaposition and contrast
• Grammatical and structural techniques

There's a bunch more, but these 7 categories make a great starting point. The first step is to learn their names and definitions, and flashcards are an excellent way to do this.

Of course, memorizing isn't enough. We also need to know the common effects and purposes behind each of these core techniques, so that we can build a mental library of the most common ways to deeply analyze each technique. If you don't study each technique in detail, it's much harder to invent deep analysis on-the-spot during an exam.

We go deep into each of the techniques in Learn Analysis . Here are just a couple of them to get you started.

Level 1 Techniques

Your One Mission in Paper 1

Let's quickly recap what you need to do in a Paper 1.

• You need to discuss the characters, themes and plot of a chosen  literary text, OR the visual and stylistic elements (diagrams, headings, titles, images) for a non-literary text.
• You then need to explain how and why these aspects were achieved by the writer or artist.

These two points are helpful as a basis for understanding, but they won't help you get concrete words onto the exam page. What we need now is a practical guide to writing an actual essay:

• Deciding on a good  thesis
• Choosing the right  points
• Choosing the right structure

A Practical Guide to Writing a Paper 1 essay

An IB English Paper 1 essay boils down to 3 separate parts:

• An introduction paragraph : contains a thesis and an outline of your points
• A body (usually 3 paragraphs) : contains your points
• A conclusion : wraps up the essay

Choosing a thesis

The thesis or subject statement is a single sentence in the introduction of the guided analysis that states how the writer achieves their overall purpose.

This is also the main argument that you are trying to prove in your essay, and it's typically related to the guiding question . The examiner can usually judge the strength of your analytical skills JUST from your subject statement alone, so it needs to be well-written!

Choosing the right essay structure for IB English Paper 1

Every text works best with a specific paragraph structure. Finding this match isn't always easy, but it's also one of the most important things to get right in your Paper 1 guided analysis.

You can organise your essay by:

• ideas or themes
• sections (sequential, e.g. stanza by stanza for poems)
• the ‘Big 5'
• and probably a whole host of other acronyms that English teachers love to invent.

Criterion C for IB English Paper 1 is Organisation . It's worth a whole 5/20 marks, so it's definitely in your best interest to choose the most appropriate structure for your essay.

Pro Tip: I recommend students to stay away from the Big 5 . Sure, it's useful as a memory device to tell you what elements to look for in a text, but it's not a good essay structure for analysis.

Why? Because analysis is about examining the causal interplay between techniques, stylistic choices, audience, tone, and themes. The Big 5 and SPECSLIMS artificially silo these components in your discussion.  Heed my advice or pay the price! (notice that rhyme?)

So in my opinion, there are only two types of structure that are most  conducive (yep, another new vocab, omnomnom) to getting a 7. Ideas/themes  and Sections . Take this as a hot tip and run with it. If your teacher is forcing you to use other structures, then you'll need to know why this is recommended.

We go into much more depth and explain it all inside Learn Analysis.

Pro members only

Writing body paragraphs: Why and How

Once you've chosen the best structure for your essay and decided on a strong thesis as your central argument, the rest of the essay needs to revolve around proving  this argument.

How do you prove this subject statement? You do it by looking at individual points. These smaller points support smaller, more specific aspects of the overall thesis.

The idea is that each body paragraph, or point, aims to prove a separate, smaller aspect of the bigger thesis. It's like a jigsaw puzzle : You must piece together smaller, more manageable pieces to build the bigger argument (i.e. the thesis).

In reality, this translates into writing 2, 3 or 4 points, each of which fits snuggly it its own paragraph or multiple paragraphs (depending on the complexity of the point).

In each point, you must include:

• Quotes, references to images, titles, headings, or visual elements. This is the evidence.
• Analysis of language and literary techniques.  Use specific quotes from the text and explain how and why they are used by the writer to shape his/her message.

Obviously, this is a quick summary of how to write a high-quality body paragraph. We dive deeper into the specific details of how to structure a body paragraph in the guided analysis.

Planning ahead

Ironically, the most important part of IB English Paper 1 is not the analysis itself (well it is, but not really). The part you have to get right the first time is the plan. Most students do not know how to plan effectively, or get flustered in the exam and don't plan, or don't even try to plan because they think they're above it. Big mistake!

Before you even begin writing, you should plan out your essay in sufficient detail. You will lose track of time, thought and sanity if you do not have a clear road map of every part of your essay before you begin writing.

You can learn how to annotate and plan quickly & efficiently using the flowchart method, which we demonstrate inside Learn Analysis and Paper 1 .

In the Pro lesson below, we go into detail on exactly how to plan a Paper 1 essay effectively and efficiently under exam conditions.

How do I practice for Paper 1?

Most students think that doing a lot of practice papers is the best way to improve in Paper 1. However, there's a much more efficient, targeted method to study for Paper 1.

We work our way up from the smallest, most manageable chunks of analysis to the full Paper 1 exam. It's a good idea to reserve real IB English past papers for 2 months before your final exam so that you don't run out of past papers--they are the best preparation for the final exam. Also, if your analysis skills aren't already strong, doing real past papers is a waste of an excellent exam prep resource.

Questionbank

Quote analysis exercises with exemplar IB7 solutions

Short guided analysis exercises with exemplar IB7 solutions

1 hour practice exams with detailed markschemes or video solutions

IB past paper solutions: Exemplar essay plans and full essay responses

Question​bank

Paper 1 Practice Exams

Past Paper 1 Solutions

Paper 2 Guide

From Struggling to Succeeding in IB English

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IB4 to IB6 in 1 day " With just day 1 of the course, I improved immediately and overnight when I did a practice essay and improved by 4 marks from my previous grades " Read the full review

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Step-By-Step Guide On IB Extended Essay With 10 Tips

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay is a challenging and rigorous component of the IB Diploma Programme . It requires students to choose a research question, conduct extensive independent research, and present their findings in a formal essay format. The extended essay provides students with an opportunity to develop their research, writing, and critical thinking skills, and to delve into a subject that interests them in depth. 

This essay is a significant component of the IB Diploma, as it contributes up to 36 points toward a student’s final score, and is considered an important factor in university admissions. In this blog, we will explore the importance of the extended essay and provide tips and guidance on how to succeed in writing a high-quality essay. 

Furthermore, as Ignite Training Institute offers full-scale support for IB Diploma , know more!

Table of Contents

What Is An Extended Essay For IB? 

Ib extended essay checklist: what to include, 10 tips to write an excellent ib extended essay, what is the assessment criteria of an ib extended essay, is extended essay important for ib diploma, #1 support for ib diploma in uae.

The Extended Essay (EE) is a core component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). It is a research-based essay of up to 4,000 words written on a topic of the student’s choice, under the guidance of a supervisor. The Extended Essay is a unique opportunity for students to engage in independent research and develop their skills in critical thinking, research, and writing. 

The IB Extended Essay is intended to encourage students to explore their interests, develop their knowledge of a subject in depth, and demonstrate their ability to communicate their ideas effectively in written form. The Extended Essay is scored by external examiners and contributes up to three points toward the final IB DP score. The Extended Essay is a challenging but rewarding part of the IB DP and provides students with a valuable experience for their future academic and professional careers.

