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International Baccalaureate (IB)

IB students around the globe fear writing the Extended Essay, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress! In this article, I'll get you excited about writing your Extended Essay and provide you with the resources you need to get an A on it.

If you're reading this article, I'm going to assume you're an IB student getting ready to write your Extended Essay. If you're looking at this as a potential future IB student, I recommend reading our introductory IB articles first, including our guide to what the IB program is and our full coverage of the IB curriculum .

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

I myself am a recipient of an IB Diploma, and I happened to receive an A on my IB Extended Essay. Don't believe me? The proof is in the IBO pudding:

If you're confused by what this report means, EE is short for Extended Essay , and English A1 is the subject that my Extended Essay topic coordinated with. In layman's terms, my IB Diploma was graded in May 2010, I wrote my Extended Essay in the English A1 category, and I received an A grade on it.

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Extended Essay, or EE , is a mini-thesis you write under the supervision of an IB advisor (an IB teacher at your school), which counts toward your IB Diploma (learn more about the major IB Diploma requirements in our guide) . I will explain exactly how the EE affects your Diploma later in this article.

For the Extended Essay, you will choose a research question as a topic, conduct the research independently, then write an essay on your findings . The essay itself is a long one—although there's a cap of 4,000 words, most successful essays get very close to this limit.

Keep in mind that the IB requires this essay to be a "formal piece of academic writing," meaning you'll have to do outside research and cite additional sources.

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

A title page
Contents page
Introduction
Body of the essay
References and bibliography

Additionally, your research topic must fall into one of the six approved DP categories , or IB subject groups, which are as follows:

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
Group 2: Language Acquisition
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Group 4: Sciences
Group 5: Mathematics
Group 6: The Arts

Once you figure out your category and have identified a potential research topic, it's time to pick your advisor, who is normally an IB teacher at your school (though you can also find one online ). This person will help direct your research, and they'll conduct the reflection sessions you'll have to do as part of your Extended Essay.

As of 2018, the IB requires a "reflection process" as part of your EE supervision process. To fulfill this requirement, you have to meet at least three times with your supervisor in what the IB calls "reflection sessions." These meetings are not only mandatory but are also part of the formal assessment of the EE and your research methods.

According to the IB, the purpose of these meetings is to "provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with the research process." Basically, these meetings give your supervisor the opportunity to offer feedback, push you to think differently, and encourage you to evaluate your research process.

The final reflection session is called the viva voce, and it's a short 10- to 15-minute interview between you and your advisor. This happens at the very end of the EE process, and it's designed to help your advisor write their report, which factors into your EE grade.

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

A check on plagiarism and malpractice
Your reflection on your project's successes and difficulties
Your reflection on what you've learned during the EE process

Your completed Extended Essay, along with your supervisor's report, will then be sent to the IB to be graded. We'll cover the assessment criteria in just a moment.

We'll help you learn how to have those "lightbulb" moments...even on test day!

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

You can technically write about anything, so long as it falls within one of the approved categories listed above.

It's best to choose a topic that matches one of the IB courses , (such as Theatre, Film, Spanish, French, Math, Biology, etc.), which shouldn't be difficult because there are so many class subjects.

Here is a range of sample topics with the attached extended essay:

Biology: The Effect of Age and Gender on the Photoreceptor Cells in the Human Retina
Chemistry: How Does Reflux Time Affect the Yield and Purity of Ethyl Aminobenzoate (Benzocaine), and How Effective is Recrystallisation as a Purification Technique for This Compound?
English: An Exploration of Jane Austen's Use of the Outdoors in Emma
Geography: The Effect of Location on the Educational Attainment of Indigenous Secondary Students in Queensland, Australia
Math: Alhazen's Billiard Problem
Visual Arts: Can Luc Tuymans Be Classified as a Political Painter?

You can see from how varied the topics are that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to picking a topic . So how do you pick when the options are limitless?

How to Write a Stellar IB Extended Essay: 6 Essential Tips

Below are six key tips to keep in mind as you work on your Extended Essay for the IB DP. Follow these and you're sure to get an A!

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

You can't expect to write a compelling essay if you're not a fan of the topic on which you're writing. For example, I just love British theatre and ended up writing my Extended Essay on a revolution in post-WWII British theatre. (Yes, I'm definitely a #TheatreNerd.)

I really encourage anyone who pursues an IB Diploma to take the Extended Essay seriously. I was fortunate enough to receive a full-tuition merit scholarship to USC's School of Dramatic Arts program. In my interview for the scholarship, I spoke passionately about my Extended Essay; thus, I genuinely think my Extended Essay helped me get my scholarship.

But how do you find a topic you're passionate about? Start by thinking about which classes you enjoy the most and why . Do you like math classes because you like to solve problems? Or do you enjoy English because you like to analyze literary texts?

Keep in mind that there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your Extended Essay topic. You're not more likely to get high marks because you're writing about science, just like you're not doomed to failure because you've chosen to tackle the social sciences. The quality of what you produce—not the field you choose to research within—will determine your grade.

Once you've figured out your category, you should brainstorm more specific topics by putting pen to paper . What was your favorite chapter you learned in that class? Was it astrophysics or mechanics? What did you like about that specific chapter? Is there something you want to learn more about? I recommend spending a few hours on this type of brainstorming.

One last note: if you're truly stumped on what to research, pick a topic that will help you in your future major or career . That way you can use your Extended Essay as a talking point in your college essays (and it will prepare you for your studies to come too!).

#2: Select a Topic That Is Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow

There's a fine line between broad and narrow. You need to write about something specific, but not so specific that you can't write 4,000 words on it.

You can't write about WWII because that would be a book's worth of material. You also don't want to write about what type of soup prisoners of war received behind enemy lines, because you probably won’t be able to come up with 4,000 words of material about it. However, you could possibly write about how the conditions in German POW camps—and the rations provided—were directly affected by the Nazis' successes and failures on the front, including the use of captured factories and prison labor in Eastern Europe to increase production. WWII military history might be a little overdone, but you get my point.

If you're really stuck trying to pinpoint a not-too-broad-or-too-narrow topic, I suggest trying to brainstorm a topic that uses a comparison. Once you begin looking through the list of sample essays below, you'll notice that many use comparisons to formulate their main arguments.

I also used a comparison in my EE, contrasting Harold Pinter's Party Time with John Osborne's Look Back in Anger in order to show a transition in British theatre. Topics with comparisons of two to three plays, books, and so on tend to be the sweet spot. You can analyze each item and then compare them with one another after doing some in-depth analysis of each individually. The ways these items compare and contrast will end up forming the thesis of your essay!

When choosing a comparative topic, the key is that the comparison should be significant. I compared two plays to illustrate the transition in British theatre, but you could compare the ways different regional dialects affect people's job prospects or how different temperatures may or may not affect the mating patterns of lightning bugs. The point here is that comparisons not only help you limit your topic, but they also help you build your argument.

Comparisons are not the only way to get a grade-A EE, though. If after brainstorming, you pick a non-comparison-based topic and are still unsure whether your topic is too broad or narrow, spend about 30 minutes doing some basic research and see how much material is out there.

If there are more than 1,000 books, articles, or documentaries out there on that exact topic, it may be too broad. But if there are only two books that have any connection to your topic, it may be too narrow. If you're still unsure, ask your advisor—it's what they're there for! Speaking of advisors...

Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

#3: Choose an Advisor Who Is Familiar With Your Topic

If you're not certain of who you would like to be your advisor, create a list of your top three choices. Next, write down the pros and cons of each possibility (I know this sounds tedious, but it really helps!).

For example, Mr. Green is my favorite teacher and we get along really well, but he teaches English. For my EE, I want to conduct an experiment that compares the efficiency of American electric cars with foreign electric cars.

I had Ms. White a year ago. She teaches physics and enjoyed having me in her class. Unlike Mr. Green, Ms. White could help me design my experiment.

Based on my topic and what I need from my advisor, Ms. White would be a better fit for me than would Mr. Green (even though I like him a lot).

The moral of my story is this: do not just ask your favorite teacher to be your advisor . They might be a hindrance to you if they teach another subject. For example, I would not recommend asking your biology teacher to guide you in writing an English literature-based EE.

There can, of course, be exceptions to this rule. If you have a teacher who's passionate and knowledgeable about your topic (as my English teacher was about my theatre topic), you could ask that instructor. Consider all your options before you do this. There was no theatre teacher at my high school, so I couldn't find a theatre-specific advisor, but I chose the next best thing.

Before you approach a teacher to serve as your advisor, check with your high school to see what requirements they have for this process. Some IB high schools require your IB Extended Essay advisor to sign an Agreement Form , for instance.

Make sure that you ask your IB coordinator whether there is any required paperwork to fill out. If your school needs a specific form signed, bring it with you when you ask your teacher to be your EE advisor.

#4: Pick an Advisor Who Will Push You to Be Your Best

Some teachers might just take on students because they have to and aren't very passionate about reading drafts, only giving you minimal feedback. Choose a teacher who will take the time to read several drafts of your essay and give you extensive notes. I would not have gotten my A without being pushed to make my Extended Essay draft better.

Ask a teacher that you have experience with through class or an extracurricular activity. Do not ask a teacher that you have absolutely no connection to. If a teacher already knows you, that means they already know your strengths and weaknesses, so they know what to look for, where you need to improve, and how to encourage your best work.

Also, don't forget that your supervisor's assessment is part of your overall EE score . If you're meeting with someone who pushes you to do better—and you actually take their advice—they'll have more impressive things to say about you than a supervisor who doesn't know you well and isn't heavily involved in your research process.

Be aware that the IB only allows advisors to make suggestions and give constructive criticism. Your teacher cannot actually help you write your EE. The IB recommends that the supervisor spends approximately two to three hours in total with the candidate discussing the EE.

#5: Make Sure Your Essay Has a Clear Structure and Flow

The IB likes structure. Your EE needs a clear introduction (which should be one to two double-spaced pages), research question/focus (i.e., what you're investigating), a body, and a conclusion (about one double-spaced page). An essay with unclear organization will be graded poorly.

The body of your EE should make up the bulk of the essay. It should be about eight to 18 pages long (again, depending on your topic). Your body can be split into multiple parts. For example, if you were doing a comparison, you might have one third of your body as Novel A Analysis, another third as Novel B Analysis, and the final third as your comparison of Novels A and B.

If you're conducting an experiment or analyzing data, such as in this EE , your EE body should have a clear structure that aligns with the scientific method ; you should state the research question, discuss your method, present the data, analyze the data, explain any uncertainties, and draw a conclusion and/or evaluate the success of the experiment.

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

You will not be able to crank out a 4,000-word essay in just a week and get an A on it. You'll be reading many, many articles (and, depending on your topic, possibly books and plays as well!). As such, it's imperative that you start your research as soon as possible.

Each school has a slightly different deadline for the Extended Essay. Some schools want them as soon as November of your senior year; others will take them as late as February. Your school will tell you what your deadline is. If they haven't mentioned it by February of your junior year, ask your IB coordinator about it.

Some high schools will provide you with a timeline of when you need to come up with a topic, when you need to meet with your advisor, and when certain drafts are due. Not all schools do this. Ask your IB coordinator if you are unsure whether you are on a specific timeline.

Below is my recommended EE timeline. While it's earlier than most schools, it'll save you a ton of heartache (trust me, I remember how hard this process was!):

January/February of Junior Year: Come up with your final research topic (or at least your top three options).
February of Junior Year: Approach a teacher about being your EE advisor. If they decline, keep asking others until you find one. See my notes above on how to pick an EE advisor.
April/May of Junior Year: Submit an outline of your EE and a bibliography of potential research sources (I recommend at least seven to 10) to your EE advisor. Meet with your EE advisor to discuss your outline.
Summer Between Junior and Senior Year: Complete your first full draft over the summer between your junior and senior year. I know, I know—no one wants to work during the summer, but trust me—this will save you so much stress come fall when you are busy with college applications and other internal assessments for your IB classes. You will want to have this first full draft done because you will want to complete a couple of draft cycles as you likely won't be able to get everything you want to say into 4,000 articulate words on the first attempt. Try to get this first draft into the best possible shape so you don't have to work on too many revisions during the school year on top of your homework, college applications, and extracurriculars.
August/September of Senior Year: Turn in your first draft of your EE to your advisor and receive feedback. Work on incorporating their feedback into your essay. If they have a lot of suggestions for improvement, ask if they will read one more draft before the final draft.
September/October of Senior Year: Submit the second draft of your EE to your advisor (if necessary) and look at their feedback. Work on creating the best possible final draft.
November-February of Senior Year: Schedule your viva voce. Submit two copies of your final draft to your school to be sent off to the IB. You likely will not get your grade until after you graduate.

Remember that in the middle of these milestones, you'll need to schedule two other reflection sessions with your advisor . (Your teachers will actually take notes on these sessions on a form like this one , which then gets submitted to the IB.)

I recommend doing them when you get feedback on your drafts, but these meetings will ultimately be up to your supervisor. Just don't forget to do them!

The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

Extended Essays are graded by examiners appointed by the IB on a scale of 0 to 34 . You'll be graded on five criteria, each with its own set of points. You can learn more about how EE scoring works by reading the IB guide to extended essays .

Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum)
Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum)
Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum)
Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum)
Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

How well you do on each of these criteria will determine the final letter grade you get for your EE. You must earn at least a D to be eligible to receive your IB Diploma.

Although each criterion has a point value, the IB explicitly states that graders are not converting point totals into grades; instead, they're using qualitative grade descriptors to determine the final grade of your Extended Essay . Grade descriptors are on pages 102-103 of this document .

Here's a rough estimate of how these different point values translate to letter grades based on previous scoring methods for the EE. This is just an estimate —you should read and understand the grade descriptors so you know exactly what the scorers are looking for.

Here is the breakdown of EE scores (from the May 2021 bulletin):

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

The Extended Essay grade is combined with your TOK (Theory of Knowledge) grade to determine how many points you get toward your IB Diploma.

To learn about Theory of Knowledge or how many points you need to receive an IB Diploma, read our complete guide to the IB program and our guide to the IB Diploma requirements .

This diagram shows how the two scores are combined to determine how many points you receive for your IB diploma (3 being the most, 0 being the least). In order to get your IB Diploma, you have to earn 24 points across both categories (the TOK and EE). The highest score anyone can earn is 45 points.

Let's say you get an A on your EE and a B on TOK. You will get 3 points toward your Diploma. As of 2014, a student who scores an E on either the extended essay or TOK essay will not be eligible to receive an IB Diploma .

Prior to the class of 2010, a Diploma candidate could receive a failing grade in either the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge and still be awarded a Diploma, but this is no longer true.

Figuring out how you're assessed can be a little tricky. Luckily, the IB breaks everything down here in this document . (The assessment information begins on page 219.)

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

In case you want a little more guidance on how to get an A on your EE, here are over 40 excellent (grade A) sample extended essays for your reading pleasure. Essays are grouped by IB subject.

Business Management 1
Chemistry 1
Chemistry 2
Chemistry 3
Chemistry 4
Chemistry 5
Chemistry 6
Chemistry 7
Computer Science 1
Economics 1
Design Technology 1
Design Technology 2
Environmental Systems and Societies 1
Geography 1
Geography 2
Geography 3
Geography 4
Geography 5
Geography 6
Literature and Performance 1
Mathematics 1
Mathematics 2
Mathematics 3
Mathematics 4
Mathematics 5
Philosophy 1
Philosophy 2
Philosophy 3
Philosophy 4
Philosophy 5
Psychology 1
Psychology 2
Psychology 3
Psychology 4
Psychology 5
Social and Cultural Anthropology 1
Social and Cultural Anthropology 2
Social and Cultural Anthropology 3
Sports, Exercise and Health Science 1
Sports, Exercise and Health Science 2
Visual Arts 1
Visual Arts 2
Visual Arts 3
Visual Arts 4
Visual Arts 5
World Religion 1
World Religion 2
World Religion 3

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Extended Essay Topics: 50+ Examples for Subject in EE

by Antony W

July 30, 2022

This is the complete list of Extended Essay topics on different EE subject areas. We’ve packed this guide with as many topic ideas as possible.

So if you’re just getting started with the IB extended essay assignment and you’re already stuck on topic selection, this post might help you to get unstuck.

What is an Extended Essay?

Abbreviated as EE, the Extended Essay is a required component of the IB Diploma Program for all students, regardless of the disciplines they are studying.

The objective of the Extended Essay is to offer students the chance to conduct research on a topic of their choice and demonstrate knowledge and reading beyond the classroom curriculum. The essay also provides students with the opportunity to develop abilities necessary for researching and writing in advanced learning institutions.

Students often begin working on their essay during the second term of their first year of the IB Diploma Program. They will require a manager (one of the teachers at their school) with whom they will meet on a regular basis to help them outline their research questions and lead them through the writing process.

The IB diploma program allows you to prepare and submit one draft to the supervisor for input, followed by a second, final draft. As for the length of the extended essay, you want to make sure the assignment doesn’t exceed 4,000 words .

Getting Extended Essay Help

Owing to the very nature of the IB program, searching for an extended essay topic and getting the task completed can be an involving task. If you feel like the whole process would end up rather overwhelming, you can take advantage of our extended essay writing service and we’ll help you get the task done.

For just $19.09/page, you can get the professional writing help and advice required to score a 34 in your Extended Essay. The pricing is standard regardless of the topic you would like to work on.

Extended Essay Topics

If you’re confident that you can write an extended essay yourself, and you should, you need to start with selecting the right topic for the assignment. Here are some topic ideas to get you started:

1. English Extended Essay Topics

The following are some of the best examples of topic ideas to consider if you choose to write an Extended Essay in the English subject.

How the heroic couplets of the neoclassical period differed from those of the romantic period, and why classical poetry had so many rules.
How many different styles of poetry can we observe from the English Renaissance through modernism and postmodernism?
Does colonialism have an effect on modern poetry and the manner in which it evolves during the many eras of colonial rule?
Why has euphemism been so prominent in the English language for so long and how does this affect the lexicon and structure of the language?
Can we argue that, unlike other languages of the globe, English is a language of conventions and traditions with no hard and fast rules?
What function does slang play in the English language, and how are slang terms now preserved in official and academic dictionaries?
What are the primary causes of the gradual shift in the spelling of English words through time?
Impact of globalization on the evolution of the English language as it becomes the universal language.

We encourage you to read more about English Extended Essay for further insights.

2. Biology Extended Essay Topics

How do age and gender influence the photoreceptor cells in the human retina?
What effects does climate change have on the appearance of coral reefs?
An analysis of how antioxidants function in the human body?
Which of hand sanitizer, hand soap, or antibacterial wipes inhibits the development of E. coli the most effectively?
How does population density between X and X’s population size relate?
What is the link between the growth hormone indoleacetic acid and the growth of X?

