What NOT to do on your EXTENDED ESSAY | my EE mistakes and advice!

The Extended Essay is dreaded by many IB students and I am certainly no exception. I had a pretty bad experience writing my EE (even to the point where I considered dropping out of IB!), but I persevered through those essay struggles. In this video, I share my tips and advice about EE topic selection, organization, research, writing and editing so you can avoid the mistakes I made!
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Hi! My name is Lilia. On Ivy Lilia, I post weekly and enjoy sharing about my experiences with college applications / admissions, the Ivy League, the International Baccalaureate programme, Cornell University / The Hotel School, and more!

[@cleohlee1420]

1. Don't pick a topic out of your wheelhouse - NO interdisciplinary research question! - You don't have to reinvent the wheel--just a bit of nuance, but there should be research available. 2. Don't start before you know exactly what you'll write -Need a short, concise table of contents! -Ensure you know how exactly you'll answer your research question; take the rq as guidance for your essay. -You need to know how each of your paragraphs contributes to your overall argument. 3. Don't start too early and don't start editing far after you started writing. -The day after you wrote out your first draft, take to someone else and walk them through your arguments without looking at that essay. -Don't put your first draft on the backburner--there's a chance you don't know what you meant. 4. Don't overlook the importance of good grammar. -bad grammar doesn't equal a bad argument. -you'll feel better about your paper with good writing. you might be frustrated with the writing itself rather than the content. 5. Don't overthink the EE! -It's just a stepping stone in getting your diploma. -Practice, yes, but it won't make or break you.

[@EMMASAUDIOS]

hi!! I'm just starting my EE and I'm really scared about it lol, I found this comment super helpful, but I've got one question... what do you mean when you say "take the rq as guidance for your essay"?

[@cleohlee1420]

@@EMMASAUDIOS So sorry for the late reply! I took it as once you have a rq (aka research question), find information that answers it instead of finding information and then formulating a rq/changing the rq to fit your research. Also, all I did was copy down what she said in the video.

[@daxtaylor9514]

Sorry to be off topic but does any of you know of a method to log back into an instagram account?? I was stupid forgot the login password. I love any help you can offer me.

[@louiscollin5773]

@Dax Taylor Instablaster :)

[@daxtaylor9514]

@Louis Collin I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm in the hacking process now. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@aleksanderpyka6126]

Whining time! I am writing an EE in psychology and turned in my draft in December. One week later my teacher told me that it was absolutely excellent and only minor changes needed to be made. I was over the moon. Cue a psychology class two weeks ago - my supervisor has just come back from a conference and said that she has bad news for all eight people who wrote a psych EE. She revealed that she did not know the subject specific criteria and only read them at the conference and therefore our essays were all shit. She advised that I write my essay again, completely from scratch. The deadline is two days from now and I’m still not finished even though I devote every bit of my time to writing. I really want to cry.

[@sta5348]

ohhh lord I hope it goes well! I haven't even started the essay due to health problems and I'm really worried. I changed my topic halfway because I didn't have enough to talk about to support the question. I'm worried. I'm sure you'll do fine however since you've done research and everything and at least started it.

[@um9348]

Are you okay? Can I have an update?

[@Kitten_Puff]

Just wanted to ask, when do everyone start EEs? Cause I am starting it actually pretty late and seeing these really freak me out, also I am known for doing things in last minute....so ya my EE doesn't look good at all so far 🥲

[@lenny3394]

@@Kitten_Puff I'm guessing your in ib2 rn?

[@noonie-i2g]

That is your teachers fault

[@elenas7158]

Lol I'm writing my EE now and having someone else say "your first draft doesn't have to be perfect" makes the realization actually settle in. Love the video and thanks for the advice :)

[@theglitterqueen6447]

your intro is amazing!

[@IvyLilia]

Thank you!!

[@2222ben]

Its awesome!

[@clairechan1355]

Thank you so much😭I'm so frustrated about my future and I've been crying for so many nights, seeing someone that has gone through all of this and in a better place made me feel so much better

[@heartoftarde]

you just described exactly where I am with my EE! I am way over word limit, started writing much too early (without an outline), and am still trying to fit my question to my essay! It sucks because I spent so much energy on it when I could have just gone for a straightforward question from the beginning :(

[@berenice1097]

This was super super super helpful! I'm currently having to complete my EE in less than 3 weeks and this video really helped me stress less about it :)

[@Bxkatoowavy]

my final draft is due tomorrow and I haven't even finished my first draft :(

[@RenaudAlly]

how was it? why did you do this to yourself? i dont get it

[@BigBoatSwim]

Then why are you watching this and not typing

[@obeeno4568]

he died

[@m0narkh]

@@obeeno4568 he probably did

[@almendraman]

This comment is a gravesite.

