structure of geography extended essay

Extended Essay Guide: Criteria, Format, Sample EEs

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The Assessment Crtiteria in Detail!

• Criterion A: Focus and method
• Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding
• Criterion C: Critical Thinking
• Criterion D: Presentation
• Criterion E: Engagement
• EE_How to maximize marks for different subjects?

• Criterion C: Critical thinking

Notes from the IB

RE: Research Question and Title of Extended Essay

Please note the statement below from the EE curriculum manager regarding the need to have both a title and a RQ for all subjects. Previous versions of the EE Guide indicated that the title and the RQ should be the same for History, Business Management and Mathematics. This is no longer the case.  All essays, regardless of the subject, need to have both a RQ and a title.

Hi Kathy, 

To answer your question, I am going to quote directly from a response John Royce provided, on this forum, in October in response to a very similar question: (it was a question about using Spanish sources - hence the mention of Spanish)

It is certainly  permissible to use sources which are not in the language of the essay, but translation into the target language is required , one cannot assume that the reader understands the original language.

It is usual to quote the original as well as presenting the translation.  [Do not put quotation marks around your translation, just around the original]

Umberto Eco argues ("in Mouse or rat?") that direct translation may lose meaning, paraphrase or use of different idioms may be required to get the ideas across. Paul Bellos ("Is that a fish in your ear?") makes a similar argument - direct translation may confound meaning... Direct translation may not be ideal - meaning and understanding are preferred - so, not to worry that your student with her good Spanish cannot present a direct translation.

What  must be made clear is that the translations are those of the student;  these are her understandings. Readers can make of that what they will - and if unsure, are presented with the original - they can seek another translation.  A note in the acknowledgements and/or in the introduction to the effect that all translations are those of the writer is ... essential.

In response to the question about the  Bibliography/Works cited, my preference would be to list the source in its original Thai version, but perhaps with the English in brackets, to help the examiner.

Your bibliography will have the entries in Thai characters first in the document. Any in-text citation to Thai sources will be in (Thai characters [English translation]).

Citation in Thai [English translation]

Works Cited Example:

วงษ์ปัญญา, ธนกร [Wongpunya, Thanakorn]. “โรงงานยาสูบรวยแค่ไหน และเอาเงินไปทำอะไรบ้าง.”  [How rich is the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly and where does the money go?] (candidate translation). The Standard, The Standard, 30 Aug. 2018, thestandard.co/thailand-tobacco-monopoly/.

Format of the Extended Essay

Required Formatting

The extended essay should be written in a clear, correct and formal academic style, appropriate to the subject from which the topic is drawn. Given that the extended essay is a formally written research paper, it should strive to maintain a professional, academic look. 

To help achieve this, the following formatting is  required:

• 12-point, readable font (Calibri or Times New Roman);
• double spacing throughout entire Essay;
• page numbering - top right corner;
• no candidate or school name or supervisor name on the title page or page headers.

Submitting the extended essay in the required format will help set the tone of the essay and will aid readability for on-screen assessment by examiners.

Required S tructure

The structure of the essay is very important. It helps students to organize the argument, making the best use of the evidence collected. 

There are six required elements of the final work to be submitted. More details about each element are given in the  “Presentation”  section. Please note that the order in which these elements are presented here is not necessarily the order in which they should be written. 

Six required elements of the extended essay:

• Contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References and bibliography -- if MLA "Works Cited" if CSE "References"

1. Required Title Page  

The title page should include  only  the following information: 

• the title of the essay
• the research question
• the subject the essay is registered in (if it is a language essay also state which category it falls into; if a world studies essay also state the theme and the two subjects utilized) 

The upper limit is 4,000 words for all extended essays. 

2. Required Contents Page

A contents page must be provided at the beginning of the extended essay and all pages should be numbered. Please note that an index page is not required and if included will be treated as if it is not present.

3. Required Introduction

The introduction should tell the reader what to expect in the essay. The introduction should make clear to the reader the focus of the essay, the scope of the research, in particular an indication of the sources to be used, and an insight into the line of argument to be taken. 