You can read more about Biology EE here.

3. Business Management Extended Essay Topics

We put together an in-depth guide on IB Business Management EE to give you more insight about the subject.

In addition to teaching you exactly how to write an EE in this subject, the post includes some interesting topic ideas as well as their respective research questions.

Remember to check it out to learn more.

4. Chemistry Extended Essay Topics

What effect does acid rain have on the trees, plants, and public gardens in your neighborhood?
Analyze the chemical composition of various types of lava and magma rocks from across the world.
What kinds of chemical components are responsible for the majority of food allergies?
Examine the chemistry of MDMA and other “nightclub” or designer drugs in users of various ages.
Examine how chemical experiments and the knowledge gained from them have altered the globe.
How has the usage of fluoride in the community’s water supply benefited and harmed the community?
What chemical difference does choosing organic foods vs pesticide-treated foods have on our bodies?
What impact have big cosmetics manufacturers made on our contemporary understanding of chemistry?
What type of chemistry is involved in making generic medications cheaper than brand-name pharmaceuticals?

You can read more about Chemistry Extended Essay in this post.

5. Computer Science Extended Essay Topics

In what way are support vector machines more accurate in predicting ATP tennis matches than artificial neural networks?
To what extent are Java-generated pseudo-random numbers more predictable than C#-generated numbers?
How much more effectively does MP3 encoding reduce quality loss and file size than OGG in terms of algorithmic efficiency and encoded file quality?
How well does the binary search algorithm locate specific values among variable-sized data sets?
How much more efficient is Depth First Search than Breadth First Search for path finding in artificial intelligence and robot motion planning?
To what degree is hashing a more appropriate and efficient method than binary search for locating specific values in different-sized data sets?
How do Password Length and Character Variation Influence the Entropy of a Password?
How much more space-efficient is the AES symmetric encryption method compared to the Blowfish symmetric encryption technique when encrypting data of varied sizes and types?

6. Economics Extended Essay Topics

What is the connection between unemployment and economic contraction?
Is Alcohol Consumption Regulation Beneficial to the Stock Market?
Trucking Companies and the Effects of Sanctions and Trade Embargoes
Analysis of the Effects of Increasing Taxes on Multinational Corporations and Religious Organizations
What Negative Effects Will a “Hard” Brexit Have on Scotland and Wales?
How Will the Substitution of Fossil Fuels with Solar Power Affect the Economies of Middle Eastern Nations?
In Sub-Saharan Africa, deforestation and man-made disasters are the leading causes of poverty.

We’ve written an in-depth guide on Economics Extended Essay, and we encourage you to check it out to learn more about the subject.

7. Environmental Systems and Societies EE Topics

The following are some interesting topics on the Environmental Systems and Societies. The X is a variable, which can be a name of any city or country you’d wish to investigate in your ESS.

What forest and woodland restoration strategies exist in Siberia, Russia, and one is the most effective?
How can human meddling in X city/country/continent produce ecological imbalances?
What effect does urbanization have on the bee population in X city?
What are the distinctions between Yosemite National Park (California, USA) and Lake District National Park (United Kingdom) in terms of dialogue efforts?
How much have healthcare policies in nation X affected its human population curve?
What impact has X’s landfill had on the surrounding terrestrial ecosystem?

You can read our ESS guide to learn more about this subject before you start working on your Extended Essay assignment.

8. Film Extended Essay Topics

Relationship between IMDB ratings and several national and international film honors
The current transformation of masculinity as represented in Fight Club
Varieties of timeline modification methods in cinematography
Sci-fi film portrayals of scientists and the scientific method are grossly inaccurate.
Moving camera – inventive approaches (such as those utilized in The Matrix or Guy Ritchie’s film)
How can filmic approaches depict the evolution of Disney princesses from 1937 to 2012?
How are transgender characters portrayed in two films from distinct periods?

9. Geography Extended Essay Topics

What socioeconomic and urban design elements contribute to high vandalism rates in Eindhoven’s neighborhoods?
How does the quality of life of Filipina Foreign Domestic Workers in Downtown Singapore compare to that of Filipinas in the Philippines?
An inquiry examining whether Singapore qualifies as a sustainable city
To what degree do migratory patterns and motivations in the northern area of Thailand correspond to predicted migration movements in an LDC?
Comparative analysis of the provision of public services in Warsaw’s districts

Check out our complete guide on Geography EE to learn more about the subject. Make sure you check the assessment criteria part, so you can write the kind of an EE that earns you top grades – if not a 34.

10. Global Politics EE

The legitimacy of the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq; to what extent was the invasion justified? (2021)
How media depictions and government information can diverge
How the success of a political party in one nation may affect the results in another.
Comparing the influence of global political trends on two countries reveals contrasting results.
The effect of a single crisis on the political ties between two countries

We’ve put together a more comprehensive guide on Global Politics Extended Essay . So we encourage you to check that out to learn more.

11. History Extended Essay

The consequences of dropping nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
You can investigate the economic, ethnic, social, and even environmental consequences of conflict diamonds.
The evolution of military technology during the American Civil War
The post-apartheid work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Southwest Africa
The rise and collapse of the Ottoman Empire and its economic influence

You can get more topic ideas on this subject from this post .

12. Math Extended Essay

How can mathematics be used to determine the ideal distance from the try line for positioning the ball for a rugby union conversion kick?
In the sliding tile problem, what is the graph structure of m x n?
How long does it take to travel around the whole Singapore MRT network? (2015)
Modeling mathematics – An examination of the Richardson arms race model (2020)
Real-world applications of a study of differential equations of the second order
A mathematical examination of shock absorbers’ damped harmonic motion

Our IB Math EE guide has more insights worth checking out. So we recommend going through the guide before you start writing an extended essay on this subject.

13. Physics Extended Essay Ideas

How may the design of an airplane’s wings affect its aerodynamic performance?
Why is it required for the wing of an aircraft to have an ‘angle of attack’? Is it impossible for the aircraft to behave the same without the angle of attack?
If landing gears are a cause of drag during flight, how is a Cessna able to deliver a sufficient amount of force to overcome drag?

14. Psychology EE Ideas

What do we know about the connection between stress and bodily disease, and can we utilize this information to manage stress?
To what degree can psychology offer plausible explanations for altruistic behavior?
Which strategies are most effective in assisting autistic youngsters in improving their everyday functioning?
The difficulty of identifying particular genetic variables that might indicate an autism risk
How well biological (or sociocultural) variables explain the origin of homosexuality.
To what degree does parental discipline affect the temperament of their children?
Are Montessori schools, which utilize a humanistic approach to education, also consistent with cognitive theory?

We’ve put together a complete guide on Physics Extended Essay. So, check that out to learn more about the subject.

15. Visual Arts

What role did national themes have in the creative activity of Russian avant-garde artists associated with the Knave of Diamonds society?
How did men and women’s clothes communicate National Socialist ideals?
How does Yinka Shonibare’s work represent the evolving importance of African art in a global society?
What are the origins of Romanesque architecture in Arles?
Are there pop art elements in the design of Pakistani trucks?

Check out this post to learn more about the topic.

About the author

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

Guide to the IB Extended Essay in 2024

January 24, 2024

If you’re an International Baccalaureate student getting ready to write your IB Extended Essay, you might be experiencing some very understandable trepidation. But have no fear—we’re here to help you understand what’s required of you, how to plan ahead (IB extended essay topics), and how you’ll be graded (IB extended essay rubric). Keep reading for a good dose of preparation and confidence before you begin the journey. In this article, we’ll cover:

What is the IB Extended Essay?

The ib extended essay—required content, ib extended essay topics.

IB Extended Essay—Sample Essays

IB Extended Essay Tips

Ib extended essay rubric, ib extended essay—more resources.

The IB Extended Essay is a 4,000-word paper that asks you to immerse yourself in research and academic writing. A required part of the IB program, the Extended Essay is a chance to dig deep into a topic that fascinates you.

Although it’s no small task, the IB Extended Essay is an opportunity to gain practical research and writing skills that will come in handy again in college. As you write, you’ll learn how to:

Identify credible sources
Formulate a research question and limit your scope of research
Communicate ideas to an audience
Develop a well-supported argument

The IB Extended Essay is largely an independent, self-directed project, but don’t worry—the IB program doesn’t throw you into the deep end. You do get to select a mentor (usually a teacher at your school) to help guide you through the process. As you write, you’ll be required to meet with your mentor three times. As part of your final evaluation, your mentor will interview you in a final reflection section called a viva voce . During the viva voce, your mentor will check for plagiarism and malpractice, ask you to reflect on challenges and difficulties, and prompt you to discuss what you’ve learned through the research and writing process. Your mentor will then generate a report that factors into your final grade.

Your final essay must include the following:

Contents page
Introduction
Body of the essay
References and bibliography

For this essay, it will be up to you to generate a topic; the International Baccalaureate does not provide prompts. However, your essay will need to fit within one of six provided subject areas . You’ll choose from the following list of IB Extended Essay Topics:

Language and literature
Language acquisition
Individuals and societies
Mathematics

IB Extended Essay Topics (Continued)

At a glance, the subject areas might look limited, but the topics you can choose to write about are actually wide-ranging. The “Individuals and societies” category includes social science topics like economics, history, world religions, and philosophy. And, if you’re leaning toward “Science,” you can choose from classic subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics, or related topics like environmental systems or health science, among others.

The IB also offers a special “World Studies” option for students interested in researching global issues. This subject would allow you to center your writing on global issues such as migration, global health, cultural exchange, or climate change.

Wondering what an outstanding IB Extended Essay looks like? The International Baccalaureate provides quite a few sample student essays online . Here are five essays that earned A grades.

Language and literature: An exploration of an aspect of the narrative voice in Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita

Environmental Systems and Societies: The economic impact of the 1995 reintroduction of grey wolves to Yellowstone National Park

Psychology: To what extent do social networking sites (SNS) usage lead to experience of anxiety in adolescents?

Music: Composition techniques in the 1st movement of Johannes Brahms’s Symphony No. 2, Op. 73

Business Management: Corporate Culture at Oracle

1) Pick something you’re passionate about

As you can see from the titles above, the IB Extended Essay is a great place to delve into a niche topic that fascinates you. Since you’ll be spending many months on this essay, you’ll want to pick a topic you genuinely enjoy spending time learning about. It’s also smart to choose something you’ve already learned about in your IB classes so that you have a strong foundation of knowledge to start with. In music class, do you love pondering why music makes us feel a certain way? Maybe an essay about music theory will keep your gears turning. Do you come alive trying to solve seemingly impossible problems in physics class? Now’s your chance to put those equations into action.

Since this essay is all about your academic interests, it’s also a good idea to pick a topic that’s relevant to what you plan to study in college. Selecting a relevant topic will provide you with significant exposure to the field and will also give you something meaningful to talk about in your college admissions essays.

2) Limit your scope

What’s the meaning of life? Why do wars happen? What is time? Some questions are just way too big to answer, and your IB Extended Essay is not a good place to tackle expansive, philosophical questions. Instead, think of this essay as a place to investigate one piece of a big question. If, let’s say, you’re generally interested in what helps women reach positions of leadership in business, this is a good place to examine how one or a few companies approach this issue. Or, if you’re interested in studying what inspires surrealist painters, you’ll want to pick one or a few painters to research, likely all from the same time period. For both these topics, you’d need a whole textbook to tackle the full question, but limiting your scope will make it much easier to write a clear and cohesive 4,000 words.

On the other hand, it’s possible to narrow your focus too much. It would be impossible, for example, to write 4,000 words about a single sentence in a novel. Make sure you talk about scope early and often with your mentor. Together, you can find the perfect Goldilocks scope for your project that’s not too big and not too small.

3) Choose a good mentor

Speaking of mentors, choosing wisely will help you enormously as you embark on your IB Extended Essay. You’ll want to make sure you choose someone with existing knowledge in your research topic. Your English teacher may be able to give you great writing advice, for example, but they won’t be able to guide your research and scope if you’re writing about marine animals or modern dance.

Before you approach a teacher, make sure you have at least one topic idea (or even a few ideas) in mind so that you can make sure they’ll be a good fit to supervise your project. When you meet with them, find out what their mentorship style is like. Make sure they’ll have time to read several drafts of your essays, meet with you a few times, and give you feedback. Some IB schools will require your IB Extended Essay mentor to sign an agreement form too, so make sure you find out what paperwork is required in advance.

4) Get organized, way organized

The IB Extended Essay is not something you can crank out the night before it’s due. The essay is meant to be a substantive, in-depth, thoughtful, and thoroughly researched analysis, and Rome simply isn’t built in a day. This might be the longest paper you’ve written to date, and this project might require more research than you’ve been asked to do before. Timelines vary by school, but you’ll likely spend between eight months and a year working on your IB Extended Essay. So, how will you pull it all off? For these 8-12 months, organization will be your guiding light. We recommend you:

Get started early. If your essay is due November of your senior year, start generating topic ideas during your junior year right after winter break.
Create a long-view schedule for yourself. What will you accomplish each month of your process?
Give yourself deadlines. Once you choose a mentor, suggest 2-3 draft deadline dates so that you will be held accountable throughout the writing process.
Find a note-taking system that works for you. You’ll be reading many articles and books and it’s hard to keep track of all your sources. Create a document or spreadsheet where you keep track of the sources you’ve found and check them off as you read. As you finish reading a text, type up important quotes and a few notes explaining how it connects to your topic and to your other texts.

5)Write a messy first draft

Writing never comes out perfect the first time, even for New York Times bestselling authors and the most experienced researchers. In your first draft, give yourself permission to get all your thoughts out, no matter how unstructured or rambling they are. Call this your brainstorming draft. When you’re ready to revisit it, see what patterns emerge, what common ideas you can group together, what beginning buds of ideas you can make bloom into full-fledged analysis.

6) Communicate for an audience

When you’re used to producing writing that only your teacher reads, it can be hard to remember to write for an audience. But at the end of the day, writing is communication , and the best writing is clear and thorough communication that anyone could pick up and read. For your IB Extended Essay, you’ll want to remember that many people will be reading your final essay, and not all of them will be experts in the niche topic you choose to study. Ask yourself: how can I explain my research to an audience who doesn’t already agree with my analysis?

To communicate to an audience, you’ll want to:

Provide lots of general background information on your topic.
Don’t assume your reader is familiar with your sources. Introduce them as if they’re guest speakers about to walk up to a podium and deliver a lecture.
After including quotes, facts, and figures, be sure to explain what those sources mean in your own words and how they connect to your bigger-picture argument.
Don’t assume your arguments are self-evident. In this essay, communicating for an audience means supplying ongoing interpretation and analysis, even if it feels like you’re explaining the obvious. Your reader isn’t on your research journey with you, so your points might not be so obvious to your reader.

Although your IB Extended Essay provides a report that factors into your grade, your essay will also be assessed by external examiners the IB. Per the IB Extended Essay Rubric , essays are graded on a scale from 0 to 34 based on 5 different criteria:

Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum)
Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum)
Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum)
Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum)
Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

As you can see, Critical Thinking is the most significant rubric category. This means that the IB wants to see you arrive at your own unique analysis of your topic, drawing connections between sources and data, and making well-supported arguments. This means they want a lot of you: your ideas, your interpretations, your thoughts. Make sure you emphasize that in your essay, but of course don’t forget the other categories.

The score a student receives corresponds to a letter grade scale that is slightly different than what we’re accustomed to in the U.S. Here’s the letter grade to numerical score breakdown:

You must earn a D or higher to receive your IB Diploma. To learn more about the different criteria included in the IB Extended Essay Rubric, you can explore the IB’s full guide to the Extended Essay .

We hope you found our look at the IB extended essay rubric and IB extended essay topics to be helpful. Ready to dive into research? You may want to read our 10 Expert Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension before you hit the books.

And if you’re a high school student in the process of mapping out your pathway to college, take a look at a few other useful guides:

IB vs AP—Which Classes are Best for College Admission?
How to Earn College Credit in High School
High School Course Requirements for College Admission
SAT Score Calculator
ACT Score Calculator
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Christina Wood

Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeney’s , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story “The Astronaut” won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a “Distinguished Stories” mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.

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How to Choose an IB Extended Essay Topic

What’s covered:, what is the ib extended essay, what makes a good extended essay topic, narrowing down your focus, how is the extended essay scored.

How Does The Extended Essay Affect My Admissions Chances?

The International Baccalaureate Program (IB) curriculum requires students to go above and beyond typical academic standards for most high school students. One of the required tasks is writing the extended essay. To further understand the extended essay, we need to understand what IB’s core is, which is related to the 45 points one can achieve in IB . Out of 45 points, three of these points come from the core, which is made up of the extended essay (EE), theory of knowledge, and CAS. Performing well in the EE is critical to doing well in IB, because passing the core is a necessary component of earning the diploma.

The EE is one of the mandatory components of the IB curriculum, and it’s a practical way of preparing students to write undergraduate-level research papers in the form of a 4000 word essay. You would choose which subject to write your EE on in relation to the subject sets you take when in IB, so you have six choices. If you were to ideally timeline the extended essay and plan all the work out early, you’d start planning a topic the first semester of your junior year (or IB year 1).

Starting early to pick a topic is an advantage many students miss, because the phase of the EE in which most students get stuck on is just finalizing a solid topic to write about. While picking a topic shouldn’t be too stressful, it is important to pick one you could enjoy writing about, as lack of interest is apparent in an essay and will come across to your examiner.

Searching for ideas to create a topic can come from different sources, but for most people it usually begins with the subjects you’re already taking. For example, let’s say you chose to write an EE in Physics HL or SL, then it does not matter too much. You’d use the topics discussed in class content, ranging from textbooks to lectures as source material for inspiration to create a topic for yourself.

Perhaps you found yourself particularly interested in planetary physics – you could then read more into that unit of the course and hopefully find bits of information to help create a topic.

After finding a source of inspiration for your topic, structuring your ideas in a specific format to create a topic is important.

On the idea of physics, a great topic would be:

Physics EE on Aerodynamics: What is the relationship between frequency and surface area against lift of the propeller of a toy helicopter?

The reason this topic is great is because we can instantly tell how specified and narrowed down the central focus of the paper is just off a glance. Narrowing down your focus in your topic allows you, as the writer, to stay on track throughout the entirety of the paper. Derailing from your topic and going out of its bounds can lead to irrelevant information, making the content of your paper essentially useless. Keep your topic narrow and make sure to follow the topic throughout the entire paper, so you end up with a concise paper that actually can conclude with a solution to whatever your paper seeks to solve.