[@j.p.caruso6660]

Excellent advice! I hope ALL who watch this take your suggestions to heart. It will save them tremendous grief.

[@faradaycool4058]

Thank you for being so honest and not being snob, unlike most IB YT advice

[@savedaccount5614]

I'm in the final editing process and I really loved this!

[@niki9086]

can you plz make a video about how you managed your time preparing for SAT and doing IB

[@irlandamartinez8267]

hehe, yea... my essay is due tomorrow, wish me luck!

[@diegoavila3088]

Lilia, I will begin doing IB here in Switzerland for the next two years. My subjects: -Physics SL -English A (Lit&Perf) SL -French B SL -Math AI HL -History HL -Geography HL I just expect to get this. I do care about all that, and I actually think it is good to get out of the comfort zone. I possibly do my EE on History.

[@m.h2557]

mein beileid

[@yukolin1824]

Thank you for being so nice and comforting , I'm entering grade 10 and transferring to a ib international school ( even though I studied in a Chinese school for 10 years) . I was really frustrated with my future in high School because I thing my English isn't good and I'm scared of ib . But your video really comfort me a lot. TY:)

[@alyr228]

ahh I've just started my EE - this has helped so much!!

[@nightcorelover9677]

You're so underrated! You're awesome

[@IvyLilia]

Thank you!!

[@novoti43]

I am going to write my Extended Essay. The truth is that I do not overthink about it, but it is impossible do not worry a little bit... I want to congratulate you for the video :-) It was funny and interesting.

[@engels_diary]

i am 14 years old in my first IB year. This 3 first months of school have been hell for me. Tmr i have to give my EE topic and i haven't thought of it yet. I hate the amount of pressure i am feeling at this age.

[@joshneumann1110]

@@2222ben if he skipped a grade or two

[@zappavanommen9356]

@@joshneumann1110 who skips two grades in IB

[@joshneumann1110]

@@zappavanommen9356 he might've skipped 1st and 2nd grade wym

[@zappavanommen9356]

@@joshneumann1110 1v1 me

[@joshneumann1110]

@@zappavanommen9356 ok what's ur user

[@nataszam3044]

I'm so happy I watched this now and not a day later. Thank you for this video :)

[@wizdum4247]

I am dreading the essay right now. thanks for the help.

[@youtubefan6158]

Im now on the "outline" stage and already have some worries if my topic is ok... gonna read the guide 😅 wish me good luck! GOOD LUCK GUYS!

[@tianyeG]

Thank you so much! I'm working on my first draft and your tips are very helpful. I even feel less overwhelmed just by watching ur video ahaha

[@AJD22]

UR THE BEST! thank you, I'm doing my IB now, and I think I'm over thinking about ee. As if IB as all about the ee!

[@May-bt7dw]

Thank you so much for your tips!! I am a huge mess in this whole IB thing :c but you helped me

[@draco_explosionsinc9250]

This helped me destress so much.

[@rozai6838]

i love your intro it's so creative and cool!

[@pa_u_los]

It's funny bc i saw this video before sending my first draft to my supervisor. Guess what happens? I had to repeat it again entirely. I could stay with the topic. Now i'm finishing the second draft trying to know where i have to put the recommendations. PD: Do your EE in 1. Sth you like. 2. If you don't like any subject pick a Group 1 (bc is where most A's are) and know if your supervisor is going to be good. I'm doing it in a group 3 subject (._:) and with a supervisor that sucks. ;)

[@et8387]

What do you mean by Group 1 or 3 subjects?

[@danielhu5139]

@@et8387 Group 1 is a literature and language EE. Group 3 is a social science essay. Kinda like English Vs. Econ/History kinda thing

[@et8387]

Well I‘m one year into the course now and should have known this because I‘m now doing my EE in a group 3 and kind of regret it (especially since I can’t actually carry out my experiments because of Covid 19)

[@danielhu5139]

@@et8387 ah ic ic, that's unfortunate. I'm also doing an EE in group 3, if u need any help, feel free to msg me

[@FriendOfMara]

I wish I had watched this sooner. I have to submit my first draft of my cybersecurity World Studies EE using Global Politics and Computer Science in a couple days. I definitely picked a topic way to far out of my wheelhouse....

