EE Case Studies. Analyzing High-Scoring Essays Across Different Subjects

From my time as an IB pro, students usually hit me up with, “What makes an Extended Essay stand out?” I think the best way to figure out how to rack up those high scores is by looking into some EE case studies. Checking out those high-scoring Extended Essays on different subjects can give you a lowdown on what makes an EE pop off. These examples show off the best moves and some solid strategies that IB students can use in their work.

In this article, I’ll analyze some of the most critical lessons from IB EE case studies, and you’ll understand why they’re super clutch for leveling up your paper.

What Makes a High-Scoring Extended Essay?

From what I’ve seen, the top-notch Extended Essays have some vibes in common, no matter the subject. First off, they nail a clear and focused research question. I’ve noticed that many essays lose marks due to research questions that are either too broad or too vague. It may seem simple, but it can significantly impact the overall grade. The research question is like the main vibe of your essay, and if you don’t have a solid one, it’s super tough to build a strong argument.

Also, dope essays are all about that solid research grind. You can’t just write with the basics or a few sources. Honestly, I think the real game-changer for essays is how deep the research goes. That’s what makes the good ones stand out from the epic ones.

But gathering data isn’t the whole deal; you must break it down, think it through, and lay out your points solidly. The essays that crush it are the ones that dig into their research question while keeping the writing and structure super clear.

So, here’s the lowdown on what all those top-tier Extended Essays have in common:

• Focused research question that is clear, specific, and narrow enough to allow detailed exploration.
• Thorough research is well-supported by various sources, whether primary or secondary.
• Logical conclusions are derived from critical analysis and reflection on the gathered data.

Another secret to crushing it is ensuring your argument flows and is backed up with solid evidence. From what I’ve seen in many essays, the strongest arguments are the ones that stack up nicely, with each point backing up the main idea. When you check out IB EE case studies, you’ll notice that the top essays mix fresh ideas with serious research vibes.

EE Case Studies Across Different Subjects

If you take inspiration from these IB EE case studies, you’ll crush it with an Extended Essay that catches the eye of the examiners and makes you shine compared to your classmates.

1. History – Focus on a Specific Event

“To what extent did the Munich Agreement of 1938 contribute to the outbreak of World War II?”

One of the sickest EE case studies I’ve seen is this History Extended Essay that crushed it with an epic score. The student’s research question was all about a super specific historical event. I’ve seen that picking a solid topic like this is essential for digging deep into your research. The way the student tackled their research was totally on point:

• They blended primary and secondary sources like pros, checking out government documents while embracing historians’ perspectives.
• This profound research level boosts their chances of snagging top marks on this History Extended Essay.
• Also, this student ensured their argument was on point, which is what the IB examiners are all about.

The main vibe from this case study is that nailing your research question is crucial. The question must be deep enough for a solid investigation but chill enough to keep it within the word limit. History essays can miss the mark by being too general, but this case study proves that getting specific can level up your work.

Struggling with primary vs. secondary sources in your EE? This guide explains how to use both effectively for a well-rounded argument in your essay.

2. Economics – Use of Real-World Data

“To what extent did the introduction of minimum wage laws in the United Kingdom affect small business employment?”

A killer Economics EE usually rides on how well you use real-world data. So, this student excavated into some government stats, chatted with small business owners and hit up academic research to break down how minimum wage laws are shaking things up.

One of the standout features of this essay was how it seamlessly combined numerical and descriptive information. So, using a bunch of different data sources is critical. It boosts your argument and shows you how economic theory works in the real world. I’ve seen that getting a solid mix of data is vital for crushing it in Economics EEs.

3. Psychology – Ethical Considerations

“How does cognitive behavioral therapy impact anxiety levels in adolescents?”

Adhering to ethical standards is one of the most critical components of a high-scoring Extended Essay in Psychology. This student’s research consisted of case studies from published sources and did not involve the conduct of original experiments involving adolescents. Instead, they performed a critical analysis of the existing literature. This method is most effective for psychology students who wish to circumvent ethical dilemmas. This student showed they knew the ethical limitations while adding something valuable to the topic.

4. Biology – Solid Data Collection and Analysis

“How does soil pH affect the growth rate of tomato plants?”

Scientific EEs, unlike essays in the humanities, focus heavily on technique and data acquisition. I know that well-executed experiments are the foundation of good scientific essays.

In this case study, the student devised an excellent experiment and conducted an in-depth examination of their data:

• They employed graphs to demonstrate data trends, which strengthened their case.
• They also reviewed the experiment’s limits, an essential step in scientific writing.

The most essential takeaway from this case study is that data should always be presented simply and rationally. Collecting data isn’t enough; you must also explain its importance and how it supports your research question. Biology Extended Essays that combine robust research techniques with insightful interpretation do well.

5. Geography – Field Research

“How does urbanization affect local biodiversity in the city of Vancouver?”

All Geography EEs usually need some fieldwork, and this student hit the streets doing biodiversity surveys in Vancouver’s urban and suburban spots. This essay crushed it by mixing fieldwork with solid secondary research, where the student linked their findings to global urbanization vibes. I think Geography essays level up when you mix in some hands-on research. You have a well-rounded, perfect analysis when you hit the field and back it up with solid academic sources.

6. Environmental Systems and Societies – Real-World Problems

“How do agricultural practices in rural India contribute to soil degradation, and what are sustainable alternatives?”

An extended essay with good grades in Environmental Systems and Societies usually discusses real-life issues and gives workable answers. This student looked into how traditional farming methods in rural India hurt the land, combining science research with looking into social and economic issues. This work was excellent because of these things:

• The student’s ability to connect local practices to broader environmental impacts.
• Offering sustainable alternatives based on their research.
• Practical relevance and the student’s ability to propose solutions.

The lesson is that an ESS Extended Essay is better when it deals with real-world problems and combines environmental science with valuable applications. This case study shows how important it is to think about global or local environmental issues and develop workable answers based on scientific research and social understanding.

7. Visual Arts – Personal Engagement with the Subject

“How does street art in Berlin reflect the city’s political history?”

Regarding Visual Arts, the best EEs often show how personally connected the student is with the material. This student’s writing on Berlin street art was a mix of academic study and personal thoughts about trips to the city. Pictures and analyses of the art showed how it changed along with Berlin’s political changes. I’ve seen that Visual Arts EEs are most valuable when they show personal experience with the work being discussed. The student’s first-hand accounts gave the paper more meaning and authenticity in this case.

8. English Literature – Original Interpretation of Texts

“How does Morrison use the theme of identity to reflect the trauma of slavery in ‘Beloved’?”

One of the best examples of an English Literature EE I’ve reviewed analyzed the theme of identity in the novel “Beloved” by Toni Morrison. From my perspective, this essay stood out for its depth of literary analysis:

• This Extended Essay was so effective because of its balance between textual evidence and personal insight.
• The student used quotes from the novel to support their argument.
• They also offered original interpretations and linked them to broader novel themes.

In my opinion, IB examiners look for this combination of evidence and personal insight. This case study shows that high-scoring extended essays in Literature offer a fresh perspective on the text while staying rooted in evidence.

Any IB student who wants to improve their research and writing skills needs to know what annotated bibliographies are and how they are used in EE writing.

Conclusion

These EE case studies drop some profound knowledge for any IB student. Whether you’re crunching complex data in Biology or analyzing street graffiti in Visual Arts, the game plan of staying focused, thinking critically, and keeping it ethical is always on point. From what I’ve seen, nailing a high-scoring extended essay is about mixing solid research with your vibe and always keeping those IB guidelines in check.

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