math extended essay topics ib

Mathematics Extended Essay Topics for IB

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• Writing Metier

Ever felt the exhilaration that comes with cracking a complex math problem? That’s the sheer beauty of mathematics – it’s a world where numbers dance, patterns emerge, and solutions await the keen observer. Felt that? Hah?

Now, imagine channeling that same enthusiasm and zest into your Math Extended essay. It might sound like a challenge, but isn’t that what we thrive on? With the right Math EE topic, you can showcase your mathematical prowess and leave an indelible mark on your IB evaluators following the general criteria. 

To help you with that, I’ve curated a list of Math extended essay ideas that span the spectrum from the accessible to the intricate. 

So, let’s begin.

IB Math extended essay ideas

These aren’t just topics; they’re gateways to exploration, understanding, and innovation. 

Ready to get started?

Easy-to-approach topics

For those looking for a gentler introduction to the Math Extended essay, below is a list of 10 engaging and manageable IB Math EE topic ideas, each with a research question and a brief description on how to approach it:

Patterns in Pascal’s Triangle

Research Question: 

How do patterns emerge in Pascal’s Triangle?

Description: 

Begin with the construction of Pascal’s Triangle, then delve into the exploration of its patterns, such as triangular numbers and the Fibonacci sequence.

Mathematics of Voting Systems

How do different voting systems weigh individual votes mathematically?

Introduce various voting systems, then analyze the mathematical principles behind each, discussing fairness and potential biases.

Geometry in Art

Research Question:  

How is geometry used to create visual appeal in art?

Explore various art pieces, highlighting the geometric principles employed, and discuss their impact on aesthetics.

The Math Behind Baking

How do ratios in baking recipes affect the final product?

Investigate the importance of maintaining specific ratios in baking recipes and experiment with variations to observe changes in outcomes.

Probability in Card Games

How does understanding probability enhance success in card games like Poker?

Delve into the rules of Poker and then analyze various hands and scenarios using probability principles.

Symmetry in Nature

How is symmetry exhibited in natural formations?

Explore the concept of symmetry mathematically and then identify and analyze its presence in various natural formations like leaves, flowers, and animals.

Mathematics of Music

How do mathematical patterns influence musical scales and rhythms?

Investigate the structure of musical scales, rhythms, and time signatures, highlighting the underlying mathematical patterns.

Simple Interest vs. Compound Interest

How do simple and compound interest methods impact savings over time?

Define both interest methods and then use mathematical modeling to compare their effects on savings over various periods.

The Golden Ratio in Architecture

How is the Golden Ratio applied in iconic architectural designs?

Introduce the concept of the Golden Ratio and then analyze its application in various famous architectural structures.

Mathematics of Juggling

How do mathematical patterns and sequences dictate juggling techniques?

Explore basic juggling techniques and patterns, analyzing the mathematical sequences that jugglers use to maintain rhythm and control.

Each of these topic ideas and RQs is approachable yet offers ample scope for exploration and analysis within the realm of mathematics.

Intermediate topics

For those seeking a bit more challenge without diving into the deep end, the topics below offer a balanced blend of complexity and accessibility.

Here’s a list of 10 average-difficulty IB Math Extended essay topics, each with a research question and a brief description of how to approach it:

Game Theory in Economics

How does game theory provide insights into competitive market behaviors?

Introduce game theory principles and use business world case studies to show strategic decision-making influenced by game theory.

Fractals and Nature

How do fractal patterns manifest in natural phenomena?

Description:  

Delve into the mathematical concept of fractals and explore their appearance in various natural settings, such as coastlines, mountains, and plants.

Mathematics of Population Growth Models

How do mathematical models accurately predict population growth in urban areas?

Introduce population growth models and use real urban area data to validate these models, discussing influencing factors.

Cryptography and Internet Security

How do modern cryptographic techniques ensure data security on the internet?

Explore the evolution of cryptography, focusing on modern techniques, and discuss their role in ensuring data security in online transactions.

Mathematical Modeling of Epidemics

How can mathematical models predict the spread of infectious diseases?

Introduce basic epidemiological models and analyze their effectiveness in predicting disease spread using real-world data.

Topology and Coffee Cups

How does topology explain the mathematical similarity between a coffee cup and a donut?

Dive into the basics of topology and use it to explain the often-cited comparison between coffee cups and donuts, emphasizing the concept of homeomorphism.

Chaos Theory and Weather Forecasting

How does chaos theory impact the accuracy of long-term weather forecasts?

Introduce chaos theory, then delve into its application in meteorology, discussing the challenges and limitations in predicting weather.

Mathematics Behind Neural Networks

How do mathematical algorithms drive the functioning of neural networks in artificial intelligence?

Explore the structure of neural networks and delve into the mathematical algorithms that enable their learning and functioning.

Optimization Problems in Logistics

How can mathematical optimization improve efficiency in supply chain logistics?

Investigate real-world logistics challenges and demonstrate how mathematical optimization techniques can offer solutions.

Number Theory in Modern Cryptography

How does advanced number theory underpin modern cryptographic techniques?

Delve into number theory concepts and their application in modern cryptographic methods, emphasizing their role in ensuring data security.

These topics and research questions offer a balanced blend of complexity and accessibility, making them suitable for students seeking a moderate challenge in their Math Extended essay.

Advanced topics (with potential for higher rewards)

For the brave hearts ready to dive deep, these topics are challenging but can yield impressive results when tackled effectively.

The list of 10 challenging IB Math Extended essay ideas, each with a research question and a brief description:

Navier–Stokes Existence and Smoothness

What are the mathematical implications of the unsolved Navier–Stokes existence and smoothness problem in fluid dynamics?

Delve deep into the Navier–Stokes equations, exploring their significance in fluid dynamics and the challenges surrounding their unsolved problems.

Riemann Hypothesis and Prime Numbers

How does the Riemann Hypothesis relate to the distribution of prime numbers?

Investigate the Riemann Hypothesis, its historical context, and its profound implications for the distribution of prime numbers.

Quantum Cryptography and Key Distribution

How does quantum cryptography enhance security in key distribution?

Explore the principles of quantum mechanics applied to cryptography, focusing on the advantages and challenges of quantum key distribution.

Elliptic Curves and Cryptography

How do elliptic curves underpin modern cryptographic techniques?

Dive into the mathematics of elliptic curves and their pivotal role in modern cryptographic algorithms.

Four Color Theorem and Graph Theory

How does the Four Color Theorem demonstrate the complexities of graph coloring?

Investigate the history and proof of the Four Color Theorem, discussing its implications and challenges in graph theory.

Complex Analysis in Quantum Mechanics

How does complex analysis influence the mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics?

Delve into the principles of complex analysis and explore their applications and significance in quantum mechanics.

Twin Prime Conjecture

What are the implications and challenges of the Twin Prime Conjecture in number theory?

Investigate the Twin Prime Conjecture, its history, and its significance in the realm of number theory.

Knot Theory and DNA Replication

How does knot theory provide insights into the process of DNA replication?

Explore the mathematical intricacies of knot theory and its applications in understanding the complexities of DNA replication.

Ergodic Theory and Thermodynamics

How does ergodic theory connect with the principles of statistical thermodynamics?

Dive deep into ergodic theory, exploring its foundational concepts and its connections to statistical thermodynamics.

Langlands Program and Number Theory

What is the Langlands Program, and how does it seek to unify different areas of mathematics?

Investigate the Langlands Program, its objectives, and its profound implications in unifying disparate areas of mathematics, particularly number theory.

These topics are undoubtedly challenging but can yield impressive results when tackled effectively. They offer a deep dive into complex mathematical concepts and theories, making them ideal for students aiming for the highest grades in their Math Extended essay.

Get extended essay help

Before continuing to the next block, I suggest our Math EE writing or editing services . Our company has been working with numerous IB students and helped them write custom IB extended essays.

Join a team of happy IB students who have followed the IB extended essay rubric and criteria and gained better results with Writing Metier and our Math assignments help !

Overused Math EE topics (proceed with caution)

While these topics are popular, they’ve been explored extensively. If you choose one, ensure you bring a fresh perspective:

• The Fibonacci Sequence in Nature.
• Pi and its Mysteries.
• The Monty Hall Problem.
• The Birthday Paradox.
• Exploring Pascal’s Triangle.
• The Mathematics of the Pyramids.
• The Tower of Hanoi Problem.
• Benford’s Law.
• The Four Color Theorem.
• The Mathematics of the Rubik’s Cube.

Keep in mind that selecting such a topic will require hard work to find a new custom angle of research and sometimes might not lead to higher grades .

In Conclusion

Alright, IB champs, that wraps up our curated selection of Math EE topics, each with its unique flavor and challenge. The topic is just the starting point. The real magic happens when you infuse it with your insights, analysis, and unique perspective. 

Mathematics isn’t just about numbers; it’s about stories and trips within the confines of equations and graphs. As you gear up to tackle your Extended essay, keep that passion alive, keep questioning, and most importantly, enjoy the process. 

Don’t forget to reserve extra space because it may take time to write an extended essay . And if you’re ever in doubt, remember that Writing Metier is here to guide you through every step of the process.

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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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the complete ib extended essay guide: examples, topics, and ideas.

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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IB Maths EE examples

Filter exemplars, to what extent prime counting function and the riemann zeta function are similar, and what is the importance of their similarities, how are elliptic curves used in cryptography to make information secure in today’s world, want to get full marks for your ee allow us to review it for you 🎯, how does elliptic curve cryptography ensure secure communication of information on the internet, to what extent is the naive bayes classifier effective in classifying iris plants data set, to what extent is the insight into the concepts of consonance and dissonance in music theory provided by the mathematical descriptions of the string motions within stringed instruments described by the fourier series, fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by ib examiners. upgrade now 🚀, how can laplace transformation be used to solve differential equations in undamped vibration and kirchhoff's laws of current and voltage, to what length does the lotka-volterra model help us understand the predator-prey relation in an ecosystem, how does the implementation of pell's equation in rsa cryptography affect its efficiency, and what is the security of the prime fake modulus variant against fermat's factorization and wiener's attack, dans quelle mesure, l’utilisation de pi (π) est-il devenu un facteur important dans la vie quotidienne et l’évolution du monde, how can matrix analysis of game theory be used to guide foreign policy in the ongoing us-iran nuclear tensions, how does the idea of transpositions from group theory apply itself to the solution of the futurama problem, how can the surface area of a violin's top plate be calculated, what is the height and number of towers in a suspension bridge between tuas and jurong island such that it will bear the heaviest possible load and have the lowest cost, how trigonomotry applied in astronomy, how do laplace transformations and complex exponential substitution enable the solution of a first order differential equation to obtain the sinusoidal current in a basic rl circuit, the analysis of approaches and extension of a combinatorial geometry problem, to what extent, statistically, are the causal effects of parenting programs on rural chinese toddlers’ cognition different between genders, to what extent is the mathematical proof of ‘ac ohm’s law’ applicable to ac circuits, to what extent do trigonometry, elliptical geometry and calculus aid forensic analysts in blood spatter analysis and the estimation of the time of death of a corpse, how does the fourier series is used as a musical signal for chord structure, what is modular arithmetic, and how can it be applied to solve problems in the field of number theory, to what extent do the motion of strings within stringed instruments described by fourier series give insight into consonance and dissonance in music theory, how can we use fourier series to analyse and produce an electrocardiogram signal, (35/36) hyperbolic flyby trajectories in orbital mechanicss, analyzing the distribution of cards in the "egg game”, to what extent the areas of mathematics such as differ- ential geometry and calculus of variations can be used to generalize the brachis- tochrone problem at planes to curved surfaces embedded in three dimensions, generating arbitrary uniform probability distributions, what are some ways the riemann zeta function is connected to the prime numbers, that helps us investigate and better understand them, probability factors that influence the game of roulette, we will investigate whether the supply and demand affect the performance of a stock in the us equity market, to what extent does the distance between the path that goes through the gold nucleus and one of the asymptotes of the α particle’s hyperbolic trajectory affect the trajectory of the α particle in rutherford's gold foil experiment, what is the most optimal point on football field to score a goal, how does abstract mathematics apply to physical phenomena in the process of the development of schrodinger’s equations, the rsa algorithm and its vulnerabilities, how can mathematics be used to work out the optimal distance from the try line to position the ball for a conversion kick in rugby union.

