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Are you starting to write your Chemistry extended essay but don't know how to structure it? Clastify comes to the rescue! Below you will find tips on how to prepare a high-scoring essay, drawing from our experience with IB coursework. While we suggest this framework based on our track record of assisting students in achieving top-rated essays, feel free to adapt the guide below to your preferences.
Chemistry EE format and structure
The extended essay is a 4,000 words investigation that should consist of the following parts:
Title page and table of contents
On the title page, you will include the topic of your investigation, the research question, the subject, and the word count.
The next page should be the table of contents with all subsections of your essay along with the page numbering.
Introduction
Provide a concise overview of the topic, including details on the compounds under study, their characteristics, and the reacting agents involved (if applicable).
Explain the personal or global significance of the topic, discussing why it was chosen for investigation and its broader importance.
Introduce the experimental reaction, highlighting why it is the most suitable method for the experiment, such as the rationale behind using specific reactants (like sugar solution, ethanol, or citric acid).
Also, describe the main device or reaction used in the experiment and state why this is the most appropriate method to use for the experiment (for example, burette titration, UV spectroscopy, pH meter, iodometric titration, colourimetry, etc).
See here to get a glimpse of the matter.
Research question
Clearly state the research question for your extended essay. For example: What effect does changing the concentration of the reagent, Chitosan Glycolate solution, have on the formation rate and the diffusion coefficient observed in the formation of Liesegang rings in the reaction of the Polymer-Analogous Transformation, from salt to base, of Chitosan?
Outline both the independent and dependent variables along with their respective units.
Describe the method or instrument used to quantify and measure the dependent variable, and justify why this instrument or method is optimal for assessing the specific dependent variable.
Formulate a hypothesis.
Background information
Define key terms, methods, or reactions essential for understanding the study.
Describe the molecular structure of the primary compound and highlight its properties relevant to the chosen analysis method.
Discuss the physiological effects and potential imbalances of consumable molecules on the body (if applicable).
Justify the selection of reagents for reacting with the main molecule, emphasizing their suitability based on structural or reactive properties.
Include pertinent chemical equations and rationalize the chosen analysis method's appropriateness for measuring the dependent variable.
Explain the database selection and sampling method for research based on secondary data, ensuring its alignment with the research question.
Ensure all background information directly addresses the research question, focusing on relevant chemistry concepts.
Incorporate diagrams as needed, accompanied by clear captions and proper source citations, and use in-text citations throughout the background information section.
As seen in this exemplar.
Variables
Include the independent variable and units. Describe why the range of independent variables was chosen. You should justify why you have chosen these specific values.
Include the dependent variable, units, instrument/method with which it will be measured, and the uncertainty.
List the controlled variables along with their impact on the experiment and the method of control.
Check out the variables section here.
Equipment
List all the apparatus and equipment needed to conduct the experiment.
You should provide the uncertainties of all relevant instruments (weighing scale, beakers, pipettes, etc.)
Along with the quantities of the materials needed state their concentrations (if applicable).
You can use this EE for reference.
Methodology
Provide a comprehensive description and rationale for your chosen approach to address the research question.
Outline detailed, step-by-step instructions for executing this aspect of the investigation.
Make enough trials to ensure the reliability of your findings.
Demonstrate awareness of safety, ethical, and environmental considerations in conducting the experiment.
Check out the methodology here.
Results
Create a table displaying processed data obtained from the experiment, ensuring clarity and organization.
If applicable, incorporate a section for qualitative data, such as color changes or temperature fluctuations.
Verify that all data in tables adhere to the appropriate number of significant figures and decimal places.
Introduce a sample equation and calculation to exemplify data processing methods, covering each type of computation used (e.g., calculation of percentage error, CO2 volume).
When conducting calculations, consider proper notation, uncertainties, significant figures, and SI symbols.
Arrange additional processed data into a separate table, accompanied by a numbered caption for clarity.
Include a sample calculation for uncertainty, placing remaining uncertainties for other values in a dedicated table with an appropriate caption. Subsequently, discuss the implications of these uncertainties on the data, considering their magnitude and impact on result validity and precision.
