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Film Extended Essay: The Complete Guide for IB Students 

by  Antony W

September 2, 2022

Working on a film extended essay gives you the opportunity to conduct in-depth research on a topic of your interest in the subject.

By engaging in personal, diligent research, you can explore and develop the discipline in a way that brings out creativity and relevance appropriate for television.

Film projects demand complex skills and creative thinking.

So when it comes to working on the extended essay, you have to demonstrate a clear and critical understand of how films tell stories, pass crucial information, and create emotional effect.

How to Choose Film Extended Essay Topic

Film extended essay project requires you to select and work on a topic of your interest, as long as it’s within the umbrella of film and in respect to the guidelines of the assignment.

The assignment demands clarity and consistency of ideas.

By paying attention to details, you’ll not only write a more comprehensive extended essay on the subject but also do so within the time limit provided.

It’s important that the topic you choose allows you to come up with a relevant research question or issue to enable you write an essay that’s coherent, logical, and economical in words.

You might want to ask yourself the following questions when selecting a topic:

• Will the topic enable me to write a critical essay about cinema, film theory, and film history without tempting me to stray into unnecessary areas?
• Is the research issue narrow enough to provide a complete study within the essay's word limit?
• Does the research question allow me to compose an essay that meets the highest standards of the evaluation criteria?

Film Extended Essay Writing Help

A film Extended Essay project can be quite involving. Add to this the related assignments in the IB course and you’re more than likely to find the workload overwhelming.

Fortunately, you can get online help and have your film EE written and submitted on time.

Help for Assessment has the  best IB Extended Essay writing service   tailored to help you handle this type of assignment. Whether you need the first draft written or you have only two weeks to submit the final draft after your supervisor’s comments, you will find our writing service extremely helpful.

Our writing service is the most affordable solution online. More importantly, our writers and editors work together to ensure you get high quality papers if you place your order with us.

Also, we make sure we deliver your work on time, so you never run late with your film Extended Essay submission.

How to Treat Your Extended Essay Topic

There are rules you need to observe to write a more comprehensive extended essay on a film topic of your choice, and they’re as follows:

1. Start Early, Even Right Now

An extended essay in film is an assignment that requires more than attention to details.

It also requires time and dedication, which means you need to avoid last minute rush and avoid procrastination if you want to get the assignment right.

So start early.

It helps to create a timetable that can help you work flawlessly, even if unanticipated issues arise.

During the period that you’ll be working on your extended essay, you’ll attend a few reflection sessions with your supervisor to evaluate the quality of your film assignment.

Since the reflection session is part of the assessment, it’s necessary to attend all of them.

2. Cite Your Sources More Appropriately

You should cite film and/or television literature to support your ideas.

There must be comprehensive references to at least one film for primary sources, which may include the film(s), the script, the screenplay, the music, and personal contacts and communication with persons involved in the film's production.

For secondary sources, there must be close references to relevant sources that pertain to the title of the essay.

Examples of secondary sources may include journal and magazine articles, reviews, second unit material, promotional writings, and internet-based content.

3. Focus on Content Depth and Use Multiple Sources

Instead of summarizing the narrative or describing the characters, your film extended essay must focus on developing and defending your thesis.

The focus of the essay should be on evaluating the arguments in the sources, as opposed to merely restating what the sources state.

Your film extended essay should not rely excessively on a single secondary source or many works by the same author. It is necessary to investigate a vast array of ideas from many sources.

4. Use the Right Language

The use of precise vocabulary is a crucial necessity for a lengthy film essay. You must therefore pay particular attention to the proper and exact application of film terminologies.

Illustrations of the text, such as sketches, diagrams, storyboard frames, or camera layouts, are particularly appropriate in a film essay. All such references, along with all other source materials, must appear as citation in a properly formatted list of sources.

It is essential to highlight that the most effective essays are frequently those with a strong voice that conveys the students’ passion and research with clarity and conviction. The extended essay should demonstrate a logical and well-informed engagement with the topic you choose, while not deviating from the use of appropriate language.

Related Reading

• Visual Arts Extended Essay Guide
• The Complete Guide to History EE
• A Student’s Handbook for English Extended Essay

Film Extended Essay Assessment Criteria

The following is the assessment criteria used to evaluate film extended essay assignments:

Criterion A: Research Question

Your research question can be in the form of a question or in the form of a debatable statement or proposal.

For your research question to be viable for the film extended essay, it must be:

• Precise and narrowly focused
• Relevant to the specific area of cinema being examined
• Centered on film
• Explicitly expressed early in the essay

Criterion B: Introduction

The introduction should tie the research question to the existing body of knowledge on the topic.

Do not include your personal experience or viewpoint here, as it’s rarely helpful at this stage.

Criterion C: Investigation

Here, the examiner looks at whether you’ve utilized the films and/or television programs as primary sources, supplemented by secondary materials such as textbooks, reviews, websites, and DVD.

The appropriate structuring of the essay requires examining sources in light of the research topic so that the opinions of academics and theorists are utilized to support the student's own argument rather than as a replacement for it.

Criteria D: Knowledge and Comprehension of the Research Issue

You must demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the selected films and/or television programs, as well as its historical, social, cultural, and academic settings.

You should base this information partially on original sources, if feasible.

Criterion E: Argument

You should be aware of the necessity to provide a developing argument in the body of your film extended essay.

In order to persuade the reader of the correctness of your opinions, you must do the very best you can to back your claims with logical arguments.

Descriptive or narrative reports that lack analysis typically do not contribute to an argument, and you must therefore avoid them when writing your film extended essay.

Criterion F: Use of Subject-Appropriate Analytic and Evaluative Skills

You must exhibit a correct and consistent use of relevant textual analysis to illuminate the aspects of the selected films.

By using the right analytical and evaluative skills, it becomes easier to demonstrate a clear grasp of the subject and a convincing personal interpretation.

The central idea of extended essay is to examine how moving-image texts in cinema and/or television establish or construct meaning and to assess how others have interpreted these meanings.

This criterion also requires that you use internet-based sources with caution and a keen knowledge of their possible unreliability.

Criteria G: Use of Subject-Appropriate Language 

Where applicable, you must employ film-specific language as you write the extended essay on a topic of your choice.

Criterion H: Conclusion

The important term here is "consistent".

In other words, the conclusion should flow from the argument and not add new or irrelevant material.

Also, the conclusion should not duplicate the information presented in the introduction, but rather give a new synthesis in light of the conversation.

Criterion I: Formal Presentation

This criterion addresses the extent to which the essay complies with academic norms about the format of research papers.

• Note that it’s inappropriate to offer an essay without a bibliography or citations.
• Essays that remove one of the needed parts — title page, table of contents, or page numbers — are rated no higher than good (maximum level 2)
• Extended essays that that omit two of the parts of the acceptable structure of the assignment get a subpar rating.
• You should provide filmographies where applicable.
• Images, including thumbnail screen captures, and tables and charts should appear as near as feasible to their initial mention in the body of the essay.

Criteria J: Then Abstract

As you already know, it’s no longer a requirement to include an abstract in an extended essay .

However, if you do include one, this criterion will assess it based on the clarity with which it provides a summary of the study and not on the quality of the research question, argument, or conclusions.

Criteria K: A General Perspective

In accordance with this criterion, you will get a reward for the following:

• Intellectual initiative demonstrated in essays by the selection of a topic and research question.
• The use of a broad variety of materials, including some that may have been used infrequently or were created specifically for the study, and the utilization of a vast array of sources (for instance, transcripts of oral interviews)
• Insight and depth of comprehension are most likely to be displayed because of extensive study, comprehensive and well-informed thought, and well-reasoned argument that consistently and successfully answers the research topic.
• Creativity: In cinema studies, this may involve the comparison of filmic characteristics, imaginative techniques to textual analysis, and novel approaches to popular issues.

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide helps you to write your film extended essay in a topic of your choice.

Also, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our writing team if you need help with writing. 

About the author 

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

• [email protected]

Film Extended Essay Ideas

Welcome to the world of film studies and the extended essay! If you have a passion for movies and want to delve deeper into the world of cinema, then you have come to the right place. In this guide, we will introduce you to the extended essay and its significance in the film field.

The extended essay is an independent research project that allows you to explore a specific topic in depth. It is a mandatory component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, and it offers you the opportunity to demonstrate your research and writing skills, as well as your ability to think critically and analytically.

So, why is the extended essay important in the film field? Firstly, it provides you with an avenue to pursue your passion for film and develop your understanding of its various aspects. By conducting thorough research and analysis, you will gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry involved in filmmaking.

Furthermore, the extended essay allows you to showcase your knowledge and expertise in a specific area of film studies. Whether it is exploring the cinematography techniques used in a particular film or analyzing the cultural significance of a director’s body of work, the extended essay enables you to delve into the complexities of the film industry.

Besides its academic benefits, the extended essay can also have practical implications for your future career. If you aspire to work in the film industry or pursue film studies at the university level, the extended essay can serve as a valuable portfolio piece that showcases your research and analytical skills to potential employers or admissions committees.

In addition, the extended essay in film opens doors to further exploration and research. By igniting your curiosity and encouraging you to ask bold questions about cinematic practices and theories, it lays the foundation for a lifelong interest in film and the critical analysis of visual media.

Overall, the extended essay is an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in film studies and contribute to the ever-evolving field. It allows you to combine your passion for movies with academic rigor, propelling you towards a deeper understanding of the medium and fostering your intellectual growth.

Now that we have introduced you to the extended essay in film and its significance, it’s time to move on to the next step: choosing a relevant topic that sets the stage for your research journey. Remember, the journey of a thousand words begins with just one idea!

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• An exploration of how the portrayal of female characters in Disney movies has changed over time, reflecting social attitudes towards gender roles.
• A study on how the musical choices in Nolan’s films contribute to the emotional engagement of the audience.
• Investigating how the city landscape and cultural background serve as more than just a setting in Allen’s movies.
• Analyzing how mental illness is portrayed in horror films and its impact on social stigma.
• A look at the elements of postmodernism in Pulp Fiction and how they contribute to the film’s unique storytelling techniques.
• Discussing how the depiction of friendships, family, and romance in Studio Ghibli films convey broader themes about Japanese culture.
• Tracing the impact of Italian Neorealistic techniques on the development of independent cinema in the United States.
• A focused study on how the film portrays the devastating effects of war through the perspective of its young protagonists.
• Investigating the use of montage and other techniques to create a persuasive political narrative.
• Examining whether the techniques and philosophies of the French New Wave hold significance in today’s digital filmmaking landscape.
• A detailed look at how location and set design contribute to the unique aesthetic and storytelling in Anderson’s films.
• Studying the use of horror tropes to comment on racism and social inequality in modern America.
• An analysis of how Kurosawa’s films serve as both entertainment and a reflection of traditional Japanese values.
• Investigating the techniques used by Alfred Hitchcock to create suspense and engage audiences.
• A look at the film’s use of mythological elements to enrich its narrative and themes.
• An analysis of how Bollywood blends realism and fantasy, and the cultural significance of this mixture.
• Investigating how the film uses visual elements to enhance its narrative and emotional impact.
• A study on how New Wave Queer Cinema has contributed to the visibility and portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in film.
• An examination of recurring themes of loneliness and social disconnection in Sofia Coppola’s body of work.
• Comparing how Scorsese approaches the theme of violence and its moral implications in two of his seminal works.

Importance of Choosing a Relevant Topic

When embarking on your extended essay journey in film, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is choosing a strong and relevant topic. This choice can significantly impact the research process and ultimately dictate the success of your essay. So why is it so important to select an appropriate topic?

Choosing a topic that aligns with your interests and passions will naturally motivate and engage you throughout the research and writing process. When you have a genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for the subject matter, it becomes easier to invest time and effort into producing a high-quality extended essay.

A relevant topic will provide clarity and direction to your research. It will guide you in identifying the key areas to explore, the specific films to analyze, and the appropriate research methods to employ. Conversely, a vague or unfocused topic can lead to aimless research and may result in a lackluster essay with inconsistent arguments.

A well-selected topic ensures that you delve into rich content and develop a deep understanding of the specific aspects you are exploring. By focusing on a narrow aspect of film, such as a particular genre or director’s body of work, you can analyze and interpret the films in-depth, contributing unique insights and perspectives to your essay.

An excellent extended essay not only demonstrates your understanding of film but also adds value to the field of study. By selecting a relevant and under-researched topic, you have the opportunity to present original ideas and contribute new knowledge. This can make your essay stand out and have a lasting impact on the broader film community.

Remember, your extended essay will be assessed by an examiner who may have limited knowledge of your chosen topic. By selecting a relevant topic, you ensure that your essay appeals to the assessor and demonstrates your expertise in film studies. A compelling topic can capture the attention of readers and provoke their interest, leading to a favorable evaluation.

To make a strong start on your extended essay in film, take the time to brainstorm and explore different topics that genuinely intrigue you. Consider your personal interests, emerging trends in the film industry, or concepts that challenge established ideas. And remember, a relevant topic can unleash your creativity and passion for film, leading to an insightful and impactful extended essay.

Creating an Engaging Research Question

Formulating a focused and compelling research question is crucial when embarking on an extended essay in film. The research question is the foundation upon which your entire essay rests, so it needs to both capture readers’ interest and provide a clear direction for your investigation. Here are some tips to help you create an engaging research question:

• Choose a topic that genuinely intrigues you: Selecting a topic that sparks your curiosity and passion will naturally make the research process more enjoyable and productive. Think about genres, directors, or films that have captivated your attention, and brainstorm ideas around them.
• Narrow down your focus: Be specific when framing your research question. A broad question may result in scattered research and a lack of depth. Consider narrowing your topic by focusing on a particular aspect of film, such as the use of visual effects in sci-fi films or the portrayal of gender roles in romantic comedies.
• Ensure feasibility: While it’s essential to pursue a unique research question, make sure it is feasible within the parameters of your extended essay. Take into account the available resources, time constraints, and access to relevant literature and films.
• Consider the significance and relevance: Evaluate the importance of your research question in relation to the broader field of film. Is it a question that has not been thoroughly explored? Does it address a current cinematic trend or challenge existing theories? Showing the significance and relevance of your research question can increase its appeal.
• Formulate it as a question: Instead of making a statement, frame your research question as an open-ended query. This allows for a deeper exploration and analysis of different perspectives and interpretations. For example, rather than stating, “The impact of film festivals on emerging filmmakers,” pose the question, “How do film festivals contribute to the visibility and career advancement of emerging filmmakers?”

Your research question should be concise, precise, and strategic. It should generate interest and highlight the unique contribution your essay will make to the field of film studies. Remember, your research question is not set in stone, and it may evolve and refine as you delve deeper into your research. Stay open to adjustments that arise during your investigation.

By creating an engaging research question, you lay the groundwork for a captivating extended essay in film. A well-crafted research question keeps your focus sharp and entices readers to explore your research findings. It is the first step in embarking on a fascinating journey through the world of film.

