Imagine writing your EE draft, only to remember you still have to figure out your Math IA, Biology IA, and the list just goes on. The EE is part of the IB Core, contributing to those famed 3 additional points, while the subject IAs make up a decent chunk of your final grade. Along with TOK and extracurriculars, how on Earth is one meant to manage all of these assignments? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many students stress about these 2 daunting tasks because of fundamental misconceptions about them. In reality, both are entirely doable given proper time management and commitment, even if your topic is rather simple. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Misconception 1: Your EE\/IA needs to be an original, unique, and complex idea <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s easy to see these assignments as your ultimate chance to be creative and show off your skills. Ultimately, both can be satisfactory as long as you have good arguments and stick to the assessment criteria. Examiners don\u2019t expect students to discover new things; they want to see how you analyze and interpret things, be it results from a chemistry experiment or word choice in a novel. Additionally, try to use content from your respective subject course. Don\u2019t stray too far beyond it because you\u2019ll only be giving yourself a harder time than necessary. It\u2019s enough to pick something course-appropriate and show in-depth understanding and evaluation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Misconception 2: Having many sources makes an EE good <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The key to a successful EE is to engage critically with your material, even if you are dealing with secondary data. However, you should have an element of discovery, with some relevant claims\/data that are entirely your own. Relying almost solely on secondary sources diminishes personal engagement and limits your original arguments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Misconception 3: IAs can be written quickly and right before the deadline <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nothing in the IB can truly be \u201cwritten quickly and right before the deadline\u201d if you want to keep to good quality. IAs require extensive preparation, including initial research into your topic, an outline, a first draft, and a final draft. This doesn\u2019t even include the data collection that science IAs (and sometimes Math IAs) require. Ideally, thinking of some IA topics during summer would be a great starting point. Try to always do your IA tasks a week ahead – that way you can come back to your writing and see if there is anything to improve before the deadline. IAs can be a significant help for your final grade, so it\u2019s best not to mess around with them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Extended Essay <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Clarity and original arguments are the foundation of a good EE. There are 5 criteria to consider, all with their own challenges. Firstly, the research question must be precise. Like with the Personal Project, nothing can be vague or unfocused. A focused topic makes for focused research. This allows you to develop an appropriate method to address your question, using appropriate sources. Furthermore, you need to show that you truly understand what you\u2019re talking about by using subject-specific terminology and sources. Everything should tie back to answering your research question. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Criterion C is the largest point contributor in the EE, as it focuses on research and critical thinking. Anything and everything should be supported by adequate evidence, with proper analysis that always connects back to your RQ. Remember to evaluate any limitations to your method, your sources, or results. To do this, present your EE very formally and professionally. This refers mainly to the structure and layout, which are easy aspects to score marks on, so don\u2019t underestimate a well-formatted EE. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, personal engagement truly makes or breaks the EE. This contributes 6 points, and it will make the entire process much more enjoyable. Proper reflection and preparation show strong engagement. Collecting your own data (if possible) and experimenting with different approaches and perspectives show a deep exploration of your topic. Your EE is the perfect time to discover more about the subjects and topics you\u2019re interested in. Just remember not to fly too close to the Sun and pick an incredibly difficult or time-consuming topic. The EE serves as a way to get those extra points, so don\u2019t go far beyond what is covered by your courses. You are definitely expected to apply to harder topics than those studied in class, but just make sure it\u2019s doable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember to avoid the following common mistakes to score well! <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Unfocused question, too broad of a topic <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Topic is too difficult or goes far beyond the respective course <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Starting too late <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Not turning in a complete first draft <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Descriptive rather than analytical <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Ignoring subject-specific assessment criteria <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Incorrect citations <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Internal Assessments <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The IAs vary depending on the subject (much like the EE), but the general gist is quite similar. Humanities and languages focus greatly on deep analysis and engagement. For languages, focus on using literary works or topics that you\u2019re very comfortable with and could talk about for over 15 minutes. Look for small details that you can connect to an overarching theme. In humanities, the idea is to understand your topic and analyze it well. Strong evaluations are important in any aspect of IB. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Science and Math IAs are arguably harder, so remember to choose a topic you\u2019re confident that you can do well in. It\u2019s not time to experiment with crazy chemicals or concepts. Stick to something feasible that will guarantee usable data. Use appropriate methodology that you can connect back to your topic question to sufficiently answer it, and be able to evaluate any limitations. The key is to be as precise as possible, even in small details. Make sure significant digits and equations are all correct, and, again, don\u2019t overlook the importance of a strong evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Again, here are some common mistakes to avoid: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Insufficient data <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Neglecting limitations or uncertainties <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Overly descriptive <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Misapplying formulas or concepts <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Ignoring the assessment criteria <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25cf Incorrect citations where applicable <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, how do we do it? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, time management is essential, but how can that be achieved? The best way to approach this is by setting micro-deadlines. Many teachers may already set these for you, but try to always do even smaller tasks a week before the deadline. Look ahead in your calendar and identify busy weeks, so you can avoid working on your EE and IAs when you have other priorities. Try to incorporate both your teachers\u2019 deadlines and your own to stay on top of everything. For EE specifically, try to do the large majority of it over summer. Ideally, conduct any necessary research then and produce at least a decent first draft. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people may find it helpful to dedicate certain days to different tasks. Mondays and Wednesdays can be for your EE, and others for your IAs. Just make sure to never go longer than 2 weeks without looking at either your EE or IAs. Actively work on them whenever you have time, particularly the EE. Use physical planners or journals to sort out your day, or create a Google Doc that you\u2019re sure you\u2019ll use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, don\u2019t exhaust yourself. IB DP2 is easily the most stressful year, especially on top of university applications. Stretch your work out over time to avoid hour-long sessions in a single day. Try to reward yourself for completing smaller tasks, such as finding a topic or finishing an outline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Final words <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The EE and IAs are integral to the IB program, and they can make great conversation points in university interviews or at least valuable boosters to your grades. Regardless, planning and always being 2 steps ahead is crucial to ensure a smooth-sailing journey. Choose topics that are realistic, while still being interesting to some extent. Don\u2019t commit to more than you can handle, and remember to communicate with your teachers whenever you can. Good luck!!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n as per: https:\/\/www.revisiondojo.com\/blog\/mistakes-to-avoid-in-ib-extended-essays<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nScoring High in Both\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n