extended essay history topic ideas

IB History EE examples

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

International Baccalaureate (IB)

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

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

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

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

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

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

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

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

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

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

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

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

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

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

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

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

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

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

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

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

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

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

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

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Extended Essay Topics: 50+ Examples for Subject in EE

by  Antony W

July 30, 2022

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

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

What is an Extended Essay?

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

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

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

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

Getting Extended Essay Help

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

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

Extended Essay Topics

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

1. English Extended Essay Topics

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

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

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

2. Biology Extended Essay Topics

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

You can read more about Biology EE here.

3. Business Management Extended Essay Topics

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

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

Remember to check it out to learn more.

4. Chemistry Extended Essay Topics

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

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

5. Computer Science Extended Essay Topics

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

6. Economics Extended Essay Topics

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

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

7. Environmental Systems and Societies EE Topics

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

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

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

8. Film Extended Essay Topics  

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

9. Geography Extended Essay Topics

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

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

10. Global Politics EE

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

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

11. History Extended Essay

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

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

12. Math Extended Essay

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

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

13. Physics Extended Essay Ideas  

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

14. Psychology EE Ideas  

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

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

15. Visual Arts

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

Check out this post to learn more about the topic. 

About the author 

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

• [email protected]

• IB History Extended Essay Topics

The Extended Essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, culminating in a 4,000-word paper. It’s an important component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and allows students to engage in an in-depth study of a topic that interests them. Aspiring IB History students must complete their EE to gain the full diploma.

When working on an EE, students need to follow very specific guidelines and formatting expectations. The essay should look professional, be free of errors, have a clear layout, and have a unique and interesting thesis statement. For IB History specifically, topics should relate to some historical event or time period.

Most EE topics require a large amount of research. Students are expected to use reliable and high-quality sources for information. Additionally, topics should not be too broad but also not too narrow—there needs to be enough material available to create a comprehensive essay.

It’s also important to keep in mind the weight of the essay in a student’s final grade. An EE typically includes a title page, table of contents, introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion, list of works cited, and any additional appendices. Getting started can seem daunting, but with clear goals and guidance, you can break the process into manageable parts.

🚀 Conquer Your IB Extended Essay with Our Expert Writing Service! 🚀 Feeling stressed about your Extended Essay? Look no further! Our professional IB Extended Essay Writing Service is here to guide you towards success! 🎓 ✅ Deep Understanding of IB Criteria: Our team of seasoned writers is well-versed in the IB curriculum and assessment criteria. They know precisely what examiners look for, ensuring your EE is tailored to meet the highest standards. 🔒 Absolute Confidentiality: Your privacy is our top priority. We maintain strict confidentiality and never share your personal information with third parties. You can trust us to handle your EE with the utmost care and discretion. ⏰ On-time Delivery: We understand the importance of deadlines. Our dedicated writers work tirelessly to ensure your IB Extended Essay is completed on time, without compromising on quality.

• The Impact of World War I on the Russian Revolution: A Comparative Analysis of Pre- and Post-War Societal Changes
• The Rise and Fall of Apartheid in South Africa: Analyzing the Political and Economic Factors
• The Cuban Missile Crisis: Assessing the Role of Cold War Diplomacy in Averting Nuclear War
• The Spanish Inquisition: Exploring the Socio-Cultural and Religious Dynamics of Persecution
• The Fall of the Berlin Wall: The Interplay of Political and Cultural Factors in East and West Germany
• The Chinese Cultural Revolution: Assessing the Legacy of Mao Zedong’s Policies on Modern China
• The Influence of Ancient Greek Democracy on the Formation of the United States Constitution
• The Role of Women in the French Revolution: Analyzing the Contributions and Limitations of Female Activism
• The Armenian Genocide: Investigating the Origins, Perpetrators, and International Response
• The Impact of the Printing Press on the Protestant Reformation: A Study of the Spread of Ideas in 16th Century Europe
• The League of Nations: Evaluating the Successes and Failures in Preserving Global Peace and Security
• The Indian Independence Movement: A Comparative Study of the Strategies Employed by Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose
• The Influence of the Enlightenment on the American and French Revolutions: A Comparative Analysis
• The Iranian Revolution of 1979: Examining the Role of Religion and Nationalism in Shaping Political Change
• The Rwandan Genocide: Analyzing the International Community’s Response and its Implications for Future Conflict Resolution
• The Consequences of the Treaty of Versailles on Post-World War I European Stability
• The Great Depression: Investigating the Effects of Economic Policies on the Global Recovery
• The Role of Propaganda in Shaping Public Opinion During World War II: A Comparative Study of Nazi Germany and Allied Nations
• The Impact of European Colonialism on the Formation of Modern African Nation-States
• The Vietnam War: Analyzing the Domino Theory and its Influence on American Foreign Policy