[@pro.laps.gaming]

Currently writing my paper that’s due tomorrow night :P wish me luck bros

[@yigite]

how did it go

[@honganhnguyen2056]

Thank you for all the helpful videos on the IB:D

[@zenahlarge788]

But the EE does kinda make or break you diploma. If you get an E on it or on your TOK then you don’t get the diploma

[@s.c.8383]

i think she meant that all you need to get on the EE is a passing grade. turning in a perfect essay vs a mediocre one does not really change the fact that you are graduating.

[@mustafakarakose1122]

Thanks Ivy. It is really useful. Nowadays, I am searching IB for my son, he is gonna start grade 9 if he gets acceptance from IB School. For sure, I will let you know if I need a support. 😊

[@caroamatt]

im a pre-IB student and im just freaking out but you transmit such a peaceful vibe im not that afraid anymore lol

[@selbbbb5837]

Don’t be so sure 😬 I’m in my 4th month of IB and well.. it feels like hell. Still don’t make this stop you from choosing IB cause it’s a fact that it’s challenging.

[@s.s3906]

I couldn't write my essay on my best-interest subject because of the limited amount of students per supervisor. I just can't get any motivation to start it. Half of my summer vacation is gone, but I have only written 1000 words. And the IAs, college applications... It's just a mess

[@ee7692]

dude sameeee school starts in two weeks for me and I haven't started my maths IA or wrote one single word on my EE... guess who's getting zero sleep

[@r0saa13]

@@ee7692 im in the same exact position as you🥲 my first draft is due on the first and i only have written like 200 words

[@theo3400o1-planes-spotting]

I am actually writting my EE intro, but i am so stressed because my teacher tell me that its not an intro. and I need to send my first draft in September. Thank you so much for yours advise !

[@kamom302]

Holyshit you just calmed me down.

[@sandro574]

kam O. Bruh I’m currently panicking cause my EE is fully inspired from internet😂fuck me

[@sohamsali5473]

I am going to start ib this year loved your advice

[@weronikaryfka3088]

Great video! I'm starting in 3 weeks :0

[@micaeladelgadobriones7836]

How much did you get on your EE?

[@minamigutierrezsato534]

Haven’t decided my research questions and I’m in 2nd year ib.

[@AP-se2zs]

You have a really creative intro!

[@carolinabeck6033]

I don´t know how to make a detailed structure of the Extended essay in English category 2b

[@gointoorbit]

it's been 2 years, how did it go?

[@aashnashah3045]

Hi, I have a question, so I will be studying in an ib school this year and I am actually confused as to which laptop will be apt for the programme. It will be great if you could help me out in order to select a windows laptop or a Mac. My subjects are-- HL business, HL visual arts HL Hindi(I'm from india) SL English , SL math and SL computer science.

[@aryankakru3335]

Whichever one you feel more comfortable working with, it doesnt really matter

[@Nosoyyo7]

Well, I guess I´ll just go on with my essay... English is not my mother tongue, but I decided to make my EE in this language. I don´t wanna die yet, but I´m really tired.

[@hujan5005]

Just a quick question. How much does university look at you EE? I plan to major science (perhaps biochemistry), but our school is not well equipped and even teachers are recommending against it.

[@quantaviousowandle3211]

its been 3 years, in the end did you choose a science?

[@laraasmr7996]

@@quantaviousowandle3211 i wanna know too!!

[@karinazhang8292]

OMG This video is soooooo helpful!!! Thank you sooooo much!!!!

[@Mc-fj2ev]

I have to submit my ee in one month and just did my introoo :’)

[@danielgarciacalle475]

Your intro is awesome;!!

[@ivankas52]

I feel you bro. 💕✨

[@sifsif2725]

I picked a 2nd year college level topic for my Math AA HL EE...

[@kofitelli6923]

What is your ideal EE outline. (In general)

[@sta5348]

My final draft is due tomorrow and I haven't even started the essay wtf idk how to tell my supervisor abt this (I was in the hospital for a month sooo) I don't think I can finish it on time tbh

[@stefanom.7939]

Thanks so much for the video, extremely helpful!

[@shadangbasedarteducationex190]

How does ib curriculum test creativity?. Especially visual arts

[@line9083]

I dont think you need to worry too much about being "creative"... sometimes you end up with a topic interesting but with no sources/evidence to back you up... try and look online for EE art exemplars for ideas (but don't copy!)... you can also be "creative" by picking a topic like architecture, dance, etc, instead of artists like Picasso... in terms of how IB tests creativity it might not entirely depend on your research question but also on your methodology: what sources you are using (eg. interviews) or how insightful your analysis is... in general I feel like usually an art EE is "creative" in itself so dw

[@accretionescapee]

I’m planning on doing Biology HL, Chemistry HL, English Language and Literature HL, Mathematics SL, German SL and Economics SL. Can you really do anything with Extended Essay, for example Mythology, or a particular part of the brain, or does it have to be History, Psychology or another school subject?

