ESS IA Format and Structure [2026 updated]

Strategy

1. Explain an existing or developing strategy addressing your environmental issue, ensuring it relates directly to your research question (e.g., a ban on single-use plastics to reduce pollution).  
2. Outline key stakeholders involved (e.g., governments, businesses, local communities) and their goals (e.g., governments aiming for sustainability, businesses concerned with costs).  
3. Discuss conflicts and tensions arising from the strategy – economic, social, political, or environmental – and how they impact its effectiveness (e.g., economic costs of implementing recycling systems versus environmental benefits).  
4. Link the strategy to the environmental issue using relevant scientific principles (e.g., the impact of plastic pollution on marine life and ecosystems).

A good example of this can be found here. 

Variables:

1. Include the independent variable and units.
2. Include the dependent variable along with its units, if applicable. Include how the dependent variable will be measured.
3. Add a table of control variables, including how each variable is controlled and why it is controlled. 
4. A good example can be found here.

Equipment:

1. Create a list of all the apparatus and equipment used in the experiment.
2. Ensure to include uncertainties for all relevant instruments if used (eg: pipettes, beakers, weighing balances, etc).
3. Include the concentrations of all standard solutions used (eg: 2 M ethanol).
4. If you are doing a survey, you do not need to include an equipment section.
5. A good example of this can be found here and here.

Method:

1. Write down each step of the method exactly as it was performed.
2. Use a narrative tone when writing the method and not a first-person tone. For example, you should write "Prepare a solution of ....." rather than writing "I prepared a solution of......".
3. If you conducted a survey, include how the questions were structured.
4. A good example of this can be found here and here.

Results:

1. Include a table of the data collected from the experiment. Include a number and caption for the table and ensure the data is centred in the cells. 
2. Add a section for qualitative data if applicable.
3. Include a sample equation and calculation showing how the data is processed. Do this for each type of calculation used (eg: calculating averages, calculating standard deviation, etc).
4. Place the rest of the processed data in a new processed data table. Include a number and caption for the table and ensure the data is centred in the cells. 
5. Include graphs of the processed data versus the independent variable. Include a graph title, axis titles and units, and provide a figure caption for the graph.  
6. Below each graph write a few paragraphs outlining and analysing the data shown by each graph in the context of the research question - what is the main takeaway? Use numerical values from the graph when writing this part. State the implications of these findings.
7. A good example can be found here and here.

Conclusion:

1. State the aim of the experiment to refresh the reader's memory.
2. Discuss the trends in the graph and how they correspond to the research question. 
3. Discuss the extent to which the research question was answered - was it answered fully or only partially? 
4. State whether the hypothesis was supported or rejected.
5. If relevant, viscuss the R^2 value of the graph (if the data is linear) and how it describes the strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. 
6. Describe if there are any anomalies in the data, and give reasons as to why these may have occurred.
7. A good example can be found here.

Evaluation:

1. Critically evaluate the results of the experiment and how they could be improved.
2. Include a table of the strengths and weaknesses of the experiment, as well as how to improve this in future. 
3. A good example can be found here.

References:

1. Include a full list of all the references used in the IA. 
2. Ensure the bibliography is in the same citation style used in the introduction and background information section. 
3. A good example can be found here.

We hope this guide helps guide you in properly formatting and structuring your ESS IA! If you want to read some exemplary IAs before you start writing, we've got you covered too! Simply head to the Clastify website, where you will be able to find numerous ESS IA ideas and examples, so you can look for the ones that are the most relevant to your topic. Good luck!