Related: The IB CAS Program: A Unique Approach to Learning

The IB Extended Essay Checklist is a set of guidelines that students should follow when writing their Extended Essays. It is a comprehensive list of the essential elements that should be included in the essay to ensure that it meets the criteria set by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). Here are some of the key components that should be included in an IB Extended Essay:

• Introduction: This should include a brief overview of the research question, the scope of the essay, and the methodology used.
• Abstract: A concise summary of the main findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the essay.
• Research Question: The research question should be clear, specific, and focused, and it should reflect the scope of the essay.
• Methodology: A clear and detailed description of the methods used to gather and analyze data.
• Results: This section should present the findings of the research, and it should be supported by data and evidence.
• Discussion: A critical analysis of the results and an interpretation of their significance.
• Conclusion: A summary of the main findings and conclusions of the essay, along with any recommendations for further research.
• Bibliography: A list of all the sources used in the essay, including books, articles, and other materials.
• Referencing: The essay should be properly referenced, using the appropriate referencing style, such as MLA or APA.
• Word count: The essay should be within the word limit set by the IBO, typically 4000 words.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay is a research paper that students write as a requirement for their IB Diploma. To write an excellent IB Extended Essay, you should follow these steps:

• Choose A Topic: Choose a topic that you are passionate about and have enough information to research.
• Conduct Research: Gather information from multiple sources and note important information.
• Create A Research Question: Formulate a research question that will guide your investigation and analysis.
• Plan Your Essay: Organize your information and ideas into a clear and logical structure.
• Write The Introduction: Introduce your topic, research question, and thesis statement.
• Develop The Main Body: Present your research, arguments, and evidence in support of your thesis.
• Write The Conclusion: Summarize your findings, explain their significance, and restate your thesis.
• Use Credible Sources: Cite all sources of information used in the essay to avoid plagiarism.
• Revise & Edit: Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors and make revisions as needed.
• Get Feedback: Seek feedback from your teacher or peer to identify any weaknesses in your essay and make improvements.

The grading system of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay is based on a scale of 0 to 36 points. The essay is evaluated using four assessment criteria, each worth a maximum of 7 points. The criteria are:

Criterion A: Research Question

Criterion B : Introduction

Criterion C: Investigation

Criterion D: Conclusion

Each criterion is marked by two independent assessors, who award marks based on the quality of the student’s work in that area. The final grade is the average of the two assessors’ marks, rounded to the nearest whole number. The extended essay contributes up to 3 points towards a student’s overall score in the IB Diploma Program, with the maximum score of 36 points equating to a grade of A.

The assessment criteria are designed to measure the depth and quality of the student’s research and writing skills, as well as their ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate sources. Additionally, the criteria assess the student’s ability to use critical thinking and independent judgment to address the research question and support their argument with evidence.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay is an integral part of the IB Diploma Programme. Here’s why it is important for the IB Diploma Programme. 

• A Significant Part Of The IB Diploma: The Extended Essay (EE) is an important component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, accounting for up to 3 points out of the total of 45 points.
• Develops Research & Writing Skills: Writing an Extended Essay requires students to engage in independent research and develop their critical thinking and writing skills.
• Enhances Subject Knowledge: By choosing a topic that interests them and conducting in-depth research, students can develop a deeper understanding of a specific subject area.
• Prepares For University Studies: The Extended Essay provides students with a taste of what academic research and writing are like at the university level, preparing them for future academic challenges.
• Improves Time Management & Organizational Skills: Completing the Extended Essay requires students to manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks and stay organized, skills that are essential for success in higher education and beyond.
• Boosts Confidence & Self-Esteem: The successful completion of the Extended Essay can be a source of great pride and self-esteem for students and can help build their confidence in their own abilities.
• Improves Language Skills: Writing the Extended Essay in English, and presenting it in a clear and concise manner, helps students to improve their language skills.
• A Valuable Addition To College Applications: Completing an Extended Essay demonstrates to colleges and universities that students are capable of independent research and writing, making them stand out as strong candidates for admission.

Ignite Training Institute is a well-known and highly respected institution that provides comprehensive support to students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Whether you are looking to improve your grades or get a head start in your future academic career, Ignite Training Institute has you covered.

At Ignite Training Institute, you can expect to receive a first-class education experience. Our experienced and knowledgeable instructors understand the unique challenges that students face when pursuing the IB Diploma Programme, and they work tirelessly to provide you with the support you need to succeed. With a comprehensive curriculum that covers all of the key subjects and topics in the IB program, our courses are designed to help you reach your full potential and develop the skills you need to succeed in your future academic and professional careers.

Related: How To Find The Best Coaching Institute In Dubai?

1. Is IB Extended Essay Hard? 

The difficulty level of the IB Extended Essay (EE) varies from student to student. Some students may find the process of research and writing the essay challenging, while others may find it relatively easier. The difficulty of the EE depends on factors such as the student’s writing skills, time management abilities, research skills, and understanding of the topic chosen.

2. What Makes A Good IB Extended Essay?

A good IB Extended Essay is one that showcases the student’s ability to conduct independent research and present their findings in a well-structured, organized, and analytical manner. It should demonstrate the student’s understanding of the research topic and their ability to critically evaluate and analyze information. The essay should also reflect the student’s originality and creativity, and showcase their writing skills. 

3. How Important Is The Extended Essay In IB?

The EE is assessed and contributes to a student’s overall score for the IB Diploma. As such, it is important for students to take the EE seriously and put in the necessary time and effort to produce a high-quality piece of work. This not only demonstrates their competence in research and writing but also showcases their intellectual curiosity and ability to engage with complex topics.

The IB extended essay is a crucial component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. It provides students with the opportunity to engage in independent research and develop important skills such as critical thinking, time management, and effective communication. The extended essay also offers students the chance to explore a topic that they are truly passionate about and demonstrate their ability to think critically and creatively. 

Ultimately, the extended essay is a valuable experience that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of higher education and beyond. By embracing the extended essay process, students can gain a deeper understanding of their chosen topic, enhance their research and writing skills, and achieve greater academic success. As Ignite Training Institute offers full academic support for IBDP, get in touch with expert consultants today.

Related: List Of Top 10 Benefits Of The IB Diploma Programme

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15 Top Tips on Writing the IB Extended Essay (EE)

Table of Contents

• 1 What is the EE?
• 2 Tips on Getting Started
• 3 Tips on Organizing your Sources
• 4 Tips on Writing the Essay

What is the EE?

The IB Extended Essay (EE) is a 4000-word essay that gives you the chance to explore interesting topics relating to one of your DP subjects. It’s like a mini-thesis.

Tips on Getting Started

1. pick a subject and topic:.

Perhaps you have enjoyed your literature classes the most: that could be your subject. What themes did you find intriguing? You might have enjoyed Beckett’s Waiting for Godot and may choose to compare the play with Endgame . It’s important to spend some time picking your subject and topic because your essay must insightfully answer a research question.

2. Design a research question:

Start with a broad topic and brainstorm limiting factors, which are questions you can ask yourself to narrow your focus. The research question should eventually be fairly specific, such that a short 4000 word essay would be able to answer it with some depth.

For example, you can start with ‘ the portrayal of women in 19th century novels ’ (a broad topic). Asking yourself, ‘ Which novelist specifically am I interested in? would limit your scope, and you can come up with better scope: ‘Portrayal of women in the novels of Jane Austen’ (a more focused topic). The next limiting factor would give you a refined title. Now ask ‘ which novels? ’ Keep going with this process till you have narrowed yourself down to an appropriately specific research question. This same process can be applied to the study of any subject of your choice.

Below is a table to give you an example of the process:

Below you will find some common question starter you can use to generate your working title:

• In what ways…
• To what extent….
• What are the impacts of….
• What is the influence of ….

3. Finding sources:

Find suitable sources as soon as you have your working title. Find at least 5- 7 reliable sources that relate to your title.

