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International Baccalaureate (IB)

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

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

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

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

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

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

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

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

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

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

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

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

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

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

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

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

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

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

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

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

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

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

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

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IB World Study Extended Essay: Global Themes And Topics

by  Antony W

January 14, 2023

This is a complete guide to the IB World Extended Essay.

In this post, you’ll learn what World Study Extended Essay is, the right disciplinary approach to take, example topics, as well as how to write the essay. Our goal in this guide is to equip you with the knowledge necessary to get full marks in your World Study Extended Essay.

What is IB World Study Extended Essay?

The IB World History Extended Essay requires you to conduct a detailed investigation into an issue of global significance. The essay must be 4,000 words long and meet all the IB Extended Essay requirements .

World Study Extended Essay requires you to focus on one or two contexts, and you have to examine with great depth.

Since the interdisciplinary investigation addresses complex issues such as migration, global health crisis, global financial crisis, and infringement on human rights, you need to bring together aspects of a number of disciplines to address your topic.

Instructions given by the IB Program requires that you use two subjects in your WSEE investigation. Given the flexibility of the subject, you don’t have to address the topic in full complexity . Instead, aim to demonstrate knowledge that’s new to you.

A comprehensive World Study Extended Essay should be:

• Integrative: It should bring together forms of communication, concepts, and methods from two or more subjects.
• Purposeful: Your World Study Essay should either connect different disciplines to solve real world problems or help to address more complex issues in a new way.
• Grounded: The Extended Essay should demonstrate a clear rooting in disciplinary knowledge and understanding.

The Right Approach to World Study Extended Essay

Pick a theme from the six global themes in World Study Extended Essay and then find a topic that fits a general research area.

Select two of the most suitable disciplines, such as Biology and Economics. You will need these to explore your research topic.

Develop possible research questions and identify possible sources of relevant data. Your goal here is to determine if there are enough sources that allow you to explore the research your research question.

IB Extended Essay Example Topics

The following are some examples of potential topics that you can cover in your World Study Extended Essay:

• Worldwide financial crisis
• Global health concerns
• Disaster rehabilitation and relief
• Energy migration
• Infringement on human right
• Disadvantaged groups
• Civil unrest and protest

Global Themes in Word Study Extended Essay

There are six global themes in World Study Extended Essay.

• Conflict, peace, and security
• Culture, language, and identity
• Environmental and/or economic sustainability
• Equality and inequality
• Health and development
• Science, technology and society

How to Write a World Study Extended Essay

Before you start writing a World Study Extended Essay, make sure the topic you intend to investigate and the arguments you’ll present are of global significance. Issues such as energy security, cultural exchange, racism, malnutrition, and globalization are some of the most interesting topics linked to the six global themes in WSEE.

Step 1:  Choose a Topic and Develop Your Research Question  

The topic you choose to explore should be an issue you are passionate about in the context of World Study Extended Essay.

It can also be about an interesting subject you’ve read lately or a topic you’re willing to investigate extensively.

Research the topic. Look through a variety of sources to find as many ideas and scope for your research as possible. Share your ideas with your EE supervisor, and don’t hesitate to ask them for advice.

Using the topic you’ve selected, develop a relevant research question for your investigation. Don’t worry if you don’t get the best research question right away. Look at your topic, write as many draft research questions as possible, and then pick one that makes the most sense.

Regardless of how many times you tweak your research question, it must reflect the contexts of what you’ll be investigating. So it helps to make sure your RQ is not only specific but also straight to the point.

Step 2: Choose 2 IB Subjects

Depending on the topic you choose to explore in your interdisciplinary investigation, your supervisor expects you to choose two IB subjects with a close correlation.

Say you choose to explore an issue on maternal malnutrition . In such a case, Biology and Economics would be the most suitable subjects to choose. Biology is a good fit because it’s a subject that allows you to explore nutrition and its impact on the development of the fetus. Economics, on the other hand, allows you to examine whether the lack of enough funding contributes to maternal malnutrition.

Look at the topic and the research question you selected in the first step and use them to select the most appropriate IB subjects. The subject you choose must be in the IB curriculum. Again, you can pick a topic from SL (Standard Level) or HL (Higher Level) in IB.

If you feel confused about what subjects would be suitable for your topic, don’t hesitate to consult your supervisor.

Step 3: Research the Topic

This is an important step in your World Study Extended Essay investigation. Because you’ll use the internet for your research, get information from reliable and trustworthy sources such as government websites, university repositories, research articles, and academic journals.

Look for relevant books from the local libraries for additional information. Many of these books have references in the bibliographies of many college and university papers, so they can be useful for your Extended Essay.

If your school allows, you can ask your supervisor to look into the sources you have selected and advice you whether they would be suitable for your interdisciplinary investigation.

Step 4: Write Your World Study Extended Essay

Writing your World Study Extended Essay shouldn’t be hard if you have done your research well.

Just like other types of Extended Essays , your WSEE should have an introduction, a body section, and a conclusion.

In the introduction, explain you chose to investigate the topic and state why you have a strong conviction that it’s the best topic to explore. State your research question, mention the scope of the essay in relation to the two subjects (picked in step 2), and explain how the subjects will help you answer the research question.

Follow this with an abstract. The word limit is 300, so you don’t have the space to include irrelevant information in the document. The information you include should be clear, concise, and direct to the point.

Write the body section of the essay well. Here, provide as much relevant information as possible to answer your research question. Write a strong conclusion, which should tie everything you have written in the body section.

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.

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IB Extended Essay: 300+ Ideas And Guide

What is the ib extended essay.

The IB Extended Essay (EE) stands as one of the cornerstones of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Acting as an independent research task, the EE challenges students to investigate a topic of personal interest within the confines of the IBDP subjects they're engaged in. This endeavor, while rigorous, serves multiple purposes. Not only does it enhance students' analytical, critical thinking, and research prowess, but it also equips them with skills sought after by tertiary institutions and employers alike.

Spanning up to 4,000 words, the Extended Essay might seem daunting initially. However, its essence is about in-depth exploration. Think of it as a scholarly work that provides you with a unique chance to delve deep into a subject, test hypotheses, and showcase your understanding. The final output isn't just the essay, but also a formal presentation or viva voce, which promotes reflective learning and celebrates the culmination of this academic journey.

Given its weightage, the EE often becomes a differentiator for students when applying to competitive university programs. It showcases dedication, commitment to academic rigor, and the ability to synthesize large amounts of information into a coherent, persuasive piece of scholarly writing. For a more comprehensive overview, refer to the official IB page that dives into the nuances of the Extended Essay.

How to Choose Your Extended Essay Research Question?

A pivotal step in the Extended Essay process is the formulation of a pertinent research question. This question becomes the anchor of your entire essay, influencing your research, analysis, and conclusions. Here's a structured approach to help you craft the perfect research question:

• Passion and Interest: It's essential to select a topic you're genuinely curious about. Your engagement level will influence the depth of research and the overall quality of the essay.
• Scope and Feasibility: While it's tempting to tackle a broad issue, the 4,000-word limit necessitates focus. Your topic should be specific enough to be covered comprehensively within the word count, but not so narrow that it lacks depth.
• Relevance to Course Material: Ensure that your question aligns with the IBDP subject under which you're submitting. This not only ensures adherence to guidelines but also leverages the knowledge you've gained during your course.
• Availability of Resources: Before finalizing a topic, conduct preliminary research to gauge the availability of primary and secondary resources. The depth of your essay depends heavily on the quality of your sources.
• Originality: While you don't need to choose a never-before-explored topic, adding a unique perspective or angle to existing discussions can make your essay stand out.
• Consultation with IBDP Tutors: Engage with your IBDP tutors or teachers. Their experience and insights can guide you in refining your research question.

Extended Essay Ideas for Each Subject

The IBDP offers a plethora of subjects, and the potential research questions within each are vast. While a comprehensive list would be exhaustive, here are 30 topic ideas spanning various IBDP subjects:

Extended Essay Ideas for Literature:

• Exploring the motif of forbidden love in Shakespeare's works.
• The representation of post-colonialism in Salman Rushdie's novels.
• Comparing the portrayal of World War I in British and German literature.
• The evolution of the tragic hero in Greek literature to modern novels.
• Magical realism in Gabriel García Márquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude".
• The portrayal of women in Victorian-era literature.
• The influence of religion on F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby".
• Dystopian elements in Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale".
• The role of nature in the works of William Wordsworth.
• Examining gender roles in Jane Austen's novels.
• Exploring the concept of madness in Edgar Allan Poe's short stories.
• The cultural and historical backdrop in Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart".
• Themes of identity and belonging in Jhumpa Lahiri's writings.
• Analysing the narrative structure of Mark Haddon's "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time".
• Existential themes in Albert Camus's "The Stranger".
• Examining the societal impact of the Beat Generation through Jack Kerouac's "On the Road".
• Challenging norms: Satire in Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels".
• The symbol of the green light in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby".
• Understanding the post-apocalyptic themes in Cormac McCarthy's "The Road".
• Exploring the intricate balance of love and power in Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights".
• The notion of the American Dream in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman".
• Unraveling racial tensions in Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird".
• The essence of childhood innocence in J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan".
• The portrayal of societal collapse in William Golding's "Lord of the Flies".
• Tracing the journey of self-discovery in Hermann Hesse's "Siddhartha".
• Exploring themes of justice and morality in Franz Kafka's "The Trial".
• Unearthing the depths of human psyche in Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment".
• The role of setting in shaping characters in Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights".
• Understanding loss and nostalgia in Marcel Proust's "In Search of Lost Time".
• Exploring the complexities of human relationships in Leo Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina".

Extended Essay Ideas for Biology:

• The impact of environmental changes on coral reef bleaching.
• Exploring the genetics behind the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
• Examining the effects of different diets on gut microbiota.
• Investigating the role of telomeres in the aging process.
• Effects of varying pH levels on plant growth.
• The role of epigenetics in determining phenotype.
• Studying the impact of light wavelengths on photosynthesis.
• Investigating the biochemistry behind venom in snake species.
• Effects of pollution on freshwater ecosystems.
• The influence of climate change on migration patterns of birds.
• Studying the neural mechanisms behind memory formation.
• Exploring symbiotic relationships in marine environments.
• The impact of invasive species on native ecosystems.
• Effects of endocrine disruptors on amphibian populations.
• Examining the biology of bioluminescence in deep-sea organisms.
• Studying the impact of urbanization on pollinators like bees.
• Exploring the regenerative abilities of planarians.
• Investigating the causes and effects of algal blooms in freshwater lakes.
• The role of mimicry as a survival strategy in insects.
• Studying the effects of plastic pollution on marine life.
• Investigating the impact of pesticides on soil microbiology.
• Exploring the genetic basis of resistance against pests in crops.
• Examining the mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer cells.
• Studying the biological impacts of microplastics ingestion in marine species.
• Exploring the role of CRISPR technology in genetic modifications.
• The physiological adaptations of desert plants for water conservation.
• Investigating the impact of radiation on cellular functions.
• Studying the behavioral patterns of ants in various environments.
• Examining the role of gut microbiota in human health and disease.
• Exploring the biological implications of long-term space travel on the human body.

Extended Essay Ideas for Chemistry:

• Exploring the effects of various catalysts on the rate of chemical reactions.
• Investigating the chemistry behind different types of batteries.
• Studying the solubility of salts in various solvents.
• Examining the extraction processes of essential oils from plants.
• Effects of different factors on the rate of enzyme-catalyzed reactions.
• Chemistry behind the polymerization of plastics.
• Studying the kinetics of the Maillard reaction in food chemistry.
• Investigating the role of chiral compounds in pharmaceuticals.
• Exploring the chemical properties of superconductors.
• The impact of pH on the stability of vitamins in foods.
• Investigating the chemistry of different sunscreen compounds.
• Exploring the mechanism of rusting and corrosion prevention.
• Chemical analysis of contaminants in drinking water.
• Studying the effects of salting on the preservation of foods.
• Exploring the synthesis and properties of biodegradable plastics.
• Effects of different fermentation conditions on alcohol yield.
• Chemistry of natural dyes and their extraction processes.
• Studying the chemical changes during the roasting of coffee beans.
• Investigating the chemistry of soap and detergents.
• Exploring the chemistry and impact of food additives and preservatives.
• Studying the properties and uses of nanomaterials.
• Investigating the synthesis and properties of organic semiconductors.
• Exploring the electrochemistry of fuel cells.
• Chemical analysis of pollutants in urban air.
• Exploring the chemistry of hair dyes and their effects on hair.
• Studying the isolation and properties of natural antioxidants.
• Investigating the chemistry of forensic ink analysis.
• Examining the effects of metal ions on enzyme activity.
• Exploring the chemistry of natural vs. synthetic fragrances.
• Studying the chemical methods for water softening and purification.

