The question everyone is (secretly) asking
A few years ago, writing the IB Extended Essay (EE) and Internal Assessment (IA) meant countless nights in the library, messy drafts, and hours of refining arguments.
Today? Students can type a prompt into a generative AI tool like ChatGPT or Claude, and in seconds — boom — a "perfect" essay appears.
So… is this the end of original student writing? Will the EE and IA lose their value? Or, is there a deeper opportunity hidden here for those who think smarter rather than shortcut?
In this post, I'll break down exactly how Gen-AI will transform IB writing, the traps most students will fall into, and how you (or your child) can actually use AI to get ahead ethically and intelligently.
How AI threatens the soul of the IB writing process
The IB philosophy has always emphasized critical thinking, original research, and independent learning. The EE and IA are not just about producing a final essay — they are about learning how to think, research, analyze, and argue.
But now, Gen-AI can:
- Draft arguments
- Summarize research papers
- Suggest structures
- Even simulate "critical analysis"
On the surface, this sounds great. But here's the hidden danger:
When AI does the thinking for you, you lose the skill to think deeply yourself.
I've already seen students who rely on AI end up with essays that look polished but are shallow, with generic analysis and zero authentic voice. These essays often fail to stand out to examiners who look for originality and personal engagement.
Why simply "using AI" will backfire (even if it looks good)
Many students think, "I can use AI to generate my essay, then edit it a bit — no problem!"
But here's the truth:
- IB markers are trained to spot "overly polished" but empty essays.
- Schools are increasingly asking for detailed process documentation (notes, outlines, early drafts) to verify authenticity.
- AI detectors (imperfect but improving) will flag suspiciously "uniform" or generic text.
- Even beyond detection, an AI-generated essay will often lack the subtle insights that come from personal struggle — and ironically, this struggle is exactly what makes top-scoring essays special.
How to actually use AI smartly (without killing your learning)
Instead of outsourcing the whole essay, students can use AI as a thinking partner, not a replacement. Here's how:
1️⃣ Brainstorming & framing questions
Use AI to bounce around possible research questions, explore angles, or check if a topic is too broad or too narrow.
💬 Prompt idea:
"Suggest five IB EE research questions on the impact of microplastics in marine life, ranked by feasibility and originality."
2️⃣ Organizing ideas
AI can help build an initial outline, so you don't feel lost in a sea of data.
💬 Prompt idea:
"Suggest a possible chapter breakdown for an EE on the cultural impact of K-pop in Southeast Asia."
3️⃣ Reviewing logic gaps
After writing your own draft, ask AI to identify weak transitions or unsupported claims.
💬 Prompt idea:
"Analyze this paragraph for logical flow and suggest improvements."
4️⃣ Style polishing
Use AI to refine grammar and wording, but always keep your personal voice. An authentic style is what examiners love.
The mindset shift: from "cheating" to "co-creating"
The biggest opportunity is to shift from viewing AI as a "shortcut" to viewing it as a "sparring partner."
- Let AI challenge you, but not replace you.
- Let it suggest, but not decide.
- Let it polish, but not overwrite your authentic voice.
When used this way, students develop even deeper meta-cognitive skills — learning to think about their thinking.
Practical tips to stay ahead (and authentic)
- Keep all drafts and notes — show your thinking process.
- Reflect in your writing journal about how you used AI — IB actually encourages this transparency.
- Prioritize personal insights: weave in interviews, local data, or unique experiments AI cannot replicate.
- Build your "why" — examiners love essays that show genuine curiosity and personal passion.
🚀 Conclusion: The future is hybrid
Gen-AI won't kill the IB Extended Essay. But it will kill shallow, last-minute essays.
Students who learn to partner with AI — rather than hide behind it — will not only score higher, but also build future-proof skills in critical thinking and self-reflection.
In a world flooded with AI-generated content, real human thought will stand out more than ever.
✉️ Bonus for students & parents
If you'd like, I can help create a step-by-step "AI + EE workflow guide", with sample prompts and example reflections, tailored for IB students. Just ask!