While students should have a sense of the direction and key focus of their essay, it is sometimes advisable to finalize the introduction once the body of the essay is complete.

4. Required Body of the Essay  (research, analysis, discussion, and evaluation)

The main task is writing the body of the essay, which should be presented in the form of a reasoned argument. The form of this varies with the subject of the essay but as the argument develops it should be clear to the reader what relevant evidence has been discovered, where/how it has been discovered and how it supports the argument. In some subjects, for example, the sciences, sub-headings within the main body of the essay will help the reader to understand the argument (and will also help the student to keep on track). In structuring their extended essay, students must take into consideration the expected conventions of the subject in which their extended essay is registered. 

Once the main body of the essay is complete, it is possible to finalize the introduction (which tells the reader what to expect) and the conclusion (which says what has been achieved, including notes of any limitations and any questions that have not been resolved). 

Any information that is important to the argument  must not  be included in appendices or footnotes/endnotes. The examiner  will not  read notes or appendices, so an essay that is not complete in itself will be compromised across the assessment criteria.

5. Required Conclusion

The conclusion says what has been achieved, including notes of any limitations and any questions that have not been resolved. While students might draw conclusions throughout the essay based on their findings, it is important that there is a final, summative conclusion at the end. This conclusion(s) must relate to the research question posed.

6.  Required References & Bibliography

Students should use their chosen style of academic referencing as soon as they start writing. That way they are less likely to forget to include a citation. It is also easier than trying to add references at a later stage. For more information on this, refer to the guidelines in the IB document  Effective citing and referencing.

Writing the essay takes time but if students have used their Researcher's reflection space and reflection sessions in a meaningful way they should be well prepared to develop their arguments.

Extended Essay - Examples & Exemplars

• Essays from May 2018 with IB marks and commentaries
• More EE exemplars
• Assessed Student Work & Commentary IB-provided. "Student sample extended essays, corresponding marks and comments from senior examiners are available for the following Diploma Programme disciplines. Please note that in light of not having authentic RPPFs to accompany these essays, they are marked against criteria A – D only, for a total of 28 possible marks. Following the first assessment session in 2018, exemplars will be refreshed with authentic sample material." more... less... Biology English Economics History Studies in language and literature Language acquisition Mathematics Psychology Visual arts World studies extended essay (WSEE)
• EngA1_Othello EE Othello 2018 From inThinking.net Click the link to see the score and evaluation.
• Fifty (50) More Excellent Extended Essays DVD by International Baccalaureate Call Number: HS DVD 808.4 ISBN: 9781906345600 Publication Date: 2011 1 DVD-ROM (1:33 min.)

Past CIS Extended Essays

Available in the library behind the desk are file folders of past Extended Essays by Concordian students and IB EE Exemplars. Feel free to browse the papers which must be kept in the library.

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Geography Extended Essay: Definition, Rubric, And Topics for IB

0  Comments

by  Antony W

July 18, 2022

The IB program requires you to write a 4,000-word extended essay on any subject of your choice. So if you’ve picked Geography as your focus area, you’ll find this guide incredibly helpful.

This guide to Geography extended essay covers the following:

• Choice of topic
• Treatment of your selected topic and
• The assessment criteria

What’s Geography Extended Essay? 

An extended essay in Geography provide students the opportunity to employ a wide variety of abilities and develops an original and in-depth geographic investigation. Spatial focus as well as the application of geographical theories characterize the length of this assignment.

Choosing a Geography Extended Essay Topic

One thing you have to get right before you start writing an extended essay in Geography is topic selection.

1. Pick a Narrow, Focused Topic

The topic you choose should have a geographical focus because you’ll have to ensure the research topic guides you down a route that uses acceptable geographical materials and fosters the application of pertinent geographical concepts, theories, or ideas.  

To be abundantly clear, the topic you choose should not be excessively broad because essays written on broad topics are rarely successful.

Make your topic narrowly targeted to promote in-depth investigation as opposed to a broad one. Additionally, it is essential that you establish the geographical background of the essay early on.

2. Base Your Topic on Local Research

Investigations conducted on a local basis often receive the best grades. This restricted emphasis discourages an excessive dependence on existing information and promotes original research.