Extended Essay Ideas for Physics:

• Exploring the potential of renewable energy sources in the context of global warming.
• The impact of quantum mechanics on modern electronic devices.
• Analyzing the aerodynamics of sports cars using Bernoulli's principle.
• The science behind superconductors and their potential applications.
• Understanding the effects of gravitational waves on astronomical observations.
• Exploring the principles and applications of magnetic levitation (MagLev) trains.
• Optical illusions and their implications in understanding human perception.
• The role of physics in developing energy-efficient buildings.
• Understanding nuclear fusion: progress, challenges, and future prospects.
• Assessing the physics behind electric propulsion in space exploration.
• Exploring the phenomena and implications of sonoluminescence.
• Analyzing the role of physics in medical imaging techniques.
• Studying the physical principles of echolocation in bats.
• Impact of materials science on improving battery technology.
• Understanding black holes: From theory to observation.
• Principles and applications of photonics in modern technology.
• The role of thermodynamics in developing efficient engines.
• Exploring the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
• Applications and challenges of harnessing nuclear energy.
• Understanding the dynamics of fluid flow in cardiovascular systems.
• The physics behind climate modeling and predictions.
• Analyzing the mechanics of bird flight.
• Exploring the principles of acoustics in concert hall designs.
• Investigating the effects of microwaves on molecular structures of food.
• Role of physics in designing protective sports equipment.
• Understanding the challenges of interstellar travel.
• Studying the phenomena of Bose-Einstein condensates and its implications.
• Impacts and applications of fiber optics in telecommunications.
• Physics of tsunamis: generation, propagation, and impact.
• Exploring the challenges and innovations in cryogenics.

Extended Essay Ideas for Economics:

• Examining the economic impacts of immigration on host countries.
• Exploring the role of microfinance in poverty alleviation in developing countries.
• Investigating the effects of monopolies on consumer prices and choices.
• Studying the relationship between income inequality and economic growth.
• Exploring the economic implications of automation and artificial intelligence on employment.
• The impact of trade wars on global economic stability.
• Studying the factors affecting the housing market in major urban centers.
• Investigating the effects of tourism on local economies.
• Analyzing the economic consequences of climate change on agriculture.
• Exploring the relationship between education and economic development.
• Investigating the economic benefits and costs of hosting global sporting events.
• Studying the effects of remittances on the economies of developing countries.
• Examining the role of central banks in controlling inflation.
• Exploring the impact of foreign direct investment on local industries.
• Analyzing the relationship between consumer confidence and economic growth.
• Studying the economic implications of aging populations in developed countries.
• Exploring the role of e-commerce in shaping modern economies.
• Investigating the effects of subsidies on the agricultural sector.
• Examining the economic impacts of pandemics on global supply chains.
• Analyzing the factors driving currency valuation and devaluation.
• Studying the economic repercussions of political instability in a region.
• Exploring the economic benefits of sustainable energy sources over non-renewable ones.
• Investigating the impact of taxation policies on small businesses.
• Examining the role of startups in driving economic growth.
• Studying the effects of bank regulations on financial stability.
• Exploring the economic challenges and opportunities of globalization.
• Investigating the relationship between corporate social responsibility and profitability.
• Examining the impact of social media on consumer behavior and market trends.
• Analyzing the economic rationale behind protectionist trade policies.
• Exploring the link between economic policies and environmental sustainability.

Extended Essay Ideas for Mathematics:

• Exploring the practical applications of Fibonacci sequences in modern architecture.
• The relevance of probability theory in stock market predictions.
• Analyzing the evolution and impact of non-Euclidean geometry.
• The mathematical beauty and patterns behind fractals.
• Chaos theory and its implications in weather forecasting.
• Game theory and its applications in economics and social sciences.
• The history and development of the number zero.
• Exploring the world of prime numbers and their mysteries.
• Using statistics to analyze patterns in nature, such as animal spots or petal arrangements.
• Mathematical principles behind encryption and cybersecurity.
• Topology and its real-world implications, such as in DNA twisting.
• The mathematics of music: understanding scales, rhythms, and harmonics.
• Exploring patterns and sequences in ancient architecture and art.
• Understanding the mathematics behind general relativity.
• Golden ratio and its pervasive presence in art and nature.
• Mathematical modeling of population dynamics and growth.
• An exploration of graph theory in social networks.
• The role of symmetry in mathematics and its applications.
• Using calculus to understand and model the spread of diseases.
• Mathematical principles behind juggling patterns.
• Origami and the mathematical transformations involved.
• The history and significance of Pi in various cultures.
• Applications of trigonometry in real-world scenarios beyond angles and triangles.
• Mathematical patterns in the stock market: Are they truly random?
• Studying the dynamics of voting systems using mathematics.
• An investigation into the four-color theorem.
• Exploring Gödel's incompleteness theorems and its implications for mathematics.
• A study on Benford's law and its surprising occurrence in nature and finance.
• Understanding and visualizing multi-dimensional spaces.
• The Monty Hall problem: A study in probability and decision making.

Extended Essay Ideas for Business Management:

• Analyzing the impact of leadership styles on employee motivation and productivity.
• Exploring the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in enhancing brand image.
• Understanding the implications of digital transformation for traditional brick-and-mortar businesses.
• Assessing the impact of cultural differences on international marketing strategies.
• The role of innovation in the competitive advantage of tech startups.
• Exploring the challenges and benefits of adopting a circular economy in the fashion industry.
• Analyzing the effects of mergers and acquisitions on company performance and shareholder value.
• Understanding the influence of e-commerce on consumer buying behavior.
• Studying the strategic importance of supply chain management in the era of globalization.
• The impact of corporate culture on organizational performance.
• Exploring the effects of advertisement campaigns on consumer perception and brand loyalty.
• Understanding the risks and opportunities of business expansion into emerging markets.
• Assessing the implications of artificial intelligence and automation on human resource management.
• Studying the relationship between customer service quality and customer retention.
• Exploring the role of business ethics in decision-making processes.
• Understanding the challenges of managing a diverse workforce in a multicultural environment.
• Assessing the impact of governmental regulations on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• The role of branding in differentiating products in saturated markets.
• Studying the influence of social media influencers on consumer purchase decisions.
• Exploring the strategic importance of sustainability initiatives for modern businesses.
• Understanding the dynamics of crisis management and its impact on company reputation.
• Assessing the competitive advantage of businesses adopting green technology.
• Analyzing the role of financial management in ensuring long-term business stability.
• Exploring the implications of remote work on team dynamics and productivity.
• Understanding the strategies adopted by businesses during economic recessions.
• Assessing the impact of business incubators on the success of new startups.
• Studying the dynamics of consumer behavior in luxury markets.
• Exploring the challenges of maintaining product quality in mass production.
• Understanding the importance of inter-departmental communication in large corporations.
• Analyzing the role of data analytics in driving business decisions.

Extended Essay Ideas for Computer Science:

• Exploring the implications of quantum computing for modern encryption methods.
• Examining the role of artificial intelligence in predictive analytics.
• Investigating the ethical concerns of facial recognition technology.
• Studying the evolution of programming languages and their impact on software development.
• The significance of cybersecurity in the era of Internet of Things (IoT).
• Comparing traditional and cloud-based database management systems.
• Analyzing the challenges and prospects of augmented reality in mobile app development.
• Examining the role of machine learning in healthcare diagnostics.
• Exploring the impact of open-source software on the tech industry.
• Investigating the role of neural networks in natural language processing.
• Studying the environmental implications of blockchain technology.
• Exploring the role of automation in job displacement and creation.
• Examining the challenges of data privacy in social media platforms.
• How do edge computing and centralized computing differ in application scenarios?
• Studying the applications of virtual reality in education.
• Exploring the role of heuristic algorithms in optimization problems.
• Investigating the implications of deepfake technology on digital media authenticity.
• Studying the design principles behind user-friendly interfaces.
• How does bioinformatics utilize computational algorithms in genome sequencing?
• Exploring the potential of swarm intelligence in robotics.
• Studying the pros and cons of different web development frameworks.
• Examining the challenges of integrating legacy systems with modern technologies.
• Exploring the growth and impact of e-sports in the gaming industry.
• Investigating the role of big data in shaping business strategies.
• How can computer simulations aid in climate modeling?
• Exploring the role of digital forensics in cybercrime investigations.
• Investigating the potential of progressive web apps in bridging the gap between web and mobile.
• Examining the role of genetic algorithms in optimization problems.
• Studying the significance of version control systems in software development.
• Investigating the challenges and solutions of scaling applications for global users.

Extended Essay Ideas for Psychology:

• Exploring the cognitive processes underlying decision-making biases.
• Examining the impact of social media on adolescent self-esteem.
• Investigating the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance.
• Studying the psychological implications of childhood trauma on adult relationships.
• Assessing the role of nature versus nurture in personality development.
• Exploring the psychological mechanisms behind the placebo effect.
• Analyzing the influence of cultural norms on gender identity development.
• Studying the impact of mindfulness meditation on stress reduction.
• Investigating the effects of music therapy on patients with Alzheimer's disease.
• Examining the role of neurotransmitters in mood disorders.
• Exploring the psychological underpinnings of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Assessing the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders.
• Studying the impact of parental attachment styles on child development.
• Exploring the cognitive basis of prejudice and stereotyping.
• Investigating the role of emotional intelligence in leadership effectiveness.
• Examining the psychological effects of long-term unemployment.
• Studying the impact of virtual reality exposure therapy for phobias.
• Exploring the correlation between physical exercise and mental health.
• Investigating the effects of art therapy on patients with post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Examining the role of childhood experiences in the development of eating disorders.
• Studying the influence of peer pressure on adolescent risk-taking behaviors.
• Exploring the psychological effects of chronic pain on mental well-being.
• Assessing the impact of positive reinforcement on classroom behavior.
• Studying the role of resilience in overcoming adverse life events.
• Investigating the effects of video game addiction on cognitive function.
• Examining the correlation between body dysmorphic disorder and social media usage.
• Exploring the effects of group dynamics on individual decision-making.
• Studying the role of subconscious cues in influencing consumer behavior.
• Investigating the correlation between creativity and mental health disorders.
• Examining the psychological coping mechanisms adopted during pandemics.

Extended Essay Ideas for Social and Cultural Anthropology:

• Exploring the role of rituals in preserving cultural identity.
• Examining the impact of globalization on indigenous communities.
• Investigating the cultural implications of arranged marriages in South Asia.
• Studying the evolution of language and its role in shaping societal structures.
• The significance of food and cuisine in expressing cultural identity.
• Comparing matrilineal and patrilineal societies and their societal dynamics.
• Analyzing the cultural perceptions of beauty standards across different societies.
• Examining the role of folklore and mythology in preserving traditions.
• Exploring the impact of colonialism on the cultures of colonized nations.
• How does urbanization influence indigenous cultural practices?
• Investigating the interplay between religion and culture in shaping societies.
• Examining the role of music in traditional ceremonies across cultures.
• Studying the cultural significance of tattoos in Polynesian societies.
• How do cultural practices evolve in diaspora communities?
• Exploring gender roles and dynamics in matriarchal societies.
• Studying the societal impacts of technological advancements in remote communities.
• Examining the role of festivals in fostering community bonds.
• How does education influence cultural perceptions and values?
• Investigating the cultural implications of bilingualism.
• Exploring the anthropological perspective on migration and identity.
• Studying the dynamics of caste systems in traditional societies.
• Examining the role of art and craft in expressing cultural narratives.
• Investigating the societal impact of medical advancements on traditional healing practices.
• Exploring the cultural perceptions of mental health across different societies.
• How do economic systems shape societal hierarchies and dynamics?
• Investigating the influence of popular culture on traditional values.
• Examining the role of family structures in shaping societal norms.
• Exploring the significance of sacred spaces in various cultures.
• Analyzing the cultural perspectives on death and afterlife across civilizations.
• Investigating the impact of political regimes on cultural expressions and freedoms.

