How to Ace the Final Reflection

So, what ingredients do you need to write a great reflective statement?

(by Tim Woods)

1) Don't just describe what you've done

Let us understand your thinking processes. 

Reflect on decisions you’ve already made. What decisions were hard to make or made poorly so far and how have you dealt with these?

Have you found it hard (or easy) to make good research decisions? 

Discuss something you could have done differently or better.

And, be yourself. We want this to be written in your own words.

2) Don't make it seem like you've only picked the easy-to-get information

Show that you have been careful about choosing your sources and you haven't just used whatever came up first on Google.

Show us that you have taken time to think creatively about what kind of information will be required to answer your question and then that you’ve taken the time to try to find this exact information. (Some tips on doing advanced EE research).

Reflect on your planning so far. Have you under-planned (or over-planned?) or not planned for the right aspects of your work so far?

Have you found it hard (or easy) to plan your work? 

What set-backs have you faced in your planning and how have you dealt with these? What would you do differently, in your planning, next time you do research like this?

3) Don't make it seem like you're (mindlessly) just doing what your teacher is telling you to do

Show that you have really taken the lead on this research.

Show us that you see this research as interesting and important, in a genuine way. 

What sub-questions have you been asking yourself as you did your research? (These would be questions that would help you answer your main research question). 

What do you find interesting about this topic?

4) Don't try to hide your mistakes

Tell us about some of your mistakes and what you’ve learned from them. We love this because it shows that you are becoming a person who doesn't need a teacher to improve. You can notice your own mistakes and learn from them.

What have you learned about yourself already, as a result of doing this work? 

What has proven more difficult than you expected and how have you dealt with this?

5) You don't need to use a formal register

Be comfortable explaining your journey in your natural voice.

The IB is hoping the reflections can help you demonstrate the authenticity of your work by you explaining it in a "student voice."  

A few more suggestions

Here is a list adapted from the IB EE Guide (Page 154), which might also give you some ideas. It says, you can reflect on:

• The approaches and strategies you've chosen, and how well these have gone 

• The Approaches To Learning (ATL) skills you have developed through the EE research  and how you've developed as a learner. (The ATLs include: thinking skills, communication skills, social skills, self-management skills, or research skills). 

• How your conceptual understandings have developed or changed as a result of your research. For example, have you learned how to apply course ideas in a new context?

• Explain some setbacks you faced in your research and how you overcame them (or worked around them)

• Share some questions that emerged as a result of your research.

• What you would do differently if you were to start this research again?

Woods, Tim. “How To Write IB Extended Essay Reflections” IBMastery 16 Jan 2025 <https://www.ibmastery.com/blog/how-to-write-ib-extended-essay-reflections>

The Viva Voce: The final mandatory reflection session with your supervisor

What is the purpose of the Viva Voce?

As soon as you've completed your viva voce, write and submit your reflective statement. See below for guidance on the uploading process.