Additionally, using keywords in your topic that give the examiner an idea of what they’re going to read is important. In this case, the writer used “frequency” and “surface area,” telling us they’re writing a paper related to mechanics as well.

Understanding that the topic is the skeleton of your essay, make sure to refer back to it every time you make a finding or reveal data directly relevant to answering the topic’s question. Using data and evidence that isn’t relevant to your narrowed down topic will also cause you to lose points, simply because of the lack of use for it.

The EE is scored out of 34 total points, with grade boundaries being assigned to associated letter grades with it. The following table lists the grade boundaries with their respective letter grades:

As mentioned earlier, the EE is part of a larger component of the IB curriculum, the core of IB. The core has its own grading scheme that also determines whether or not you pass and earn the diploma. It goes by the following table:

How Does the Extended Essay Affect My Admissions Chances?

While the EE has no direct impact on your college admissions, it does impact your total IB grade. However, even though your IB grade has little impact on your college admissions, being part of IB demonstrates proof of taking rigorous classes, which will positively impact your college admissions.

That being said, writing the EE will also make you a much better essay writer, and this could later help you in writing essays for college admissions! For more information on how your chances of college admissions look, use CollegeVine’s admissions calculator ! This tool takes into account GPA, test scores, classes, and more to calculate your admissions chances at your dream schools!

How To Write The Extended Essay (With Topics and Examples)

This comprehensive guide navigates through every aspect of the EE, from selecting a topic and developing a research question to conducting in-depth research and writing a compelling essay. It offers practical strategies, insights, and tips to help students craft a piece of work that not only meets the rigorous standards of the IB but also reflects their academic passion and curiosity. Join us as we explore the keys to success in the Extended Essay, preparing you for an intellectually rewarding experience.

Posted: 13th February 2024

Section jump links:

Section 1: Understanding the IB Extended Essay

Section 2: the importance of the extended essay, section 3: selecting a topic, section 4: developing your research question, section 5: research methodology and theoretical frameworks, section 6: evaluating sources and data, section 7: integrating evidence and analysis, section 8: writing and structuring the extended essay, section 9: reflection and the rppf, section 10: the significance of academic discipline in the ee, section 11: good practice in extended essay writing, section 12: managing the extended essay process, section 13: collaboration and feedback, section 14: avoiding plagiarism, section 15: emphasising original thought, section 16: final presentation and viva voce, section 17: beyond the extended essay, what is the ib extended essay.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay (EE) is a cornerstone of the IB Diploma Programme . It’s an independent, self-directed piece of research, culminating in a 4,000-word paper. This project offers students an opportunity to investigate a topic of their own choice, bridging the gap between classwork and the kind of research required at the university level.

Key Objectives and the Role of the EE in the IB Curriculum

The Extended Essay has several key objectives:

To provide students with the chance to engage in an in-depth study of a question of interest within a chosen subject.
To develop research, thinking, self-management, and communication skills.
To introduce students to the excitement and challenges of academic research.

The EE plays a critical role in the IB curriculum by:

Encouraging intellectual discovery and creativity.
Facilitating academic growth and personal development through research and writing.
Preparing students for the rigours of higher education.

Extended Essay Word Count and Requirements

The EE has a maximum word count of 4,000 words. This does not include the abstract, contents page, bibliography, or footnotes (which must be used sparingly). Here are some essential requirements:

Research Question: Your essay must be focused on a clear, concise research question. You should aim to provide a comprehensive answer to this question through your research and writing.
Subject : The EE can be written in one of the student’s six chosen subjects for the IB diploma or in a subject recognized by the IB.
Supervision : Each student is assigned a supervisor (usually a teacher in their school) who provides guidance and support throughout the research and writing process.
Assessment: The essay is externally assessed by the IB, contributing up to three points towards the total score for the IB diploma, depending on the grade achieved and the performance in the Theory of Knowledge course.

The Extended Essay is not just an academic requirement but a unique opportunity to explore a topic of personal interest in depth. This can be an incredibly rewarding experience, providing valuable skills and insights that will serve you well in your future academic and professional endeavours.

The EE is more than just a requirement for the IB Diploma. It’s an essential part of the IB experience , offering profound benefits for students. Let’s explore why the EE holds such significance.

Academic and Personal Development Benefits

Skill enhancement:.

The EE fosters a range of academic skills crucial for success in higher education and beyond. It teaches students how to:

Conduct comprehensive research
Develop a coherent argument
Write extensively on a subject
Manage time effectively

Personal Growth:

Beyond academic prowess, the EE encourages personal development. Students learn to:

Pursue their interests deeply
Overcome challenges independently
Reflect on their learning process
Enhance their curiosity and creativity

Contribution to University Admissions

Standout applications:.

The EE can be a significant advantage in university applications . It demonstrates a student’s ability to undertake serious research projects and commit to an intensive academic task. Universities value this dedication, seeing it as indicative of a student’s readiness for undergraduate studies.

Showcase of Skills:

The EE allows students to showcase their research, writing, and analytical skills. It provides concrete evidence of their academic abilities and their capacity to engage deeply with a topic of interest.

Skill Development: Research, Writing, and Critical Thinking

Research Skills:

Students learn to navigate academic literature, evaluate sources, and gather relevant data. This process sharpens their research skills, laying a solid foundation for future academic endeavours.

Writing Skills:

Crafting a 4,000-word essay challenges students to express their ideas clearly and persuasively. It hones their writing skills, teaching them the art of structured and focused academic writing.

Critical Thinking:

The EE encourages students to analyse information critically, assess arguments, and develop their viewpoints. This critical engagement fosters a sophisticated level of thought, beneficial in both academic and real-world contexts.

In conclusion, the Extended Essay is a pivotal element of the IB Diploma Programme. It’s an invaluable opportunity for intellectual and personal growth, preparing students for the challenges of higher education and beyond. With its emphasis on independent research and writing, the EE equips students with the skills and confidence to navigate their future academic journeys successfully.

Choosing a topic for your Extended Essay is the first step in a journey towards developing a deep understanding of a specific area of interest. It’s crucial to select a topic that is not only academically viable but also personally engaging. Here’s how to navigate this critical phase.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your EE Topic

Interest and passion:.

Select a topic that fascinates you. Your interest will sustain motivation over the months of research and writing.

Availability of Resources:

Ensure there are enough resources available on your chosen topic. Access to libraries, databases, and experts in the field is essential for comprehensive research.

Scope and Focus:

The topic should be narrow enough to allow for in-depth study yet broad enough to find sufficient research material. Balancing specificity with resource availability is key.

IB Subject Areas:

Your topic must align with one of the subjects you are studying in the IB Diploma Programme or an approved subject area. Familiarity with the subject’s methodology and criteria is crucial for success.

How to Align Your Interests with the IB Subjects

Explore the syllabus:.

Review the syllabus of your IB subjects to identify topics that interest you. This can provide a framework for your EE.

Consult with Teachers:

Teachers can offer insights into feasible topics that align with the IB criteria and offer guidance on how to approach them.

Consider Interdisciplinary Topics:

Some of the most engaging EEs explore the intersection between different subjects. If this interests you, ensure your approach meets the criteria for an interdisciplinary essay under the IB’s World Studies EE option.

Extended Essay Topics: Examples Across Various Disciplines

Sciences: How does the introduction of non-native plant species affect biodiversity in your local ecosystem?
History : What was the impact of Winston Churchill’s leadership on Britain’s role in World War II?
English: How does the use of unreliable narrators influence the reader’s perception in Ian McEwan’s novels?
Mathematics: Investigating the application of the Fibonacci sequence in predicting stock market movements.
Visual Arts: Exploring the influence of Japanese art on Claude Monet’s painting style.

Selecting the right topic is foundational to your EE journey. It shapes your research direction, influences your engagement with the essay, and ultimately contributes to the satisfaction and success of your EE experience. Take your time, consult widely, and choose a topic that you are eager to explore in depth.

Crafting a focused and clear research question is a pivotal element of your Extended Essay. This question not only guides your research but also frames your essay’s entire structure. It’s the question to which your essay will provide an answer, and as such, it requires thoughtful consideration and precision.

A well-developed research question should be specific, relevant, and challenging. It should invite analysis, discussion, and the exploration of significant academic literature. Here’s a deeper look into formulating a robust research question for your EE.

Characteristics of a Strong Research Question

The hallmark of a strong research question is its specificity. It shouldn’t be too broad, as this could lead to a superficial treatment of the topic.

Conversely, a question that’s too narrow might not allow for comprehensive exploration or significant discussion. Finding a balance is key. The question should also be focused on a particular aspect of a subject area, enabling in-depth analysis within the word count limit.

Another important characteristic is the question’s alignment with available resources. Before finalising your question, ensure that you have access to sufficient data and scholarly research to support your investigation. This might involve preliminary searches in academic databases, libraries, or consultation with your supervisor.

Tips for Refining Your Research Question

Start by brainstorming broad topic areas that interest you. Once you’ve identified a general area of interest, begin narrowing down by asking yourself specific questions about the topic. What aspects of this topic are unexplored or underexplored? What specific angle can I take that will make my research unique?

It’s also beneficial to review past EEs or academic journals for inspiration. Seeing how others have structured their research questions can provide valuable insight into crafting your own. However, ensure your question remains original and tailored to your interests.

Examples of Effective Research Questions

To give you an idea of what a well-formulated research question looks like, here are a few examples:

Biology: How does the concentration of a specific nutrient affect the growth rate of plant species X in a hydroponic setup compared to soil-based growth?
History: To what extent did the public speeches of Martin Luther King Jr. influence the public’s perception of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States between 1963 and 1968?
Economics: How significant is the impact of recent economic policies on small businesses in [specific location] during the COVID-19 pandemic?
English Literature: How does the use of magical realism in Gabriel García Márquez’s ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ reflect the political and social issues of post-colonial Latin America?

Developing your research question is an iterative process. It may evolve as you delve deeper into your research. Be open to refining your question based on the information you discover and discussions with your supervisor. A well-crafted research question will not only guide your research effectively but also engage your interest throughout the writing process, leading to a more meaningful and insightful Extended Essay.

A critical component of your Extended Essay is selecting an appropriate research methodology and theoretical framework. These elements are foundational to conducting your research and crafting your argument, influencing how you collect, analyse, and interpret data.

Understanding Research Methodologies

Research methodology refers to the systematic approach you take to investigate your research question. It encompasses the methods and procedures you use to collect and analyse data. Your chosen methodology should align with the nature of your research question and the objectives of your essay.

In the sciences, for example, your methodology might involve experiments, observations, or simulations to gather empirical data. In the humanities, you may lean towards content analysis, comparative analysis, or historical investigation, relying on textual or archival sources.

Selecting the right methodology is crucial. It should provide a clear path to answering your research question, considering the resources available and the scope of your essay. It’s also important to justify your choice of methodology in your essay, explaining why it’s appropriate for your research question and how it will help you achieve your objectives.

Applying Theoretical Frameworks

Theoretical frameworks provide a lens through which your research is conducted and interpreted. They offer a structured way to understand and analyse your findings, grounding your study in existing knowledge and theories.

Choosing a theoretical framework involves identifying relevant theories, models, or concepts that apply to your topic. For instance, if you’re exploring media representation of gender, you might utilise feminist theory as a framework to analyse your findings. In economics, you might apply game theory to understand competitive behaviours in a market.

The framework should guide your analysis, providing a coherent basis for interpreting your data. It helps to structure your argument, offering a deeper insight into the significance of your findings within the broader academic discourse.

Integrating Methodology and Frameworks into Your Research

Successfully integrating your chosen methodology and theoretical framework involves a few key steps:

Clarify the Scope: Ensure your research question, methodology, and theoretical framework align in scope and focus. They should work together seamlessly to guide your research.
Justify Your Choices: Explain the rationale behind your chosen methodology and framework. Discuss why they are suitable for your research question and how they will support your investigation.
Apply Consistently: Use your methodology and framework consistently throughout your research and analysis. This consistency strengthens the coherence and academic rigour of your essay.

Reflecting on these components during the planning stage can enhance the quality of your research and the clarity of your argument. Your methodology and theoretical framework are not just academic requirements; they’re tools that shape the direction and depth of your inquiry, enabling a more structured and insightful exploration of your topic.

In the journey of crafting an Extended Essay (EE), the ability to critically evaluate sources and data stands as a fundamental skill. This evaluation is crucial in establishing the credibility and reliability of the information that forms the backbone of your research. Understanding how to discern the quality and relevance of your sources ensures that your EE is built on a solid foundation of trustworthy information.

Criteria for Selecting Credible and Relevant Sources

Authority: Consider the source’s authorship. Look for works by experts in the field, academic institutions, or reputable organisations. The author’s qualifications and affiliations can significantly impact the reliability of the information.

Accuracy: The information should be supported by evidence, referenced appropriately, and free from factual errors. Reliable sources often undergo a peer-review process, ensuring that the content is scrutinised and validated by other experts in the field.

Currency: The relevance of information can diminish over time, especially in fields that evolve rapidly, such as science and technology. Ensure that the sources you use are up-to-date, reflecting the latest research and developments.

Purpose: Understand the purpose behind the information. Is it to inform, persuade, entertain, or sell? Recognising the intent can help you assess potential biases, which is particularly important when dealing with controversial topics.

Techniques for Evaluating the Reliability and Validity of Data

Cross-Verification: Cross-check information across multiple sources to verify its accuracy and reliability. Consistency among various sources can be a good indicator of the information’s validity.

Statistical Analysis: When dealing with numerical data, consider its statistical significance and the methodology used in its collection. Reliable data should be gathered using sound scientific methods and accurately represent the population or phenomena studied.

Source Evaluation Tools: Utilise tools and checklists designed to evaluate the credibility of sources. These can provide a structured approach to assessing the quality of your research materials.

Incorporating Primary vs. Secondary Sources Effectively

Primary Sources: These are firsthand accounts or direct evidence concerning the topic you’re researching. They include interviews, surveys, experiments, and historical documents. Primary sources offer original insights and data, allowing for a deeper and more personal engagement with your subject.

Secondary Sources: These sources analyse, interpret, or summarise information from primary sources. They include textbooks, articles, and reviews. Secondary sources can provide context, background, and a broader perspective on your topic.

Balancing primary and secondary sources enriches your research, providing both the raw data and the interpretations that help frame your analysis. By rigorously evaluating sources and data, you ensure that your Extended Essay rests on a foundation of credible and relevant information, enhancing the depth and rigour of your investigation.

The heart of a compelling Extended Essay (EE) lies in the seamless integration of evidence and analysis. This integration not only supports and substantiates your arguments but also demonstrates your ability to critically engage with your research topic. Here’s how to weave evidence and analysis together in a way that enhances the strength and persuasiveness of your EE.

Strategies for Integrating Evidence Seamlessly into Your Argument

Directly Link Evidence to Your Thesis: Every piece of evidence you include should directly support or relate to your thesis statement. This ensures that all the information contributes to building your argument coherently.

Use Evidence to Illustrate Points: Utilise examples, data, quotes, and case studies as concrete evidence to illustrate your points. This makes abstract concepts more tangible and convincing to the reader.

Analyse, Don’t Just Present: For every piece of evidence, provide analysis and interpretation. Explain how it supports your argument, what it demonstrates, and its implications for your research question.

Balancing Descriptive and Analytical Writing

Avoid Over-Description: While some description is necessary to set the context, avoid dedicating too much space to merely describing your evidence. The focus should be on analysis.

Develop a Critical Voice: Cultivate a critical approach to your evidence. This means evaluating its reliability, considering its limitations, and discussing its relevance to your argument.

Synthesise Information: Aim to synthesise evidence from multiple sources to support your points. This demonstrates comprehensive understanding and the ability to draw connections across your research.

How to Critically Analyse Sources and Data Within Your Essay

Question the Source: Consider the source’s origin, purpose, and potential bias. How might these factors influence the information presented?

Evaluate Methodology: If the evidence comes from a study or experiment, evaluate the methodology used. Is it sound and appropriate for the research question?

Consider the Broader Context: Place your evidence within the broader scholarly conversation on your topic. How does it fit with, challenge, or expand existing knowledge?

By thoughtfully integrating evidence and providing in-depth analysis, you can create a nuanced and compelling EE that goes beyond mere description to offer original insights into your topic. This approach not only strengthens your argument but also showcases your critical thinking and analytical skills, essential qualities for success in the IB Diploma Programme and beyond.

The Extended Essay presents an opportunity for IB students to engage deeply with a topic of their choice. However, to effectively communicate your research and insights, your essay must be well-structured and clearly written.

This section provides guidance on how to write and structure your EE, ensuring your work is coherent, persuasive, and academically rigorous.

Outline of the Extended Essay Structure

A well-organised structure is crucial for the readability and coherence of your EE. Typically, an Extended Essay includes the following components:

Title Page: Displays the essay title, research question, subject the essay is registered in, and word count.
Abstract: A concise summary of the essay, including the research question, methodology, results, and conclusion (Note: For essays submitted in 2018 and forward, the IB no longer requires an abstract, so check the most current guidelines).
Contents Page: Lists the sections and subsections of your essay with page numbers.
Introduction: Introduces the research question and your essay’s purpose, outlining the scope of the investigation.
Body : The main section of your essay, divided into clearly titled subsections, each addressing specific aspects of the research question. It’s where you present your argument, supported by evidence.
Conclusion: Summarises the findings, discusses the implications, and reflects on the research’s limitations and potential areas for further study.
References/Bibliography: Lists all sources used in the essay in a consistent format, following the chosen citation style.
Appendices: (If necessary) Contains supplementary material that is relevant to the research but not essential to its explanation.

Detailed Breakdown of Each Section

Introduction:

The introduction sets the stage for your research. It should clearly state your research question and explain the significance of the topic. Briefly outline the theoretical framework and methodology, and provide an overview of the essay’s structure.

The body is the heart of your essay. It should be logically organised to build your argument step by step. Each paragraph should start with a clear topic sentence, followed by evidence and analysis. Use subheadings to divide the sections thematically or methodologically, ensuring each part contributes to answering the research question.

Developing Arguments: Present and critique different perspectives, systematically leading the reader through your analytical process.
Using Evidence: Incorporate relevant data, quotes, and examples to support your arguments. Ensure all sources are appropriately cited.
Analysis and Discussion: Go beyond describing your findings; analyse and interpret them in the context of your research question and theoretical framework.
Conclusion: The conclusion should not introduce new information. Instead, it should synthesise your findings, highlighting how they contribute to understanding the research question. Reflect on the research process, acknowledging any limitations and suggesting areas for further investigation.

Importance of Coherence and Logical Flow

Maintaining coherence and a logical flow throughout your EE is essential. Transition sentences between paragraphs and sections can help link ideas smoothly, guiding the reader through your argument. A coherent structure ensures that your essay is accessible and persuasive, making a strong impression on the reader.