Extended Essay Ideas for Environmental Systems and Societies:

• Evaluating the effectiveness of conservation efforts in the Amazon rainforest.
• The impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems and potential mitigation strategies.
• Exploring sustainable agriculture practices in arid regions and their socio-economic implications.
• Analyzing the success of urban green spaces in combating the urban heat island effect.
• Assessing the environmental and societal impact of fast fashion.
• Exploring the correlation between industrial development and air quality in emerging economies.
• Effectiveness of community-based wildlife conservation efforts in Africa.
• Water scarcity: The socio-economic implications and potential solutions.
• Assessing the environmental consequences of electronic waste and potential recycling strategies.
• The global decline of bee populations: Causes, implications, and solutions.
• Impact of ecotourism on biodiversity conservation and local communities.
• Understanding the socio-economic implications of rising sea levels for coastal communities.
• Exploring the challenges and potential of urban farming in densely populated cities.
• Assessing the effects of deforestation on indigenous communities and local biodiversity.
• The role of renewable energy solutions in reducing global carbon emissions.
• Investigating the environmental and societal implications of the meat industry.
• Exploring the relationship between traditional agricultural practices and biodiversity.
• Impact of overfishing on marine ecosystems and its socio-economic implications.
• Examining the consequences of chemical agriculture on soil health and local communities.
• Exploring the role of green technology in promoting sustainable urban living.
• Assessing the environmental impact of the bottled water industry.
• Investigating the role of environmental education in shaping sustainable communities.
• Understanding the implications of melting polar ice caps on global climate patterns.
• Examining the socio-economic effects of natural disasters exacerbated by climate change.
• Challenges and opportunities in waste management for rapidly urbanizing areas.
• Assessing the effectiveness of international environmental agreements and treaties.
• Exploring the environmental and cultural implications of palm oil cultivation.
• Impact of urbanization on freshwater resources and potential conservation strategies.
• Investigating the correlation between population growth and environmental degradation.
• Exploring the role of women in promoting environmental sustainability in developing nations.

Extended Essay Ideas for World Studies:

• The global impact of COVID-19 and how different cultures responded to the pandemic.
• Exploring the socio-economic effects of climate change in vulnerable regions.
• The implications of digital surveillance: Balancing national security and individual privacy on a global scale.
• The role of international trade agreements in shaping developing economies.
• A comparative study of healthcare systems across the world and their effectiveness.
• Assessing global gender inequality: Exploring measures to empower women in developing countries.
• The effects of globalization on indigenous cultures.
• International responses to the refugee crisis: A comparative study.
• Impact of social media on political movements and revolutions globally.
• Exploring the worldwide shift towards renewable energy sources and its implications for geopolitics.
• The legacy of colonialism: Evaluating its long-term effects on post-colonial societies.
• A study of global food security and the challenges of sustainable agriculture.
• Understanding the global implications of cyber warfare and its impact on international relations.
• Examining the international response to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Implications of artificial intelligence and automation on the global job market.
• Child labor in the global supply chain: Causes, consequences, and solutions.
• An investigation into worldwide trends in mental health and the challenges of addressing them.
• The global impact of single-use plastics and initiatives to combat their proliferation.
• Exploring the cultural and economic impact of global tourism.
• International efforts to combat human trafficking and their effectiveness.
• A comparative study of global responses to natural disasters and their aftermath.
• Impact of the global financial system on income inequality.
• Evaluating worldwide initiatives to promote education for all, especially in conflict zones.
• Understanding global water scarcity and its implications for future conflicts.
• Assessing the role of international organizations, such as the UN, in global peacekeeping.
• The worldwide shift in urbanization trends and its implications for sustainable living.
• A study of global wildlife conservation efforts and challenges.
• Impact of international cultural exchanges on shaping global perceptions and relations.
• Exploring the worldwide decline of bee populations and its implications for global food chains.
• The global movement for LGBTQ+ rights and its reception in various cultures and societies.

Extended Essay Ideas for Visual Arts:

• Exploring the influence of the Renaissance on modern-day art.
• Examining the impact of technology on contemporary art practices.
• Investigating the representation of women in Classical vs. Contemporary art.
• Studying the significance of colors in different cultures' art traditions.
• The evolution of street art and its influence on urban culture.
• Comparing Impressionism and Post-Impressionism: Their influences and legacies.
• Analyzing the role of propaganda in war art.
• Examining the portrayal of nature in Romantic vs. Abstract art.
• Exploring the relationship between music and visual art.
• How political changes influenced art movements: A case study of the Soviet Union.
• Investigating the commercialization of contemporary art.
• Examining the impact of cultural exchange on art forms during the Silk Road era.
• Studying the rise and influence of art collectives in the digital age.
• How did colonialism influence the art of colonized regions?
• The use of symbolism in religious art across different cultures.
• Exploring the role of art in social activism and change.
• Investigating the artistic representation of LGBTQ+ rights over the decades.
• Comparing traditional and digital techniques in illustration.
• How does architecture influence visual arts and vice versa?
• Exploring the world of animated arts: From sketches to screens.
• Examining the artistic dimensions of indigenous people's art.
• Studying the influence of fashion on visual arts.
• Exploring the role of censorship in art: A case study of China.
• Examining the intersection of visual arts with virtual reality and augmented reality.
• Studying the significance of art festivals in promoting global art cultures.
• Exploring the journey of abstract expressionism in the 20th century.
• Investigating the impact of global crises (like pandemics) on artistic expressions.
• How does art therapy assist in mental well-being?
• Analyzing the growth and challenges of digital art galleries.
• Exploring the evolution of sculpture in the modern era.

How to Write a Great IB Extended Essay

Writing an extended essay requires meticulous planning and a structured approach. Here are some key steps to enhance the quality of your essay:

• Start Early: Given the complexity and depth required, it's prudent to begin your research and planning months ahead of the submission deadline. This allows ample time for thorough research, drafting, and revisions.
• Create a Detailed Outline: Before diving into the writing process, draft a detailed outline. This will serve as a roadmap, ensuring a logical flow of ideas and comprehensive coverage of all facets of your topic.
• Use Varied and Credible Sources: Diversify your research by including books, academic journals, interviews, and reputable online sources. Always assess the credibility of your sources to ensure accurate and unbiased information.
• Stay Objective and Analytical: While it's tempting to infuse personal opinions, the Extended Essay demands an objective stance. Your assertions should be backed by concrete evidence, and opposing viewpoints should be fairly represented and analyzed.
• Seek Feedback: Periodically, share your drafts with peers, teachers, or IB tutors . External perspectives can offer invaluable insights, pointing out gaps or areas for improvement.

Finding Reliable Sources for Your Extended Essay

Quality research hinges on credible sources. Here's how to distinguish between reliable and dubious sources:

• Evaluate the Author's Credentials: Check the author's qualifications and affiliations. Experts in the field are more likely to produce accurate and unbiased content.
• Check Publication Date: Especially for subjects that evolve rapidly, like sciences or current events, recent publications ensure the most up-to-date information.
• Assess Objectivity: Be wary of sources with evident biases. Objective, balanced presentations of facts are ideal.
• Peer-reviewed Journals: Articles in peer-reviewed journals undergo rigorous scrutiny, ensuring high standards of academic integrity.
• References and Citations: Reliable sources typically cite their information, allowing readers to trace the origin of facts and data.

Strategies for Conducting Primary and Secondary Research

Both primary and secondary research methods are pivotal in crafting a comprehensive Extended Essay. Here’s how to go about them:

• Surveys and Questionnaires: If your topic involves gathering opinions or understanding behaviours, designing a comprehensive survey can be invaluable. Ensure your questions are unbiased and clearly worded.
• Interviews: Direct conversations with experts in the field can offer profound insights. Prepare your questions in advance and be respectful of the interviewee’s time.
• Experiments: For scientific subjects, conducting experiments can provide firsthand data. Ensure your methodology is sound, and always consider safety precautions.
• Observations: In topics related to human behaviour or environmental changes, direct observations can be a treasure trove of information. Be as objective as possible and record your findings meticulously.
• Academic Journals: These are a gold standard in research. Platforms like JSTOR or Google Scholar can provide a plethora of peer-reviewed articles relevant to almost any topic.
• Books: Especially for historical or literary subjects, books offer in-depth insights. Don't restrict yourself to modern publications; sometimes, older texts can provide a rich context.
• Reputable Websites: Websites affiliated with universities, research institutions, or recognized bodies in the field can be reliable. Always verify the information with other sources.
• Documentaries and Archived Material: For topics rooted in history, culture, or specific events, these can be invaluable.

Formatting and Structure Guidelines for the IB Extended Essay

Adhering to a structured format is crucial for the Extended Essay. Here are the primary components and guidelines:

• Title Page: This should include the essay title, your name, school, and other relevant details.
• Abstract: A concise summary (around 300 words) presenting your research question, methods, and key findings.
• Table of Contents: List all sections and subsections along with page numbers.
• Introduction: Introduce your topic, provide context, and clearly state your research question.
• Body: This is the heart of your essay. Organize it with clear subheadings and ensure a logical flow of ideas.
• Conclusion: Summarize your findings, restate the importance of your research, and mention potential areas for further study.
• References: List all sources cited in your essay. Adhere to a recognized citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.).
• Appendices: If necessary, include any additional information, charts, or data sets that support your research but didn't fit smoothly into the essay's body.

The IB Extended Essay Assessment Criteria and Grading

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay is not just about writing a long research paper; it's about meeting specific assessment criteria to achieve the best grade possible. To excel, understanding these criteria is paramount. Let’s delve deeper into how the IB evaluates and grades the Extended Essay:

1. Focus and Method (6 marks): This criterion assesses the topic's significance, how well the research question is formulated, and the methodology used. Clearly defining your topic and choosing an appropriate and effective method is crucial. For instance, an essay analyzing a literary theme would differ methodologically from one exploring a scientific hypothesis.

2. Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks): Demonstrating a comprehensive grasp of your chosen topic is vital. This involves showing that you understand the context, implications, and why your topic is significant. Remember, superficial knowledge won't cut it; depth is essential. Rely on primary sources and respected secondary sources to bolster your understanding.

3. Critical Thinking (12 marks): The highest marks are allocated here. You're evaluated on how well you analyze the information, the arguments you build, and the solutions or conclusions you derive. A well-thought-out essay isn't just descriptive; it evaluates, critiques, and synthesizes information.

4. Presentation (4 marks): While it might seem minor, presentation is crucial. This criterion involves the overall structure of the essay, the clarity of your writing, and adherence to recognized academic standards, including referencing.

5. Engagement (6 marks): This is about your journey. The IB wants to see that you've engaged deeply with your topic, overcome challenges, and reflected on the research process. Often, the reflections you submit alongside your essay play a role in this assessment.

Together, these criteria amount to a total of 34 marks. Essays are then graded on a scale from A (excellent) to E (elementary). An 'E' in the Extended Essay is a failing condition for the award of the IB Diploma. Ensure you understand each criterion and address it adequately. More details on the assessment criteria can be found here .

How Beyond Tutors can help you prepare for IB Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is a challenging component of the IB, but with the right guidance, it becomes manageable and rewarding. This is where Beyond Tutors comes in. Here's how we can assist:

1. Expert Guidance: Our IBDP tutors have a wealth of experience in guiding students through the Extended Essay process. They're well-versed in the expectations of the IB and can provide insights tailored to your topic.

2. Research Assistance: With a vast array of resources and tools at our disposal, Beyond Tutors can help students find reliable and relevant sources, ensuring a strong foundation for the essay.

3. Feedback and Review: Once you draft your essay, our IB Tutors can offer constructive feedback, ensuring your essay is coherent, compelling, and meets the IB's rigorous standards.

4. Practice and Preparation: Beyond Tutors also provides resources like sample essays and exercises to help students practice and refine their skills, paving the way for an excellent Extended Essay.

5. Continuous Support: The Extended Essay process can be daunting, but you're not alone. From topic selection to final submission, Beyond Tutors offers continuous support, ensuring students remain motivated and on track.

