(Note: This guide is designed for the free version of ChatGPT 3.5, hence the need to keep each individual prompt relatively short. It can obviously still be used with the paid version (and would produce better results) or even without GPT at all. These questions are important and should be considered before beginning your extended essay.)

Embarking on your International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay (EE) is an exciting yet daunting journey. The foundation of this journey is your EE question, crucial to get right from the start. Choosing the correct research question is essential, as you’ll be dedicating a significant amount of time to your Extended Essay. This choice will direct your efforts, ensuring they are both focused and fruitful. A well-chosen question not only keeps your research on track but also maintains your interest and motivation, preventing boredom during the extensive and demanding process of research and writing. Remember, a thoughtfully selected question is the key to an engaging and rewarding Extended Essay experience.

Although I’m not typically an advocate of prompt engineering – the practice of crafting detailed prompts to direct AI responses – I believe in the power of meaningful dialogue to enhance understanding. Therefore, here is a structured ChatGPT prompt designed to encourage a deep and exploratory conversation about your chosen EE question.

I’m certainly not a prompt engineer, so I have no doubt it can be improved, and I welcome you all to add improvements in the comments below

Instructions

1. Initiating Conversation with ChatGPT: Select the first prompt from the guide below, copy it, and paste it into your chat with ChatGPT. Be sure to replace “[Insert your specific EE question here]” in the prompt with your actual Extended Essay research question.

2. Engaging in Dialogue: Have an in-depth conversation with ChatGPT based on the prompt’s content. Discuss, explore, and clarify all relevant aspects of your question.

3. Progressing Through Prompts: Once you’re satisfied with the discussion on one prompt, move on to the next. Repeat this process for each prompt until you’ve covered them all, ensuring a thorough exploration of each aspect of your EE question.

15 ChatGPT Prompts for IB Extended Essay:

1.Understanding, personal interest and future relevance

“Hello ChatGPT, I am working on my IB DP Extended Essay and have chosen a specific research question. I want us to engage in a detailed two-way conversation where you take the role of an experienced EE advisor. The aim is to ensure that I fully understand the meaning and implications of my question, and that it aligns well with my personal interests and future academic or career goals. Here’s my question: ‘[Insert your specific EE question here]’?

2 Prompt for Central Argument Development:

“Continuing our discussion, I’d like to focus on developing a strong central argument for my EE question: ‘[Insert your specific EE question here]‘.

Crafting a Central Argument: “What are the key components of a strong central argument for my question?”

Supporting Arguments: “How can I develop compelling arguments that support my central argument?”

Counterarguments and Rebuttals: “Should I also consider potential counterarguments? If so, how can I effectively address them?”

I’m looking for your insights on these aspects to formulate a solid central argument and supporting arguments for my Extended Essay.”

3 Prompt for Scope and Focus Assessment:

“Continuing our conversation as my EE advisor, let’s examine the scope and focus of my question: ‘[Insert your specific EE question here]’. I’m concerned it might be either too broad or too narrow.

Broadness Assessment: “Do you think my question is too broad? How can I narrow it down effectively?”

Narrowness Assessment: “Is my question too narrow? What can I do to broaden its scope appropriately?”

Refining for Clarity and Focus: “Based on your assessment, how could my question be refined to be more clear and focused?”

I’d appreciate your insights and any questions you might have to help guide this process.”

4 Prompt for Feasibility Check:

“As we continue our discussion in your role as my EE advisor, I’d like us to evaluate the feasibility of my research question: ‘[Insert your specific EE question here]‘. I’m considering my available resources and the time I have for this project.

Resource Evaluation: “Do you think I have the necessary resources to effectively research this topic? What are the key resources I should consider?”

Time Management: “Is my question realistic given the time frame for the EE? If it seems too time-consuming, how can it be adjusted?”

Adjustment Suggestions: “If my question is too ambitious, what modifications would you suggest to make it more manageable while still maintaining its core focus?”

Your guidance on balancing ambition with practicality would be greatly valuable.”

5 Prompt for Background Knowledge and Preliminary Reading:

“As we continue in your role as my EE advisor, I’d like to focus on the background knowledge required for my question: ‘[Insert your specific EE question here]‘.

Identifying Foundational Knowledge: “What are the key concepts and foundational knowledge essential for understanding my EE question?”

Guidance on Preliminary Reading: “Could you suggest some preliminary reading or research areas that would provide a solid foundation for my topic?”

Exploring Relevant Themes: “Are there specific themes or topics I should focus on in my preliminary research to better understand my question?”

Your guidance on these points will help me ensure I have a strong base to start my research.”

6 Prompt for Research Methodology Assessment:

“As we continue our role-play with you as my EE advisor, I’d like to discuss the research methodology for my Extended Essay question: ‘[Insert your specific EE question here]‘. I’m looking to determine the most suitable research methods for this topic.

Method Suitability: “Considering the nature of my question, which research methods do you think would be the most suitable and why?”

Data Collection: “What are your suggestions for effective data collection within these methods? Are there specific tools or approaches I should consider?”

Method Limitations: “Could you highlight any potential limitations or challenges with these methods, and how I might address them?”

Method Adaptation: “If my initial research findings suggest a change in methodology, how should I adapt my approach?”

