extended essay geography structure

• Billionaires investigation
• An unequal world?
• Africa: the danger of a single story
• Patterns of development
• Trade and development
• Sustainable Development Goals
• What is risk?
• Alfred Wegener and Continental Drift
• Plate tectonics
• Distribution of tectonic hazards
• Measuring earthquakes
• Why do people die in earthquakes?
• School earthquake plan
• Earthquake assessment
• Volcanoes - what are they? Why are they important?
• Volcano "Science Fair"
• Causes of tsunami
• Why study population?
• Population distribution
• Population growth
• Population pyramids
• Demographic transition model
• Migration examples - case studies
• Refugees in Indonesia
• Population revision activities
• Weather vs Climate and why is it important?
• Climate graphs
• Why does it rain?
• What affects temperature and why is Jakarta so hot and wet?
• What causes wind and how do we measure it?
• Microclimates
• Course information
• Earthquake case study 1: Haiti
• Earthquake case study 2: Christchurch
• Why do earthquakes do more damage in LICs than in HICs?
• How are volcanic eruptions measured?
• Tropical storms - distribution
• Causes of tropical cyclones
• Tropical cyclones - case study
• Why live in hazardous areas?
• Hydrological cycle
• River basins
• Factors affecting river regimes
• Fluvial processes: erosion
• Fluvial processes: weathering and mass movement
• Fluvial processes: transportation and depositon
• River features and their formation
• How rivers change from source to mouth
• Uses of water
• Water pollution
• Water supply
• Global patterns of economic development
• Physical and human factors affecting global population distribution
• Case study 1: China
• Case study 2: Niger
• Demographic transition
• Megacity growth
• Forced migration and internal displacement
• Ageing populations
• Pro-natalist and anti-natalist policies
• Gender equality policies
• Trafficking policies
• The Demographic Dividend
• Atmospheric system
• The energy balance
• Changes in the energy balance
• The enhanced greenhouse effect
• Climate Change and the Hydrosphere, Atmosphere and Biosphere
• Impacts of climate change on people and places
• Disparities in exposure to climate change risk and vulnerability
• Government-led adaptation and mitigation strategies
• Civil society and corporate strategies
• Progress towards poverty reduction
• Measuring trends in global consumption
• Global patterns and trends in the availability and consumption of water
• Global patterns and trends in the availability and consumption of land/food
• Global patterns and trends in the availability and consumption of energy
• Water food and energy nexus
• Recycling and waste
• Malthus vs Boserup
• Resource Stewardship strategies
• The drainage basin as a system
• River discharge
• River processes
• River landforms
• Factors affecting flood risk
• Attempts at flood prediction
• Flood mitigation
• Flood mitigation case studies
• Water scarcity
• Agricultural activities and water quality
• Pressures on lakes and aquifers
• Internationally shared water and conflict
• Water management: participation of local communities
• Dams as multi-purpose schemes
• Water management: Integrated Drainage Basin Management (IDBM)
• Managing wetlands
• Growth and purpose of leisure time
• Categories of tourism and sport
• Economic development and participation
• Factors affecting personal participation
• Factors affecting growth of tourism hotspots
• Spheres of influencee
• Factors affecting a national sports league
• Niche national tourism strategies
• Role of TNCs
• Tourism as a national development strategy
• International sporting events
• Consequences of unsustainable growth
• Sustainable tourism
• Future international tourism
• Political and cultural influences on sport
• Supervisor meetings
• Infographics
• Mock examination revision and preparation
• Geography and ToK
• Knowledge and Technology
• Knowledge and Language
• Knowledge and Politics
• Knowledge and Religion
• Knowledge and Indigenous Societies

Extended Essay in Geography

What is the extended essay.

• The extended essay is compulsory for all students taking the Diploma Programme and is an option for course students.
• A student must achieve a D grade or higher to be awarded the Diploma.
• The extended essay is externally assessed and, in combination with the grade for theory of knowledge, contributes up to three points to the total score for the IB Diploma.
• The extended essay process helps prepare students for success at university and in other pathways beyond the Diploma Programme.
• The extended essay is a piece of independent research on a topic chosen by the student in consultation with a supervisor in the school.
• It is presented as a formal piece of sustained academic writing containing no more than 4,000 words accompanied by a reflection form of no more than 500 words.
• It is the result of approximately 40 hours of work by the student.
• Students are supported by a supervision process recommended to be 3–5 hours, which includes three mandatory reflection sessions.
• The third and final mandatory reflection session is the viva voce, which is a concluding interview with the supervising teacher.

Subject specific guidance for Geography

• one or more annotated maps
• where relevant, photographs and/or satellite images.
• they demonstrate connections between the subject and local manifestations and instances
• their narrow focus discourages an over-reliance on published materials and encourages original research
• students become more involved when investigating in a familiar, accessible location.
• written analysis
• interpretation
• critical evaluation
• the development of a coherent, reasoned argument.
• primary and secondary data
• quantitative and qualitative information
• books, newspapers and magazines
• interviews and/or questionnaires
• the internet
• aerial photographs and satellite images
• digital landscape simulations
• diagrams and models.
• Good essays usually have maps in the introduction to place the investigation in a clear spatial context.
• All maps should give an indication of orientation and scale, and include a legend or key .
• Students should clearly reference all maps used and give the source of any base maps they have not constructed themselves.
• The use of scanned maps or satellite images, or those that are downloaded in unaltered form, is rarely effective and provides little evidence of students’ map skills . However, students are encouraged to modify or adapt such images.
• sketch maps
• labelled or annotated diagrams
• maps they have constructed.
• If students draw maps using computer software, they should state the proprietary program used. Hand-drawn maps should be neat and clear, and employ standard map conventions .
• Images or photographs should only be used if they are essential illustrative components of the essay, ie not just decoration.
• labelled, annotated or captioned.