With personalized international baccalaureate tutoring , students have a partner in their Extended Essay journey, significantly boosting their chances of success.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay is undoubtedly a challenging yet rewarding venture. By understanding its requirements and approaching it systematically, students can create a piece of work they're genuinely proud of. It's an opportunity to delve deep into a topic of interest, hone research skills, and demonstrate the depth of one's knowledge and understanding. With the right resources, guidance, and perseverance, the Extended Essay can become a highlight of the IB Diploma Programme experience. And with expert assistance from institutions like Beyond Tutors, students are well-equipped to navigate this academic journey with confidence and excellence.

• IBO: Extended Essay Overview
• IBO: What is the Extended Essay?
• IBO: Extended Essay Submission Deadline
• IBO: Example Essays
• IBO: Extended Essay Useful Resources
• IBO: World Studies Extended Essay

As you embark on your Extended Essay journey, remember that it's more than just an assignment; it's an opportunity. The skills you acquire, the knowledge you gain, and the challenges you overcome will shape you as a learner and a thinker. Embrace the process, seek guidance when needed, and take pride in the remarkable academic achievement your Extended Essay represents. All the best!

Guide to the IB Extended Essay in 2024

January 24, 2024

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

What is the IB Extended Essay?

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

IB Extended Essay—Sample Essays

IB Extended Essay Tips

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

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

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

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

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

Your final essay must include the following:

• Contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References and bibliography

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

• Language and literature
• Language acquisition
• Individuals and societies
• Mathematics

IB Extended Essay Topics (Continued)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business Management: Corporate Culture at Oracle

1) Pick something you’re passionate about

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

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

2) Limit your scope

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

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

3) Choose a good mentor

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

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

4) Get organized, way organized

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

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

5)Write a messy first draft

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

6) Communicate for an audience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Making the most of your extended essay: choosing a topic

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

By Stephanie Stan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About the IB

100 IB Extended Essay Topic Ideas!

One of the biggest keys to the Extended Essay is choosing which subject you want to write your work in and developing that crucial research question. Read on to find inspiration for topics across a wide range of subjects.

Extended Essay: The Love/Hate aspect of the IB

One of the biggest keys to the Extended Essay is choosing which subject you want to write your work in and developing that crucial research question. Annoyingly, coming up with that idea and research question can be the toughest part of the entire process. Writing 4,000 words about something you are interested in is a big ask and it often feels impossible to narrow down your thoughts. To make everything super clear, here are 100 Extended Essay Topics for you to draw inspiration from! Use these as a springboard to create your own research question !

Get Support from A Top Tutor Today

At Lanterna we have over 300 tutors who smashed their Extended Essay. They know exactly how to get an A in your EE and can give you tips and tricks on how you can do the same. What are you waiting for? Get your own tutor today !

How to Begin Your IB Extended Essay

To make everything super clear, here are 100 Extended Essay Topics for you to draw inspiration from! Use these as a springboard to  create your own research question !

Get Support from a Top Tutor Today

At Lanterna, we have over 300 tutors who smashed their Extended Essay. They know exactly how to get an A in your EE and can give you tips and tricks on how you can do the same. What are you waiting for? Get your own tutor today!

10 Steps to Writing an Extended Essay

Before we look at specific topics for your essay, let’s recap the 10-steps you’ll need to follow to complete your extended essay.

1. Define the Topic and Draft the Research Question

2. Create a Timeline

3. Identify and gather Sources

4. Set Deadlines

5. Plan the structure according to the total word count

6. Evaluate

7. independent Research

8. Write the extended essay draft

10. Present

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

By starting with a solid research question, you’ll be able to put an extended essay of global significance together, from the research and writing process all the way through to your final submission with a favourable extended essay grade.

Below, we’re sharing 10 topics across 10 subjects to inspire your next IB extended essay.

1. How the change of habitat affects an X organism?

2. How does climate affect the growth of X plant?

3. Can photosynthesis take place without sunlight?

4. What is the effect of age and gender on the photoreceptor cells in the human retina?

5. How is climate change impacting the appearance of coral reefs?

6. An evaluation of how  antioxidants  work in our bodies?

7. Does hand sanitizer, hand soap or antibacterial wipes have the greatest ability to inhibit the growth of E. Coli?

8. To what extent do live cultures in yogurts/milk/other dairy products reduce the concentration of lactose present over the course of a 2 hour incubation period at x°C?

9. What is the relationship between  population density  between X and population size of X?

10. What is the relationship between indoleacetic acid, a growth hormone, and the growth of X (a crop)?

11. How does human influence impact an aquatic ecosystem?

12. How can one organize a pollution check along a X canal in X?

13. What is the effect of the increased ecological footprint in the  Amazon ?

14. What are the forest and woodland restoration in Siberia, Russia and which one is most effective?

15. How does human interference cause ecological imbalances in an X city/country/continent?

16. What is the impact of urban development on the  bee population  in X city?

17. What are the differences in the conversation efforts in Yosemite National Park (California, USA) and the Lake District National Park (UK)?

18. To what extent have healthcare policies in X country influenced their human population curve?

19. How have changes in environmental systems influenced the value system of X country?

20. How has X landfill site affected the surrounding terrestrial ecosystem?

21. What is the profitability of  airline companies ?

22. How does unemployment affect the market?

23. Why did X recession occur?

24. How did the financial Policy affect the economy in X?

25. How effective are government policies in reducing overconsumption of alcohol (specifically hard liquor)?

26. To what extent are public buses and subways substitute goods in a country?

27. How did the tax reform in country x affect its growth and development? (many countries to choose from)

28. To what extent was weak government policy responsible for the Latin American financial crisis of 1997?

29. How effective is the  Big Mac Index  in measuring purchasing power parity?

30. To what extent would the UK suffer from leaving the European Customs Union if Brexit happens?

31. Is there an association between viewing violence on television and the display of violent acts?

32. What motivational climate should a coach employ in order to achieve optimal performance in athletes?

33. How does  X hormone affect human behavior ?

34. Compare theories explaining altruism in human behaviour

35. Discuss short-term and long-term consequences of exposure to violence

36. Why do relationships change or end?

37. Discuss how  social variables (poverty, parenting, educational environment) may the affect cognitive environment.

38. To what extent do mirror neurons play a role in empathy? (2014)

39. To what extent does Mindfulness help people cope with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

40. To what extent is drug therapy effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder?

41. Does the British Parliamentary reforms act of 1832 deserve its title as the great reform act?

42. To what extent are there similarities in Hitler and Mussolini’s Rise to Power?

43. To what extent did Mao’s tackle the problems which he faced?

44. Was Tsar Alexander II of Russia reforms a success or failure?

45. To what extent was the bombing of Dresden in 1945 justifiable?

46. To what extent can  Sweden be considered neutral during WWII ?

47. The impact of structural economic weakness on the collapse of the Soviet Union.

48. How were women treated differently in 1920s and 1950s Great Britain?

49. Why did Israel win the  Six Day War  of 1967?

50. What role did economics play in the unification of Germany from 1834 to 1871?

English Literature

51. What are the Compare and Contrast Jane Austen Books?

52. How does Joseph Conrad’s portray Racism in A Heart of Darkness?

53. How does Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman critique today’s capitalist society? The American Dream?

54. To what extent does Chris McCandless in Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild escape familial influence?

55. What are the similarities and differences between J.K. Rowling’s characterization of Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows?

56. How does Yaa Gyasi use structure in her novel Homegoing to portray the evolution of time?

57. What is the impact of the social context on Holden Caufield and Huckleberry Finn?

58. How does Sylvia Path’s use of Inanimate objects in Bell Jar?

59. How is the empowerment of Feminine portrayed in the Lord of the Rings?

60. Compare the political rhetoric as used in the inaugural addresses of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump.

61. The design, construction and calibration of an apparatus for measuring lipid concentration in milk.

62. What is the effect of a change in the optimal lift on the horizontal gliding distance of an aircraft?

63. How does the sugar concentration affect the refractive index of water?

64. How does temperature affect the viscosity of X juice/soda?

65. Is the relationship between temperature and conductivity and insulators and conductors?

66. What is the Oberth Effect?

67. What is the temperature dependence of work performed on an AA battery?

68. How can the rotational frequency of a fan driven by a flame measure distance?

69. Do wine bottles of different shapes behave as Helmholtz resonators?

70. How does the diameter of a wheel affect stability in different weather conditions?

71. What factors influence the location of industries in country/city X?

72. An investigation into the significance of preserving the quality of water in a continent/country/city?

73. An investigation into the degree to which City X can be considered a Sustainable City/Community.

74. To what extent is Biodiversity being managed successfully in city X?

75. To what extent does the education and employment of women affect Country x’s fertility rate?

76. To what extent do gender, educational attainment, and working parameters influence obesity risk?

77. To what extent has urban development affected human thermal comfort levels in Country/city x (a country/city that has developed in a rapid rate over the past decades)?

78. To what extent is the Company x corporate waste management program effective, demonstrating environmental sustainability?

79. To what extent is biodiversity being managed successfully at National Park X?

80. What types of urban design encourage high rates of vandalism in X neighbourhoods?

81. The kinetics of Enzymatic Reactions.

82. How do Iron Intake Diets differ in X country?

83. What are the different factors that affect the iodine values in cooking oils?

84. What is the effect of standing time and temperate on the acid content in X juice or soda?

85. Can caffeine in tea or coffee be reduced?

86. What is the effect of temperature on the souring of milk?

87. What are the sources of error in calorimetry?

88. Does brushing your teeth affect the pH in your mouth after eating?

89. How does changing the concentration of the reagents affect the formation and spacing between Liesehang rings in the reaction between X chloride and X when conducted in a test tube?

90. What effect does the coating of aspirin tablets have on the hydrolysis of aspirin?

Social and Cultural Anthropology

91. How clothing relates to the cultural anthropology of X culture.

92. The extent to which social media networks affect different societies.

93. The relationship between ritual, myths and faith in an X society.

94. The history of rituals in X culture.

95. How different marriage rituals inform the cultural anthropology of X culture.

96. Climate change and its impact on the evolution of different creatures on the planet.

97. Understanding the social and cultural anthropology of the supernatural in X culture.

98. An analysis of body modification in relation to social and cultural anthropology.

100. Chaste systems and social ranks in societies.

There are so many class subjects that can form the basis of your extended essay, including these popular six subjects:

– Information technology

– Computer science

– Health science

– World studies

– Visual arts

– Business management

Extended essays are a great way to improve your writing skills in academic writing. Essays of a high standard that demonstrate critical thinking and in depth analysis can be submitted to academic journals. These have the potential to reach the global society.

Start Writing Your Extended Essay Topic

We hope this gave you some great inspiration for the variation of topics available for your Extended Essay . The research question you select is what will carry you through the entire process, so be sure to choose wisely!

Remember, if you are looking for more help with your Extended Essay, make sure to check out our guide which will tell you exactly how to plan, structure, research and write your Extended Essay!

Grab Free Extended Essay Resources!

No matter the subject groups in your diploma program, we’re here to help all of our IB students. Whether you’re writing about social and cultural anthropology, business management, design technology, or scientific methods for your IB diploma, Lanterna has you covered.

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• How Does The Extended Essay Affect My Admissions Chances?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Does the Extended Essay Affect My Admissions Chances?

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

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

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Extended Essay: World Studies EE's

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

Everything you need to know about the WSEE

The chosen topic for the World Studies Extended Essay (WSEE) must address both a local and a global issue of significance, and invite an interdisciplinary approach, meaning that two approved IB subjects should be used as an interdisciplinary critical lens to answer the research question. The most successful topics reveal connections between specific and/or local places, people, phenomena or experiences, and the larger global framework in which they take place (IBO 2010). 

Interdisciplinary research

• Global issues often invite an interdisciplinary approach.
• Different individuals and groups bring different perspectives, areas of expertise, and interests to the same topic. 
• Spending time thinking about an issue and exploring a wide variety of sources will provide a deeper and richer research experience. 
• In a WSEE, crafting a research question does not begin with the subject, but with the issue. 

World Studies Extended Essays MUST fall within one of the following six categories:

• Science, technology and society
• Culture, language and identity
• Conflict, peace and security
• Equality and inequality
• Health and development
• Environmental and/or economic sustainability

Click here to learn more about the WSEE sub-categories. 