Incorporate a graph illustrating the processed data plotted against the independent variable, featuring a descriptive title, axis titles with units, and a caption for clarity.
Following the graph, provide a paragraph elucidating data trends, such as correlations (positive or negative) and the R^2 value, and interpret the findings accordingly.
You can use this essay for reference.
Conclusion
Restate the essay's aim to ensure clarity and remind the reader of the primary objective.
Provide an overview of the depth of analysis conducted on the research topic.
Clearly present the answer to the research question based on the findings and analysis.
Incorporate experimental values obtained from the analysis section, illustrating changes or trends observed, such as the increase in the volume of formed gas.
Discuss the R^2 value of the graph, particularly if the data exhibits linearity, and explain how it indicates the strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
Consider the uncertainties present in the study and their potential impact on the results, providing insight into the level of confidence in the findings.
Identify any anomalies in the data and offer possible explanations for their occurrence, considering factors such as experimental error or outliers.
Compare the experimental values obtained with existing literature or known standards, highlighting any discrepancies or agreements.
Ensure that the conclusion does not introduce new information but effectively summarizes the key findings and insights derived from the research.
This is a good conclusion.
Evaluation
You are expected to evaluate your approach to answering the research question.
Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the entire study, and categorize errors. Next, state their relevance and impact on the results.
Take into account personal bias or other factors that could have influenced the findings.
Propose improvements and extensions to your essay. For instance, you could suggest repeating the study on different species or using other reagents.
This EE is worth taking a look at.
Bibliography and appendices
These parts are not included in the word count.
In the bibliography, you should make a detailed list of all sources used in your investigation in alphabetical order. Decide on one style of referencing.
The appendices will serve as a place for additional tables of data etc. however these can't be the crucial information for your EE.
You are now one step closer to writing a perfect extended essay! For more inspiration head to the Clastify website and check out the remaining Chemistry exemplars. You can also see our detailed breakdown of the Biology EE assessment criteria here.
Are you starting to write your Chemistry extended essay but don't know how to structure it? Clastify comes to the rescue! Below you will find tips on how to prepare a high-scoring essay, drawing from our experience with IB coursework. While we suggest this framework based on our track record of assisting students in achieving top-rated essays, feel free to adapt the guide below to your preferences.
Chemistry EE format and structure
The extended essay is a 4,000 words investigation that should consist of the following parts:
Title page and table of contents
On the title page, you will include the topic of your investigation, the research question, the subject, and the word count.
The next page should be the table of contents with all subsections of your essay along with the page numbering.
Introduction
Provide a concise overview of the topic, including details on the compounds under study, their characteristics, and the reacting agents involved (if applicable).
Explain the personal or global significance of the topic, discussing why it was chosen for investigation and its broader importance.
Introduce the experimental reaction, highlighting why it is the most suitable method for the experiment, such as the rationale behind using specific reactants (like sugar solution, ethanol, or citric acid).
Also, describe the main device or reaction used in the experiment and state why this is the most appropriate method to use for the experiment (for example, burette titration, UV spectroscopy, pH meter, iodometric titration, colourimetry, etc).
See here to get a glimpse of the matter.
Research question
Clearly state the research question for your extended essay. For example: What effect does changing the concentration of the reagent, Chitosan Glycolate solution, have on the formation rate and the diffusion coefficient observed in the formation of Liesegang rings in the reaction of the Polymer-Analogous Transformation, from salt to base, of Chitosan?
Outline both the independent and dependent variables along with their respective units.
Describe the method or instrument used to quantify and measure the dependent variable, and justify why this instrument or method is optimal for assessing the specific dependent variable.
Formulate a hypothesis.
Background information
Define key terms, methods, or reactions essential for understanding the study.
Describe the molecular structure of the primary compound and highlight its properties relevant to the chosen analysis method.
Discuss the physiological effects and potential imbalances of consumable molecules on the body (if applicable).
Justify the selection of reagents for reacting with the main molecule, emphasizing their suitability based on structural or reactive properties.
