IB Geography Extended Essay: the essential guide for your success

If you truly enjoy studying Geography, why not write your Extended Essay in this subject? An IB Geography EE can become an exciting adventure where you try your hand at independent research and learn more about a topic of your interest. However, this adventure isn’t without its challenges. Since a lot is at stake, you need to carefully prepare for it.

Our IB Geography Extended Essay guide is here to explain what you are going to be dealing with and how best to approach it.

What is an IB Geography EE Extended Essay?

An Extended Essay is one of the core components of the Diploma Programme. To earn the full diploma, you must achieve at least a D grade in the extended essay. However, if you fail to submit your EE or it is of subpar quality, you won’t be able to complete your IB Diploma qualification.

And now the good news – a well-crafted investigation can make a difference in your final IB score. When combined with other core components – Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) – it can help you earn up to three extra points.

Having said that, an Extended Essay is something more than a compulsory written assignment. It is your chance to explore a topic that truly captures your curiosity. In the context of Geography, this research project may encourage you to investigate a specific area or geographic problem.

Apart from that, the EE provides an opportunity to hone your essential skills, the ones that will serve you well at a university or in a career path you choose. Indeed, an ability to plan and conduct independent research, produce logical arguments, write academic papers, as well as stay curious and self-motivated, will come in handy in all future endeavours.

The process of writing a Geography EE begins with selecting a topic that sparks your interest. From there, you need to design and conduct detailed research, which results in a formal academic essay of up to 4,000 words. Additionally, you need to reflect on your journey and what you’ve learned from it in a separate 500-word form.

One more element of the IB Geography essay is the viva voce interview. You will conduct it with your supervisor to discuss the things you’ve learned and the challenges you’ve encountered.

Key components of the IB Geography EE

What do you need to keep in mind when writing your IB Geography essay? How should it look? How do examiners assess it? This is what we are going to talk about next.

Format

A clear format is one of the requirements for your Extended Essay. In particular, it directly affects your Presentation mark (Criterion D). This criterion focuses on how effectively your essay is organised. A sloppy or confusing layout can distract from your hard work. On the other hand, a consistent format ensures that examiners can easily follow your ideas.

The IBO has specific expectations for the Extended Essay format. First and foremost, you should write it in a legible font. Although there are no hard and fast font requirements other than a size of 12, we recommend using Times New Roman, Arial, Lato, Calibri, or Tahoma. Also, you need to give examiners space for notes. That’s why the entire document must be double-spaced with 2.5 cm (1 inch) margins on every side.

When it comes to page numbers, insert them in the top right corner of each page, starting from the Table of Contents (i.e. it is your number one page). This specific page must list all the sections of the EE and their corresponding page numbers for quick reference.

Having said that, the front cover is actually the entry point to your essay. It won’t have a page number, but the following elements are obligatory:

• The subject, which in this case is Geography;
• Your research title;
• The research question;
• The word count;
• Your candidate code (DO NOT include your name, school, or supervisor).

As you write your Geography Extended Essay, you may use footnotes to handle in-text citations. This approach keeps your writing uncluttered and, at the same time, allows you to give proper credit to your sources (from books and articles to maps and graphs). All these citations will form your Bibliography. It’s a good idea to keep track of references as you write your work, since putting it all together at the end can be a hassle. There are several citation styles (MLA, APA, and Chicago), and you need to use the one your school recommends.

As we have already pointed out, your IB Geography EE must not exceed 4,000 words. However, not every part of it counts toward this limit. The introduction, main body, and conclusion are included, along with quotations and any footnotes or endnotes that aren’t references. At the same time, the following elements are outside the word count:

• The contents page;
• Maps, charts, diagrams, annotated illustrations, and tables;
• All headers;
• Equations, formulas, and calculations;
• Citations and references;
• The bibliography;
• The Reflections on Planning and Progress Form.

IB Geography Essay structure

The IBO has clear standards regarding the Title page, the Table of Contents, and even the Bibliography. However, you are in charge of choosing a clear and logical structure for the whole Geography Extended Essay. But remember, every major section should appear in the table of contents with its page number.

Introduction

This opening section provides a concise overview of your topic and explains the research question. In particular, you need to highlight its significance on a personal or other levels (it is important locally or even globally) and why you feel it is worth investigating.