Choosing Suitable Films for Analysis

When it comes to selecting films for your extended essay in film, you have a variety of options that can lead to engaging and insightful analysis. Here are some different types of films that you can consider exploring:

• Specific Genre: You can choose to focus on a specific genre and analyze its characteristics, themes, and impact on the film industry. For example, you could explore the evolution of horror in cinema or examine how comedy films reflect social and cultural attitudes.
• Director’s Body of Work: Another option is to delve into the filmography of a particular director and study their artistic style, recurring themes, or directorial techniques. This approach allows you to explore the individual creative vision and impact of a specific filmmaker, such as analyzing the films of Alfred Hitchcock or Quentin Tarantino.
• Cultural Significance: Films often provide a lens through which we can view and understand cultures and societies. You can choose a film that holds significant cultural importance and delve into its representation of a specific culture, historical event, or social issue. For instance, you could examine the portrayal of gender roles and societal norms in a foreign film or analyze the depiction of a specific historical event in a biographical drama.

It is important to select a film that genuinely interests you and aligns with your research question. Your passion for the subject matter will drive your motivation throughout the research and writing process, resulting in a more engaging and compelling extended essay. Additionally, consider the availability of resources and materials related to the chosen film. Ensure that there are sufficient scholarly articles, books, and interviews that can support your analysis.

Remember, the aim of choosing a suitable film for analysis is to find a balance between accessibility and depth of investigation. The selected films should allow you to explore various film techniques, elements, and critical perspectives relevant to your research question.

Once you have identified potential films for analysis, it is recommended to narrow down your options by critically evaluating their relevance and their potential to contribute to your research. Consider seeking input from your supervisor or mentor to ensure that your film choices align with the parameters of an extended essay in film.

In the next section, we will discuss the importance of conducting thorough research, using various credible sources to gather information for your extended essay in film.

Conducting Thorough Research

When embarking on your film extended essay, conducting thorough research is crucial to ensure that your essay is well-informed and supported by credible sources. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate the research process:

• Utilize diverse sources: In order to gather a comprehensive range of information, it is important to explore various credible sources. These include scholarly articles, books written by film experts, interviews with filmmakers or critics, and online databases dedicated to film studies. By consulting these different sources, you will gain multiple perspectives and enrich your understanding of the topic.
• Start with scholarly articles: Scholarly journals are excellent resources for in-depth analysis and critical perspectives on films. They provide rigorous academic research and interpretations that can enhance your own analysis. When searching for articles, consider using databases like JSTOR or Film Quarterly that focus specifically on film studies.
• Immerse yourself in film literature: Books written by film scholars and theorists offer valuable insights into various aspects of cinema. From major film studies classics to recent publications, you have access to a wealth of knowledge. Pay attention to the reputation of the author and the relevance of the book to your chosen topic. Take notes and keep track of key arguments and theories that you can incorporate into your essay.
• Interview industry professionals: Conducting interviews with filmmakers, actors, or critics can provide unique perspectives and insider knowledge. Read up on interviews conducted by reputable film journalists; they often reveal behind-the-scenes information and shed light on the intentions behind certain creative choices.
• Explore online databases: With the advent of the internet, a vast amount of film-related information is now readily available online. Websites like the Internet Movie Database (IMDb), the Criterion Collection, or academic platforms like Project MUSE can offer valuable resources for research. Remember to evaluate the credibility of the sources before using them in your essay.

As you research, take detailed notes and document your sources carefully. This will help you avoid plagiarism and facilitate proper citation later on. Cross-reference your findings from different sources to gather a comprehensive understanding of your chosen film topic.

Remember, conducting thorough research is not a one-time activity but an ongoing process throughout your extended essay. As you delve deeper into your research, new questions may arise, leading you to new sources and perspectives. Embrace the journey of exploration and use the research phase as a foundation for an insightful and well-supported essay on film.

Analyzing Film Techniques and Elements: Unlocking the Secrets of the Silver Screen

Lights, camera, action! When it comes to crafting a compelling extended essay in film, analyzing the intricate techniques and elements employed by filmmakers is a key ingredient for success. In this section, we will delve into the fascinating world of analyzing film techniques, including cinematography, editing, sound, and mise-en-scène, and explore how it can enrich your research and contribute to a rock-solid essay.

Capturing the Visual Poetry: Cinematography

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then cinematography is the language of the silver screen. It is through the lens of the camera that filmmakers evoke emotion, heighten tension, and create visual masterpieces. By analyzing various aspects of cinematography, such as framing, camera angles, and lighting choices, you can uncover hidden meanings, thematic motifs, and artistic intent lurking within the frames of your chosen films.

The Art of Seamless Storytelling: Editing

The magic of film lies not only in what is captured on camera but also in the way those captured moments are stitched together. Editing plays a vital role in shaping narrative structure, pacing, and meaning. By dissecting the editing choices made by filmmakers, including shot transitions, continuity, and emphasis, you can unearth fresh perspectives on storytelling devices and explore how they contribute to the overall impact and reception of the film.

A Symphony of Sound: Audio Elements

Sound, often an underestimated aspect of filmmaking, has a profound impact on our emotional response and interpretation of a movie. By examining the sound design, dialogue, music, and other auditory components, you can unravel a rich tapestry of subtext, character development, and atmosphere. This analysis can deepen your understanding of how sound contributes to the overall audiovisual experience and the storytelling prowess of the filmmakers.

Peeling Back Layers: Mise-en-scène

Mise-en-scène encompasses all the visual elements within a frame, including set design, costumes, props, and actor positioning. Analyzing these factors can reveal subliminal messages and artistic choices made by the filmmakers. By dissecting mise-en-scène, you can explore themes of identity, symbolism, and social commentary, shining a light on hidden meanings in the visual tapestry presented on screen.

A comprehensive analysis of film techniques and elements not only showcases your critical thinking skills but also helps unlock the hidden depth and complexities within movies. Whether you are exploring a classic example of Auteur cinema or dissecting the technical prowess of modern blockbusters, delving into the world of cinematography, editing, sound, and mise-en-scène will undoubtedly add layers of richness to your extended essay in film.

Evaluating the Historical and Cultural Context

When delving into the world of film analysis, it is crucial to consider the historical and cultural context in which films were created. The historical setting and the prevailing cultural influences have a significant impact on the themes, messages, and visual elements depicted in movies. Understanding these contextual factors brings a deeper understanding of the films and enhances the interpretation and analysis of their content.

Historical Context:

Examining the historical context helps to situate films within specific time periods, societal changes, and events that shape their narratives and production. Films serve as reflections of the era in which they were made, portraying the political, social, and artistic climate. For example, a film set during World War II will provide insights into the impact of war on individuals and societies, showcasing struggles, resilience, and changing cultural values.

A critical analysis of a film’s historical context can unveil powerful representations of historical events, shedding light on their impact and long-term effects on people’s lives. By offering a perspective informed by the socio-political climate of the past, students can analyze how filmmakers present historical moments, ideologies, or controversies.

Cultural Context:

The cultural context plays an equally integral role in film analysis. Cultural aspects encompass a broad range of influences, including societal norms, customs, belief systems, and artistic movements. It is essential to explore the films within the framework of the cultures they portray, as well as the cultural background of the filmmakers themselves.

By evaluating the cultural context, students gain insights into why certain topics, symbols, or narratives resonate with audiences. Different societies may respond differently to the same film due to variations in cultural practices and perspectives. Moreover, considering cultural implications helps discover hidden meanings and subtexts, deepening the understanding of a film’s intentions and challenges to established societal norms.

Overall, evaluating the historical and cultural context allows for a comprehensive analysis of films. By situating movies within their relevant time periods and cultural landscapes, students can critically examine their socio-political commentary, artistic choices, and thematic explorations. This contextual approach enriches the theoretical analysis of films, motivating thought-provoking interpretations and inspiring new perspectives on their meaning.

Examining Film Theory and Critical Perspectives

In order to gain a deeper understanding of the films being analyzed in your extended essay, it is essential to explore prominent film theories and critical perspectives. These theoretical frameworks allow you to delve into various aspects of films, uncover hidden meanings, and provide a solid foundation for your analysis.

Feminist film theory: Feminist film theory examines how gender roles and representations are portrayed within films. It explores how women are depicted, their agency in storytelling, and the marginalization or empowerment of female characters. By applying this theory, you can analyze how gender biases manifest themselves, challenge societal norms, and highlight the stories and experiences of women within the film medium.

Psychoanalytical approaches: Psychoanalytical approaches focus on the psychological elements present within a film. This perspective considers the unconscious desires, motivations, and fears depicted by the characters and how they reflect societal realities. By analyzing the use of symbolism, dreams, and underlying psychological conflicts, you can gain insight into the created world of the film and its impact on viewers.

Structuralism and semiotics: Structuralism examines the structure and underlying systems in a film. Semiotics analyzes how meaning is conveyed through signs and symbols. Both theoretical frameworks enable you to understand the relationships between different elements within a film, such as shot composition, color schemes, and editing techniques. By decoding these visual and auditory cues, you can unravel the intended meanings and messages embedded within the film.

Postcolonial theory: Postcolonial theory explores the impacts of colonialism, imperialism, and the legacy of colonial powers within the film industry. It delves into issues of representation, cultural appropriation, and the subversion or perpetuation of stereotypes relating to colonized peoples or cultures. Through this critical perspective, you can analyze how films reflect or challenge power dynamics and highlight the voices and experiences of marginalized communities.

When applying these film theories and critical perspectives to your extended essay, it is crucial to consider the strengths and limitations of each theory within the specific context of your chosen films. Moreover, it is essential to engage with different scholarly viewpoints and use them as tools to enhance your analysis.

By incorporating film theory and critical perspectives, you deepen your understanding of the films under investigation and establish a robust foundation for your essay. This allows you to explore broader themes and concepts within the film medium and unravel the unique insights that come with a critical exploration of different theoretical lenses.

Structuring the Extended Essay

When it comes to writing an extended essay in film, having a clear and organized structure is crucial for presenting your research effectively. This section will outline a recommended structure that you can follow to ensure a coherent and well-structured essay.

1. Introduction: Begin your essay with a strong introduction that provides an overview of the topic and presents your research question. This section should also outline the significance and relevance of your chosen topic in the realm of film studies.

2. Body Paragraphs: The main body of your essay should consist of several paragraphs that delve deep into your research. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or argument related to your topic. Make sure to provide evidence and examples to support your points, whether it’s through film analysis, critical perspectives, or academic theories.

• Paragraph 1: Start by introducing your first main point and provide supporting evidence from your research.
• Paragraph 2: Move on to your second main point and link it back to your overall research question. Again, provide evidence to back up your claims.
• Paragraph 3: Continue with additional main points, expanding on each one and making sure each paragraph flows logically from the previous one.

3. Conclusion: Conclude your essay by summarizing your main arguments and findings. Reflect on the significance of your research question and discuss any implications or unanswered questions that may arise from your study. This section should leave the reader with a sense of closure and reinforce the main points of your essay.

4. Additional Sections: Depending on your research topic and the scope of your study, you may need to include additional sections within your essay. For example, if you conducted interviews or surveys for primary research, you may have a section dedicated to presenting and analyzing your findings. Be sure to consider what additional sections are necessary to present your research effectively.

By following this recommended structure, you will provide a clear roadmap for your readers to navigate through your extended essay. Remember to use appropriate headings and subheadings to assist in organizing your content, making it easier for readers to locate specific information. Additionally, use topic sentences at the start of each paragraph to clearly outline the main point that will be discussed. This helps to maintain a cohesive flow of ideas throughout your essay.

A well-structured extended essay not only showcases your understanding of the topic but also enhances the overall readability and coherence of your work. By investing time in planning and organizing your essay effectively, you can ensure that your arguments are presented logically and coherently while providing a solid foundation for your research findings.

Research Methodology and Data Collection

In order to conduct a comprehensive extended essay in film, it is crucial to employ appropriate research methodologies and methods of data collection. These methodologies and methods will vary depending on the scope and nature of the research question and the type of data needed to support the arguments.

One common research method in film studies is textual analysis. This involves closely examining the content of films, including dialogues, actions, visual elements, and underlying themes. By analyzing specific scenes or sequences from a film, one can gain insights into the director’s artistic choices and how they contribute to the overall impact of the film. To effectively analyze films through textual analysis, it is important to develop strong observation and interpretation skills.

Another research method is conducting interviews. This can involve interviewing filmmakers, scholars, experts, or audience members who have insights or opinions related to the chosen topic. Interviews provide firsthand accounts and personal perspectives, allowing for a deeper understanding of the films being studied. When conducting interviews, it is essential to prepare well-thought-out questions and actively listen to the responses to gather valuable qualitative data.

Surveys are another valuable data collection method in film studies. Surveys allow researchers to collect large amounts of quantifiable data from a diverse group of respondents. For example, surveys can be used to gauge public opinion about certain films, to assess the impact of specific cinematic techniques or to measure the effectiveness of film marketing strategies. When constructing surveys, it is important to ensure that the questions are clear, concise, and unbiased to elicit accurate responses.

Quantitative data analysis can be employed when dealing with numerical data related to films, such as box office revenue, ratings, or audience demographics. This method involves using statistical techniques to interpret and analyze data. Quantitative data can provide valuable insights into trends, patterns, or correlations, helping to support or challenge arguments and hypotheses.

When collecting and analyzing data in film studies, it is essential to ensure ethical considerations. It is important to obtain informed consent from any participants involved in interviews or surveys and to maintain the confidentiality and anonymity of the data collected. Additionally, it is crucial to accurately document and cite all sources and to use reputable and reliable data sources.

Overall, the choice of research methodology and methods of data collection will depend on both the research question and the availability of resources. By employing appropriate methodologies and methods, researchers can conduct rigorous and insightful extended essays in film.

Incorporating Visual Evidence

When writing an extended essay in film, it is crucial to include visual evidence to support your arguments and enhance the overall visual appeal of your essay. Visual evidence can come in various forms, such as film stills or screenshots, and it serves several important purposes.

• Supporting Arguments: Visual evidence helps to provide concrete examples and support for your analysis and interpretation of the films. By including relevant film stills or screenshots, you can illustrate specific scenes or moments that showcase the techniques or elements you are discussing. This visual evidence adds depth to your arguments and helps readers understand your points more effectively.
• Enhancing Engagement: Incorporating visual evidence can greatly enhance the overall visual appeal of your extended essay. Images capture attention and make your essay more visually engaging. They break up large blocks of text and add visual interest, making the content more appealing and easier to read. Visual evidence can create a more immersive experience for your readers, allowing them to visually connect with your analysis.
• Bolstering Credibility: Using visual evidence demonstrates thorough research and attention to detail. It shows that you have conducted a close analysis of the films and can accurately support your claims with tangible evidence. Including relevant film stills or screenshots not only strengthens your arguments but also lends credibility to your essay. It gives readers confidence in the validity and depth of your analysis.

Remember, when incorporating visual evidence, it is important to choose images strategically. Select film stills or screenshots that are relevant to your analysis and effectively demonstrate the techniques or elements you are discussing. Clearly label and explain the significance of each visual example in relation to your arguments.

To ensure that your visual evidence is of high quality, consider using reputable sources or capturing your own screenshots directly from the film if possible. Pay attention to image resolution and ensure that the visual evidence is clear and easily understood.

Always remember to properly credit the sources of your visual evidence in accordance with the chosen citation style. Include captions or figure labels that clearly identify the film, scene, and relevant details. This not only highlights your ethical responsibility but also allows readers to locate the specific scene or moment within the film.