A well-written and structured EE is a testament to your understanding of the research process and your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. By adhering to a clear structure and focusing on coherence and logical progression, you can craft an essay that is engaging, insightful, and academically rigorous.

A unique and integral component of the IB Extended Essay (EE) process is the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF). The RPPF serves as a personal and academic exploration tool, guiding students through the planning, research, and writing phases of their EE. It encourages students to reflect on their learning journey, documenting insights gained, challenges encountered, and the evolution of their thinking.

The Role of Reflection in the EE Process

Reflection is at the heart of the EE, enabling students to engage critically with their own learning processes. It helps in:

Self-Assessment: Encouraging students to consider their strengths and areas for improvement.
Skill Development: Facilitating a deeper understanding of the research and writing skills developed during the EE process.
Critical Thinking: Promoting an evaluative approach to the research process, allowing students to make informed decisions about their methodologies, sources, and arguments.

How to Effectively Complete the RPPF

Completing the RPPF involves three formal reflection sessions, which are crucial milestones in the EE journey:

Initial Reflection: Focuses on the selection of the topic and formulation of the research question. Students should discuss their motivations, initial ideas, and anticipated challenges.
Interim Reflection: Occurs midway through the process. Students reflect on the progress made, adjustments to their research plan, and any challenges they’ve faced. It’s an opportunity to reassess the direction of the EE and make necessary modifications.
Final Reflection: After completing the EE, students reflect on their overall experience, the skills they’ve developed, and the knowledge they’ve gained. This reflection should also consider the impact of the research process on their personal and academic growth.

In each reflection, students should be honest and critical, providing insights into their learning journey. The reflections are not just about documenting successes but also about understanding the learning process, including setbacks and how they were overcome.

Examples of Reflective Questions and Insightful Responses

Initial reflection:.

Question: “What excites me about my chosen topic?”

Insightful Response: Discuss the personal or academic interest in the topic, any prior knowledge, and what you hope to discover through your research.

Interim Reflection:

Question: “What challenges have I encountered in my research, and how have I addressed them?”

Insightful Response: Describe specific obstacles, such as difficulty accessing resources or refining the research question, and the strategies employed to overcome them.

Final Reflection:

Question: “How has my understanding of the topic evolved through the research process?”

Insightful Response: Reflect on how the research challenged or confirmed initial assumptions and what was learned about the topic and the research process itself.

The RPPF is not just a formal requirement but a valuable component of the EE that enriches the student’s learning experience. By fostering reflection, the RPPF helps students to articulate their journey, offering insights into the complexities of research and the personal growth that accompanies the creation of an extended academic work.

The Extended Essay allows students to explore a topic of interest within the framework of an IB subject. The choice of academic discipline not only shapes the content and focus of the essay but also influences the methodologies and theoretical frameworks that students may employ. Understanding and adhering to the conventions and requirements of the chosen discipline is crucial for the success of the EE.

Adhering to Disciplinary Conventions and Guidelines

Each academic discipline has its own set of conventions regarding research methodologies, writing styles, and citation formats. For example, a science EE might require empirical research and quantitative analysis, whereas an essay in the humanities might focus on qualitative analysis and critical interpretation of texts.

Key considerations include:

Methodology: The choice of methodology should align with disciplinary norms. Science EEs might involve experiments, whereas essays in history might rely on primary source analysis.
Structure: While the basic structure of the EE remains consistent across subjects, the presentation of arguments and evidence might vary. Essays in the arts and humanities might follow a thematic structure, while those in the sciences might be organised around experimental findings.
Citation Style: Different disciplines prefer specific citation styles. For instance, APA might be favoured in psychology, while MLA is commonly used in literature essays. Adhering to the appropriate style is crucial for academic integrity.

How Different Disciplines Influence the Approach to Research and Writing

The academic discipline not only dictates the formal aspects of the EE but also influences the approach to research and writing. For instance, an EE in Visual Arts would require a different analytical lens compared to an EE in Economics. The former might analyse the impact of cultural contexts on artistic expressions, while the latter could evaluate economic theories through case studies.

Disciplinary perspectives also affect:

Argumentation : The way arguments are constructed and evidenced can differ. In the sciences, arguments are often built around data and logical reasoning, while in the humanities, they might be more interpretative, drawing on various theoretical perspectives.
Critical Engagement: The extent and nature of critical engagement with sources can vary. In subjects like History or English, a critical analysis of diverse interpretations is fundamental, whereas in the Sciences, the focus might be on empirical evidence and hypothesis testing.

Examples of Disciplinary Perspectives in Extended Essay Examples

Biology EE: An investigation into the effects of environmental changes on local biodiversity, employing scientific methods for data collection and analysis.
Economics EE: An analysis of the impact of a specific economic policy on a local economy, using economic theories and models to interpret data.
English Literature EE: A comparative study of the theme of alienation in two novels, using literary theories to explore the authors’ narrative techniques.

Understanding the significance of academic discipline in the EE ensures that students approach their research with the appropriate methodologies and analytical frameworks. It encourages respect for the depth and breadth of the subject area, contributing to a more nuanced and informed exploration of the chosen topic.

Writing an Extended Essay involves more than just conducting research and presenting findings; it requires careful planning, effective engagement with your supervisor, and a critical approach to your sources. Here are some best practices to help you navigate the EE writing process successfully.

Time Management and Planning

Time management is crucial in the EE process. The project spans several months, so it’s essential to break down the work into manageable stages. Create a timeline early in the process, including key milestones such as completing the research, drafting sections, and finalising the essay. Allocate time for unexpected challenges and ensure you have buffer periods for revision and feedback.

Planning Tips:

Set Goals: Establish clear, achievable goals for each phase of your EE journey.
Use Tools: Leverage planning tools or software to organise your tasks and deadlines.
Regular Reviews: Periodically review your progress against your plan and adjust as necessary.

Engaging with Supervisors Effectively:Your supervisor is a valuable resource throughout the EE process. They can provide guidance on your research question, methodology, and essay structure, as well as feedback on your drafts.

Maximising Supervisor Engagement:

Prepare for Meetings: Come to each meeting with specific questions or sections of your essay you want feedback on.
Be Open to Feedback: Constructive criticism is essential for improvement. Listen to your supervisor’s suggestions and consider how to incorporate them into your work.
Communicate Regularly: Keep your supervisor informed of your progress and any challenges you encounter.

Critical Engagement with Sources

A critical approach to the sources you use is fundamental to a high-quality EE. Evaluate the reliability, relevance, and bias of your sources to ensure your essay is grounded in credible evidence.

Strategies for Source Evaluation:

Source Variety: Use a range of sources, including academic journals, books, and reputable online resources, to provide a balanced perspective on your topic.
Critical Analysis : Don’t just summarise sources. Analyse their arguments, identify limitations, and consider how they contribute to your research question.
Citation and Paraphrasing: Accurately cite all sources to avoid plagiarism. When paraphrasing, ensure you’re genuinely rephrasing ideas in your own words while still crediting the original author.

Good practice in EE writing is not just about adhering to academic standards; it’s about engaging deeply with your topic, embracing the research process, and developing skills that will serve you well in your academic and professional future. By managing your time effectively, leveraging the support of your supervisor, and critically engaging with sources, you can craft an EE that is not only academically rigorous but also personally rewarding.

Successfully navigating the Extended Essay process requires more than just academic skill; it demands effective project management. This encompasses planning, organising, and executing your EE from initial conception to final submission. Here are strategies to help you manage the EE process, ensuring a smooth journey and a rewarding outcome.

Planning and Time Management Strategies Specific to the EE

Develop a Detailed Plan: Start by breaking down the EE process into stages: topic selection, research, drafting, and revising. Assign deadlines to each stage based on the final submission date, allowing extra time for unforeseen delays.

Use a Calendar or Planner: Keep track of deadlines, meetings with your supervisor, and other important dates. Digital tools can be particularly useful, offering reminders and helping you stay organised.

Set Regular Milestones: Milestones offer checkpoints to assess your progress. These could be completing the research phase, finishing a first draft, or finalising your citations. Celebrate these achievements to stay motivated.

Milestones and Checklists to Keep You on Track

Create Checklists: For each phase of the EE process, develop a checklist of tasks. This could include conducting initial research, writing specific sections of the essay, or completing rounds of revision.

Regular Progress Reviews: Schedule weekly or bi-weekly reviews of your progress against your plan. Adjust your plan as needed based on these reviews.

Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adapt your plan. Research might take longer than expected, or you might decide to change your focus slightly after discussing with your supervisor.

Dealing with Challenges and Setbacks During the EE Journey

Anticipate Potential Issues: Think ahead about what might go wrong and how you would address it. Having contingency plans can reduce stress and keep you on track.

Seek Support When Needed: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your supervisor, peers, or other mentors if you encounter obstacles. They can offer advice, support, and perspective.

Maintain a Positive Attitude: Challenges are part of the learning process. View setbacks as opportunities to improve your problem-solving and resilience skills.

Managing the EE process effectively is about more than just completing a requirement for the IB Diploma; it’s an exercise in self-management and personal growth. By carefully planning your work, setting and celebrating milestones, and being prepared to tackle challenges, you can navigate the EE process with confidence and achieve a result that reflects your hard work and dedication.

Mastering the art of collaboration and effectively incorporating feedback are pivotal aspects of crafting a high-calibre Extended Essay (EE). These processes enrich your work, offering new perspectives and insights that can significantly enhance the depth and quality of your research and writing. Let’s delve into how to navigate these collaborative interactions and integrate feedback productively.

Effective Collaboration with Your Supervisor

Your supervisor is a key ally in your EE journey, providing guidance, support, and expert insight into your chosen topic. Building a productive relationship with your supervisor involves clear communication, active engagement, and receptiveness to their advice.

Prepare for Meetings: Maximise the value of your meetings by preparing questions and topics for discussion. This shows initiative and helps you focus on areas where you need the most guidance.
Be Open to Suggestions: Your supervisor brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. Being open to their suggestions can unlock new avenues of inquiry and refine your research focus.
Follow Up: After meetings, review the guidance provided and take action. Following up on suggestions and demonstrating progress is key to a fruitful collaboration.

Incorporating Feedback Constructively

Feedback is a gift, offering you fresh eyes on your work and highlighting areas for improvement. Whether it comes from your supervisor, peers, or other mentors, constructive feedback is instrumental in elevating the quality of your EE.

Critically Evaluate Feedback: Not all feedback will be equally applicable or helpful. Assess suggestions critically and decide which ones align with your research goals and vision for your EE.
Implement Changes Thoughtfully: When integrating feedback, do so thoughtfully and systematically. Consider how each piece of advice enhances your argument or strengthens your analysis.
Maintain Your Own Voice: While it’s important to consider feedback, your EE should ultimately reflect your ideas, analysis, and voice. Balance the input from others with your own scholarly insights.

Balancing Independent Research with Guidance

Navigating the balance between independent research and the guidance received is a delicate aspect of the EE process. While the EE is your project, drawing on the expertise and feedback of others can significantly enhance its depth and scope.

Value Independence: Embrace the opportunity to conduct independent research, making your EE a true reflection of your interests and intellectual curiosity.
Seek Guidance Wisely: Utilise your supervisor and other resources judiciously. They can provide clarity, offer new perspectives, and help you navigate complex aspects of your research.
Synthesise Input: Integrate the guidance and feedback you receive in a way that complements your research, ensuring that your EE remains a coherent and cohesive piece of scholarly work.

The interplay between collaboration, feedback, and independent research is central to the EE process. By engaging effectively with your supervisor, thoughtfully incorporating feedback, and maintaining a balance between guidance and your own scholarly pursuits, you can craft an EE that is not only academically rigorous but also a true testament to your growth as a learner.

Plagiarism is a critical concern in academic writing, including the Extended Essay. It involves using someone else’s work without proper acknowledgment, which can compromise the integrity of your essay and result in severe penalties. Understanding what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it is essential for maintaining academic honesty and ensuring the credibility of your research.

Understanding What Constitutes Plagiarism

Plagiarism can take many forms, from directly copying text without quotation marks to paraphrasing someone else’s ideas without proper citation. It also includes using images, charts, or data without acknowledging the source. Even unintentional plagiarism, where sources are not deliberately misrepresented but are inadequately cited, can have serious consequences.

How to Properly Cite Sources and Paraphrase

Citing Sources : Every time you use someone else’s words, ideas, or data, you must cite the source. This not only includes quotes and paraphrases but also data, images, and charts. Familiarise yourself with the citation style recommended for your subject area, whether it be APA, MLA, Chicago, or another, and apply it consistently throughout your essay.

Paraphrasing: Paraphrasing involves rewording someone else’s ideas in your own words. It’s essential to do more than just change a few words around; you need to completely rewrite the concept, ensuring you still cite the original source. Good paraphrasing demonstrates your understanding of the material and integrates it seamlessly into your argument.

Using Plagiarism Detection Tools

Many schools and students use plagiarism detection tools to check the originality of their work before submission. These tools compare your essay against a vast database of published material and other student submissions to identify any matches. Utilising these tools can help you identify areas of your essay that need better paraphrasing or citation.

Avoiding plagiarism in the EE involves diligent research, careful writing, and thorough citation. It’s about respecting the intellectual property of others while demonstrating your own understanding and analysis of the topic. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your EE is both original and academically honest, reflecting the hard work and integrity that define the IB learner profile.

In the Extended Essay, showcasing original thought is not just encouraged; it’s a cornerstone of what makes an EE stand out. Originality in this context means more than just avoiding plagiarism; it involves presenting unique perspectives, developing novel arguments, or exploring new areas within a subject. Here’s how you can emphasise original thought in your EE.

The Value of Originality and Creativity

Originality and creativity in the EE demonstrate your ability to think independently and engage critically with your subject. It shows that you’re not just capable of summarising existing knowledge but also contributing to the conversation in your discipline. This level of engagement is what the IB looks for in assessing the EE, as it reflects a deeper understanding and application of the subject matter.

Balancing Academic Rigour with Personal Voice and Analysis

While it’s important to ground your EE in academic research and follow disciplinary conventions, finding a balance with your personal voice and analysis is key to originality. Here are ways to achieve this balance:

Personal Insight : Inject your essay with your insights, interpretations, and conclusions based on the research. This personal engagement with the topic distinguishes your EE from a mere literature review.
Critical Analysis: Go beyond describing what others have said. Critique the arguments, identify gaps in the research, and propose new ways of understanding the subject.
Innovative Approach: Consider addressing less explored aspects of your topic or applying theories and methodologies from other disciplines to bring fresh perspectives.

Strategies for Developing and Showcasing Original Thought

Question Assumptions: Start by questioning the prevailing assumptions or widely held beliefs in your subject area. This critical stance can open up avenues for original analysis.

Interdisciplinary Connections: Drawing connections between different disciplines can reveal new insights and approaches that enrich your essay.

Reflect on Your Learning: Use the insights gained from your coursework and personal interests to inform your approach. Often, your unique educational and life experiences can inspire original perspectives.

Emphasising original thought in your EE is about striking a balance between demonstrating your mastery of the subject and pushing beyond the boundaries of existing knowledge. It involves a blend of thorough research, critical thinking, and creative engagement with the topic. By fostering a unique perspective and injecting your personal voice into your analysis, you can create an EE that is not only academically rigorous but also distinctly yours, leaving a lasting impression on your readers.

The culmination of the Extended Essay process includes the final presentation and the Viva Voce, a concluding interview between the student and their supervisor. These components serve not only as a summation of your EE journey but also as an opportunity to reflect on your learning and the skills you’ve developed. Understanding the significance and how to prepare for these elements is crucial for a successful EE completion.

Preparing for the Final Presentation

The final presentation is an opportunity to share the highlights of your EE journey, including your research question, methodology, key findings, and any challenges you overcame. It’s a moment to showcase the depth of your research and the personal growth you experienced throughout the process.

Key Elements to Include:

Overview of Your Research: Briefly summarise your research question and why you chose it, highlighting your methodology and the scope of your investigation.
Significant Findings: Share the key insights and discoveries you made during your research. This is a chance to underscore the original contributions of your EE.
Challenges and Solutions : Discuss any significant obstacles you faced and how you addressed them. Reflecting on these challenges shows your problem-solving skills and resilience.
Reflections on the Process: Share what you’ve learned about yourself as a learner, the skills you’ve developed, and how the EE has impacted your academic and personal growth.

Tips for a Successful Viva Voce

The Viva Voce is a short interview with your supervisor after you’ve submitted your EE. It’s an integral part of the reflection process, allowing you to discuss the successes and challenges of your research journey.

To Prepare for the Viva Voce:

Review Your EE: Be familiar with your essay’s content, as you’ll discuss your work in detail. Be ready to explain your research decisions and reflect on your learning process.
Anticipate Questions: Your supervisor might ask about how you selected your topic, the development of your research question, your approach to research and writing, and the skills you’ve developed.
Reflect on Your Learning: Think about the entire EE process, including what you learned, how you’ve grown, and how the experience might influence your future academic or career goals.

How the Viva Voce Contributes to Your Overall EE Assessment

While the Viva Voce doesn’t directly affect your EE grade, it plays a crucial role in the holistic assessment of your IB Diploma. It demonstrates the authenticity of your work and your engagement with the EE process, providing insights into your approach, dedication, and intellectual growth.

The final presentation and Viva Voce are essential milestones that mark the completion of your EE journey. They offer a platform to reflect on the challenges you’ve navigated, the knowledge you’ve gained, and the skills you’ve honed. Preparing thoroughly for these elements ensures you can confidently articulate your research journey, showcasing the depth of your inquiry and your development as an IB learner.

The journey through the Extended Essay is more than an academic exercise; it’s a transformative experience that equips IB Diploma students with skills and insights that extend far beyond the programme.

Reflecting on how the EE prepares you for future academic and professional endeavours can highlight the lasting value of this rigorous project.

How the Skills Developed During the EE Can Benefit You in Future Academic and Professional Endeavours

Research and Analytical Skills: The EE demands a high level of research and analysis, teaching students how to gather, assess, and interpret data. These skills are invaluable in higher education and many professional fields, where evidence-based decision-making is crucial.

Critical Thinking: Crafting an EE requires students to evaluate sources critically, consider multiple perspectives, and develop well-reasoned arguments. This ability to think critically is highly sought after in both academia and the workplace.

Project Management: Completing an EE involves planning, organisation, time management, and problem-solving. Managing such a long-term project successfully can boost your confidence in handling complex tasks and projects in the future.

Communication: Writing the EE enhances your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, a skill that is essential in any professional setting. Additionally, the final presentation and Viva Voce develop your verbal communication and presentation skills.

