How to Get Top Marks in Your EE

The IB Extended Essay is one of the most rigorous and rewarding elements of the Diploma Programme, asking students to work independently and engage in genuine academic research. With the new guidelines for first assessment in May 2027, expectations are clearer and more demanding. This article outlines how students can adjust their approach and meet the updated criteria. It also explains how to produce a high-scoring extended essay while building research and writing skills that support future university study.

Introduction

The Extended Essay sits at the heart of the IB core and challenges students to plan and complete an independent piece of academic research. While supervisors offer guidance, the thinking, decisions, and writing rest firmly with the student, making it a first real taste of university-style study for many.

With the introduction of the 2027 extended essay guidelines, the IB has sharpened how essays are assessed and clarified what strong research, writing, and reflection look like. This article explains what has changed and what it means for students. It also shows how to approach the extended essay with confidence, using practical, student-friendly tips for the research and writing process.

What’s New in the 2027 Extended Essay Guidelines

The 2027 guide introduces several essential updates. Understanding these changes early helps students avoid outdated advice and plan their work effectively.

Two Research Pathways: Subject-Focused vs. Interdisciplinary

The first major change is the formal introduction of two clearly defined research pathways. This gives students greater choice and clearer direction when planning their extended essay.

Students must now select one of the following options at the start of the process:

1. A subject-focused extended essay, based on a single DP subject.

This pathway follows the traditional approach. It is suitable when the research question can be fully explored using the concepts, methods, and perspectives of one subject. It works particularly well for students who want to deepen their understanding of a favourite subject or align closely with future university studies.

2. An interdisciplinary EE, which integrates two DP subjects through one shared research question.

This pathway is designed for questions that cannot be meaningfully answered from a single subject perspective. Students should justify why both subjects are essential and purposefully integrate relevant knowledge, concepts, theories, or methods from each one.

A key part of this update is that the former World Studies Extended Essay has been fully absorbed into the interdisciplinary pathway, which simplifies the system and removes many of the earlier limitations. With clearer guidance and fewer restrictions, students can now explore topics that genuinely sit between subjects, allowing research questions to reflect natural subject connections and support deeper thinking, more authentic research, and a stronger overall essay.

Removal of Category Restrictions in Language EEs

Previous category labels in Language A and Language B extended essays have been removed under the new guidelines, giving students greater freedom in how they approach their research and writing. This change means:

• Fixed or prescriptive categories no longer constrain students when they plan their Language essay.
• Essays can be shaped more naturally around the research question, rather than being adjusted to fit a predefined label.
• Literary, linguistic, and cultural approaches can be combined where this strengthens the analysis and supports the focus of the essay.

As a result, the emphasis has shifted away from ticking category boxes. Instead, examiners are looking for clarity of focus, relevance to the chosen subject or subjects, and strong academic justification for the approach taken. This allows students to develop more coherent, purposeful essays that reflect how language and texts are studied in real academic contexts.

Updated Assessment Criteria (A–E)

The extended essay is now assessed on a scale of 30 marks, down from 34. While the five assessment criteria remain, the way they are interpreted and weighted has been refined to give more precise guidance on what examiners value most. The updated criteria are:

• Criterion A: Framework for the essay, which focuses on the research question, research approach, and overall structure.
• Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding, which assesses subject knowledge, use of terminology, and conceptual accuracy.
• Criterion C: Analysis and line of argument, which examines how effectively evidence is analysed and how clearly ideas are linked into a coherent argument.
• Criterion D: Discussion and evaluation, which looks at how well findings are discussed, evaluated, and placed in context, including strengths and limitations.
• Criterion E: Reflection, which evaluates the student’s growth, learning, and development of skills during the research process.

A key improvement is that each criterion now includes a guiding question. These questions help students interpret the criteria more accurately and make it easier to align their writing with examiner expectations throughout the extended essay process.

Split of Analysis and Evaluation into Separate Criteria

One of the most significant updates is the clear separation of analytical skills within the assessment criteria.