Incorporating visual evidence not only adds credibility to your arguments but also enhances the visual appeal of your extended essay. By selecting appropriate images, you can provide concrete examples, increase engagement, and make your analysis more persuasive. Visual evidence brings your analysis to life, enabling readers to visualize and better understand the films you are discussing.

Writing and Revising the Extended Essay

When it comes to the extended essay in film, writing a well-crafted and well-structured essay is essential to effectively present your arguments and research findings. Here are some tips for efficient academic writing, structuring coherent arguments, accurately citing sources, and revising your essay for clarity and a strong overall presentation:

• 1. Effective Academic Writing: Start by developing a clear thesis statement that states the main argument of your essay. Use a formal academic tone and avoid vague or ambiguous language. Be concise and focused in your writing, ensuring that each paragraph serves a specific purpose in supporting your overall argument.
• 2. Structuring Arguments: Organize your essay into logical paragraphs and sections that flow smoothly from one idea to another. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main point, followed by supporting evidence and analysis. Use transitional phrases to connect your ideas and create coherence throughout your essay.
• 3. Citing Sources Accurately: When referencing sources, use a recognized citation style such as MLA or APA. Include in-text citations whenever you paraphrase, quote, or use information from a source. Create a separate reference list or bibliography at the end of your essay to provide your readers with the necessary information to find your cited sources.
• 4. Revising for Coherence and Clarity: Review your essay for coherence, making sure that the flow of ideas is logical and easy to follow. Use transition words and phrases to create connections between paragraphs and sections. Check for clarity by reading your essay aloud or getting feedback from others. Edit for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors to ensure a polished final product.

When writing your extended essay in film, it is important to remember that presenting your arguments and research findings effectively is just as crucial as the content itself. By following these tips for effective academic writing, structuring arguments, citing sources accurately, and revising your essay thoroughly, you can create a compelling and well-presented extended essay that will impress your readers and contribute to the field of film studies.

When embarking on your extended essay in film, one of the most important considerations is the selection of suitable films for analysis. The choice of films will greatly influence the depth and scope of your research, as well as the overall quality of your essay.

There are various approaches you can take when selecting films for analysis. You may choose to focus on a specific genre, such as film noir or sci-fi, and delve into its characteristics, themes, and historical context. Alternatively, you could opt to explore the work of a particular director, analyzing their cinematic style and artistic vision throughout their filmography.

Another fascinating avenue to consider is examining the cultural significance of a particular film. You can explore how it shaped societal perceptions, influenced popular culture, or addressed significant social issues of its time. Such an approach allows for a comprehensive analysis of not only the film itself but also its broader impact and reception.

It is crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation of potential films before making your final selection. Consider their accessibility and availability, as access to viewing and analyzing the chosen films is imperative for conducting detailed research. Additionally, choose films that offer rich visual and narrative substance, keeping in mind the level of complexity they can provide for analysis.

Remember, your goal is to select films that offer ample scope for exploration and critical analysis. At the same time, it is essential to choose films that have received sufficient attention from scholars and film theorists. A wealth of existing research and critical perspectives will enrich your essay and facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of your chosen topic.

In some cases, it may be beneficial to choose films that share thematic or stylistic similarities. Comparing and contrasting multiple films within a specific context or subject matter can provide unique insights and create a more dynamic and engaging extended essay.

Finally, when choosing suitable films, always consider your own interests and preferences. Selecting films that you find genuinely captivating and exciting will undoubtedly enhance your motivation and enjoyment throughout the research and writing process.

In the next section, we will explore how to conduct thorough research, laying the groundwork for a robust and well-informed extended essay in film.

Nick Radlinsky

Nick Radlinsky is a devoted educator, marketing specialist, and management expert with more than 15 years of experience in the education sector. After obtaining his business degree in 2016, Nick embarked on a quest to achieve his PhD, driven by his commitment to enhancing education for students worldwide. His vast experience, starting in 2008, has established him as a reputable authority in the field.

Nick's article, featured in Routledge's " Entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe: Development through Internationalization ," highlights his sharp insights and unwavering dedication to advancing the educational landscape. Inspired by his personal motto, "Make education better," Nick's mission is to streamline students' lives and foster efficient learning. His inventive ideas and leadership have contributed to the transformation of numerous educational experiences, distinguishing him as a true innovator in his field.

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Film Extended Essay Topic Ideas for IB Diploma

Table of contents

• Writing Metier

Welcome to our guide on Film Extended Essay topic ideas. If you’re passionate about cinema and eager to explore its many facets in your Extended essay, you’ve come to the right place. 

From the nuances of film genres and styles to the intricate workings of the film industry, our list covers a wide range of topics that will inspire and challenge you. 

Each Film EE topics category offers a unique perspective on Film, inviting you to analyze, critique, and appreciate the art of cinema in new and exciting ways.

List of Film extended essay topic categories

Evolution of the Horror Genre

The Rise of Documentary Filmmaking

Characteristics of Modern Science Fiction Films

Auteur Theory in Contemporary Cinema

Feminist Film Theory and Representation of Women

Postmodernism in Film

The Impact of the French New Wave

Golden Age of Hollywood Cinema

Italian Neorealism and Its Legacy

The Art of Visual Storytelling in Cinematography

Innovations in Film Editing Techniques

The Role of Sound Design in Modern Filmmaking

Representation of Minorities in Contemporary Cinema

Film as a Tool for Social Change

The Influence of Cinema on Popular Culture

The Evolution of the Global Film Market

Independent Filmmaking vs. Major Studio Productions

The Impact of Streaming Services on the Film Industry

Now, let’s discover each of these categories and subcategories in detail with exact Film extended essay topic ideas and research questions.

IB Film EE topic ideas

Here are two topics and corresponding research questions for each subcategory in extended essay Film topics.

Film Genres and Styles

Welcome to the exploration of Film Genres and Styles. 

In this category, we’re uncovering the evolving narratives and techniques in cinema, from the chilling progression of the horror genre to the insightful storytelling in documentaries and the imaginative worlds of modern science fiction films.

• Research Question:  How have horror film techniques evolved since the 1980s, and what factors have influenced this evolution?
• Research Question:  How do contemporary horror films reflect the cultural fears and anxieties of their time?
• Research Question:  How has the advent of digital technology transformed the production and distribution of documentary films?
• Research Question:  How have documentaries about environmental issues influenced public opinion and policy?
• Research Question:  How is artificial intelligence portrayed in modern science fiction films, and what does this say about contemporary societal concerns?
• Research Question:  How have advancements in special effects technology expanded the narrative possibilities in science fiction cinema?

Film Theory and Criticism

In Film Theory and Criticism, we engage with the intellectual frameworks shaping our understanding of cinema. 

This section delves into the auteur theory’s role in contemporary filmmaking, examines feminist perspectives in Film, and explores the complex layers of postmodernism in cinema.

• Research Question:  How does Wes Anderson’s distinctive style exemplify the concept of the auteur in contemporary cinema?
• Research Question:  How does Quentin Tarantino’s unique directing style influence audience perceptions of violence in his films?
• Research Question:  How have female protagonists in action films evolved since 2000, and how do they reflect changes in feminist film theory?
• Research Question:  How has the Bechdel Test influenced the representation of women in contemporary films?
• Research Question:  How do David Lynch’s films exemplify the characteristics of postmodern cinema?
• Research Question:  How does intertextuality contribute to the postmodern aesthetic in contemporary films?

Film History and Movements

Our path through Film History and Movements revisits the pivotal eras that have defined cinema. 

Here, we explore the groundbreaking impact of the French New Wave, the iconic era of Hollywood’s Golden Age, and the profound influence of Italian Neorealism on global filmmaking.

• Research Question:  How did the French New Wave influence the styles and techniques of independent American filmmakers in the 1960s and 1970s?
• Research Question:  What were the key cinematic innovations introduced by the French New Wave, and how have they impacted modern filmmaking?
• Research Question:  How did the star system evolve during the Golden Age of Hollywood, and what was its impact on film production and marketing?
• Research Question:  How did film noir contribute to and define the artistic achievements of Hollywood’s Golden Age?
• Research Question:  How has Italian Neorealism influenced the techniques and themes of contemporary realist filmmakers?
• Research Question:  How did Italian Neorealist films use social commentary to reflect the post-World War II reality in Italy?

Cinematography and Film Production

Focusing on Cinematography and Film Production, we explore the art and techniques behind the camera. 

This category sheds light on the craft of visual storytelling, the evolution of film editing, and the critical role of sound design in enhancing the cinematic experience.

• Research Question:  How does cinematography contribute to the emotional impact of a film, with specific examples from contemporary cinema?
• Research Question:  How have cinematic techniques evolved in the portrayal of biographical films, and how do they enhance storytelling?
• Research Question:  How has non-linear editing influenced the narrative structure and storytelling techniques in modern cinema?
• Research Question:  How did the montage techniques of Soviet cinema influence modern film editing practices?
• Research Question:  How has sound design evolved in horror films, and how does it enhance the genre’s emotional and psychological impact?
• Research Question:  How do contemporary filmmakers integrate diegetic and non-diegetic sound to create immersive film experiences?

Social and Cultural Impact of Film

In the Social and Cultural Impact of Film, we examine how cinema mirrors and influences societal dynamics . 

This section explores the representation of minorities in Film, the power of cinema as a tool for social change, and the significant role of films in shaping popular culture.

• Research Question:  How has the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in 21st-century films evolved, and what impact does it have on societal attitudes?
• Research Question:  How does diversity in casting affect film narratives and audience reception in contemporary cinema?
• Research Question:  How have documentary films contributed to environmental advocacy and influenced public awareness and policy?
• Research Question:  How does contemporary cinema influence public perception and understanding of mental health issues?
• Research Question:  How have superhero films influenced trends and themes in modern popular culture?
• Research Question:  How has cinema influenced fashion trends over the past two decades?

Film Industry and Business

Our final category, Film Industry and Business, takes a broader look at the evolution of the film market. 

We discuss the changing dynamics of the global film industry, the contrast between independent filmmaking and major studio productions, and the transformative impact of streaming services on traditional cinema.

• Research Question:  How have international co-productions influenced the themes, styles, and distribution of global cinema?
• Research Question:  How has globalization affected film production and distribution practices in the film industry?
• Research Question:  How do the creative freedoms and limitations in independent filmmaking compare to those in major studio productions?
• Research Question:  How have digital platforms (like Netflix, Amazon Prime) impacted the success and visibility of independent films?
• Research Question:  How have streaming services like Netflix and Hulu changed film viewing habits and preferences among audiences?
• Research Question:  How are streaming services influencing the financing, production, and distribution of films, and what does this mean for the future of cinema?

These topics are designed to be both engaging and feasible for investigation, allowing students to explore various aspects of Film within the framework of an IB Extended Essay.

As we conclude our exploration of Film Extended Essay topics, it’s clear that the world of cinema offers a rich tapestry of themes and concepts for in-depth study . 

Like with Music extended essay topics , whether you’re drawn to the artistic expressions in cinematography, the cultural reflections in film genres, or the evolving landscapes of the film industry, these topics provide a platform for a comprehensive and insightful analysis. 

Keep in mind that a successful Extended Essay in Film not only demonstrates your understanding of cinematic concepts but also reflects your ability to engage with and analyze the medium critically . 

If you find yourself needing guidance or support in shaping your ideas into a compelling Film extended essay, our team at Writing Metier is here to assist. 

We’re committed to helping you craft an essay that not only meets the IB criteria but also showcases your unique insights into the world of Film. Let’s turn your passion for cinema into an exceptional piece of academic work.

Free topic suggestions

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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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Extended Essay: Language and Literature

• Step 1 - Choosing a Subject
• Step 2 - Choosing a Topic
• Step 3 - Draft a Research Question
• Step 4 - Finding Sources
• Step 5 - Evaluating Information
• Step 6 - Bibliography & Citation
• Step 7 - Organizing Information
• The Arts: Visual Arts
• Individuals & Societies: Business Management
• Individuals & Societies: History
• Individuals & Societies: Psychology
• Language Acquisition

Language and Literature

• Sciences: Biology
• Sciences: Sports, Exercise, and Health Sciences
• Interdisciplinary Papers: World Studies
• Assessment Criteria

Extended Essays in Language and Literature

Choosing a topic.

• Categories 1 & 2

Categories 1 & 2

***Category 2 essays are the same as category 1, but they analyze works not written in English***

Language and Literature papers in categories 1 and 2 are focused on one or more literary works and can focus on original literary analysis, a particular literary topic, and/or established literary criticism.  

NB: When investigating a film in category 2, the film must be analyzed for its literary value, not filmic. Filmic analysis is allowed in category 3.

Category 3 papers also analyze works, however they are not restricted to literary works! Topics in Category 3 emphasize the production and reception of texts in social, historical and/or cultural contexts. Essays that simply offer a general overview of a topic are not appropriate.

Approaches to Research

Categories 1 and 2

**Category 2 essays are the same as category 1, but analyze works not written in English**

Primary research in Language and Literature may require close reading of one or more texts. Secondary research may also be necessary for information like historical context, biographical information,  and established literary criticism. Students should consider things like the effect of the work, the devices it uses, or the way it is written.

Students should give a focused analysis of the texts being considered. The approach should be balanced, coherently argued, use relevant examples to illustrated the point.

Examples of language in a cultural context

Examples of language and mass communication

Language and Literature Sources

Even students doing primary research will still need to reference secondary sources. These may include established literary interpretations or criticisms, biographical and/or historical information.

Essay Types

An extended essay in language and literature gives students an opportunity to do independent research into a topic of special interest to them within the subject. It is intended to promote advanced research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity.

The essay is open to students who are writing in a language that they would be capable of offering as a language A

Studies in language and literature EEs are divided into three categories:

Assessed Student Work

• An exploration of an aspect of the narrative voice in Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita
• How did the World State government in Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World impact the individuality of the citizens residing in it?
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Extended Essays in Film

I need to be crystal clear here, The following reflects my personal opinion, and my remarks in no way reflect IB thinking or policy.

However many examiners of the Extended Essay are also teachers of Film, and their students do benefit from the insights they provide into the processes of assessment, so why shouldn’t anyone else?

The point of this post is mostly as a warning to grade eleven students in the IB.

If you’re considering making film studies the academic area for your extended essay and aren’t in an IB fim studies course, DON’T .

You may love films, but the IB and the Extended essay is about much more than your passions, it is a serious research paper, an opportunity for you to demonstrate an ability to research a topic to a reasonably high level within an academic context. Candidates who select film studies for their Extended essay are required to select a topic which allows them to demonstrate a good working knowledge of academic frameworks and critical approaches in Film studies, as well as skills in textual analysis.

Your love of film alone is unlikely to equip you suffuciently to demonstrate these in any measure enough to ensure success in the Extended essay.

It would be like someone not studying Geography writing an EE on the Geology of the Western Sahara, you just have to know the basic lingua franca of the academic area of study.

The truth is that the IB is tough enough without unnecessarily loading extra learning on to yourself, however much you may love film.