Brainstorming IB History Topics

When it comes to choosing an IB History Extended Essay topic, the sky is the limit. IB History offers a wide range of topics that span from ancient history to the contemporary world and beyond. To choose the best topic for your essay, it’s important to brainstorm several ideas and then narrow them down until you find your final topic. Here are some tips for brainstorming IB History topics for your essay.

1. Pick an Interesting Area

When selecting an area for your IB History topic, pick something that interests you. You will be researching this subject in depth, so it helps to pick something that catches your eye. Think about the topics that most pique your curiosity and consider these when narrowing down your choices.

2. Select a Time Period

Before you start brainstorming specific topics, it’s important to select a time period. This will help you to focus on topics within the scope of your essay. The IB History syllabus includes comprehensive studies of events, people, and societies from prehistory to the present day. Consider which time period you would like to focus on and use this to guide your research.

3. Brainstorm Ideas

Now that you have identified a broad area of research and a specific time period, it’s time to brainstorm some potential topics. Start by making a list of ideas and then narrow it down by considering which ones you think would make for compelling research. Consider topics related to events, people, or societies within the chosen time period. You can also look for potential connections between topics for added interest.

4. Research Specific Topics

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential topics, start researching each one. Try to find out as much information as you can about each topic, including background information and any relevant primary sources. This will help you decide which topic you would like to develop further and ultimately write your essay on.

5. Review the IB Assessment Criteria

Finally, before you make your final decision, take some time to review the IB Assessment Criteria. Understand what the components of the assessment are and make sure that your chosen topic is suitable. This will help ensure that you are on the right track early on and can dedicate more time to researching and writing the essay itself.

Developing Your Topic

Finding the right topic for your IB history extended essay is an important step. After brainstorming relevant and engaging topics, you’ll need to narrow your choices down to one final topic. This process can take some time and effort, but it’s well worth the effort. Here are a few tips for selecting the perfect topic:

• Think carefully about your passion and interests. Consider what topics you find the most interesting and engaging, and then research those topics more deeply. By selecting a topic that you have a real connection to, you are more likely to stay motivated and enjoy the writing process.
• Conduct a thorough research. Explore each of your suggested topics in greater depth. Gather as much information as possible and narrow your focus to a single topic.
• Identify an original angle. While it can be tempting to choose a broad or popular topic, try to choose something unique and specific that sets you apart from other students. Create a thesis statement that will ensure that your essay provides insight into the subject matter.

By using these guidelines and following the step-by-step process, you can select a topic for your IB history extended essay that you find interesting and engaging. When you have settled on a topic, you can begin conducting research and writing your essay.

Researching the Topic

Research is an essential part of writing your IB History Extended Essay. Gathering reliable sources that are relevant to your topic is the first step towards writing a successful essay.

There are a variety of sources you can use when researching your topic. Some good places to start include online databases, libraries, textbooks, and journals. It is important to use sources that are reliable and accurate, so be sure to double-check who the authors are and any associated credentials.