You also need to introduce a few hypotheses (such as your predictions) based on the theories from the IB Geography course. Including graphical models or relevant data here can help clarify the theoretical framework you’re building on.

Background

This section gives context to your research. This part describes the location you’re studying, whether it’s a local area or a global issue examined at a regional scale. It is important to explain why you chose it. To make your points, you may even include maps or graphs. Also, make sure to reference existing studies or geographic models to show how your work fits into broader research.

Methodology

Methodology details how you conducted your research. Here, you outline the sources and methods you relied on, as well as explain how they are relevant to your topic and research question.

For secondary data, it is a must to identify major sources, justify their use, and comment on their reliability. If you collected primary data, much like in your Internal Assessment, you need to describe the process in enough detail that someone else could repeat it. Additionally, include specifics such as the date, weather, or location details (for example, you measured downstream in a river study).

If you used equipment, mention which exact pieces and provide a graphical representation (or a photo) with a legend.

Analysis

The analysis forms the heart of your essay. Because it is typically the largest section, you may further break it into subsections with their own subheadings. Here, you include raw and processed data tables, maps, graphs, and qualitative insights. However, rather than describing them, you need to provide a detailed analysis of what they represent.

Each graph or table must feature a number, title, and concise caption. At the same time, your commentary should stay in the text to keep it within the word count. If you use photos or images, make sure to include captions or annotations tied to specific points.

You may use statistical tools (such as Pearson or Spearman coefficients) to highlight trends or correlations, but it is important to explain what these patterns mean. Do not forget to add formulas and sample calculations if necessary.

All your findings must be linked to the research question and contribute to testing your hypotheses. It is vital to pinpoint whether they support or disprove your hypothesis. Also, you should accurately use relevant geographic terms to show your understanding.

Conclusion

The conclusion is based on the evidence you’ve presented. This isn’t the place for new ideas. Rather, it’s about restating your research question and summarising to what extent you were able to answer it. In this section, review your key findings, note any patterns or unexpected results, and clearly specify whether your hypotheses held up.

Evaluation

The evaluation is basically a reflection on your entire investigation. Here, you consider what went well and what didn’t. If you’ve faced limitations or discovered flaws in your approach, ensure to explain how they affected your results. You should also acknowledge any potential biases or external influences that might have skewed your data.

At the end, you need to suggest practical ways to improve your methods or expand your study. These can be data collection refinement or consideration of additional factors.

Bibliography

Finally, the Bibliography lists all sources cited in your essay. They go in alphabetical order and are formatted according to the style preferred in your school. Appendices, if you include those, can hold extra data tables or supporting materials, but they shouldn’t contain critical information needed to understand your arguments.

IB Geography EE Assessment Criteria

When it comes to evaluating your Geography Extended Essay, the IB uses a set of clearly defined criteria. Their purpose is to ensure every project meets a high academic standard. At the same time, they can guide your work and ensure it features every critical element examiners expect to see.

Here is an overview of these assessment criteria.

Criterion A: Focus and method

This criterion examines how well your essay’s direction is defined by your topic, research question, and methodology.

It requires you to clearly state your topic, explain why it matters, and specify the area of Geography you’re exploring. At the same time, you need to pinpoint where you conduct your research and include a brief background to give your study a spatial context. Don’t forget to introduce the key theories or concepts that justify your research question.

Speaking of which, it must take the form of a question, something like “To what extent does proximity to urban centres affect water quality in (a specific location)?” This question should appear on both your title page and in the introduction.

The same criterion evaluates your methodology. Whether you’re using primary data (fieldwork), secondary data (published studies), or a mix of both, you need to explain your approach in enough detail that someone else could follow it. It is also necessary to justify why your methods and sources fit the research question and discuss their reliability.

Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding

This criterion looks at how well you use and understand geographic ideas. All materials you draw on (journal articles, official statistics, maps, etc) should directly support your question and come from trusted places. Make sure to naturally incorporate them in your Geography Extended Essay instead of simply listing them. Appropriate citations are a sign that you are able to sift through information and choose only what’s most relevant.

In addition to reliable sources, your investigation should demonstrate an appropriate geographical language. When you introduce terms or models, take a moment to explain and naturally incorporate them into your analysis. Lastly, a consistent academic tone throughout your essay can signal that you’re confident in the subject and respect the standards of scholarly writing.