4. Changing your research question, subject, or topic:

It is fine to change the above, but give yourself a deadline, after which you cannot allow yourself to change the subject and topic. Adjustment to the research question is permissible as you might reconsider it while conducting your research. However, having a deadline to refine your research question would also ensure that you’re on the right track. This also means you should start more ahead of time that you originally planned so that you have time and space to get comfortable and make some mistakes.

Tips on Organizing your Sources

1. Distinguish between primary and secondary sources. For example, in Literature, novels, poems, and anthologies are considered primary sources while secondary sources comprise articles or literary reviews related to your topic.

2. Visit a library.

3. Structure your reading to avoid re-reading:

You can also organize the reading using mind maps, interconnected block lists, progression charts, and branches.

4. Research is important because an EE that is based on mere opinions will not score highly.

Tips on Writing the Essay

A formal essay follows the model below:

1. The introduction must explicitly state your research question. Write the introduction first because it will help you write a logical and coherent essay. The introduction functions as an outline of your essay.

2. You may want to think about subsections in your essay before you start writing. This will give you a sense of how much space or how many words each section of your analysis will take. The last thing you want is an essay that requires heavy cutting, or to struggle to meet the word count close to your deadline.

3. Examiners want to see logical arguments supported by relevant evidence. You must provide evidence to support your points and discuss the relationship between them, so make reference to your primary and secondary sources.

4. Use reporting verbs such as argues, highlights, defines, reinforces, asserts, and so on rather than thinks, shows, hopes, imagines, and so on.

5. Use linking words to link ideas and provide a logical flow of ideas.

6. Read through your paragraphs, again and again, reordering paragraphs, until you have a logical order.

7. The conclusion of your essay must reiterate your key findings, summarize main points, and provide a resolution to your conclusion. DO NOT introduce new findings or information. DO NOT pass judgments or make any accusations. AVOID including personal statements.

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IB English Paper Two – Everything You Need to Know To Ace the Exam

Written by Jay ayliffe

When it comes to Paper 2 for IB English Lit/Lang and Lit, there are several things that students often find challenging. Some common reactions to seeing a Paper 2 for the first time include: 

• ‘The questions don’t make any sense!’
• ‘It’s too broad – I don’t know what they want me to say’
• ‘There’s no way I’m going to be able to remember the right quotes for that!’

Now, these are understandable reactions! Paper 2 can seem a little wacky and abstract, especially after the more relatively straightforward Paper 1 exam. However, if you take the time to unpack what the IB is looking for and follow the tips below, you’ll find that Paper 2 isn’t that bad. With the right preparation, it can be pretty straightforward, after all!

what is the English Paper 2 Exam?

In a nutshell, the IB asks you to write a comparative essay in response to a prompt.

Over the course of the year, whether you are a Lit or a Lang/Lit Student, you will have studied a series of texts. These may be poems, novels, plays or short stories.  The Paper 2 exam allows you to draw upon these texts, using them to explore similarities and differences in relation to the central theme of the prompt. For instance, 

“Not rounding off, but opening out.” Comment upon the way writers deal with the ending. In your answer, you should refer to two or three texts you have studied.”

Or how about?

Writers utilise a number of different devices within their works, including using time jumps or other non-linear structures. Considering two texts, discuss how writers use structural elements in unusual or interesting ways to shape meaning.”

Okay, these questions may seem a little mean at first, but you only have to answer one question! You will have 1.5 hours if you are a Standard Level (SL) student and 2 hours if you are an English Lit/Lang Higher Level (HL) student! (If you want some more help breaking down the question, check out this helpful blog on command terms )

The key thing to do here is to provide a structured and detailed answer that offers a balanced and meaningful discussion of both texts. Ideally, this means you are identifying 2-3 points of insight from the central questions relevant to both texts. This allows you to write 4-6 chunky paragraph s in answer to the question, in addition to the MANDATORY introduction and conclusion.

What do I need to do to prepare for the Paper 2 Exam?

First of all, planning is essential ! You will not know which questions the IB will ask you before opening your exam. However, a quick look over papers from previous years will tell you about the common themes and techniques the IB loves to ask about. Broadly, you can categorise these questions into three groups:

Why you should learn more than 2 works

Now, you have a rough idea of what they could ask you. Next, you should go back to your set of texts. Determine which combination of works would work best for you if you had to answer one of these questions. 

Some students commit to just learning two works. They rely on their in-depth knowledge of these texts to answer any question that may come up. I understand their approach, but I think having at least two possible combinations of texts available is best (e.g. Text A+B, A+C, or B+C). This ensures you are best prepared to answer questions with reference to the most relevant works.

Also, you certainly don’t want to be stuck giving yourself more to do by exaggerating the importance of one theme/technique in a work because that’s the only one you know!

With these choices made, you can start compiling quotes, context and moments from the texts, which you can use as evidence. Aim for 4-5 really good points of information that you can expand upon in your essay. Even better, if you already know that, you can directly compare/contrast it with a quote/technique from the other piece of work.

For instance, with my Paper 2 exam, I found it helpful to organise my notes in the following layout:

As you can see, I have prepared a mixture of quotations and techniques that I could draw upon for this question on endings. It also allows me plenty of room to elaborate on individual points when I develop new ideas and connections.

Practising Paper 2 Questions

Practising exam questions will help you feel confident writing Paper 2s. Through practice, you will also learn to adapt your prepared notes to specific prompts.

However, before getting stuck in, spend a bit of time thinking about your introductions. An excellent introduction will outline everything you want to cover in your essay, which is key to ensuring you are heading in the right direction. Have a look at the one below and think about all the different criteria it is attempting to reach:

As in all art forms, the ending of a play usually serves to resolve its central conflict, to highlight character development and to convey to the audience a final, lasting message which summarises the major themes and motifs previously seen in the performance. Wilde’s’ Importance of Being Earnest (Importance) appears to display all of these conventions as by the end of the play, the central protagonist, Jack emerges triumphant. However, theatre, as a highly versatile and varied art form, can and has been used to explore radical modernist and postmodernist approaches to art such as in Samuel Beckett’s play Waiting for Godot where these traditional conventions of an ending are questioned. Indeed, while Wilde’s play follows the traditional conventions of an ending in theatre almost to the point of comedic lunacy, Beckett’s play seeks to completely dismiss them . This is undoubtedly the result of the two theatrical productions differing purposes and cultural contexts where Importance clearly belongs to the theatrical genre of comedy of manners while Waiting for Godot is part of the theatre of the absurd.  Yet despite these radically different approaches, both highlight the importance of endings as a tool for a playwright to reiterate their main message and to provide the audience with a particular impression to take away. Sample Paper 2 Introduction by Jay

Criterion A: Knowledge, Understanding and Interpretation

• A clear statement about the writer’s choices and the effects of literary devices. It also sets up the basic structure of the essay to cover three core elements: conflict resolutions, character development and lasting message.

Criterion B: Analysis and Evaluation

• Unambiguous comparative statements about how and why the two texts differ regarding their endings, as well as share similarities.

Criterion C: Focus and Organisation

• The student introduces two key texts and their authors. There is a balanced description of both works, which the student will continue in the main body.

Criterion D: Language

• Spelling, punctuation and grammar is consistently accurate. The student uses a range of vocabulary and relevant, literary/text-specific terminology with precision.

Try to build a habit of writing essay plans with a short introduction. Doing this will help you to turn your notes and ideas into written answers more easily. It will also be an excellent resource for future exam prep! (Also, if you need help putting in the time for revision, these apps can be really helpful!)

6 Final Tips

Here are 6 final top tips to keep in mind next time you head into your Paper 2 English Exam!