Your insights and questions will help ensure that I choose the best methodology for my research question.”

7 Prompt for Identifying Potential Challenges:

“As we continue our dialogue with you as my EE advisor, I’d like to focus on identifying potential challenges related to my Extended Essay topic. My question is: ‘[Insert your specific EE question here]‘.

Challenge Identification: “Based on your experience, what challenges do you foresee I might encounter with this topic?”

Issue Exploration: “For each identified challenge, could you help me understand why it might arise and how it could impact my research?”

Solution Discussion: “Let’s brainstorm possible solutions or strategies to overcome these challenges. What approaches would you recommend?”

Preventive Measures: “Are there any preventive measures I can take to avoid these challenges from the outset?”

I’m eager to understand the potential hurdles and prepare effectively to address them.”

8 Prompt for Ethical Considerations Discussion:

“As we continue our discussion in your role as my EE advisor, I’d like to focus on the ethical aspects of my research question: ‘[Insert your specific EE question here]‘.

Identifying Ethical Concerns: “Could you help me identify any potential ethical issues related to my research question?”

Addressing Ethical Considerations: “What steps should I take to ensure my research respects ethical guidelines?”

Implications of Ethical Issues: “How might any ethical concerns impact my research approach or findings?”

Your expertise and any probing questions you have will be invaluable in navigating these ethical considerations.”

9 Prompt for Literature Review Approach:

“As my EE advisor, I need guidance on approaching the literature review for my question: ‘[Insert your specific EE question here]‘.

Strategies for Identifying Sources: “What strategies should I use to identify relevant and high-quality sources for my literature review?”

Organizing the Review: “How should I organize the literature review to best complement my research question?”

Analyzing Sources: “Could you suggest effective ways to analyze and interpret the information from my sources?”

Your advice on these points will help me structure my literature review effectively.”

10 Prompt for Source Evaluation:

“As part of our advisory session, I need help with evaluating sources for my EE question: ‘[Insert your specific EE question here]‘.

Criteria for Credibility: “What criteria should I use to determine the credibility of my sources?”

Bias and Reliability: “How can I assess the bias and reliability of the information I find?”

Incorporating Diverse Perspectives: “Is it important to include sources with diverse perspectives? How can I ensure a balanced view in my research?”

Your guidance on evaluating sources will greatly enhance the quality of my research.”

11 Prompt for Argument Structuring:

“As my EE advisor, I’d like your guidance on structuring the argument for my Extended Essay. My question is: ‘[Insert your specific EE question here]‘.

Building the Argument: “What key points should I focus on to build a strong argument around my question?”

Balancing Evidence: “How can I balance different types of evidence to support my argument effectively?”

Critical Analysis: “What strategies should I use to ensure my analysis is critical and comprehensive?”

I’m looking forward to your input on structuring a compelling and well-supported argument.”

12 Prompt for Conclusions and Implications:

“Continuing our discussion, let’s focus on the endgame for my EE. Regarding my question ‘[Insert your specific EE question here]‘,

Drawing Conclusions: “What elements are crucial for drawing a strong conclusion?”

Exploring Implications: “How should I explore the implications of my findings in the conclusion?”

Reflecting on the Research: “In what ways can I reflect on the research process and its outcomes in my conclusion?”

I appreciate your advice on crafting a conclusion that effectively encapsulates my research and findings.”

13 Prompt for Criterion Alignment and Essay Structure:

“As an experienced EE advisor, please help me align my essay with IB criteria and ensure it has a clear structure. My question is: ‘[Insert your specific EE question here]‘.

IB Criteria Alignment: “How can I ensure my essay aligns with the key IB assessment criteria, especially in terms of critical thinking and analysis?”

Essay Structure: “What structure should I follow to ensure clarity and flow in my essay?”

Maintaining Focus: “How can I keep my essay focused and coherent throughout, particularly with my research question as the guiding element?”

Your insights will be invaluable in making sure my essay meets the highest standards set by the IB.”

14 Prompt for Avoiding Over-simplification:

“As my EE advisor, I need your help to analyze the complexity of my question: ‘[Insert your specific EE question here]‘.

Identifying Over-simplification: “Do you think there’s a risk of my question being too simplistic? What are the signs of an oversimplified EE question?”

Adding Depth: “If my question is too simple, how can I add more depth to it? What aspects should I consider to ensure it’s suitably complex for an Extended Essay?”

Ensuring Rigorous Analysis: “What strategies can I use to ensure my essay provides a rigorous and thorough analysis of the topic?”15

I’m looking for guidance to ensure my question is appropriately challenging and conducive to a detailed investigation.”

15 Prompt for Feedback Loop:

“Now, as we progress, I’d like to establish a feedback loop for my question: ‘[Insert your specific EE question here]‘.

Feedback Process: “What is an effective process for regularly reviewing and revising my EE question?”

Criteria for Revision: “How do I determine when my question needs to be revised? What criteria should I use?”

Seeking and Implementing Feedback: “What’s the best way to seek feedback on my question, and how should I go about implementing any suggestions I receive?”

Your advice on setting up a constructive feedback loop will be invaluable for refining my question as my research evolves.”

Conclusion

Hope this helped! Let me know in the ‘Leave A Reply’ how you got on and any improvements that can be made.

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