How to Choose an EE Topic (Mathematics)

The Extended Essay is undoubtedly one of the most feared components of the IB program. A 4,000 word research paper can, in fact, seem daunting to those who have only written 500-1000 word essays. Therefore, students should choose a topic that they can not only find sources for, but are also passionate about it.

Mathematics Extended Essays are rare — of the 87,519 Extended Essays submitted in the 2020 May Examination Session only 2,454 were done over Mathematics (2.8%) ( IB Statistical Bulletin 2020 ). Despite the rarity, I chose to write a Mathematics EE because maths is something that fascinates me. To many students, Mathematics EEs sound scary and barely consider writing one. There were many people that told me I was insane and that it was impossible. In the end, I put in the work to make it happen. 

I chose to write my paper on Game Theory and my research question was: “To what extent does Game Theory play a role in Modern Warfare?” 

I found this topic not unlike the way students writing History EEs find their own specific topics. Just as history has countless events in which one can write about, Mathematics is similar with its various branches. I chose a branch that interested me (Game Theory) and used it to solve a real-world problem (Modern Warfare). My economics teacher actually suggested this idea.  They said that, while Game Theory is primarily used in economics, it has numerous applications to maths when discussed alongside warfare. This qualified my essay as a Category 1 Mathematics Extended Essay, which is a paper that discusses “the applicability of mathematics to solve both real and abstract problems” (p. 96, IB Extended Essay Guide ). 

Writing the essay is where, I admit, it got challenging. During the process I had no peers to help me as only a few others had chosen a Mathematics EE, but none of their topics related to mine. Fortunately, my mentor was extremely helpful and I was able to find several books at my local university that were very useful.

Mathematics Extended Essays are bizarre in many ways as things such as word count, varied sentence structure, and high vocabulary do not matter. However, it should be noted that effective communication is key even if that’s done through mathematical expressions. Despite these challenges, I strongly believe that Mathematics EEs are doable, and more people would do them if there was not such a negative stigma about them. I encourage all future IB sessions to consider doing one as the feeling when you have finished is unlike any other. The pride and satisfaction I felt knowing that I took the path less travelled and still found success is something that I hope all future IB students will experience.

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• Our Extended Essay series
• Tiffany’s tips for Mathematics HL

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IB Extended Essay: 250+ Ideas and Guide

Charles Whitehouse

What is the IB Extended Essay?

The Extended Essay , along with the Creativity, Activity, Service component and Theory of Knowledge , forms an integral part of the IB Diploma Programme . It offers IB high school students an opportunity to explore a topic of personal interest in-depth, develop research and writing skills, and experience the rigours of academic investigation.

One of the distinguishing features of the IB Extended Essay is its length. It requires students to write a substantial essay of up to 4,000 words, which is equivalent to about 16-20 pages. This allows students to delve into their chosen subject matter and demonstrate their ability to engage with complex ideas.

Over 88,000 IBDP students across the globe undertook the Extended Essay in 2022 as part of their IB Diploma requirements. It has been lauded as an effective preparation for university-level research and writing, helping students develop critical thinking, analytical, and independent research skills.

The Extended Essay is an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and skills gained from their chosen subjects in a multidisciplinary manner. It encourages interdisciplinary exploration, enabling students to connect different areas of knowledge and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

In order to successfully complete the Extended Essay, students must adhere to a structured process that includes selecting a research question, conducting thorough research, organising their findings, and presenting their analysis and conclusions in a coherent manner. By undertaking the IB Extended Essay, students not only enhance their academic skills but also develop essential skills such as time management, critical thinking, and independent inquiry.

How to Choose Your Extended Essay Research Question?

Choosing a research question for your IB Extended Essay is a crucial step that sets the direction and scope of your investigation. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting your research question:

1. Personal Interest: Choose a topic that genuinely interests you. Passion for the subject matter will fuel your motivation and dedication throughout the research process.

2. Feasibility: Ensure that your research question is manageable within the constraints of the Extended Essay. Consider the availability of resources, time required for research and analysis, and the scope of the topic.

3. Specificity: Formulate a research question that is focused and specific. A broad question may lead to a lack of depth in your analysis, while a narrow question may limit the availability of relevant sources and data.

4. Relevance: Select a research question that is relevant to the subject you are investigating. It should align with the objectives and content of the chosen subject area.

5. Novelty: Aim for a research question that offers a unique perspective or contributes to existing knowledge. Originality in your approach and analysis can make your Extended Essay stand out.

6. Consultation: Seek guidance from your teachers, mentors, or IB tutors . They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your research question.

Remember that your research question will shape the entire trajectory of your Extended Essay, so take the time to carefully consider and refine it before proceeding with your research.

Now, let's explore a variety of ideas for each subject, providing you with a diverse range of potential topics to consider for your IB Extended Essay.

Top 10 IB Extended Essay Subjects in 2022

Extended Essay Ideas for Each Subject

1. How Do Fibonacci Sequences Apply in Real World Scenarios?

2. Do Fractals Have a Role in Modelling Weather Patterns?

3. Is the Monty Hall Problem Really Counter-Intuitive? A Statistical Analysis.

4. To What Extent Does the Golden Ratio Appear in Architecture?

5. How Does Bayesian Probability Predict Election Outcomes?

6. The Role of Game Theory in the Cold War: A Mathematical Perspective.

7. Can Catastrophe Theory Model Stock Market Crashes?

8. How Effective are Neural Networks in Predicting Future Events?

9. A Study of the Mathematical Strategies Employed in Chess.

10. Comparing the Accuracy of Different Numerical Methods for Solving Differential Equations.

11. Is Bitcoin's Value Deterministic or Stochastic?

12. How Does Voronoi Diagram Optimize Emergency Service Locations?

13. Using the Markov Chain to Predict Weather Patterns.

14. To What Extent is RSA Encryption Secure?

15. How Does Linear Algebra Apply in Computer Graphics?

16. An Investigation into the Math Behind Google's PageRank Algorithm.

17. How Effective is the Math Behind Machine Learning Algorithms?

18. Exploring the Effect of Maths in Optimising Traffic Flow.

19. Are There Mathematical Patterns in Successful Lottery Numbers?

20. How Efficiently Can Prime Numbers Be Generated?

Have a look at our comprehensive set of IB Study Notes and IB Practice Questions , developed by expert IB teachers and examiners!

English Literature

1. The Role of Feminism in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

2. A Study of Racial Identity in Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye.

3. Is Hamlet Truly Mad or Just Pretending? An Analysis.

4. The Impact of Post-Colonialism in Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart.

5. How Does Orwell Use Language to Depict Dystopia in 1984?

6. The Influence of Gothic Elements in Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights.

7. The Depiction of Mental Illness in Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar.

8. The Role of Nature in William Wordsworth's Romantic Poetry.

9. The Effect of Social Hierarchy in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.

10. How Does Harper Lee Convey Themes of Racial Injustice in To Kill a Mockingbird?

11. Exploring Gender Stereotypes in George Eliot's Middlemarch.

12. The Role of Supernatural in Shakespeare's Macbeth.

13. Exploring the Influence of Marxism in George Orwell's Animal Farm.

14. A Study of Homosexuality in Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray.

15. How Does Virginia Woolf Explore Feminism in Mrs Dalloway?

16. The Depiction of War in Erich Maria Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front.

17. The Role of the American Dream in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman.

18. The Use of Symbolism in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter.

19. A Study of Isolation in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

20. The Impact of Social Class in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations.

1. How Do Different pH Levels Affect the Activity of Enzymes in Yeast?

2. Investigating the Effects of Light Intensity on the Rate of Photosynthesis.

3. How Does Temperature Affect the Germination of Seeds?

4. Impact of Varying Salinity Levels on Brine Shrimp Survival Rates.

5. The Role of Epigenetics in Gene Expression: Case Study on Identical Twins.

6. To What Extent Do Different Antibiotics Inhibit Bacterial Growth?

7. How Does Caffeine Affect the Heart Rate of Daphnia?

8. An Investigation into the Impact of Pollution on Local Plant Diversity.

9. The Impact of Various Drugs on the Pulsation Rate of Lumbriculus variegatus.

10. Comparing the Efficacy of Natural Vs. Synthetic Pesticides on Plant Growth.

11. The Role of Gut Microbiota in Obesity: A Literature Review.

12. Does the Level of Vitamin C in Oranges Change Over Time?

13. How Do Different Types of Soil Affect Earthworm Activity?

14. Investigating the Correlation Between Altitude and Plant Biodiversity.

15. Analysis of Microplastic Concentration in Local Freshwater Bodies.

16. Impact of Noise Pollution on Birdsong: A Case Study.

17. A Comparison of Antibacterial Properties in Manuka Honey Vs. Regular Honey.

18. The Effect of Different Light Wavelengths on the Growth of Pea Plants.

19. How Does Exercise Intensity Impact Blood Glucose Levels?

20. Is There a Correlation Between Water pH and Aquatic Life Diversity?

1. How Does Temperature Affect the Rate of Reaction in the Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide?

2. Investigating the Effectiveness of Different Antacids on Stomach Acid.

3. A Comparative Study on the Vitamin C Concentration in Different Citrus Fruits.

4. How Does Cooking Time Affect the Vitamin C Levels in Vegetables?

5. To What Extent Does Enzyme Concentration Affect the Fermentation of Yeast?

6. Analysis of Caffeine Content in Different Types of Tea .

7. The Effect of Different Factors on the Corrosion of Iron.

8. How Does the Concentration of Sodium Chloride Affect the Electrolysis of Water?

9. Comparing the Energy Output of Different Biofuels.

10. The Effect of Temperature on the Crystal Size in the Recrystallisation Process.

11. Comparing the Acidities of Natural and Processed Foods.

12. Investigating the Effect of Various Catalysts on the Rate of Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition.