Extended essays written on topics known and accessible to the student have a larger probability of success due to the student’s stronger personal connection, which stimulates more in-depth research.

3. Choose a Topic that Encourages Original Research

The cornerstone of a successful geography extended essay is a robust technique that includes the collecting of high-quality facts.

Good data allows the IB learner to conduct the sort of in-depth examination that distinguishes the finest works. It’s unlikely that an essay relying solely on published textbooks will receive a high grade.

How to Treat Your Geography EE Topic

You don’t want to view a geography extended essay as merely an extended piece of fieldwork.

Although there may be parallels in technique, the extended essay doesn’t have to lay a heavy focus on original field data. In other words, you can rely on already existing research ideas on previously published data to get the work done.

When researching the topic you’ve selected, pay more attention on written analysis, interpretation, and assessment, as well as the development of an argument rather than data collection and processing procedures.  

Supporting Your Geography Extended Essay

A geography extended essay must include proper ways for showing information or data. You should include diagrams, sketch maps, tables, and graphs, making sure you acknowledge their origin if you draw them from other sources. 

We strongly recommend the use of maps at the beginning to provide a clear geographical backdrop for the inquiry. Every map must provide an indication of direction and size, as well as a key.

• As supporting data, the usage of sketch maps and labeled or annotated diagrams is strongly encouraged.
• You can use computer-generated maps provided you identify the computer software used.
• Hand-drawn maps should be neat and legible, with appropriate use of color shading, a scale, and a key.
• If you include photographs in your work, make sure they’re integral to the text and not just decorative.

IB Geography Extended Essay Assessment Criteria Explained

The following is the assessment criteria used for the extended essay in Geography:

Criterion A: Research Question

The research question must be specific, relevant to the topic of geography, provide a geographical context for the essay, and inspire an inquisitive approach.

Many effective essays in geography explore the research issue through the formation of one or more hypotheses. If you include a hypothesis in your work, make sure it’s well constructed, testable, grounded in geographical theory, and incorporate proper investigation channels.

Criterion B: Introduction

It is essential to contextualize the study issue geographically and theoretically. Therefore, the introduction should define the scope and location of the inquiry and illustrate the relevance of the issue to existing geographical knowledge and theory.

There should be an explanation of why you chose the issue and why it merits examination. The introduction of the essay should be simple and straightforward.

Criterion C: Investigation

It is essential that the inquiry utilize a variety of data sources, including those specified in the “Treatment of the issue” section. The materials you pick for the essay must be pertinent to the subject and give the evidence that will support your argument.

The essay must employ adequate qualitative and quantitative data and/or information. For instance, questionnaires must have enough respondents for the results to be reliable.

Adopting a technique that begins with the gathering and selection of relevant material leads to a methodical analysis with legitimate results, interpretation, and conclusions, and concludes with a critical review of the evidence and the strategy used is the correct essay planning.

Criterion D: Knowledge of the Topic

A successful essay requires knowledge and comprehension of the theoretical basis and an awareness of the academic setting.

Using both primary and secondary sources , you should integrate their own ideas with current geographical theory to accomplish this.

Criterion E: Reasoned Argument

The argument can be personal, but it must also be rational and well balanced. By using proper maps, diagrams, drawings, pictures, and charts/graphs, you can convey evidence in graphical as well as textual format.

If and where applicable, the argument you present should give evidence that leads to the acceptance or rejection of the initial hypothesis. Avoid prejudice in the context of an issue, dispute, or problem inquiry.

Criterion F: Application Analysis & Skill Evaluation

The majority of the evidence supplied to support an argument in a geography extended essay comes from data analysis. This necessitates the application of proper analytical procedures and tests of significance.

The use of interaction and gravity models, network analysis, correlation techniques, dispersion measurements, sampling procedures, and standard error estimates are among the legitimate tools distinctive of geographical investigation.

When analyzing qualitative data, you must employ the right analytic procedures. Your research should demonstrate an understanding of the data’s legitimacy, validity, and limits, as well as the methodologies employed.