Choose wisely

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Extended Essay Writers

Film Studies Extended Essay: Beyond the Silver Screen

Luke MacQuoid

From the cozy confines of our homes to the captivating atmosphere of a theater, films hold a unique power. They’re more than just moving pictures; they blend artistry, culture, and profound narratives. As someone who has written extensively on various IB subjects , including many Film Studies extended essays, I understand the nuances and challenges of this subject. 

Let’s explore the essence of Film Studies and who should consider diving into this fascinating area for their extended essay.

While many enjoy films for their entertainment value, as an IB writer, I’ve often marveled at the intricate layers within them. A movie isn’t just a sequence of scenes; it embodies narrative techniques, cinematography, cultural contexts, and so much more. 

In my opinion, one could analyze how “La La Land” used color palettes to reflect the character’s emotions or how “A Quiet Place” leveraged sound (or the lack thereof) to craft tension.

Narratives Unveiled

A great story lingers. But what makes one narrative unforgettable and another not? Film Studies invites students to peer closely at story structures and character developments.

It’s intriguing to explore how “The Prestige” plays with narrative timelines or how “Interstellar” intricately weaves science with emotion.

Film as a Social Mirror

Movies are often a reflection of the times they are produced in. They can subtly critique society, highlight pressing issues, or even shape public perceptions. 

I’ve often found it intriguing how movies like “Get Out” delve into the nuances of race and societal expectations or how “The Post” revisits a pivotal time in journalistic history.

Confronting the Challenges: Film Studies Extended Essay Realities

Drawing from my extensive experience as an IB writer, I’d like to shed light on some hurdles specific to this IB subject:

Striking the Right Balance

A film can be deeply personal. Yet, in an extended essay, it’s crucial to meld one’s personal insights with objective analysis. 

I recall appreciating “The Godfather” for its storytelling, but when writing, I had to critically engage with its themes and techniques beyond my personal affinity.

The Depth Beyond Screen Time

Films demand comprehensive research. This might mean delving into screenplays, understanding a director’s filmography, or grasping the socio-political milieu during a film’s release.

Carving Out Originality

Given the abundance of film critiques, ensuring your voice stands out is pivotal. 

The challenge is to see familiar films through a fresh lens, providing novel insights or angles.

Mastering the Lingo

While one need not be a filmmaker, a grasp of filmic terms is imperative. Understanding elements like the rule of thirds, continuity editing, or deep focus can be invaluable.

Ensuring Precision

With word constraints, ensuring your chosen topic is manageable is vital. 

It’s more beneficial to thoroughly explore a specific theme or technique than to skim over a broader subject.

The Ideal Candidate for Film Studies Extended Essay

Drawing from years of experience and countless extended essays I’ve penned down, the realm of Film Studies beckons a specific kind of student. 

Here’s my take on who they might be:

A Storyteller at Heart

Have you ever been captivated by how a story unfolds on screen, feeling a tug at your heartstrings or the gears in your mind shifting into an analytical mode? 

If weaving tales or dissecting them is second nature to you, the Film Studies extended essay could be your playground.

An Observant Eye

It’s not just about watching a movie; it’s about  seeing  it. Noticing the subtle shifts in lighting that reflect a character’s mood, or how the camera angle changes the entire tone of a scene, are signs of an observant eye. 

If you’re the kind who notices these minute details that many might overlook, this subject might resonate with you.

An Artistic Soul

Films are a canvas of moving art. They capture emotions, settings, time periods, and so much more in visual spectacles. 

If you have an innate appreciation for this form of artistic expression, where every frame speaks volumes, then diving into Film Studies would likely be fulfilling.

An Analytical Thinker

Beyond the spectacle and drama, if you find yourself critically evaluating plot developments, character motivations, or thematic underpinnings, then you’re already on the path. 

An analytical mindset will enable you to peel back the layers of a film, reaching its core essence.

A Keen Listener

Cinema isn’t just about visuals ; the auditory experience is equally pivotal. 

Suppose you’ve recognized how background scores enhance a narrative or how silence can be more potent than dialogue. In that case, you’re tuning into the auditory aspect of films, an essential facet of Film Studies.

In essence, if you resonate with these traits and often find your thoughts gravitating towards the mechanics, artistry, or storytelling of films post-viewing, the Film Studies extended essay could be a rewarding experience waiting for you.

In Conclusion

The vast world of films is more than just entertainment; it’s an intricate tapestry of storytelling, artistic expression, and societal reflections. 

Taking on a Film Studies extended essay invites you to interact with this diverse universe, to understand its varied layers, and to critique its elements with a trained eye.

Should you ever feel the need for expert assistance in your academic pursuits, remember that  ExtendedEssayWriters.com  stands ready to assist. Be it choosing the perfect Film studies IB EE topic , conducting thorough research, or presenting your findings eloquently, our seasoned team is here to guide you. 

Need help with your IB extended essay?

From research and analysis to structuring and editing, our skilled mentors will be by your side, helping you craft an exceptional extended essay that not only meets the wordcount and stringent IB criteria but also reflects your passion for selected IB group .

With a wealth of experience behind us, we aim to make your Film Studies extended essay a standout piece. As you engage with the world of cinema, know that professional guidance and support are always within reach. 

Dive deep, let the magic of films inspire you, and rest assured, you have a team ready to support every step of the way.

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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IB English A (Lang & Lit) EE examples

Filter exemplars, how does carol ann duffy construct the female voice in “mrs. quasimodo”, “pilate’s wife”, and “medusa” in her anthology “the world’s wife”, how do martin luther king jr’s eulogy for the martyred children and queen elizabeth i’s speech at tilbury compare in the methods used to achieve their respective purposes, want to get full marks for your ee allow us to review it for you 🎯, how are the revolutionaries and aristocracy of the french revolution characterised through shared symbolism in charles dickens’ a tale of two cities and baroness orzcy’s the scarlet pimpernel, to represent their differing social perceptions, how is visual imagery used to portray the black women experience in the poetry of audre lorde and maya angelou, how does george r.r. martin use the characters sansa and arya stark to represent the outcomes of challenging or aligning with gender-based societal norms in westerosi society, fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by ib examiners. upgrade now 🚀, how does jeffrey eugenides explore the theme of decay in the virgin suicides, how do symbolism and dystopian atmosphere communicate john wyndham’s fear in ‘the day of the triffids, how does lewis carroll portray the theme of growing up through the perspective of the child protagonist, alice, in through the looking-glass, how does everything everywhere all at once explore the impact of generational trauma on the expression of individuality using stylistic devices, to what extent do the contrasting themes of feminism and power intersect throughout the literary texts of macbeth and the handmaid’s tale, how and why do albert camus in the outsider and john barth in lost in the funhouse explore absurdist themes through characterization and narrative perspective to comment upon humans’ reactions to societal turning points, how does the recurring motif of absence in integral traditional customs of society impact the treatment of morality in “oryx and crake”, to what extent does the author’s perception of reality affect the portrayal of the american dream’s futility in death of a salesman and of mice and men, how is art portrayed as a coping mechanism in emily st. john mandel’s station eleven, how and to what effect do patterns in speech and behavior demonstrate internalized misogyny in season 4 of bravo’s reality tv show the real housewives of beverly hills, gender: the skinning of identity how is the characterization of clarice and buffalo bill in “silence of the lambs” used to critique societal perspectives and expectations of gender identity, in what ways do heathcliff from wuthering heights conform or differ from the aristotelian depiction of a tragic hero, to what extent are the remains of middle english present in the english we speak today based on the analysis of vocabulary, pronunciation and spelling in geoffrey chaucer’s the canterbury tales: the general prologue, how does khaled hosseini’s characterization of women in his novel ‘a thousand splendid suns’ challenge the stereotypical notion of afghan women as being ‘weak & oppressed’, how effective is the language and the visuals in the documentary the game changers in persuading viewers about the benefits of veganism, how does maya angelou portray feminism in her famous poems, ‘still i rise’, ‘phenomenal woman’ and ‘i know why the caged bird sings’, to what extent has the godfather portrayed the idea of the great american dream, and how does the movie challenge the myths related to this american ideal, to what extent does disney propagate heteronormativity in their g-rated movie the princess and the frog, to what extent can friends portrayal of gender and sexuality be considered problematic for modern viewers, how does kendrick lamar depict racial discrimination against african americans in his album to pimp a butterfly (tpab) through both the album cover photo and a song titled alright, how can the idolization of technology alter human behavior according to jungian theories, as portrayed through the use of film techniques and language in the episodes “nosedive” and “men against fire” from the netflix series black mirror, exploring the theme of covid-19 in advertising campaigns, how and to what effect were the connotations to the pandemic transformed in the #socialiseresponsibly campaign into representing values, how do female characters in kate chopin’s the awakening utilize music to constitute rebellion against nineteenth century patriarchal social expectations, how is the theme of female friendship portrayed in khaled hosseini's a thousand splendid suns in regard to a patriarchal society, how does f. scott fitzgerald explore man’s downfall in pursuit of the american dream in the novel 'tender is the night', how does george saunders’ the brief and frightening reign of phil utilize satire to portray the corruption and power imbalances present within us society during the 2001-2005 administration of george w. bush, how is suicide presented in the tragic plays 'hamlet' and ajax', how do dreams characterize winston smith in george orwell’s 1984 and rodion raskolnikov in fyodor dostoevsky’s crime and punishment, what role do odours and tastes play in the evaluation of core memories in "10 minutes 38 seconds in this strange world" by elif shafak, to what extent does madeline miller challenge the traditional gender roles of males through the representations in the song of achilles, in her novel banana heart summer, how does merlinda bobis explore the nature of personal belief through the character of nenita and her participation in systems of belief, in what ways are themes of feminism portrayed in the play, “hedda gabler” by henrik ibsen and the poem “the drunken husband” by marilyn chin, how are the black female characters in the novel the color purple used by alice walker to resist the narratives forced upon black women, effects of parallels and divergence in mythological retellings.

• Our Process

The Complete Extended Essay Guide | 100 Topics & Examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

Extended Essay Facts

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

Significance of Extended Essay

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

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

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

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

Extended Essay Assessment Criteria

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

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

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

How to Select a Topic for the Extended Essay?

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

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

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

Fear of failing the essay? Get help from an expert!

We make sure our essays are:

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How to Formulate Research Questions for the Extended Essay?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also read: Mental health essay topics

Choosing the Supervisor

Here are some suggestions on how to choose an advisor

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

Structure of an Extended Essay

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

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

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

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

There are six required components of an extended essay structure:

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

Contents Page

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

Introduction

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

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

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

References and Bibliography

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

The deadline you Need to Meet

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

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

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

The viva voce Interview

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

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

Free Extended Essay Topics

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

Biology Extended Essay Topics

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

Psychology Extended Essay Topics

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

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

English Extended Essay Topics

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

Literature Extended Essay Topics

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

Economics extended essay topics

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

Movie and Film Extended Essay Topics

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

History Extended Essay Topics

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

Geography Extended Essay Topics

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

Mathematics and Physics Extended Essay Topics

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an extended essay.

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

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This articles provides 100s of free, interesting and unusual analytical essay topics that you can use to write an amazing analytical essay.

Well, sit back and read! Because this article lists many argumentative criminal justice essay topics that are sure to inspire you. Student engagement with criminology and criminal justice

To give you a head start, we have compiled a list of hundreds of free personal essay topics and ideas. Choose the topic that interests you the most.

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Example essays

The International Baccalaureate® (IB)  programme resource centre,  a key resource for educators at IB World Schools, includes several examples of  extended essay titles .

These highlight the diverse range of topics covered by International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) students during their extended essays.

Some examples are:

• “An analysis of costume as a source for understanding the inner life of the character”
• “A study of malnourished children in Indonesia and the extent of their recovery after a period of supervised improved nutrition.”
• “Doing  versus  being: language and reality in the Mimamsa school of Indian philosophy.” 
• “The effects of sugar-free chewing gum on the pH of saliva in the mouth after a meal.”
• “To what extent has the fall in the exchange rate of the US dollar affected the tourist industry in Carmel, California?”
•  “What level of data compression in music files is acceptable to the human ear?”

Also available in the programma resource centre , the Diploma Programme Assessment Procedures has guidance on choosing a subject for the extended essay.

The PRC is only available to existing IB World Schools.

You can also purchase examples of essays in the IB Store . These essays fulfil the requirements for an ‘A’ grade in the extended essay.

If your school is not one already, learn how to become an IB World School  in order to implement the DP.

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Film Analysis: Example, Format, and Outline + Topics & Prompts

Films are never just films. Instead, they are influential works of art that can evoke a wide range of emotions, spark meaningful conversations, and provide insightful commentary on society and culture. As a student, you may be tasked with writing a film analysis essay, which requires you to delve deeper into the characters and themes. But where do you start?

In this article, our expert team has explored strategies for writing a successful film analysis essay. From prompts for this assignment to an excellent movie analysis example, we’ll provide you with everything you need to craft an insightful film analysis paper.

• 📽️ Film Analysis Definition

📚 Types of Film Analysis

• ✍️ How to Write Film Analysis
• 🎞️ Movie Analysis Prompts
• 🎬 Top 15 Topics

📝 Film Analysis Example

• 🍿 More Examples

🔗 References

📽️ what is a film analysis essay.

A film analysis essay is a type of academic writing that critically examines a film, its themes, characters, and techniques used by the filmmaker. This essay aims to analyze the film’s meaning, message, and artistic elements and explain its cultural, social, and historical significance. It typically requires a writer to pay closer attention to aspects such as cinematography, editing, sound, and narrative structure.

Film Analysis vs Film Review

It’s common to confuse a film analysis with a film review, though these are two different types of writing. A film analysis paper focuses on the film’s narrative, sound, editing, and other elements. This essay aims to explore the film’s themes, symbolism , and underlying messages and to provide an in-depth interpretation of the film.

On the other hand, a film review is a brief evaluation of a film that provides the writer’s overall opinion of the movie. It includes the story’s short summary, a description of the acting, direction, and technical aspects, and a recommendation on whether or not the movie is worth watching.

Wondering what you should focus on when writing a movie analysis essay? Here are four main types of film analysis. Check them out!

📋 Film Analysis Format

The movie analysis format follows a typical essay structure, including a title, introduction, thesis statement, body, conclusion, and references.

The most common citation styles used for a film analysis are MLA and Chicago . However, we recommend you consult with your professor for specific guidelines. Remember to cite all dialogue and scene descriptions from the movie to support the analysis. The reference list should include the analyzed film and any external sources mentioned in the essay.

When referring to a specific movie in your paper, you should italicize the film’s name and use the title case. Don’t enclose the title of the movie in quotation marks.

📑 Film Analysis Essay Outline

A compelling film analysis outline is crucial as it helps make the writing process more focused and the content more insightful for the readers. Below, you’ll find the description of the main parts of the movie analysis essay.

Film Analysis Introduction

Many students experience writer’s block because they don’t know how to write an introduction for a film analysis. The truth is that the opening paragraph for a film analysis paper is similar to any other academic essay:

• Start with a hook to grab the reader’s attention . For example, it can be a fascinating fact or a thought-provoking question related to the film.
• Provide background information about the movie . Introduce the film, including its title, director, and release date. Follow this with a brief summary of the film’s plot and main themes.
• End the introduction with an analytical thesis statement . Present the central argument or interpretation that will be explored in the analysis.