Marked examples of Geography Extended Essays

​library presentation with links and hints for your research.

Assessment of the Extended Essay for Geography

• maps of various scales and types
• statistical analysis
• tables of processed data

• the approach and strategies they chose, and their relative success
• the  Approaches to learning  skills they have developed and their effect on the student as a learner
• how their conceptual understandings have developed or changed as a result of their research
• challenges they faced in their research and how they overcame these
• questions that emerged as a result of their research
• what they would do differently if they were to undertake the research again.

​Extended Essay grade descriptors

Source: all of the information above, with the exception of the library presentation, has been sourced from ib publications on the extended essay: the subject guide, subject specific guidance and grade descriptors..

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the complete ib extended essay guide: examples, topics, and ideas.

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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Extended Essay Writers

IB Tutor’s Guide to Writing a Geography Extended Essay

Luke MacQuoid

As a seasoned IB tutor, I’ve encountered numerous students grappling with penning a compelling Geography extended essay. Based on my experience and understanding of the IB criteria , I aim to share a few pointers that could be instrumental in your academic path.

IB Geography Extended Essay: Specifics and Assessment Criteria

The golden number for the extended essay is 4,000 words. It’s a strict maximum, and it’s crucial to adhere to it. The 4,000-word limit does not include the abstract, footnotes and endnotes, bibliography or works cited, or appendices. Maps, graphs, charts, diagrams, annotated figures, and tables are not counted.

This type of essay also has specific assessment criteria for evaluating students’ work. Each has different weightings and is used to assess various aspects of the paper. Here is a general overview of the assessment criteria for the IB Geography extended essay as of that time.

Criterion A: Focus and Method

From my time working closely with the IB curriculum, one of the critical pillars of a geography extended essay is its focus and method. According to general IB criteria, this aspect evaluates the clarity of your topic and how well you’ve framed your research question. A well-defined topic appropriate for a Geography extended essay, combined with a systematic research approach, can set a solid foundation.

Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding

Over the years, I’ve realized that genuine success in the extended essay lies in demonstrating profound knowledge and understanding of your chosen topic. As far as I know, evaluators look for the depth of your context and how well you wield subject-specific terminologies.

Criterion C: Critical Thinking

In all my years as an IB tutor, if there’s one thing I’ve consistently emphasized, it’s the importance of critical thinking. According to general IB criteria, this section assesses your ability to analyze, discuss, and evaluate your research question. Writing a well-structured argument and ensuring the reliability of your research is crucial.

Criterion D: Presentation

Presentation might seem minor, but as I’ve seen time and again, it can significantly impact the reader’s experience. The structure, layout, and elements like tables and charts should be presented meticulously. And, of course, always ensure your sources are cited using a recognized convention. A well-presented essay is like a well-wrapped gift — it heightens the anticipation and enriches the experience.

Criterion E: Engagement

Engagement is all about showcasing your connection with the topic. From my extensive interactions with students, I’ve found that those who display genuine personal engagement produce more compelling essays. According to general IB criteria, this section seeks to understand your relationship with your research, making it an integral aspect of the essay.

Criterion F: Use of Subject-specific Terminology and Conventions

Lastly, but by no means least, is the use of subject-specific terminology. Geography has its unique terms, maps, diagrams, and conventions. Employing these accurately and consistently raises the quality of your essay and showcases your expertise in the subject.

Choosing the Right Topic for Your Geography Extended Essay

Ah, the challenge of finding the perfect topic! I know from countless student interactions that this initial stage can often be daunting. But fret not! There’s a wealth of Geography extended essay topics out there. Focus on areas that genuinely pique your interest, as your enthusiasm will shine through in your writing .

How to Find Geography Extended Essay Topics

One effective way to develop ideas is to reflect on recent global events, geographical phenomena, or even localized issues with global implications. Reading recent publications, geographical journals, or news outlets that highlight environmental and geographical stories can offer many ideas. The vast scope of geography, from human interactions to intricate environmental processes, provides a canvas for many topics .

Popular World Geography Extended Essay Topics

Thinking of World Geography extended essay topics, several intriguing options come to mind:

• Sustainable Urban Planning in Modern Cities
• Coral Reef Degradation and Coastal Communities
• Agricultural Practices and Soil Erosion in the Midwest
• Impacts of Tourism on Coastal Ecosystems
• Glacial Retreat in the Himalayas and Its Consequences
• Effects of Land Reclamation on Coastal Habitats
• Economic Implications of Desertification in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Comparative Analysis of Organic versus Conventional Farming
• Population Density and Its Relation to Urban Green Spaces
• Geopolitics of Freshwater Resources in the Middle East

Climate change in polar regions, urban sprawl in emerging economies, or even the socio-economic implications of river diversions are some themes that, according to general IB criteria, resonate well with evaluators. Remember, the trick is to choose something both engaging and academically enriching.

And what about other ideas for an IB World Geography extended essay? Topics that demonstrate an understanding of local phenomena in a global context stand out. For instance, examining how a local agricultural practice has global environmental implications can be captivating.

Research and Planning: Using Trustworthy and Academic Sources

A well-researched essay is like a well-cooked meal — satisfying and leaves a lasting impression. Always prioritize reputable academic sources . Remember, the quality of your sources can make or break your essay:

• School’s Library . In my experience, school or university libraries are goldmines of reliable academic books, journals, and other publications. They often provide access to databases that can be incredibly valuable.
• Books with High Publisher’s Reputation . Established academic publishers often have stringent editorial standards. Look for names like Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, and Routledge.
• Online Scholarly Databases . Websites like Google Scholar , JSTOR , and ScienceDirect offer many peer-reviewed articles and papers. From my experience, these are goldmines for researchers.
• Geographical Journals . Given the subject, journals such as Geographical Journal or Area often publish the latest research in Geography. They’re both current and highly reputable.
• Expert Opinions . If possible, engage with geography professors or professionals in the field. Their insights can offer depth and a fresh perspective to your essay.
• Current Events . They can play a significant role in a subject like geography. Keep an eye on global news that relates to your topic.
• Other Source Types . While journals and articles are valuable, don’t avoid documentaries, interviews, or reputable podcasts. Different mediums can offer varied viewpoints.

