How to Format Your EE According to IB Guidelines: Tips + FAQ

ntroduction – Why Format Matters

Submitting your EE with correct formatting shows clarity, attention to detail, and improves readability. More importantly, IB requires specific structure and presentation standards, which directly affect your overall score. Let’s walk through the essential formatting rules step by step!

📄 1. Structure and Order of Sections

Your EE should follow this exact order:

1. Title Page
2. Abstract (≈300 words)
3. Contents Page
4. Introduction
5. Body (Analysis/Discussion)
6. Conclusion
7. References/Bibliography
8. Appendices (optional)

⚠️ Note: Only sections 4–6 count towards the 4,000-word limit; everything else—title page, abstract, table of contents, references, and appendices—is excluded.

🖋️ 2. Title Page Essentials

Include the following information, centered on one page:

• Full research title
• Subject and level (e.g., “History, Higher Level”)
• Your name
• Candidate number
• Supervisor name
• Date of submission

✅ Keep it clean, no images or decorative fonts.

✍️ 3. Abstract: A Clear Snapshot

This 300-word maximum summary should cover:

• Research question
• Scope of the study
• Methodology
• Main findings
• Conclusion

Use complete sentences—avoid bullet points—and place it on its own page immediately after the title page.

📑 4. Table of Contents

List each section and its page number, including:

• Introduction
• Body (with subsections)
• Conclusion
• References
• Appendices

Make sure the page numbers are accurate before final submission.

📚 5. Introduction, Body, and Conclusion Tips

• Introduction: Set context, explain significance, and state your research question.
• Body: Organize with clear headings and subheadings and ensure the argument flows logically.
• Conclusion: Summarize findings, answer the research question, and reflect on limitations or implications.

📏 6. Formatting and Style Standards

• Use a clean, readable font (Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri), 11–12 pt
• Double-space text; single-space long quotations or references
• Use standard margins (≥2.5 cm / ≈1")
• Page numbers should appear in the header or footer
• Format headings consistently (e.g. bold H1, italic H2, etc.)

📌 7. Citations and Bibliography

• Use a recognized citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago) and stick to it
• Cite all quotes, facts, ideas, images, and data
• Include a separate bibliography listing all sources used—no word count penalty
• Appendices can include raw data, maps, questionnaires, etc., but only if referenced in the body

📆 8. Word Limit and Counting

• The essay itself (intro, body, conclusion) must not exceed 4,000 words
• Excluded items: abstract, table of contents, acknowledgments, references, and appendices
• Trim unnecessary filler and stay within the word count carefully

🎯 9. Final Checklist Before Submission

• Title page completed and clear
• Abstract on a separate page
• Table of contents accurate
• Proper headings and section flow
• Page numbers present and correct
• Bibliography formatted consistently
• Word count under 4,000 (excluding permitted sections)
• Appendices included only if needed and referenced

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Does the abstract count towards the 4,000-word limit?

A: No. The abstract, references, table of contents, and appendices are excluded from the word count.

Q2: Can I use MLA or APA?

A: Yes—use any IB-accepted citation style, just remain consistent throughout.

Q3: Do headings count in the word count?

A: Yes. Headings are part of the main body, so they count toward the 4,000 words.

Q4: Where do I insert graphs or tables?

A: In the body, with captions and citations. The raw data can go in the appendix.

Q5: Is there a required format for the bibliography?

A: No fixed format, but entries must include author, title, year, publisher, and page numbers or URL/access date if online.

Q6: Do I need page numbers from the start?

A: Yes. Add page numbers before creating the table of contents to ensure accuracy.

✅ Conclusion

Formatting your EE to IB standards isn't just an administrative task—it shows your commitment to clarity, precision, and academic rigor. Follow these guidelines to stay organized and make a strong impression.

And before you finalize everything, check out Revision Dojo for expert formatting tips and insider hacks that smooth the final stretch of your EE journey!