This resource lab was built by a real IB student who scored 32/34 on their Extended Essay. Everything here — the methods, the frameworks, the templates, the advice — comes from what actually worked, not from theory.
The Extended Essay is a mandatory component of the IB and one of the key pieces that helps you secure those 3 core points. The dumbest thing you can do is miss out on a 45 — or worse, not even get your diploma — because of your EE.
Tip
You're already balancing six subjects, three at HL, IAs for every single one, college applications, and a life. The EE should not be the thing that breaks you. It's supposed to be the one component where you actually get to explore something you care about.
The Pareto Principle Applied to Your EE
The 80/20 Rule
20% of your effort → 80% of your marks
This resource lab identifies exactly which 20% to focus on — the research question, structure, and criteria mapping — so you get maximum marks with minimum stress.
Choose Strategically
Your subject and topic choice determines 50% of your stress level before you write a single word.
Research With Purpose
The EE Dump system ensures you never sit in front of a blank screen wondering what to write.
Structure = Strategy
Every section of your EE maps to specific criteria. No purposeless writing.
Free Marks Exist
Formatting, citations, and RPPF reflections are easy marks most students leave on the table.
The Most Important Mindset Shift
Stop thinking of your EE as a school assignment. Start thinking of it as an academic research paper.
— The single change that separates A-grade students from everyone else
You don't need to actually be a critically acclaimed academic. But your EE needs to read like it was written by one. When you write with that mindset, the quality of your thinking, analysis, and writing naturally rises to the level the IB expects.
"I need to hit 4,000 words for this school assignment."
"I'm presenting original research that contributes to academic understanding of my topic."
Tip
The IB literally tells you what they want: "a formal piece of academic writing" that promotes "academic research and writing skills." That sentence is your entire strategy.
What This Resource Lab Covers
Subject & Topic Choice
How to pick a subject that plays to your strengths and a topic you genuinely care about.
Research Question Mastery
Craft an RQ that sets you up for success — specific, analytical, and researchable.
The EE Dump System
Our signature research method that makes writing effortless.
Structure & Writing
Map every section to specific criteria so nothing is wasted.
Format, Citations & RPPF
The easiest marks of your life — if you know what you're doing.
AI as a Thinking Partner
12 prompts that make your EE better while keeping every word yours.
Key Takeaways
- Your EE is a research paper, not a school assignment — write it like one
- The Pareto principle applies: focus on the 20% that drives 80% of your marks
- This resource lab gives you the exact system used to score 32/34
- Every module builds on the last — follow them in order
Self-Check
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