If you are a high school student interested in pursuing a degree in Biology, then completing a Biology Extended Essay should be on your horizon. This guide will provide you with an overview of the purpose of the essay, guidelines for selecting a topic, strategies for conducting research, tips for writing, editing and revising, and advice for pursuing further research in the field.
Selecting a Topic for Your Biology Extended Essay
When selecting a topic, it is important to choose something that you are passionate about. That said, topics should also be narrow enough to cover in-depth research but broad enough to allow for a range of questions to explore.
Questions to consider when selecting a topic for your biology extended essay:
- What are the most pressing topics in biology today?
- What specific area of biology interests me the most?
- What do I want to learn more about?
Two key requirements of the Biology Extended essay:
- The topic must fall into the category of biology and be approved by the instructor.
- The topic must be wide-ranging enough, the research covers the area in-depth, exploring questions concerning various elements of biology.
Conducting Research for your Biology Extended Essay
The process of conducting research requires time and effort. That said, there are some key strategies that you can use to make the process more effective:
- Use keywords to search databases to ensure you are looking in the right places.
- Use credible sources such as peer-reviewed journals, books and government reports to find high-quality information.
- Take effective notes that include key quotes and ideas.
To keep your research organized, use folders or spreadsheets to keep track of your sources.
Structuring and Writing the Biology Extended Essay
The structure of your biology extended essay should include the following components:
- Title Page
- Abstract
- Table of contents
- Introduction
- Main body
- Conclusion
- References
The main body should be organized with clear sub-headings and explore the research question with critical analysis and interpretation of the findings. When writing, aim to make the language accessible and engaging for the intended audience.
Editing and Revising Your Biology Extended Essay
Editing and revising your biology extended essay is critical to ensure that you present your work in its best form. Some tips to make the editing and revising process more effective include:
- Take a break and come back with fresh eyes
- Print out the work and go through it with a colored pen
- Use online tools that help catch any errors in grammar and spelling
Pursuing Further Research in Biology
Completing a biology extended essay is just the beginning of exploring the incredible breadth of knowledge and research in the field. It is important to continue learning and researching to help contribute to the scientific community.
Some strategies for further research include:
- Reading peer-reviewed research papers and staying current on the latest studies published
- Attending conferences and seminars to learn about current research
- Collaborating with researchers in the field to conduct new research
Key Takeaways
- Choose a topic that is narrow enough to cover the research but broad enough to explore multiple areas of biology.
- Use credible sources and take effective notes to organize your research.
- Organize your essay with clear subheadings and present it in an engaging and accessible style.
- The editing and revision process can help you produce your best work.
- Continuing to learn and explore is key to contributing to scientific progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a Biology Extended Essay be?
The length of the essay can vary but is usually around 4,000 words.
How long does it take to complete a Biology Extended Essay?
The process of completing a Biology Extended Essay can take a few months, so it is important to stay organized and plan ahead.
Are there any other tips for writing a Biology Extended Essay?
Ensure that you are familiar with the requirements and guidelines for the essay, and do not hesitate to seek guidance and support from your instructor or peers.