From the ib:, introduction to the world studies extended essay (wsee).

The WSEE invites students to conduct an in-depth,  interdisciplinary  investigation into an issue of contemporary global importance (maximum 4,000 words). 

Here are some examples of potential topics include:

Interdisciplinary approach

The perspective of just one subject may not be adequate to address complex issues like those in the list above. The WSEE therefore requires students to bring together aspects of different disciplines to illuminate their chosen topic. 

Students should use two Diploma Programme subjects. It is strongly recommended that students are undertaking a course of study in at least one of the subjects chosen for their essay.

Students are not expected to address the topic in its full complexity, but should aim to generate understandings that are new to them. 

The aims of the WSEE are to enable students to:

• frame and understand complex contemporary world problems for in-depth study
• gather and synthesize insights from two different disciplines to better understand the issue 
• develop global consciousness—a disposition to recognize and understand local and global relationships in dynamic interaction 
• view themselves as interpreters of and actors in an increasingly interconnected world.

Students are encouraged to focus on just  one or two contexts  in some depth, for example: 

• The student examines two geographical case studies to explore whether religious beliefs affect attitudes towards HIV/AIDS in Oslo and Mombasa. 
• The student examines one or two events to evaluate relief efforts after natural disasters, and suggests ways to make these more responsive. 
• The student examines one or two interventions to investigate what determines the success or failure of sanctions imposed by the United Nations. 

Students can refer to other places and events beyond the primary context(s) when relevant to the argument. In fact, the IB encourages this as it displays global consciousness. However, a detailed contextualized study of these additional cases is impossible within the 4,000-word limit.

WSEE Examiners follow special guidelines that are specific to interdisciplinary essays.  Click  here  to view a pdf of the published IB page that outlines these specific guidelines.  

• << Previous: Writing your EE Conclusion
• Next: Six sub-categories for WSEE >>
• Last Updated: Apr 3, 2024 10:42 AM
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100+ IB extended essay topic ideas for your ease

Table of contents

• Writing Metier

The International Baccalaureate is an educational foundation that has reached all over the world. It was founded in the year 1968, and ever since, it offers several different educational programs to 1.4 billion IB students all over the world. One of the very important requirements of an IB diploma is the extended essay. This really helps bring up the total score. And one problem students face here is gathering ideas for their IB extended essay. Here is some guiding information that can help with extended essay topics.

⏭ ORDER CUSTOM EXTENDED ESSAY ⏮

The first and the most important thing is to come up with an idea for it. When people come up with the right idea for it, they can work hard and make their way through this. The same with IA and EE – a good extended essay can only be written when the right topic is selected. If you do not select the right topic you want to focus on, the chances of failing your extended essay are way higher.

Once the topic is selected, further information can be gathered on it. However, the prompt that you are working o n should be one that you are very well aware of. Not just that, but you should also be extremely interested in the topic. Only then can you work very well on this topic.

IB Extended Essay Layout

There are mainly six elements in the essay layout. The first part is the title page. Here, the research question is written, along with the subject and the category. The total word count needs to also be mentioned here. The next part is the content page. This is the one that is right at the beginning. It has all the headings along with the page numbers as well.

Then, next comes the introduction. Here, the scope and focus of the research is written. Alongside that, the sources that are used and the main argument that is going to be presented is also written. Next comes the main part of the essay, which is the body of the essay. This is the part where the research and the analysis s done. The evaluation also comes here, where the student is supposed to give his own viewpoint here. The argument should be developed in a coherent fashion here. Everything should be in the right order as well here.

Meanwhile, if you are interested in writing IB extended essay, please check the article that describes in detail how long it takes to write an IB EE . And never forget that an extended essay should be up to 4000 words , around 14-15 pages of content.

After this is done, the conclusion part comes. Here, the argument is summarized. Not just that, but any limitations of the research and also any unsolved issues are highlighted here. Towards the end comes the bibliography of the essay. Once the student chooses the academic style of references, the references are written in the correct order.

Other sections that can be added in the essay include the methodology and the appendix. The appendix is where the extra material is written. The methodology is where the entire part of the essay that describes the way that information is gathered. According to the latest requirements , no abstract is needed.

IB Extended Essay Topics

Ready to get good EE topics? Here are a few ideas to work on, for all of those who are looking to get some inspiration for their IB extended essay topic.

Let’s begin with a few generic topic ideas that you can work on.

General EE topic ideas

• What role does culture play in shaping norms in society?
• How can we change the way we think and respond to different situations?
• How can we move from being victims of circumstance to fighters?
• What factors make great leaders?
• What is the role that leaders play in the modern day and age in shaping the world?
• What factors constitute good parenting?
• What factors affect the value of knowledge in society?
• How does knowledge make us better people?
• How does our thinking affect the way that we view others?
• What is the role that patriarchy plays in depriving women of their rights?
• What countries have the highest living standards currently and why?
• How can we make smooth progress in our careers?
• What is the key to effective relationships?
• What role does open communication play in our daily lives?
• How can we become more effective listeners?
• How can we motivate ourselves to work harder and do better?
• How can managers create synergy in work groups?
• What is the role of trust when it comes to team building?
• What is the science behind habit building?
• How does spirituality affect our relationship with ourselves?

Like we have mentioned previously with capstone project topics and ideas for comparison essays , here are a few specific examples of topics based on certain groups. I’ll be focusing on general IB groups of studies.

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature Essay Topics

• What are the factors that affect specific political campaigns?
• How has the use of language been effective in feminist protests?
• How has media shaped the view of female beauty?
• How is American English different from British English?
• How are gender roles seen in the novel Macbeth?
• How are gender roles portrayed in the novel the Great Gatsby?
• How is Shakespeare’s style of writing different from others?
• How does William Wordsworth play with words?
• How much of the English language is borrowed from other languages?
• How has the portrayal of women in English literature evolved over time?

Group 2: Language acquisition, including classical languages Essay Topics

• How rich is Mandarin in meaning?
• What role does innovative technology play in the learning of new languages?
• How are new teaching methods being used in different stages of education?
• How should a modern foreign language essay work in high school?
• How can teaching styles differ when we talk about non native students?
• What can be done to make education more valuable for non native students?
• How can the classroom become more inclusive for non native students?
• What are the different teaching methods that can be used for foreign language classes?
• What are the modern means of teaching Mandarin at universities these days?
• How important is it to learn different foreign languages?

Group 3: Individuals and societies Essay Topics

• How has the role of women changed in society?
• How does mainstream society reflect patriarchy?
• What can women do for social mobility and why?
• How much of our sex affects our ability to achieve?
• What can be done to overcome inequality in society?
• What can be done to overcome corruption in society?
• How has criminality affected societies in the modern day and age?
• What are we as a society doing for sustainable development and how?
• How has bullying in schools become a normal culture?
• What measures can be taken to deal with corruption in society?

Check this article for those who are also interested in how to write an IB Environment System and Societies IA . Enjoy reading it, and now let’s get back to the article.

⏭ EXTENDED ESSAY WRITING HELP ⏮

Group 4: the sciences essay topics.

• Can the climate affect the growth of plant X?
• What effect does climate change have on the growth of plants?
• Do iron intake diets differ in different countries?
• How does brushing teeth affect the pH in the mouth?
• Can caffeine in coffee be reduced?
• Can caffeine in tea be reduced?
• What are the factors that affect iodine values in cooking oils?
• How does temperature affect the viscosity of Coke?
• What role do antioxidants play in our bodies?
• How does photosynthesis affect the climate?

Group 5: Mathematics Essay Topics

• What mathematical equations are applied in the navigation of stars?
• What role does geometry play in the navigation of stars?
• How are exponential functions used in physics?
• How are exponential functions used in geology?
• How are exponential functions used in anthropology?
• How are exponential functions used in demography?
• How is Pythagoras’s theorem applied in real world situations?
• How does the Pythagoras’s theorem help the construction world?
• How is the exponential function used in age and growth?
• How does Archimedes’ calculation of circular areas work?

Group 6: The Arts Essay Topics

• How is technology used for different types of art forms?
• What are the different artistic styles of modern art?
• What does Picasso’s style of art say about him?
• How do political cartoons reflect certain ideologies?
• What role does globalization play in contemporary art?
• How to analyze abstract paintings?
• Do paintings really speak volumes about the painter?
• How does modern art differ from traditional art?
• How does art reflect a person’s ideology?
• How is activism reflected in modern art?

Group 7: Interdisciplinary Essay Topics

• How can dead languages be revived again?
• What role does anthropology play in making us understand different languages?
• How has our society evolved over time to become more progressive?
• How deep rooted is masculinity in our society?
• What role do gender roles play in shaping society?
• How can we understand the science behind class differences?
• Is there a relationship between human language and animal language?
• How does bilingualism affect our understanding of things?
• How can we learn living languages?
• How can governments play a role in reducing the social burden in society?

Group 8: History Essay Topics

• How can historians work on their ways of getting more authentic data?
• Were Hitler’s ways of doing things highly effective?
• How did Germany get transformed during the time of Hitler?
• How can we check the reliability of historic information?
• What are the reasons for world dominance in modern history?
• What do old human settlements teach us about the ways that people lived earlier on in time?
• What kind of a ruler was Mao Zedong?
• How did the partition of the subcontinent happen?
• Why should we rely on more than one source for historic information?
• How can we tell if a historical source is biased?

These are a few topic ideas that you can choose from.

Choose your IB extended topic wisely

So, if you are in one of the certified IB schools , I wish you good luck with writing your IB EE. To write an effective extended essay , make sure that you are very passionate about the topic that you choose!

Oh, almost forgot – do not hesitate to contact our team, in case you need any sort of assistance from expert IB writers with it.

Free topic suggestions

Vasy kafidoff.

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

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IB English A Extended Essay Topics

Hello IB scholars! As someone deeply immersed in the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum for years, I’ve mastered the challenging IB DP English A course . Today, I’m excited to share my insights into writing an outstanding English A extended essay. This assignment, a cornerstone of the IB diploma, requires creativity, critical thinking, and a strategic approach. Today, I will give you some ideas for English A extended essay topics.

Understanding the English A Extended Essay

First, it’s important to understand what makes the English A Extended Essay different. This 4,000-word research project offers you a unique opportunity to investigate a literary topic of personal interest. In line with general IB criteria, your essay should demonstrate a comprehensive analysis, deep understanding, and critical approach to your chosen literary works. Remember, your passion for the topic will be the light that guides your research.

The English A extended essay stands as a formidable component of the IB Diploma Programme, offering students an unmatched opportunity to dig into literary topics that ignite their intellectual curiosity. According to the general IB criteria, this assignment requires a comprehensive analysis, a deep understanding, and a critical approach to your selected literary works. It’s a unique platform where your passion fuels your research and enlightens your pathway with insights. Now, let’s highlight a few important points:

• Choose a topic that resonates with you. Your engagement with the subject matter can significantly influence your essay’s depth of inquiry and the quality of analysis.
• It’s imperative not just to describe or summarize the literary works but to engage with them critically. Analyze themes, characters, narrative techniques, and the socio-cultural context to offer insightful perspectives.
• The IB values original thought and novel analysis. Approach your topic from unique angles that reflect your creativity and intellectual independence.
• A high-quality extended essay is underpinned by thorough and effective research. Demonstrate your ability to source relevant information, evaluate its credibility, and integrate it coherently into your argument.
• A well-organized essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion enhances readability and demonstrates your ability to present complex ideas logically.

Moreover, the reflection sessions, part of the extended essay process, are invaluable. They offer you a chance to pause, assess your progress, and refine your thoughts with your supervisor’s guidance.