Film Analysis Thesis

If you wonder how to write a thesis for a film analysis, we’ve got you! A thesis statement should clearly present your main idea related to the film and provide a roadmap for the rest of the essay. Your thesis should be specific, concise, and focused. In addition, it should be debatable so that others can present a contrasting point of view. Also, make sure it is supported with evidence from the film.

Let’s come up with a film analysis thesis example:

Through a feminist lens, Titanic is a story about Rose’s rebellion against traditional gender roles, showcasing her attempts to assert her autonomy and refusal to conform to societal expectations prevalent in the early 20th century.

Movie Analysis Main Body

Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the film that supports your main idea. These aspects include themes, characters, narrative devices , or cinematic techniques. You should also provide evidence from the film to support your analysis, such as quotes, scene descriptions, or specific visual or auditory elements.

Here are two things to avoid in body paragraphs:

• Film review . Your analysis should focus on specific movie aspects rather than your opinion of the film.
• Excessive plot summary . While it’s important to provide some context for the analysis, a lengthy plot summary can detract you from your main argument and analysis of the film.

Film Analysis Conclusion

In the conclusion of a movie analysis, restate the thesis statement to remind the reader of the main argument. Additionally, summarize the main points from the body to reinforce the key aspects of the film that were discussed. The conclusion should also provide a final thought or reflection on the film, tying together the analysis and presenting your perspective on its overall meaning.

✍️ How to Write a Film Analysis Essay

Writing a film analysis essay can be challenging since it requires a deep understanding of the film, its themes, and its characters. However, with the right approach, you can create a compelling analysis that offers insight into the film’s meaning and impact. To help you, we’ve prepared a small guide.

1. Understand the Prompt

When approaching a film analysis essay, it is crucial to understand the prompt provided by your professor. For example, suppose your professor asks you to analyze the film from the perspective of Marxist criticism or psychoanalytic film theory . In that case, it is essential to familiarize yourself with these approaches. This may involve studying these theories and identifying how they can be applied to the film.

If your professor did not provide specific guidelines, you will need to choose a film yourself and decide on the aspect you will explore. Whether it is the film’s themes, characters, cinematography, or social context, having a clear focus will help guide your analysis.

2. Watch the Film & Take Notes

Keep your assignment prompt in mind when watching the film for your analysis. For example, if you are analyzing the film from a feminist perspective, you should pay attention to the portrayal of female characters, power dynamics , and gender roles within the film.

As you watch the movie, take notes on key moments, dialogues, and scenes relevant to your analysis. Additionally, keeping track of the timecodes of important scenes can be beneficial, as it allows you to quickly revisit specific moments in the film for further analysis.

3. Develop a Thesis and an Outline

Next, develop a thesis statement for your movie analysis. Identify the central argument or perspective you want to convey about the film. For example, you can focus on the film’s themes, characters, plot, cinematography, or other outstanding aspects. Your thesis statement should clearly present your stance and provide a preview of the points you will discuss in your analysis.

Having created a thesis, you can move on to the outline for an analysis. Write down all the arguments that can support your thesis, logically organize them, and then look for the supporting evidence in the movie.

4. Write Your Movie Analysis

When writing a film analysis paper, try to offer fresh and original ideas on the film that go beyond surface-level observations. If you need some inspiration, have a look at these thought-provoking questions:

• How does the movie evoke emotional responses from the audience through sound, editing, character development , and camera work?
• Is the movie’s setting portrayed in a realistic or stylized manner? What atmosphere or mood does the setting convey to the audience?
• How does the lighting in the movie highlight certain aspects? How does the lighting impact the audience’s perception of the movie’s characters, spaces, or overall mood?
• What role does the music play in the movie? How does it create specific emotional effects for the audience?
• What underlying values or messages does the movie convey? How are these values communicated to the audience?

5. Revise and Proofread

To revise and proofread a film analysis essay, review the content for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure the paper flows logically and each paragraph contributes to the overall analysis. Remember to double-check that you haven’t missed any in-text citations and have enough evidence and examples from the movie to support your arguments.

Consider seeking feedback from a peer or instructor to get an outside perspective on the essay. Another reader can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

🎞️ Movie Analysis: Sample Prompts

Now that we’ve covered the essential aspects of a film analysis template, it’s time to choose a topic. Here are some prompts to help you select a film for your analysis.

• Metropolis film analysis essay . When analyzing this movie, you can explore the themes of technology and society or the portrayal of class struggle. You can also focus on symbolism, visual effects, and the influence of German expressionism on the film’s aesthetic.
• The Godfather film analysis essay . An epic crime film, The Godfather , allows you to analyze the themes of power and corruption, the portrayal of family dynamics, and the influence of Italian neorealism on the film’s aesthetic. You can also examine the movie’s historical context and impact on future crime dramas.
• Psycho film analysis essay . Consider exploring the themes of identity and duality, the use of suspense and tension in storytelling, or the portrayal of mental illness. You can also explore the impact of this movie on the horror genre.
• Forrest Gump film analysis essay . If you decide to analyze the Forrest Gump movie, you can focus on the portrayal of historical events. You might also examine the use of nostalgia in storytelling, the character development of the protagonist, and the film’s impact on popular culture and American identity.
• The Great Gatsby film analysis essay . The Great Gatsby is a historical drama film that allows you to analyze the themes of the American Dream, wealth, and class. You can also explore the portrayal of the 1920s Jazz Age and the symbolism of the green light.
• Persepolis film analysis essay . In a Persepolis film analysis essay, you can uncover the themes of identity and self-discovery. You might also consider analyzing the portrayal of the Iranian Revolution and its aftermath, the use of animation as a storytelling device, and the film’s influence on the graphic novel genre.

🎬 Top 15 Film Analysis Essay Topics

• The use of color symbolism in Vertigo and its impact on the narrative.
• The moral ambiguity and human nature in No Country for Old Men .
• The portrayal of ethnicity in Gran Torino and its commentary on cultural stereotypes.
• The cinematography and visual effects in The Hunger Games and their contribution to the dystopian atmosphere.
• The use of silence and sound design in A Quiet Place to immerse the audience.
• The disillusionment and existential crisis in The Graduate and its reflection of the societal norms of the 1960s.
• The themes of sacrifice and patriotism in Casablanca and their relevance to the historical context of World War II.
• The psychological horror in The Shining and its impact on the audience’s experience of fear and tension.
• The exploration of existentialism in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind .
• Multiple perspectives and unreliable narrators in Rashomon .
• The music and soundtrack in Titanic and its contribution to the film’s emotional resonance.
• The portrayal of good versus evil in the Harry Potter film series and its impact on understanding morality.
• The incorporation of vibrant colors in The Grand Budapest Hotel as a visual motif.
• The use of editing techniques to tell a nonlinear narrative in Pulp Fiction .
• The function of music and score in enhancing the emotional impact in Schindler’s List .

Check out the Get Out film analysis essay we’ve prepared for college and high school students. We hope this movie analysis essay example will inspire you and help you understand the structure of this assignment better.

Film Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Get Out, released in 2017 and directed by Jordan Peele, is a culturally significant horror film that explores themes of racism, identity, and social commentary. The film follows Chris, a young African-American man, visiting his white girlfriend’s family for the weekend. This essay will analyze how, through its masterful storytelling, clever use of symbolism, and thought-provoking narrative, Get Out reveals the insidious nature of racism in modern America.

Film Analysis Body Paragraphs Example

Throughout the movie, Chris’s character is subject to various types of microaggression and subtle forms of discrimination. These instances highlight the insidious nature of racism, showing how it can exist even in seemingly progressive environments. For example, during Chris’s visit to his white girlfriend’s family, the parents continuously make racially insensitive comments, expressing their admiration for black physical attributes and suggesting a fascination bordering on fetishization. This sheds light on some individuals’ objectification and exotification of black bodies.

Get Out also critiques the performative allyship of white liberals who claim to be accepting and supportive of the black community. It is evident in the character of Rose’s father, who proclaims: “I would have voted for Obama for a third term if I could” (Peele, 2017). However, the film exposes how this apparent acceptance can mask hidden prejudices and manipulation.

Film Analysis Conclusion Example

In conclusion, the film Get Out provides a searing critique of racial discrimination and white supremacy through its compelling narrative, brilliant performances, and skillful direction. By exploring the themes of the insidious nature of racism, fetishization, and performative allyship, Get Out not only entertains but also challenges viewers to reflect on their own biases.

🍿 More Film Analysis Examples

• Social Psychology Theories in The Experiment
• Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader: George Lukas’s Star Wars Review
• Girl, Interrupted : Mental Illness Analysis
• Mental Disorders in the Finding Nemo Film
• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Film: Interpretive Psychological Analysis
• Analysis of Spielberg’s Film Lincoln
• Glory – The Drama Movie by Edward Zwick
• Inventors in The Men Who Built America Series
• Crash Movie: Racism as a Theme
• Dances with Wolves Essay – Movie Analysis
• Superbad by G. Mottola
• Ordinary People Analysis and Maslow Hierarchy of Needs
• A Review of the Movie An Inconvenient Truth by Guggenheim
• Chaplin’s Modern Times and H.G. Wells’s The Island of Dr. Moreau
• Misé-En-Scene and Camera Shots in The King’s Speech
• Children’s Sexuality in the Out in the Dark Film
• Chinese and American Women in Joy Luck Club Novel and Film
• The Film Silver Linings Playbook by Russell
• The Role of Music in the Films The Hours and The Third Man
• The Social Network : Film Analysis
• My Neighbor Totoro : Film by Hayao Miyazaki
• Marriage Story Film Directed by Noah Baumbach

❓ Film Analysis Essay: FAQ

Why is film analysis important.

Film analysis allows viewers to go beyond the surface level and delve into the deeper layers of a film’s narrative, themes, and technical aspects. It enables a critical examination that enhances appreciation and understanding of the film’s message, cultural significance, and artistic value. At the same time, writing a movie analysis essay can boost your critical thinking and ability to spot little details.

How to write a movie analysis?

• Watch the film multiple times to grasp its key elements.
• Take notes on the story, characters, and themes.
• Pay attention to the film’s cinematography, editing, sound, message, symbolism, and social context.
• Formulate a strong thesis statement that presents your main argument.
• Support your claims with evidence from the film.

How to write a critical analysis of a movie?

A critical analysis of a movie involves evaluating its elements, such as plot, themes, characters, and cinematography, and providing an informed opinion on its strengths and weaknesses. To write it, watch the movie attentively, take notes, develop a clear thesis statement, support arguments with evidence, and balance the positive and negative.

How to write a psychological analysis of a movie?

A psychological analysis of a movie examines characters’ motivations, behaviors, and emotional experiences. To write it, analyze the characters’ psychological development, their relationships, and the impact of psychological themes conveyed in the film. Support your analysis with psychological theories and evidence from the movie.

• Film Analysis | UNC Writing Center
• Psychological Analysis of Films | Steemit
• Critical Film Analysis | University of Hawaii
• Questions to Ask of Any Film | All American High School Film Festival
• Resources – How to Write a Film Analysis | Northwestern
• Film Analysis | University of Toronto
• Film Writing: Sample Analysis | Purdue Online Writing Lab
• Film Analysis Web Site 2.0 | Yale University
• Questions for Film Analysis | University of Washington
• Film & Media Studies Resources: Types of Film Analysis | Bowling Green State University
• Film & Media Studies Resources: Researching a Film | Bowling Green State University
• Motion Picture Analysis Worksheet | University of Houston
• Reviews vs Film Criticism | The University of Vermont Libraries
• Television and Film Analysis Questions | University of Michigan
• How to Write About Film: The Movie Review, the Theoretical Essay, and the Critical Essay | University of Colorado

Descriptive Essay Topics: Examples, Outline, & More

371 fun argumentative essay topics for 2024.

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Deconstructing a Film Analysis Essay: Tips and Techniques

Enrolling in a film class might seem like a fun way to pass a class — after all, it's just watching movies, right? Not exactly! While film classes certainly require you to watch movies, you're most likely to be assigned 2-3 films per week in addition to analysis work. Considering how long movies can be, this can quickly turn into quite a hefty workload.

If you've never taken a film class before, you might feel lost and confused when it comes time to writing your first film analysis paper. This is especially true if you're accustomed to writing book analysis essays for which you choose several written quotes to analyze. Films are all about visuals, so your analysis relies heavily on interpreting vital visual elements.

How should you tackle a film analysis essay? It might sound obvious, but you'll start by watching the movie. After all, there's much more to watching a film than just hitting the "play" button.

One watch isn't enough

No matter how many films you've analyzed, it helps to have watched the movie you're analyzing more than once. One viewing of the movie could cause you to miss vital details. If possible, we recommend watching the film at least twice, so you can gather as many notes as you can. Repeated exposure to the movie will also help you put potentially confusing scenes into a better context and help you understand their purpose. However, if after you've watched the movie, you're struggling to organize your thoughts, consider breaking the film down into parts. Here's how you can deconstruct the movie into three digestible pieces.

The three-act structure

The length of your assigned movie can make an essay analysis intimidating. Films can sometimes exceed a run time of three hours. For example, fan-favorite Titanic comes in at a little over three hours long. A lot can happen in a movie of this length, so prioritizing specific scenes or focusing on particular plot points can present a challenge.

If you're struggling to follow a film, consider referring to the three-act structure . This method can be helpful in any narrative analysis you write. However, remember that this is not the same as a traditional story's narrative structure . This structure breaks the film into three distinct, purposeful sections that will help you organize the movie and your thoughts.

The format of the three-act structure is:

• Act I, Setup: This is typically the shortest part of the movie. Viewers are introduced to settings, characters, and main plot points. There is often an incident that introduces us to the film's conflict.
• Act II, Confrontation: This is the longest and most significant section of the film. The protagonist undergoes many conflicts and obstacles leading up to the climax.
• Act III, Resolution: The movie's ending most often provides some resolution to the conflict.

Breaking the film into these three sections will help you orient yourself as you watch and take notes. This will make the process of choosing scenes to analyze much easier.

Note-taking is a must

Since it's extremely difficult to mentally store all of your impressions and details you noticed while watching the film, note taking will give you a reference of your thoughts. But when and how should you take notes on a film? Should you write down your opinions on the actors and their characters? Do you take notes on scenes you didn't like or scenarios you wish had gone differently?

While these types of notes can certainly guide the argument you want to make, it's essential to remember that a film analysis essay is not the same as a film review. In an analysis paper, you can mention your opinion on the movie, but the primary focus of your essay is to analyze the film's visual elements. These elements you've noticed will provide the arguments you make in your essay.

Visual elements to analyze

If you've never analyzed a film before, you might not know the kinds of visual elements you should pay attention to. There is also a good deal of technical language associated with the film industry, and you'll come across this when writing your analysis. As with any subject or field you write about, you want your language to match what is customary in the industry.