Sites like Wikipedia, while informative, should be something other than your primary sources. They can be a starting point but always verify the information. As you research, keep track of all your sources. Tools like Zotero or Mendeley can help organize your references. It saves time and ensures you keep track of all valuable information.

Always ensure that any facts or data you obtain from one source can be verified with another reliable source. It adds a layer of authenticity to your research. As you progress, regularly review your collected data and sources. Ensure that they align with your research question and adjust if necessary.

Structuring Your IB Geography Extended Essay

The structure is the scaffold upon which your ideas are built. In line with general IB criteria, a well-structured essay comprises an introduction, body, and conclusion, each flowing seamlessly into the other. Transition paragraphs are invaluable in maintaining coherence as you move from one section to another.

Introduction: Setting the Stage

Your introduction is the gateway to your essay. In this section, clearly state your research question, briefly outline the scope of your investigation, and hint at the conclusion. In my experience, a compelling introduction draws the reader in and makes them want to read more about your work.

Need help with your IB extended essay?

From research and analysis to structuring and editing, our skilled mentors will be by your side, helping you craft an exceptional extended essay that not only meets the wordcount and stringent IB criteria but also reflects your passion for selected IB group .

Body: The Heart of Your Argument

It is where you’ll get into the meat of your research, presenting arguments, evidence, analysis, and perspectives. Typically, the body is subdivided into several sections, each focusing on specific aspects of your topic.

Also, remember:

• Use subheadings to segment your ideas.
• Present evidence and follow it with analysis. It ensures the reader understands the relevance of each piece of evidence you present.
• Transition paragraphs or sentences are crucial here to ensure that one section flows smoothly to the next.

Ensuring each section has a clear focus and contributes to your overall argument is paramount. 

Case Studies and Real-World Examples

For a Geography extended essay , integrating case studies can be invaluable. It bolsters your arguments and provides practical examples, making your essay relatable and grounded.

Wrapping It Up

Your conclusion is where you revisit your research question, summarizing your findings and reflecting on the implications of your research. In my experience, a firm conclusion doesn’t merely restate the introduction but provides a synthesis of your main points, leaving the reader with a lasting impression.

Appendices and Footnotes

While not part of the main content, supplementary information, data sets, or detailed explanations can be included in the appendices. Footnotes, however, are excellent for clarification without breaking your essay’s flow.

Bibliography: Giving Credit Where It’s Due

A comprehensive list of all the sources you’ve consulted is essential. It adds credibility to your essay and adheres to academic conventions. Trust me, proper citation can affect how your essay is received.

To wrap things up, writing a Geography extended essay is rewarding, especially when you’re equipped with the right insights. Take it from someone who’s been there and done that; with dedication and the right approach, you’re well on your way to creating a commendable piece.

Lastly, staying updated with the latest geographical findings and trends is essential. They can be invaluable in adding depth and contemporary relevance to your paper. If you need help with a Geography extended essay , our IB writers are always ready to help!

Luke MacQuoid has extensive experience teaching English as a foreign language in Japan, having worked with students of all ages for over 12 years. Currently, he is teaching at the tertiary level. Luke holds a BA from the University of Sussex and an MA in TESOL from Lancaster University, both located in England. As well to his work as an IB Examiner and Master Tutor, Luke also enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with others through writing articles for various websites, including extendedessaywriters.com blog

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Extended Essay

Hints and tips.

If you can, base your EE on a geographical model e.g. Bradshaw model. The examiners really want to see that your title is tightly related to the subject of Geography and models or a direct link to theorists will help this.

Show that your EE has a clear spatial element. A location map and saying where you are studying no longer seems good enough. You need to now say why you have chosen a particular area and why there may be differences within that area. If you can, then follow that up by using some sort of  map to show your results would be great. Also, try and say why your particular issue e.g. crime, gun ownership or flooding is an important issue for geographers to study.

The examiners now seem to want you to try and incorporate some form of statistical analysis to show that you have collected enough data and can prove there is a correlation, especially if this is a primary data focused EE.

Useful Resources

Campus des Nations - EE Website

Campus des Nations - Reflective Project Website  

Suggested Structure

While you will be given lots of help from the librarian and the EE coordinator the EE can still be daunting to start. Here are a few suggestions of how you could structure your EE - do be aware though that this is not the only way that you can do it.

Potential Structure

Use subheadings to divide up the different sections of your EE. Suggested subheadings:

1.0 - Introduction - Why is this an important issue to study? How does it fit in the context of the discipline(s) of 'Geography (and another)'. State your research question - 1 paragraph - this is short as you will expand on it in 1.1 and 1.2.

1.1 - The Global Context - Why is this an important issue on the global scale? It would be good to include evidence such as a graph to illustrate the importance. For example, increase in population and more migration has impacted the growth of urban areas, which has lead to increased pollution in cities, consider the graphs that would show this on a  global scale.  - 2 paragraphs

1.2 - Area of Research - geographical theory. What models can you use to put the focus of your EE into context? For example, rise of the middle classes, the nexus, land use models, climate change, etc.

1.3 - The Focus - Restate your rsearch question. Put your research question it in to context of why it is important at the local scale.