13. Synthesis of Aspirin: A Study on the Purity of the Product.

14. Comparing the Efficiency of Different Types of Solar Panels.

15. Investigating the Impact of Carbonation on pH Levels in Various Soft Drinks.

16. The Effect of Chelating Agents on the Solubility of Metal Ions.

17. A Study on the Photodegradation of Dyes Using Titanium Dioxide.

18. How Do Different Sugar Types Affect Fermentation Rates in Yeast?

19. Analysis of Water Hardness in Various Local Water Supplies.

20. Investigating the Efficacy of Different Water Filtration Methods in Removing Heavy Metals.

1. Investigating the Relationship Between the Drop Height and Crater Size in a Simulated Impact.

2. How Does the Angle of Incidence Affect the Efficiency of a Solar Panel?

3. Analysing the Relationship Between the Length of a Pendulum and Its Period.

4. To What Extent Does the Mass of a Projectile Affect Its Range?

5. Investigating the Factors Affecting the Drag Force on a Falling Object.

6. A Study on the Efficiency of Different Insulating Materials in Reducing Heat Loss.

7. How Does the Depth of Water Affect Wave Speed?

8. The Relationship Between the Angle of Release and the Distance Traveled by a Trebuchet.

9. Investigating the Effect of Surface Area on Terminal Velocity.

10. How Does the Thickness of a Wire Affect Its Electrical Resistance?

11. The Impact of Varying Air Pressure on the Lift Force of an Airfoil.

12. Analysing the Relationship Between the Magnitude of an Earthquake and the Distance from the Epicentre.

13. Investigating the Factors Affecting the Speed of Sound in Different Media.

14. How Does the Concentration of a Solution Affect Its Refractive Index?

15. The Effect of Various Materials on the Absorption of Radiation.

16. A Study on the Efficiency of Wind Turbines at Different Wind Speeds.

17. Investigating the Effect of Temperature on the Viscosity of Liquids.

18. How Does the Type of Material Affect the Transmission of Sound Waves?

19. The Relationship Between the Angle of a Ramp and the Frictional Force Acting on an Object.

20. A Study on the Factors Affecting the Strength of Electromagnets.

1. The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers' Mental Health: A Cross-Cultural Study.

2. Investigating the Role of Parenting Styles in Child Development.

3. The Effect of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Performance.

4. How Does Classical Conditioning Apply in Advertising Strategies?

5. The Impact of Colour on Consumer Behaviour: A Study in Retail Settings.

6. The Role of Social Support in Coping with Stress.

7. To What Extent Does Personality Influence Career Success?

8. Investigating the Effect of Group Dynamics on Decision Making.

9. The Impact of Music on Cognitive Task Performance.

10. A Study on the Effectiveness of Different Techniques for Reducing Test Anxiety.

11. The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Academic Performance.

12. Analysing the Impact of Stereotype Threat on Test Performance.

13. Investigating the Factors Affecting the Formation of False Memories.

14. How Does the Bystander Effect Manifest in Online Settings?

15. The Role of Mindfulness in Reducing Stress and Anxiety.

16. Analysing the Impact of Gender Stereotypes on Occupational Choices.

17. Investigating the Influence of Cultural Background on Conflict Resolution Styles.

18. The Impact of Video Games on Aggression: A Meta-Analysis.

19. A Study on the Factors Affecting Altruistic Behaviour.

20. The Role of Attachment Styles in Romantic Relationships.

1. Investigating the Impact of Unemployment on Crime Rates in Urban Areas.

2. The Effect of Immigration on Wage Levels: A Case Study.

3. To What Extent Does Government Spending Influence Economic Growth?

4. A Comparative Analysis of the Economic Impact of Tourism in Coastal Vs. Inland Regions.

5. Assessing the Impact of Brexit on the UK's Trade Balance.

6. The Role of Microfinance in Alleviating Poverty in Rural India.

7. Investigating the Effects of Minimum Wage Policies on Small Businesses.

8. The Impact of Covid-19 on the Global Supply Chain: A Study on the Auto Industry.

9. How Do Oil Prices Affect Inflation Rates? A Historical Analysis.

10. A Study on the Relationship Between Income Inequality and Economic Growth.

11. The Effect of Trade Tariffs on Domestic Industries: The Case of US-China Trade War.

12. The Role of Foreign Direct Investment in Economic Development of Emerging Markets.

13. To What Extent Does Education Contribute to Economic Productivity?

14. The Impact of Climate Change Policies on the Energy Sector.

15. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Fiscal Policy in Combating Recessions.

16. The Role of the Informal Economy in Urban Development: A Case Study.

17. Investigating the Correlation Between Real Estate Prices and Economic Growth.

18. The Impact of Population Aging on Healthcare Expenditure .

19. Assessing the Economic Consequences of Natural Disasters: A Case Study.

20. The Effect of Technological Advancements on Employment Rates in the Manufacturing Sector.

Business Management

1. The Impact of Leadership Styles on Employee Motivation in Tech Start-ups.

2. How Does Corporate Social Responsibility Influence Brand Image?

3. The Role of Human Resource Management in Employee Retention.

4. Investigating the Impact of E-commerce on Traditional Retail Businesses.

5. How Do Changes in Interest Rates Affect Small Business Financing?

6. The Role of Innovation in the Competitive Advantage of Businesses.

7. Investigating the Effects of Workplace Diversity on Team Performance.

8. The Impact of Organisational Culture on Employee Job Satisfaction.

9. How Does Supply Chain Management Affect the Profitability of Manufacturing Firms?

10. The Role of Digital Marketing in Enhancing Customer Engagement.

11. Assessing the Impact of Brexit on the Business Strategy of UK-based Companies.

12. The Effect of Ethical Practices on Business Reputation.

13. Investigating the Role of Strategic Alliances in Enhancing Market Position.

14. The Impact of Covid-19 on Remote Work Policies: A Case Study.

15. How Does Customer Relationship Management Influence Customer Loyalty?

16. The Effect of Government Regulations on Startup Ecosystem.

17. Evaluating the Role of Corporate Governance in Financial Performance.

18. The Impact of Merger and Acquisition on Employee Morale.

19. The Effect of Green Initiatives on Business Sustainability.

20. The Role of Business Intelligence in Decision-making.

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1. Investigating the Impact of Urbanisation on Local Biodiversity: A Case Study.

2. The Role of Climate Change in the Spread of Vector-borne Diseases.

3. The Effect of River Diversions on Local Ecosystems.

4. Assessing the Impact of Deforestation on Local Climate: A Case Study.

5. The Role of Tourism in the Sustainable Development of Coastal Regions.

6. Investigating the Impact of Gentrification on Urban Neighbourhoods: A Case Study.

7. The Effect of Climate Change on the Availability of Freshwater Resources.

8. Assessing the Impact of Agricultural Practices on Soil Erosion in Rural Areas.

9. Analysing the Relationship Between Population Density and Transportation Infrastructure.

10. The Role of Renewable Energy in Reducing Carbon Emissions: A Case Study.

11. Investigating the Impact of Land Reclamation on Coastal Ecosystems.

12. The Effect of Urban Sprawl on Air Quality in Major Cities.

13. Assessing the Vulnerability of Coastal Communities to Sea Level Rise.

14. The Impact of Industrialisation on River Water Quality: A Case Study.

15. How Does Waste Management Affect the Sustainability of Urban Areas?

16. Investigating the Relationship Between Income Inequality and Spatial Segregation.

17. The Role of Urban Green Spaces in Enhancing Residents' Well-being.

18. The Impact of Natural Disasters on Economic Development in Small Island Nations.

19. Analysing the Factors Affecting the Distribution of Earthquakes and Volcanic Activity.

20. The Effect of Land Use Change on Flood Risk in Urban Areas.

Computer Science

1. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Different Machine Learning Algorithms in Predicting Stock Prices.

2. Investigating the Impact of Encryption Techniques on Data Security.

3. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Automating Routine Tasks.