Examples of How the EE Has Helped Alumni in Their Post-IB Journeys

Many IB alumni attribute their success in university and their careers to the foundation laid by their EE experience. For instance, alumni often report that the EE made the transition to university-level research and writing much smoother. Others have found that the skills developed through the EE, such as critical thinking and project management, have set them apart in job interviews and workplace projects.

Encouragement to View the EE as a Stepping Stone to Lifelong Learning

The EE is not just a requirement for the IB Diploma; it’s an introduction to a lifelong journey of inquiry and discovery. It encourages a mindset of curiosity and a habit of continuous learning that can enrich both your personal and professional life. Viewing the EE through this lens can transform it from a daunting task into an exciting opportunity to explore your passions and develop essential skills for the future.

The Extended Essay is a hallmark of the IB Diploma Programme, embodying the essence of inquiry, critical thinking, and scholarly engagement. From selecting a topic and formulating a research question to conducting in-depth research and presenting findings, the EE challenges students to transcend the boundaries of traditional learning, fostering skills and insights that extend far beyond the confines of the classroom.

This comprehensive guide has navigated the critical aspects of the EE process, offering strategies for managing time, engaging with supervisors, and ensuring academic integrity. It has underscored the importance of original thought, the role of academic discipline, and the value of reflection, aiming to equip students with the tools they need to succeed in this rigorous academic endeavour.

The Extended Essay is a testament to your dedication, intellectual curiosity, and academic prowess. Embrace this opportunity to shine, to explore, and to make your mark on the world of knowledge.

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The Extended Essay Step-by-Step Guide

From setting the research question to submitting the Extended Essay, here is an easy-to-follow guide for IB EE students to follow, along with personal anecdotes with tips to apply critical thinking techniques and find success.

Before I started the IB, the thing I was most worried about was the extended essay. I’m pretty sure the reason why I was so worried is because I had no clue what writing it would actually entail. In this week’s blog, I’ll be going over the basics of the extended essay so you don’t have to worried like I was!

What is an Extended Essay?

The extended essay (often called the EE) is a 4000-word structured essay on a topic of your choice which can take many different forms. Ultimately what your EE ends up looking like depends on the topic you choose.

Some students choose to write their extended essay about literature or history, which means they write a more traditional academic essay.

However, you can choose to conduct an experiment and write up the results if you want to focus on the sciences. Or you can try and solve an arithmetic problem if you are into maths. As long as it takes an academic format, it should be okay!

What is Included in an Extended Essay?

There are several things that you have to include in your extended essay. As a side note, the requirements for the EE were changed quite drastically in 2016, so it’s important that when you look things up about the EE you are looking at the updated guidelines! You can find out more about this here .

Based on these new guidelines your EE needs to contain:

A research question
A cover-page
A table of content
An introduction
A main body
A conclusion
A bibliography
3 reflections from the beginning, middle and the end of the research process.

The Importance of The IB ee

The extended essay provides each student with the opportunity to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to either:

-One of the student’s six DP subjects, or

-the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay.

Students gain the following skills by writing an extended essay:

-formulating an appropriate research question

-engaging in a personal exploration and critical analysis of the topic

-communicating ideas

-developing an argument

Essentially, the assessment criteria will evaluate the student based on their ability to research a subject, or in the case of the world study extended essay, the two disciplinary perspectives applied. In both examples, you are required to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and application.

10 Steps to Writing an IB Extended Essay

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write an extended essay, from research question to complete essay.

1. Define the Topic and Draft the Research Question

2. create a timeline, 3. research sources and expand knowledge about the topic, 4. set deadlines, 5. plan the structure according to the total word count, 6. evaluate your understanding, 7. primary and secondary research and theory, 8. write the extended essay draft to explain what you learnt, 9. analyze and edit, 10. present.

By following the steps above, you should be able to produce a logical and coherent rationale to follow when writing the extended essay for your IB diploma programme.

Can You Get Help for the IB Extended Essay?

Of course you do! In fact, you actually get a lot of help. Your school will assign you a ‘supervisor’. Your supervisor will be an IB teacher at your school and it is their responsibility to meet with you and discuss your research question, your planning and also your first draft.

What are the Next Steps?

In conclusion: your extended essay is typically something you write towards the end of your first year of IB so I wouldn’t worry too much about it right now. However, it’s likely you will have to choose your topic and research question sooner rather than later.

What I would recommend is to start thinking about what subject would interest you enough to write a mini thesis of 4,000 words on it.

Pro Tip: Find an example of an extended essay that is effective so you can see how they applied the tips above and explored their research question.

If you find lots of essays, this suggests to you that this is probably a good topic! If there isn’t very much, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea, but you might want to change the focus a little to make it easier to conduct research and find enough data to work with.

Don’t let the task overwhelm you: the research and writing should be fun! Students who are truly interested in their topics will likely find the most success.

Get Support from a Tutor at Lanterna for the IB Diploma Programme

Lanterna has over 300 tutors who aced the Extended Essay for their courses. They are equipped with the knowledge and experience to help you get an A in your EE. What are you waiting for? Get your own tutor today and learn valuable insights sure to help you succeed.

For more details about your IB extended essay, be sure to check out our blog post with 100 topic ideas to get you started!

It explains how you can find your research topic, formulate a research question and explain it fully in accordance with the assessment criteria, and finally tips on how to write extended essays.

Read part 2: Choose Your Topic

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Making the most of your extended essay: choosing a topic

Trying to get a head start on your extended essay ? DP graduate Stephanie Stan, from Bloomfield Hills High School , USA, offers her advice on how to make the extended essay transform from just an assignment to a project that expands upon your own knowledge of a topic.

By Stephanie Stan

The extended essay , a Diploma Programme (DP) candidates’ 4,000-word culmination of independent research and writing, is often framed by students as a dreadful experience. But the extended essay does not have to be “dreadful”. For me, the key to making the extended essay research and writing process intriguing, impactful and an incredibly enlightening experience was selecting a topic that I am passionate about. Choosing the topic of your essay might sound like a miniscule part of the writing process, but your topic (and how much you enjoy it) will make or break both your essay and your experience with it.

“I switched my topic at the start of the research process because I realized my first topic was not something I was passionate about … “

DP candidates often have the misconception that the extended essay subject area must coincide with one of their higher level (HL) or standard level (SL) courses. But, this is not true! I highly recommend selecting a subject area that interests you (especially if it is a subject area that you are not studying) and in which you can select a topic that you are interested in. I cannot stress enough how important it is to dedicate time into considering your passions and channeling them into selecting a topic that you are excited to learn more about. This will make the extended essay writing process very rewarding and one that you will learn from.

I speak from personal experience, as the only person in my cohort who seemingly loved writing the extended essay. Why was this? I switched my topic at the start of the research process because I realized my first topic was not something I was passionate about and I was having trouble motivating myself to research. I needed a topic that fueled the desire to expand my knowledge.

“If you pick a topic you love … your extended essay will not feel like an assignment.”

I love history and art; both are passions I hold on the sidelines of learning about medicine. I took time to reflect on what I was interested in and what I would love to learn about outside of class. This led to a new and final topic — I centered my essay around the question of how treatment of degenerate art affected Adolf Hitler’s power in the Nazi regime. I had learned about this time-period in my DP history SL class, but we did not cover censorship and the control of visual arts culture. My desire to expand my knowledge in this subject area motivated my research and writing.

Once I changed my topic, the difference in my approach to the extended essay was instantly noticeable. Instead of feeling like I had to go research my topic, I wanted to continuously find more resources and information. My advice? Select a topic that you are interested in and want to learn more about and that you may otherwise never be exposed to. Choosing a topic that interests you will have an immense impact not only on your extended essay but also on yourself.

“Take advantage of this incredible opportunity for personal growth and intellectual expansion.”

I spent hours of my summer in a nearby college library and online databases researching. I was truly interested in learning more about the subject. What at first seemed like a tedious assignment became a personal project of exploration and growth. It allowed me to get carried away with the research for my essay, compiling over 30 pages of research findings. My new topic made me love writing my extended essay.

Take advantage of this incredible opportunity for personal growth and intellectual expansion; not many high school students can say that they could self-select and direct research on an individually proposed topic for almost (if not more than) half a year. You will thank yourself and reflect positively on the experience! If you pick a topic you love, then researching, planning and writing your extended essay will not feel like an assignment; instead, it will become a self-motivated exploration and adventure that will help you grow as a student and an individual.

Here are some added tips and tactics I found helpful during the extended essay process:

Mindset is important: Do not think of the extended essay as an assignment; think of it as a self-proposed goal and opportunity. Have fun with it! Your dedication and enjoyment will shine through your writing!
Start your extended essay early: Give yourself time to think about your topic, plan, research and begin the writing process with less stress— give yourself time to enjoy it without being overwhelmed.
Pace your research : Establish a timeline with mini-goals to achieve. This will help you organize your research and make incremental progress (time management).
Create planning diagrams : Color code your research and quotes to organize your findings and map everything to its correlated section within your essay.

Stephanie Stan is a current pre-health student at the University of Michigan studying towards a B.S. in Biology, Health and Society. She joins us this year as a 2018 alumni contributor to share her experience as a DP graduate. To learn about the IB alumni network, visit ibo.org/alumni and read about our 50th anniversary featured graduates to see where other students have taken their studies and careers.

#alumnistory , Graduate Voices , Top stories

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The Complete Extended Essay Guide | 100 Topics & Examples

Published by Ellie Cross at November 3rd, 2021 , Revised On July 10, 2023

One of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme’s mandatory requirements is to produce a 4,000 words long extended essay, which should be submitted as an independent piece of research.

All IB students must complete the extended essay assignment regardless of the subjects they are taking because, together with CAS and TOK, it is a core module of the IB programme.

An extended essay allows students to choose any suitable topic of their choice and demonstrate their knowledge and capability beyond what they learn in the classroom. This assignment sets the stage for students to hone their research and writing skills for Bachelor’s and Master’s level coursework.

Students write an extended essay in the second term of the IB program’s first year. All students are expected to work closely with their supervisor to finalise the essay topic and the research questions.

The project involves submitting one extended essay draft to get the supervisor’s feedback before submitting the second and final version. A short viva voce must be included at the end of the essay.

Extended Essay Facts

The length of the essay should not be more than 4,000 words.
The project is expected to be completed over a period of one year.
Significance of the extended essay
In 2019 – approximately 200,000 students took the IB Programme exam
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is for students in the age group of 16 to 19 years.

Significance of Extended Essay

So how significantly does the extended essay assignment contribute towards the overall grade?

The extended essay is of critical importance for the following reasons:

It allows students to polish their skills for undergraduate and Masters’s level essay assignments.
They can independently explore the topic of their interest, which relates to one of the six modules of the IB Programme.
Students learn to conduct desk-based research to find appropriate and manageable topics.
They learn the basics of how to formulate research questions
They learn to develop an argument.
Successful completion of this assignment enhances their ability to analyse and assess information critically.

If you choose to undertake the extended essay in world studies, you will be required to conduct extensive interdisciplinary research on an issue of global significance.

Extended Essay Assessment Criteria

Extended essays are marked on a scale from 0 to 34 by external examines chosen by the IB itself. The score you will achieve in the assignment will relate to one of the following bands:

A – work of an excellent standard.
B- work of a good standard.
C – work of a satisfactory standard.
D- work of a mediocre standard.
E- work of an elementary standard.

Please click here to check how your grade in the extended essay assignment affects the overall diploma score. Here is the breakdown of EE scores (from the May 2019 bulletin)

How to Select a Topic for the Extended Essay?

Selecting an enjoyable and manageable topic for the extended essay is perhaps the most exciting yet challenging part of the whole process. In a nutshell, you will be required to research a topic in one of the six subjects you are undertaking for the IB Programme. The selection criteria are based on the analysis of an issue of global significance in a specific context. For example, you can investigate technological, environmental, medical, or cultural trends from the local perspective. Here are some tips for choosing the best extended essay topic:

It should neither be too broad nor too narrow.
Choose a topic you are passionate about.
Are there any global trends you are curious to explore and understand?

Choosing the topic can often be overwhelming. Think about the issues you enjoy the most, and more specifically, why you want to learn about them. This will help you develop many ideas that you can review, compare, and pick from. Note: The IBO approves the proposed topic.

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How to Formulate Research Questions for the Extended Essay?

Once the topic has been approved, you can proceed to formulate the research questions (s). A poorly planned research question can cause complications at a later stage, so make sure to take your time to develop a question that would genuinely add value to the existing literature.

The answer to the formulated research question should not be a simple yes or no. It should instead provide valuable information in a larger context. The research question should be focused and relevant to the title. If the research question includes a hypothesis, then there is no obligation on your part to provide it right or wrong. Your job is to test the hypothesis and reveal the facts only.

The question should not necessarily start with words like “Is”, “Will”, “Should”, “Why”, “How”, or “Does”. Merely asserting that “yes, this is correct”, or “no, this is not correct” is inappropriate.

The highest-scoring essays usually address a research question that starts with broader phrases such as, “An investigation of”, “Exploring the idea”, “An analysis of”, “To what extent”, “A review of”, or “Examining the role”. Or it could simply be a hypothesis statement that you aim to test.

If you set out to answer a research question without contemplating the resources required to address it, then you are making a fatal mistake. Whether the essay research is primary or secondary, we cannot understate the importance of a well-thought-out plan to gather relevant supporting academic sources.

However, in most cases, it is only possible to base your essay on secondary data because conducting primary research can involve time and money. But make sure to state your reasons for choosing one research method over another.

Finally, if you cannot find a sufficient number of sources for your research question, you can alter it with your supervisor’s help.

Choosing the Supervisor

Here are some suggestions on how to choose an advisor

If you are unsure about who you would like to work with, create a list of potential advisors.
The supervisor should be familiar with your topic.
Pick an advisor who would get the best out of you.
An advisor who is patient with you would not mind reviewing several drafts of your essay and providing feedback.
It would be best if you were comfortable discussing ideas with them.
The supervisor should know you well personally because their assessment will contribute towards your final EE score. A teacher who does not know you well may not assess you fairly.
Simply having your favourite teacher as an advisor may not be a good idea because they may not be familiar with the topic.
Check whether your school requires the advisor to sign a consent form and make the necessary arrangements.

Structure of an Extended Essay

The extended essay follows the standard essay structure , including the introduction , main body , and conclusion. However, always check with your supervisor about the structure you must follow to avoid complications later.

Your supervisor will provide the necessary guidance and advice to support you throughout the research and writing process.

The project includes up to three reflection rounds with the assigned supervisor, with the final round consisting of an interview, also known as the viva voce.

The extended essay and the reflection meetings provide a much-needed impetus, especially to those required to pass an interview assessment for a place at university and before acceptance for employment.

There are six required components of an extended essay structure:

The title page is where you state the research question you set out to address, the subject you are studying, your school name, your name, total word count of the essay, and category (for language essays).

Contents Page

This is where you must list the heading and the subheadings with corresponding page numbers. All pages should be numbered using the Microsoft page numbering feature.

Introduction

The extended essay’s introduction should provide a brief background to the research question, thesis statement , and the central argument presented in the essay.

This is where you present your arguments, evaluation, comparison, discussion, and analysis of the subject matter. This section’s structure varies according to the subject of the essay, but the supporting evidence should accompany every piece of information.

The conclusion section should relate to the thesis statement, the overall scope of the research, and the line of argument taken. It should also reflect any open questions, research limitations, and unexplained problems.

References and Bibliography

A list of academic sources used is provided in the required citation style at the end of the essay. The citation style you need to follow varies subject to subject, but make sure you consistently use it throughout the essay.

The deadline you Need to Meet

Your school will let you know the deadline for the extended essay assignment. Each school has a different official IB deadline. You will have a year to complete the essay, but unfortunately, most students leave their essay to the last week before the deadline.

Careful planning can help you complete the task promptly and avoid a last-minute crunch. Many students make the fatal mistake of giving too much time to research and reading and with very little time to write an essay .

Most schools set their deadlines for different project milestones to help students stay on schedule. Keep in regular contact with your advisor and management to ensure each section is completed in due time.

The viva voce Interview

The viva voice interview allows students to demonstrate the significance of the research results. More specifically, students can provide details of the challenges and the successes of their research during the interview.

For example, you could tell your supervisor about the problem you faced during the data collection process, the strategies you used to overcome them, and how the exercise helped improve your writing skills.

Free Extended Essay Topics

Here are some amazing topic ideas in various subjects that you can consider for your extended essay.

Biology Extended Essay Topics

Investigate the relationship between indole acetic acid, a growth hormone, and the growth of X (a crop).
To examine the relationship between the population size of X and population density between X.
How significantly do live cultures in dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, and cheese reduce the concentration of lactose present for a 2 hour incubation period at x °C?
Discuss the relationship between the production process of plants and the climate.
To examine the possibility of manufacturing flowers.
An investigation into the idea of planting healing a disease.
The impact of various drugs on the functioning of the human brain
Does the change of habitat affect the life of an organism?
Investigate the process of storing cow’s milk safely.
The relationship between the photoreceptor cells in the human retina and “the age and gender”.
Examining the growth of an X plant when the climate changes
Neadderthalian DNA in people who have European ancestors

Psychology Extended Essay Topics

Discuss the relationship between violent acts and viewing the violence shown on social media platforms.

Can drug therapy heal bipolar disorder?
Can General Anxiety Disorder be healed through meditation?
Examining the relationship between cognitive environment and social variables such as educational setting, poverty, culture, parenting, and more
How do our relationships evolve? Why causes a relationship to an end?
Investigate the effects of domestic violence on the human brain.
Discuss the causes of depression from a psychological perspective.
Different between female and male schizophrenia.
The relationship between General Anxiety Disorder and stress
The relationship between stress and bulimia medical condition
The relationship between obesity and our social media-oriented lifestyle
What causes suicide? How do suicidal behaviours develop over time?

English Extended Essay Topics

The importance of learning English literature in the modern world
Examine the importance of the literary function of the English language.
Explore the relationship between politics and social Darwinism.
Sexual and ethnic identity in the twenty-first century
The impact of the English language on any other language of your choice
Comparing English learning bend with other languages
The distinct patterns of the United States English phonetics.
Identifying the use of the Sanskrit language in English
Tracing the differences between British English and American English in a systematic way
Identify the English phrases and words embraced by other Hindi and Urdu languages during the British Raj
The influence of the French language on the evolution of the English language.

