# Process of the EE

The first step in the EE process is to decide in which **Diploma Programme subject** you want to complete an in-depth study of a focused topic. This is normally **one of your six** chosen subjects and your supervisor will be allocated on the basis of this decision.

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The EE is a **long process** and is likely to take several months or even a year to complete.
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There are many other things you will need to to figure out early in the process including:

* What **kind of essay** you are going to write? 
* How **formal** should your writing be? 
* What **tense** and **voice** (third person or first person) should you use? 
* Are you collecting **primary** data yourself or are you analysing **primary and secondary** sources? 

The sources you use will **depend on the subject you choose** for your essay. For example, a topic in history or politics will likely require you to research and analyse a collection of primary & secondary sources, mostly in print. With a topic in any of the experimental sciences, you may design an experiment based on a hypothesis or question. You will then execute that experiment and analyse the results of the data you collect. 

![](https://2487658792-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MDolGjlJO15_RSEJJjl%2F-MaPnfmrFfKAi8UV205H%2F-MaPple6y_OH3iQd5N02%2Fshutterstock_71356744.jpeg?alt=media\&token=5a6a78de-749e-4753-a7c3-61befced8e5b)

Throughout the research and writing process, you will be encouraged to **reflect** on your experiences, both formally and informally. 

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Use your personal Researcher’s Reflection Space (RRS) to re-examine your ideas and decide whether changes are needed at different points during the process. More information can be found in [The Importance of Reflection](https://guide.fariaedu.com/extended-essay/the-importance-of-reflection).
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You will also need to **complete three formal reflection sessions** with your supervisor which need to be **written up on the on the** [**Reflections on Planning and Progress Form**](http://xmltwo.ibo.org/publications/Assess_pro/forms/2018/EERPPF_en.pdf) (RPPF). More information can be found in [The Importance of Reflection](https://guide.fariaedu.com/extended-essay/the-importance-of-reflection).
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 The instructions on the RPPF are shown below. Your completed RPPF is solely used to assess criterion E. See [Assessment](https://guide.fariaedu.com/extended-essay/assessment) for more details.

![](https://2487658792-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MDolGjlJO15_RSEJJjl%2F-METB6LNMHKPoZbxMndB%2F-METBkW5bZxybFqn4KYc%2FRPPF%20image.PNG?alt=media\&token=caddee0c-0494-4f7b-aa94-d8ceb6c3757c)