2.0 - Background

2.1 - Locational Context -  What location are you focusing on? Why are you focusing on this area? Graphs and maps are useful here to help you to illustrate your points.

3.0 - Methodology - How are you collecting your information? Think of it like a recipe as the idea is someone could replicate your study in a different area. Why is this a valid way to undertake the research? Justify why you have chosen the methods behind your research or primary data collection. For the different websites or reports you are using how reliable are these sources? Remember this could be primary or secondary data EE.

4.0  - Discussion - As you do for a 10 or 16 mark EAQ you need to create an argument. So the inital part of your discussion will need to discuss to what extent your ascertain is correct and then you need to suggest other factors that may have impacted the results you have found. Use further subheadings to break up this section. You must include graphs and maps in this section. (Remember if you can't map or graph it it probably shouldn't be a Geography related EE.)

5.0 - Conclusion - Summarise your findings and relate it back to the global setting. How could this inform us of how to deal with the issue on a global scale?

6.0 - Bibliography - MLA format.

Formal Presentation

Size 11 or 12 font.

Double spaced

Font - Times New Roman/ Lato/ Tahoma

Create a header and write the subject (Geography) and your candidate code on the right.

Insert page numbers on every page.

Front Cover needs to include:

The Subject

The Research Title

The Research Question

Your Candidate Code

Include a contents page.

Footnotes for intext citations.

Bibliography for all our sources including any images, maps or graphs that you are using - do this as you write your essay as it is hard to go back and refind all of your sources. MLA format.

Reflections

Reflections - The first and second reflection should be no more than 150 words and they need to show how you are engaging with the EE e.g. things that you have learnt, evolved or been encouraged to read from the initial investigations.

How to Reflect From the IBO

Extended Essay Writing Reflections - A how to with examples including sentence starters.  

JK Geography - Extended Essay Help

Geography - Checklist

Examples of Geography Extended Essays

It sometimes difficult to know where to start when it comes to the EEs. It is always good to have a look at what the style and structure of an EE is like for our subject. Click on the link below for IBO assessed Geography EEs.

Useful Resource

Geography EEs - Recommend read example B - 32/34

• IB DP Geography concepts
• Geographic themes [Paper 1]
• Core: Global change [Paper 2]
• Higher Level: Global interactions [Paper 3]
• IB DP Geography Key Terms
• IB DP Geography Exam style questions
• IB DP Geography Geographic Skills
• IB DP Geography Visual Stimulus
• IB DP Geography Approaches to learning skills
• IB DP Geography Exam preparation
• IB DP Geography Revision
• IB DP Geography Internal Assessment
• IB DP Geography Extended Essay

Developing your extended essay research question

• Producing an extended essay outline
• Geography extended essay methodology
• Structuring your Geography extended essay
• Reflections for the Planning and Progress Form
• Geography extended essay assessment

This process will help ensure you are planning an Extended Essay that is achievable and will allow you to access the highest grades.

Before you start

• Read a previous, quality Geography extended essay? (Available from the school library or teacher)
• Make sure you understand what to do, and ask your supervisor for help if you aren’t sure.

You are going to create a research question, a title and a substantial secondary data set or primary data collection plan.

What interests you?

The first step is to brainstorm all the ideas that you have the things that interest you. When you add something to your brainstorm think... 'is this worth asking?'

What is the big idea? This is the concept and the IBDP Geography course provides you with the 4Ps: Place, Process, Power and Possibility. Although you don’t need to think of how your title fits exactly with the 4Ps, it can help to think from this point of view. Alternatively you could think about themes: social, economic, environmental, demographic, political, spatial or temporal.

You could construct your brainstorm on paper (get yourself a large sheet) or using a digital app.

Your research question

A research question tells the reader the way in which you plan to analyse an issue.

The research question must be sharply focused and effective treatment must be possible within 4000 words, such as “To what extent does the quality of life in selected communes in the city of Geneva vary with distance from Lake Leman”.

• Is it obviously a Geography Extended Essay? If not - refine it
• Is it spatially (place) focused? If not - refine it
• Is it worth asking? If not - refine it
• Is it sharply focused? If not - refine it
• Does it encourage an investigative approach? If not - refine it
• Can geographical concepts, theories or ideas be applied to it? If not - refine it
• Will it encourage written analysis, interpretation, evaluation and the development of an argument? If not - refine it
• Is it phrased as a proposition, statement for discussion or a testable hypothesis? If not - refine it
• Is it answerable in 40 hours of work / 4000 words of writing? If not - refine it

Watch this video from the University of Melbourne about research questions. It is not specifically produced for the Extended Essay but it still provides lots of great advice.

Time for Geography - What makes a good research question?

You need to have a ‘title’ that frames your Extended Essay, such as “Differences in quality of life in the city of Geneva, Switzerland”.

A title is a simple statement that summarises the main issue and location that you will study. It is not phrased as a question. It tells the reader what your essay is about.

Evidence of a substantial secondary data set or primary data collection plan

Before your title and research question will be agreed by your supervisor it is necessary to demonstrate that you have access to enough substantial secondary data or that you have a practical and efficient primary data collection scheme planned.

If you are using secondary data as the basis of your Extended Essay you need to be able to ‘add value’ to it by analysing it, interpreting it, graphing and/or mapping it.

If you are using primary data as the basis of your Extended Essay you need to outline what data you are going to collect, the data collection techniques you will be using and the location of your data collection sites.

Please demonstrate the above to your supervisor! Good luck!