It is possible that the outcomes of the study are surprising or do not appear to conform to prevailing trends. This might lead to the absence of data. Even if that’s the case, the essay must nonetheless include a critical examination and evaluation of the material presented.

Criterion G: Language Selection

This criterion examines whether you’ve utilized Geographical terminology and language correctly and consistently throughout the essay.

It is essential to adopt a style that is impartial, avoids long personal assertions and viewpoints, and conveys geographical facts and concepts clearly and precisely.

Criterion H: Conclusion

The conclusion should include a summary of the investigation’s conclusions and quickly recap the pertinent evidence. If and where applicable, you should indicate which hypotheses have been accepted or rejected – and give an explanation. 

The conclusion of your essay should examine the adequacy of the approach and identify any defects or constraints in the investigational procedure.

The conclusion should not be an emotional personal remark about a topic, dispute, or problem, nor should it bring new facts not presented throughout the argument.

Criterion I: Formal Presentation

This criterion addresses the extent to which the essay complies with academic norms about the format of research papers. It is inappropriate to offer an essay without a bibliography or citations.

Essays that remove one of the required extended essay outline get a rating of no higher than good, and those that omit two of them get a rating of subpar.

All graphic material mentioned in the body of the article (maps, pictures, field drawings, charts, and so forth) should be at the appropriate locations, not at the conclusion or in appendices. It should be well organized and utilized to complement the textual material and clarify explanations.

Big data tables, published large maps, transcripts of interviews, and lengthy series of computations go to the appendices. It is not necessary to add field notes as an appendix, but you can include at least one completed questionnaire form.

You need to cite source of any data, diagrams, graphs, charts, tables, and pictures where feasible.

Criterion J: Abstract

The abstract should clearly express the research topic, describe how you conducted the study, the techniques employed, and the types of data collected.

Also, it should provide a concise summary of the findings as stated in the conclusion.

Criterion K: Holistic Judgement

For holistic judgment, you need to make sure your Geography extended essay reflects the following characteristics:

• Intellectual initiative: You can demonstrate this by creating a hard research subject, applying unique or imaginative techniques of data collecting and data analysis, and generating an original work.
• Understand the topic’s theoretical context and maintain it as the focus of the inquiry.
• Utilize introspection in the construction of your argument and assessment of your writing.
• Pick and employ inventive illustrative ways
• Overcome difficulties that emerge
• Modify views based on fresh facts.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

• How to write?

IB Tutor’s Guide to Writing a Geography Extended Essay

Luke MacQuoid

• October 16, 2023

Table of Contents

As a seasoned IB tutor, I’ve encountered numerous students grappling with penning a compelling Geography extended essay. Based on my experience and understanding of the IB criteria , I aim to share a few pointers that could be instrumental in your academic path.

IB Geography Extended Essay: Specifics and Assessment Criteria

The golden number for the extended essay is 4,000 words. It’s a strict maximum, and it’s crucial to adhere to it. The 4,000-word limit does not include the abstract, footnotes and endnotes, bibliography or works cited, or appendices. Maps, graphs, charts, diagrams, annotated figures, and tables are not counted.

This type of essay also has specific assessment criteria for evaluating students’ work. Each has different weightings and is used to assess various aspects of the paper. Here is a general overview of the assessment criteria for the IB Geography extended essay as of that time.

Criterion A: Focus and Method

From my time working closely with the IB curriculum, one of the critical pillars of a geography extended essay is its focus and method. According to general IB criteria, this aspect evaluates the clarity of your topic and how well you’ve framed your research question. A well-defined topic appropriate for a Geography extended essay, combined with a systematic research approach, can set a solid foundation.

Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding

Over the years, I’ve realized that genuine success in the extended essay lies in demonstrating profound knowledge and understanding of your chosen topic. As far as I know, evaluators look for the depth of your context and how well you wield subject-specific terminologies.

Criterion C: Critical Thinking

In all my years as an IB tutor, if there’s one thing I’ve consistently emphasized, it’s the importance of critical thinking. According to general IB criteria, this section assesses your ability to analyze, discuss, and evaluate your research question. Writing a well-structured argument and ensuring the reliability of your research is crucial.