English A Extended Essay Topics and Research Questions

Here are topic ideas, along with research questions, that can spark the curiosity of any IB student passionate about English literature. Each topic is written to inspire and provoke deep analytical thought, drawing on various texts and literary forms:

• The Evolution of the Tragic Hero in Shakespearean Drama . How has the tragic hero’s character evolved across Shakespeare’s works from “Hamlet” to “Macbeth”?
• The Role of Setting in Creating Atmospheric Tension in Gothic Novels . How does the setting contribute to the development of atmospheric tension in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”?
• Feminism in Early 20th Century Literature . In what ways do the novels of Virginia Woolf and D.H. Lawrence reflect feminist ideas of their time?
• The Depiction of War in Postmodern Literature . How do postmodern novels depict the concept and consequences of war differently than modernist literature?
• The Influence of Culture on Magical Realism in Latin American Literature . How is magical realism influenced by Latin American cultural elements in the works of Gabriel García Márquez and Isabel Allende?
• Comparative Analysis of Heroism in Classic vs. Modern Epic Tales . How does the portrayal of heroism in Homer’s “Odyssey” compare to that in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings”?
• Narrative Techniques in Stream of Consciousness Writing . What narrative techniques are employed in the stream-of-consciousness writing of James Joyce’s “Ulysses” and Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway,” and how do they affect the reader’s understanding of the characters?
• The Role of Nature in Romantic Poetry . How do William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge use nature as a motif in their poetry, and what does it signify about their perspective on the human experience?
• Dystopian Visions: A Reflection of Societal Fears . How do Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” and George Orwell’s “1984” reflect societal fears of their respective times?
• The Intersection of Race and Gender in African American Literature . How do Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” and Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” research the intersection of race and gender?
• The Literary Research of Mental Illness . How is mental illness depicted and researched in Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar” and Ken Kesey’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”?
• Satire and Social Critique in the Novels of Charles Dickens . How does Charles Dickens employ satire as a tool for social critique in “Hard Times” and “Oliver Twist”?
• The Concept of the Anti-hero in Modern Literature . How is the anti-hero character archetype developed in the works of Bret Easton Ellis and Chuck Palahniuk?
• Mythology in Modern Fantasy Literature . In what ways do Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson” series and J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series draw upon classical mythology to develop their respective narratives?
• Identity and Exile in Post-Colonial Literature . How do themes of identity and exile manifest in the post-colonial literature of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Americanah” and Jhumpa Lahiri’s “The Namesake”?
• The Intersection of Technology and Humanity in Science Fiction . How do Philip K. Dick’s “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” and Isaac Asimov’s “I, Robot” depict the relationship between technology and humanity?
• The Psychological Depth of Characters in Russian Novels . How do Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment” and Leo Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina” show the psychological depth of their characters?
• The Bildungsroman and Its Evolution in English Literature . How has the bildungsroman genre evolved from Charles Dickens’s “Great Expectations” to J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• Portrayals of Colonialism and Its Aftermath in African Literature . How do Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s “A Grain of Wheat” portray the effects of colonialism on African societies?
• The Literary Representation of LGBTQ+ Identities . How do contemporary novels represent LGBTQ+ identities, particularly in the works of Jeanette Winterson and David Levithan?
• Existentialism in the Works of Albert Camus and Franz Kafka . How do Albert Camus’ “The Stranger” and Franz Kafka’s “The Trial” reflect existentialist themes?
• The Influence of Historical Events on American Literature . How have significant historical events, such as the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Movement, influenced American literature, particularly in the works of John Steinbeck and James Baldwin?
• Magic and Myth in Indigenous Storytelling . How is magic used to convey cultural myths and values in the storytelling traditions of Indigenous peoples, as seen in the works of Leslie Marmon Silko and Thomas King?
• Eco-criticism in Contemporary Poetry . How do contemporary poets like Mary Oliver and Wendell Berry use their work to address environmental issues through an eco-critical lens?
• The Role of Women in Renaissance Literature . How do the roles and depictions of women in Renaissance literature, particularly in the works of William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, reflect the societal attitudes of the time?
• Narratives of Displacement and Migration in Modern Novels . How do novels like Mohsin Hamid’s “Exit West” and Valeria Luiselli’s “Lost Children Archive” depict the experiences of displacement and migration?
• The Revival of Fairy Tales in Modern Literature . How do authors like Angela Carter and Neil Gaiman reinterpret classic fairy tales for modern audiences?
• Post-Apartheid South African Literature . How do post-apartheid South African authors like J.M. Coetzee and Nadine Gordimer discuss themes of identity, reconciliation, and memory in their works?
• The Tragicomedy Genre in Playwriting . How do modern plays like Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” and Tom Stoppard’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” exemplify the tragicomedy genre?
• Literary Depictions of Utopias and Dystopias . How do utopian and dystopian themes manifest in literature, particularly in Thomas More’s “Utopia” and Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games”?
• Duality of Human Nature in Gothic Literature . How is the duality of human nature researched through Gothic elements in Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” and Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray”?
• The Portrayal of Social Inequality in Dickensian London . How does Charles Dickens critique social inequality and class struggles in Victorian London through “Bleak House” and “Oliver Twist”?
• The Impact of Cultural Hybridity on Identity in Diaspora Literature . How do authors like Zadie Smith in “White Teeth” and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in “Americanah” depict the impact of cultural hybridity on the identity of diaspora individuals?
• Narrative Innovation in Post-Colonial African Novels . In what ways do post-colonial African novels, such as Ben Okri’s “The Famished Road” and Yvonne Vera’s “Butterfly Burning,” innovate traditional narrative structures to convey themes of memory, history, and identity?
• The Evolution of the Female Protagonist in British Novels . How have female protagonists evolved in British literature from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” to Hilary Mantel’s “Wolf Hall”, particularly in their agency and complexity?

These topics can be a foundation for your extended essay and invite you to investigate literature through various perspectives, encouraging a deeper understanding of themes, techniques, and cultural contexts. Remember, a well-chosen topic is the first step to a rewarding research experience.

Topics to Read:

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• IB Extended Essay Topics: Sports and Health Science
• IB Extended Essay Topics: Geography
• IB Extended Essay Topics: Global Politics
• IB World Studies Extended Essay Ideas
• IB Results Remark Procedure
• How to Make Awesome IB Notes?
• What Is the New IB Economics Syllabus?
• IB Oral Presentation Ideas and Examples
• 70+ CAS Project Ideas for IB Students
• World of IB Acronyms: From EE to TOK, Making Sense of It All
• Benefits of Pursuing a Second Language at IB Higher Levels

Don’t let the stress of the IB curriculum hold you back.

Are you struggling to come up with topic suggestions for your IB Extended Essay? Or do you need help with Internal Assessment?

Our experienced writers can help you choose the perfect topic and assist you with any assignment.

You can order an Extended Essay tailored to your specific subject and requirements.

Our experienced IB writers are always ready to help.

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In conclusion, working on your English A extended essay is a path of intellectual growth. In my experience, embracing this challenge with enthusiasm and strategic planning will lead to academic success and a deeper appreciation for the power of literature. So grab your pen (or laptop) and let your literary research begin! And if you need help writing an extended essay , just contact our IB experts.

Nora Spinster

Nora Spinster is a multi-talented individual who is an educator, lawyer, youth, expert IB tutor, education activist, and language and writing enthusiast. Nora has a wealth of experience in copywriting, having worked with various organizations and businesses to craft compelling and effective copy. Nora has published articles on young learners and teenage students in the International House Journal and occasionally posts on ibwritingservice.com educational blog

• Nora Spinster https://ibwritingservice.com/blog/author/noraspinster/ Literature Extended Essay Topics for IB Students
• Nora Spinster https://ibwritingservice.com/blog/author/noraspinster/ IB History Extended Essay Topics
• Nora Spinster https://ibwritingservice.com/blog/author/noraspinster/ IB English B Extended Essay Topics
• Nora Spinster https://ibwritingservice.com/blog/author/noraspinster/ IB Extended Essay Topics: Global Politics

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The Most Overused IB Extended Essay Topics

The International Baccalaureate Extended Essay is a well-known and widely pursued academic challenge for students at this level of education. This extended essay plays a significant role in showcasing a student’s research skills, critical thinking abilities, and passion for a particular subject. With its global recognition and continued growth in popularity, it is essential for students to choose a unique and interesting topic that stands out.

Choosing a unique topic is crucial because the overuse of certain topics in the IB Extended Essay can dilute the value and impact of a student’s work. It is important to bear in mind that the primary goal of this essay is to engage in focused research and produce a distinguished piece of scholarly writing. In order to achieve this, students must avoid falling into the trap of pursuing commonly chosen or overused topics.

In essence, an overused IB Extended Essay topic refers to a subject or theme that has been explored extensively by countless other students in the past. This repetition not only diminishes the originality of the essay but also undermines the student’s ability to stand out from their peers. Examples of such overused topics include “The impact of social media on youth,” where many variations and perspectives have already been covered, and “Investigating global warming,” which has been extensively studied due to its ongoing relevance.

However, selecting an overused topic comes with several potential disadvantages. Firstly, personal interest may wane due to encountering repetitive information and ideas. Secondly, it can be challenging for a student’s essay to stand out amidst the multitude of similar works. Lastly, limited availability of quality sources may hinder the depth and breadth of research, leading to a less comprehensive argument.

Therefore, it is essential to emphasize the need for individuality and creativity in choosing an IB Extended Essay topic . Opting for unique and less-explored topics not only captures the interest of the reader but also demonstrates critical thinking skills, a passion for research, and originality. When a topic stands out, it presents an opportunity for a student to make a significant contribution to knowledge in their chosen field.

In the subsequent sections of this guide, we will delve deeper into cautioning against the most overused IB Extended Essay topics , recommend alternative perspectives within these topics, suggest unconventional subjects related to broader themes, provide tips for conducting thorough research, and highlight the importance of consultation with supervisors or experts. By undertaking this comprehensive approach, you can undoubtedly enhance your chances of producing an exceptional and noteworthy extended essay .

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Originality in an IB Extended Essay topic and why overused topics must be avoided

The International Baccalaureate Extended Essay is a significant undertaking for students, offering them a chance to delve deep into a subject that fascinates them and develop their independent research and analytical skills. With so many students completing this assignment, it is essential to choose a unique and interesting topic that stands out from the crowd.

Originality is crucial when selecting an IB Extended Essay topic. A unique topic captures the attention of readers and assessors and demonstrates a student’s ability to think creatively. It shows that the student is willing to explore new areas and take risks rather than relying on well-trodden paths.

By avoiding overused topics, students can prevent their essays from blending into the sea of familiar ideas. Topics like “The impact of social media on youth,” “An analysis of Shakespeare’s works,” and “Investigating global warming” have been written about extensively by countless students. Choosing such overused topics can lead to difficulties in standing out and displaying personal interest, as these topics lack novelty and originality.

Selecting an overused topic also restricts the availability of quality sources. When numerous essays have covered the same subjects, the competition for credible and reliable references increases. This can make it challenging for students to find unique and insightful sources specific to their chosen topic, potentially impeding the depth and breadth of their research.

In contrast, selecting a unique and less-explored topic provides opportunities for demonstrating critical thinking skills and a genuine passion for the subject. It allows students to approach their research with curiosity and creativity, showcasing their ability to see the subject from a fresh perspective.

One way to bring originality to overused topics is by considering alternative perspectives or unique angles. For example, instead of examining the impact of social media on youth in general, a student could explore the effects of lesser-known social media platforms or delve into the influence of specific Shakespearean plays that are rarely studied.

Furthermore, students can think outside the box by choosing unconventional topics related to broader subjects. There are countless themes and sub-topics within popular subjects that remain unexplored. By focusing on these overlooked areas, students can bring a fresh perspective and contribute new insights to the field of study.

In conclusion, originality holds immense importance when selecting an IB Extended Essay topic. Overused topics should be avoided as they lack novelty, hinder personal interest, restrict source availability, and prevent students from showcasing their critical thinking and creative skills. By selecting unique and less-explored topics, students demonstrate their passion, stand out among their peers, and stimulate further discussion and advancement in their chosen subject area.

What is an overused IB Extended Essay topic?

Before we dive into the dos and don’ts of choosing your IB Extended Essay topic, let’s first understand what exactly we mean by an “overused” topic.

An overused IB Extended Essay topic is one that has been chosen by countless students in the past. These topics are so popular that they have become cliché, lacking originality and failing to add any new insights or perspectives.

It’s important to note that popularity doesn’t necessarily mean a topic is bad, but when numerous essays revolve around the same subject, it becomes challenging for your paper to stand out in a sea of similar ideas.