Camera work

Writers can use several terminologies related to camera work, but we will focus on two elements that are best for beginners:

• Close-up: Close-up shots focus on one subject in a scene. In a close-up, a character's face will fill most of the screen. Directors might use this technique when they want viewers to register a character's intense emotions or small details they wouldn't notice from a distance.
• Long shot: A long shot is the opposite of a close-up. The camera films a longer distance away from the subject. A character's entire body is in the frame, but it does not make up the entirety of the frame; the space above, below, and around the character reveals more scenery. These shots help viewers become familiar with the setting and the character's place in the environment.
• Low angle: In low-angle shots, the camera is positioned below a character or scene, so viewers are forced to look up. If characters are filmed from this angle, we might interpret them as being powerful and superior because they appear above us.
• High angle: In high-angle shots, the camera is positioned above a character or scene, so viewers are forced to look down. In contrast to low-angle shots, characters filmed from this position appear to be more vulnerable or have less power.

When conducting your analysis, notice that lighting changes can be subtle or obvious. The scene could transition from light and joyful to dark and ominous with just a flashlight losing batteries. If you notice lighting changes during your viewing, consider these questions:

• What does the presence/absence of light add to the scene?
• Are there any shadows visible in the scene?
• How does the lighting affect the character's attitude/mood?
• How does the lighting shift from one scene to another?

Here are a couple of audio components you're accustomed to hearing during movies:

• What genre of music is playing? Is there a pop song playing during a cheerful scene? Is the music entirely instrumental? Does it include lyrics to bring a descriptive element to the scene?
• Is the music quiet or loud? Does the music's volume rise and fall throughout a scene, or is it purely background noise?
• Sound effects: Sound effects can help make actions more impactful. Consider a war movie that relies heavily on battle scenes. Sounds of gunshots and explosions ring in the background as viewers focus on the protagonist. Those sound effects can make us nervous, draw us into what the character might be feeling, and foreshadow something terrible coming for the soldier. Or maybe the protagonist is finally coming face to face with the enemy, and the tension in the scene is enhanced by the crack of thunder and the whirring of wind in the background.

Costumes, makeup, and props

These types of elements can depict socioeconomic status and levels of power. A man dressed in a black professional suit will appear more influential than a man dressed in a pair of ripped jeans and a t-shirt.

Since clothing and makeup are forms of expression, viewers can learn about characters' personalities through their physical appearance. These are also transitory elements, meaning viewers can recognize a switch in characters' fortune, status, or job if their appearance changes.

Clothing and props can also reveal something hidden about a character. For example, in Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows , Kaz Brekker wears a pair of black gloves and uses a walking cane. The cane reveals a physical impairment, but the purpose of his black gloves remains a mystery until his backstory is revealed. Though characters may appear one way, their clothes and props can provide an element of mystery, showing viewers that they might not be what they seem.

You can consider timing in a movie like the syntax in written text. Instead of sentence length and organization, timing refers to the length of a scene and the order in which scenes appear. The duration of the shot will impact the feel of the scene.

For example, fast-paced scenes switch from one frame to another within a short time. This makes the viewers feel like they're being rushed, and tension is high. Slower scenes feature one subject in a shot for extended periods, drawing our attention to what is happening at that moment.

Your essay structure

Now that you know how to "read" a movie, consider how to organize your analysis essay. Your paper will be set up like other analysis papers you've written. For example, the basic format of your paper will be:

• Introduction
• Body paragraphs

Naturally, however, the content of these paragraphs will differ from, say, a literary analysis.

What to include in the introduction

The introduction will contain specific information about the film. For example, you must include:

• The film title
• The director's name
• The film's release date

These details give context to the film. For example, if you are familiar with the director of the film under analysis and you know other works of theirs, this information gives color to your analysis. This connection can help you read into the movie more deeply because you can anticipate patterns, themes, or visual elements for which the director is famous.

The introduction will also include your thesis statement. This statement serves as your argument and comes as a result of considering questions like:

• What aspects of the film stood out to you?
• Did you notice one specific theme throughout the movie?
• Is there a specific object or symbol that holds significant meaning to the plot or protagonist?
• Is there a unique pattern you want to make an argument about?

Your thesis can state whatever you find interesting as long as you prove your argument with evidence from the film.

You might follow the introduction with a brief summary of the movie. Introduce the main characters, the setting, and the conflict. Provide some context, but don't make it overwhelming.

Body paragraph analysis

Body paragraphs include your analysis. The analysis of a film differs from that of a literary essay, as a textual analysis comes entirely from passages of a book or article. While you can certainly analyze dialogue in movie scenes, film analysis focuses significantly on the film's visual elements.

The number of body paragraphs you write depends on how many scenes you analyze. Unless your assignment asks you to examine only one scene closely, we recommend you write about three scenes or more.

Your body paragraphs should each begin with a topic sentence that introduces your argument. What will you focus on in this specific paragraph? Then, frame the scene. Remember that you want to avoid summarizing the scene that you are analyzing. Instead, provide just a sentence or two of context to introduce the scene and then frame it according to your argument. Once you've done this, you can focus on the film's visual construction, which will make up the bulk of the body.

Concluding your analysis essay

Your conclusion will restate the argument you made in the introduction. Your analysis leads to a personal decision about the film, so you should also include your overall opinion. You might consider including a call to action, whereby you encourage or discourage readers from watching the movie.

It's also possible to consider the film's implications. For example, did the film touch on a political or historical issue that's still relevant today? Did the film introduce a new filming technique never seen before? How does the film inform future movies of the same genre?

Films can be lengthy and complicated, but this guide can help you deconstruct a movie and ease your analysis essay writing process. Be sure to take your time watching the movie — more than once, if you can! — and take ample notes to use as a reference. As long as you focus on your visual analysis and not a summary or description of each scene, you'll be on your way to writing an insightful analysis essay.

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17 Essential Movies For An Introduction To Essay Films

Put most concisely by Timothy Corrigan in his book on the film: ‘from its literary origins to its cinematic revisions, the istic describes the many-layered activities of a personal point of view as a public experience’.

Perhaps a close cousin to documentary, the film is at its core a personal mode of filmmaking. Structured in a breadth of forms, a partial definition could be said to be part fact, part fiction with an intense intimacy (but none of these are necessarily paramount).

Stemming from the literary as a form of personal expression borne from in-depth explorations of its chosen topic, the film can be agitprop, exploratory, or diaristic and generally rejects narrative progression and concretised conclusions in favour of a thematic ambivalence. Due to its nature as inherently personal, the term itself is as vague and expansive as the broad collective of films it purports to represent.

To borrow Aldous Huxley’s definition, the is a device for saying almost everything about almost anything. In built then is an inherent expansiveness that informs a great ambition in the form itself, but as Huxley acknowledges it can only say almost anything; whether extolling the need for a socialist state (Man with a Movie Camera), deconstructing the power and status of the image itself (Histoire(s) du Cinema, Images of the World and the Inscription of War, Los Angeles Plays Itself) or providing a means to consider ones of past (Walden, News from home, Blue), the film is only the form of expression, which unlike any other taxonomic term suggests almost nothing about the film itself other than its desire to explore.

Below is an 17 film introduction to the film that cannot be pinned down and continue to remake and remodel itself as freely as it sheds connections between any of the films within its own canon.

1. Man with a Movie Camera (1929) dir. Dziga Vertov

An exercise in technical experimentation, Man with a Movie Camera is the pioneering, not to mention most lauded, of Vertov’s filmic polemics: espousing not only a new, necessary way of life, but a means of living that is created through cinema.

Shot by Maurice Kaufman, brother of Vertov, the film is a portrait of a city across 24 hours via bold experimentation based on Vertov’s staunchly Marxist ideologies. Its propagandist structure does not however belie its beauty.

Through masterful technique it became the defining film of 1920’s Soviet Union (perhaps on a par with Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin). Its propagation of film as the means through which life is realised, that the camera is now an unequivocal feature of modernity and too a powerful political tool, creates a filmic love letter to industrialisation and the humanist elements of physical labour.

In opposition to Eisenstein, Vertov is a master of his own brand of idiosyncratic montage which, with its sublime manipulative technique combined with realist images, rejects the opiate affects of traditional narrative cinema, attempting to create instead a cinematic language in which the camera becomes the pen of the 20th century.

2. A Propos de Nice (1930) dir. Jean Vigo

Shot by Boris Kaufman, brother of Dziga Vertov (Man with a Movie Camera), A Propos de Nice is a satirical portrait of life in 1920’s Nice. The leisurely upper classes of French society are the subjects of a portrayal the blind escapism and ignorance created by modernity.

Vigo thus contrasts the bourgeois culture of relaxation with the daily grind of the poor in society. The parodic form of the travelogue as anthropological study is employed as a means of document increasing social and economic disparities which Vigo sought to present as necessitating a revolutionary stance (the likes of which cinematographer Kaufman glean from his brother’s agit-prop, propagandist Kino-Pravda series).

Engrained in the very structure of modern society is, for Vigo, deep social inequality; life in this case masks its own inequalities through ignorance and selfishness. Images of women energetically dancing are reduced to slow modern and thus arises from them the absurdity of inherent inequalities.

Like a Jay Gatsby party, the excitement and laughter only serves to mask a profound emptiness whose own ridiculousness is an unacknowledged form of societal freakshow, which only those on the outside can perceive.

3. 2 or 3 Things I Know About Her (1967) dir. Jean-Luc Godard

In a year of 3 Godard diatribes against neo-capitalism, 2 or 3 Thing I Know About Her is the most contemplative; if La Chinoise a document of the soon to be riotous students, 2 or 3 is the suburban families watching the events unfold on their television screens.

Fraught with concern for the disintegration of lexical meaning, Godard’s collage of modern life follows the existentially empty Julitte Jeanson, a bourgeise housewife-come-prostitute, as she contemplates her preconceived societal role and the deadened collective consciousness of everyone whom Godard’s camera encounters.

If language is the house one lives in, as Juliette informs her son, then the house is subject to the blind whims of suited right wing repo men.

The portrait of Juliette is a composite sketch of the modern citizen, replaceable, replicable to the extent that Godard introduces Juliette first as Marina Vlady, the actress who plays her, before acknowledging her as a fictional creation; a less subtle evocation of the resignation to role playing in post-war France, watching death in Vietnam while decided whether or not to go and wash the car.

4. Walden; Diaries, Notes, and Sketches (1969) dir. Jonas Mekas

Walden is the film in its most diaristic form. Essentially a suitably handsome extended home video, Mekas’s film, shot from 1964-1969, features a series of chronologically edited video diaries that span from eating Chinese food with John Lennon, footage from the Velvet Underground’s first performance, or just the filmmaker eating a croissant in Marseille.

Given the length, the film could be criticised as an epic exercise in self-gratification (the filmic equivalent of continuous name dropping), or simultaneously as an invitation into the expansive but hermetic world of the New York art scene in the late 60’s, of which Mekas’ himself was a central fixture.

As with Akerman’s News From Home, it is the film’s internal focus, an exposure of the personal, wherein its interest lies. Mekas’ ability to construct a montage that appears at ease with itself in all its fragmentation, relying on meticulous in-camera precision, creates a sea images which with each wave comes harmony and contrast. Walden emerges then as an unpretentious acknowledgment of the inextricability of experience and image, finding within it celebrations of life’s variety and extended harmonies.

5. F for Fake (1973) dir. Orson Welles

Welles’s final film is an explosive and intelligent scrutinisation of the filmmaking process and the concept of authenticity in art. Centrally presenting Elmyr de Hory’s career as an art forger, F for Fake transcends basic narrative or documentary expositions to instead philosophise on the ontology of authorship.

Increasingly Welles rejects infallibility in favour of a profound ambivalence that is read across the careers of various forgers to eventually become, as is naturally the case for such a sublime example of the film, a personal contemplation of his own career and his self-definition as a perpetual sceptic.

Through rhythmic montage editing and questioning of the structure and the power of the image itself, F for Fake eulogizes the image as a consistently fallible, or deconstructible form, and in true Wellesian style, given it is the form that its director made his career,cannot help but find humour within.

6. Le Fond de l’air est rouge/A Grin Without a Cat (1977) dir. Chris Marker

Widely acknowledged as the master of the film, Le fond de l’air est rouge is a personal rumination of discontent on the progression and dissolution of left-wing politics from Vietnam up until the films release in 1977.

10 years after the Marker conceived Loin du Vietnam, a protest film against the Vietnam war structured in segments from a wealth of French Filmmakers including Godard, Resnais, Lelouch, Varda and Klein, the film is markedly more melancholic, plagued by a scepticism highlighted in the French title (directly translated as the essence of the air is red) that implies the socialist sentiment only ever existed in the air.

Opening with shots from Eisenstein’s Battleship Potemkin (1925), Marker’s mastery of the appropriated image emerges. The film’s first four minutes are perhaps the finest montage sequence of post-war cinema, commending the bravery of those who fought for the socialist ideal but ultimately acknowledging the inevitability of its failure at the hands of right wing opposition, whose growth in power Marker sees as masked by the outward protests of the left.

Behind closed doors centre right solidarity, particularly in Marker’s native France, was only increased in the face of a scattered, disorganised and self-destructive shouts for power from the left.

Marker’s film is archival re-appropriation at its most controlled, his erudition and poetic narration reinforcing the notion of history itself as recreated and retold by individuals, always having an agenda.

7. News From Home (1977) dir. Chantal Akerman

Borne from the influence of the structuralist filmmakers Akerman encountered in New York (see Michael Snow, Stan Brakhage and Hollis Frampton), News from Home is a portrait of a city as seen through the eyes of a foreigner, as she attempts to come to terms with her new surroundings and the contrast to the life she left in Brussels (constantly referenced in the letters from her mother that are used to narrate the film).

Akerman films New York with the intricate eye of someone completely out of their depth, attempting to survive in a city they hardly know, emphasised by the concern of the letters from her mother. News from Home is a contemplation of the inescapability of the past and how it informs the present viewed from a perspective of awe, confusion and intense deliberation.

Akerman’s stares at New York as if to glean some meaning from its landscape as the letters from her mother cannot help make her feel at once a child and to the unchartered explorer entering a new terrain with bravado and wonder.

8. Koyaanisqatsi (1982) dir. Godfrey Reggio

Koyaanisqatsi, meaning life out of balance, is a poetic ode to absurdity constructed through cinematographic deconstructions of time and space. By slowing down images or speeding them up via time-lapse techniques, Reggio presents the fog of modernity as a means to highlight the absurdity of purported meanings, whether it is mass production of hot dogs or humanities destructive capabilities life lived blindly, perceived without questioning, is insignificant.

The film’s rejection of language forces full focus onto the status and power of imagery, especially when contorted, to suppose passivity and acceptance as a way of life, unsurprisingly drawing influence, like Thom Andersen’s Los Angeles Plays Itself (2003) from Guy Debord’s Society of the Spectacle, going as far as to acknowledge him in the credits along with fellow critics of mass communications, big society and the power of technology, Jacques Ellul, Ivan Illich and Leopold Kohr.

As with Godard’s concern for the disintegration of language into base semiotic signifiers, evocative of nothing but materials and the literal, Koyaanisqatsi presents ‘a state of life that calls for another way a living’; a visually stunning but essentially aggressive denouncement of advanced capitalism, its pretence to knowledge and its ability to create an omnipresent complacency that drapes life in a visually pleasing veil, underneath which lies a profound nothingness.

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Essays About Movies: 7 Examples and 5 Writing Prompts

Check out our guide with essays about movies for budding videographers and artistic students. Learn from our helpful list of examples and prompts.