4. How Does the Implementation of Blockchain Technology Affect Supply Chain Management?

5. Assessing the Impact of Social Media Algorithms on User Behaviour.

6. The Effect of Augmented Reality on the User Experience in Mobile Applications.

7. Investigating the Feasibility of Quantum Computing in Solving Complex Problems.

8. The Role of Big Data Analytics in Enhancing Business Decision-making.

9. Analysing the Factors Affecting the Adoption of Cloud Computing by SMEs.

10. The Impact of Cybersecurity Measures on the Prevention of Data Breaches.

11. Investigating the Ethical Implications of Facial Recognition Technology.

12. The Effect of Internet of Things on Energy Efficiency in Smart Homes.

13. Assessing the Impact of Virtual Reality on Gaming Industry.

14. The Role of Natural Language Processing in Enhancing Human-Computer Interaction.

15. How Does the Development of Autonomous Vehicles Affect Traffic Management?

16. Investigating the Scalability Issues in Distributed Systems.

17. The Effect of Software Development Methodologies on Project Success Rates.

18. The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Job Market: A Case Study.

19. Analysing the Factors Affecting the Performance of Mobile Networks.

20. The Role of Bioinformatics in Personalised Medicine.

Environmental Systems and Societies

1. Investigating the Impact of E-waste on Soil and Water Quality.

2. The Effect of Climate Change on Coral Reef Ecosystems.

3. Assessing the Impact of Invasive Species on Native Biodiversity.

4. The Role of Sustainable Agriculture in Reducing Environmental Degradation.

5. Analysing the Factors Affecting the Ozone Layer Depletion.

6. The Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life: A Case Study.

7. Investigating the Feasibility of Carbon Capture and Storage Technologies.

8. The Role of Urban Planning in Reducing Air Pollution in Cities.

9. The Effect of Overfishing on Marine Ecosystems: A Case Study.

10. Assessing the Impact of Renewable Energy Sources on Carbon Emissions.

11. Investigating the Relationship Between Deforestation and Climate Change.

12. The Impact of Industrial Pollution on Local Communities' Health: A Case Study.

13. The Role of Waste Management in Reducing Ocean Pollution.

14. The Effect of Pesticides on Soil Microorganism Diversity.

15. Assessing the Impact of Dams on River Ecosystems.

16. Investigating the Efficacy of Reforestation Efforts in Carbon Sequestration.

17. The Role of Environmental Education in Promoting Sustainable Consumption Behaviours.

18. The Effect of Acid Rain on Forest Ecosystems: A Case Study.

19. Analysing the Impact of Mining Activities on Local Water Quality.

20. The Role of Green Infrastructure in Enhancing Urban Sustainability.

Social and Cultural Anthropology

1. Investigating the Impact of Globalisation on Indigenous Cultures: A Case Study.

2. The Role of Language in Shaping Cultural Identity.

3. Analysing the Influence of Cultural Practices on Gender Roles.

4. The Effect of Migration on Cultural Assimilation: A Case Study.

5. The Impact of Western Media on Body Image Perceptions in Non-Western Societies.

6. Investigating the Relationship Between Religion and Social Norms in a Given Society.

7. The Role of Cultural Traditions in Shaping Food Habits.

8. The Impact of Social Media on Cultural Exchange: A Case Study.

9. Analysing the Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Educational Attainment.

10. The Effect of Colonialism on Cultural Diversity: A Case Study.

11. Investigating the Role of Folklore in Preserving Cultural Heritage.

12. The Impact of Urbanisation on Traditional Social Structures: A Case Study.

13. The Role of Music and Dance in Cultural Expression.

14. Analysing the Influence of Cultural Factors on Mental Health.

15. The Effect of Cultural Beliefs on Healthcare Practices: A Case Study.

16. Investigating the Impact of Tourism on Local Cultures.

17. The Role of Rituals and Ceremonies in Social Cohesion.

18. The Impact of Legal Systems on Gender Equality: A Comparative Study.

19. Analysing the Cultural Adaptations of Immigrants in a New Society.

20. The Role of Art and Literature in Reflecting Social Changes.

Visual Arts

1. Investigating the Influence of Social Issues on Banksy's Street Art.

2. The Impact of Japanese Art on Claude Monet’s Painting Style.

3. Analysing the Representation of Women in Renaissance Paintings.

4. The Role of Surrealism in Salvador Dali's Artistic Expression.

5. Investigating the Cultural Symbolism in Frida Kahlo’s Self-portraits.

6. The Impact of Pop Culture on Andy Warhol's Art .

7. Analysing the Use of Light and Shadow in Caravaggio's Paintings.

8. The Role of Spirituality in Wassily Kandinsky's Abstract Art.

9. The Influence of African Art on Picasso's Cubist Period.

10. The Depiction of War and Its Aftermath in Otto Dix's Works.

11. Investigating the Use of Colour in Mark Rothko’s Abstract Paintings.

12. The Role of Indigenous Culture in Emily Carr's Landscape Paintings.

13. Analysing the Evolution of Political Themes in Chinese Contemporary Art.

14. The Effect of the Harlem Renaissance on Aaron Douglas' Art.

15. Investigating the Use of Geometric Shapes in Kandinsky’s Abstract Art.

16. The Role of Dutch Culture and Society in Vermeer's Paintings.

17. The Depiction of Nature in Georgia O'Keeffe's Works.

18. Analysing the Impact of Feminism on Barbara Kruger's Art.

19. Investigating the Influence of Post-Impressionism on Vincent van Gogh’s Style.

20. The Representation of the American Dream in Edward Hopper's Paintings.

World Studies

1. Investigating the Global Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Mental Health.

2. The Effect of Climate Change on Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa.

3. Analysing the Influence of Globalisation on Indigenous Cultures.

4. The Role of International Law in Resolving Border Disputes: A Case Study.

5. Investigating the Impact of Global Trade Policies on Developing Economies.

6. The Effect of Globalisation on Income Inequality: A Comparative Study.

7. Analysing the Influence of Western Media on Global Perceptions of Beauty.

8. The Role of International Organizations in Addressing the Refugee Crisis.

9. Investigating the Global Response to the Rise of Cybercrime.

10. The Impact of Climate Change on Natural Disaster Frequency and Severity Worldwide.

11. Analysing the Influence of Globalisation on Language Diversity.

12. The Role of Technology in Bridging the Education Gap in Developing Countries.

13. Investigating the Global Impact of Antibiotic Resistance.

14. The Effect of International Trade on Cultural Exchange: A Case Study.

15. Analysing the Impact of Global Warming on Polar Ecosystems.

16. The Role of the United Nations in Promoting Global Gender Equality.

17. Investigating the Impact of Social Media on Political Activism Worldwide.

18. The Effect of Globalisation on the Sustainability of Traditional Crafts.

19. Analysing the Global Strategies for Wildlife Conservation.

20. The Role of International Cooperation in Space Exploration.

How to Write a Great IB Extended Essay

Crafting an exceptional IB Extended Essay requires a combination of strategic planning, critical thinking, and effective writing. In this guide, we will provide you with valuable insights and practical advice to help you excel in your writing journey and produce an outstanding essay.

1. Develop a Clear and Coherent Structure : Creating a well-organised structure is crucial to convey your ideas effectively. Start by outlining the main sections and subtopics of your essay. Ensure a logical flow of information, with each paragraph building upon the previous one. This will guide the reader through your arguments and analysis smoothly.

2. Conduct Thorough and Methodical Research : Thorough research forms the foundation of a strong Extended Essay. Dive into reputable sources, including academic journals, books, and credible websites. Gather evidence, data, and expert opinions to support your arguments. Take meticulous notes and properly cite your sources to maintain academic integrity.

3. Apply Critical Thinking and Evaluation : Engage in critical analysis by examining and evaluating the evidence you've gathered. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of different viewpoints, theories, or methodologies. Develop your own informed perspective and present a well-reasoned argument supported by reliable evidence.

4. Craft Engaging and Coherent Paragraphs : Each paragraph should focus on a specific idea or argument, clearly stated in a topic sentence. Support your claims with evidence, examples, and relevant data. Use smooth transitions between paragraphs to ensure a cohesive and coherent essay.

5. Revise, Edit, and Proofread : Give yourself ample time for revising, editing, and proofreading your essay. Review your work for clarity, coherence, and consistency. Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Consider seeking feedback from teachers, peers, or mentors to gain valuable insights and improve your essay further.

We asked one IB teacher what they had to say about writing a great essay:

"The key is to choose a topic that truly ignites your curiosity, one that you are passionate about exploring. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and delve into uncharted territories. Remember, this is your chance to showcase your unique perspective and make a meaningful contribution to your chosen field. Embrace the research process, be diligent in gathering reliable sources, and let your creativity shine through in your writing. And most importantly, enjoy the journey of discovery and growth that the Extended Essay offers."

Remember, the IB Extended Essay is an opportunity to demonstrate your intellectual curiosity, research skills, and ability to present a coherent argument. Choose a topic that genuinely interests you, stay organised throughout the process, and invest time in thoughtful analysis and writing. To maximise your chances of success, you may also want to purchase an Extended Essay textbook or get the help of an IB Extended Essay tutor .

IB Extended Essay Grade Distribution in 2022

Finding Reliable Sources for Your Extended Essay

When writing your IB Extended Essay, it is essential to rely on credible and trustworthy sources. Follow these strategies to find reliable information:

1. Use Academic Databases: Access reputable databases like JSTOR and PubMed to find scholarly articles and research papers relevant to your subject.

2. Consult Library Resources: Take advantage of books, encyclopaedias, and reference materials available in your school or local library.

3. Explore Digital Libraries: Visit digital libraries such as the Digital Public Library of America and Europeana for access to a wide range of digitised resources.

4. Evaluate Websites Carefully: Verify the credibility of the author or organisation, check for peer-reviewed articles or references, and consider the domain (.edu, .gov, or .org) for reliable information.

5. Utilise Scholarly Search Engines: Utilise specialised search engines like Google Scholar and Microsoft Academic to find academic publications.

6. Consult Subject-Specific Journals: Look for reputable journals in your field and review their latest issues for current research.

7. Seek Guidance from Librarians and Experts: Librarians and subject experts can offer valuable assistance in finding reliable sources and publications.

By following these strategies and critically evaluating the sources you find, you can ensure the credibility and integrity of your Extended Essay research. Reliable sources will strengthen your arguments and provide a solid foundation for your essay.

Strategies for Conducting Primary and Secondary Research

To conduct comprehensive primary and secondary research for your essay, consider the following strategies:

Primary Research

Surveys and Questionnaires: Create well-designed surveys or questionnaires to collect data directly from participants. Utilise online survey tools like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey for wider reach and convenient data analysis.

Interviews: Conduct interviews with subject experts, professionals, or individuals relevant to your research topic. Prepare insightful questions and record their responses for later analysis.

Experiments and Observations: Design and conduct controlled experiments or observations to gather firsthand data. Document procedures, measurements, and observations accurately.

Secondary Research

Literature Review: Conduct a thorough review of existing scholarly articles, books, and reports. Analyse and synthesise the information to identify research gaps and contribute to the existing knowledge.

Online Databases: Utilise reputable academic databases such as PubMed, JSTOR, and IEEE Xplore to access peer-reviewed articles and research papers specific to your subject area.

Government and Institutional Sources: Explore official government websites, research repositories of educational institutions, and databases of international organisations for reliable data, reports, and statistics.

Subject-Specific Sources: Identify subject-specific journals, publications, and conferences related to your research topic. These sources provide up-to-date research and insights from experts in the field.

Remember to consider ethical considerations throughout your research process, including obtaining necessary permissions, maintaining confidentiality, and respecting the rights and privacy of participants. Documentation of your research methods, sources, and any challenges faced is crucial. Analyse and interpret your findings critically, using them as evidence to support your arguments and contribute to your overall analysis.

Formatting and Structure Guidelines for the IB Extended Essay

To ensure a well-organised and coherent IB Extended Essay, consider the following structure as a guideline:

1. Title Page : Include essential information such as the title, subject, research question, and candidate number. Refer to the official IB Extended Essay Guide for specific requirements.

2. Abstract: Provide a concise summary of your essay, outlining the main research question, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. Limit the abstract to 300 words.

3. Table of Contents : Create a clear and accurate table of contents that outlines the structure of your essay, including sections, subheadings, and page numbers.

4. Introduction : Start with an engaging introduction that presents the research question, provides background information, and explains the significance of the topic. Clearly state the aim and objectives of your research.

5. Body : The body of your essay should delve into your research in-depth. Organize your content into coherent paragraphs, each addressing a specific aspect of your research. Consider the following elements:

a. Literature Review: Provide an overview of the relevant literature and theories related to your research topic. Analyse existing research, highlight key concepts, and discuss any debates or gaps in knowledge.

b. Methodology: Describe the research methodology employed, including the research design, data collection methods, and ethical considerations. Explain why the chosen methods are appropriate for addressing your research question.

c. Data Analysis and Findings: Present your findings based on the data collected. Use appropriate analysis techniques, such as statistical analysis or qualitative coding, to interpret your data and draw meaningful conclusions. Include tables, charts, or graphs to support your findings.

d. Discussion: Analyse and interpret your findings in the context of your research question. Explore the implications of your results, compare them with existing research, and discuss any limitations or challenges encountered during the research process.