When researching, make sure to keep track of where you are gathering your information from. This will help you later when you are citing your sources in the essay. You should also take notes as you go along, as this will help you to remember which sources you used for each particular piece of information.

In addition to traditional sources, there are a number of other methods you can use to research your topic. Interviews, surveys, and field observations are just a few ways you can gather additional information. As always, make sure to record your sources and check for reliability.

As you do your research, be sure to pay attention to any opposing views or counterarguments. Understanding different perspectives can help you develop a more balanced and nuanced argument in your essay.

Finally, you should aim to draw connections between all your sources. Identifying patterns and themes can help you find evidence to support your thesis and provide an overall structure for your essay.

Writing the Essay

Writing your extended essay on IB History is an exciting challenge, but it can be daunting. However, with some careful preparation and organization, you can craft a powerful, persuasive argument that will get you the grade you’re looking for.

Formulating an Argument

When writing an extended essay, it’s important to make sure that you’re arguing for a clear point of view. Start by doing research into your topic area and brainstorming ideas about what you want to say. Once you have done this, you can begin to form a thesis statement and outline the structure of your essay. Remember to keep it focused, so that you can make your point in a concise and compelling way.

Organizing Your Thoughts

Organizing your thoughts in advance is key when writing an extended essay. When you have multiple sources to consult and various points to consider, it can be easy to get sidetracked. To keep yourself on track, start by creating a timeline and a plan. Break the task down into manageable steps and set deadlines for each one. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t miss anything important.

Creating a Powerful Introduction, Body Sections and Conclusion

Now you’re ready to start writing. The introduction should set the stage for the rest of your essay, giving background and context and introducing the main points you will be discussing. The body sections should each make a compelling case for your argument, supported by facts and examples from your research. Finally, the conclusion should summarize the main points of your essay in a concise and effective manner.

Overall, if you take the time to plan and organize your essay before you begin writing, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. By taking this approach, you will be able to create a coherent and persuasive essay that will impress your reader.

Editing and Revising Your Essay

Writing an extended essay for IB History can be a challenge, especially when it comes to the editing and revising process. Fortunately, with some careful planning and organization, you can make this step of the process much easier.

The first step in the editing and revising process is proofreading. This involves making sure that your essay is free from any errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It’s important to take your time when doing this, as even the smallest mistake can detract from your overall grade. Once you’ve finished proofreading, the next step is to check for coherence. This involves ensuring that the ideas in your essay are logically connected and flow together. If your essay jumps around too much, it can be difficult for readers to follow your ideas.

Another useful tip is to consult with experts or mentors who may have experience writing essays in the same field. They can often provide valuable feedback and advice that can help you improve your essay. Additionally, it’s helpful to read your essay aloud, or have someone else read it out loud, as this can help you identify any awkward phrasing or unclear sentences.

Overall, editing and revising your extended essay for IB History can be daunting, but with some careful planning and organization, it doesn’t have to be! So take your time, proofread thoroughly, and don’t forget to consult with experts or mentors if you need feedback.

Writing an IB History Extended Essay doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right amount of preparation and research, you can craft an essay that will be well-received by your teachers and peers.

This guide has offered a comprehensive overview on how to go about writing a successful extended essay, from brainstorming topics to researching, writing and editing. Additionally, resources such as examples of excellent essays, common mistakes to avoid, and FAQs were provided to give readers a further understanding of the expectations of a successful Extended Essay.

Take the time to read through this guide and make sure you are inline with all the guidelines, as they are there to help you produce a high quality essay. Good luck!

• Last Edit 11 May 2023

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.

📚🔍 Explore a Wide Range of IB Extended Essay Topics! 🔍📚

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Understanding the IB extended essay rubric is essential for success. The rubric provides a framework that grades students on several key criteria including the sharpness of their research question, the rigor of their methodology, the breadth and depth of their knowledge, the fluidity and clarity of their argumentation, and their personal engagement with the research topic.