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Extended Essay: Structure of the Extended Essay

• Before You Start
• Business Management
• Language and Literature
• Visual Arts
• World Studies
• Developing a Research Question
• Structure of the Extended Essay
• Writing the Essay
• Citations/Sources/Academic Honesty
• Timelines and Materials
• Example Research Questions
• Supervisors

Elements To Be Included

• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References/Bibliography

Not sure yet but something should be here

The Extended Essay Step by Step Guide 5: Structure and Planning When it comes to writing a brilliant first draft of your Extended Essay, or any essay, I fully believe that a solid structure is one of the surest guarantees of success there is. It's the skeleton of the essay that makes it into a fully formed being instead of a pile of jelly.

What's the Difference Between the Topic, Title, and Research Question?

• The  topic  of the extended essay is the subject, issue or theme that you are investigating within a specific DP subject or world studies area of study. The topic, which develops during the initial thinking about the EE, should later be reflected in the wording of the title.
• be short, descriptive and succinct
• not be phrased as a question
• use key words that connect with the topic and the DP subject or world studies area of study
• attract the interest of the reader.
• be clear and focused
• provide a path through which you can undertake achievable research
• use key words that connect with the topic, the title, and the DP subject or world studies area of study
• support the development of an argument.

Presentation Requirements

Title Page (i tems that should be included in the title page):

• Title of the essay
• Research question
• Subject for which the essay is registered (and category if necessary)

Times New Roman 12 pt. font 

Double spaced

Pages numbered after the title page

Bibliography/work cited

Table of contents

No more than 4000 words

Assessment of the EE - Advice for Students

Use this list to help you think about the assessment criteria and whether you have addressed the expectations within your essay. You do not need to address all of the questions posed, but they do provide some guidance in terms of what to consider.

Criterion A:  Focus and Method

What It Means: This criterion focuses on the topic, the research question and the methodology. It assesses the explanation of the focus of the research (this includes the topic and the research question), how the research will be undertaken, and how the focus is maintained throughout the essay.

Questions to ask:

• Does this essay meet the requirements for the subject for which you are registering it? • Is your research question stated as a question?

• Have you explained how your research question relates to the subject that you selected for the extended essay?

• Have you given an insight into why your area of study is important?

• Is your research question feasible within the scope of the task? Could your research question be “answered” or it is too vague?

• Did you refer to your research question throughout the essay (not only in the introduction and conclusion)? • Did you explain why you selected your methodology?

• Are there other possible methods that could be used or applied to answer your research question? How might this change the direction of your research?

• If you stated a particular methodology in the introduction of your essay, or specific sources, have you used them?

• Are there any references listed in the bibliography that were not directly cited in the text?

Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding

What It Means: This criterion assesses the extent to which the research relates to the subject area/discipline used to explore the research question; or in the case of the world studies extended essay, the issue addressed and the two disciplinary perspectives applied; and additionally, the way in which this knowledge and understanding is demonstrated through the use of appropriate terminology and concepts.

• Have you explained how your research question relates to a specific subject you selected for the extended essay?

• Have you used relevant terminology and concepts throughout your essay as they relate to your particular area of research?

• Is it clear that the sources you are using are relevant and appropriate to your research question?

• Do you have a range of sources, or have you only relied on one particular type, for example internet sources?

• Is there a reason why you might not have a range? Is this justified?

Criterion C: Critical Thinking

What It Means: This criterion assesses the extent to which critical thinking skills have been used to analyze and evaluate the research undertaken.

• Have you made links between your results and data collected and your research question?

• If you included data or information that is not directly related to your research question have you explained its importance?

• Are your conclusions supported by your data?

• If you found unexpected information or data have you discussed its importance?

• Have you provided a critical evaluation of the methods you selected?

• Have you considered the reliability of your sources (peer-reviewed journals, internet, and so on)?

• Have you mentioned and evaluated the significance of possible errors that may have occurred in your research?

• Are all your suggestions of errors or improvements relevant?

• Have you evaluated your research question?

• Have you compared your results or findings with any other sources?

• Is there an argument that is clear and easy to follow and directly linked to answering your research question, and which is supported by evidence? Are there other possible methods that could be used or applied to answer your research question? How might this change the direction of your research?

Criterion D: Presentation

What It Means: This criterion assesses the extent to which the presentation follows the standard format expected for academic writing and the extent to which this aids effective communication.

• Have you read and understood the presentation requirements of the extended essay?

• Have you chosen a font that will be easy for examiners to read onscreen?

• Is your essay double-spaced and size 12 font? • Are the title and research question mentioned on the cover page?

• Are all pages numbered?

• Have you prepared a correct table of contents?

• Do the page numbers in the table of contents match the page numbers in the text?

• Is your essay subdivided into correct sub-sections, if this is applicable to the subject?

• Are all figures and tables properly numbered and labelled?

• Does your bibliography contain only the sources cited in the text?

• Did you use the same reference system throughout the essay?

• Does the essay have less than 4,000 words?

• Is all the material presented in the appendices relevant and necessary?

• Have you proofread the text for spelling or grammar errors?

Criterion E: Engagement

What It Means:  This criterion assesses the student’s engagement with their research focus and the research process. It will be applied by the examiner at the end of the assessment of the essay, after considering the student’s RPPF (Reflections on planning and progress form).

• Have you demonstrated your engagement with your research topic and the research process?

• Have you highlighted challenges you faced and how you overcame them?

• Will the examiner get a sense of your intellectual and skills development?

• Will the examiner get a sense of your creativity and intellectual initiative?

• Will the examiner get a sense of how you responded to actions and ideas in the research process?

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• Last Updated: Nov 18, 2020 8:01 AM
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• Extended Essay - Requirements and Guide

This page sets out the main requirement of the Extended Essay since 2018. It includes links the IB assessment page and student speak interpretations of the generic extended essay guide set out alongside the geography-specific guide.The following page links you to the IB Extended essay page where you can find the latest documentation that will guide you through the Extended Essay process.Assessment Criteria:

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Developing extended writing

‘The ability to achieve good quality extended writing, which conveys clear geographical knowledge and understanding, is both important as an end in itself and as a signifier of the development of students’ thinking. Critical thinking, reasoning and decision making can all be assessed within well-structured extended writing in geography.’

