Reviewing IB Extended Essay examples is one of the most effective ways to understand what examiners look for. Strong samples show how a focused research question shapes an entire essay, how subject-specific conventions guide structure and evidence, and how analysis, citation, and reflection come together within the word limit.
Examples make the assessment criteria concrete. Instead of reading abstract descriptors, you can see how a clear research question drives focused analysis, how evidence is integrated rather than listed, and how the reflection captures genuine decision-making.
Strong samples show how a focused research question shapes an entire essay, how subject-specific conventions guide structure and evidence, and how analysis, citation, and reflection come together within the word limit.
They also reveal the academic tone expected in a formal research paper. By comparing several essays, you start to recognize the difference between narrative summary and analytical argument, a distinction that directly affects criterion scores.
The reflection (RPPF) appears in high-scoring samples as three distinct entries showing planning, mid-process adjustment, and final evaluation.
Choosing examples from your registered subject ensures you study the right conventions for methodology, citation style, and the balance between description and analysis.
Strong examples consistently demonstrate a clear architecture: a title page with the research question, an introduction that establishes context and scope, a body organized by sub-questions or thematic sections, a conclusion that answers the research question directly, and a references list that follows a recognized style.
The reflection (RPPF) appears in high-scoring samples as three distinct entries showing planning, mid-process adjustment, and final evaluation. Appendices, when used, contain only raw data or supplementary material not essential to the argument.
Examples are models for structure, argumentation, and academic conventions, not sources of content or ideas to replicate. The IB requires the EE to be the student's own work; copying phrases, data, or lines of argument from a sample constitutes academic misconduct.
Use examples to learn how to integrate citations, how to transition between analysis and evidence, and how to write a reflection that documents your own thinking.
Then apply those techniques to your original research.
Use examples to learn how to integrate citations, how to transition between analysis and evidence, and how to write a reflection that documents your own thinking. Then apply those techniques to your original research.
The IB requires the EE to be the student's own work; copying phrases, data, or lines of argument from a sample constitutes academic misconduct.
Comparing mid-range and high-scoring essays reveals recurring weaknesses: descriptive narration that replaces analysis, citations that appear only in the bibliography but not in-text, arguments that wander from the research question, and reflections that summarize tasks instead of evaluating decisions.
Citations that appear only in the bibliography but not in-text.
Arguments that wander from the research question.
Reflections that summarize tasks instead of evaluating decisions.
Recognizing these patterns in other essays helps you self-audit your draft before submission.
Supervisors use the same criteria examiners apply: focus and method (Criterion A), knowledge and understanding (B), critical thinking (C), presentation (D), and engagement (E). Strong examples make each criterion visible: a sharply defined RQ and appropriate methodology for A, accurate subject terminology for B, sustained evaluation rather than description for C, consistent formatting and referencing for D, and a reflection that shows intellectual initiative for E.
Reading examples with these criteria in mind turns passive viewing into active calibration.
The IB publishes annotated exemplars in the Programme Resource Centre, which your school coordinator can access. Some subject guides also include sample extracts.
Reading three to five strong examples in your registered subject is usually enough to internalize structure and conventions without overwhelming your own ideas.
No. Your research question must be original. Examples show how to frame a focused question, not which question to ask.
Official exemplars often include the three reflection entries, which are valuable for seeing how evaluative reflection differs from a simple log of tasks.
You may adopt a similar organizational framework, but your argument, evidence, and analysis must be your own. Structure is a convention; content is your contribution.
Work with a subject tutor to refine your research question, structure your argument, and meet the assessment criteria. Submit the consultation form to get started.