Examples of commonly chosen overused IB Extended Essay topics include:

• “The impact of social media on youth”
• “An analysis of Shakespeare’s works”
• “Investigating global warming”

These topics have been explored extensively by many students, resulting in a lack of freshness or novelty in the research and findings presented within these essays. Choosing one of these topics might limit your ability to bring a unique perspective to your paper and may make it more challenging to find new and reliable sources.

However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t write a successful IB Extended Essay on these topics. The key is to approach them with a fresh and unique angle that sets your work apart from others. By delving deeper into lesser-known aspects of these broader topics, highlighting specific sub-topics, or offering alternative viewpoints, you can still infuse originality into your essay.

So, if you’re keen on analyzing social media’s influence on youth, consider exploring lesser-known platforms or studying different age groups or cultural backgrounds. Similarly, with Shakespeare’s works, instead of rehashing well-known plays such as “Romeo and Juliet” or “Hamlet,” focus on the lesser-studied works that haven’t received as much attention.

In conclusion, an overused IB Extended Essay topic is one that has been selected by many others before, potentially hindering your ability to bring a fresh perspective to your research. While these popular topics can still be tackled, it’s important to approach them with creativity and originality, seeking out lesser-known angles or sub-topics that haven’t been exhaustively explored. Remember, the goal is to present a unique and thoughtful contribution to your chosen subject, making your essay stand out among countless others.

Addressing the Potential Disadvantages of Selecting an Overused Topic

When it comes to choosing a topic for your IB Extended Essay, it is essential to steer clear of overused options, as they can bring several drawbacks. These disadvantages can significantly impact the quality and uniqueness of your essay. Let’s explore some of the potential challenges:

• Lack of Personal Interest: Selecting an overused topic may often result in a lack of personal interest. With so many students exploring the same subject matter, it becomes challenging to cultivate genuine curiosity and passion. Examining a topic that fails to ignite your own intellectual curiosity can make the essay feel forced or uninspired.
• Difficulty in Standing Out: One of the primary goals of the IB Extended Essay is to showcase your individuality among your peers. However, with overused topics, there is a substantial risk of blending into the crowd. Adjudicators read numerous essays on commonly chosen topics, and standing out becomes increasingly difficult. Your essay might be buried under a sea of similar ideas, making it challenging for your unique insights to shine through.
• Limited Availability of Quality Sources: Overused topics have been thoroughly explored over time, resulting in a saturation of available sources. While this may seem like an advantage, it can actually restrict your ability to find reliable and up-to-date information. A lack of quality primary or secondary sources can hinder your research process and limit the depth of your investigation.

These potential disadvantages underscore the importance of veering away from commonly chosen topics and setting yourself apart. It is crucial to grab the reader’s attention and demonstrate critical thinking, which can flourish with a unique and lesser-explored subject matter.

By delving into a less-used or unconventional topic, you not only ignite your own passions but also seize an opportunity to present innovative ideas and perspectives. The unfamiliarity of your chosen topic will pique the readers’ curiosity and make your essay memorable.

In the next section, we will explore a comprehensive list of the most overused IB Extended Essay topics. By familiarizing yourself with these topics and their pitfalls, you can be guided towards identifying unique angles and perspectives to bring much-needed originality to your extended essay.

The Need for Individuality and Creativity in Selecting an IB Extended Essay Topic

When it comes to selecting a topic for your IB Extended Essay, it is crucial to showcase individuality and creativity. This not only demonstrates your critical thinking skills but also reflects your passion towards the chosen subject.

Choosing an essay topic that is unique and original allows you to stand out from the countless others who may be exploring similar themes. It showcases your ability to think outside the box and delve deeper into uncharted territory. So, why settle for overused topics when the world of knowledge is vast and awaiting exploration?

Selecting a common topic not only makes it challenging to create a distinctive essay but also compromises your personal interest in the subject matter. Your enthusiasm and dedication are key components in producing an exceptional essay. By choosing a topic that truly captures your curiosity, you will find the motivation to delve deeper into research and present compelling arguments.

Furthermore, popular essay topics often suffer from a lack of accessibility to quality sources. Since numerous students have already tackled these subjects, the availability of fresh and unique research material is limited. By opting for an unusual topic, you create the opportunity to discover new research findings and incorporate them into your essay, thereby enhancing its academic value.

• Increase your “wow” factor: By selecting a unique topic, you increase your chances of impressing your examiners. Demonstrating creativity and individuality speaks volumes about your ability to think critically and consider fresh perspectives.
• Interdisciplinary exploration: Choosing an unusual topic allows you to explore connections between different subjects. By integrating diverse ideas and approaches, you develop a broader understanding of the world and foster interdisciplinary thinking.
• Show your passion: Selecting a topic that you genuinely care about will help you maintain interest and enthusiasm throughout the entire research process. This passion shines through in your writing, making your essay more engaging for both yourself and the readers.

Remember, the IB Extended Essay is an opportunity for you to pursue a topic you are truly passionat­e about. It is a chance to unleash your intellectual curiosity and creativity. So, be bold and choose a unique topic that allows you to express your individuality and captivate your audience!

When it comes to choosing a topic for your IB Extended Essay, it’s essential to think beyond the usual suspects. While topics like “The impact of social media on youth,” “An analysis of Shakespeare’s works,” and “Investigating global warming” may seem like go-to choices, they have become overused in recent years. To help you avoid falling into this trap, here are some of the most popular but overused IB Extended Essay topics:

• “The impact of social media on youth”: This topic revolves around examining how social media affects young people’s behaviors and well-being. However, countless essays have already explored this subject, resulting in a lack of new insights.
• “An analysis of Shakespeare’s works”: Shakespearean plays have been scrutinized from various angles over the centuries. While he is undoubtedly a literary genius, focusing on his works alone may not allow for much originality or room for new discoveries.
• “Investigating global warming”: With climate change being a hot topic in recent times, it’s no surprise that many students tend to delve into this subject. However, due to its worldwide relevance and extensive existing research, standing out with a unique perspective can be quite challenging.

These popular topics have been employed extensively, causing them to lose their originality and impact. So, instead of opting for these often-trodden paths, try to approach them from fresh angles or consider alternative subjects related to broader themes.

For instance, when exploring “The impact of social media on youth,” you can shift the focus to lesser-known platforms or highlight specific aspects, such as the influence of social media on mental health or its role in creating digital communities among marginalized groups.

Similarly, investigating “An analysis of Shakespeare’s works” doesn’t mean you have to stick solely to his most famous plays. You can explore the lesser-known plays or dive deeper into specific themes, characters, or cultural contexts that are rarely touched upon in mainstream academic discourse.

If “Investigating global warming” catches your attention, consider examining its impacts on a particular region or species that is often overlooked in broader climate change discussions. Alternatively, you could investigate the effectiveness of different mitigation strategies or explore innovative solutions proposed by scientists or environmental activists worldwide.

Remember, the key to standing out in your IB Extended Essay lies in presenting unique perspectives and original research within these overused topics. By thinking outside the box and exploring uncharted territories, you can bring a fresh breath of creativity and critical thinking into your essay, making it stand out from the crowd.

Why have these topics become overused?

There are several reasons why certain IB Extended Essay topics have become overused and seem to pop up year after year. This can be attributed to their broad nature or ongoing relevance. Let’s take a closer look at these factors:

• Broad nature: One key reason why certain topics have gained popularity is their broad scope, which allows students to explore various angles and perspectives. For instance, when it comes to “The impact of social media on youth,” the vastness and constant evolution of social media platforms offer a wide range of options for investigation. Students can delve into the psychological effects, the influence on communication, or even the role of privacy in the digital age. As a result, this topic has become a go-to choice for many aspiring IB Extended Essay writers.
• Ongoing relevance: Another factor contributing to the overuse of certain topics is their enduring relevance. Take the example of “An analysis of Shakespeare’s works.” Shakespeare is widely regarded as one of the greatest playwrights in history, and his works continue to be studied and performed around the world. The exploration of his plays allows students to delve into timeless themes such as love, power, and identity. Moreover, the richness of Shakespearean literature and the abundance of resources make it an attractive option for many students.

While the broad nature and ongoing relevance of these topics might lure students into choosing them, it is important to remember that there are downsides to picking overused subjects for an IB Extended Essay.

A major disadvantage is the lack of personal interest. When a topic is overused, it becomes challenging for students to find genuine passion as it feels like treading well-worn territory. Additionally, selecting an overused topic also makes it harder to stand out amongst a sea of similar essays. IB Extended Essays are a valuable opportunity to showcase critical thinking and individuality, so choosing a less-explored topic gives students a better chance to demonstrate these qualities.

Another drawback of overused topics is the limited availability of quality sources. When many students opt for the same subject, the competition for credible and unique sources can become intense. This scarcity restricts students from accessing well-researched materials, which are essential for producing a high-quality essay.

In conclusion, the broad nature and ongoing relevance of certain topics have contributed to their overuse in IB Extended Essays. While they may initially appear enticing, disadvantaged arise, including a lack of personal interest, difficulty in standing out, and limited availability of quality sources. In the next section, we will explore ways to bring originality to these overused topics and suggest unconventional alternatives.

Offering alternative perspectives and angles to bring originality to your essay

When it comes to tackling overused IB Extended Essay topics, it’s crucial to find a fresh spin or unique angle that sets your work apart from others. While some topics may seem worn-out on the surface, there are always opportunities to bring originality and creativity to your essay.

For instance, if you’re considering writing about “The impact of social media on youth,” try exploring lesser-known social media platforms that have gained popularity among specific demographic groups. This will allow you to analyze their impact in a more niche setting, perhaps revealing different effects or perspectives compared to the commonly studied platforms.

Similarly, if “An analysis of Shakespeare’s works” interests you, consider focusing on specific plays that are rarely studied, like “Edward III” or “Timon of Athens.” By delving into these lesser-known plays, you’ll be able to offer fresh insights and interpretations that haven’t been extensively examined before.

Introducing alternative perspectives to these overused topics showcases your ability to think critically and creatively, making your essay stand out amidst a sea of similar ones. Remember, the goal is to share unique interpretations and ideas that challenge preconceived notions.

If you’d like to venture even further off the beaten path, consider examining themes or sub-topics within those overused areas that haven’t received much attention. For example, within “The impact of social media on youth,” you could explore the effects of social media on mental health specifically or the role of social media in promoting educational opportunities for underprivileged students.

Furthermore, you may consider selecting a less explored topic that still relates to the broader subjects. Instead of investigating “Investigating global warming” as a whole, you could focus on the impact of global warming on a particular ecosystem, like the Arctic tundra. This allows you to analyze the effects of global warming in a specific context and draw environmental or ecological connections that may not have been fully explored before.

The key is to expand your horizons and think outside the box. Challenge yourself to go beyond the obvious choices and explore new directions within these familiar topics. By offering alternative perspectives or delving into specific areas, you’ll ensure that your IB Extended Essay leaves a lasting impression on readers and contributes something unique to academic discourse.

Encouraging Unconventional Thinking for Unique Extended Essay Topics

As you venture into the realm of choosing your IB Extended Essay topic, it is essential to think outside the box and explore unconventional ideas that can bring a fresh perspective to broader subjects. By doing so, you have the opportunity to stand out from the crowd and truly showcase your individuality and creativity. Here are some suggestions to help spark your imagination while maintaining a connection to familiar topics:

1. Themes or Sub-Topics

• Instead of studying the impact of social media on youth as a whole, consider narrowing down your focus to a specific theme, such as the influence of social media on body image perception or the relationship between social media and mental health.
• If you’re intrigued by Shakespeare’s works, delve into lesser-known plays or explore particular themes like gender roles in “Twelfth Night” or the portrayal of power in “Macbeth.”
• Instead of investigating global warming from a scientific standpoint, take an interdisciplinary approach by examining its effects on local economies or its implications for wildlife conservation.

By immersing yourself in these sub-topics, you can uncover uncharted territories and provide fresh insights into well-explored areas of research. Your unique approach will captivate readers and demonstrate your ability to think critically.

2. Unconventional angles and perspectives

• Consider analyzing the influence of a less mainstream social media platform on a specific demographic or community, highlighting how it fosters a sense of belonging or shapes cultural identity.
• Explore Shakespearian adaptations in different countries or cultures, comparing how they reinterpret or redefine the themes and characters to suit their specific contexts.
• Investigate the impact of global warming on a specific geographic location, such as a small island nation, emphasizing the unique challenges it faces and potential adaptive strategies.