Graham Butt, 2006

Topics on this page:

Getting started with extended writing.

• Exploring student’s extended writing

Providing students with help for their writing

Common issues in extended writing – and some solutions, discursive writing, extended writing and assessment.

A piece of extended writing gives students opportunities to explore their geographical ideas fully and show what they know and understand. To write at length students need to organise and express geographical ideas; this helps them to clarify meaning for themselves and reflect on the opinions they wish to communicate. 

A longer piece of writing is an opportunity to link together several ideas. Geography is complex and this complexity cannot be expressed in isolated statements and short ‘sound bites’.

Writing at length, including essays, is not just for older students. Nor is it only for higher attaining students at key stage 3. There are excellent examples of primary students who have written at length on geographical topics. But it does not just ‘happen’. The English department can provide plenty of good advice.

• See Huck (2023) for some examples of year 8 extended writing on the theme of ‘Should humans use natural environments?’, the full essays are available to view in the  Spring 2023  issue of the GA Magazine.

Good extended writing in geography requires students to have a good grounding in the geographical topic. Otherwise, their writing will be superficial and not move them forward in geographical understanding. Plan your unit of work to build towards the extended writing activity.

Students must have a ‘need’ to write and it helps if they are given a robust and engaging geographical question to set them going. Report writing is a form of extended writing which students often find easier to structure e.g. a report on the findings of a questionnaire survey or of a fieldwork investigation.

Gather together some examples of ‘writing at length’ from students of different ages. Find out the context for the writing: what stimulus/resources? what teacher guidance?

Analyse these carefully to explore:

• How does the topic/genre influence the type of writing?
• What balance is there between description/explanation/evaluation in the piece?
• Is this quality writing in respect to English conventions and language used?
• Is this quality writing in respect to the geography – vocabulary, description, explanation, reasoned argument, geographical accuracy?
• Is it appropriate for the intended audience/genre?
• Is the writing well-structured and analytical? Is it readable?
• Does it use geographical examples effectively? Is it linked successfully to maps, images, diagrams?
• The accuracy of SPaG

Most students will find extended writing a challenge and need help. With careful organisation and management students of all abilities can be helped to succeed. Be alert to when, and which, students need support and consider which strategy to use.

• Refer to Butt (2005) where four support techniques are discussed: ordering, card sorting, writing frames and directed activities related to texts (DARTs). Explore these techniques with your students.

Further strategies to consider are:

• Whole class discussion  on how to structure writing. This is a way to help students refine their ideas about what to include and what to exclude.
• Presenting students with examples and/or modelling  the type of writing required and the writing process using an interactive display. This can be part of a whole class discussion.
• Use a  double-develop strategy . This encourages students to write in depth by getting them to ask ‘so what?’ to double-develop their points (see Cannell (2018) p 8 for an outline of how it works and an activity idea).
• Use  word processors  so students can produce a draft, which can be discussed with a partner and revised and improved.
• Collaborative writing , for example using ‘talking essays’ where each student is given a ‘small point’ and they work in groups to identify which paragraphs their small points belong to, and then work in ‘paragraph groups’ to collaboratively write the essay. In this way they learn together through dialogue and discussion and develop their extended writing skills (see Walsh (2016) and Walsh (2017) p 205 ).
• Peer analysis . Use the ideas suggested by Christine Counsell (see Butt 2005) to get students to analyse their own and each other’s text (she also suggests the type of comments that a teacher could make).
• Analysis of texts  written by others, e.g. using DARTS exercises, so that they have an example to see how the facts and arguments can be presented which can help them to structure their own.
• ‘Why trees’  (See Rider and Robert (2001)). The branches are used to enable students to organise their ideas and generate essay plans more quickly.

Liz Taylor (2004) identifies three issues that students often face when tackling extended writing in geography.

• Selecting the geography.  Many students write ‘all they know about’ a topic rather than tailoring the writing to the needs of the task. You can help to avoid this by creating a clear focus for the writing task and helping students to disregard the irrelevant through activities such as card sorting exercises.
• Prioritising points and structuring the argument.  Students’ writing can sometimes jump about from point to point without logical development, or it might contain a lot of detail without a key message. Try strategies such as using ‘big points, little points’ – students discuss the task and agree on the ‘big point’ for a paragraph, with supporting ‘little points’. Writing frames and essay planners can also help students to structure their writing (see Walshe (2001) and GA members can download cards with small and big points to develop essay writing skills).
• Communicating the geography.  Students often struggle with putting across the overall argument and writing does not flow from one point, or paragraph, to the next. Making use of scaffolding activities such as cutting an essay into paragraphs and reassembling it or modelling writing with an introduction, paragraphs and conclusion can help students to improve their writing.
• Taylor (2004) provides more details about these issues and strategies to overcome them. This book also contains an example of working with essay planners with year 12 students.

Simple discursive text (arguments for, arguments against, their own views) should be familiar to students since most will have met this in primary school. Margaret Roberts (2003) summarises its use in geography:

Discursive writing can be used to analyse complex situations involving both human and physical factors or involving causes, short term and long term effects. It can involve discussion of issues on which there are several viewpoints to be presented. It can make use of a variety of evidence including statistics, text, maps and photographs. This kind of writing involves sorting out evidence and ideas and making links between different bits of information, using examples.

However, older students should be writing an  analytical  form of discursive writing that follows through a reasoned argument. They should use a wide variety of evidence, sort it out and structure an argument. 

They need to be able to present different points of view, balancing argument and counter-argument and come to a reasoned conclusion. Formulating written arguments of this type is a skill that older students need support to develop.