Watching movies is a part of almost everyone’s life. They entertain us, teach us lessons, and even help us socialize by giving us topics to talk about with others. As long as movies have been produced, everyone has patronized them.  Essays about movies  are a great way to learn all about the meaning behind the picture.

Cinema is an art form in itself. The lighting, camera work, and acting in the most widely acclaimed movies are worthy of praise. Furthermore, a movie can be used to send a message, often discussing issues in contemporary society. Movies are entertaining, but more importantly, they are works of art. If you’re interested in this topic, check out our round-up of screenwriters on Instagram .

5 Helpful Essay Examples 

1. the positive effects of movies on human behaviour by ajay rathod, 2. horror movies by emanuel briggs, 3. casablanca – the greatest hollywood movie ever (author unknown).

• 4.  Dune Review: An Old Story Reshaped For The New 2021 Audience by Oren Cohen

5. Blockbuster movies create booms for tourism — and headaches for locals by Shubhangi Goel

• 6. Moonage Daydream: “Who Is He? What Is He?” by Jonathan Romney
• 7. La Bamba: American Dreaming, Chicano Style by Yolanda Machado

1. My Favorite Movie

2. movies genres, 3. special effects in movies, 4. what do you look for in a movie, 5. the evolution of movies.

“​​Films encourage us to take action. Our favourite characters, superheroes, teach us life lessons. They give us ideas and inspiration to do everything for the better instead of just sitting around, waiting for things to go their way. Films about famous personalities are the perfect way to affect social behaviour positively. Films are a source of knowledge. They can help learn what’s in the trend, find out more about ancient times, or fill out some knowledge gaps.”

In this movie essay, Rathod gives readers three ways watching movies can positively affect us. Movie writers, producers, and directors use their platform to teach viewers life skills, the importance of education, and the contrast between good and evil. Watching movies can also help us improve critical thinking, according to Briggs. Not only do movies entertain us, but they also have many educational benefits. You might also be interested in these  essays about consumerism .

“Many people involving children and adults can effect with their sleeping disturbance and anxiety. Myths, non-realistic, fairy tales could respond differently with being in the real world. Horror movies bring a lot of excitement and entertainment among you and your family. Horror movies can cause physical behavior changes in a person by watching the films. The results of watching horror movies shows that is has really effect people whether you’re an adult, teens, and most likely happens during your childhood.”

In his essay, Briggs acknowledges why people enjoy horror movies so much but warns of their adverse effects on viewers. Most commonly, they cause viewers nightmares, which may cause anxiety and sleep disorders. He focuses on the films’ effects on children, whose more sensitive, less developed brains may respond with worse symptoms, including major trauma. The films can affect all people negatively, but children are the most affected.

“This was the message of Casablanca in late 1942. It was the ideal opportunity for America to utilize its muscles and enter the battle. America was to end up the hesitant gatekeeper of the entire world. The characters of Casablanca, similar to the youthful Americans of the 1960s who stick headed the challenge development, are ‘genuine Americans’ lost in a hostile region, battling to open up another reality.”

In this essay, the author discusses the 1942 film  Casablanca , which is said to be the greatest movie ever made, and explains why it has gotten this reputation. To an extent, the film’s storyline, acting, and even relatability (it was set during World War II) allowed it to shine from its release until the present. It invokes feelings of bravery, passion, and nostalgia, which is why many love the movie. You can also check out these  books about adaption . 

4.   Dune Review: An Old Story Reshaped For The New 2021 Audience by Oren Cohen

“Lady Jessica is a powerful woman in the original book, yet her interactions with Paul diminish her as he thinks of her as slow of thought. Something we don’t like to see in 2021 — and for a good reason. Every book is a product of its time, and every great storyteller knows how to adapt an old story to a new audience. I believe Villeneuve received a lot of hate from diehard Dune fans for making these changes, but I fully support him.”

Like the previous essay, Cohen reviews a film, in this case, Denis Villeneuve’s  Dune , released in 2021. He praises the film, writing about its accurate portrayal of the epic’s vast, dramatic scale, music, and, interestingly, its ability to portray the characters in a way more palatable to contemporary audiences while staying somewhat faithful to the author’s original vision. Cohen enjoyed the movie thoroughly, saying that the movie did the book justice. 

“Those travelers added around 630 million New Zealand dollars ($437 million) to the country’s economy in 2019 alone, the tourism authority told CNBC. A survey by the tourism board, however, showed that almost one in five Kiwis are worried that the country attracts too many tourists. Overcrowding at tourist spots, lack of infrastructure, road congestion and environmental damage are creating tension between locals and visitors, according to a 2019 report by Tourism New Zealand.”

The locations where successful movies are filmed often become tourist destinations for fans of those movies. Goel writes about how “film tourism” affects the residents of popular filming locations. The environment is sometimes damaged, and the locals are caught off guard. Though this is not always the case, film tourism is detrimental to the residents and ecosystem of these locations. You can also check out these  essays about The Great Gatsby .

6. Moonage Daydream:  “Who Is He? What Is He?” by Jonathan Romney

“Right from the start, Brett Morgen’s  Moonage Daydream  (2022) catches us off guard. It begins with an epigraph musing on Friedrich Nietzsche’s proclamation that “God is dead,” then takes us into deep space and onto the surface of the moon. It then unleashes an image storm of rockets, robots, and star-gazers, and rapid-fire fragments of early silent cinema, 1920s science fiction, fifties cartoons, and sixties and seventies newsreel footage, before lingering on a close-up of glittery varnish on fingernails.” 

Moonage Daydream  is a feature film containing never-before-seen footage of David Bowie. In this essay, Romney delves into the process behind creating the movie and how the footage was captured. It also looks at the director’s approach to creating a structured and cohesive film, which took over two years to plan. This essay looks at how Bowie’s essence was captured and preserved in this movie while displaying the intricacies of his mind.

7. La Bamba:  American Dreaming, Chicano Style by Yolanda Machado

“A traumatic memory, awash in hazy neutral tones, arising as a nightmare. Santo & Johnny’s mournful “Sleep Walk” playing. A sudden death, foreshadowing the passing of a star far too young. The opening sequence of Luis Valdez’s  La Bamba  (1987) feels like it could be from another film—what follows is largely a celebration of life and music.”

La Bamba  is a well-known movie about a teenage Mexican migrant who became a rock ‘n’ roll star. His rise to fame is filled with difficult social dynamics, and the star tragically dies in a plane crash at a young age. In this essay, Machado looks at how the tragic death of the star is presented to the viewer, foreshadowing the passing of the young star before flashing back to the beginning of the star’s career. Machado analyses the storyline and directing style, commenting on the detailed depiction of the young star’s life. It’s an in-depth essay that covers everything from plot to writing style to direction.

5 Prompts for Essays About Movies

Simple and straightforward, write about your favorite movie. Explain its premise, characters, and plot, and elaborate on some of the driving messages and themes behind the film. You should also explain why you enjoy the movie so much: what impact does it have on you? Finally, answer this question in your own words for an engaging piece of writing.

From horror to romance, movies can fall into many categories. Choose one of the main genres in cinema and discuss the characteristics of movies under that category. Explain prevalent themes, symbols, and motifs, and give examples of movies belonging to your chosen genre. For example, horror movies often have underlying themes such as mental health issues, trauma, and relationships falling apart. 

Without a doubt, special effects in movies have improved drastically. Both practical and computer-generated effects produce outstanding, detailed effects to depict situations most would consider unfathomable, such as the vast space battles of the  Star Wars  movies. Write about the development of special effects over the years, citing evidence to support your writing. Be sure to detail key highlights in the history of special effects. 

Movies are always made to be appreciated by viewers, but whether or not they enjoy them varies, depending on their preferences. In your essay, write about what you look for in a “good” movie in terms of plot, characters, dialogue, or anything else. You need not go too in-depth but explain your answers adequately. In your opinion, you can use your favorite movie as an example by writing about the key characteristics that make it a great movie.

From the silent black-and-white movies of the early 1900s to the vivid, high-definition movies of today, times have changed concerning movies. Write about how the film industry has improved over time. If this topic seems too broad, feel free to focus on one aspect, such as cinematography, themes, or acting.

For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the  best essay checkers .

If you’re looking for more ideas, check out our  essays about music topic guide !

Meet Rachael, the editor at Become a Writer Today. With years of experience in the field, she is passionate about language and dedicated to producing high-quality content that engages and informs readers. When she's not editing or writing, you can find her exploring the great outdoors, finding inspiration for her next project.

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Home — Essay Samples — Entertainment — Finding Forrester — Comparison Of two Different Movies

Comparison of Two Different Movies

• Categories: Finding Forrester

About this sample

Words: 1191 |

Published: Sep 19, 2019

Words: 1191 | Pages: 3 | 6 min read

Works Cited

• Anderson, M. (2016). Why the myth of meritocracy hurts kids of color. The Atlantic. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2016/10/why-the-myth-of-meritocracy-hurts-kids-of-color/502601/
• Bulman, R. (2015). Hollywood goes to high school. Psychology Press.
• Finding Forrester. (2000). Directed by Gus Van Sant. Culver City, CA: Columbia Pictures.
• School Ties. (1992). Directed by Robert Mandel. Universal City, CA: Paramount Pictures.
• Three Miles. (2015). Produced by Sarah Koenig. Serial. WBEZ Chicago. Retrieved from https://serialpodcast.org/season-three/1/a-bar-fight-walks-into-the-justice-center
• Turner, B. (1994). Social capital, civil society, and democracy. American Behavioral Scientist, 37(1), 25-35.
• Valenzuela Jr, A. (2018). Social capital, meritocracy, and upward mobility. Journal of Poverty, 22(6), 497-516.
• Wiewel, W., & Zubrzycki, J. (2017). Social capital and education: Implications for educational policy and practice. In S. Van Zanten & M. Ball (Eds.), The Routledge international handbook of sociology of education (pp. 150-164). Routledge.
• Zander, L., & Zander, R. (2019). The art of possibility: Transforming professional and personal life. Penguin.
• Zhou, M. (2004). Revisiting ethnic entrepreneurship: Convergencies, controversies, and conceptual advancements. International Migration Review, 38(3), 1040-1074.

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IMDb. (n.d.). Finding Forrester (2000). Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.7358/ecps-2018-017-aart

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Black and white, morning and night: the world fills itself with conflicting forces that must coexist in order for it to run smoothly. Forces like diversity and the fear of terrorism or competition and the desire to peacefully [...]

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Challengers review – Zendaya aces uproariously sexy tennis-set love triangle

Luca Guadagnino’s terrifically absorbing screwball dramedy features a devastatingly cool leading lady, Josh O’Connor on rallying form and zinging extended dialogue rallies to match

I t’s almost too good to be true. Could cinema be witnessing the birth of a stunning new mixed doubles partnership? Last year, Korean-Canadian film-maker Celine Song gave us her wonderful, Oscar-nominated debut film Past Lives , a personal love-triangle movie about a South Korean woman in the US, married to a white American writer, poignantly reconnecting with her Korean childhood sweetheart; the fictional writer, incidentally, has a novel out called Boner. Now Song’s actual white American husband Justin Kuritzkes has written this love-triangle movie, an uproarious screwball dramedy of straight sex and queer tennis: one player, incidentally, is renowned for his large penis.

Some day, film school courses will be devoted to parallel-textual analyses of these two films, and maybe the legendary third wheel will come forward with a screenplay satirising sexual stereotypes, about a woman and a man who create a sensitive drama and a macho comedy from the same situation. Challengers is terrifically absorbing and funny, with zinging extended dialogue rallies – though its cop-out ending fudges what we all know about tennis. Like life, it’s a brutal zero-sum game of winners and losers.

Luca Guadagnino directs with style and Zendaya is devastatingly cool as Tashi, a former superstar tennis player turned coach, now married to her single client: Art, played by Mike Faist, whose sensitive, open, boyish face registers the unfamiliar and disagreeable sensation of losing. He is way off his game these days, going out to patently inferior players, and Faist shows how he is perhaps getting tired of the tennis circuit, while glumly sensing that his wife finds this losing streak a serious turnoff. But fiercely focused Tashi comes up with a plan which Art timidly accepts: he will slum it on the inferior ATP Challenger Tour to match with some no-hoper whom he can crush. The taste of winning will get his groove back.

But to his horror – and a more ambiguous emotion from Tashi – Art is matched with his former best friend and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend Patrick, a louchely handsome performance from Josh O’Connor . Patrick has fallen on hard times, sleeping in his car and touring the cheaper circuits, but he has still got the talent. Maybe trouncing Art will impress Tashi, with whom he is, of course, still deeply in love.

Or maybe it’s Art with whom he is still deeply in love. The course of their triangular romance and all its painful, fateful rows and infidelities are cleverly laid out in an exhilarating series of flashbacks and flashforwards, their past lives revealed in sudden hairstyle changes and clothing shifts, with Art and Patrick starting out as gormless teen chumps dazzled by Tashi, and growing near middle age … still dazzled by Tashi, who is charismatic at any age. The tennis itself is very convincingly dramatised and our three heroes really do look as if they are hitting the ball for real.

This is not the rather diffident stroke-play of Kirsten Dunst and Paul Bettany in the quaint, but in some ways comparable, tennis movie Wimbledon from 2004, though the gamesmanship and toxic masculinity reminded me pleasantly of Ian Carmichael and Terry-Thomas trying to impress Janette Scott during the famous tennis scene in the 1960 British classic School for Scoundrels. (Although Scott never encouraged Carmichael and Thomas to snog, while in their hotel room for a three-way.)

Moment by moment, line by line and scene by scene, Challengers delivers sexiness and laughs, intrigue and resentment, and Guadagnino’s signature is there in the intensity, the closeups and the music stabs.

• Josh O'Connor
• Drama films
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• Luca Guadagnino

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'Puberty is messy': Amy Poehler introduces extended sneak peek at Pixar's 'Inside Out 2'

LAS VEGAS – Has your anxiety ever totally overtaken your joy? Pixar has now made that into a movie.

The animated comedy "Inside Out" broke out in a big way with a relatable narrative in 2015, and its sequel promises to do the same with new emotions and clever writing. The biggest fan of both movies, however, might be franchise star Amy Poehler , who again voices Joy in "Inside Out 2" (in theaters June 14).

"I've played a lot of joyful characters over the years, but none of them mean as much to me as Joy," Amy Poehler told the crowd at CinemaCon on Thursday. She introduced the film's first 35 minutes to theater owners who were ready to laugh with a teen girl and the many emotions running through her head.

The sequel catches up with the now-teenage Riley, who's making best friends at school and becoming a force at the hockey rink. That means new core memories being overseen by Joy, Anger (Lewis Black), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Disgust (Liza Lapira) and Fear (Tony Hale) in Riley's mind headquarters.

All is well until one night when puberty hits – it's literally a blinking red light on their emotion console – and a demolition crew shows up for an extreme makeover, even putting up a construction warning sign many parents know all too well: "Puberty is messy."

The emotions are thrown in disarray just as Riley is picked for a hockey camp, where she has to weigh her friendships with impressing the local high school coach, and that's when a new crew shows up: the energetic Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser) and Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos).