Criterion D: Presentation

Presentation might seem minor, but as I’ve seen time and again, it can significantly impact the reader’s experience. The structure, layout, and elements like tables and charts should be presented meticulously. And, of course, always ensure your sources are cited using a recognized convention. A well-presented essay is like a well-wrapped gift — it heightens the anticipation and enriches the experience.

Criterion E: Engagement

Engagement is all about showcasing your connection with the topic. From my extensive interactions with students, I’ve found that those who display genuine personal engagement produce more compelling essays. According to general IB criteria, this section seeks to understand your relationship with your research, making it an integral aspect of the essay.

Criterion F: Use of Subject-specific Terminology and Conventions

Lastly, but by no means least, is the use of subject-specific terminology. Geography has its unique terms, maps, diagrams, and conventions. Employing these accurately and consistently raises the quality of your essay and showcases your expertise in the subject.

Choosing the Right Topic for Your Geography Extended Essay

Ah, the challenge of finding the perfect topic! I know from countless student interactions that this initial stage can often be daunting. But fret not! There’s a wealth of Geography extended essay topics out there. Focus on areas that genuinely pique your interest, as your enthusiasm will shine through in your writing .

How to Find Geography Extended Essay Topics

One effective way to develop ideas is to reflect on recent global events, geographical phenomena, or even localized issues with global implications. Reading recent publications, geographical journals, or news outlets that highlight environmental and geographical stories can offer many ideas. The vast scope of geography, from human interactions to intricate environmental processes, provides a canvas for many topics .

Popular World Geography Extended Essay Topics

Thinking of World Geography extended essay topics, several intriguing options come to mind:

• Sustainable Urban Planning in Modern Cities
• Coral Reef Degradation and Coastal Communities
• Agricultural Practices and Soil Erosion in the Midwest
• Impacts of Tourism on Coastal Ecosystems
• Glacial Retreat in the Himalayas and Its Consequences
• Effects of Land Reclamation on Coastal Habitats
• Economic Implications of Desertification in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Comparative Analysis of Organic versus Conventional Farming
• Population Density and Its Relation to Urban Green Spaces
• Geopolitics of Freshwater Resources in the Middle East

Climate change in polar regions, urban sprawl in emerging economies, or even the socio-economic implications of river diversions are some themes that, according to general IB criteria, resonate well with evaluators. Remember, the trick is to choose something both engaging and academically enriching.

And what about other ideas for an IB World Geography extended essay? Topics that demonstrate an understanding of local phenomena in a global context stand out. For instance, examining how a local agricultural practice has global environmental implications can be captivating.

Research and Planning: Using Trustworthy and Academic Sources

A well-researched essay is like a well-cooked meal — satisfying and leaves a lasting impression. Always prioritize reputable academic sources . Remember, the quality of your sources can make or break your essay:

• School’s Library . In my experience, school or university libraries are goldmines of reliable academic books, journals, and other publications. They often provide access to databases that can be incredibly valuable.
• Books with High Publisher’s Reputation . Established academic publishers often have stringent editorial standards. Look for names like Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, and Routledge.
• Online Scholarly Databases . Websites like Google Scholar , JSTOR , and ScienceDirect offer many peer-reviewed articles and papers. From my experience, these are goldmines for researchers.
• Geographical Journals . Given the subject, journals such as Geographical Journal or Area often publish the latest research in Geography. They’re both current and highly reputable.
• Expert Opinions . If possible, engage with geography professors or professionals in the field. Their insights can offer depth and a fresh perspective to your essay.
• Current Events . They can play a significant role in a subject like geography. Keep an eye on global news that relates to your topic.
• Other Source Types . While journals and articles are valuable, don’t avoid documentaries, interviews, or reputable podcasts. Different mediums can offer varied viewpoints.

Sites like Wikipedia, while informative, should be something other than your primary sources. They can be a starting point but always verify the information. As you research, keep track of all your sources. Tools like Zotero or Mendeley can help organize your references. It saves time and ensures you keep track of all valuable information.