Criterion C: Critical thinking

The Critical Thinking criterion looks at how well you research, analyse, discuss, and evaluate your findings.

The best investigations typically include both primary and secondary data relevant to the research question. If you’ve used sampling, explain how your sample size and selection help ensure a reliable result. As you present data, make sure each figure adds value to your argument. For example, if you use Pearson’s correlation, you need to explain why you chose this statistical test and what its results reveal about your hypothesis. Maps or graphs should only appear if they strengthen your argument.

Throughout your analysis, stay focused on your research question and original hypotheses. If your findings surprise you or don’t fully answer the question, you need to highlight these unexpected outcomes and suggest what further research could explore.

Finally, it is necessary to reflect on the reliability and quality of your data. Note any limitations or uncertainties in your methods to show that you are able to think critically about your work, and especially its strengths and weaknesses.

Criterion D: Presentation

This criterion focuses on how logically and professionally you put together your Geography EE. It must feature a clear structure with appropriate sections and headings, as well as carefully chosen visuals. Wherever you integrate graphics, they need to appear in the text at the point where they best support your discussion. Additionally, they must be carefully labelled and referenced if you pull them from secondary sources.

It is best to keep your raw data tables no longer than a full page. If they are too large, you should include only a simplified version in the main body while leaving a full table in the appendix. At the same time, processed data tables and graphs must remain in the Analysis section.

Don’t forget that proper formatting for the title page, table of contents, and bibliography also contributes to this criterion.

When it comes to the word count, exceeding the 4,000-word limit won’t automatically trigger a penalty in Criterion D. However, examiners are not supposed to read past it. For this reason, keeping your work within that boundary will ensure that it is fully assessed.

Criterion E: Engagement

The Engagement criterion examines your personal connection to the research process. Besides the EE, it also considers your Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF) and comments from your supervisor.

The Reflections form is where you show the life cycle of your essay. Specifically, it must reveal how you chose your topic and why, which approaches you tried, and how effective they were. Most importantly, you need to consider how your research deepened your understanding of Geography.

Similarly to the Evaluation, you should describe the challenges you face and how you overcame them. However, the focus here is on the involvement in the research process and how it helped you develop essential skills.

IB Geography EE research question

Choosing a strong research question is one of the most important steps in developing your Geography Extended Essay. It will guide your entire investigation and shape how you collect, interpret, and present your findings.

Often, students confuse the research question and the title. So, let’s understand the difference between these first.

The title is a short, clear statement that summarises the general topic and location of your essay. For example, “Tourism and environmental stress in Cinque Terre, Italy” gives the reader a sense of what the essay is about. The research question, on the other hand, is more specific and analytical. It’s phrased as a question that you will aim to answer through data, analysis, and discussion. An example of the research question is “To what extent has the growth of tourism impacted coastal erosion and land degradation in Cinque Terre?”

But how do you come up with a good research question? Start by brainstorming topics that genuinely interest you. These could be, for instance, geographic issues that catch your attention, such as urban growth in your hometown. As you explore ideas, ask yourself: Is this worth investigating? Is there something meaningful to be discovered?

Try to frame your question using open-ended prompts like:

• “To what extent…”
• “How does…”
• “What is the impact of…”
• “Is there a relationship between…”
• “Which factors play…”

To make your question truly geographic, consider tying it to the 4Ps concepts of the IB Geography course: Place, Process, Power, or Possibility. The concept of Place, for instance, might lead you to compare locations, while Power could make you consider who controls resources.

You might also find it helpful to develop your question around a certain theme – social, economic, environmental, political, etc. For instance, a question about migration might urge you to explore demographic and political factors. While your question doesn’t have to fit into one of these categories, they can offer a perspective to narrow your focus.

Once you have a few possible research questions, it’s time to evaluate them. A strong research question should be:

• Clear – Will someone unfamiliar with your topic easily understand what you’re researching and why it matters?
• Focused – Can you explore this question thoroughly within 4,000 words and the time you have available?
• Arguable – Does it allow you to form an opinion, test a hypothesis, and develop a well-reasoned argument?