Include pertinent chemical equations and rationalize the chosen analysis method's appropriateness for measuring the dependent variable.
Explain the database selection and sampling method for research based on secondary data, ensuring its alignment with the research question.
Ensure all background information directly addresses the research question, focusing on relevant chemistry concepts.
Incorporate diagrams as needed, accompanied by clear captions and proper source citations, and use in-text citations throughout the background information section.
As seen in this exemplar.
Variables
Include the independent variable and units. Describe why the range of independent variables was chosen. You should justify why you have chosen these specific values.
Include the dependent variable, units, instrument/method with which it will be measured, and the uncertainty.
List the controlled variables along with their impact on the experiment and the method of control.
Check out the variables section here.
Equipment
List all the apparatus and equipment needed to conduct the experiment.
You should provide the uncertainties of all relevant instruments (weighing scale, beakers, pipettes, etc.)
Along with the quantities of the materials needed state their concentrations (if applicable).
You can use this EE for reference.
Methodology
Provide a comprehensive description and rationale for your chosen approach to address the research question.
Outline detailed, step-by-step instructions for executing this aspect of the investigation.
Make enough trials to ensure the reliability of your findings.
Demonstrate awareness of safety, ethical, and environmental considerations in conducting the experiment.
Check out the methodology here.
Results
Create a table displaying processed data obtained from the experiment, ensuring clarity and organization.
If applicable, incorporate a section for qualitative data, such as color changes or temperature fluctuations.
Verify that all data in tables adhere to the appropriate number of significant figures and decimal places.
Introduce a sample equation and calculation to exemplify data processing methods, covering each type of computation used (e.g., calculation of percentage error, CO2 volume).
When conducting calculations, consider proper notation, uncertainties, significant figures, and SI symbols.
Arrange additional processed data into a separate table, accompanied by a numbered caption for clarity.
Include a sample calculation for uncertainty, placing remaining uncertainties for other values in a dedicated table with an appropriate caption. Subsequently, discuss the implications of these uncertainties on the data, considering their magnitude and impact on result validity and precision.
Incorporate a graph illustrating the processed data plotted against the independent variable, featuring a descriptive title, axis titles with units, and a caption for clarity.
Following the graph, provide a paragraph elucidating data trends, such as correlations (positive or negative) and the R^2 value, and interpret the findings accordingly.
You can use this essay for reference.
Conclusion
Restate the essay's aim to ensure clarity and remind the reader of the primary objective.
Provide an overview of the depth of analysis conducted on the research topic.
Clearly present the answer to the research question based on the findings and analysis.
Incorporate experimental values obtained from the analysis section, illustrating changes or trends observed, such as the increase in the volume of formed gas.
Discuss the R^2 value of the graph, particularly if the data exhibits linearity, and explain how it indicates the strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
Consider the uncertainties present in the study and their potential impact on the results, providing insight into the level of confidence in the findings.
Identify any anomalies in the data and offer possible explanations for their occurrence, considering factors such as experimental error or outliers.
Compare the experimental values obtained with existing literature or known standards, highlighting any discrepancies or agreements.
Ensure that the conclusion does not introduce new information but effectively summarizes the key findings and insights derived from the research.
This is a good conclusion.
Evaluation
You are expected to evaluate your approach to answering the research question.
Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the entire study, and categorize errors. Next, state their relevance and impact on the results.
Take into account personal bias or other factors that could have influenced the findings.
Propose improvements and extensions to your essay. For instance, you could suggest repeating the study on different species or using other reagents.
This EE is worth taking a look at.
Bibliography and appendices
These parts are not included in the word count.
In the bibliography, you should make a detailed list of all sources used in your investigation in alphabetical order. Decide on one style of referencing.
The appendices will serve as a place for additional tables of data etc. however these can't be the crucial information for your EE.
You are now one step closer to writing a perfect extended essay! For more inspiration head to the Clastify website and check out the remaining Chemistry exemplars. You can also see our detailed breakdown of the Biology EE assessment criteria here.
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