6. Conclusion : Summarise your key findings, address your research question, and draw meaningful conclusions based on your analysis. Reflect on the implications and broader significance of your research. Highlight any recommendations for future research or areas for further exploration.

7. References : Include a comprehensive list of all sources consulted in your research. Follow the appropriate citation style (e.g., MLA, APA, or Chicago) for in-text citations and the bibliography. Accurately cite all sources, including books, articles, websites, and any other references used.

8. Appendices (if applicable): Include any supplementary materials, such as raw data, charts, graphs, or additional supporting evidence that are relevant to your research.

Typically, the Extended Essay has a word limit of around 4,000 words. It is important to note that this word count does not include footnotes, citations, and the bibliography. Additionally, the essay should be formatted using a standard font (e.g., Times New Roman or Arial) and a font size of 12 points. It is recommended to have double-spacing throughout the essay and to include page numbers.

The IB Extended Essay Assessment Criteria and Grading

The IB Extended Essay is assessed by examiners appointed by the IB on a scale of 0 to 34. Your essay will be evaluated based on five criteria, each carrying a specific point value. It is crucial to comprehend these criteria and how they relate to letter grades to gauge your performance accurately. Here's an overview of the assessment criteria:

Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum) Demonstrate a clear research question and a well-defined approach. Show how you applied appropriate research methods to investigate your topic.

Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum) Display a strong understanding of the subject matter, relevant concepts, and theories. Support your arguments with accurate and relevant evidence.

Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum) Apply critical thinking skills to analyse and evaluate information, theories, and arguments. Demonstrate the ability to consider alternative viewpoints and draw well-reasoned conclusions.

Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum) Organize your essay effectively with a clear and logical structure. Use proper formatting, referencing, and citation methods consistently.

Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum) Engage in a reflective process throughout your research and writing. Show awareness of the strengths, limitations, and implications of your research.

To determine your letter grade, it is important to understand how the rubric assessment points correlate to the overall score. Here is a rough estimation of how the point values align with letter grades:

• 30-34: Excellent - A
• 25-29: Good - B
• 17-24: Satisfactory - C
• 9-16: Mediocre - D
• 0-8: Elementary - E

However, relying solely on these point values is not sufficient. It is crucial to thoroughly read and comprehend the specific grade descriptors provided by the IB. These descriptors offer comprehensive information about the expectations and criteria that examiners consider when assigning letter grades.

The grade you receive on your IB Extended Essay contributes to your overall International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme points score. The Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge combined are worth up to 3 points of the total 45 points available for the IBDP .

IB Extended Essay and TOK points matrix

Final Thoughts

The IB Extended Essay is a challenging yet rewarding endeavour that allows high school students to showcase their research and analytical skills. With proper guidance and adherence to the assessment criteria, students have the opportunity to excel and achieve outstanding results. Embrace this opportunity to delve into a topic of interest, conduct in-depth research, and present your findings in a well-structured and engaging manner. Remember to consult reputable sources, seek guidance from your supervisor, and enjoy the journey of exploration and academic growth through the IB Extended Essay.

Is the IB Extended Essay hard?

The IB Extended Essay is undoubtedly a challenging undertaking, requiring significant effort and dedication, and is one of the hardest IB subjects . It is estimated that between 70% and 80% of IB students successfully complete the Extended Essay each year. Less than 14% of students received an A in the extended essay in 2022, showing its difficult.

Can you change your research question after starting the Extended Essay?

Yes, it is possible to change your research question after starting the Extended Essay. However, it is important to consult with your supervisor and ensure that the new research question still meets the requirements and aligns with the subject area you are pursuing.

When is the deadline to submit the Extended Essay?

The deadline to submit the Extended Essay can vary depending on the policies and timelines set by individual schools. In most cases, schools establish internal deadlines to ensure students have ample time to complete and revise their essays before the final submission. The typical deadline for submitting the Extended Essay is often set in the first half of the senior year, ranging from November to January. It is essential to check with your school's IB coordinator or Extended Essay coordinator for the specific deadline applicable to your academic institution.

Can you fail the Extended Essay?

Yes, it is possible to fail the Extended Essay if the work does not meet the required standards or does not fulfil the assessment criteria set by the IB. It is important to carefully follow the guidelines, seek guidance from your supervisor, and ensure your essay demonstrates strong research, analysis, and critical thinking skills. In 2022, 1.1% of students did not received no grade for their Extended Essays.

Can you fail the Extended Essay and still pass the IB?

Yes, it is possible to fail the Extended Essay and still pass the overall IB Diploma Programme. The Extended Essay contributes to a maximum of 3 points out of the total 45 points available for the diploma. Failing the Extended Essay means not earning any points from this component, but it does not necessarily mean failing the entire IB Diploma.

Can you collaborate with other students on the Extended Essay?

The IB allows limited collaboration with other students on the Extended Essay. While you can seek advice and support from others, it is important to maintain individual responsibility for your research, writing, and analysis. Collaboration should not compromise the integrity of your work, and any collaborative effort should be properly acknowledged and cited in your essay.

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Written by: Charles Whitehouse

Charles scored 45/45 on the International Baccalaureate and has six years' experience tutoring IB and IGCSE students and advising them with their university applications. He studied a double integrated Masters at Magdalen College Oxford and has worked as a research scientist and strategy consultant.

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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 
• High School Success

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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IB Math EE: The Complete Guide for IB Students in 2023

by  Antony W

February 20, 2023

While it’s one of the most dreaded subjects in the IB program, the IB Math EE can be such an interesting area to explore if you love new challenges and can work with numbers.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about IB Mathematics EE and even give you some tips to help you score top marks – if not a 34 in the IB program .

IB Math EE is a subject with its own level of difficulty. It requires in-depth research, prior planning, and writing a comprehensive extended essay in a way that aligns with the set guidelines.

If you read this guide carefully and implement the advice we give, we’re confident that you’ll score the grades that you desire for the assignment.

Before we get to anything else, it’s important that you have an interest in Math, a focused approach, and a mathematical aptitude and reasoning. Collectively, these characteristics will help you do well in the subject. 

What’s IB Math Extended Essay?

The Math Extended Essay is a comprehensive research paper on any topic with a mathematical emphasis, including but not limited to mathematics theory. The IB groups math Extended Essays into six categories:

• The applicability of mathematics to solve both real and abstract problems
• The beauty of mathematics, examples include: geometry or fractal theory
• The application of mathematics in the proving of theorems, for example, number theory
• The history of mathematics: the origin and subsequent development of a branch of mathematics over some time, measured in tens, hundreds, or thousands of years
• The effect of technology on mathematics
• In creating links between different branches of mathematics,
• Or in bringing about a new branch of mathematics or causing a particular branch to flourish.

What IB is trying to communicate is quite simple.

If anything, the Math Extended Essay can be either an extension of the Math syllabus or an application of the practical knowledge you gained in your classroom.

IB Math EE vs IB Math IA

One of the most common mistakes that IB students make is to assume that Math EE and Math IA mean the same thing.

So before we discuss the Math EE any further, let’ make sure you understand the difference between an EE and an IA.

Extended Essays are more rigorous and formal. They require you to conduct primary and secondary research on a research question that you pick based on the subject you have chosen to study.

Because the EE is a self-researched essay, unlike the IA, your mentor may not be able to provide you with all of the answers you require.

An Internal Assessment, on the other hand, requires you to explore and investigate an idea, but it’s less formal than an Extended Essay. 

For their IB Diploma Program, students must write one Extended Essay on a subject of their choice. However, they will have to write an IA for all their subjects.

The subject teacher grades internal assessments, which are subsequently moderated externally. Examiners appointed by the IB mark Extended Essays externally. Your overall score/points are determined by adding your Extended Essay grade to your Theory of Knowledge Essay/Exhibition grade.

Tips to Help You Get a 7 in IB Math

The following tips will help you to revise well for your IB Math AA or IB Math AI and place you in the position where you’re likely to score a 7:

1. Break a Big Topic into Smaller Topics

Break down a broad Math topic and categorize it into smaller themes before you begin your revision. It’s important to do this to figure out where new knowledge fits into the wider picture.

We understand that breaking down a subject into smaller topic is a little out of the ordinary for math revision because many students tend to leap right into practice almost immediately.

However, splitting a huge subject into smaller and easily manageable sections makes it easy for you to filter each inquiry type and fit the information into your pre-existing mental models.

So get a blank piece of paper, and create a bullet list of all the themes, sub-topics and question types you wish to practice.

2. Read, Analyze, and Understand the Subject Guideline

IB is quite detailed, and all of the questions tested in the examinations are in the guide's curriculum. Read the content, as doing so will direct your learning and show you every type of question you might encounter.

Make a list of all the questions that you’re likely to do in the upcoming examinations by going over each unit's sub-topics that IB could evaluate you, along with examples.

Because the approach provides a personalized checklist of questions the IB can ask, this strategy will lead you through the whole revision process.

Final Thoughts

In May 2021, IB made significant changes to its mathematics subject by dividing it into IB Math AA and IB Math AI . F

rom the time the changes took effect, IB students have the option to choose between the two subject segments depending on their strength and background in Math as well as their future goals.

While the changes give you some kind of flexibility, it does bring with it new challenges to tackle.

And if you don’t know how to get your head around the subject, it can be too complex to handle.

As people who’ve done Math AA and Math AI for as long as we can remember, we know there are those who love to work with numbers and those who label themselves as “not Math people”.

Regardless of where your stand is, the tips we’ve shared in this guide should help you do well in your Math EE.

Get IB Math Help

IB Math assignments can be quite challenging to handle, but you don’t always have to fret because we’re here to help.

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Extended Essay: Group 5: Mathematics

• General Timeline
• Group 1: English Language and Literature
• Group 2: Language Acquisition
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies
• Group 4: Sciences
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: The Arts
• Interdisciplinary essays
• Six sub-categories for WSEE
• IB Interdisciplinary EE Assessment Guide
• Brainstorming
• Pre-Writing
• Research Techniques
• The Research Question
• Paraphrasing, Summarising and Quotations
• Writing an EE Introduction
• Writing the main body of your EE
• Writing your EE Conclusion
• Sources: Finding, Organising and Evaluating Them
• Conducting Interviews and Surveys
• Citing and Referencing
• Check-in Sessions
• First Formal Reflection
• Second Formal Reflection
• Final Reflection (Viva Voce)
• Researcher's Reflection Space (RRS) Examples
• Information for Supervisors
• How is the EE Graded?
• EE Online Resources
• Stavanger Public Library
• Exemplar Essays
• Extended Essay Presentations
• ISS High School Academic Honesty Policy

Mathematics

An extended essay (EE) in mathematics is intended for students who are writing on any topic that has a mathematical focus and it need not be confined to the theory of mathematics itself.

