What is Extended Essay? ( General Structure ) - Part 2

Summary

This video delves into the general structure of the Extended Essay (EE), outlining key components such as the title, research question, introduction, argumentation, conclusion, and works cited. Emphasis is placed on crafting a clear and focused research question and a well-defined thesis statement. The video highlights the importance of methodology, academic value, and the role of arguments in proving the thesis. The proper citation format and understanding what counts towards the word limit are also discussed. Overall, it serves as a guide for structuring and presenting an Extended Essay effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Extended Essay is not just a collection of information but your own answer to a research question.
• 😀 The title of your Extended Essay must clearly reflect both the field of research and your focus within that field.
• 😀 A good research question should clearly express the cause and effect relationship you're investigating (e.g., 'How does X affect Y?').
• 😀 Your introduction should include background information, restate the research question, present a clear thesis statement, outline the methodology, and demonstrate the academic value of your work.
• 😀 The thesis statement must directly answer the research question and clearly outline your position from the start of the essay.
• 😀 Methodology should briefly explain how you'll prove your thesis without going into excessive detail.
• 😀 The academic value of your Extended Essay lies in choosing a relevant and engaging topic, conducting research, demonstrating critical thinking, and maintaining logical organization.
• 😀 Argumentation should be structured logically, with clear sections supporting your thesis, backed by both theoretical and empirical evidence.
• 😀 The conclusion should summarize the thesis, revisit the arguments, highlight unresolved questions, and provide insights gained during the research.
• 😀 The 'Works Cited' section should follow proper citation standards (MLA, APA, etc.) and is critical to giving your essay academic credibility.
• 😀 Understanding the word count rules is crucial: certain parts like footnotes, references, bibliography, and visual elements like charts or equations are not included in the word count.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of an Extended Essay?

The primary purpose of an Extended Essay is to provide an answer to a self-formulated research question. It is not just a collection of information but a structured argument to answer the research question through engagement with various ideas and sources.

What are the main components of the general structure of an Extended Essay?

The main components include: 1) Title, 2) Research Question, 3) Introduction, 4) Argumentation/Arguments and Reasons, 5) Conclusion, and 6) Works Cited.

What should the title of an Extended Essay reflect?

The title should clearly reflect the field of research and specify the focus within that field. It should not be vague but should indicate exactly what part of the field the essay addresses.

What is the correct format for a research question in an Extended Essay?

The research question should be in the form of a question, often showing cause and effect (e.g., 'How does X affect Y?'). It must clearly specify both the cause and the effect being studied.

What are the key elements included in the introduction of an Extended Essay?

The introduction should include: 1) Background information relevant to the cause and effect being investigated, 2) A paraphrased version of the research question, 3) A clear thesis statement, 4) The methodology to be used, and 5) The academic value of the research.

What is the importance of the thesis statement in an Extended Essay?

The thesis statement should clearly answer the research question in one or two sentences. It sets the direction for the essay, outlining the main argument or claim to be supported throughout the essay.

How should the methodology section of an Extended Essay be written?

The methodology should briefly explain the approach used to prove the thesis statement. It should specify the methods, experiments, or research databases used but avoid excessive detail.

Why is academic value important in an Extended Essay, and how can it be demonstrated?

Academic value demonstrates the significance of the research to the academic community. It can be shown by conducting thorough research, demonstrating critical thinking, organizing ideas logically, and using proper citation and referencing.

What is the role of argumentation in an Extended Essay?

Argumentation involves presenting clear and organized arguments supported by evidence. The arguments should directly support the thesis statement, with each section addressing a specific part of the claim made in the thesis.

What should be included in the conclusion of an Extended Essay?

The conclusion should summarize the findings, restate the thesis in new words, address any unresolved questions, and highlight any deeper understanding gained through the research. It should also suggest potential areas for further investigation.

Which parts of the Extended Essay are included in the word count?

The word count includes the introduction, main body, conclusion, and research question, but excludes footnotes, endnotes (if not references), the list of contents, maps, charts, diagrams, captions, tables, equations, citations, references, and bibliography.