Remember, these suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg; there are countless unconventional angles waiting to be explored within widely-discussed subjects. Let your curiosity guide you towards uncharted territories that have yet to receive significant attention or scrutiny.

3. Expanding the boundaries

Don’t be afraid to dare to dream up topics that push the limits of what is traditionally associated with your chosen subject. For instance, fuse the arts and sciences by exploring the concept of musical composition inspired by mathematical principles or examine the relationship between literature and economics.

By expanding the boundaries and venturing beyond the tried and tested paths, you not only demonstrate originality but show your willingness to go above and beyond in pursuing your passions.

In summary, choosing an unconventional, yet related topic for your Extended Essay enables you to carve a niche for yourself and contribute fresh insights to existing disciplines. It showcases your ability to think critically, creatively, and independently. So, dare to think differently, mine unexplored territories, and let your intellectual curiosity guide you as you embark on this remarkable journey of academic exploration.

Tips for Conducting Thorough Research

When it comes to writing an IB Extended Essay, thorough research is crucial in order to develop a deep understanding of the chosen topic and to provide evidence-based arguments. Even if your topic tackles a popular subject, there are ways to ensure that you find valuable information and sources that will make your essay stand out.

1. Begin with a clear research question: A well-defined research question will serve as your compass throughout the research process. It should be focused, specific, and open-ended, allowing for in-depth exploration of your topic.

2. Utilize a variety of sources: To broaden the scope of your research, explore different types of sources including books, academic journals, reputable websites, databases, interviews, surveys, and primary sources such as original documents or visual materials. Combining different types of sources enhances the depth of your understanding and strengthens your arguments.

3. Develop effective search strategies: When conducting online research, make use of advanced search techniques such as keyword combinations, quotation marks to search for exact phrases, and Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to refine your search results. This will help you find relevant and specific information amidst a plethora of online resources.

4. Critically evaluate your sources: Ensure the credibility and reliability of your sources by critically evaluating them. Consider the author’s credentials, publication date, peer reviewed status, accuracy of information, and any potential biases. This will help you determine the quality and relevance of the information to support your thesis.

5. Digging deep into references and citations: The reference list of reputable sources can provide a wealth of additional resources for your research. By examining the references and citations within your chosen sources, you can discover related works and potentially find valuable information that may have been missed initially.

6. Seek guidance from subject specialists: If you are struggling to find suitable sources or need assistance with narrowing down your research focus, consult subject specialists, librarians, or even your Extended Essay supervisor. Their expertise and insights can greatly aid your research process and lead you towards relevant sources.

7. Stay organized: Keep track of your sources by utilizing a citation management tool or creating a comprehensive bibliography. This will save you time when it comes to creating in-text citations and your final reference list.

8. Go beyond the obvious: To truly stand out in a popular subject area, delve deeper into the topic by exploring niche aspects or lesser-known perspectives. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and provide information that is not readily available.

By implementing these tips, you can conduct thorough research on a popular topic and find valuable information and sources specific to your chosen IB Extended Essay topic. Remember, the more effort you put into your research, the stronger your arguments and the more unique and exceptional your essay will become.

In conclusion, selecting a unique and less-explored topic for your IB Extended Essay can greatly benefit your academic journey. This guide has highlighted the popularity and ubiquity of the International Baccalaureate Extended Essay and emphasized the significance of choosing a topic that is both interesting and original.

By avoiding overused topics, you demonstrate your ability to think critically and showcase true passion for your chosen subject. It is crucial to prioritize individuality and creativity when selecting your IB Extended Essay topic, as this not only distinguishes your work from others but also demonstrates your ability to approach familiar theories or issues from a fresh perspective.

We have provided a comprehensive list of the most overused IB Extended Essay topics, including the impact of social media on youth, analysis of Shakespeare’s works, and investigating global warming. These topics have become overused due to their broad nature or ongoing relevance, making it difficult for students to stand out and find unique angles.

However, we encourage you to consider alternative perspectives or unique angles within those overused topics. For instance, rather than analyzing all social media platforms, explore lesser-known ones or focus on specific Shakespearean plays that have received less attention. By approaching these topics from different angles, you bring freshness and originality to your essay.

Furthermore, do not shy away from thinking outside the box. Consider unconventional topics that may still be related to broader subjects. Explore themes or sub-topics that have not yet been extensively studied, allowing you to provide fresh insights and make meaningful contributions to the field.

In order to ensure the academic value and feasibility of your chosen topic, consult with your supervisors or experts in the desired field. Their guidance and feedback will be invaluable throughout your research and writing process, helping you refine your topic and ensuring its potential for success.

In summary, choosing a unique and less-explored IB Extended Essay topic can enhance your academic experience. By avoiding overused topics, demonstrating individuality, and thinking critically, you can produce an exceptional essay that stands out from the crowd. So, think carefully, explore different possibilities, and embark on your extended essay journey with confidence and enthusiasm!

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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IB Dance IA Topics: SL and HL Ideas

When it comes to the IB Dance Internal Assessment (IA), students face the exciting challenge of exploring a topic that resonates with their interests and meets the academic rigor of the IB curriculum. I’ve seen how choosing the right topic can set the stage for an enriching learning experience. In this article, I’m thrilled to share some engaging topic ideas for both SL and HL students aimed at sparking creativity and intellectual curiosity.

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4. Write your essay. 

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

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

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

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

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US IB Environmental Systems and Societies: ESS Extended Essay

• ESS Extended Essay
• Criterion Overview
• Criterion A: Focus and method
• Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding
• Criterion C: Critical thinking
• Criterion D: Presentation
• Criterion E: Engagement

B: Knowledge and understanding

This criterion assesses the extent to which the research relates to the subject area/discipline used to explore the research question; or in the case of the world studies extended essay, the issue addressed and the two disciplinary perspectives applied; and additionally, the way in which this knowledge and understanding is demonstrated through the use of appropriate terminology and concepts.

• Have you explained how your research question relates to a specific subject you selected for the extended essay?
• Have you used relevant terminology and concepts throughout your essay as they relate to your particular area of research?
• Is it clear that the sources you are using are relevant and appropriate to your research question?
• Do you have a range of sources, or have you only relied on one particular type, for example internet sources?
• Is there a reason why you might not have a range? Is this justified?

C: Critical thinking

This criterion assesses the extent to which critical thinking skills have been used to analyze and evaluate the research undertaken.

• Have you made links between your results and data collected and your research question?
• If you included data or information that is not directly related to your research question have you explained its importance?
• Are your conclusions supported by your data?
• If you found unexpected information or data have you discussed its importance?
• Have you provided a critical evaluation of the methods you selected?
• Have you considered the reliability of your sources (peer-reviewed journals, internet, and so on)?
• Have you mentioned and evaluated the significance of possible errors that may have occurred in your research?
• Are all your suggestions of errors or improvements relevant?
• Have you evaluated your research question?
• Have you compared your results or findings with any other sources?
• Is there an argument that is clear and easy to follow and directly linked to answering your research question, and which is supported by evidence?

D: Presentation

This criterion assesses the extent to which the presentation follows the standard format expected for academic writing and the extent to which this aids effective communication.

• Have you read and understood the presentation requirements of the extended essay?
• Have you chosen a font that will be easy for examiners to read on-screen?
• Is your essay double-spaced and size 12 font?
• Are the title and research question mentioned on the cover page?
• Are all pages numbered?
• Have you prepared a correct table of contents?
• Do the page numbers in the table of contents match the page numbers in the text?
• Is your essay subdivided into correct sub-sections, if this is applicable to the subject?
• Are all figures and tables properly numbered and labelled?
• Does your bibliography contain only the sources cited in the text?
• Did you use the same reference system throughout the essay?
• Does the essay have less than 4,000 words?
• Is all the material presented in the appendices relevant and necessary?
• Have you proofread the text for spelling or grammar errors?

E. Engagement

This criterion assesses the student’s engagement with their research focus and the research process. It will be applied by the examiner at the end of the assessment of the essay, after considering the students RPPF.

• Have you demonstrated your engagement with your research topic and the research process?
• Have you highlighted challenges you faced and how you overcame them?
• Will the examiner get a sense of your intellectual and skills development?
• Will the examiner get a sense of your creativity and intellectual initiative?
• Will the examiner get a sense of how you responded to actions and ideas in the research process?
• IB ESS Extended Essay Guide
• World Studies Extended Essay Guide
• World Studies
• Example A: Turtle Conservation
• Example A: Marks
• Example B: Economics of Wolves
• Example B Marks
• Example A: Wildlife Trafficking in China

Using the systems approach

The systems approach is a central theme in ESS. The essay should include an attempt to model, at least partially, the system or systems in question.

The term “model” in this context includes, for example:

• mathematical formulas
• graphical representations
• flow diagrams

Students should use  ESS terminology , where appropriate.

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World Studies Extended Essay: Interdisciplinary Study

• Introduction
• Getting Started
• Global Themes
• Interdisciplinary Research
• What Makes Up a "Discipline"?
• Evaluating the Insights of Academic Disciplines
• Multiple Forms of Integration
• Evaluating Your Essay
• Common Stumbling Blocks
• Examples of Globally Conscious Students

What is interdisciplinary study?

In interdisciplinary study, students incorporate knowledge and modes of thinking from two or more disciplines to gain a deeper understanding of an issue. Most importantly, they would not have been able to gain this understanding if they only looked at the issue from the perspective of one of the disciplines.

The interdisciplinary essay

A strong interdisciplinary essay exhibits the following characteristics:

Clear purpose  -  The writer seeks to describe, explain, compare or offer solutions to a problem that is best examined in an interdisciplinary way. The writer has a sense of the significance of the research.

Disciplinary grounding  - The writer draws on knowledge, theories, concepts, perspectives, methods, tools and forms of communication from two or more disciplines.

Productive integration  - The writer incorporates disciplinary perspectives in ways that advance understanding. The writer understands the illuminating connections among/between disciplines.

Thoughtfulness  - The writer reflects on the significance, power and limitations of his or her findings.

See the other pages in this section for information on:

Interdisciplinary research Examples of interdisciplinary research

WSEE Documents

WSEE Subject Guide and worksheets

• IB EE Subject Guide - World Studies, 2018
• Making Meaningful Connections Use this worksheet to help you think about your research plans: the concepts or methods your will be using, the global topic you're focusing on, and the academic disciplines you will be using.

RRS (Researcher's Reflection Space)

• Sample Prompts for the WSEE RRS What should you write in your RRS? Use these questions and prompts to help you think through the various stages of the research for your WSEE: your initial ideas, your thoughts and reflections during the process, and your conclusions.
• RRS Example B - World Studies

RPPF (Researcher's Planning and Progress Form) examples:

• RPPF Example 5 - World Studies
• RPPF Example 7 - World Studies

IB Extended Essay Guide & Timeline

Check the Extended Essay guide for specific guidance on completing the various steps in the research and writing process of the EE, and  these documents:

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IB Extended Essay: What is the Extended Essay?

• What is the Extended Essay?
• Identifying a Topic
• Extended Essay Guides
• The Research Question
• Citing Revisited
• Citation Tools
• MLA Posters
• APA Posters
• HS Free Online Resources
• More Open Access Databases
• Research Tips for Online Searching

What Is the Extended Essay?

The extended essay is a required component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). 

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

What is the significance of the extended essay?

• practical preparation for undergraduate research
• an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to one of the student's six DP subjects, or takes the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay.
• formulating an appropriate research question
• engaging in a personal exploration of the topic
• communicating ideas
• developing an argument. 

An extended essay can also be undertaken in  world studies , where students carry out an in-depth interdisciplinary study of an issue of contemporary global significance, across two IB diploma disciplines.

How is the extended essay structured?

How is the extended essay assessed?

All extended essays are externally assessed by examiners appointed by the IB. They are marked on a scale from 0 to 34.  The score a student receives relates to a band. The bands are:

• 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.

Students are evaluated on five critera:

• Criterion A – focus and method.
• Criterion B – knowledge and understanding.
• Criterion C – critical thinking.
• Criterion D – presentation.
• Criterion E – engagement.

Read more here: IB Program - The Extended Essay

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