References, Appendices & RPPF
How to cite sources correctly, structure your appendices, and write RPPF reflections that earn maximum marks.
Referencing Your Sources
Citation Style
Use One System Consistently
The IB does not mandate a specific citation style, but MLA, APA, or Chicago are most common. Choose one and apply it consistently throughout the essay.
In-text Citations
Cite Every Claim
Every fact, statistic, quotation, or idea taken from a source must have an in-text citation. Uncited claims are treated as your own — which is plagiarism if they are not.
Reference List
Full Details for Every Source
Your reference list (bibliography) must include every source cited in the essay. Format: Author. Title. Publisher. Year. URL (for online sources). Accessed date.
Avoiding Plagiarism
Paraphrase Correctly
If you paraphrase a source, you must still cite it. Only change the words — not the citation requirement. If in doubt, cite.
💡 Expert Tip
Use a reference manager tool like Zotero or Cite This For Me to automatically format your citations and build your bibliography. It saves hours and prevents formatting errors.
Structuring Your Appendices
Appendices contain material that supports your essay but would interrupt the flow of the argument if placed in the body. The word count in appendices does NOT count toward your 4,000-word limit.
| Include in Appendix | Do NOT Put in Appendix |
|---|---|
| Raw data tables (sciences) | Key arguments or analysis |
| Survey instruments or interview transcripts | Evidence that supports your RQ directly |
| Large statistical calculations | Quotations you ran out of space for |
| Maps, diagrams, images referenced in the essay | Anything the examiner needs to understand your argument |
The RPPF — Reflections on Planning & Progress
The Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF) records your three mandatory supervisor meetings and your reflections on the EE process. It is submitted alongside your essay and contributes to your overall assessment.
1
Reflection 1 — After initial meeting
Write 150–200 words on: What is your topic? Why did you choose it? What challenges do you anticipate? What is your plan for the next phase?
2
Reflection 2 — After interim meeting
Write 150–200 words on: How has your RQ evolved? What have you learned from your research so far? What problems have you encountered and how did you solve them?
3
Reflection 3 — After final meeting (viva voce)
Write 150–200 words on: What did you learn from writing the EE? What would you do differently? What skills have you developed?
💡 Expert Tip
RPPF reflections are worth marks. Write them with care — they demonstrate your intellectual growth and metacognitive thinking. Vague reflections like ‘I found this challenging’ earn far fewer marks than specific, self-aware analysis of your process.
Final Submission Checklist
- ✓ Reference list is complete and consistently formatted in one citation style
- ✓ Every in-text citation matches a source in the reference list
- ✓ Appendices are labelled (Appendix A, B, C…) and referenced in the body
- ✓ All three RPPF reflections are completed (150–200 words each)
- ✓ Essay is within 4,000 words (not including abstract, bibliography, appendices)
- ✓ Title page includes: title, RQ, subject, word count, candidate number
- ✓ Essay has been read by supervisor and RPPF is signed
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