Extended Essay advice?

I'm an IB student and just starting to work on my extended essay. Honestly, I'm kind of overwhelmed! Do you have any advice on picking a topic or organizing my thoughts?

It's normal to feel overwhelmed at the beginning of working on an Extended Essay, but don't worry, I've got some tips to help you through the process.

1. Choose a subject and topic: Start by selecting a subject area that you're passionate about and within your chosen IB subject(s). Next, brainstorm topic ideas, keeping in mind that they should be researchable and narrow enough for an in-depth exploration. Consult with your teachers for guidance on selecting a suitable topic within your subject area.

2. Develop a research question: Once you have a topic, create a research question that will guide your essay. The research question should be clear, focused, and answerable through your investigation. Make sure your question allows room for analysis and argumentation, rather than just presenting facts or summaries.

3. Research and gather resources: Conduct thorough research on your topic, gathering primary and secondary resources. Primary resources may include interviews, surveys, or experiments, while secondary resources can be scholarly articles, books, or online resources. Keep track of your sources, as you'll need to reference them properly within your essay.

4. Create an outline: Organize your thoughts and plan the structure of your essay using an outline. A typical outline for an Extended Essay includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Identify the main ideas, points, and examples you will use to support your argument. Doing so will ensure your essay has a logical flow and is easy to follow.

5. Write a draft: Start writing your essay based on the outline, keeping the word count and formal academic writing style in mind. Remember to cite your sources according to the selected citation style. Doing so will help you avoid plagiarism and give credit to the authors whose work you've used to support your points.

6. Seek feedback: Ask for feedback from your supervisor, teachers, or classmates. Constructive criticism will help you refine your essay and identify areas for improvement, ensuring that your final version is polished and well-structured.

7. Revise and edit: Incorporate the feedback into your essay, revising and editing your draft. This process may take several rounds. Focus on clarity, coherence, and the overall strength of your argument. Also, ensure that your essay meets the formatting, citation, and submission guidelines provided by the IB.

8. Reflect on the process: Keep a record of your research and writing process, as you will need to complete the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF), which is a required part of IB's assessment of your Extended Essay. Reflect on your challenges, successes, and growth during the process, demonstrating your intellectual and personal development.

Take your time with each of these steps, and remember that Rome wasn't built in a day! Investing time and effort into your Extended Essay will make the process more rewarding and result in a well-crafted piece of work. Good luck!