Finally, think about where your research might lead. Even at this early stage, consider possible outcomes. What argument could you make based on your findings? What kind of evidence will you need? If you’re worried about finding enough data, try to brainstorm possible backup plans.

Research methods

Your methods determine how you gather and analyse information to answer your research question. Since they play a big role in showing your ability to think like a geographer, your approach should be well-planned and closely tied to your topic.

When writing your IB Geography Extended Essay, you are not required to collect your own data. In fact, many strong essays are based exclusively on published data such as census statistics, weather records, or satellite imagery. However, when you use secondary sources, simply summarising someone else’s findings won’t cut it. You need to add some value. You can do so by interpreting patterns in a new way or creating visualisations (maps, graphs, etc.).

Still, collecting your own primary data can significantly enhance the quality of the essay. Your own hands-on investigation may allow you to explore your topic in greater depth and give you more control over your methods. These may include:

• interviews with local experts;
• surveys and questionnaires of community members;
• measurements (for example, river flow measurement or tracking urban foot traffic);
• mapping spatial patterns (e.g. land use changes);
• field sketches and photographic documentation;
• water sampling or soil testing.

Focusing on a local scale tends to work particularly well for primary research. Studying something close to home, like your town or region, makes the project more personal. Besides, you’re more likely to notice specific patterns and ask questions that matter. Local research tends to produce higher-quality essays because:

• It allows you to explore real-world issues you can directly observe;
• It often results in original data that hasn’t already been widely published;
• You may feel more motivated and invested in the outcome of your study.

No matter which method you used, your essay should clearly explain it. For secondary sources, specify your selection criteria. If you collect primary data, it’s worth it to detail when, where, under what conditions, and how you did it.

Although choosing research methods relevant to your research question is one of the Geography EE requirements, you will not be assessed on how advanced your data collection techniques are. What truly matters is the quality of your analysis.

Data Presentation and Analysis

Once you’ve carried out your research, the next step is to present and analyse your data in a way that supports your investigation. The goal is to make sense of what you’ve found and use it to answer your research question.

The way you display your data can make a big difference. You should choose the most appropriate techniques for the type of data you have collected, whether it’s numerical, spatial, or descriptive. This might include:

• Graphs (bar charts, scatterplots, line graphs, etc.);
• Statistical diagrams (histograms, pie charts);
• Annotated maps and field sketches;
• Tables of processed data;
• Infographics;
• Photographs with annotations;
• Matrices or ranking systems;
• GIS-based maps.

Make sure every visual features labels, a number, and a title explaining what it shows. You need to refer to these visuals directly in your writing and guide the reader through the patterns and meanings these data reveal.

Speaking of these patterns and meanings, they are the result of your analysis. It is not enough to describe your data. Rather, you need to interpret it to see if your hypothesis was correct. To do so, you should ask yourself:

• What patterns or trends have I discovered?
• Are there any clear spatial relationships or contrasts?
• Do the results support or disprove my initial expectations?
• Are there any anomalies or surprising results? What might explain them?

Remember, at this stage, you don’t have to answer your research question. It will happen later in your conclusion. Instead, you need to analyse whether your findings support or refute your hypotheses. For instance, if your hypothesis was that green spaces improve quality of life, discuss whether your findings prove you right. Also, try to tie your analysis to geographic concepts from the syllabus and explain what your results mean in that context.

As you build this section of your Geography EE, make sure you use the correct geographic terms. When it comes to visuals and variables, don’t go overboard with those. Otherwise, your argument may feel scattered. If you’re using statistical tools, explain why you chose them and what they mean for your question. You don’t need to be a statistician, but you should demonstrate a basic understanding of how the statistics support your argument.

Tips to maximise your marks in IB Geography EE

Even if you put your heart and soul into investigating your topic, this won’t necessarily translate into the mark you hope for. However, if you follow the tips we share below, chances are, your examiners will love your work.

1. Select an IB Geography EE topic

Finding a topic for your IB Geography Extended Essay is the first and arguably the most difficult step. A good topic will keep you excited about your research and help you easier overcome difficulties. It also sets the tone for the entire investigation. But how to choose one topic from the sea of possibilities? Here is what you can do:

1. Which parts of Geography interest you?

Are you fascinated by urban development? Curious about the impact of climate shifts? Or want to know more about the ways communities manage resources? There must be something about Geography that piques your interest. Because EE is a long-term project, sometimes spanning months, picking a topic that you actually care about can make the whole process less of a burden.