• Develop Strong Time Management: Time management is crucial during the exam. Allocate a specific amount of time for planning (no more than 20 minutes) and stick to it. Make sure you give yourself enough time to talk about both works in a balanced way.
• Annotate The Question: Highlight key phrases and jot down initial thoughts. These annotations will ensure that you are sticking to the question and mean you won’t have to start with a blank page!
• Develop a Strong Thesis: In the comparative essay, a well-crafted thesis is essential (Click here to learn more about writing a brilliant thesis ). Clearly state your argument and how you will be referring to both texts in your answer. This will guide your essay and keep it focused.
• Compare Throughout: Every paragraph should start with a comparative, e.g. Both texts explore the theme of loneliness or Unlike text A, Text B utilises its setting to highlight . These topic sentences set you up to dig deeper and explore how these different writers’ choices contribute to the overall meaning and message of the texts.
• Incorporate Literary Devices: Demonstrate your knowledge of literary devices by incorporating them into your analysis. Discuss how these devices enhance the texts and support your arguments.
• Proofread and Revise: Allocate some time at the end of the exam to proofread your essays. Check for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Ensure that your ideas flow smoothly and coherently.

Final Thoughts

I hope this all helps! Remember to prepare for the prompts, test your introductions and focus on critical analysis. If you follow these tips and dedicate yourself to practise, you’ll be in the best possible position to go and ace the English Paper 2 Exam! However, if you want extra assistance and guidance, please check Lanterna’s Online Private Tutoring service . Our tutors can sit down with you 1-on-1 online and help you plan, improve and offer feedback on your Paper 2 exams.

Preparing for your IGCSE?

When preparing for IGCSE , students often seek effective strategies to enhance their chances of success. Exploring different study techniques is crucial. For instance, integrating mind mapping into your revision routine can significantly improve information retention. Additionally, consider joining or forming a study group. Collaborating with peers not only fosters a supportive learning environment but also allows for the exchange of diverse perspectives. Another valuable approach is to leverage online resources, such as educational websites and forums like Lanterna. These platforms provide access to supplementary materials and can help reinforce key concepts. By adopting these varied methods, students can tailor their preparation to suit their learning styles, setting a solid foundation for IGCSE success.

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How To Prepare For IB Exams

‍ Are you worried about taking the IB exams? Don’t fret; we’ll cover how to prepare for IB exams and everything else you need to know.  ‍

The International Baccalaureate (IB) exams are standardized tests in the globally recognized IB program for high school students aged 16 to 19. These exams cover languages, sciences, mathematics, humanities, and the arts through written exams, coursework, and practical assessments.

Preparing for IB exams is tough but worthwhile for high schoolers. Success requires a solid grasp of subjects across various disciplines, along with critical thinking and research skills. 

To ace your exams and achieve an IB diploma , students need effective study strategies, time management skills, and a proactive approach to learning. This guide offers practical tips to help students excel in IB exams, whether just starting out or already immersed in the program.

How to Prepare for IB Exams: Steps to Take

Below, we’ll cover easy-to-follow steps to help you with IB preparation. 

Step One: Create a Study Plan

Creating a study plan is crucial for preparing for the IB exams , as it provides a structured and organized approach to preparation. A well-designed study plan should include several key components: 

• Clear timeline : It should have a clear timeline outlining the duration of the study period and setting deadlines for completing specific tasks. This helps you manage time effectively and ensures you cover all necessary material before the exams. 
• Syllabus breakdown : The study plan should incorporate a detailed syllabus breakdown specifying the topics and subjects to be studied. This helps allocate sufficient time for each subject and ensures comprehensive coverage. 
• Regular revision sessions : Should include regular revision sessions to reinforce learning and consolidate knowledge. Practice questions and past papers should also be incorporated to familiarize yourself with the exam format and develop exam-taking skills.
• Flexibility : The study plan should allow for flexibility to adapt to unexpected challenges or changes in priorities. 

Lastly, it is essential to include breaks in the study plan to prevent burnout and maintain overall well-being. Let’s take a look at one: 

Step Two: Allocate Time to Study

Allocating time to study for these exams is important for a student's success. The curriculum covered in the IB program requires a lot of time to grasp the knowledge across various subjects. You can thoroughly understand complex concepts and develop a strong foundation by dedicating focused study time. 

Strategically allocating time also enables proper organization and planning. It allows you to create a study schedule, dividing your preparation time evenly among different subjects and topics. This balanced approach also prevents last-minute cramming. 

You are able to identify areas of weakness and assign additional focus to those topics. By giving yourself adequate time to revise and practice, you’ll have a better chance of doing well on exam day. 

Step Three: Review Class Notes

Reviewing class notes is a great way to prepare for the IB exams. Class notes serve as a valuable resource that captures important information, explanations, and examples. By reviewing these notes regularly, students reinforce their understanding of key concepts and fill in any gaps in their knowledge.

Additionally, reviewing class notes allows students to identify any areas of confusion or topics that require further clarification. They can then seek assistance from their teachers and tutors and engage in discussions with peers, or conduct additional research to deepen their understanding.

Step Four: Practice Using Past IB Exam Papers

Using past IB exam papers is a great way to study. Past papers offer numerous benefits that contribute to a student's assessment success. 

Firstly, they provide insight into the exam format, question types, and difficulty level, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the exam’s expectations. Students become more comfortable and confident in their exam-taking abilities by practicing with past papers. 

Past papers are also an effective tool for assessing knowledge and identifying areas that require further improvement. By attempting questions from previous exams, students can gauge their understanding of different topics, evaluate their performance, and gain a realistic perspective of their strengths and weaknesses. 

Step Five: Take Breaks

Taking breaks while preparing for the IB exams is essential for students’ well-being and academic success. Continuous studying without breaks can lead to burnout, diminishing productivity, and increasing stress levels. 

Incorporating scheduled breaks into your study sessions allows you to recharge your mental and physical energy while improving focus and concentration. 

Step Six: Manage Your Stress Levels

Managing stress levels is important for preparing for the IB exams. The pressure and high expectations associated with these exams can increase stress, negatively impacting academic performance and overall well-being. 

By effectively managing stress, you can optimize and improve your chances of success. High stress levels can hinder concentration, memory retention, and cognitive functioning, making it harder to absorb and recall information. 

Ensure you combat your stress levels in activities you enjoy. Whether exercising, reading a book, or painting, whatever the activity is, do it!

How Long Should You Prepare for IB Exams?

The time needed to prepare for IB exams can vary depending on several factors, including your prior knowledge, study habits, academic strengths, and the number of subjects taken. 

Generally, it is recommended to allocate a significant amount of time for preparation, ideally four to five months in advance. This allows for a thorough understanding of the curriculum, revision of key concepts, and ample time to practice past papers and develop exam-taking skills. 

It's important to remember that individual study needs may differ, and some students may require more or less time based on their circumstances. It is advisable to create a study plan and timeline considering the specific subjects being studied and the student's learning pace and commitments.

FAQs: IB Preparation

If you still have questions after reading this article, explore these frequently asked questions regarding how to get ready for IB exams.

1. Is It Hard to Pass IB Exams?

Passing IB exams can be challenging due to their rigorous nature. The exams assess students' in-depth understanding of the subjects and their ability to apply critical thinking, analytical skills, and knowledge. 

Keep in mind that an exam’s difficulty level can vary from student to student, depending on the subject and individual strengths. However, it is possible to pass the IB exams with proper preparation, organization, and teacher support.

2. How Many Hours a Day Should an IB Student Study?

To excel in the IB program, allocating one hour per day for each subject you’re taking is recommended. However, it may be beneficial to dedicate around two hours per day to subjects you find challenging or consider your weaker areas. 

Following this routine, you can aim for approximately four hours of focused study daily. This consistent and structured study approach will greatly contribute to your success in the IB exams.