Previously, analysis and evaluation were assessed together, which often caused confusion about what examiners were actually looking for. Under the new guidelines, these skills are now assessed separately:

• Criterion C focuses on analysis and line of argument, meaning students must interpret evidence, explain its significance, and develop a logical, coherent argument that consistently addresses the research question.
• Criterion D focuses on discussion and evaluation, where students assess the quality of their findings by identifying strengths, limitations, and the wider implications of their research.

This change makes expectations much clearer. Students are now expected to first demonstrate how they analyse evidence and build a convincing argument. They must then step back to critically evaluate the reliability, limitations, and overall value of their research in a structured and thoughtful way.

Changes to Reflection Requirements

Students now write a single reflective statement of up to 500 words after the final viva voce, clearly shifting the focus. Instead of simply describing what happened, they evaluate their learning experience by discussing how they grew as learners, the transferable skills they developed, and how their thinking and decision-making changed throughout the process.

Updated Subject-Group Guidance Format

The IB has reorganised the subject-specific guidance to align it more closely with the assessment criteria, clarify expectations for each subject and pathway, and help students understand how to apply knowledge, research methods, and structure within their chosen subjects.

Overall, the 2027 guidelines offer clearer expectations, more flexibility, and a stronger focus on structured thinking and evaluation.

What These Changes Mean for Students

The new guidelines affect how students plan, research, write, and reflect on their extended essay.

More Flexibility and Creative Topic Choices

Students now have greater freedom to choose topics that genuinely interest them, allowing for more original research questions, more substantial alignment with personal interests, and essays that feel purposeful rather than forced. However, this flexibility comes with responsibility, as topics must remain focused, researchable, and appropriate to the chosen subjects.

Higher Expectations for Integrated Thinking

The interdisciplinary EE is not a shortcut, as students must clearly justify the use of two subjects, meaningfully integrate concepts, methods, or perspectives, and demonstrate depth rather than superficial comparison. While this raises expectations, it also allows stronger students to showcase more sophisticated and mature thinking.

Greater Emphasis on Structure and Research Framework

Criterion A now explicitly assesses structure, so students must follow subject conventions carefully, present a clear research framework, and justify their methods and sources. A well structured essay makes the argument easier to follow and supports stronger analysis and clearer evaluation throughout.

Deeper, More Authentic Reflection

Reflection has become more focused and purposeful, with students expected to evaluate how their thinking developed, discuss challenges and adaptations, and identify skills that transfer beyond the essay itself. Under the new criteria, superficial or descriptive reflection will not score highly.

These changes give students greater flexibility and clarity while raising expectations for structured thinking, integrated research, and meaningful reflection throughout the extended essay process.

How to Get Top Marks in Your EE

Achieving top marks requires careful planning, consistent effort, and an informed approach aligned with the 2027 criteria.

Choose a Pathway and Formulate a Sharp Research Question

A strong extended essay begins with a well defined research question that sets the direction for the entire research process. Before finalising a question, students should decide whether a subject-focused or interdisciplinary pathway is most appropriate. They should also confirm that existing course knowledge alone cannot answer the question and check that sufficient resources and materials are available to support meaningful research.

A well-chosen research question clearly focuses the investigation, invites analysis and evaluation, and remains manageable within the 4,000-word limit. Spending time refining the question early helps students work more efficiently and supports stronger performance across multiple assessment criteria.

Plan a Strong Framework and Conduct Critical Research

Once the research question is set, careful planning becomes essential. Students should create a clear framework that explains the research approach, the methods they will use, and the types of sources required to answer the question effectively.

Strong research then depends on using high-quality academic sources, evaluating their reliability and limitations, and maintaining accurate citations from the start. This critical approach strengthens both analysis and evaluation and shows examiners that the student understands and applies academic standards.

