The Extended Essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, culminating in a 4,000-word paper. It's a core component of the IB Diploma Programme, designed to promote high-level research and writing skills, and offers students a chance to explore a topic of personal interest in depth.

Effective planning and consistent progress are key to avoiding last-minute stress. Breaking the EE into smaller, manageable tasks, setting realistic deadlines, and seeking feedback early can prevent panic. Lanterna's tutors can help you structure your work, manage your time effectively, and stay on track throughout the process.

Most students begin their EE in the first year of the IB Diploma (DP1). Starting early allows ample time for thorough research, multiple drafts, and refining your arguments, significantly reducing pressure as other IB deadlines approach in DP2.

Common pitfalls include choosing too broad or too narrow a topic, poor time management, insufficient research, lack of a clear argument, and neglecting the reflection process. Our expert tutors guide students to identify and avoid these mistakes, helping them maximise their potential.

Lanterna provides expert guidance from tutors who are often 40+ point IB graduates or experienced IB teachers and examiners. We help students with every stage of the EE, from topic selection and research question refinement to structuring their essay, developing robust arguments, improving academic writing, and preparing for the viva voce, ensuring they meet all IB criteria for top marks.

Our tutors are highly qualified and carefully selected. They include IB graduates who scored 40+ points, teachers with over 10 years of experience at top international schools, and even former IB examiners. This diverse expertise ensures unparalleled insight into what makes a successful EE across all subjects.

The Lanterna IB consultation is a free, no-pressure 20-30 minute session with an IB Student Success Expert. It's designed to help students and parents gain clarity on their IB journey, including specific challenges like the Extended Essay, and walk away with a clear, personalised plan.

Yes, absolutely. The consultation is completely free, with zero obligation to book tutoring. It's our way of providing immediate value, helping families understand their options, and giving them a simple, personalised plan for what to focus on now.

Our Student Success Experts are experienced professionals with deep knowledge of the IB Diploma Programme. They act as guides, helping you identify your needs, set priorities, and develop a personalised plan for success, drawing on the collective experience of supporting thousands of IB students.

During the consultation, you can discuss your EE topic, current progress, and any challenges you're facing. Our Student Success Experts will help you identify key areas for improvement, suggest effective strategies, and outline a clear plan to tackle your EE with confidence, whether you choose to work with a tutor or not. It's a great way to get clarity and set priorities.

Absolutely. Many students feel overwhelmed at some point. Our tutors are skilled at helping students at any stage, from initial concept to final review. We can help you quickly get back on track, refine your existing work, and develop a focused plan to meet your deadlines and achieve your best possible grade. Don't hesitate to reach out for support.