IB Diploma core · Independent research
Structured one-to-one guidance for the research, planning, source decisions, argument, reflection, and revision behind the 4,000-word Extended Essay.
A long project needs visible milestones
We help the student turn an open-ended investigation into the next manageable research, thinking, or writing decision.
Direct answer
The Extended Essay is a mandatory, independent piece of research for IB Diploma students, presented as a formal paper of up to 4,000 words. Students work with a school supervisor and complete three mandatory reflection sessions, with the final session taking the form of a viva voce.
Bespoke Learning supports the underlying research and writing process: narrowing a feasible question, planning an investigation, evaluating sources or methods, building an evidence-led argument, managing citations, responding to permitted feedback, and preparing to reflect. The student remains responsible for every research decision and every submitted word.
One need, a clear next step
A student at question-design stage needs dialogue and research planning. A student with a full draft may need a bounded written review.
For an active project
Build a realistic milestone plan, test research decisions, and strengthen the skills needed for independent progress.
Book the free sessionFor a complete draft
Receive criteria-referenced comments, an indicative mark, and prioritized next steps without editing or rewriting.
Choose written feedbackFor independent planning
Orient yourself to the project, research process, structure, reflection, and ethical-use boundaries.
Open the EE guideCourse-aware support
The exact method depends on subject and cohort. We confirm the student’s subject pathway and current guide before discussing criteria or structure.
Turn an area of interest into a focused, answerable question with an appropriate subject or interdisciplinary approach.
Move from collecting information to using evidence selectively in a sustained, critical answer.
Develop an independent revision process and prepare to explain the decisions and learning behind the project.
Make the question narrow enough for depth and realistic enough for the available time and evidence.
Select sources or methods for a reason and recognize limitations in the evidence.
Keep analysis directed at the research question rather than assembling disconnected information.
Track decisions, setbacks, and changes so the student can explain how the investigation developed.
Our approach
The exact lesson changes by student. The underlying process stays clear, practical, and accountable.
Identify the assessment cohort, subject-focused or interdisciplinary route, school guidance, stage, and next supervisor deadline.
Use questioning and subject-appropriate methods to improve the student’s own plan, evidence, analysis, or revision decisions.
The student carries out the research and writing, records decisions, and takes their own work to the school supervisor.
Learn before you book
Choose the guide that matches the student’s cohort and stage. The 2027 resources reflect the course first assessed in May 2027.
Map the research process, milestones, reflections, and academic-integrity boundaries before drafting.
Open resourceWork through the updated subject-focused and interdisciplinary pathways from question design to reflection.
Open resourceUse varied starting points to test personal interest, feasibility, evidence, and subject fit—not as ready-made questions.
Open resourceNeed an answer about your exact course or deadline? Tell us what you are working on.
Contact Bespoke LearningThe IB describes the Extended Essay as a formal academic paper of up to 4,000 words. Students should follow the current guide and their school’s instructions for what is included in the word count.
It is mandatory for the full IB Diploma Programme and is one of the three core elements. Together with TOK, it can contribute through the Diploma core points matrix.
The updated course, launched by the IB in 2025 for first assessment in May 2027, organizes students into subject-focused or interdisciplinary pathways. We confirm the student’s cohort before using a guide or assessment language.
No. A tutor can help the student test focus, feasibility, subject fit, evidence, and wording through questions and examples. The student must make and justify the final research decision with their school supervisor.
The essay-feedback service can provide bounded, criteria-referenced comments and prioritized next steps. It does not edit or rewrite the essay, and students should confirm what external feedback their school permits before ordering.
The IB requires three formal reflection sessions with the school supervisor. The final session is the viva voce, where the student reflects on the process and can discuss the authenticity of the work.
Continue exploring
Bring the subject pathway, current question, stage, and next school deadline. We will identify a useful, ethical support plan.
Book a free 30-minute session