Literature Extended Essay Topics

Examine the significance of different Noble prize winners in the literature on the stylistic evolution.
An analysis of the controversy surrounding Bob Dylan’s Noble prize award
The Role of Emile Zola’s “J’accuse” in the Dreyfus Affair.
Analysing Jane Austen
Jame’s Baldwin’s illustration of Racism.
The evolution of an ideal woman in English literature
The traits of the Islamic religious text
Emma by Jane Austen and the importance of Dance
An investigation of Severus Snape’s character in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secret. What are the similarities and differences between J.K Rowling’s characterization of Severus in the two novels?
The evolution of the character of Bilbo Baggins from Lord of the Rings to the Hobbit Sequel

Economics extended essay topics

The impact of Covid-19 on the global airline industry
How Covid-19 has forced car manufacturers around the work to redesign its economic model
The growing importance of the role of India in the world economy
China’s plans to take over the world economy by 2050 – How valid is this statement?
The role of the road infrastructure in the development of a growing country such as Afghanistan
The relationship between an increase in exports and empowerment of the local farmers in an agricultural country like India
Tax handling in a world dominated by multinationals.
The impact of an ageing population on Japan’s economy
Offshore tax havens and the corruption of politicians. How can this trend be stopped?
The impact of Brexit on the UK’s economy. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages from the UK’s perspective.

Movie and Film Extended Essay Topics

The elements of social protest in Charlie Chaplin’s films
How modern have computer capabilities revolutionized conventional cinematography?
Avoiding the “soap opera” effect – why movies stay at 24 frames per second (including future predictions)
Moving camera – revolutionary ideas (for example, as depicted in the Matrix and the Tenet)
Correlation between IMDB marks and differing nationwide and film that is international
Metamorphosis of masculinity in our contemporary world as depicted in battle club
Kinds of timeline manipulation approach to paper writing service cinematography
Massively distorted scientist or systematic technique depiction in Sci-Fi films

History Extended Essay Topics

The rise of the Ottoman Empire – An analysis of the role of King Salman-II
How significant was the battle of Vienna in European history?
The implications of the British Raj on the Indian Subcontinent
Discuss the reasons that caused the Arabs to lose in six days against resurging Israel?
The treatment of women in India of the 1950s vs India of 2000s
The history behind the animosity between two nuclear-armed neighbours – India and Pakistan
An investigation of the events led to Hitler’s rise to power in Germany.
The simultaneous invasion of Poland by the USSR and Nazi Germany in the second world war
An examination of the pearl harbour attack from the Japanese perspective
What caused the abnormal expansion of the Islamic empire between the 8 th century and the 10 th

Geography Extended Essay Topics

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) significance for Chinese economic domination
An analysis of the current climate change trends and their impact on our oceans
Discuss and evaluate the various strategies used to prevent power outages caused by solar storms.
India’s improving fertility rate’s relationship with women empowerment and improved women education environment
To what extent is biodiversity being managed in Regent’s Park in London.
The relationship between obesity risk and parameters such as educational environment, gender, genes, and social settings
Examine the affectivity of the environmental sustainability programme initiated by company X.
Compare a country with no access to the sea with the one that has access to it.
An analysis of the agricultural revolution impact on the world’s environment
Does geography influence the social relationships between people?

Mathematics and Physics Extended Essay Topics

General functions of the theory of partitions
General relativity and cosmology
Symmetries of plane tessellations
Egyptian forces in arithmetic
A review of the various methodological approaches employed by academic researchers
Why do planets move the way they do? What causes their circular motion?
An investigation into the string theory
How quantum physics has the potential to change the rules of science?
The basics of dynamics – forces and motion
Discuss the different types of forces, including magnetic force, quantum force, and physical
The quantum movement of particles
How much of an influence does the quantum slit experiment have on traditional Newtonian physics?
The nature and behaviour of light
The cosmic patterns of stars and planets
Gravitational waves – generation, propagation rules, detection on Earth?
Is there scientific proof of the existence of another intelligent species in the universe like humans?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an extended essay.

The Extended Essay is a research-based academic project undertaken by International Baccalaureate (IB) students. It allows them to investigate a topic of interest in depth, develop critical thinking skills, and produce a 4000-word essay.

IB Extended Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay is a substantial research project that challenges high school students to explore a topic of personal interest within one of the IB's six subject areas. This extended essay, typically around 4,000 words in length, allows students to engage in independent research and develop critical thinking and writing skills. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of completing your IB Extended Essay successfully.

1. Choose Your Subject Area and Topic

- Subject Area: First, select one of the six IB subject areas that you're passionate about and in which you have a strong academic background. These areas include Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts.

- Topic: Narrow down your subject area to a specific topic or research question that genuinely interests you. Your topic should be neither too broad nor too narrow, allowing for in-depth exploration within the word limit.

2. Develop a Research Question

- Research Question: Create a clear and focused research question that guides your investigation. Your research question should be specific, open-ended, and relevant to your chosen subject area.

3. Conduct Preliminary Research

- Literature Review: Start with preliminary research to gain an understanding of the existing scholarship and literature related to your topic. This will help you refine your research question and identify gaps in the current knowledge.

4. Create a Research Plan

- Timeline: Develop a timeline that outlines key milestones and deadlines for your extended essay. This plan should include research, data collection (if applicable), writing, and revision phases.

5. Collect and Analyze Data (if applicable)

- If your extended essay requires data collection (e.g., experiments, surveys, interviews), conduct this research following ethical guidelines. Ensure that your data collection is well-documented and relevant to your research question.

6. Outline Your Essay

- Structure: Create a clear and organized outline for your extended essay. Typically, your essay will include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The body should be divided into sections or chapters that address different aspects of your research.

- Thesis Statement: Develop a strong thesis statement that presents your main argument or hypothesis.

7. Write Your Extended Essay

- Introduction: Start with a compelling introduction that introduces your research question and provides context for your study.

- Body: Present your research findings and analysis in a logical and structured manner. Ensure that each paragraph contributes to your argument and supports your thesis.

- Citations: Properly cite all sources using a consistent citation style (e.g., MLA, APA). Be diligent in avoiding plagiarism.

- Conclusion: Summarize your main findings, restate your thesis, and discuss the significance of your research.

8. Revise and Edit

- Review: Take time to review and revise your extended essay. Check for clarity, coherence, grammar, spelling, and formatting errors.

- Peer Review: Consider having a peer or teacher review your essay for feedback and suggestions.

9. Create Citations and Bibliography

- Generate a comprehensive bibliography that includes all the sources you used in your research. Ensure that your citations are accurate and properly formatted.

10. Submit Your Extended Essay

- Follow your school's guidelines for submission, including deadlines and formatting requirements.

11. Reflect on the Process

- After completing your extended essay, take some time to reflect on your research journey. Consider what you learned, the challenges you faced, and the skills you developed.

12. Celebrate Your Achievement

- Completing an IB Extended Essay is a significant accomplishment. Celebrate your hard work and the knowledge you've gained throughout the process.

The IB Extended Essay is an opportunity for high school students to engage in independent research and develop essential academic skills. By following this step-by-step guide and staying committed to your research and writing, you can successfully complete your extended essay and present a well-researched and well-structured project that demonstrates your academic abilities and passion for your chosen subject area.

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The IB extended essay is a paper of up to 4,000 words that is required for students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program. The extended essay allows students to engage in independent research on a topic within one of the available subject areas.

The extended essay should be an original piece of academic writing that demonstrates the following student's abilities:

Formulating a research question
Conductig independent investigation
Presenting key findings in a scholarly format.

Check out this article by StudyCrumb to discover how to write an IB extendend essay properly. We will give you a complete writing guide and critical tips you need for this essay type.

IB Extended Essay: What Is It?

An extended essay is independent research. Usually students choose a topic in consultation with a mentor. It is an integral part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) degree program. This means that you won't receive a degree without a successfully written paper. It requires 4,000-word study on a chosen narrow topic. To get a high score, you should meet all required structure and formatting standards. This is the result of approximately 40 working hours. Its purpose is giving you the opportunity to try independent research writing. It's approved that these skills are critical for student success at university. The following sections explain how to write an extended article with examples. So keep reading!

Choosing a Mentor for Extended Essay

IB extended essay guidelines require supervisor meetings, totaling 3-5 hours. They include three critical reflections. A mentor won't write a paper instead of you but can help adjust it. So it is important to consult with them, but no one will proofread or correct actual research for you. In general, initially treat an essay as an exclusively individual work. So your role and contribution are maximal.

Extended Essay Outline

Let's take a look at how to write an extended essay outline. In this part, you organize yourself so that your work develops your idea. So we especially recommend you work out this step with your teacher. You can also find any outline example for essay . In your short sketch, plan a roadmap for your thoughts. Think through and prepare a summary of each paragraph. Then, expand annotation of each section with a couple more supporting evidence. Explain how specific examples illustrate key points. Make it more significant by using different opinions on general issues.

Extended Essay: Getting Started

After you chose an extended essay topic and made an outline, it's time to start your research. Start with a complete Table of Contents and make a choice of a research question. Select the subject in which you feel most confident and which is most interesting for you. For example, if at school you are interested in natural science, focus on that. If you have difficulties choosing a research question, rely on our essay topic generator .

Extended Essay Introduction

In the introduction of an extended essay, present a thesis statement. But do it in such a way that your readers understand the importance of your research. State research question clearly. That is the central question that you are trying to answer while writing. Even your score depends on how you develop your particular research question. Therefore, it is essential to draw it up correctly. Gather all relevant information from relevant sources. Explain why this is worth exploring. Then provide a research plan, which you will disclose further.

Extended Essay Methodology

In accordance with extended essay guidelines, it's mandatory to choose and clearly state a methodological approach. So, it will be apparent to your examiner how you answered your research question. Include your collection methods and tools you use for collection and analysis. Your strategies can be experimental or descriptive, quantitative or qualitative. Research collection tools include observations, questionnaires, interviews, or background knowledge.

Extended Essay Main Body

Well, here we come to the most voluminous part of the extended essay for IB! In every essay body paragraph , you reveal your research question and discuss your topic. Provide all details of your academic study. But stay focused and do it without dubious ideas. Use different sources of information to provide supporting arguments and substantial evidence. This will impress professors. For this section, 3 main paragraphs are enough. Discuss each idea or argument in a separate paragraph. You can even use supporting quotes where appropriate. But don't overcomplicate. Make your extended essay easy to read and logical. It's critical to stay concise, so if you aren't sure how to make your text readable, use our tool to get a readbility test . Following the plan you outlined earlier is very important. Analyze each fact before including it in your writing. And don't write unnecessary information.

Extended Essay Conclusion

Now let's move on to the final part of IB extended essay guidelines. In conclusion, focus on summarizing the main points you have made. No new ideas or information can be introduced in this part. Use conclusion as your last chance to impress your readers. Reframe your own strong thesis. Here you must show all key points. Do not repeat absolutely every argument. Better try to make this part unique. This will show that you have a clear understanding of the topic you have chosen. And even more professional will be recommendations of new areas for future research. One good paragraph may be enough here. Although in some cases, two or three paragraphs may be required.

Extended Essay Bibliography & Appendices

To write an impressive extended essay, you should focus on appropriate information. You must create a separate page for bibliography with all sources you used. Tip from us: start writing this page with the first quote you use. Don't write this part last or postpone. In turn, appendices are not an essential section. Examiners will not pay much attention to this part. Therefore, include all information directly related to analysis and argumentation in the main body. Include raw data in the appendix only if it is really urgently needed. Moreover, it is better not to refer to appendices in text itself. This can disrupt the narrative of the essay.

Extended Essay Examples

We have prepared a good example of an extended essay. You can check it by downloading it for free. You can use it as a template. However, pay attention that your paper is required to be unique. Don't be afraid to present all the skills you gained during your IB.

Final Thoughts on IB Extended Essay

In this article, we presented detailed IB extended essay guidelines. An extended essay is a daunting academic challenge to write. It is a research paper with a deep thematic analysis of information. But we have described several practical and straightforward tips. Therefore, we are sure that you will succeed!

If topics seem too complex, turn to our top essay writers. They will accomplish any IB assignment in the best way your professor can evaluate it!

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

Extended essay

The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.

One component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, the extended essay is mandatory for all students.

Read about the extended essay in greater detail.

You can also read about how the IB sets deadlines for the extended essay , find examples of extended essay titles from previous DP students and learn about the world studies extended essay .

Learn more about the extended essay in a DP workshop for teachers .

DP subject briefs

Find out about what each subject offers within the Diploma Programme (DP).

Our DP subject briefs—for both standard and higher level—contain information about core requirements, aims and assessment.

Explore the DP subject briefs

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Extended Essay (IB): Choosing a subject and topic

The Inquiry Process
EE Seminar 1
EE Seminar 2
IT Workshop 1
EE Investigation Days
EE Writing Days
Choosing a subject and topic
Developing a line of inquiry
Finding and selecting sources
Working with ideas
Expressing your ideas
Using ManageBac
Supervisor resources
Who can help?

For your EE you have the freedom to focus on almost any topic and you will write your own question to answer. However, your topic must fit into a single DP subject (unless you choose to write an interdisciplinary essay, such as a World Studies EE that covers a topic “of contemporary global significance” and is likely to encompass two subject areas).

Given the academic challenge and level expected of an EE, you are strongly advised to choose a subject that you are currently studying, preferably at Higher Level.

Introduction to the Extended Essay

What is the Extended Essay?

Compulsory element of the core, along with TOK and CAS
Inquiry-based research project resulting in an essay of up to 4,000 words
Topic of your choice, but must be based in a DP subject * and meet subject-specific requirements
You are strongly encouraged to do your essay in one of your HL subjects

*It is possible, under certain circumstances, to combine two subjects and do a World Studies essay but we do not currently recommend this.

What do I need to do?

This guide is just to get your thinking started.

You are going to be spending nine months on your Extended Essay - it is very important to choose a topic that actually interests you, or it is going to be a very long nine months...

Good preparation is much more effective for finding inspiration than last minute panic!

How do I choose a subject?

Think about your interests outside the classroom then check whether they might fit into any IB subject areas.
Think about your IB subjects, particularly your HL subjects. Which would (and wouldn't) you enjoy exploring in more depth?
Make a list of the topics (for one or more different subject areas) that you have enjoyed in that subject area and a list of topics you haven’t covered but wish you had. You might want to chat to your teachers or have a look in your textbooks.
Think about any career aspirations you might have, or any ideas for further study, and they could point you in a direction.

Now have a look at the Subject Group Overviews , below, to see what an EE in that group might involve. It is worth comparing a couple of different subject groups.

Subject Group Overviews

Group 1: Studies in language and literature
Group 2: Language acquisition (incl. Classical Languages)
Group 3: Individuals and societies
Group 4: Experimental sciences
Group 5: Mathematics
Group 6: The Arts
Interdisciplinary essays

Category 1 Studies of one or more literary works originally written in the language in which the essay is presented.
Category 2 Studies of a literary work or works originally written in the language of the essay compared with one or more literary works originally written in another language. (The work originally written in another language may be studied in translation.)
Category 3 Studies in language based on one or more texts originally produced in the language in which the essay is presented.

Students and teachers must indicate at the point of upload which category of essay they are submitting."

From: IBO (2020) Extended Essay: Studies in language and literature

Students working on a language acquisition EE must demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the language, culture and society or literature studied. This understanding must be shown in the form of:

an analysis of a cultural context or a specific text OR
an analysis of trends in the culture studied and the impact of a cultural change on the form or use of the language OR
an analysis and comparison of literary texts.

For those undertaking a classical Greek or Latin EE, the focus is on demonstrating an understanding of a relevant or significant aspect of the language, literature and civilization of ancient Greece or Rome."

From: IBO (2020) Extended Essay: Language acquisition including classical languages

Note that you may not do your EE in a language you are studying at ab initio level .

The individuals and societies EE is intended to encourage the systematic and critical study of:

human experience and behaviour
physical, economic and social environments
the history and development of social and cultural institutions.

Students’ choice of topic should enable them to recognize that the content and methodologies of the subjects are contestable and that their study requires critical thinking.

Students must have sufficient grounding in the subject under which they submit their essay: reading a textbook or consulting an encyclopedia while writing the EE will not compensate for a lack of proper background knowledge."

From: IBO (2020) Extended Essay: Individuals and societies

Note: The IB considers Environmental Systems and Societies EEs to be interdisciplinary, so materials for these can be found under the Interdisciplinary essays tab, above.

"An extended essay (EE) in the sciences gives students an opportunity to apply a range of skills while researching a topic of personal interest in the field. Students working on a science EE must demonstrate an in-depth analysis of the subject matter studied, be it biology, chemistry, computer science, design technology, physics or sports, exercise and health science. This understanding must be shown in the form of a research paper involving a wellformulated research question. Students should be advised that while there is overlap between the subjects, their study should reflect one specific science area. For example:

biology—dealing with living organisms and life processes
chemistry—dealing with the composition, characterization and transformation of substances

...The nature of the topic under investigation should be different for each subject area and students should be careful if they undertake essays that may blur the boundaries between two science subjects. For example, when studying the pH of a body of water, students may investigate the chemicals responsible for the observed pH (chemistry), or the effect of the pH on the biota (biology)."

From: IBO (2020) The Sciences: an introduction from Extended Essay: The sciences

the applicability of mathematics to solve both real and abstract problems
the beauty of mathematics, as in, for instance, geometry or fractal theory
the elegance of mathematics in the proving of theorems as in, for example, number theory
the origin and subsequent development of a branch of mathematics over a period of time, measured in tens, hundreds or thousands of years
the links between different branches of mathematics, or the way that branch of mathematics has been born, or has flourished, as a result of technology.

Students should be advised on the importance of formulating logical and coherent reasons for selecting a particular topic for the EE, the need to identify a well-thought-out research question and the requirement to search for the mathematical problems that require a solution. Students must be advised that mathematical research is a long-term and open-ended exploration of a set of related mathematical problems that are based on personal observations. The answers to these problems connect to and build upon each other over time."

From: IBO (2020) Extended Essay: Mathematics

a coherent analysis and interpretation of their chosen area in relation to a posed research question
the testing and validation of the research and consideration of its effect on the practice of the investigated area of the arts
development and exploration in a disciplined and imaginative way of an area of study specifically appropriate to the curriculum area chosen
a link to a practical dimension.

Each subject area poses its own unique set of challenges. Therefore, the approach to the topic of investigation should reflect the particular methodology most appropriate to the arts subject being studied. Students should have logical and coherent reasons for selecting a particular topic for their essay, a well-thought out research question and an approach that allows them to develop a reasoned argument.

...While there may be overlap between the subjects in the arts and common approaches, the research topic must clearly relate to one specific arts area. If a student chooses a research area that blurs the boundaries between two arts subjects, they must ensure that their essay’s emphasis clearly lies within the arts subject for which they are submitting it. Crucially, the topic selected should reflect each student’s particular interest and enthusiasm within that subject area."