[@alyaaj6438]

Ultimately

[@heathc148]

Good vid, thanks for the help

[@Hanin5002]

Great , we had a week to write an outline and guess what I did instead ! I studied math Hl and now I'm here , hours before:)

[@BiHWolf-lo6ts]

I haven’t even started and it’s due in 20 days 😭😭😭

[@zainaaa9335]

As someone who's starting my first year in IB in september, i'm really nervous. Can someone give me examples of research questions on anything art related or design related as that's going to be my main field of choice. perhaps i'll right an essay on that. it'd be helpful thank you ❤😭

[@mariaswiatek807]

Wow, this video was fab!

[@Anony2024]

Thank you

[@ivna134]

do you have to come up with your own research question for the ee or are you given options that you can choose from?

[@IvyLilia]

You have to come up with your own, but there are tons of examples out there to help guide you!

[@ivna134]

Ivy Lilia thanks!

[@shihyonseo7314]

Such a nice video! Helped alot :D

[@fraukevinetabulow4064]

Where ist TOK in times of Covid-19????

[@Marinameyers05]

only a week and something, and i barely have half an essay

[@freeibear8923]

My first draft is day after tomorrow, and I haven't started

[@Felix-zo1ui]

Thanks for that. And beautiful eyes x

[@utopiasekei6859]

That ending never fails to make me laugh 😂 😂 😂 I even tried to imitate it 😝 And as always, love the video!! ✨

[@ricardochevez1235]

this was helpful but i'm still scared :(

[@thirishinnthant4660]

May I know what was the essay topic?

[@poe8770]

is it me or does she have a phat piece of steak in the background

[@wafabhayani7815]

ah the classic steak in a bottle

[@raxacorico]

Thats a salt light 😂😂😂

[@2222ben]

So helpful thank you!!

[@luchitaf4640]

thanks for this!

[@puffoffluffedair543]

my propsal is due tmr I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT MY RQ IS.

[@jewish_misteak3880]

How'd it go?

[@ellan1664]

Juliet Colletta ahahah thing just happened to me this week

[@theglitterqueen6447]

your remind me of lili Reinhart!!

[@snaderiits]

THATS THE COOLEST INTRO EVER

[@enriquecarrera8404]

dam video is fire,,, u was crying over an essay tho!!! man i am not ready for dis

[@Jaya-ru7ky]

Our first 4 pages are due in a few days and idek how to structure it lmaooooo

[@hajerraisi8380]

Thank you so much, this helped a lot!!!

[@breeie9900]

Very positive :)

[@youngmaster861]

thank youuuuu😊😊😊

[@siarawong9552]

I love the intro

[@pedrocampolina4980]

Please, let us see your EE as an inspiration! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@artloverrarts]

tysmm

[@nicoleblackmon5239]

great advice!

[@Joy-lk9qd]

thank u 🤍🤍

[@slayygela]

my first draft is due tomorrow and i have only like 700 words SOMEBODY KILL ME PLS (anyway thanks for help Ivy Lilia!! 💓)

[@elizabethkiryanova7920]

I hope everything turned out okay for you! I started with ~600 words at 10pm and by 6am the next day I had 3100, which was enough for my first draft :)

[@slayygela]

elizabeth baunok I managed to write everything and submitted it on time so I guess it didn’t end up as badly as I thought!! Also IB cancelled the exams so our written assignments are super important:((((

[@johnbenedictdivinagracia4866]

stop at 4:11

[@lorenzocavalleris2255]

what did you get in your ee out of curiousity (grade)?

[@AbdulrahmanAlidroos]

jesus if only my teacher was as good as you.

[@fake9810]

My ee supervisor gave no Feedback, RIP me

[@Wcrqdrift]

Doing mine on a videogame🗿

[@isaacdestura7495]

*writes essay in one sitting* me: NANI???

[@vstman1430]

I've got an "A" :))

[@joshie8696]

i have 24 hours left and im only at a shitty 1100 words lol

[@gtx499youtube9]

*i was jebaited*

[@shaheenhayyat]

The intro 😂😂😂😂

[@beckettofficial]

where do u live