3. What Is a Good IB Score for Ivy League?

Regarding Ivy League admissions, a good IB score is around 38 to 40 or higher out of the maximum score of 45. However, it's important to note that IB scores are just one aspect of the admissions process for Ivy League schools.

Admissions committees also evaluate other factors such as academic performance, extracurricular involvement, essays, and letters of recommendation. 

Final Thoughts

IB preparation requires a thoughtful and strategic approach to ensure success. You can maximize your study efforts by following key steps and implementing effective test-taking techniques.

It begins with creating a comprehensive study plan that allocates time to each subject, prioritizes areas of weakness, and allows for regular revision and practice. Utilizing resources such as past IB exam papers helps familiarize students with the exam format and difficulty level. 

Taking breaks and managing stress is crucial to maintaining well-being and optimizing learning. By embracing these strategies and approaching IB exams with determination and focus, you can pave the way for success and achieve your academic goals.

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Ultimate Guide To IB English – Language A: Literature HL Exam

What’s covered:, ib hl vs sl: what’s the difference, how do hl papers/exams work, how are the ib english sl papers/exams scored, how does the ib english hl exam affect my college chances.

IBDP, which stands for The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme , is a common high school diploma alternative to the AP system, a system very popular here in the U.S. The IB system is much more internationally accepted, and considered a lot more rigorous in academics and exams. 

The exams can be a hard spot for IB for many students, and one of its flagship subjects, English Literature, is considered difficult and its exam is no different. Hopefully this guide can break down the exam into some digestible information and make it easier for you to approach the examination. 

All IB classes/courses have two versions, higher level (HL) and standard level (SL) . The most prevalent  difference between these two versions is mostly the amount of coursework expected, as well as some key differences to what’s being provided to the student as learning material. 

Language A is separated by not only the difficulty of exams but, there are different kinds and options for reading material for the class. Reading material matters here because the exams are based on reading material. 

HL papers for the Literature exam are divided into two components:

• Paper 1 is a 2 hour and 15 minute long essay-based examination that requires you to analyze unseen texts.
• Paper 2 is a 2 hour and 15 minute long examination that will require you to answer questions based on the required texts for the course, and questions can be picked based on which texts you chose to read. 

This paper is a bit more difficult for most students because the questions are based on unseen excerpts as opposed to the reading materials you’ve read during the two year curriculum. These unseen texts are hard to prepare for, but based on the type of student you are, you might find this more approachable as they’re concise and require more reading between the lines. For these texts it’s important to get to the motive and theme of the text as soon as possible, as opposed to understanding the actual context. Skim reading and breaking down sections into groups based on common themes is a common hack for this paper. 

Ideally you’d want to have a general plan before you step into paper 1. The plan should detail your approach to reading the exam and its texts. Breaking the texts down to the following subcategories would be useful for literature analysis:

• Contextual and Content
• Author Motives

By breaking the text down like this, you can identify the purpose of the excerpt and hence answer any question that involves the analysis of the literature pretty easily, because your plan has already been executed as you were skimming or reading. 

This plan should make paper 1 much more manageable, but some practice goes a long way. Make sure to use previous examinations and specimen papers to your advantage and practice older questions to perfect your skills.

Paper 2 can be considered a little easier given that you’re aware of the texts that will be used for the examination, and you can choose which questions you wish to solve out of the provided options. These options make it even easier to implement the plan as described previously! Paper 2 is only as difficult as you come underprepared so study those texts and provide literature!

The texts refer to readings that have been assigned from a board at IBO, and these selections are sent to schools all over the world. The way the paper is designed, no matter which option you choose to read for a text, there will be an exam question that pertains to your selection. There will also be numerous generalized questions that can refer to many texts and be pretty-opened. 

There’s ample time to create answers that are more concrete and proofed compared to responses in paper 1, therefore the grading expectations for this paper are less lenient than paper 1. Understanding your provided reading material is key to excelling in this paper, so making sure to come in prepared is the key difference of passing and failing this paper.

Both papers are scored out of 20 points, and are based off a rubric/criterion chart that can be used to pick a score based on performance. 

The criteria can be clearly seen in the diagram above, with level 1 being the weakest performance in each criteria, up to 5 being the strongest.

You should study the criteria thoroughly because it shows you what the grader is looking for in a  good, well-written essay/response. 

The scores out of 20 are then used along with your performance in internal assessments to determine a grade out of 7 for the class . The table below, called a grade boundary table, is used by graders to determine this score out of 7.

To calculate your grade, you would take the total score on both papers (which is out of 40) and your internal assessment grades, a total isn’t as clear here as it’s based on what your teachers would decide. Divide your earned points by the number of available points to score, and multiply the decimal by a 100.

Read Early 

Given that paper 2 is completely dependent on how well you’re prepared by understanding your literature options, read earlier and get a head start. The sooner you understand your text, the earlier you can analyze prior to the exam. By getting this over with, when the exam rolls around you’re already done with the prep work required to solve the prompts and questions.

By reading earlier you may also notice the text you chose isn’t quite suited for you, or you simply don’t enjoy reading it. The extra time from starting it earlier, gives you a chance to swap our selections if required.

Exam Stress Management

A more general, but equally as important tip! Managing stress during exam season can be difficult, but a couple healthy practices can make it easy! Start by telling yourself exams are not as important as schools make them out to be! They are not going to decide our future, and certainly have less impact on your chances of college admission than you’d think! Understanding this can remove a lot of stress off you, which funnily enough might make you even perform better due to feeling less inclined to exceed those expectations that were previously placed on you!

In short they do not! Scores don’t mean much when it comes to college admissions, but showing the will to be in a hard class like English Literature HL is more important. Colleges are inclined to favor students with a set of more difficult classes as opposed to high scores and other metrics. 

A nifty tool, CollegeVine’s admissions calculator , takes all factors that do matter in college admissions, ranging from extracurriculars, GPA, and standardized test scores, along with a lot more, and provides you with your unique chances of getting into a college/university of your choosing. 

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Essay Introductions: How to write the perfect essay introduction for IB Psych exams.

Travis Dixon December 5, 2022 Revision and Exam Preparation , Teaching Ideas

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This post will show you four easy steps you can apply to any  exam question to write the perfect introduction. Scroll to the bottom for a simple practice tip.

First impressions matter, especially in your IB exams. You’re writing essays in IB Psych to show what an excellent psychologist you are, but you have about 1,000 words and 60 minutes to do that, so a good introduction is essential. You want something that’s substantial, shows you know your stuff but doesn’t waste your time or your examiners. Here’s how to do that in four essay steps. I’ll use three examples from May 2021 exam to demonstrate.

• How to answer any essay question
• How to write a research methods essay
• Essay tips for reconstructive memory 

Why write an introduction?

Have you studied schema theory? What about Bransford and Johnson’s “laundry study”? If you have, you’ll know that we’re better at comprehending and remembering information if we’re told about it first. That’s why blog posts have titles, textbooks have headings and paragraphs have topic sentences. Your reader will comprehend your essay if they know what to expect.

Therefore, your introduction must touch on the major points of your essay. Because your essay is 6 marks for “knowledge and understanding,” 6 marks for “use of research” and 6 marks for “critical thinking,” you should somehow show how you will address those six major parts of the essay. Here’s how:

Step One: Restate the question

Score one easy mark by simply restating the question. According to the IB Guide, “ Students may simply identify the problem by restating the question” (p47).  Do this in the opening line of your essay because it addresses the “ Identifies the problem/issue raised in the question”  part of Criterion A, “Focus on the Question.” (Read More: How to explain the problem/issue in essay introductions ). Thus, one (good) sentence = one mark.