Joy messes up and Anxiety fixes the situation, which leads to Anxiety pulling a coup and making Joy and her friends "repressed" emotions – in other words, sending them to Riley's vault of secrets where a video-game crush and her favorite preschool show character are kept.

The sneak peek gave a sense that "Inside Out 2" is bigger and might be even better than the first, with a hint of Nostalgia as well.

Extended-length Bluey episode The Sign is a test run for potential movie, producer says

After weeks of speculation, a Bluey executive has confirmed that a new extended episode is a test case for a potential feature-length movie.

The 28-minute episode — The Sign — will be the studio's longest-running Bluey episode to date.

In an ABC Radio Brisbane interview, Bluey executive producer Daley Pearson said the success of the episode would help to decide the future of the franchise.

"We would love to do a Bluey movie," he said.

"It's no secret that this episode is kind of testing how an audience will go."

Mr Pearson said the trick was keeping kids entertained for half an hour, which is four times the length of a typical Bluey episode.

He said there was "no guarantee" of success.

"There was an element of, 'Can an audience watch Bluey for longer?'" Mr Pearson said.

"I think we'll wait until Sunday to find out and that'll help us figure out our own future."

Will Bluey's parents sell the house?

Bluey went viral again this week after an episode revealed the Heeler family's classic Queenslander house was for sale on the in-universe market.

"It's a huge thing," Mr Pearson said.

He said he hoped children would resonate with the "truthful" experience of growing up in a time of change.

"The best of Bluey is about those big changes, or those big events, or those huge emotional moments in a family's life," Mr Pearson said.

"When your parents are deciding things that you're just not quite in control [of] and you have to go along with, and your world's changing whether you have an agreement in it or not.

"I think kids will definitely, hopefully, get that in this episode."

He did not confirm whether the house would be sold in the upcoming episode, but did say Bluey was the kind of show that was willing to take "big risks".

"I think that's why people aren't quite sure," Mr Pearson said.

"In any other show, I think they'd be expected to go, 'Well, they're not really selling' — but maybe so."

What else can we expect?

Mr Pearson also revealed Australian actor Joel Edgerton has been cast as a police officer.

A 10-second teaser trailer depicts Bluey's family being followed by a police car with sirens on, which inspired "true crime" theories and "wild" speculation on TikTok as fans attempted to make sense of the scenario.

"Maybe, maybe," Mr Pearson said when asked about the theory.

"It'd be a brave new world for family shows, to have the family arrested and put away," he said with a laugh.

Two characters will "absolutely" be getting married in the extended episode, and their identities will be revealed when it airs on Sunday.

"For the audience listening who like it, thank you so much for watching it," Mr Pearson said.

"It's just a privilege to be let into the homes of your family and your kids, and we hope you like this one as much as we do."

Stream Bluey's 28-minute special The Sign at 8am on Sunday, April 14 on ABC iview.

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Does alex garland’s ‘civil war’ have an end credits scene.

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The U.S. president (Nick Offerman) in "Civil War."

Civil War — writer-director Alex Garland’s provocative cautionary tale about deadly civil unrest in a dystopian future U.S. — is new in theaters. But is there an end credits scene to indicate if the unnerving war tale will continue?

The film is now in theaters following its high-profile premiere at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas, in March.

Civil War stars Kirsten Dunst as Lee Smith, a veteran war photojournalist whose latest assignment hits too close to home. The violent conflict is set in a politically and geographically divided America that’s under the rule of a dictatorial third-term president (Nick Offerman).

While the film ends with a definitive conclusion, it’s conceivable that a sequel could be made for Civil War . After all, wars are messy and despite proclamations of victory in conflicts over the decades — if not centuries — some battles truly never end.

Of course, scenes that pop up after the conclusion of a film generally indicate that a sequel is in the works and to that end, there are no end credit scenes in Civil War . However, Garland does manage to take a creative, visual approach that accompanies the end credits instead of showing an additional scene.

Since Civil War chronicles the work of still photographers Lee and her protégé Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), the end credits begin with a photo taken by one of the photojournalists during the climactic final scene of the film. The photo slowly develops as the end credits start to roll and eventually it becomes fully exposed to display a haunting image.

Is Leadership an Art or a Science

Apple confirms major iphone changes with new app features enabled, o j simpson dies of cancer at 76, what is ‘civil war’ about.

Civil War chronicles a battle in a not-so-distant future where Texas and California have seceded from the U.S. to form a group called the Western Forces. The goal of the WF is to blaze a trail across the country to Washington, D.C., where the group plans to overthrow the U.S. president (Nick Offerman), who is not identified by name.

Following a horrific incident that resulted in multiple deaths and mass casualties in in New York City, photojournalist Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst) sets off to Washington, D.C., with a pair of reporters Joel (Wagner Moura) and Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson). The group’s objective is to interview and get photos of the president — who hasn’t talked with the press in 14 months — before any rebel factions reach him.

Tagging along on the dangerous assignment with the group — which has been warned that journalists are shot on sight in the nation’s capital — is Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), an inexperienced but fearless photographer Lee saves from harm during a violent protest in New York City. However — as the group finds out on their way to Washington, D.C. — the looks of the warring factions are indistinguishable, which means any of the journalists could die without warning.

Since journalists were allowed to publish their reviews of Civil War following the film’s premiere at SXSW, several critiques of the film have been posted already on Rotten Tomatoes . To date, Civil War has scored a “fresh” 87 percent rating on the site’s Tomatometer based on 135 reviews, while the audience score is pending.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Civil War is that it was clearly designed to start conversations and not stir further political divide. Not only does Civil War avoid any dialogue about any political ideologies or arguments over cultural elements, but it also purposefully avoids identifying either the Democratic or Republican parties.

Perhaps the most telling sign that the film isn’t willing to take sides — and chooses to unnervingly focus on the horrors of war instead — is how the story finds a red state (Texas) and a blue state (California) teaming together for the WF secessionist movement.

Civil War is playing in theaters.

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Blumhouse & universal’s ‘the woman in the yard’ adds russell hornsby, ‘inside out 2’: pixar returns to hysterical, heartfelt form in first 35 minutes shown to exhibs – cinemacon.

By Nancy Tartaglione , Anthony D'Alessandro

In keeping with CinemaCon tradition, Disney this afternoon treated attendees to the first 35 minutes of its latest Pixar movie; this year being Inside Out 2 .

The sequel to the 2015 pic brings viewers back into the mind of the now-teenage Riley (Kensington Tallman) as her emotions try to keep up with her new feelings. And while Pixar has gotten the short end of the stick during the pandemic with its movies Soul, Luca and Turning Red being sent to Disney+ and Lightyear shunned by Toy Story purists, Inside Out 2 had the Colosseum in stitches.

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‘Inside Out 2’ Adds New Trailer, New Emotions And New Voices

Poehler, who voices the pic’s protag Joy, introduced the footage saying: “I’ve played a lot of joyful characters over the years, but none of them have been as special to me as Joy. There was not even a millisecond of pause when they asked me to return.”

RELATED: ‘Captain America: Brave New World’: Harrison Ford’s POTUS Wants Anthony Mackie’s Sam Wilson To Rebuild The Avengers In First Look At CinemaCon

The sequel, she added, “captures the beauty and hilarity of every emotion we all experience on a daily basis.” The movie will “make you laugh and cry and everything in between.”

Kelsey Mann directs the pic, which is slated to begin international release on June 12 with domestic starting June 14. The script is from Dave Holstein and Meg LeFauve.

Grossing over $858M worldwide and winning the 2016 Oscar for Best Animated Feature, the original Inside Out introduced viewers to Riley, a young girl confronting emotions including Joy (Poehler), Fear (Tony Hale), Anger (Black), Disgust (Liza Lapira) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith) as she’s uprooted from the Midwest to San Francisco. Each emotion memorably was personified for the viewer, who could watch them clash inside Riley’s mind about how best to navigate a new city, home and school.

Joining the band of conflicting emotions inside her head this time around is Anxiety, a frazzled but lovable orange emotion voiced by Hawke.

Also new along with Envy are Ennui (voiced by Adèle Exarchopoulos) and Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser). Lilimar voices Valentina “Val” Ortiz, a high school hockey player who everyone, including Riley and her friends, looks up to.

Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan reprise their roles as Riley’s mom and dad. Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green and Grace Lu voice Riley’s besties, and Yvette Nicole Brown voices Coach Roberts, who leads a summer hockey camp.

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The Problem With Saying ‘Sex Assigned at Birth’

By Alex Byrne and Carole K. Hooven

Mr. Byrne is a philosopher and the author of “Trouble With Gender: Sex Facts, Gender Fictions.” Ms. Hooven is an evolutionary biologist and the author of “T: The Story of Testosterone, the Hormone That Dominates and Divides Us.”

As you may have noticed, “sex” is out, and “sex assigned at birth” is in. Instead of asking for a person’s sex, some medical and camp forms these days ask for “sex assigned at birth” or “assigned sex” (often in addition to gender identity). The American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association endorse this terminology; its use has also exploded in academic articles. The Cleveland Clinic’s online glossary of diseases and conditions tells us that the “inability to achieve or maintain an erection” is a symptom of sexual dysfunction, not in “males,” but in “people assigned male at birth.”

This trend began around a decade ago, part of an increasing emphasis in society on emotional comfort and insulation from offense — what some have called “ safetyism .” “Sex” is now often seen as a biased or insensitive word because it may fail to reflect how people identify themselves. One reason for the adoption of “assigned sex,” therefore, is that it supplies respectful euphemisms, softening what to some nonbinary and transgender people, among others, can feel like a harsh biological reality. Saying that someone was “assigned female at birth” is taken to be an indirect and more polite way of communicating that the person is biologically female. The terminology can also function to signal solidarity with trans and nonbinary people, as well as convey the radical idea that our traditional understanding of sex is outdated.

The shift to “sex assigned at birth” may be well intentioned, but it is not progress. We are not against politeness or expressions of solidarity, but “sex assigned at birth” can confuse people and creates doubt about a biological fact when there shouldn’t be any. Nor is the phrase called for because our traditional understanding of sex needs correcting — it doesn’t.

This matters because sex matters. Sex is a fundamental biological feature with significant consequences for our species, so there are costs to encouraging misconceptions about it.

Sex matters for health, safety and social policy and interacts in complicated ways with culture. Women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience harmful side effects from drugs, a problem that may be ameliorated by reducing drug doses for females. Males, meanwhile, are more likely to die from Covid-19 and cancer, and commit the vast majority of homicides and sexual assaults . We aren’t suggesting that “assigned sex” will increase the death toll. However, terminology about important matters should be as clear as possible.

More generally, the interaction between sex and human culture is crucial to understanding psychological and physical differences between boys and girls, men and women. We cannot have such understanding unless we know what sex is, which means having the linguistic tools necessary to discuss it. The Associated Press cautions journalists that describing women as “female” may be objectionable because “it can be seen as emphasizing biology,” but sometimes biology is highly relevant. The heated debate about transgender women participating in female sports is an example ; whatever view one takes on the matter, biologically driven athletic differences between the sexes are real.

When influential organizations and individuals promote “sex assigned at birth,” they are encouraging a culture in which citizens can be shamed for using words like “sex,” “male” and “female” that are familiar to everyone in society, as well as necessary to discuss the implications of sex. This is not the usual kind of censoriousness, which discourages the public endorsement of certain opinions. It is more subtle, repressing the very vocabulary needed to discuss the opinions in the first place.

A proponent of the new language may object, arguing that sex is not being avoided, but merely addressed and described with greater empathy. The introduction of euphemisms to ease uncomfortable associations with old words happens all the time — for instance “plus sized” as a replacement for “overweight.” Admittedly, the effects may be short-lived , because euphemisms themselves often become offensive, and indeed “larger-bodied” is now often preferred to “plus sized.” But what’s the harm? No one gets confused, and the euphemisms allow us to express extra sensitivity. Some see “sex assigned at birth” in the same positive light: It’s a way of talking about sex that is gender-affirming and inclusive .

The problem is that “sex assigned at birth”— unlike “larger-bodied”— is very misleading. Saying that someone was “assigned female at birth” suggests that the person’s sex is at best a matter of educated guesswork. “Assigned” can connote arbitrariness — as in “assigned classroom seating” — and so “sex assigned at birth” can also suggest that there is no objective reality behind “male” and “female,” no biological categories to which the words refer.

Contrary to what we might assume, avoiding “sex” doesn’t serve the cause of inclusivity: not speaking plainly about males and females is patronizing. We sometimes sugarcoat the biological facts for children, but competent adults deserve straight talk. Nor are circumlocutions needed to secure personal protections and rights, including transgender rights. In the Supreme Court’s Bostock v. Clayton County decision in 2020, which outlawed workplace discrimination against gay and transgender people, Justice Neil Gorsuch used “sex,” not “sex assigned at birth.”

A more radical proponent of “assigned sex” will object that the very idea of sex as a biological fact is suspect. According to this view — associated with the French philosopher Michel Foucault and, more recently, the American philosopher Judith Butler — sex is somehow a cultural production, the result of labeling babies male or female. “Sex assigned at birth” should therefore be preferred over “sex,” not because it is more polite, but because it is more accurate.

This position tacitly assumes that humans are exempt from the natural order. If only! Alas, we are animals. Sexed organisms were present on Earth at least a billion years ago, and males and females would have been around even if humans had never evolved. Sex is not in any sense the result of linguistic ceremonies in the delivery room or other cultural practices. Lonesome George, the long-lived Galápagos giant tortoise , was male. He was not assigned male at birth — or rather, in George’s case, at hatching. A baby abandoned at birth may not have been assigned male or female by anyone, yet the baby still has a sex. Despite the confusion sown by some scholars, we can be confident that the sex binary is not a human invention.

Another downside of “assigned sex” is that it biases the conversation away from established biological facts and infuses it with a sociopolitical agenda, which only serves to intensify social and political divisions. We need shared language that can help us clearly state opinions and develop the best policies on medical, social and legal issues. That shared language is the starting point for mutual understanding and democratic deliberation, even if strong disagreement remains.

What can be done? The ascendance of “sex assigned at birth” is not an example of unhurried and organic linguistic change. As recently as 2012 The New York Times reported on the new fashion for gender-reveal parties, “during which expectant parents share the moment they discover their baby’s sex.” In the intervening decade, sex has gone from being “discovered” to “assigned” because so many authorities insisted on the new usage. In the face of organic change, resistance is usually futile. Fortunately, a trend that is imposed top-down is often easier to reverse.

Admittedly, no one individual, or even a small group, can turn the lumbering ship of English around. But if professional organizations change their style guides and glossaries, we can expect that their members will largely follow suit. And organizations in turn respond to lobbying from their members. Journalists, medical professionals, academics and others have the collective power to restore language that more faithfully reflects reality. We will have to wait for them to do that.

Meanwhile, we can each apply Strunk and White’s famous advice in “The Elements of Style” to “sex assigned at birth”: omit needless words.

Alex Byrne is a professor of philosophy at M.I.T. and the author of “Trouble With Gender: Sex Facts, Gender Fictions.” Carole K. Hooven is an evolutionary biologist, a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, an associate in the Harvard psychology department, and the author of “T: The Story of Testosterone, the Hormone That Dominates and Divides Us.”

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