Always ensure that any facts or data you obtain from one source can be verified with another reliable source. It adds a layer of authenticity to your research. As you progress, regularly review your collected data and sources. Ensure that they align with your research question and adjust if necessary.

Structuring Your IB Geography Extended Essay

The structure is the scaffold upon which your ideas are built. In line with general IB criteria, a well-structured essay comprises an introduction, body, and conclusion, each flowing seamlessly into the other. Transition paragraphs are invaluable in maintaining coherence as you move from one section to another.

Introduction: Setting the Stage

Your introduction is the gateway to your essay. In this section, clearly state your research question, briefly outline the scope of your investigation, and hint at the conclusion. In my experience, a compelling introduction draws the reader in and makes them want to read more about your work.

Need help with your IB extended essay?

From research and analysis to structuring and editing, our skilled mentors will be by your side, helping you craft an exceptional extended essay that not only meets the wordcount and stringent IB criteria but also reflects your passion for selected IB group .

Body: The Heart of Your Argument

It is where you’ll get into the meat of your research, presenting arguments, evidence, analysis, and perspectives. Typically, the body is subdivided into several sections, each focusing on specific aspects of your topic.

Also, remember:

• Use subheadings to segment your ideas.
• Present evidence and follow it with analysis. It ensures the reader understands the relevance of each piece of evidence you present.
• Transition paragraphs or sentences are crucial here to ensure that one section flows smoothly to the next.

Ensuring each section has a clear focus and contributes to your overall argument is paramount. 

Case Studies and Real-World Examples

For a Geography extended essay , integrating case studies can be invaluable. It bolsters your arguments and provides practical examples, making your essay relatable and grounded.

Wrapping It Up

Your conclusion is where you revisit your research question, summarizing your findings and reflecting on the implications of your research. In my experience, a firm conclusion doesn’t merely restate the introduction but provides a synthesis of your main points, leaving the reader with a lasting impression.

Appendices and Footnotes

While not part of the main content, supplementary information, data sets, or detailed explanations can be included in the appendices. Footnotes, however, are excellent for clarification without breaking your essay’s flow.

Bibliography: Giving Credit Where It’s Due

A comprehensive list of all the sources you’ve consulted is essential. It adds credibility to your essay and adheres to academic conventions. Trust me, proper citation can affect how your essay is received.

To wrap things up, writing a Geography extended essay is rewarding, especially when you’re equipped with the right insights. Take it from someone who’s been there and done that; with dedication and the right approach, you’re well on your way to creating a commendable piece.

Lastly, staying updated with the latest geographical findings and trends is essential. They can be invaluable in adding depth and contemporary relevance to your paper. If you need help with a Geography extended essay , our IB writers are always ready to help!

Luke MacQuoid has extensive experience teaching English as a foreign language in Japan, having worked with students of all ages for over 12 years. Currently, he is teaching at the tertiary level. Luke holds a BA from the University of Sussex and an MA in TESOL from Lancaster University, both located in England. As well to his work as an IB Examiner and Master Tutor, Luke also enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with others through writing articles for various websites, including extendedessaywriters.com blog

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Extended Essay

Hints and tips.

If you can, base your EE on a geographical model e.g. Bradshaw model. The examiners really want to see that your title is tightly related to the subject of Geography and models or a direct link to theorists will help this.

Show that your EE has a clear spatial element. A location map and saying where you are studying no longer seems good enough. You need to now say why you have chosen a particular area and why there may be differences within that area. If you can, then follow that up by using some sort of  map to show your results would be great. Also, try and say why your particular issue e.g. crime, gun ownership or flooding is an important issue for geographers to study.

The examiners now seem to want you to try and incorporate some form of statistical analysis to show that you have collected enough data and can prove there is a correlation, especially if this is a primary data focused EE.

Useful Resources

Campus des Nations - EE Website

Campus des Nations - Reflective Project Website  

Suggested Structure

While you will be given lots of help from the librarian and the EE coordinator the EE can still be daunting to start. Here are a few suggestions of how you could structure your EE - do be aware though that this is not the only way that you can do it.