From: IBO (2020) Extended Essay: The arts

For example, in literature and performance, students focus on the nature of the relationships that occur between a chosen text and its adaptation for performance; in world studies an issue of contemporary global significance is explored through the lenses of two subjects ; and in environmental systems and societies the interaction and integration of natural environmental systems and human societies are explored

Students undertaking one of these options must demonstrate a solid understanding of their area of research, taking a fully integrated approach. This examination must be shown in the form of:

a coherently written and structured essay that effectively addresses an area of research, taking an interdisciplinary approach
bringing together concepts, methods and approaches from across different subjects
the development and exploration of an area of study specifically appropriate to the interdisciplinary choice

The most critical stage in preparing for the EE is the formulation of a logical and coherent rationale for selecting a particular topic for the extended essay, a topic that offers enough scope to provide material for a substantial essay , and the development of ideas around the topic and research question that examine existing views and argue against them."

From: IBO (2020) Interdisciplinary essays: an introduction from Extended Essay: Interdisciplinary essays

We do not recommend undertaking an EE in World Studies. If you choose to do so anyway, make sure that you consider very carefully whether your topic would fit the requirements of a single subject discipline instead. It can be challenging to juggle the requirements of two different subjects while undertaking a piece of academic research like this for the first time, particularly if you do not currently study one or both of the subjects.

Note that the Treatment of the Topic section of the Subject Guide for World Studies says that:

"It is expected that students will have a good grounding in at least one of the Diploma Programme subjects used in the EE.

If they are unfamiliar with a discipline used, they must access its syllabus so that they can identify the concepts, terminology and modes of thinking required for their EE. (Many IB syllabuses contain lists of key concepts.)"

This means that whether or not you are currently studying either or both of the subject areas your World Studies EE is based in you will need to use DP Level concepts, terminology and modes of thinking appropriate to both subject areas.

Subject Specific Guidance

Use the links below to explore the Subject-Specific Guidance for your chosen subject. Note that it is very important to use the side navigation menu to make sure you have read ALL the relevant guidance (see example for Biology, below).

You MUST read the subject-specific guidance before completing your Supervisor Application Form, and reread it before completing your Research Proposal Log. You might find it helpful to take notes using the Using the Subject-Specific Guidelines table.

Electronic versions of these can be found at the top right hand side of this page (follow links). If you wish to submit your handwritten version to ManageBac, you may upload a (legible!) photograph.

Ethical guidelines

You must address the IB ethical guidelines in your Research Proposal and follow them throughout the EE process. Some Subject Guides will contain specific ethical guidelines for that subject, but here are some general guides you might need to refer to:

Extended essays from previous years

Past essays

It can be really useful at this stage to look at essays from previous Oakham students, to see what kinds of topics they investigated and what their final essays looked like. These are upstairs in the library and can be looked at while you are here.

Please remember:

These are all the essays from past Oakhamians and they were awarded a range of grades (which are recorded on the contents pages). They are not a set of examples of 'good' essays or even 'good' titles.
There have been several rule changes in the past, most notably in 2018, so make sure you are aware of the current rules.

You may take photographs of individual pages (such as the contents pages). You may not photograph or photocopy whole essays.

How do I choose a topic?

Go back to your brainstormed list of topics from the first session:

Eliminate any that you don’t really want to write about and focus on the rest.
Use the ideas on the mind map below to examine these topics and decide which might be worth further exploration. You might choose to make a mind map like this for some of your topics.

Before deciding on a topic you should do some preliminary research to see what information is out there. Make a few brief notes as you go.

General internet browsing: You could begin with some freestyle internet searching on a broad topic that interests you. Search for your topic online, give yourself an hour to follow links and see where they take you – keeping an EE focus, of course!
Subscription Databases : While you will almost certainly search the databases extensively for your research once you have chosen a topic, you can also browse them to help you to chose one. See the ' Browsing our subscription databases ' box below for advice on the best ones to choose for this. Using the subscription databases to help you to choose a topic also means that you are guaranteed to be able to find high quality information on that topic.
Talk to your teachers, friends and family

Put your notes away, forget about what you have read for a few days, then see what you remember. This time and distance is important as it is likely that you will remember what is of most interest to you, and so the angle you should develop.

Aim to have three suggestions for topic areas you might like to explore for your EE to explore further before making a decision .

Browsing our subscription databases

You are likely to have used our databases in the past to search for information on specific topics, but many of them are also excellent when browsing for ideas. I have made some suggestions below. You will need to access them from the list on our Subscription Databases page (using the log in information given if you are not on the school network).

An excellent series of ebooks providing a short, academic introduction to a wide range of topics. Choose 'Browse by subject' from the menu bar to explore them (or use the excellent search facility if you know which topic you are interested in).

An online encyclopaedia that you can trust and cite! Choose 'Advanced' then 'Explore: Articles' to browse Britannica in a range of different subject areas.

Hodder Education Magazines

Although aimed at A-level students, browsing these Review magazines may be a good way to identify a broad topic of interest. After you log-in, you can choose to search the whole database or choose a specific subject and browse/search within it.

Other, subject-specific resources

Art: Oxford Art
Drama: Drama Online
Economics: Financial Times and Gale Newspaper Collection
English literature: Connell Guides, EBSCO Literary Reference Centre, emagazine and MASSOLIT (a video-based resource)
Music: Naxos Music Library, Oxford Music
Politics: Financial Times and Gale Newspaper Collection

Using the Subject Specific Guidelines

This table will help you work with the Subject-Specific Guidelines as you choose your topic. You are not required to submit this form to your supervisor, but you might find it helpful when filling in your Supervisor Application Form and Research Proposal.

AI Prompt Catcher

AI Prompt Catcher Example

This Prompt Catcher must be completed if you are using AI tools as part of your initial research. Since examiners cannot access the exact AI-generated content subsequently, you must cite and reference the tool in your essay and include a copy of the Prompt Catcher containing the generated content and the prompt you used to generate it in an appendix.

Annotated bibliography

This resource will help you to keep track of all the different sources you find. Once you start working with each source in more detail, you will also need a tool like the Investigative Journal to organise your notes.

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Next: Developing a line of inquiry >>
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Extended Essay: Step 1. Choose a Subject

Extended Essay- The Basics
Step 1. Choose a Subject
Step 2. Educate yourself!
Using Brainstorming and Mind Maps
Identify Keywords
Do Background Reading
Define Your Topic
Conduct Research in a Specific Discipline
Step 5. Draft a Research Question
Step 6. Create a Timeline
Find Articles
Find Primary Sources
Get Help from Experts
Search Engines, Repositories, & Directories
Databases and Websites by Subject Area
Create an Annotated Bibliography
Advice (and Warnings) from the IB
Chicago Citation Syle
MLA Works Cited & In-Text Citations
Step 9. Set Deadlines for Yourself
Step 10. Plan a structure for your essay
Evaluate & Select: the CRAAP Test
Conducting Secondary Research
Conducting Primary Research
Formal vs. Informal Writing
Presentation Requirements
Evaluating Your Work

Choosing a Subject for Your Extended Essay

Curved road ahead signs - Britannica ImageQuest

WSA students are encouraged to choose one of the following Diploma Programme subjects for their Extended Essays:

Global Politics
Literature and Performance
Mathematics
Studies in Language and Literature
Theatre
Visual Arts

Need help in deciding which subject to choose for your EE?

See Step 2. Educate Yourself! for: EE guides for each subject, along with IB Subject Concepts for EE writers and Subject Command Terms lists. You can also find other important IB documents giving guidance for researching and writing your essay.

WSA students wishing to write an Extended essay in a different IB subject, or a World Studies Extended Essay , need to complete an Individual EE Proposal - Request for Alternate Subject Form and submit it to the EE Coordinator, Susan Trower.

Twelve-step Plan for Researching the Extended Essay - Step 1

1. Choose an available Diploma Programme subject for the extended essay for the session in question.

<< Previous: Extended Essay- The Basics
Next: Step 2. Educate yourself! >>
Last Updated: Feb 2, 2024 1:39 PM
URL: https://libguides.westsoundacademy.org/ee

Economics Extended Essay Topic Ideas for IB Students

Table of contents

Writing Metier

The International Baccalaureate Extended Essay in Economics can cover a wide range of topics. However, the choice of topic must enable the student to apply a range of economic theories and concepts to address a research question.

This will be a long read, but everyone will likely find a good idea of the topic and research question for their Economics extended essay.

Extended essay in Economics topic categories

The IB Economics EE is expected to demonstrate a good understanding of the subject and the application of economic theory to real-world situations .

Btw…if you need assistance, you can always count on our extended essay writing service at Writing Metier. We will help you with your Economics extended essay.

Here are 12 potential categories for IB Economics Extended Essay topics:

Market Structures (e.g., Monopolies, Oligopolies)
Market Failure (e.g., Externalities, Public Goods)
Elasticity (e.g., Price Elasticity of Demand/Supply)
Economic Cycles (e.g., Business Cycles, Economic Growth)
Fiscal Policy (e.g., Government Spending, Taxation)
Monetary Policy (e.g., Interest Rates, Money Supply)
Trade Policies (e.g., Tariffs, Trade Agreements)
Exchange Rates (e.g., Currency Fluctuations, Foreign Exchange Markets)
Balance of Payments (e.g., Current Account, Capital Account)
Measures of Development (e.g., GDP, HDI)
Poverty and Inequality (e.g., Income Distribution, Poverty Alleviation Strategies)
Sustainable Development (e.g., Environmental Sustainability, Social Sustainability)
Consumer Behavior (e.g., Bounded Rationality, Heuristics)
Nudge Theory (e.g., Choice Architecture, Incentives)
Market Behavior (e.g., Bubbles, Herd Behavior)
Wage Determination (e.g., Minimum Wage, Bargaining)
Labor Markets (e.g., Unemployment, Labor Mobility)
Human Capital (e.g., Education, Training)
Resource Management (e.g., Renewable Resources, Conservation)
Environmental Policies (e.g., Carbon Tax, Emissions Trading)
Cost-Benefit Analysis (e.g., Environmental Impact Assessments)
Healthcare Systems (e.g., Insurance, Public vs. Private Provision)
Health Outcomes (e.g., Life Expectancy, Quality of Life)
Health Policies (e.g., Regulation, Subsidies)
Government Expenditure (e.g., Public Goods, Welfare)
Taxation (e.g., Progressive vs. Regressive Taxes)
Fiscal Federalism (e.g., Central vs. Local Government Finance)
Firm Behavior (e.g., Mergers, Acquisitions)
Market Regulation (e.g., Antitrust Laws, Competition Policy)
Innovation and Technology (e.g., R&D, Patents)
Financial Markets (e.g., Stock Markets, Bond Markets)
Financial Instruments (e.g., Derivatives, Futures)
Financial Regulation (e.g., Banking Regulation, Financial Crises)
Economic Thought (e.g., Classical, Keynesian)
Economic History (e.g., Historical Economic Development, Historical Crises)
Methodological Issues (e.g., Econometrics, Qualitative vs. Quantitative Analysis)

Each of these categories can be further refined into specific research questions suitable for an extended essay . Below, I’ll be providing some ideas for your ease.

The choice of topic should be such that it allows for a systematic investigation that can be effectively analyzed using economic theories and data.

It’s also essential to ensure that the topic is narrow enough to be addressed within the word limit and broad enough to allow for an in-depth analysis.

Economics IB EE Topic Ideas and Research Questions

Starting with Microeconomics, we’re zooming in on the nitty-gritty of individual markets and how they tick.

Microeconomics Topics and Research Questions

We’ve got our classic battles of market structures—monopolies holding the fort, oligopolies playing chess with each other, and perfect competition being the ideal we rarely meet.

Then there’s the whole drama of market failure, where things get messy with externalities and public goods, and no one’s quite sure who should clean up the mess.

And elasticity? It’s like the pulse check of the market, seeing how it reacts to price changes. It’s all about the small scale, the details, the fine print.

Market Structures

Topic: The impact of local monopolies on consumer choice in rural areas.

Research Question: How do local monopolies in rural areas affect consumer choices and prices?

Topic: The competitive strategies of oligopolies in the smartphone industry.

Research Question: What competitive strategies do oligopolies in the smartphone industry use to maintain market share?

Topic: The prevalence of monopolistic competition in the fast-food industry.

Research Question: How does monopolistic competition influence product variety in the fast-food industry?

Market Failure

Topic: The role of government in addressing negative externalities in urban transport.

Research Question: How effective are government interventions in reducing traffic congestion as a negative externality in urban areas?

Topic: The effectiveness of public goods provision in rural education.

Research Question: How does the provision of education as a public good affect educational outcomes in rural areas?

Topic: The impact of plastic bag taxes on environmental externalities.

Research Question: Have plastic bag taxes significantly reduced the environmental externalities associated with plastic waste?

Topic: Price elasticity of demand for organic produce in urban markets.

Research Question: How does the price elasticity of demand for organic produce affect consumer purchasing patterns in urban markets?

Topic: Cross-price elasticity between electric cars and fossil fuel vehicles.

Research Question: What is the cross-price elasticity of demand between electric cars and fossil fuel vehicles, and what does it imply for future sales?

Topic: The elasticity of supply in the housing market during economic booms.

Research Question: How does the elasticity of supply in the housing market respond to economic booms?

Macroeconomics Topics and Research Questions

But then we step back and look at the big picture with Macroeconomics. Here we’re talking about the economy’s heartbeat—those business cycles that keep us on our toes, wondering if we’re heading for a boom or bracing for a bust.

Governments step in with their fiscal policies, wielding taxes and spending like surgeons trying to fix the economy without making it bleed out.

And let’s not forget the central banks, playing with interest rates and money supply like some high-stakes game of poker.

Economic Cycles

Topic: The impact of economic cycles on unemployment rates in industrial sectors.

Research Question: How do different phases of economic cycles affect unemployment rates in the manufacturing sector?

Topic: The correlation between economic growth and income inequality.

Research Question: Is there a significant correlation between economic growth and the level of income inequality in developed countries?

Topic: The role of technological innovation in driving economic cycles.

Research Question: To what extent does technological innovation influence the length and magnitude of economic cycles?

Fiscal Policy

Topic: The effectiveness of fiscal stimulus in recession recovery.

Research Question: How effective are fiscal stimulus packages in accelerating recovery from recessions?

Topic: The impact of taxation on small businesses and economic growth.

Research Question: What is the impact of changes in small business taxation on economic growth?

Topic: Government spending priorities and their impact on long-term economic growth.

Research Question: How do government spending priorities influence long-term economic growth?

Monetary Policy

Topic: The effects of interest rate changes on consumer spending.

Research Question: How do changes in the central bank’s interest rate affect consumer spending patterns?

Topic: The relationship between money supply growth and inflation.

Research Question: What is the relationship between the growth of money supply and the rate of inflation in emerging economies?

Topic: Central bank policies and their impact on currency exchange rates.

Research Question: How do central bank policies in developed countries affect their currency exchange rates?

Each of these topics and research questions can be tailored to fit the specific requirements of an IB Economics Extended Essay , including the availability of data, the scope of the research, and the word count limitations.

It’s important to conduct preliminary research to ensure that there is enough material to support the investigation.

Next stop, International Economics. This is where countries shake hands or sometimes wrestle over trade policies.

International Economics Topics and Research Questions

Tariffs, trade agreements, and who gets the better deal—it’s like a global marketplace where everyone’s trying to haggle their way to prosperity.

Exchange rates bounce around like ping pong balls, and the balance of payments tells us who’s spending too much on their credit card and who’s got money in the bank.

Trade Policies

Topic: The impact of trade tariffs on the domestic automobile industry.

Research Question: How have recent changes in trade tariffs affected the competitiveness of the domestic automobile industry?

Topic: The effectiveness of free trade agreements in promoting economic growth.

Research Question: What has been the impact of free trade agreements on the economic growth of member countries?

Topic: The role of trade policies in protecting local agriculture.

Research Question: How do trade policies affect the sustainability and profitability of local agricultural sectors?

Exchange Rates

Topic: The effects of exchange rate fluctuations on the tourism industry.

Research Question: How do exchange rate fluctuations impact the number of international tourists and tourism revenue?

Topic: Currency wars and their impact on global trade.

Research Question: What are the consequences of competitive devaluations, often referred to as ‘currency wars’, on global trade dynamics?

Topic: The relationship between commodity prices and currency strength in exporting countries.

Research Question: How do fluctuations in commodity prices affect the exchange rate of commodity-exporting countries?

Balance of Payments

Topic: The impact of remittances on the balance of payments in developing countries.

Research Question: What role do remittances play in the balance of payments of developing countries?

Topic: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and its effect on the current account balance.

Research Question: How does FDI influence the current account balance of emerging economies?

Topic: The effects of tourism on the balance of payments in small island economies.

Research Question: What is the significance of tourism revenue in the balance of payments of small island economies?

Then we get into the meaty issues with Development Economics.

Development Economics Topics and Research Questions

It’s all about asking, “Are we getting better?” We measure development with things like GDP and the Human Development Index, but they don’t always tell the full story.

We’re also tackling the tough stuff like poverty, inequality, and whether we can keep growing without trashing the planet. It’s about making sure progress today doesn’t rob tomorrow.

Measures of Development

Topic: The correlation between GDP growth and improvements in Human Development Index (HDI) scores.

Research Question: Does GDP growth have a significant correlation with improvements in HDI scores?

Topic: The effectiveness of Gross National Happiness (GNH) as an alternative development measure.

Research Question: How does GNH compare to GDP as a measure of development, and what are its implications for policy-making?

Topic: The impact of technological advancement on economic development indicators.

Research Question: What is the impact of rapid technological advancement on traditional economic development indicators?

Poverty and Inequality

Topic: The effectiveness of microfinance in reducing poverty in rural areas.

Research Question: To what extent has microfinance contributed to poverty reduction in rural communities?

Topic: Income inequality and educational outcomes in urban environments.

Research Question: How does income inequality within urban areas affect educational outcomes?

Topic: The role of gender inequality in economic development.

Research Question: What is the impact of gender inequality on economic development in developing countries?

Sustainable Development

Topic: The economic impacts of transitioning to sustainable energy sources.

Research Question: What are the short-term and long-term economic impacts of transitioning to sustainable energy?

Topic: The role of sustainable agriculture in promoting food security.

Research Question: How does sustainable agriculture contribute to food security and economic development?

Topic: The cost-benefit analysis of environmental conservation measures.

Research Question: What are the economic benefits and costs associated with environmental conservation measures?

Behavioral Economics Topics and Research Questions

Now, let’s talk about what makes people tick with Behavioral Economics. This is where we realize that humans aren’t always the rational robots some theories make us out to be.