Structure Your Essay, Analyse, and Evaluate Findings

Writing the essay is not just about presenting information. A high scoring essay follows a logical structure, develops a clear line of argument, and links evidence directly to the research question at every stage of the discussion.

Students should remember that description alone does not earn high marks. Analysis explains meaning and significance, while evaluation considers strengths, weaknesses, and limitations. The expectations of Criteria C and D are better met by separating these stages during planning.

Write Insightful Reflection and Use Subject Guidance

Reflection should be planned rather than rushed at the end of the process. To write a strong reflective statement, students should keep notes throughout their research and identify moments where their thinking changed. They should also clearly link their experiences to specific skills they developed, using subject-specific guidance alongside the assessment criteria to ensure their reflection meets disciplinary expectations.

Revise, Refine, and Incorporate Feedback

Revision is where good essays become excellent, as it allows students to check alignment with each assessment criterion, improve clarity and coherence, and reduce repetition or unnecessary wording. Students should use feedback carefully and thoughtfully, while supervisors offer guidance. The responsibility for refining and improving the essay always remains with the student.

With a clear understanding of the 2027 guidelines and a thoughtful approach to research, structure, and reflection, students can produce an extended essay that earns top marks.

Final Tips for Achieving Excellence Under the 2027 EE Criteria

The final stage of the extended essay is about refining your approach so that your work fully meets the expectations of the 2027 assessment criteria.

Approach the EE as a Research Process, Not a Task

Students who perform best treat the extended essay as a learning journey rather than a one-off task. This mindset encourages curiosity and engagement, leads to a deeper understanding of subjects, and builds confidence in academic writing, while seeing the essay as a process helps reduce stress and improve overall outcomes.

Use the New Criteria to Show Depth, Growth, and Critical Thinking

The updated criteria reward thoughtful, well-aligned work, so students should regularly refer to the guiding questions, check how each section meets assessment expectations, and demonstrate intellectual initiative and growth. Keeping this alignment in mind throughout the process helps you avoid common mistakes and ensures you do not miss easy marks.

Leverage the 2027 Flexibility to Create a Unique Essay

The new system allows students to stand out by choosing meaningful topics, integrating subjects carefully, and reflecting honestly, resulting in an extended essay that feels personal, rigorous, and academically strong.

By consistently applying these final tips and reflecting on them, students can use the updated criteria effectively. This approach allows them to produce an extended essay that demonstrates depth, growth, and academic confidence.

Take Control of Your IB Extended Essay to Maximise Marks

The extended essay is challenging, but it is also one of the most valuable experiences in the IB Diploma Programme. With guidance from expert IB Extended Essay tutors, a clear understanding of the 2027 guidelines, a structured approach to research and writing, and thoughtful reflection, students can approach the process with greater confidence and clarity while working towards higher marks.

At TutorsPlus, students receive personalised support from experienced tutors to refine their research, analysis, and reflection for the Extended Essay. Get in touch on +41 22 731 8148 or at if you are aiming for top marks in your EE.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between the subject-focused and interdisciplinary EE pathways?

The subject-focused pathway uses one DP subject. The interdisciplinary EE integrates two subjects through a single research question. The choice depends on whether one or two subject lenses are essential to answering the question.

How long should my EE reflection be under the new guide?

The reflection is a single statement of up to 500 words. Students write it after the final viva voce and submit it on the Reflection and Progress Form.

Can I choose any topic I like in my EE?

Students have more flexibility in choosing their focus. However, topics must remain researchable, academically appropriate, and aligned with the chosen subject and pathway.

How important is the structure of the EE under the new guidelines?

Structure is very important. It is now assessed under Criterion A and must follow subject conventions while supporting a clear research framework.

How can I make my EE stand out and get top marks?

Strong research questions, critical analysis, honest evaluation, and reflective insight help essays stand out. Using the criteria actively during writing and revision is essential.

When should I start working on my EE?

Students should begin planning early in the Diploma Programme. Starting early allows time for research, reflection, revision, and meaningful feedback, all of which support higher marks.