An extended essay (EE) in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP) is a research paper of up to 4,000 words that provides students with the opportunity to investigate a topic of their choice in depth. If you’re working on an EE in physics, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Choose a topic that interests you: The EE is an independent research project, so it’s important to choose a topic that you find interesting and engaging. This will make the research process more enjoyable and help you stay motivated.
- Define a clear research question: Your EE should have a clear research question or hypothesis that you aim to answer through your research. This will help you focus your investigation and give your EE a clear direction.
- Conduct a thorough literature review: A literature review is an overview of existing research on your topic. It’s important to conduct a thorough literature review to understand what has already been published on your topic and to identify gaps in the current research. This will help you to frame your research question and hypothesis.
- Use reliable sources: When conducting your research, it’s important to use reliable sources such as peer-reviewed academic articles, books, and online sources. Avoid using sources such as Wikipedia or blogs, as these may not be as reliable.
- Follow the guidelines: Be sure to follow the guidelines for the EE set by the IB. This includes formatting your EE correctly and including a bibliography of the sources you used.
- Plan your time: The EE is a long-term project, so it’s important to manage your time effectively. Set aside dedicated blocks of time to work on your EE and break your work into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Get feedback: Seek feedback on your EE from your supervisor, classmates, and other trusted sources. This can help you identify areas that need improvement and strengthen your argument.
- Edit and proofread: It’s important to edit and proofread your EE carefully to ensure that it is well-written and free of errors. This will improve the clarity and coherence of your argument and make it easier for your reader to understand.
Overall, the key to writing a successful EE in physics is to choose a topic that interests you, define a clear research question, conduct a thorough literature review, use reliable sources, follow the guidelines, plan your time, get feedback, and edit and proofread your work carefully. Good luck!