Essays in this group are divided into six categories:

• the applicability of mathematics to solve both real and abstract problems
• the beauty of mathematics—eg geometry or fractal theory
• the elegance of mathematics in the proving of theorems—eg number theory
• the history of mathematics: the origin and subsequent development of a branch of mathematics over a period of time, measured in tens, hundreds or thousands of years
• the effect of technology on mathematics:
• in forging links between different branches of mathematics,
• or in bringing about a new branch of mathematics, or causing a particular branch to flourish.

These are just some of the many different ways that mathematics can be enjoyable or useful, or, as in many cases, both.

For an Introduction in a Mathematics EE look HERE . 

Choice of topic

The EE may be written on any topic that has a mathematical focus and it need not be confined to the theory of mathematics itself.

Students may choose mathematical topics from fields such as engineering, the sciences or the social sciences, as well as from mathematics itself.

Statistical analyses of experimental results taken from other subject areas are also acceptable, provided that they focus on the modeling process and discuss the limitations of the results; such essays should not include extensive non-mathematical detail.

A topic selected from the history of mathematics may also be appropriate, provided that a clear line of mathematical development is demonstrated. Concentration on the lives of, or personal rivalries between, mathematicians would be irrelevant and would not score highly on the assessment criteria.

It should be noted that the assessment criteria give credit for the nature of the investigation and for the extent that reasoned arguments are applied to an appropriate research question.

Students should avoid choosing a topic that gives rise to a trivial research question or one that is not sufficiently focused to allow appropriate treatment within the requirements of the EE.

Students will normally be expected either to extend their knowledge beyond that encountered in the Diploma Programme mathematics course they are studying or to apply techniques used in their mathematics course to modeling in an appropriately chosen topic.

However, it is very important to remember that it is an essay that is being written, not a research paper for a journal of advanced mathematics, and no result, however impressive, should be quoted without evidence of the student’s real understanding of it.

Example and Treatment of Topic

Examples of topics

These examples are just for guidance. Students must ensure their choice of topic is focused (left-hand column) rather than broad (right-hand column

Treatment of the topic

Whatever the title of the EE, students must apply good mathematical practice that is relevant to the

chosen topic, including:

• data analysed using appropriate techniques

• arguments correctly reasoned

• situations modeled using correct methodology

• problems clearly stated and techniques at the correct level of sophistication applied to their solution.

Research methods

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.

Students’ research should be guided by analysis of primary and secondary sources.

A primary source for research in mathematics involves:

• data-gathering

• visualization

• abstraction

• conjecturing

• proof.

A secondary source of research refers to a comprehensive review of scholarly work, including books, journal articles or essays in an edited collection.

A literature review for mathematics might not be as extensive as in other subjects, but students are expected to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the mathematics they are using in the context of the broader discipline, for example how the mathematics they are using has been applied before, or in a different area to the one they are investigating.

Writing the essay

Throughout the EE students should communicate mathematically:

• describing their way of thinking

• writing definitions and conjectures

• using symbols, theorems, graphs and diagrams

• justifying their conclusions.

There must be sufficient explanation and commentary throughout the essay to ensure that the reader does not lose sight of its purpose in a mass of mathematical symbols, formulae and analysis.

The unique disciplines of mathematics must be respected throughout. Relevant graphs and diagrams are often important and should be incorporated in the body of the essay, not relegated to an appendix.

However, lengthy printouts, tables of results and computer programs should not be allowed to interrupt the development of the essay, and should appear separately as footnotes or in an appendix. Proofs of key results may be included, but proofs of standard results should be either omitted or, if they illustrate an important point, included in an appendix.

Examples of topics, research questions and suggested approaches

Once students have identified their topic and written their research question, they can decide how to

research their answer. They may find it helpful to write a statement outlining their broad approach. These

examples are for guidance only.

An important note on “double-dipping”

Students must ensure that their EE does not duplicate other work they are submitting for the Diploma Programme. For example, students are not permitted to repeat any of the mathematics in their IA in their EE, or vice versa.

The mathematics EE and internal assessment

An EE in mathematics is not an extension of the internal assessment (IA) task. Students must ensure that they understand the differences between the two.

• The EE is a more substantial piece of work that requires formal research
• The IA is an exploration of an idea in mathematics.

It is not appropriate for a student to choose the same topic for an EE as the IA. There would be too much danger of duplication and it must therefore be discouraged.

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IB Extended Essay Ideas

What’s covered:, what is the ib extended essay, extended essay examples, how is the ee scored, how does the extended essay affect my admission chances.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP or IB) is a rigorous high school program considered to be equivalent to the AP system, if not harder. Along with coursework and examinations in this two-year long program, there are expectations to write an in-depth essay on one subject of your selection, called the Extended Essay (EE). The following article is about the EE and presents ideas for topics to write about. 

The EE is an essay required to gain the IBDP and pass the course. It’s not like any regular essay, as it gives the student a chance to write a college-level research paper at an earlier point of their lives, giving them useful exposure for their future endeavors in further education. The essay is written in a single subject of your choosing, giving you six options to choose from. The EE is usually done in one of your HL classes, as it could have more scope to produce a more in-depth paper based on the increased amounts of coursework available in HL. 

The essay is expected to be around 4,000 words long, making it not only lengthy to read but time-intensive to produce. This means students must usually figure out which subject they’re writing for early, to give them time to start earlier. The process of planning a draft, along with your appointed EE supervisor, can take up most of your time in the first year of IB (11th grade). It’s common to not start the actual writing until our 2nd year, where you not only have learned enough coursework for the subject, but have also drafted enough to create a well-written essay. 

Choosing a topic for the EE can be difficult, but hopefully the ideas and examples in this article can give you some inspiration to create your own. 

Given there are 6 subject groups in IB, each with numerous options for those groups it would be nearly impossible to suggest examples for each subject, instead we will show examples for popular subjects. These examples can serve as blueprints for crafting your own ideas! 

Example EE Topic 1 – Math HL

Example Topic: Practical Applications and Implementations of the Golden Ratio

This irrational number is often represented visually as such: 

This image contains fibonacci vectors, a visual representation of the golden ratio. It’s an interesting concept because it’s a shape/ratio that our brains are seemingly wired to prefer things to take form in, a subconscious level of attraction. Many architects and artists today use this ratio to produce visually appealing works of art, but what other practical applications have risen from this mathematical concept? An EE would be a great way to learn more about this and present it in an interesting manner! 

Example EE Topic 2 – Physics SL

Topic: Build Your Own Radio

This topic requires some fundamental understanding of circuitry and electronics, a big component of physics SL and HL. Building a radio requires thorough understanding of currents, resistances and circuit design aspects that are usually best understood through practical, hands-on learning. 

This project could also demonstrate your knowledge in waves, specifically radio and microwaves required to operate the radio. If documented right throughout the whole process, this could make for not only a very extensive and interesting EE, but fun as well! 

Example EE Topic 3 – English SL/HL

Topic: The Effects Of Shakespearean Literature On Modern English

English EE topics are a bit more difficult than other subjects because it may be the least objective class to write about. That being said, it can also be the most creative EE to write for, with this topic being an ideal example. 

Shakespeare contributed lots to literature and writing, especially in the form of plays and dramas, but how can these be observed in modern day literature? Focus on how forms of comedy from Shakespeare’s plays are implemented in modern comedy, or how some forms of artistic expression from that era could be considered problematic today. 

To make this better suited for HL, try going more in depth about other forms of literature that draw from Shakespearean influence, and more specific implementations of humor, such as slapstick (just an example of many). 

Talk about how literature personally influences you, because this EE is an opportunity to not only present information through research, but to also indulge the reader about yourself and your personality! 

IB scores the EE out of 34 points, with 5 letter grades being assigned as boundaries:

EE and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) are graded together along with CAS, to form the “core” of IB which is worth a total of 3 out of 45 points. The following table details this:

The EE doesn’t have much direct influence on your chances of admission, but learning how to write a great essay through the EE can. The admissions process requires writing a great quality essay to showcase yourself to the office of admissions as best as you can. The EE not only teaches you how to write an informative essay, but a high quality one as well! More factors are also responsible for your chances of admission, and for more info on this check out CollegeVine’s admissions calculator ! This intuitive tool uses your standardized test scores, GPA and more to calculate your chances of admission into a university of your choosing!

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

IB Math EE - Propel Your Mind To A 34/34

Unlock the secrets to acing your IB Math EE with a guaranteed 34/34 score! Propel your mind to success and make the most of your potential. 💯

Table of content

Extended essay & what is it❓, ib math ee vs math ia 🥊 , wth is an ib math extended essay 🌋, a brief about ib math ee 🩲, sexy pointers you can't-miss 🤤, 4 ways to find the right math ee topic ⭕, formulate your research question 🔎, planning your research & essay 📖, structuring your essay 🏗️, ib math ee reflection, what to do 🪞, ib math ee criteria 🧮, ib math ee examples 🛹.

It's time we address the elephant in the room.

IB Mathematics Extended Essay.

There, we said it.

If you've taken up IB Math EE, we're here to tell you that it isn't over, contrary to what you might have heard.

Researching, planning, and finally writing a good IB Math EE is no walk in the park, but rest assured that you'll feel different once you've gone through this valuable document.

Nail IB presents the only comprehensive guide you need to nail your IB Math EE.

Let's keep it accurate.

IB Math EE is a rigorous, independent, academic research essay that calls for,

• a keen interest in Mathematics,
• strong mathematical aptitude & reasoning,
• a focused and disciplined approach, and most importantly,
• essential tips, techniques, and quality guidance.

When one opts for IB Math EE, one should ensure a strong passion for Mathematics and a solid mathematical foundation. Not to mention being willing to devote their time and effort to this self-directed research.

Disclaimer -  If you have second thoughts, you should reconsider and re-evaluate your choice because it's no use aiming in the dark.

There needs to be more!

Invaluable tips and techniques are the last missing piece of the IB Math EE puzzle.

Given the panic and stigma around Math Extended Essay, what students need, is not some more panic; instead, expert guidance to keep them pumped to write their EE papers with skill, precision, and utmost zeal. And so, true to our word, we're here to help you.

Say it out loud for me - I got this!

Before diving any further, we are thrilled to share our premium IB Math resources. Check out the  IB Math AI SL  bundle and the  IB Math AI HL  bundle, including everything from comprehensive, up-to-date video lecture courses by Adam Nazha to curated IB Resource Libraries. All your IB DP Math queries are now answered!