Potential Structure

Use subheadings to divide up the different sections of your EE. Suggested subheadings:

1.0 - Introduction - Why is this an important issue to study? How does it fit in the context of the discipline(s) of 'Geography (and another)'. State your research question - 1 paragraph - this is short as you will expand on it in 1.1 and 1.2.

1.1 - The Global Context - Why is this an important issue on the global scale? It would be good to include evidence such as a graph to illustrate the importance. For example, increase in population and more migration has impacted the growth of urban areas, which has lead to increased pollution in cities, consider the graphs that would show this on a  global scale.  - 2 paragraphs

1.2 - Area of Research - geographical theory. What models can you use to put the focus of your EE into context? For example, rise of the middle classes, the nexus, land use models, climate change, etc.

1.3 - The Focus - Restate your rsearch question. Put your research question it in to context of why it is important at the local scale.

2.0 - Background

2.1 - Locational Context -  What location are you focusing on? Why are you focusing on this area? Graphs and maps are useful here to help you to illustrate your points.

3.0 - Methodology - How are you collecting your information? Think of it like a recipe as the idea is someone could replicate your study in a different area. Why is this a valid way to undertake the research? Justify why you have chosen the methods behind your research or primary data collection. For the different websites or reports you are using how reliable are these sources? Remember this could be primary or secondary data EE.

4.0  - Discussion - As you do for a 10 or 16 mark EAQ you need to create an argument. So the inital part of your discussion will need to discuss to what extent your ascertain is correct and then you need to suggest other factors that may have impacted the results you have found. Use further subheadings to break up this section. You must include graphs and maps in this section. (Remember if you can't map or graph it it probably shouldn't be a Geography related EE.)

5.0 - Conclusion - Summarise your findings and relate it back to the global setting. How could this inform us of how to deal with the issue on a global scale?

6.0 - Bibliography - MLA format.

Formal Presentation

Size 11 or 12 font.

Double spaced

Font - Times New Roman/ Lato/ Tahoma

Create a header and write the subject (Geography) and your candidate code on the right.

Insert page numbers on every page.

Front Cover needs to include:

The Subject

The Research Title

The Research Question

Your Candidate Code

Include a contents page.

Footnotes for intext citations.

Bibliography for all our sources including any images, maps or graphs that you are using - do this as you write your essay as it is hard to go back and refind all of your sources. MLA format.

Reflections

Reflections - The first and second reflection should be no more than 150 words and they need to show how you are engaging with the EE e.g. things that you have learnt, evolved or been encouraged to read from the initial investigations.

How to Reflect From the IBO

Extended Essay Writing Reflections - A how to with examples including sentence starters.  

JK Geography - Extended Essay Help

Geography - Checklist

Examples of Geography Extended Essays

It sometimes difficult to know where to start when it comes to the EEs. It is always good to have a look at what the style and structure of an EE is like for our subject. Click on the link below for IBO assessed Geography EEs.

Useful Resource

Geography EEs - Recommend read example B - 32/34

• Geographic themes [Paper 1]
• Core: Global change [Paper 2]
• Higher Level: Global interactions [Paper 3]
• Being a DP Geographer
• IB DP Geography Internal Assessment
• Exam preparation
• IB DP Geography Extended Essay
• Developing your extended essay research question

Producing an extended essay outline

• Geography extended essay methodology
• Structuring your Geography extended essay
• Reflections for the Planning and Progress Form
• Geography extended essay assessment

This page is intended for students preparing a Geography extended essay or a World Studies extended essay where Geography is one of the focus subjects.

It is best practice to produce a well thought out extended essay outline, that your supervisor can feedback upon, before the start of the summer break. This means that you will not waste any effort in the summer break upon an approach that will not ‘work’ for the extended essay or upon a title that will not allow you to succeed.

Share your extended essay outline in such a way that your EE supervisor can give meaningful feedback upon it.

Your extended essay outline should include at least the following:

Your research question, your data - what are you basing your arguments upon, your introduction - how are you framing your arguments, your methodology - where did your data come from, your graphs and maps - the geographical presentation of your data, structure - how to you plan to structure your extended essay.

At this point your research question should already have been agreed and recorded on ManageBac.

