Writing EE abstract has long been a critical IB skill, but things have changed. Now, IB doesn’t require an abstract. Instead, the opening is in charge of outlining the main points.
As an experienced IB writer, I can see how this change has affected students, giving them more room for in-depth analysis and making writing a clear, brief introduction even more critical. Even though a formal “abstract” isn’t needed anymore, it’s still beneficial to know how to outline the main idea of your Extended Essay.
What Is IB Extended Essay Abstract?
From working with the IB for years, I know that the Extended Essay abstract used to be a short review of the research paper, giving readers a quick look at the main points. However, as of 2018, IB has stopped requiring an abstract for Extended Essays.
Instead of having a different abstract, the EE introduction should briefly cover the main research question, method, and conclusion. This change lets students focus more on deep study and clear speech, which are essential IB skills.
I think that knowing what the abstract used to be helps students when they are writing the opening. The most important parts of a typical IB extended essay abstract were:
- Research question. A clear statement of the question being investigated.
- Scope of the research. An overview of the methods and approach taken.
- Conclusion. A summary of the main findings or arguments.
The IB says that focusing on brevity and clarity in your opening makes reading easier and shows that you can organize important information. There’s a chance that this opening isn’t an “abstract,” but it captures what an abstract should do. This way, you can write a great introduction, setting the tone for your essay.
The original IB Extended Essay abstract had a word limit of 300 words. This rule pushed students to give a short but complete overview of their project. Today, there isn’t a separate word count for an abstract, but students should still try to sum up their research question, scope, and findings in the introduction’s first 150 to 250 words.
Why the Change in the IB Extended Essay Abstract Writing?
The new rules for writing the abstract of an IB extended essay show that clarity, brevity, and critical depth are becoming more important. From what I’ve seen, the IB’s decision to eliminate the separate abstract requirement in 2018 made the essay structure easier to follow. Students could focus on the main points of their analysis instead of spending extra words describing their investigation.
I think the change can help students learn essential skills that align with academic standards, such as communicating, making solid cases, and getting their main points across quickly. By putting the summary in the beginning, students can make the most of the words they have to write in-depth research and conclusions instead of an abstract.
Another thing is how easy it is to read. IB guidelines say the opening should now summarize the research question, methods, and main results. This is similar to what an abstract does, but it flows more easily into the essay’s main body and strict word count. This unified method makes the essay flow better and keeps readers, especially evaluators, interested.
From my point of view, this change also shows how important it is to plan and organize the opening well. Since students don’t have a separate abstract, they must be thoughtful about introducing the main points of their investigation at the beginning of their essay so that readers understand what the research is all about right away.
This change suits IB students because it forces them to improve their writing style and ensures that every part focuses on making an effect.
What If I Include an Abstract in an Extended Essay?
Including an abstract in an IB Extended Essay is no longer required. In fact, it’s usually not a good idea. Since the change, the IB has stressed a short, focused opening covering the same essential points in the abstract.
There is a chance that including an abstract will make it look like you aren’t following the new rules. From what I’ve seen, examiners expect to see the most recent style, and adding a part that isn’t needed could be seen as not following the rules.
IB guidelines say that the opening should now replace the old abstract by summarizing your research question, scope, and findings. A different abstract might take up important space in your essay, but it might also get in the way of the flow of your writing. Instead, you should use those 150–250 words to improve your opening and ensure it is interesting and useful.
I think that if you only work on the introduction, you can follow IB rules and make the most of every word to support your case. So, even though it might be tempting to add another summary, it’s better not to leave a formal abstract and instead focus on writing a solid opening that follows the current IB standards.
What’s the Current Format for an Extended Essay?
Since the IB changed the style of the Extended Essay, the focus has been on being brief and analytically profound. With this new format, students can start analyzing immediately; they don’t have to write an abstract separately, and every word counts.
I’ve found that following this style improves your writing and makes your work look better to the people who mark it. Here is a list of the current parts of the Extended Essay and what is needed to make it good.
Introduction
The introduction is now critical because it replaces the abstract and briefly reviews your IB research question, scope, and significant results. This part should quickly explain the point of your writing so readers can get a sense of the direction of your essay right away.
Body Part
Students must present their research and points in the main body and, if necessary, divide them into parts and subsections:
- Data analysis, quotes, and cases are all good types of proof to use.
- Each part should have a clear purpose and make sense as a whole.
- When it makes sense, address counterarguments.
IB rules say that the analysis should be thorough and that each piece should add something valuable to the answer to the research question.
Conclusion
In your conclusion, you should quickly repeat the main points of your research and talk about what they mean. Don’t add any new information here; instead, focus on bringing your case to a close and stressing its importance.
Bibliography and Appendices
The Extended Essay also needs an adequately written list of sources and any necessary add-ons.
IB rules say that you should use the same citation style throughout the essay, like MLA or APA, and list all the sources you used. You don’t have to include appendices; they should only have extra information directly related to your investigation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an Abstract for Your Extended Essay
The IB no longer needs a separate abstract for the Extended Essay, but writing a short overview in the introduction is still essential. Knowing how to write a good abstract will help you build a strong base and ensure your main points are clear.
Step 1. Start with Your Research Question
The research question is the most critical part of any Extended Essay, so immediately put it at the top. Make it clear at the start of the introduction. This approach will let the reader know what issue, topic, or problem you’re discussing. A well-thought-out research question gives your whole essay a strong base.
Step 2. Outline the Scope of Your Research
After you state your question, give a short outline of the research you will be doing. This means you have to talk about your sources, methods, and how you did things.
If your Extended Essay is about history, you could speak about sources or archive research. Summarizing the topic gives readers background information and shows that you know how to approach your investigation.
Step 3. Highlight Key Findings
You should also summarize your main results or conclusions in the introduction. The reader can see where your essay is going and your main point in this section, which works like an outline. As a general rule, stick to one or two main results that help your research question.
Step 4. Ensure Clarity and Brevity
Clarity and conciseness are indispensable when crafting an introduction that resembles a summary. Keep in mind the following suggestions:
- Concentrate solely on the primary principles, eschewing superfluous information.
- Maintain the concision of your sentences.
- Refrain from employing excessively intricate vocabulary or jargon.
This method guarantees that your readers comprehend the fundamental principles of your research from the outset.
Step 5. Review and Refine
Lastly, read your introduction aloud to ensure it is comprehensible and flows seamlessly. This phase is essential, in my opinion, as it detects any redundancies or awkward wording.
Additionally, it is advisable to have a colleague review the document to ensure that the research question, scope, and primary findings are impactful and understandable.
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Final Thoughts
Mastering the art of abstract writing and summarizing your Extended Essay is essential for creating a strong first impression. By emphasizing clarity, conciseness, and structure in your introduction, you establish the foundation for a compelling analysis that encapsulates the essence of your work from the outset.
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