We’ve got our quirks—bounded rationality, heuristics, and sometimes we follow the herd off a cliff in a market bubble. It’s fascinating because it’s about the psychology behind the economics.

Consumer Behavior

Topic: The influence of social media on consumer purchasing decisions.

Research Question: To what extent does social media influence consumer behavior in the fashion industry?

Topic: The impact of brand loyalty on price elasticity.

Research Question: How does brand loyalty affect the price elasticity of demand for consumer electronics?

Topic: Behavioral factors influencing impulsive buying behavior.

Research Question: What behavioral factors are most significant in influencing impulsive buying behavior in online retail?

Nudge Theory

Topic: The effectiveness of nudges in promoting healthy eating habits.

Research Question: How effective are nudging strategies in changing consumer eating habits in school cafeterias?

Topic: The role of default choices in retirement savings plans.

Research Question: What is the impact of default options on the participation rates in employer-sponsored retirement savings plans?

Topic: The use of framing effects in environmental policy compliance.

Research Question: How do framing effects influence compliance with environmental policies among households?

Market Behavior

Topic: The impact of investor sentiment on stock market bubbles.

Research Question: To what extent does investor sentiment contribute to the formation and bursting of stock market bubbles?

Topic: Herd behavior and its influence on cryptocurrency markets.

Research Question: How does herd behavior manifest in the trading patterns of cryptocurrency markets?

Topic: The role of overconfidence in financial market trading.

Research Question: What is the role of overconfidence bias in the decision-making processes of individual investors in financial markets?

Each of these topics and research questions should be carefully considered and refined to ensure that they are feasible for an extended essay , with a clear focus and available data for analysis.

Labor Economics Topics and Research Questions

Shifting gears to Labor Economics, we’re in the world of work. Wages aren’t just about money; they’re about bargaining power, fairness, and sometimes just sticking to the minimum.

The labor market’s a tough crowd, with unemployment and the quest for the right job in the right place.

And human capital reminds us that it’s not just about filling positions but nurturing talent through education and training.

Wage Determination

Topic: The impact of minimum wage increases on small business employment levels.

Research Question: What is the effect of minimum wage increases on employment levels in the small business sector?

Topic: Wage bargaining and gender pay disparity in the technology sector.

Research Question: How does wage bargaining contribute to the gender pay gap in the technology industry?

Topic: The influence of trade unions on wage determination in the automotive industry.

Research Question: What role do trade unions play in shaping wage determination in the automotive industry?

Labor Markets

Topic: The effects of automation on unemployment rates in manufacturing.

Research Question: How has the increase in automation impacted unemployment rates in the manufacturing sector?

Topic: Labor market flexibility and its impact on economic resilience during recessions.

Research Question: How does labor market flexibility affect a country’s economic resilience to recessions?

Topic: The role of labor mobility in regional economic development.

Research Question: What is the impact of labor mobility on economic development in economically depressed regions?

Human Capital

Topic: The return on investment in higher education for various fields of study.

Research Question: What is the comparative return on investment in higher education across different fields of study?

Topic: The impact of vocational training programs on employability in the service sector.

Research Question: How do vocational training programs affect employability and income levels in the service sector?

Topic: The correlation between educational attainment and labor productivity.

Research Question: How does the level of educational attainment correlate with labor productivity in the tech industry?

Breathing in some fresh air, we move to Environmental Economics.

Environmental Economics Topics and Research Questions

Here’s where we figure out how to play nice with nature. Managing resources, setting up environmental policies like carbon taxes, and doing the math to see if the benefits of saving a forest are worth the cost.

It’s economics going green.

Resource Management

Topic: The economic viability of renewable energy sources in rural communities.

Research Question: What are the economic challenges and benefits of adopting renewable energy sources in rural communities?

Topic: The impact of water resource management on agricultural productivity.

Research Question: How does effective water resource management influence agricultural productivity and economic sustainability?

Topic: The effects of conservation policies on the forestry industry.

Research Question: What economic impact do conservation policies have on the forestry industry?

Environmental Policies

Topic: The effectiveness of carbon taxes in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Research Question: How effective have carbon taxes been in achieving their intended reductions in greenhouse gas emissions?

Topic: The economic impacts of emissions trading schemes on heavy industries.

Research Question: What are the economic consequences of emissions trading schemes for heavy industries?

Topic: The role of environmental regulations in shaping the automotive industry.

Research Question: How have environmental regulations influenced innovation and economic outcomes in the automotive industry?

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Topic: The cost-benefit analysis of urban green space preservation.

Research Question: What are the economic costs and benefits of preserving urban green spaces?

Topic: The economic evaluation of flood defense systems in coastal cities.

Research Question: From an economic perspective, how do the costs and benefits of flood defense systems in coastal cities compare?

Topic: The financial implications of biodiversity conservation programs.

Research Question: What are the economic trade-offs associated with biodiversity conservation programs?

Health Economics Topics and Research Questions

Health Economics brings us to the crossroads of wealth and well-being. Healthcare systems are complex beasts, and we’re trying to tame them so that they can heal without causing financial heartache.

We’re measuring health outcomes and life quality, all while navigating through the maze of health policies.

Healthcare Systems

Topic: The economic effects of public versus private healthcare provision on quality of care.

Research Question: How does the mode of healthcare provision (public vs. private) affect the quality of care and economic efficiency?

Topic: The impact of insurance coverage on healthcare utilization rates.

Research Question: How does the level of insurance coverage influence healthcare utilization rates among different socioeconomic groups?

Topic: The cost-effectiveness of universal healthcare systems.

Research Question: From a cost-effectiveness standpoint, how do universal healthcare systems compare to multi-payer systems?

Health Outcomes

Topic: The economic burden of chronic diseases on healthcare systems.

Research Question: What is the economic impact of the rising prevalence of chronic diseases on healthcare systems?

Topic: The relationship between socioeconomic status and health outcomes.

Research Question: How does socioeconomic status affect health outcomes across different regions?

Topic: The impact of mental health services on workplace productivity.

Research Question: What is the economic impact of providing mental health services on workplace productivity?

Health Policies

Topic: The economic implications of pharmaceutical regulation on drug prices.

Research Question: How do pharmaceutical regulations affect drug prices and the availability of new medications?

Topic: The cost-benefit analysis of preventive healthcare measures.

Research Question: What are the long-term economic benefits of investing in preventive healthcare measures?

Topic: The effects of subsidies on the consumption of health-related goods.

Research Question: How do subsidies for health-related goods (e.g., gym memberships, healthy foods) affect consumption patterns and health outcomes?

Public Sector Economics Topics and Research Questions

Public Sector Economics is where we see how the government tries to steer the ship. They’re spending on public goods and welfare, trying to keep the economy afloat without springing too many leaks.

Taxation is a hot topic—progressive, regressive, who’s paying their way, and who’s getting a free ride? And with fiscal federalism, it’s a tug-of-war between local needs and central control.

Government Expenditure

Topic: The impact of government spending on public goods on economic growth.

Research Question: How does government expenditure on public goods such as infrastructure contribute to economic growth?

Topic: The effectiveness of welfare programs in reducing poverty.

Research Question: What has been the impact of welfare programs on poverty levels in developed countries?

Topic: The economic consequences of military spending.

Research Question: How does military expenditure affect the allocation of government resources and economic growth?

Topic: The economic effects of progressive taxation on income distribution.

Research Question: Does progressive taxation lead to a more equitable distribution of income?

Topic: The impact of value-added tax (VAT) on consumer spending.

Research Question: How does the implementation of VAT affect consumer spending patterns?

Topic: The role of tax incentives in promoting renewable energy investments.

Research Question: How effective are tax incentives in encouraging investment in renewable energy projects?

Fiscal Federalism

Topic: The challenges of fiscal coordination between central and local governments.

Research Question: What are the main challenges in achieving fiscal coordination between different levels of government?

Topic: The impact of fiscal decentralization on local economic development.

Research Question: How does fiscal decentralization affect economic development at the local level?

Topic: The role of intergovernmental transfers in balancing regional disparities.

Research Question: How do intergovernmental transfers help to address regional economic disparities?

Industrial Organization Topics and Research Questions

We’re watching firms and their power moves—mergers, acquisitions, and the regulatory hoops they have to jump through.

It’s about keeping the market fair and innovative, making sure the big fish don’t eat all the little ones and that new ideas get a chance to grow.

Firm Behavior

Topic: The economic rationale behind mergers and acquisitions in the tech industry.

Research Question: What economic factors drive mergers and acquisitions in the technology sector?

Topic: The impact of corporate governance on firm performance.

Research Question: How does the quality of corporate governance affect firm performance and economic outcomes?

Topic: The effects of vertical integration on market competition.

Research Question: Does vertical integration by large firms lead to less competition in the market?

Market Regulation

Topic: The effectiveness of antitrust laws in promoting fair competition.

Research Question: How effective are antitrust laws in maintaining competitive markets?

Topic: The economic impacts of deregulation in the airline industry.

Research Question: What have been the economic outcomes of deregulation in the airline industry?

Topic: The role of competition policy in fostering innovation.

Research Question: How does competition policy influence the rate and direction of innovation in high-tech industries?

Innovation and Technology

Topic: The relationship between R&D investment and economic performance in pharmaceuticals.

Research Question: How does R&D investment correlate with economic performance in the pharmaceutical industry?

Topic: The economic implications of patent laws on innovation.

Research Question: What is the impact of patent laws on the rate of innovation in renewable energy technologies?

Topic: The role of government subsidies in technological advancement.

Research Question: How do government subsidies affect technological advancement in emerging industries?

Financial Economics Topics and Research Questions

Financial Economics is where the money’s at—literally. Stock markets, bond markets, the exotic world of derivatives—it’s all about the flow of money.

And with financial regulation, we’re trying to keep the party responsible so that the financial hangover doesn’t hit too hard.

Financial Markets

Topic: The impact of stock market volatility on economic decision-making.

Research Question: How does stock market volatility influence corporate investment decisions?

Topic: The role of bond markets in public debt management.

Research Question: What role do bond markets play in the management of public debt?

Topic: The effects of quantitative easing on financial markets.

Research Question: How has quantitative easing affected financial markets post-2008 financial crisis?

Financial Instruments

Topic: The use of derivatives in risk management by corporations.

Research Question: How do corporations use derivatives to manage financial risk?

Topic: The impact of futures trading on commodity price stability.

Research Question: Does futures trading contribute to the stability of commodity prices?

Topic: The role of cryptocurrency in the financial portfolio diversification.

Research Question: How do cryptocurrencies affect the diversification of financial portfolios?

Financial Regulation

Topic: The effectiveness of banking regulation in preventing financial crises.

Research Question: How effective have banking regulations been in preventing another financial crisis?

Topic: The economic effects of capital adequacy requirements on banks.

Research Question: What are the economic effects of increased capital adequacy requirements for banks?

Topic: The impact of international financial reporting standards on market transparency.

Research Question: How do international financial reporting standards improve market transparency and economic outcomes?

Economic Methodology and History Topics and Research Questions

Lastly, we’ve got Economic Methodology and History. It’s a bit like time travel, seeing how past thinkers shape our current policies and how historical events steer us towards new economic shores.

And methodology? It’s the toolbox that helps us figure out if what we’re doing actually makes sense, with all the number crunching and case studies that help us understand the why behind the what.

Economic Thought

Topic: The influence of Keynesian economic policies on modern fiscal strategies.

Research Question: How have Keynesian economic principles shaped contemporary fiscal policy-making?

Topic: The relevance of classical economics in today’s market economy.

Research Question: To what extent are the principles of classical economics applicable in the current market economy?

Topic: The impact of behavioral economics on traditional economic models.

Research Question: How has behavioral economics challenged the assumptions of traditional economic models?

Economic History

Topic: The economic consequences of the 1970s oil shocks.

Research Question: What were the long-term economic consequences of the oil shocks of the 1970s?

Topic: The role of economic policies in the Great Depression.

Research Question: How did economic policies contribute to the onset and duration of the Great Depression?

Topic: The economic impacts of the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Research Question: What were the economic impacts of the dissolution of the Soviet Union on Eastern European countries?

Methodological Issues

Topic: The application of econometrics in evaluating fiscal policy.

Research Question: How can econometric models be used to evaluate the effectiveness of fiscal policy?

Topic: The challenges of qualitative analysis in economic research.

Research Question: What are the main challenges associated with using qualitative analysis in economic research?

Topic: The comparison of case study and statistical methods in economic analysis.

Research Question: How do case study methods compare to statistical methods in the analysis of economic phenomena?

So, there you have it—a whirlwind tour through the interconnected world of economics extended essay topics.

Each piece of the cake tells part of the story, and it’s only when you put them all together that you see the full tasty picture. What’s your take on all this?

If you need some other IB EE topic options, we also have many other articles with various extended essay topic ideas . Do not miss a chance to check some that may interest you.

Conclusion

I would have continued with other options, but I believe this list of Economics extended essay topic ideas are quite enough for today. Good luck with your RQ selection, research and writing .

If you find a better article that provides more comprehensive and detailed suggestions for Economics extended essay topic ideas, share it with me 😉

If you need topic suggestions with outlines or assistance with writing a custom IB Economics EE, our IB experts at Writing Metier are always ready to assist you.

Simply contact us using our contact form or fill out the order form with details to your economics extended essay and our IB experts will land you a hand.

Free topic suggestions

Vasy kafidoff.

Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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Extended Essay Writers

The Most Overused and Overdone Extended Essay Topics

Luke MacQuoid

As an IB student, writing an extended essay can be daunting. With so much pressure to create a high-quality piece of work, choosing a EE topic that will allow you to showcase your skills and knowledge is essential. However, it can be disheartening to realize that many overused topics and ideas there are, making it challenging to produce an original and impactful extended essay.

The fear of tackling a cliche topic can cause writer’s block, leaving you feeling stuck before you’ve even started. But don’t despair! There is a solution. With a bit of creativity and a willingness to think outside the box, you can choose a unique and engaging topic .

In this article, we will explore how you can avoid writing an extended essay on an overused topic and offer tips to help you choose a subject that genuinely showcases your strengths and interests.

Whether you’re a student seeking to impress your teachers or someone looking to make an impact with your writing, this guide will give you the tools you need to write a truly standout extended essay.

If you are looking for information about the differences between IB extended essay and IB Internal assessment – you can check another article from our blog:

Extended Essay vs. Internal Assessment. What is the difference?

Let’s start with the list of cliched IB EE topics. I know this is what most of you were waiting for.

The Most Overused Extended Essay Topics

Here’s a list of some of the most commonly used and overused topics for the IB extended essay:

Analysis of a novel
The causes of World War I
The effects of globalization
The impact of technology on society
An examination of a famous person’s life and achievements
The history of a particular country or region
The role of women in society
An analysis of a play or theatrical production
The impact of social media on communication
An examination of a particular type of music or musical artist
The impact of climate change on the environment
An analysis of a particular type of art or artist
The history of a particular religion
The impact of economic policies on a country’s development
An examination of a particular type of sport or athlete
The impact of advertising on consumer behavior
An analysis of a political system or leader
The effects of immigration on a country
The history of a particular movement or social change
The impact of education on society
An examination of a particular type of film or filmmaker
The impact of scientific advancements on society
An analysis of a particular type of food or cuisine
The effects of poverty on a community
The history of a particular type of fashion or clothing
The impact of environmental policies on a company or industry
An examination of a particular type of media, such as radio or television
The impact of a particular event or happening, such as a natural disaster or major political event
An analysis of a particular type of economic system
The impact of media representation on a particular group or community.

It’s important to note that while these topics are commonly used, it’s still possible to write a well-researched and original essay on them.

Just make sure to approach the topic from a unique perspective and conduct thorough research to support your arguments. Use your imagination.

How to avoid writing an extended essay on an overdone topic?

To avoid writing an extended essay on a cliched topic, you can use these tips + your creativity and imagination. As a result, you will get the best outcome for your extended essay.

Think outside the box

Instead of choosing a research question that’s been explored many times, consider taking a new angle or approaching the subject from a different perspective.

Research your options

Before you settle on a topic, do some preliminary research to see what has been written on the subject and whether it feels like a well-explored area.

Consult with your supervisor

Your supervisor can help guide you towards a RQ that is both interesting and unique.

Look at your interests

Choose a topic that you are truly passionate about, as this will make the writing process more enjoyable and help you produce a better-quality essay.

Get creative

If you’re having trouble finding a unique topic, try brainstorming creative ideas and thinking about how you can approach the subject in a new way.

Consider interdisciplinary research questions

Sometimes combining two subjects can lead to a more original and unique essay topic.

Look for current events and controversies

These can provide engaging and timely RQs for your essay.

Remember, the key to a successful extended essay is to choose a topic that you are interested in and can research thoroughly.

So don’t be afraid to think creatively and come up with a unique angle that sets your essay apart from the rest.

Refrain from Being Scared of Overused EE ideas!

Writing an extended essay that falls into the category of “been there, done that” can be a discouraging journey. But, with a dash of creativity and a pinch of strategic planning, you can embark on a path less traveled and choose a topic that is both unique and deeply personal.

By doing so, you’ll have the opportunity to unleash your writing prowess and showcase your knowledge in a way that sets your essay apart from the conventional.

Need help with your IB EE?

You can also use our extended essay writers team’s services if you need assistance selecting a topic . Furthermore, we can also help you write your IB extended essay from scratch or edit your draft following the IB criteria.

So, let go of the fear of the unknown and embrace your passions. Allow your imagination to soar and craft an extended essay that is a true reflection of who you are.

With these tips as your compass, you’ll be well on your way to writing an extended essay that not only impresses your audience but also showcases your individuality and creativity.

Luke MacQuoid has extensive experience teaching English as a foreign language in Japan, having worked with students of all ages for over 12 years. Currently, he is teaching at the tertiary level. Luke holds a BA from the University of Sussex and an MA in TESOL from Lancaster University, both located in England. As well to his work as an IB Examiner and Master Tutor, Luke also enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with others through writing articles for various websites, including extendedessaywriters.com blog

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Key Objectives and the Role of the EE in the IB Curriculum

The EE plays a critical role in the IB curriculum by:

Extended Essay Word Count and Requirements

Academic and Personal Development Benefits

Personal Growth:

Contribution to University Admissions

Skill Development: Research, Writing, and Critical Thinking

Writing Skills:

Critical Thinking:

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your EE Topic

Availability of Resources:

Scope and Focus:

IB Subject Areas:

How to Align Your Interests with the IB Subjects

Consult with Teachers:

Consider Interdisciplinary Topics:

Extended Essay Topics: Examples Across Various Disciplines

Characteristics of a Strong Research Question

Tips for Refining Your Research Question