Writing a good English A Extended Essay is an art and a skill. As someone who has created a lot of IB essays, I can say with certainty that this one stands out because it focuses on studying language and literature in a way that no other IB paper does.
The IB English A Extended Essay differs from the Science or History EE in that it asks you to look into books and what they mean to you culturally, linguistically, or literarily. This article will show you step-by-step how to do this task and meet the needs of the IB curriculum.
What Makes English A Extended Essay Unique?
When you write an English A Extended Essay, you focus on reading and analyzing books critically, which makes it different from other IB papers. The English A EE stresses close reading, analysis, and creativity, whether you are looking at a book, comparing plays, or the use of words in a specific cultural or social setting. This essay needs an analysis showing the many meanings behind an author’s decisions.
I think that the English A EE is one of the most mentally stimulating parts of the IB program. It allows you to learn more about writing or language topics that interest you while improving your ability to think critically and analytically. Many students see this writing as a chance to show how much they love English, whether they’re breaking down complex literary techniques or thinking about how language use affects culture.
This writing also gives you a chance to share your unique point of view. The English A EE puts more emphasis on analysis than other subjects, where facts might lead to findings. This writing is fun and unique because each student can read and understand the same text uniquely.
What Are the Types of English A Extended Essays?
Understanding the three areas is one of the first things you must do to write a great English A EE. Picking the correct option is very important because it tells you what to study and how to organize your essay. I’ve found that the process goes much more smoothly and is more fun when you choose an area that fits your skills and hobbies.
Category 1. Literary Analysis of Works in English
This kind of essay is about studying one or more works of literature first written in English. It lets you dig deeper into a particular part of a book, like themes, symbols, or character growth.
You could look at how Kazuo Ishiguro’s “The Remains of the Day” and Ian McEwan’s “Atonement” use faulty narrators. This is a method that both writers use to get to the heart of their characters and the societies they live in. Your study needs to show that you understood the texts and give new ideas in this area.
Category 2. Comparative Study of Literary Works
You can compare and contrast two or more works of literature in this area. At least one of the works must have been translated into English. It’s a great choice if you like making links between different styles, countries, or times. You can compare themes, writing styles, or the writers’ points of view on a common problem.
For example, you could look at how isolation is a theme in The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka and The Stranger by Albert Camus. Existentialist ideas are researched in both works, but they come from different literary and cultural backgrounds. A comparison study makes you consider how authors use their unique settings to answer general problems.
Category 3. Analysis of Language in a Cultural Context
This area focuses on studying language and its place in society, not classic writing. It’s best for students interested in linguistics, sociolinguistics, or how language and culture interact.
One example could be how political campaigns use language to persuade people, such as through speech and advertising. You could also look at how slang has changed in online groups or how language affects how people think about gender in ads. The important thing is to look into how language shows, impacts, or forms social norms and habits.
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How to Conduct Research for English A Extended Essay?
Doing good research is the most crucial part of writing a good English A Extended Essay. Your essay might become unclear or surface-level if you don’t research enough. In my experience, the research process requires a combination of thorough reading, critical thinking, and careful organization. Here are the steps you need to take.
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Primary and Secondary Sources
Primary and secondary sources are both critical for an English A EE, but they do different things. Your primary sources (like the books or language materials you’re studying) should always be central to your essay.
Start by reading your primary text carefully. Remember to write down any trends, artistic devices, character arcs, or main ideas you notice. For instance, if you’re looking at Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, you might look at how she uses stream-of-consciousness or shows time and memory.
It’s best to get involved with your main books as you read them. Make notes on parts, ask questions about the author’s words, and consider how the text links to your study question.
In addition to primary sources, research papers, literary reviews, writings, and even conversations with authors (if available) can be invaluable.
Organize Your Research
Keep your study organized, especially when using many different books and sources. Not being organized can lead to misunderstandings and lost time. To avoid this, make a method that works for you.
The following is one way you could organize your research:
- Notes on the primary text. Make a part for each text you’re looking at. Separate it into sections or themes, and include straight quotes with page numbers to make it easy to find.
- Secondary source notes. Summarize each source’s essential points and group them based on theme or case. Say you’re looking at symbols in “The Great Gatsby.” Put your notes together by theme, like “The American Dream” or “The Green Light.”
- Tracker for your bibliographies. Keep an up-to-date list of all your sources in the expected style. It will help you save time when you’re making your reference.
Some students also like to make mind maps or sketches to visualize how their study supports their points. Try different approaches until you find one that makes sense.
Cite Your Sources
If you don’t correctly cite your sources, you might plagiarize without meaning to, which could hurt your grade. That’s why it’s essential to learn how to cite sources as soon as possible in the writing process.
For an English A EE, you should use MLA, APA, or Chicago citations based on your school’s preference. You should know which one to use and always use that one. I suggest using Zotero or Citation Machine to keep track of your sources, but don’t just trust them — always check again to ensure they’re right.
If you want to use someone else’s idea, you should usually give credit. It includes straight quotes, content that you’ve rewritten, and even ideas that you’ve put together from different sources. For example, if a different source helped you understand how The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood has feminist themes, you should give credit.
Tips for Writing a High-Quality English A Extended Essay
One of the most important things you can do to write a good English A EE is to stay focused and organized. It can be hard to start when you know you must write 4,000 words, but breaking it into digestible chunks makes it much more manageable.
Before writing a single word of the essay, you should start by making a complete plan. Your outline should have the EE introduction, body, and end, as well as, if possible, a list of the points or claims you plan to make in each part. You could put “the green light” or “Daisy’s voice” under the body of your sketch if you’re looking at symbols in “The Great Gatsby.”
Do one part of your plan at a time once you have it ready. So you don’t leave everything until the last minute, I suggest giving yourself reasonable due dates for writing and rewriting each part. For example, spend one day on the introduction and the next two improving the analysis of the body parts. A writing plan helps you stay on track and gives you enough time to edit and enhance your work.
Students often make the mistake of paraphrasing the text too much instead of studying it. It’s good to give your points some background, but your essay shouldn’t be a book report. Don’t repeat the story; use critical analysis to answer your study question. Say you’re writing about how 1984 by George Orwell criticizes dictatorship. Don’t just list the events that happen in the book. Instead, look at how Orwell gets his point across through words, images, or the growth of his characters.
Conclusion
You have to think seriously, read deeply into your chosen book, and show that you can make a strong academic point when you write an English A EE. Focusing on critical analysis and planning your research well will help you write an essay that shows off your unique point of view and analytical skills.
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Valerie Green
Valerie Green is a dedicated educator who spends her time helping high school and college students succeed. She writes articles and guides for various online education projects, providing students with the tools they need to excel in their studies. Friendly and approachable, she is committed to making a difference in the lives of students.
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