• For more information about this see  Argument in geography .

Assessment of extended writing process can involve:

• Asking students to evaluate the work of their peers
• Formative assessment in which teachers make students aware of what they have done well and what they need to do to improve
• Making the criteria by which the writing is going to be evaluated explicit to students.

The current demands for students’ extended writing in GCSE, and even A level examinations, are limited. Many examination questions require students to write single sentence or single paragraph answers, or an argument is already structured by the use of sub-questions. The revised examinations from 2016 include questions with opportunities to write at greater length.

Extended writing is important for developing geographical understanding and plan to give students plentiful opportunities to write at length in lessons and for private study. It is easier to assess whether students understand ideas well through longer writing. A form of writing, which students find easier to structure, is report writing e.g. of findings of a questionnaire survey or of a fieldwork investigation.

Discuss with your geography mentor how to support GCSE and A level students’ writing. You could write some exemplars that they could use with students of the type of writing that is required for exam answers and ask your mentor to mark them.

• Read Simmons (2016) which outlines how students can develop their answers to examination questions at GCSE to achieve higher level responses.
• Butt, G. (2005) ‘Engaging with extended writing’,  Teaching Geography , Summer.
• Cannell, J., Hopkin, J. and Kitchen, B. (2018)  Critical thinking in practice , Geographical Association.
• Huck, C. (2023) ‘ Should humans use natural environments? ‘, GA Magazine , Spring.
• Jenkinson, C. (2010) ‘Using empathy to encourage extended writing at key stages 3 and 4’,  Teaching Geography , Summer.
• Rider, R. and Roberts, R. (2001) ‘Improving essay writing skills’,  Teaching Geography,  January.
• Roberts, M. (2003)  Learning through enquiry: Making sense of geography in the key stage 3 classroom . Sheffield: Geographical Association, Chapter 6: Focus on writing, pp 74–9.
• Selmes, I. (2016) ‘From the archives: Extended writing in geography’,  Teaching Geography,  Summer.
• Simmons, M. (2016) ‘Developing written answers’,  Teaching Geography’,  Summer.
• Taylor. E. (2004)  Re-Presenting Geography,  Chris Kington Publishing.
• Walshe, N. (2017) ‘Literacy’ in Jones, M. (ed)  Secondary Geography Handbook . Sheffield: Geographical Association, pp 202–207.
• Walshe, N. (2016) ‘Developing students’ essay-writing’,  Teaching Geography,  Spring.

Also available from the ITE section

Reading in geography

Speaking and listening in geography

Numeracy and geography

What has literacy got to do with geography?

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Extended Essay in Geography (Group 3)

World Studies Extended Essay: Global Themes

• Introduction
• Getting Started
• Global Themes
• Interdisciplinary Research
• What Makes Up a "Discipline"?
• Evaluating the Insights of Academic Disciplines
• Multiple Forms of Integration
• Evaluating Your Essay
• Common Stumbling Blocks
• Examples of Globally Conscious Students

World Studies Global Themes

Conflict, peace, and security Culture, language, and identity Environmental and/or economic sustainability Equality and inequality Health and development Science, technology and society

Conflict, peace, and security

Culture, language, and identity, environmental and/or economic sustainability, equality and inequality, health and development, science, technology and society, wsee documents.

WSEE Subject Guide and worksheets

• IB EE Subject Guide - World Studies, 2018
• Making Meaningful Connections Use this worksheet to help you think about your research plans: the concepts or methods your will be using, the global topic you're focusing on, and the academic disciplines you will be using.

RRS (Researcher's Reflection Space)

• Sample Prompts for the WSEE RRS What should you write in your RRS? Use these questions and prompts to help you think through the various stages of the research for your WSEE: your initial ideas, your thoughts and reflections during the process, and your conclusions.
• RRS Example B - World Studies

RPPF (Researcher's Planning and Progress Form) examples:

• RPPF Example 5 - World Studies
• RPPF Example 7 - World Studies

IB Extended Essay Guide & Timeline

Check the Extended Essay guide for specific guidance on completing the various steps in the research and writing process of the EE, and  these documents:

Quick Links

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The librarian is always happy to help you!

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• Last Updated: Sep 19, 2022 9:16 AM
• URL: https://libguides.westsoundacademy.org/wsee

World Studies Extended Essay

World studies was first proposed by the United World College of Mahindra in 2001 and was eventually set up as an extended essay pilot option in 2005. The development of the world studies extended essay pilot has been underpinned by extensive academic research and development. IB staff have worked closely with both teachers in the pilot schools and Harvard Graduate School of Education, Project Zero Interdisciplinary Studies Project, to develop this exciting extended essay option.

A world studies extended essay must focus on a topic of global significance. This encourages the student to reflect on the world today in relation to issues such as the global food crisis, climate change, terrorism, energy security, migration, global health, technology and cultural exchange.

The student should then explore how their chosen issue may be illustrated in a local context or contexts using specific examples of a small scale, local phenomenon; in this way the student is linking the local to the global.

As the approach is interdisciplinary explaining the topic through the lens of more than one discipline, students should develop a clear rationale for taking an interdisciplinary approach, selecting the IB disciplines through which they plan to explore the topic. The process of researching and writing the world studies extended essay develops international-mindedness and specifically the concept of global consciousness. This concept encompasses three distinct strands:

• global sensitivity - a sensitivity to local phenomena and experiences as expressions of developments on the planet
• global understanding - the capacity to think in flexible and informed ways about issues of global significance
• global self - a developing perception of self as a global actor and member of humanity, capable of making a positive contribution to the world.

• Essay Guides
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What Is an IB Extended Essay and How to Write It?

