Navigating the Journey of Writing Your Extended Essay on Disney Princess Portrayal

Starting your Extended Essay (EE) for the International Baccalaureate Diploma can feel overwhelming, but with a structured approach, you can break down the process into manageable steps. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you get started on your topic about the portrayal of Disney princesses in film over time.

Understanding the Requirements

A successful Extended Essay should be between 3500 and 4000 words. It is crucial to ensure that your essay fits within the subject area you are focusing on. Likely, this would be within the realms of Film Studies or Literature. Familiarize yourself with the assessment criteria for the EE, which include research analysis, structure, and engagement. This will guide you in crafting a well-researched and coherent essay.

Narrowing Your Focus

Develop a specific research question to guide your essay. For instance:

How has the portrayal of Disney princesses evolved from the 1930s to the present day? What impact have societal changes had on the characteristics of Disney princesses over the decades?

Once you have your research question, decide on the films you want to analyze. This could include key films from different decades or a particular aspect of their portrayal. For example, you might focus on the portrayal of their intelligence, strength, or cultural background across different time periods.

Conducting Preliminary Research

To begin your research, start with an extensive literature review. Look for academic articles, books, and credible sources discussing Disney films, gender studies, and cultural representation. Understanding the existing discourse on your topic will provide a solid foundation for your essay.

Next, watch the films you plan to analyze and take detailed notes on key themes, character traits, and societal context. Pay attention to how these elements have changed over time, and document your observations.

Creating an Outline

Your outline should detail all the major points you plan to cover in your essay. Start with an introduction that introduces your topic, provides background information, and presents your research question. The body of your essay should be organized into clear sections:

Historical context of Disney princess films Analysis of specific films and their portrayals Discussion of societal influences on these portrayals Comparative analysis between different eras

Conclude your essay by summarizing your findings and reflecting on the implications of your research. This will help tie the essay together and provide a sense of closure.

Writing the Essay

Once you have your outline, start writing your first draft. This is a process, so don’t be concerned about making it perfect at this stage. Focus on getting your ideas down. Keep track of your sources for citations and use a consistent citation style, such as MLA or APA, as required by the IB.

Share drafts with your supervisor or peers for feedback. Their input can be invaluable in refining your essay and ensuring it meets the assessment criteria.

Revising and Finalizing

Revise your essay for clarity, coherence, and argument strength. Check for grammatical errors and ensure you meet the required word count. This is an iterative process, and it’s important to keep refining your essay until it is ready.

Write the reflection part of your EE, discussing what you learned during the process. This section is crucial as it demonstrates your personal growth and critical thinking.

Preparing for Submission

Ensure your essay is formatted correctly according to the IB guidelines, including a title page and table of contents. Submit your final draft according to your school’s deadlines. Being organized and efficient in your submission process will be beneficial.

Additional Tips

Stay Organized

Keep your research and notes organized to make the writing process smoother. This will help you avoid confusion and ensure that you can find the information you need quickly.

Time Management

Set deadlines for each stage of your essay to stay on track. Time management is key to completing your EE successfully. Break the project down into manageable chunks and assign a deadline for each.

Engage with Your Supervisor

Regularly discuss your progress and any challenges with your supervisor for guidance. This will help you stay on the right path and address any issues promptly.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a thoughtful and engaging Extended Essay. Good luck!