The research question must be sharply focused and effective treatment must be possible within 4000 words, such as “To what extent does the quality of life in selected communes in the city of Geneva vary with distance from Lake Leman”. For a Geography extended essay your research question must reference the location you are focusing on.

The research question is clear and addresses an issue of research that is appropriately connected to the discussion in the essay. 5-6 marks - Criterion A: Focus and method

At this point your title should already have been agreed and recorded on ManageBac.

You need to have a title that frames your extended essay, such as “Differences in quality of life in the city of Geneva, Switzerland”.

You need to show that you have sufficient data to analysis.

Your extended essay must be analytical. You need to be super careful that the overall feel of your essay is not descriptive.

List each of the data sources you intend to use. Insert the title of the data source into your document and hyperlink to its source. For each of your data sources outline what you intend to do with it - graph it to show something, map the data to show something or carry out statistical tests upon it.

The introduction should tell the reader what to expect in the essay. The introduction should make clear to the reader the focus of the essay, the scope of the research, in particular an indication of the sources to be used, and an insight into the line of argument to be taken.

The introduction (at this stage) should express the following:

• What is the Geography behind your extended essay? What geographical models, theories or concepts will you be using as a framework for your discussion?
• What is the global/larger issue that you are looking at and then applying to a more local scale?
• Why is your research question worth asking? Consider the issue on the global arena and then narrow that down to why it is worth asking in the context of place (location). Why are the arguments that you are going to make matter?

The focus of your methodology (at this stage) needs to be how you are collecting the data you intend to use to illustrate your discussions, arguments and conclusions.

There are two types of data - primary and secondary. Primary data is data that you collect - for example, interviews, pedestrian counts, temperature readings, mapping the locations of data points. Secondary data is data that somebody else has collected. It could be the data that you find in the appendix of a report produced by an NGO, governmental organization or an UN office. In both cases, you need to analysis and presentation the data yourself. You should not just be using the graphs and maps that other people have produced.

You can use primary and/or secondary data for your extended essay. As you will be making arguments and conclusions based on the data you need to be able to discuss the data source, reliability and accuracy.

Primary data

At this point in your extended essay journey, if you are going to be collecting primary data you should have a clear data collection plan.

• What primary data will you be collecting?
• What sampling techniques will you be using?
• How big will your sample size be? How do you know it is large enough?
• When will you be doing the data collection?
• Where will you be doing the data collection?
• How valid do you think this data will be?

Secondary data

At this point in your extended essay journey, you should already have access to sufficient secondary data.

• What are the sources of your secondary data?
• How old is the data?
• How big are the secondary data sets? Are they large enough for you to carry out meaningful analysis?
• How reliable is the data?

An appropriate range of relevant source(s) and/or method(s) has been selected in relation to the topic and research question. There is evidence of effective and informed selection of sources and/or methods. 5-6 marks - Criterion A: Focus and method

You need to be making use of personally produced graphs, maps and (potentially) statistical tests to analyse your data.

At this stage, you should have already produced some maps and graphs as a ‘proof of concept’ for your intended arguments. These graphs and/or maps should be included at this point.

List the graphs and maps you will be including in your extended essay (you do not have to have produced them all at this point - but you should have produced some). Each map and graph needs to have a suitable title and a link to/description of the data you will be using to produce it.

The research is analysed effectively and clearly focused on the research question; the inclusion of less relevant research does not significantly detract from the quality of the overall analysis. Conclusions to individual points of analysis are effectively supported by the evidence. 10-12 marks - Criterion C: Critical thinking

You need to produce a section by section outline for your extended essay. Each section needs:

• section title
• an outline of the arguments that you will be making in it
• the data/map/graph that will be supporting your argument(s)
• intended word count

Your extended essay needs to have the following sections - but sections can be broken down further into sub-sections using subheadings:

• Introduction
• Methodology
• Bibliography

The structure of the essay clearly is appropriate in terms of the expected conventions for the topic, the argument and subject in which the essay is registered. Layout considerations are present and applied correctly. The structure and layout support the reading, understanding and evaluation of the extended essay. 3-4 marks - Criterion D: Presentation