2. Is your topic feasible?

A good topic must be specific to be explored within the 4,000-word limit. At the same time, it should be broad enough to have plenty of data and resources to work with. For instance, “urban pollution” is too broad. But if you examine a certain aspect of this pollution, let’s say traffic-related pollution, and how it manifests itself, such as its impact on the quality of life, you can conduct a focused and meaningful investigation.

Before settling on an idea, do some quick research to check what is available. Are there studies, datasets, or local sources you can take advantage of? If you’re planning on collecting your own data, make sure your research is realistic given the time and resources you have at hand.

3. Does it fit the IB Geography syllabus?

Look at the IB Geography themes and concepts you’ve studied and see how they overlap with your interests. To make sure your Extended Essay topic is relevant, it should connect to one or more core and optional units. Simultaneously, a topic rooted in the syllabus can show that you are able to apply what you’ve learned at school in a real-world context.

4. Does it show a new perspective?

Likely, your topic has already been researched. Luckily, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. However, it is a must to bring something original to your work. This could be:

• Exploration of a local case study no one else has written about;
• Comparison of two different places or time periods;
• Using a method or dataset in a new way;
• Investigating a small-scale example of a larger trend;

5. What does your supervisor think about your topic?

Talk to your supervisor before you start collecting data. They’ve seen many EEs, and can pinpoint if your topic is unrealistic and inappropriate. Besides, they may explain potential pitfalls or opportunities you might miss. You can also count on them to help you refine your research question and give advice on how to approach your investigation.

For even greater confidence in your geographic investigation, you can enlist the assistance of a tutor. IB Geography tutors at TutorsPlus are as helpful as your EE supervisor and many are IB examiners, plus you can schedule your sessions when and as often as you wish. Meanwhile, you are limited to three meetings with your supervisor.

2. Identify local geographical issues in IB Geography EE

When it comes to picking a topic for your IB Geography EE, starting close to home is often a smart move. Focusing on a smaller-scale issue can make your research more personal and meaningful. In fact, there are many benefits of going local.

First of all, local issues are way more accessible. Instead of trying to wrap your head around a massive global problem, you should focus on something that happens in your city or your region. This makes gathering data a lot simpler. You may, for instance, visit the area, chat with locals, observe changes with your own eyes, and even take photographs. Plus, since local issues are often less studied than big global ones, your research can bring fresh insights – this is what examiners are looking for!

However, don’t think that local means small or unimportant. You can still tie your local issue to something bigger. For instance, you might look at how global warming affects farming in your area or how a new environmental policy impacts local wildlife. This connection can show that you understand how geography works on different scales. Besides, it will make your essay feel relevant beyond just your backyard.

When you pick your local issue, make sure to explain why you chose that specific place. Maybe it has a unique history (such as a former industrial hub) or perhaps there are interesting differences within the area (e.g. wealth gaps between neighbourhoods). These details help show that you have carefully thought about your topic. If you can, use a map to illustrate your findings and make your points clear.

Finally, take a moment to explain why your issue matters. It’s not enough to state that some process or fact exists. You need to actually justify that it’s worth studying. Ask yourself:

• How does this issue affect people, the environment, or both?
• Could my findings help inform solutions or raise awareness?
• How is this issue expected to change over time?

The bottom line, make sure to present your local issue as something that needs to be explored instead of just something that can be.

3. Support your analysis with real-world examples

As we have already pointed out, a theoretical framework is important to justify your hypothesis. Besides, including relevant theory will help you gain more points for Criterion A: Focus and method. Still, a solely theoretical Extended Essay is not exactly what examiners want. They prefer to see how you take geographic concepts and apply them to actual, real-world situations. That’s why it is critical to provide concrete examples of your claims.

These examples may come from case studies, academic papers, government statistics, news reports, or data published in scientific magazines. For example, if your essay explores renewable energy adoption, you could use Germany’s solar power boom as a case study or compare wind energy stats between Denmark and India. Either way, you need to choose credible sources. Random blogs or shaky data won’t hold up.