Examples (for questions from May 2021 Exam):

• Question: Evaluate one or more research methods used when investigating the relationship between the brain and behaviour. 

Answer#1) The case study method is one research method used to investigate the relationship between the brain and behaviour. 

• Qu: Discuss schema theory in relation to cognitive processing. 

A#2) Schema theory is an important theory relating to cognitive processes like memory. 

• Qu: Discuss one or more ethical considerations related to research studies investigating cultural origins of behaviour and/or cultural origins of cognition. 

A#3) Informed consent and anonymity are two important ethical considerations related to research studies investigating cultural origins of cognition and behaviour. 

Notice how the above opening sentences clearly state  exactly  what examples the essay is going to focus on. This reassures your examiner that you are going to stay focused on the question. See also how with #1 and #3 it’s pretty easy, and with #2 there’s not much to say. That’s because any question about a specific theory or model already addresses the specific theory or model in the question. Imagine if that question were “Discuss one theory relating to cognitive processing,” you’d see suddenly that same opening sentence becomes much more effective.

Step Two: The Argument

Extend your opening sentence by adding one (maybe two) sentences that provided more detail about your central argument. How will you use your knowledge of the topic to answer the question. These examples use the same questions from above:

#1) The case study method is one research method used to investigate the relationship between the brain and behaviour. More specifically, case studies help us understand localisation of function in areas like the amygdala and the hippocampus. 

#2) Schema theory is an important theory relating to cognitive processes like memory. The major claims of schema theory explain why some information is remembered better than others, as well as how false memories might occur. This has been used in educational psychology. 

#3) Informed consent and anonymity are two important ethical considerations related to research studies investigating cultural origins of cognition and behaviour. They are highly relevant because research in cross-cultural psychology, particularly on cultural differences in mate selection, involves very sensitive information. 

These additional sentences prep the reader for what you’re going to write about in your essay. Remember that’s the vital function of an introduction – it tells your reader what you’re going to write about. In IB Psych exam essays, you want to get straight to the point. You don’t have time to write waffly intros and your examiner doesn’t have the patience to read them! You can only write these summaries, however, if you’ve studied hard and have strong arguments to make for the topic in the question.

You don’t have time to write waffly intros and your examiner doesn’t have the patience to read them!

Step Three: The Research

Your studies and theories are most of the content of your essay, so introduce them to your reader. Can’t remember their names? That’s fine. Just give them a brief description. This way your examiner knows your arguments will be supported by evidence.

#1) The case study method is one research method used to investigate the relationship between the brain and behaviour. More specifically, case studies help us understand localisation of function in areas like the amygdala and the hippocampus. We can see this in the case study on the woman with amygdala damage and the case study on HM by Milner.

#2) Schema theory is an important theory relating to cognitive processes like memory. The major claims of schema theory explain why some information is remembered better than others, as well as how false memories might occur. This has been used in educational psychology. Studies like the one on doing laundry, the War of the Ghosts and stereotypes studies can help show the effects of schema on memory.

#3) Informed consent and anonymity are two important ethical considerations related to research studies investigating cultural origins of cognition and behaviour. They are highly relevant because research in cross-cultural psychology, particularly on cultural differences in mate selection, involves very sensitive information. For example, the study on mate preference around the world can show the relevance of informed consent and anonymity in this area of research. 

Pay particular attention to the fine details. The above lines don’t just state the studies, they also hint at why the studies are relevant. They briefly introduce what points the studies will be used to support.

Step Four: The Counter Arguments

You need to show your “critical thinking” in all IB Psych exam essays. I call this your “counter arguments.” What you write may depend on the command term: Discuss, Evaluate, To what extent, Contrast. The first three require the same type of critical thinking – you’re showing the limitations in your central argument and/or supporting evidence. The fourth, contrast, requires you to highlight the differences in two things you’re explaining (e.g. research methods, memory models, etiologies of disorders, etc). This is why I recommend the closing line of your introduction somehow shows that you will “meet the requirements of the command term.”

Let’s add this fourth and final step to our introductions and you decide if you want to follow this format for your essays or not.

#1) The case study method is one research method used to investigate the relationship between the brain and behaviour. More specifically, case studies help us understand localisation of function in areas like the amygdala and the hippocampus. We can see this in the case study on the woman with amygdala damage and the case study on HM by Milner. But the problem with case studies as we’ll see is that they are focused on individuals so their generalisability is an issue. They may also have practical limitations, which will be evaluated in this essay. 

#2) Schema theory is an important theory relating to cognitive processes like memory. The major claims of schema theory explain why some information is remembered better than others, as well as how false memories might occur. This has been used in educational psychology. Studies like the one on doing laundry, the War of the Ghosts and stereotypes studies can help show the effects of schema on memory. However, these studies, and some of the claims of schema theory, have several limitations which will also be discussed in this essay.

#3) Informed consent and anonymity are two important ethical considerations related to research studies investigating cultural origins of cognition and behaviour. They are highly relevant because research in cross-cultural psychology, particularly on cultural differences in mate selection, involves very sensitive information. For example, the study on mate preference around the world can show the relevance of informed consent and anonymity in this area of research. However, I will also discuss some of the grey areas when it comes to following ethical guidelines and how they might negatively impact research. 

Two things to note in these sentences:

#1) They use a transition (e.g. but, however). This is because they are counter-arguments. They’re signposting that these are actually going to argue against the main arguments and evidence. This is  exactly  what these questions are requiring.

#2) They use the command term (e.g. discuss, evaluate). This shows the examiner that I’m going to address  all  aspects of the question. If we look at these paragraphs below, you’ll see that (a) the question is directly addressed, (b) it provides an outline of the entire essay and (c) it does all this in only 3-5 sentences.

Perfect? What do you think?

#1) The case study method is one research method used to investigate the relationship between the brain and behaviour . More specifically, case studies help us understand localisation of function in areas like the amygdala and the hippocampus. We can see this in the case study on the woman with amygdala damage and the case study on HM by Milner. But the problem with case studies as we’ll see is that they are focused on individuals so their generalisability is an issue. They may also have practical limitations, which will be evaluated in this essay. 

#2) Schema theory is an important theory relating to cognitive process es like memory. The major claims of schema theory explain why some information is remembered better than others, as well as how false memories might occur. This has been used in educational psychology. Studies like the one on doing laundry, the War of the Ghosts and stereotypes studies can help show the effects of schema on memory. However, these studies, and some of the claims of schema theory, have several limitations which will also be discussed in this essay.

#3) Informed consent and anonymity are two important ethical considerations related to research studies investigating cultural origins of cognition and behaviour . They are highly relevant because research in cross-cultural psychology, particularly on cultural differences in mate selection, involves very sensitive information. For example, the study on mate preference around the world can show the relevance of informed consent and anonymity in this area of research. However, I will also discuss some of the grey areas when it comes to following ethical guidelines and how they might negatively impact research. 

Students: Take some practice exam questions using past papers (or our question banks) and write an introduction using these steps. Get feedback from a classmate or your teacher.

Teachers: You could do the same and assign as a simple homework task or in-class preparation.

Travis Dixon is an IB Psychology teacher, author, workshop leader, examiner and IA moderator.

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• How to Prepare for the IB Diploma: Top 10 Study Tips

Interested in learning about how to prepare for an ace the IB Diploma ? Read on to discover the top tips from two recent IB students who have now gained admission to Oxford and Cornell!

What is the International Baccalaureate (IB)?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme is an internationally recognised school curriculum that aims to foster open-minded and well-rounded students.