While you're at it, check out our  IB Math AA SL  repository, where Patrick Jones (yep, you got that right, our very own  PatrickJMT  - the best Mathematics instructor in the world) will guide you with a brilliant video lecture course he has created to help you nail your concepts and exams alike! Happy learning!

Returning to our one-stop guide for all things IB Math EE, let us see what this article will cover.

• Extended Essay & What is it ❓
• IB Math EE Vs Math IA  🥊
• WTH Is An IB Math Extended Essay?  🌋
• A Brief About IB Math EE ?  🩲
• Sexy Pointers You Can't Miss  🤤
• 4 Ways To Find The Right Math EE topic  ⭕
• Formulate Your Research Question  🔎
• Planning Your Research and Essay  📖
• Structuring Your Essay  🏗️
• Writing Your Essay Writing Your Reflection  🪞
• IB Math EE Criteria  🧮
• IB Math EE Examples  🛹

First things first, let’s briefly discuss what an Extended Essay is.

As the IB defines it, the Extended Essay is a  4000-word in-depth  study, part of the IB Diploma Programme core mandatory for all students.

A  500-word  reflection component-inclusive of 3 reflections - is submitted with the academic writing.

This, of course, is done under the supervision of your IB advisor. The critical thing to note is that you can choose to write an Extended Essay on any subject offered by the IB in your session, though it is highly recommended you settle on a topic you are studying as a part of your IB curriculum.

The purpose of an Extended Essay is to motivate students to conduct formal research on a subject area of interest, independently work on the chosen research question and gain guidance from their respective IB mentors every step of the way.

The IB highlights the significance of the Extended Essay:

• Hands-on learning for undergraduate research
• An opportunity for students to research an area of interest relating to one of the 6 DP subjects opted for by the student.

The skills the Extended Essay aims to develop in students are:

• Coming up with a relevant Research Question
• Personally engaging with a topic of exploration
• A coherent communication of ideas
• Strong Argument building

For better understanding, go through  this document on Extended Essays   by the IB. It will make things more transparent.

Students often confuse their Internal Assessments with Extended Essays, which is a grave mistake. Gaining clarity on both these components of the IB DP core is essential. Let us understand the significant difference between the two.

• While Internal Assessments require students to investigate and explore an idea, Extended Essays are more formal. Students need to perform primary and secondary research on a research question they choose based on a diverse topic about the subject. Since EE is an independently researched essay, your mentor may only be able to give you some of the answers you wanted, unlike the IA.
• Students must write one Extended Essay on a subject of their choice for their IB Diploma Programme, but I must be prepared for all the topics.
• Internal Assessments are graded internally by the subject instructor and then moderated externally. Extended Essays are marked externally by examiners appointed by the IB. Your grade on your Extended Essay is combined with your Theory of Knowledge Essay/Exhibition score to assign you your overall score/points.

Word of caution:  Do not choose the same investigation topic/research question for your Internal Assessment and the Extended Essay.

For a much better breakdown of the EE document, you must go through our article on the  IB Extended Essay . It contains an IB EE checklist you must attend to and a detailed overview of the structure and planning of the EE.

Now that we’ve got our basics to, let’s get down to business. The fear around IB Math Extended Essay makes the most confident students hesitate and doubt their choices. But we aren’t here to scare you. The myth about the horrors of the IB Math EE isn’t all false; it’s a caution. Because unless you’re prepared with ammunition, strategy, and the will to put in the effort, there’s a slim chance you can survive the Math Extended Essay battle.

If you’ve opted for Math Extended Essay, we assume you have a strong passion for Mathematics. When the going gets tough while working on one’s Extended Essay-which, which is usually the case-your only hope at the end of the tunnel is your drive for the subject you’ve chosen. Being a rigorous subject for writing one’s Extended Essay, Mathematics can be incredibly demanding. So unless you want to play it risky, we suggest you reassess your liking for Mathematics. Once you know for sure, that’s when it begins. Lots of research. Since it is an independently written document, you want to be doing your homework well.

We will further break down the IB Math Extended Essay, from planning to execution, so that you can organize your thoughts and make appropriate decisions.

The Math Extended Essay is an in-depth research document covering any topic with a mathematical focus, i.e., not limited to the mathematics theory (shouldn’t be entirely descriptive). IB has divided Math Extended Essays into six categories:

• the applicability of mathematics to solve both real and abstract problems
• The beauty of mathematics examples includes geometry or fractal theory.
• the application of mathematics in the proving of theorems, for example, number theory
• the history of mathematics: the origin and subsequent development of a branch of mathematics over some time, measured in tens, hundreds, or thousands of years
• the effect of technology on mathematics
• in creating links between different branches of mathematics,
• Or in bringing about a new branch of mathematics or causing a particular unit to flourish.

Your Math EE topic should be an extension of your IB Maths syllabus or the practical application of the knowledge you’ve gained in class.

Before moving on to the planning and structure of the Math Extended Essay, here are some pointers you absolutely cannot afford to miss:

• Attempting a Math EE requires a decent amount of hard work. While conducting preliminary research, ensure you land on a topic you can personally engage with and are familiar with. Going for a complicated subject, you can’t comprehend and interpret futile.
• The mathematical work you put in will have to meet a certain level of sophistication, so avoid going for a topic that gives rise to a trivial research question. Your research question shouldn’t be too generic or broad on similar lines. Ensure you can sufficiently narrow down your area of investigation.
• Another thing to remember is that the topic you finally choose should have a good research foundation and room for a novel contribution.
• Incorporate Primary and Secondary research wherever appropriate.
• Proper Referencing should be done for the essay.
• For Reflection, emphasize the Planning, Research, and Writing Processes.

Spitball ideas -  You begin here. Write down any interesting ideas you can come up with. This is your brainstorming session.

Do your Research -  You could not, would not want to meddle with this step, let alone skip it. Research. Read reports, articles, and documentation. Keep jotting important points down simultaneously. The study will and must go on throughout your search for the right math EE topic.

Approach professors/professionals/experts -  Contact concerned lecturers, professors, and industry professionals. They can provide you with invaluable insights. It would be best if you also discussed ideas with your mentor.

Point to Note -  Your goal should be to find a topic you understand and contribute to. It is always recommended to refer to your Math syllabus; something there inspires you to get the ball rolling!

Your essay will be structured as a document answering the Research Question you’re working on. It should be focused, clear and arguable. You will build your essay around your Research Question; hence pay close attention to it.

All you will include in your essay must be mentioned in your Research Question. This means the focused area you will be exploring and the methods you will use to achieve a plausible outcome.

Honing your Research Question is a continuous process. If it appears relatively easy or complex, please rephrase it. Good Research Questions may start with: “How can we model…”, “To what extent…” etc.

Collect Primary and Secondary data and incorporate it wherever appropriate.

Primary sources for Math research include 

• Data-gathering
• Visualization
• Abstraction
• Conjecturing

A few sources to gather Secondary data include Google Scholar, textbooks, databases such as JSTOR, etc. For your essay, know your aims and devise a step-by-step plan to answer your research question while maintaining a mathematical focus.

• Though you can approach your essay in whichever way you like, there should be a consistent logical structure.
• The work done in your essay should develop to answer your research question.
• Subheadings will provide your work with much-needed coherence and viability.
• Describe your way of thinking
• Write definitions and Conjectures.
• Use symbols, theorems, graphs, and diagrams
• Justify your conclusions.
• Visual aids such as graphs and diagrams should be included in the body, while tables and computer programs should be mentioned in the footnotes or the appendix.
• Data must be analyzed appropriately using relevant techniques, correctly reasoned arguments, and adequate methodology to achieve a result.
• Provide the necessary explanation and commentary for all your work.
• Throughout the writing, you may need to re-evaluate the method, approach, and structure to fit the word count adequately.

Once you’re finished writing, you will have to reassess everything from scratch- the equations, the theory, etc., to ensure the coherence of your essay.

• The three reflections should highlight how the process of writing your essay changed in due course of work and what you’ve learned from it.
• The Reflection should emphasize the planning, research, and writing process.
• You should discuss your choices, the re-evaluations you had to make, the limitations of your work, and how you overcame them, if at all.
• The three reflections are written at the beginning, mid, and towards the end of your essay and should have a word limit of approximately 150, 150, and 200, respectively.

Extended Essays are assessed externally by IB-appointed examiners and are marked on a scale of 0 to 34. The score obtained by a student corresponds to a particular band. The bands are:

A -  refers to work of an excellent standard (Level 6)

B -  refers to the creation of a good standard (Level 6)

C -  refers to work of a satisfactory standard (Level-12)

D -  refers to the product of a mediocre standard (Level 4)

E -  refers to the design of an elementary average (Level 6)

Anything below D will be considered a failing grade, and the student will not be awarded the IB diploma.  As we said, your EE is not a component you can mess up.

The Extended Essay Rubric includes the following Assessment Criteria:

Criterion A -   Focus and Method (Covers the topic, research question, and methodology)

Criterion B -  Knowledge and Understanding (Covers context, subject-specific terminology, and concepts)

Criterion C -  Critical Thinking (Covers research, analysis, discussion, and evaluation)

Criterion D -  Presentation (Covers structure, layout)

Criterion E -  Engagement (Covers reflection on planning and progress)

Now that we’ve discovered and learned about the process of writing a Math EE, here are a couple of ideas to give you an idea about how your Math EE questions should be framed:

Topic -  Archimedes’ calculation of areas

Research Question -  What is the legacy of Archimedes’ calculations of circular and parabolic areas in today’s integration methods?

Topic -  Approximation of irrational numbers by rational numbers

Research Question -  How well can π, e, √2, and other irrationals be approximated by rational numbers?

Topic -   The geometry of navigation

Research Question -  What was the role of mathematics and geometry in navigation when we relied on the stars? Does it still play a part now we have manufactured satellites?

You should also check out this  sample band, A Math EE, published by the IB . This will give you an honest insight into making a band-A essay. Also, go through  band B, C, and D extended essays  to understand the loopholes to avoid.

And that’s a wrap!

We hope this comprehensive IB Math EE guide answers your queries regarding the EE. We also suggest you go through  this IB Extended Essay guide  to clarify the Extended Essay component of your IB DP curriculum. You should also try Nail IB’s Extended Essay guide; check it out  here !

At Nail IB, we’re committed to delivering A-quality guidance so that your IB DP journey is smooth and successful. You can explore  our take-test  series here and access   premium guides  here.

Happy learning!

IB Resources you will love!

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Useful resources

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) provides several resources for IB World Schools. These include support materials for the extended essay. 

Items in the IB store  are available to everyone. Publications include:

• 50 more extended essays , a DVD of essays submitted in the DP that all fulfil the requirements for an ‘A’ grade in the current syllabus
• The Extended Essay Guide , a free material in the Programme Resource Centre (PRC), which requires a log-in given to IB World Schools
• 10 monografias excelentes,  a digital document looking at model extended essays in Spanish.

