Quick Answer
Your EE should follow a clear structure: Title Page, Contents, Introduction (research question and approach), Body (your argument in logical sections), Conclusion (answer your research question), and References. Use consistent formatting and stay within 4,000 words.
What You'll Learn
- Plan your structure before you write
- Write your introduction last, after you know your argument
- Every body section should advance your argument
- Your conclusion must directly answer your research question
- Stay within 4,000 words. Quality beats quantity
Understanding EE Structure
A well-structured Extended Essay guides your reader through your argument logically and demonstrates your ability to present a sustained, coherent piece of research writing. While structure varies somewhat by subject, all EEs share common elements and expectations. Your structure should make your argument easy to follow and help examiners find what they're looking for.
Pro Tip
Plan your structure before you write. Create a detailed outline showing what each section will cover and how it contributes to answering your research question.
Required Elements
Every Extended Essay must include certain elements in a specific order:
- 1Title page: Title, research question, subject, word count, and session (no candidate information)
- 2Contents page: Clear section headings with page numbers
- 3Introduction: Establishes your research question and approach
- 4Body: The main argument, organised in logical sections
- 5Conclusion: Directly answers your research question
- 6References: Full bibliography in a consistent citation format
Writing Your Introduction
Your introduction sets up everything that follows. It should clearly state your research question, explain why the topic matters, outline your approach and scope, and preview your argument structure.
- Hook the reader with why this question is interesting or significant
- State your research question clearly (exactly as it appears on the title page)
- Explain the scope. What you will and won't cover
- Briefly outline your approach or methodology
- Preview your argument structure without giving away your conclusion
Pro Tip
Write your introduction last, after you know exactly what your essay argues. This ensures it accurately previews your content.
Structuring the Body
The body is where you develop your argument. Each section should focus on one aspect of your research question and build toward your conclusion.
- Use clear, informative headings that help readers navigate your argument
- Begin each section by stating what you'll argue and why it matters
- Present evidence (quotations, data, examples) and analyse it. Don't just describe
- Connect each section to your research question explicitly
- Use transitions to show how sections relate to each other
- Build toward your conclusion logically. Each section should advance your argument
Watch Out
Avoid sections that feel disconnected. Every section must clearly contribute to answering your research question.
Writing Your Conclusion
Your conclusion should directly answer your research question. This is where you synthesise your findings and show what your investigation has revealed.
- Directly answer your research question. Don't be vague
- Summarise key evidence that supports your answer
- Acknowledge limitations and unresolved questions
- Discuss broader implications or significance of your findings
- Avoid introducing new arguments or evidence here
Pro Tip
Your conclusion should feel like a destination you've been building toward, not a surprise. If your conclusion surprises you, check that your body sections support it.
Formatting Requirements
Consistent, professional formatting demonstrates attention to detail and makes your essay easier to read and assess.
- Font: 12-point, readable font (Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri)
- Spacing: Double-spaced throughout the body
- Margins: Standard margins (2.54cm or 1 inch)
- Page numbers: All pages numbered (title page is page 1)
- Word count: Maximum 4,000 words (excludes contents, references, headers, and acknowledged quotations over 40 words)
- Citations: Consistent format throughout (MLA, APA, Chicago, or Harvard)