The IB offers four programs catered to students ages 3 to 19. The IB Diploma Programme (DP), a two-year “pre-university” course that students start in their second-to-last year of high school, is the most popular. You can take the DP as an alternative to your high school qualification, which might be GCSE, A Levels, AP, HSC, VCE, or NCEA, depending on your location.

The Diploma Programme is composed of six academic subject groups and the Diploma Program (DP) Core . The DP Core requires students to reflect on the nature of knowledge in a course called Theory of Knowledge (ToK) , participate in an independent research project to produce an Extended Essay (EE) , and engage in extracurricular activities related to Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) .

Selecting the right subjects is crucial for a successful IB experience. The subjects chosen not only shape your academic journey but also have a profound impact on the overall learning, engagement, and achievements. Furthermore, selecting a well-rounded combination of subjects ensures a balanced and comprehensive education, providing you with a broad range of knowledge and skills. The right subject choices also play a vital role in meeting university and career requirements, enabling students to pursue higher education and professional pathways seamlessly. By carefully selecting subjects, you can tailor your IB experience to suit your unique abilities, aspirations, and personal growth, ultimately maximizing your potential and achieving success.

IB Exams and Assessments

The IB Programme is unique in that final scores are a  combination of internal and external assessments .

Internal assessment s

IB Internal Assessments takes the form of  long-term projects such as papers, reports and presentations . For example, in Group 5 (Sciences), you complete lab reports, and in Group 1 (Studies in Language and Literature), you write papers.

These internal assessments usually  comprise 15-25% of your final IB score for that subject  and are graded by your teachers. Your school later sends a small, randomly selected sample of student work to the IB for “moderation”, a process that ensures your school is grading fairly.

External assessments

The rest of the IB is externally assessed, mainly in the form of final examinations.  IB exams are cumulative, with assessments in all topics taken in one exam at the end of your second year of study .

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IB Study Tips

1. get started early.

As cliché as it may sound, we really can’t emphasize this point enough. The IB is full of extended projects – EE, IAs, CAS projects – that require more than just a night or week’s worth of work, no matter how good you are at cramming. Get started on these as soon as you can, because a seemingly terrible first draft or plan is infinitely better than not having one at all.

2. Utilise all resources available to you

Don’t just rely on the material provided to you in class. With over 1.5 million graduates globally, online learning resources are plentiful and, usually, free. Use these resources to provide yourself with a fresh take on content. Personal recommendations include Revision Village for Maths and LitLearn for English.

3. Engage with your teachers

Make time for one-on-one meetings with your teachers to discuss areas of difficulty or scope for academic extension. Not only will this demonstrate your passion for the subject and drive to take your learning into your own hands – which may be handy when it’s time to have references written – but it also ensures that you address any concerns as soon as they arise.

4. Read broadly

With the IB being a globally-focused curriculum, having up-to-date knowledge of world affairs is critical to your success in nearly all subjects : languages, humanities, sciences – the whole lot. Setting aside some time each day to read the news isn’t a bad place to start, even if it’s just 10 minutes in the car on the way to school.

5. Keep things in perspective

The IB is incredibly transparent about how individual pieces of assessment contribute to your final mark, and you should bear this in mind when spending time on these tasks. For example, studying for an oral worth 10% should not come at the expense of falling behind on content for an exam worth 80% of your final mark.

6. Revise content regularly

Don’t wait for mocks or mid-semesters to start revising – spend 10 minutes each day, per subject, summarising what you learned in class that day. It only has to be a sentence or two, and will take less than an hour all up, but will save you heaps of time (and stress) later on.

7. Know your mark schemes

In order to ace your exams, you need to know what the examiners want. It’s as simple as familiarising yourself with mark schemes and rubrics – do they want to see synthesis or analysis ? – and looking out for key terms or lines of working required to receive the marks.

8. Switch things up!

Studying gets boring. There, we said it. As passionate as you might be about a subject, things get repetitive, and boredom is a surefire way for you to lose your focus, particularly if you’re no longer learning new content. Devise new and innovative ways for you to study (such as using the Feynman Technique ), and alternate between these to keep yourself engaged. Center these around different methods of expression – speaking, writing, drawing, listening, recalling – for best effect.

9. Handwrite your work

We’re not going to advocate for writing all your notes by hand, or to swear off the keyboard until after graduation, but try to remember that many of your exams will require you to produce content by hand, and quickly. Ensure you’re able to do so by saving the computer for your notes and choosing to complete timed work by hand.

10. Collaborate

If there’s one piece of advice you remember from this post, let it be this one: collaborate with your peers to maximise your learning and avoid the burnout by combining study and (productive) social time. Create a group study strategy that works for you, and hold each other accountable for your learning.

Final Thoughts

While challenging, the IB diploma programme offers a holistic and high-quality curriculum that prepares you for university studies and life beyond high school. Tools like Crimson’s Revision Village  offer a comprehensive collection of study materials designed explicitly for IB exams. This includes:

• Question banks
• Practice exams
• Past papers

By utilizing resources like  Revision Village  and adopting effective study strategies, students can enhance their preparation, gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter, and excel in the exams. With dedication, perseverance, and the right approach, students can overcome this demanding course's challenges and succeed in their academic journey.

To further boost your chances of success in IB exams, consider Crimson Education's  online tutoring services . Crimson's expert tutors can provide personalized guidance, tailored strategies, and invaluable support throughout your IB journey. Don't miss the opportunity to maximize your potential— book a free consultation  with Crimson Education today and get started on your path to academic success.

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Conquering IB English Paper 2: Key Tips for Top Marks

IB English Paper 2 presents an opportunity to showcase your understanding of literature within a specific context. In this blog post, we will explore six essential elements to focus on as you prepare for the exam, paving the way for excellent performance and achieving top marks.

1. Familiarize Yourself with Genres:

Develop an understanding of the basic genres of literature, such as gothic, magical realism, bildungsroman, dystopian, modernist, fantasy, romance, historical, crime, and thriller. Knowing these genres will enable you to recognize their defining characteristics and effectively analyze texts within their respective genres.

2. Consider Socio-Historical and Literary Movements:

Context is crucial. Understand the historical and political backdrop in which a literary work was created. Consider movements such as feminism, civil rights, apartheid, political ideologies, and significant events of the time. Examining the socio-historical context provides valuable insights and enhances your interpretation of the text.

3. Analyze Styles:

Pay attention to the narrative voice, tense, and style employed by the author. Identify whether the narrative is in first person, third person, or an unconventional second-person/over the shoulder narration. Determine if the novel is written in past or present tense. Familiarize yourself with narrative techniques like stream-of-consciousness. Analyzing and explaining the chosen style effectively adds depth to your analysis.

4. Plan Your Essay:

Allocate ten minutes for planning before you begin writing. A well-structured outline saves time and ensures a coherent and logical essay. Include an introduction that poses an intriguing question, provides necessary factual information, and presents your main idea. Plan the main body paragraphs, assigning specific points for each paragraph along with supporting evidence and analysis. Lastly, outline your conclusion, summarizing your main points and providing final contextual connections.

5. Practice with Blen Concepts and Exam-Style Questions:

Reviewing past papers exposes you to the types of questions that commonly appear. Blen has already categorized these questions into themes and practice writing essays on common topics. Examples may include exploring the representation of justice, the impact of setting, or analyzing a particular narrative voice. Utilize 100% curriculum aligned resources curated by IBDP  Examiners and Teachers on Blen to refine your essay-writing skills and enhance your familiarity with the exam format.

6. Compare and Contrast:

In many cases, you will compare and contrast two literary works. From the beginning, consider your texts side by side, identifying points of contrast and similarity. Look beyond surface differences and explore thematic connections. Examine shared themes, such as political crises, power dynamics, human resilience, or societal limitations. Even seemingly dissimilar novels can reveal surprising commonalities upon deeper analysis.