Through the  programme resource centre,  educators in IB World Schools can access digital versions of many IB publications related to the extended essay.

These materials in the programme resource centre , which are only available to IB World Schools, are free.

If you already work at an IB World School, you should have access to the PRC. Please request log-in details from the programme coordinator at your school.

Extended Essay Writers

Math Extended Essay Topics

Luke MacQuoid

A math extended essay (EE) is a research paper that is written by students who are enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program as a part of their Diploma. The Extended Essay is self-directed research that aims to provide students with the opportunity to explore a topic of their interest in depth, with a particular focus on the application of math concepts and skills. In order to pass the paper successfully, it is very important to choose the right topic for the Math Extended Essay Topics.

In an Group 5: Mathematics extended essay, students work independently under the guidance of a supervisor to plan and carry out a research project on a math-related topic . This research project should demonstrate the student’s ability to engage in independent research, apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and communicate their findings clearly and effectively.

The math extended essay has strict word count in length and should be written in a clear, concise, and formal style, it should also include an introduction, a body of discussion, a conclusion, and a bibliography.

The student is expected to demonstrate the ability to design and conduct a research project, use mathematical concepts and skills to analyze and interpret the data and discuss their findings in the context of relevant mathematical literature.

The math extended essay also allows students to explore a mathematical topic in a way that is not possible in the classroom, it also gives a chance to students to demonstrate their mathematical knowledge and skills and to develop a more global understanding of mathematics.

What’s the Purpose of IB Math Extended Essay?

The purpose of the IB math extended essay is to provide students with the opportunity to engage in independent research and to apply their mathematical knowledge and skills to a topic of their own choosing. The extended essay is designed to give students a chance to explore a topic in depth and to develop the following key skills:

Research skills : Students learn how to design and conduct a research project and how to collect, analyze, and interpret data.

Critical thinking skills : Students learn how to evaluate sources, make a clear and well-supported argument, and solve problems.

Communication skills : Students learn how to write a formal academic paper and how to present their findings and arguments clearly and effectively.

Time management skills:  Students learn how to plan their time effectively and manage their workload.

Subject-specific knowledge : Students get the opportunity to deepen their understanding of a particular area of mathematics and to explore the ways in which mathematical concepts and methods can be applied to solve problems.

The IB Math Extended Essay allows students to research and write about a specific mathematical topic that they find interesting. It also allows students to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in the classroom to a real-world problem or scenario. 

Completing the extended essay is an important requirement for students to receive the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and it also provides students with the opportunity to develop important research and analytical skills which will be useful in the future, regardless of their chosen career path.

Need help with your IB Math extended essay?

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.

IB Math Extended Essay Topics

An extended essay in mathematics provides students with an opportunity to explore an area of math that interests them in depth. Here are some potential topics for a math extended essay:

• Investigating the properties of a specific mathematical function and its applications.
• Examining the history of a particular mathematical concept or problem
• Investigating the relationship between different branches of mathematics, such as algebra and geometry.
• Investigating the properties and application of geometric shapes in different branches of mathematics.
• Applying mathematical modeling to a real-world problem, such as optimizing logistics or predicting weather patterns.
• Investigating the use of mathematical methods in computer science, such as complexity theory and algorithms.
• Exploring the application of number theory in cryptography and information security
• Investigating the role of statistics in decision-making and forecasting.
• Investigating the use of mathematical logic in Artificial Intelligence and machine learning
• Examining the applications of mathematical methods in the field of engineering and physics, such as fluid dynamics and mechanics.
• Investigating the properties of fractals and their applications in computer graphics and image processing.
• Exploring the concept of infinity and infinitesimals in calculus and their implications in other branches of mathematics.
• Investigating the application of graph theory in network analysis and computer science
• Examining the relationship between topology and other branches of mathematics such as algebra and analysis.
• Investigating the properties of mathematical knots and their applications in physics and biology.
• Exploring the application of game theory in economics and decision making
• Investigating the use of mathematical methods in the field of finance and financial modeling
• Examining the relationship between chaos theory and other areas of mathematics and science
• Investigating the use of mathematical methods in the field of cryptography, such as elliptic curve cryptography.
• Exploring the application of mathematical methods in the study of complexity in natural systems, such as studying the Mandelbrot set in the field of chaos theory.

Remember to check with your teacher or supervisor for guidelines or restrictions and pick a topic that you find interesting and engaging. Also, make sure you have a clear and testable research question as part of the planning and writing process.

Students can use these themes as a starting point for their research and then narrow down their focus to a specific problem or question related to the theme. For example, if a student is interested in investigating the properties of a specific mathematical function, they could begin by researching the history of the function, its key properties, and its applications. 

They could then narrow down their focus to a specific problem or question, such as “How does the shape of the graph of this function change as its parameters are varied?” or “What are the implications of this function’s properties for other areas of mathematics?”

Similarly, if a student is interested in exploring the concept of infinity in calculus, they could begin by researching the history of the concept and its implications in other branches of mathematics. They could then narrow down their focus to a specific question, such as “How does the concept of infinity affect the way we think about limits and continuity in calculus?”

Once a student has a specific problem or question in mind, they can begin to design and conduct their research. This will typically involve collecting data, analyzing it using mathematical methods, and interpreting their findings. They should also read and critically evaluate relevant literature on their topic and use it as a foundation to construct their own arguments.

It’s also important to mention that the research and writing process should be guided by the student’s supervisor and that the student should be able to clearly communicate the research question, methodology, findings, and conclusions in a formal academic paper.

Finally, the extended essay is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to apply mathematical concepts and skills to a real-world problem and to communicate their findings in a clear and effective way, and this can be greatly beneficial for students who wish to pursue further studies or careers in fields related to mathematics and other sciences.

Some Tips to Help You Choose a Relevant Math EE Topic

Choosing a relevant and engaging topic for your math extended essay can be challenging, but by following these tips, you can make the process easier:

Start by identifying your interests: Think about the areas of math that you enjoy and find most interesting. These are likely to be the areas that you will find most engaging to research.

Consider the scope of the topic: Your topic should be narrow enough to be manageable within the 4,000-word limit of the extended essay but broad enough to allow for a thorough investigation.

Look for connections between different areas of mathematics: Often, the most interesting and relevant topics lie at the intersection of different areas of mathematics.

Talk to your supervisor: Your supervisor is a valuable resource and can provide guidance on choosing a relevant and manageable topic. They can also help you refine your research question and give you feedback on your ideas.

Make sure your topic is original: You want your extended essay to be unique and to make a meaningful contribution to the field. Avoid topics that have been extensively researched or that are too similar to other extended essays.

Think about the resources available: Consider whether the resources available to you (books, articles, data, etc.) are sufficient to allow you to conduct the research you want to do.

Consider the audience: Your Extended Essay is read by a group of examiners appointed by the International Baccalaureate, so consider the level of mathematical sophistication of your topic and the language used to communicate it.

Research to find a feasible topic: Once you have some ideas, research them to see if they are feasible, given the time, resources, and supervisor’s expertise you have.

In conclusion,  writing a math extended essay can be a challenging but rewarding experience. The key to success is to choose a relevant and engaging topic that aligns with your interests and allows you to showcase your understanding and skills in mathematics. By considering the tips provided, such as identifying your interests, talking to your supervisor, and making sure your topic is original, you will be able to choose a topic that is both manageable and meaningful. 

One way to ensure the success of their essay is to seek out professional assistance. Professional writers and editors can provide valuable feedback and guidance throughout the research and writing process, helping students to improve their understanding of the topic and to communicate their findings more effectively.

It could be a good idea to consider looking into reputable academic writing services where you can get help with your math extended essay and improve your chances of getting a good grade. They can also help ensure that the paper meets academic standards and requirement. However, always be sure to evaluate the source carefully and do your due diligence, as not all academic writing services are created equal.

Remember that the extended essay is an opportunity to conduct independent research and apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to a topic of your own choosing. By following a systematic and well-structured approach, you will be able to successfully complete your math extended essay and demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the subject.

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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12 Strong Topic Ideas For A Math Extended Essay

Writing a math extended essay can be quite a challenge unless you are using an IB extended essay writing service . You have many factors to consider such as following the right format, choosing the best approach for your study, and defending your thesis (if required). So choosing an engaging topic that pertains to today’s issues is a crucial first step when you are in the planning stages.

Obviously, mathematics are your primary interest or else you wouldn’t have this assignment, to begin with due to not being enrolled in a course that goes above and beyond Algebra 102 or Geometry 104. (Even if you’re forced to endure a statistics course, you would have some interest in mathematical data or at least possess an awareness of working with numbers in your chosen field.) So one bit of advice on selecting a topic for your extended essay topics is to combine your intrigue with math with a problem, scenario or specific career domain (e.g.: medical, technology, sociology, business, etc.) that will not only hold your attention but also relate to current trends or events.

So here some suggestions for fascinating math essay topics to get you started:

In the area of education, some possible themes are:

• Possible correlation between district-level standardized test scores or GPA’s and performance on the SAT
• Prevalence of stress and coping skills of secondary university-bound students (Think ratios and statistics)
• Effectiveness of literacy programs (school or community-wide) towards improving reading skills (You can probably narrow down to an age range or grade level(s))

For the medical field, the possibilities are endless. Consider these three suggestions:

• Possible direct correlation between usage of “antibacterial” products, like hand sanitizer for instance and the rise of the “Super Bug.”
• The odds of another pandemic, similar to the 1918 worldwide influenza outbreak, occurring
• The impact of advertising on childhood obesity (Again, think ratios, statistics, and probability)

In the realm of computer technology, you can look into any one of these subjects:

• Best formula and combinations for SEO
• The use of prime numbers and modular arithmetic to maintain privacy with RSA Public Key Cryptography
• Correlation between the use of electronic pay services (Skrill for example) and users’ professions.

Of course, there are a variety of areas to explore within the content of math itself and its applications. Some possibilities include the following:

• Study of alternatives to Euclidean geometry and their applications
• Close study of Sophie Germain’s Theorem
• Real life dilemmas that can be solved with strategies of complex number problem-solving

As you can see, there are many different subjects to explore when writing about mathematical concepts and how they relate to the real world. You can dive more into the content area of science and hypothesize the route(s) of a comet that could impact the earth. Concerning sociological and psychological studies, you can look into various statistical investigations of human behavior. Another rather amusing numerical investigation could involve a study of probability in gambling venues or about other types of gaming, like Fantasy Football. (Be careful with your finances, though.)

However, some tips to remember as you examine these topics is to choose the “sub-area” that interests you the most (unless it’s all about the math), as you will devote a lot of time to this project; make sure you have a clear and measurable hypothesis; and clarify any questions on format with your instructor. With these recommendations and a lot of calculating, you will compose the perfect paper.

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