At the same time, you can provide something even more valuable: what you discover yourself. Independent research, even if it is something as simple as interviewing locals, drawing a map, or analysing satellite images, can show that you are capable of creating your own data. Yes, it is harder, or at least more time-consuming, but that’s the reason why examiners appreciate it.

Whether you’re using existing examples or your own findings, make sure they answer your research question. Every case study or data point should build your argument.

4. Include statistics in IB Geography EE

In research papers, numbers give weight to your claims. It is true for many subjects, but Geography stands out since it often focuses on patterns and trends. Population growth, climate shifts, economic changes – these and others can become the evidence that you thoroughly researched your topic.

Again, the stats you include must connect directly to your research question. For instance, if you’re exploring how urbanisation affects a city, data on population density, housing costs, or traffic patterns could be perfect to illustrate your points. On the other hand, information about this city’s annual snowfall won’t add any value.

Having said that, large amounts of data are not exactly reader-friendly. It is much more effective to put them into tables, graphs, maps, and other visuals. For example, a graph showing temperature changes over decades can grab attention better than a list of figures. What’s important, these data and their visual representations should be naturally and directly incorporated into the discussion. Don’t relegate them to an appendix unless you have too much data to seamlessly fit into the body of your essay.

To create these visuals, you should carefully consider which statistical tools work best. Simple measures, including means, medians, and ranges, can summarise large datasets and highlight central tendencies or variability in your data. When you go further to use tests of correlation (Spearman’s rank, Pearson’s coefficient, just to name a few) or regression analysis, you will be able to assess relationships between variables. No matter what you choose, you must explain why this particular statistical tool matters for your situation or sample size.

What’s even more critical, discuss what the numbers reveal about your hypotheses. Does a Pearson’s value support your predicted link between variables? Are there outliers or anomalies, and what might explain them? All the insights arising from your analysis must be tied back to your research question.

5. Use visual materials

So, we have already established that visual materials can reinforce your analytical argument and make reading more engaging. Here are our suggestions on how to make them effective:

Maps:

• It is common for IB Geography EEs to start with a map in the introduction to provide a clear spatial context for the investigation;
• Every map you use should show orientation (north arrow), a scale, and a legend or key. If you use a base map downloaded from a source, always acknowledge it;
• For maps you create or adapt yourself, you need to specify the software or tools you used (for example, in the captions);
• Avoid simply inserting unaltered satellite images or scanned maps, since they don’t show any contribution from your side. However, modified ones (with added annotations or custom layers) can be more relevant for your investigation;
• Make sure to present your maps in colour because greyscale prints can lose critical distinctions.

Diagrams, Graphs, and Tables

These visuals are a good idea if you want to demonstrate trends, processes, variations, as well as organise your data.

• Choose the type of graph (bar, line, scatterplot) based on what best highlights trends or correlations relevant to your hypotheses;
• Always number your tables and figures consecutively;
• You need to give them descriptive titles and captions. Also, they must be fully labelled;
• Make sure to refer to your visuals by number in the text to help examiners follow your discussion.

Images and Photographs

All images you decide to include must illustrate a specific point in your argument. For example, a photo can become evidence of coastal erosion or river pollution.

• Label, annotate, or caption each image;
• Specify if you took an image yourself (where and when). If not, cite the source;
• Explain what each image shows and how it connects to your point (e.g., “This photo of a flooded street illustrates drainage issues”).
• Include orientation details if relevant (e.g., north arrow on landscape shots).

6. Enhance your IB Geography EE with fieldwork

Fieldwork is one of the most effective methods for your IB Geography EE since it allows collecting fresh, firsthand data as well as witnessing geological processes with your own eyes.

Direct measurements and observations you obtain in the field can help you answer your research question with evidence you control. It is you who plans which data, when, and how to collect. You may also adjust your methodology if you don’t think it produces accurate results. This way, you can show your methodological awareness, which is highly valued in IB Geography. Besides, you become your own source of trusted data. 

There are many ways to conduct your fieldwork; here are just some of the common examples:

• Environmental measurements, such as air or water quality tests;
• Traffic or pedestrian counts;
• Land use mapping, such as comparing historical maps with current satellite images.

A word of warning – don’t confuse fieldwork for your Geography Internal Assessment with your EE. Your IA can be a group effort, but your EE is definitely a solo project. It has to be completely independent and unique. You may take inspiration from your IA (for instance, you enjoyed analysing a local issue and would like to dig deeper), but your EE needs its own distinct topic and methodology.