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Table of contents

Use our free Readability checker

The IB extended essay is a paper of up to 4,000 words that is required for students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program. The extended essay allows students to engage in independent research on a topic within one of the available subject areas.

The extended essay should be an original piece of academic writing that demonstrates the following student's abilities:

• Formulating a research question
• Conductig independent investigation
• Presenting key findings in a scholarly format.

Check out this article by StudyCrumb to discover how to write an IB extendend essay properly. We will give you a complete writing guide and critical tips you need for this essay type.

IB Extended Essay: What Is It?

An extended essay is independent research. Usually students choose a topic in consultation with a mentor. It is an integral part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) degree program. This means that you won't receive a degree without a successfully written paper. It requires 4,000-word study on a chosen narrow topic. To get a high score, you should meet all required structure and formatting standards. This is the result of approximately 40 working hours. Its purpose is giving you the opportunity to try independent research writing. It's approved that these skills are critical for student success at university. The following sections explain how to write an extended article with examples. So keep reading!  

Choosing a Mentor for Extended Essay

IB extended essay guidelines require supervisor meetings, totaling 3-5 hours. They include three critical reflections. A mentor won't write a paper instead of you but can help adjust it. So it is important to consult with them, but no one will proofread or correct actual research for you. In general, initially treat an essay as an exclusively individual work. So your role and contribution are maximal.

Extended Essay Outline

Let's take a look at how to write an extended essay outline. In this part, you organize yourself so that your work develops your idea. So we especially recommend you work out this step with your teacher. You can also find any outline example for essay . In your short sketch, plan a roadmap for your thoughts. Think through and prepare a summary of each paragraph. Then, expand annotation of each section with a couple more supporting evidence. Explain how specific examples illustrate key points. Make it more significant by using different opinions on general issues.  

Extended Essay: Getting Started

After you chose an extended essay topic and made an outline, it's time to start your research. Start with a complete Table of Contents and make a choice of a research question. Select the subject in which you feel most confident and which is most interesting for you. For example, if at school you are interested in natural science, focus on that. If you have difficulties choosing a research question, rely on our essay topic generator .

Extended Essay Introduction

In the introduction of an extended essay, present a thesis statement. But do it in such a way that your readers understand the importance of your research. State research question clearly. That is the central question that you are trying to answer while writing. Even your score depends on how you develop your particular research question. Therefore, it is essential to draw it up correctly. Gather all relevant information from relevant sources. Explain why this is worth exploring. Then provide a research plan, which you will disclose further.  

Extended Essay Methodology

In accordance with extended essay guidelines, it's mandatory to choose and clearly state a methodological approach. So, it will be apparent to your examiner how you answered your research question. Include your collection methods and tools you use for collection and analysis. Your strategies can be experimental or descriptive, quantitative or qualitative. Research collection tools include observations, questionnaires, interviews, or background knowledge.

Extended Essay Main Body

Well, here we come to the most voluminous part of the extended essay for IB! In every essay body paragraph , you reveal your research question and discuss your topic. Provide all details of your academic study. But stay focused and do it without dubious ideas. Use different sources of information to provide supporting arguments and substantial evidence. This will impress professors. For this section, 3 main paragraphs are enough. Discuss each idea or argument in a separate paragraph. You can even use supporting quotes where appropriate. But don't overcomplicate. Make your extended essay easy to read and logical. It's critical to stay concise, so if you aren't sure how to make your text readable, use our tool to get a readbility test . Following the plan you outlined earlier is very important. Analyze each fact before including it in your writing. And don't write unnecessary information.

Extended Essay Conclusion

Now let's move on to the final part of IB extended essay guidelines. In conclusion, focus on summarizing the main points you have made. No new ideas or information can be introduced in this part. Use conclusion as your last chance to impress your readers. Reframe your own strong thesis. Here you must show all key points. Do not repeat absolutely every argument. Better try to make this part unique. This will show that you have a clear understanding of the topic you have chosen. And even more professional will be recommendations of new areas for future research. One good paragraph may be enough here. Although in some cases, two or three paragraphs may be required.

Extended Essay Bibliography & Appendices

To write an impressive extended essay, you should focus on appropriate information. You must create a separate page for bibliography with all sources you used. Tip from us: start writing this page with the first quote you use. Don't write this part last or postpone. In turn, appendices are not an essential section. Examiners will not pay much attention to this part. Therefore, include all information directly related to analysis and argumentation in the main body. Include raw data in the appendix only if it is really urgently needed. Moreover, it is better not to refer to appendices in text itself. This can disrupt the narrative of the essay.  

Extended Essay Examples

We have prepared a good example of an extended essay. You can check it by downloading it for free. You can use it as a template. However, pay attention that your paper is required to be unique. Don't be afraid to present all the skills you gained during your IB.

Final Thoughts on IB Extended Essay

In this article, we presented detailed IB extended essay guidelines. An extended essay is a daunting academic challenge to write. It is a research paper with a deep thematic analysis of information. But we have described several practical and straightforward tips. Therefore, we are sure that you will succeed!

If topics seem too complex, turn to our top essay writers. They will accomplish any IB assignment in the best way your professor can evaluate it!  

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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Geography EE: structure

By ib95kopernik February 12, 2014 in Extended Essay

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Ib95kopernik, link to post, share on other sites, emmapatregnani.

Here the format an EE should be written in

http://www.studymode.com/essays/Ib-Format-Recommendations-Extended-Essay-1288062.html

• 3 weeks later...

Yes there is a particular structure. You need to meet all of the criteria if you want to score highly.

There is a guide in the IB Geography - Extended essay section of http://www.thegeographeronline.net/

Ultimately though the EE is a completion task. If you meet all of the criteria and pass your job is done. Focus on other areas that carry more points eg. your Internal Assessments, revision, etc

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