By incorporating these six key elements into your preparation for IB English  Paper 2, you will strengthen your analytical skills and enhance your chances of achieving top marks.

Good luck in your exam preparation!  Sign up  with Blen today for a smarter exam experience!

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Tips for a 10 mark response on Paper 2

There are several different different ways of organizing your thoughts in a 10 mark essay for Paper 2, and there is no one standard way that examiners look for or that works best for all students. The most important things to remember are to understand the command term and to provide a balanced evaluation that directly uses both the case study ("stimulus material," as the IB calls it) as well as IB Business Management course content.  Regardless of the command term that is used (such as evaluate, recomend, or discuss), for any 10 mark question you must still show strong analytical and evaluative skills.  Check out the revision checklist for an example of what I give students for use in peer/self review of their responses on 10 mark questions. My students have generally found the checklist quite useful regardless of which technique they are using to answer the question. Download my essay checklist in Word or pdf formats here, or see template on the Essay Checklist page.

A few essay structures

DEAD / DEADER 

     Define

     Explain

     Advantages

     Disadvantages

     Evaluate

     Recommendations

PEEL   - explained here

     Point

     Evidence

     Explanation

     Link back to essay question

COURSE THEORIES, CASE LINKS, SO WHAT?   - explained here  

PEA  - this is what I tend to give students, though you still end up working in the same kinds of elements listed in the DEADER method.

As a simple way of organizing the major points in each paragraph, I like to give my students what I call the PEA structure, which is really just a derivative of the PEEL structure.

E- Evidence

A- Analysis

Point:  

Main discussion point of the paragraph

Evidence: 

Links to the case study that tie into this.  When possible, these should be aspects directly derived from something specific in the case study.  There are also typically aspects that can reasonably be implied from the case study, or aspects that are possibilities that arise from the case study, ie, "X is stated in the case study, which could lead to Y."

Analysis: 

Use of business management content/theory and critical thinking to show why the above point is important to consider, or why it matters in the context of what is presented in the case study.

Example of the PEA technique applied to an essay question 

Assume that on a Paper 2 of the IB exam, you get a 10 mark question that says, “Discuss whether the company should continue producing X.”  In order to get 10 marks, you will need to evaluate at least two reasons for continuing production of X, and two reasons against, and come to a conclusion that flows directly from your analysis in the body of the essay.  In supporting your answer, you must work in business management course content as well as references to the case study.  So the structure of your answer might look like this, if you want to argue that they should stop production of product X.

Paragraph 1 - In favor of continuing production of product X

Point: Product X still represents a revenue stream for the company

Evidence: Reference the case study where it points out the sales figures or something about the profitability of the product in the short term

Analysis: Revenue may be declining and in the long term they may need to replace the product, but in the short term it is still a viable product that could give them positive cash flow to fund R&D or promotions of some other product or venture for the long term.

Paragraph 2 - Against continuing production of product X

Point: Product X has declining sales and market share 

Evidence: Reference the case study where it says something about the market changing and/or Product X starting not doing as well anymore

Analysis: Even if the product still generates some profits, the market is shifting and it will not be long before Product X will be obsolete or no longer worth pouring resources into.

Paragraph 3 - In favor of continuing production of product X

Point: Continuing Product X is simpler and cheaper, because it requires little time and money on promotional strategies, and staff are already trained to produce it.

Evidence: Reference the case study mentioning customer awareness and/or staffing issues

Analysis: Launching a new product would require a large sum of money in promotion in addition to the R&D, whereas continuing Product X already has strong customer awareness.  Additionally, employees would need retraining for production of a different product.

Paragraph 4 - Against continuing production of Product X

Point: Continuing Product X would make it harder for the company to project an updated brand image that customers associate with innovation and quality

Evidence: Reference the case study mentioning the changes in the market and the future developments that are anticipated.

Analysis: It’s not just a declining market share that the company faces, but a future in which other product types will grow at the expense of Product X.  Failing to make this shift could have dire consequences in the long term finances and brand image of the company.

Conclusion: 

While Product X may generate solid revenue streams at the present and not require much in terms of promotional efforts, the market is shifting and the company would be much better positioned in the long term if it invested in the R&D and/or production of something else mentioned in the case study or implied by the case study.  Explain in the conclusion which factors were most compelling in favor of shifting away from Product X, and why they outweighed the benefits of continuing its production.

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Important Essay Topics for IB ACIO Tier II Exam based on Previous Patterns:

While predicting specific essay topics for the IB ACIO Tier II exam is impossible, analyzing past year trends can give you a valuable clue about what to expect. Here are some important essay topics based on previously asked patterns:

General/Social Issues:

• Rise of fake news and misinformation in the digital age.
• Growing income inequality and its impact on Indian society.
• Artificial intelligence and automation: job displacement or job creation?
• Challenges and opportunities for women in the Indian workforce.
• Role of education in promoting tolerance and understanding in a diverse society.
• Impact of climate change on national security.

Current Affairs:

• Geopolitical implications of the Russia-Ukraine war on global security.
• Recent economic slowdown and its impact on the Indian economy.
• Technological advancements in border security and intelligence gathering.
• Tackling cybercrime and data privacy concerns in the digital age.
• Role of India in the global fight against terrorism.
• India’s space exploration program and its strategic significance.

Specific to IB ACIO:

• Challenges and opportunities in intelligence gathering in the 21st century.
• Effective use of technology in counter-terrorism and national security.
• Importance of human intelligence in a technology-driven world.
• Ethical considerations in intelligence operations.
• Role of the Intelligence Bureau in maintaining internal security.
• Balancing national security with individual rights and freedoms.

Some other most probable essay topics for IB ACIO Tier II 2023 exam

• India’s Internal Security Challenges and Solutions
• Role of Intelligence Agencies in Safeguarding National Security
• Cybersecurity Threats and Measures to Counter them
• Global Terrorism and its Impact on India
• Dealing with Radicalization and Extremist Ideologies
• Intelligence-led Counter-terrorism Strategies
• India’s Foreign Policy and its Priorities
• Indo-Pak Relations: Challenges and Prospects
• India’s Role in Global Governance
• Role of Artificial Intelligence in National Security
• Cyber Espionage and its Implications
• Challenges of Regulating Emerging Technologies for National Security
• India’s Border Security Challenges
• Border Management Strategies
• Cross-border Terrorism and its Impact
• Naxalism and its Impact on Internal Security
• Communalism and its Threat to National Harmony
• Economic Disparities and their Security Implications
• Role of Intelligence Agencies in Disaster Preparedness
• Challenges in Disaster Response and Recovery
• Climate Change and National Security
• Role of Intelligence Officers in Upholding Ethics
• Balancing Security and Privacy Concerns
• Ensuring Accountability in Intelligence Operations
• Economic Espionage and its Threat to National Security
• Intelligence’s Role in Economic Policy Formulation
• Impact of Global Economic Trends on India’s Security
• Cyberbullying and its Impact on Society
• Role of Social Media in National Security
• Human Trafficking and Security Concerns

Bonus Tips:

• Stay updated with current affairs : Regularly read newspapers, magazines, and watch news channels to stay informed about important events.
• Develop critical thinking skills : Analyze issues from different perspectives and form your own well-reasoned opinions.
• Practice writing essays : Regularly write essays on various topics to improve your writing skills and time management.
• Focus on structure and clarity : Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Use simple and concise language.

Remember, being well-prepared for a wide range of topics and having strong writing skills will put you in a good position to excel in the IB ACIO Tier II essay writing section.