7. Start early and set deadlines

The sooner you begin with your Geography EE, the more time you will have to produce a polished essay. Spreading the work out also cuts down on stress and helps you avoid the rush that comes with last-minute efforts. To stay on track, it is necessary to set clear milestones for the key steps in the process.

The first year in the Diploma Programme is when you choose your topic and research question. You can sift through multiple ideas, evaluate how doable they are, and even conduct preliminary research to see if you have enough resources for a meaningful investigation. Once you decide on your options, you need to meet with your supervisor to discuss them, finalise your choice, and map out a research plan.

The summer break gives you a great opportunity to dive into the research. You will have sufficient time to collect data, do your fieldwork (if necessary), and shape your argument. It is also when you should write your first draft.

Once back in school, share your first draft with your supervisor for feedback. They should be able to point out what’s working and what needs tweaking. With this feedback in hand, you need to revise your draft and provide it for the second round of review. All of this needs to be done by November, since it is when students finalise their Extended Essays.

But just because you submitted your Geography EE doesn’t mean it is done and dusted. You will still have to participate in the Viva Voce interview with your supervisor to reflect on your research process. It usually takes place in December-January. Finally, you need to write a short reflection on what you’ve learned during your research process and what you discussed at your Viva Voce interview.

8. Show critical thinking

According to a survey conducted among geography teachers, critical thinking is the most important skill their students require to succeed. Your EE is one of the chances to demonstrate that you can think like a real researcher. Critical thinking is also one of the assessment criteria (Criterion C, to be exact).

So, how do you show your critical thinking? It all starts with choosing data to back up your research. Whether you use literature or your own fieldwork data, make sure every piece of information is directly relevant to your research question. You cannot just include data or quotes because they seem interesting. Instead, you need to explain why they matter. Do they support or challenge your argument?

When it comes to published sources, your critical thinking should tell you which ones you can trust. Before you include any in your EE, ask yourself:

• Is this author credible?
• Are these data reliable and up-to-date?
• Do they show any bias?
• Are there gaps or contradictions between them?

If you’re collecting your own data, explain why you chose a certain method. For example, why did you use a particular sample size? Why did you survey a certain group? Long story short, you need to show that you carefully considered your method and its effect on your results.

The next possibility to show your critical thinking is data analysis. First and foremost, it is necessary to choose tools that fit your question. Maps are great for showing spatial trends, graphs will allow you to demonstrate changes over time, and statistical tools are ideal for testing relationships. Again, it is vital to explain your choice and what they help reveal in relation to your research question.

So, when including graphs or other analytical tools, ask yourself:

• What do they show?
• How do they support my argument?
• Are there any patterns or outliers I need to explain?

Another sign that you are able to think critically is the acknowledgement of your limitations. Your whole research doesn’t have to be perfect. However, your thoughts on how to improve it are an absolute must.

• Are there important variables you failed to consider?
• Were there flaws in your sampling or measurements?
• Did your survey have a bias?
• Were your data patchier than you expected?

Again, don’t just say what was less than perfect. Your task is to suggest what you would do differently next time.

Get expert guidance to enhance your IB Geography EE

As part of the Extended Essay process, you will have a minimum of three reflection sessions with your supervisor. These sessions are a fantastic opportunity to find out how to align your work with the EE expectations. In particular, your supervisor can offer expert advice, recommend useful resources, or point out improvements in the structure.

Sometimes, however, these sessions might not be enough. A Geography EE is a challenging project, and just like you, many students feel that extra support would not go amiss. That’s why TutorsPlus are here to help. Our team of IB Geography specialists includes both experienced teachers and EE supervisors from international schools around the world. They know exactly what the examiners are looking for and can help you with every aspect of your Extended Essay, from refining your research question to polishing your presentation.

Contact us at +41 22 731 8148 or to get one‑on‑one support. Let yourself benefit from extra brainstorming sessions, personalised feedback on your drafts, and insider tips on how to showcase your independent research most effectively.

By Sara Lloyd

Sara has been an education consultant for TutorsPlus for 15 years, and is an expert on international IB education.  She is also a parent of two lively children.