IB TOK Essay Rubric. Grading Criteria

This article provides essential insights and strategies for understanding the assessment process and helping you write essays that meet and exceed the rigorous standards of the IB curriculum. Whether you’re striving for clarity of argument, effective integration of knowledge, or personal engagement, our tips will help you achieve a higher score.

IB Internal Assessment Rubric and Grading Criteria

The IB IA rubric is carefully structured to assess students’ understanding, skills and application of subject matter in a nuanced and comprehensive manner. Each subject rubric, whether for sciences such as Biology and Chemistry, humanities such as History and Psychology, or Mathematics, emphasizes a unique set of criteria tailored to assess specific competencies and skills.

Visual Arts IA Topics: The Best Topic Ideas

In the vast world of art, the possibilities for your IA topic are nearly limitless. Yet, this abundance of choice can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you’re drawn to traditional painting techniques, the avant-garde movements of the 20th century, or the intersection of digital media and art, your chosen topic should ignite a spark of curiosity and passion within you.

Theatre IA Topics: SL and HL Topic Ideas

Choosing the right topic for IA in the IB Theatre course is a crucial step that significantly influences your research process and overall learning experience. Whether in the Standard Level or Higher Level track, selecting your topic requires careful thought and consideration, aiming to balance personal interest with academic rigor. This guide offers a rich array of topic ideas and research questions to spark your creativity and intellectual curiosity in the vast world of theatre.

Music IA Topics for SL and HL Students

When selecting a topic for your IB Music Internal Assessment, both SL and HL students face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. As a seasoned IB educator with years of experience guiding students through this process, I’ve come to recognize the importance of choosing a topic that aligns with the IB criteria and resonates with your musical interests and strengths.

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Guide to the IB Extended Essay in 2024

January 24, 2024

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

What is the IB Extended Essay?

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

IB Extended Essay—Sample Essays

IB Extended Essay Tips

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

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

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

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

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

Your final essay must include the following:

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

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

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

IB Extended Essay Topics (Continued)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business Management: Corporate Culture at Oracle

1) Pick something you’re passionate about

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

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

2) Limit your scope

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

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

3) Choose a good mentor

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

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

4) Get organized, way organized

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

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

5)Write a messy first draft

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

6) Communicate for an audience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christina Wood

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

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Extended Essay Writers

IB History Extended Essay Topics

Luke MacQuoid

The study of history is essential in understanding the past, present, and future of human society. It helps us to understand the origins of our present-day beliefs, values, and institutions and provides a context for understanding current events.

The Extended Essay in history is an opportunity for students to conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choice and to demonstrate their understanding of the research methodologies and critical thinking skills required in the study of history.

IB History Extended Essay Topics | 20 Ideas 

It’s worth noting that these topics are just suggestions and that the best topic for an Extended Essay in history is one that you are passionate and knowledgeable about and one that allows you to demonstrate your critical thinking skills and research abilities. The topic should also be specific and focused enough to be covered within the word count limit of the essay.

• The causes and consequences of the American Revolution
• An analysis of the impact of the Industrial Revolution on European society
• The role of women in the French Revolution
• The impact of colonialism on the economic and social development of Africa
• The role of propaganda in Nazi Germany
• The reasons behind the collapse of the Soviet Union
• The role of religion in the English Civil War
• The impact of the Renaissance on art and culture
• The causes and consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis
• The impact of the Scientific Revolution on the development of the modern world
• The role of diplomacy in the lead up to World War I
• The impact of the Cold War on global politics
• The role of the media in shaping public opinion during the Vietnam War
• The economic and social effects of the Black Death in medieval Europe
• The rise of fascism in Italy: causes and consequences
• The impact of the Berlin Wall on East and West Germany
• The role of the civil rights movement in the United States
• The causes and consequences of the Cuban Revolution
• The role of religion in the Spanish Inquisition

The 20 topics I provided for Extended Essay in history are broad and varied, covering different historical periods , locations, and themes.

Need help with your History extended essay?

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

Students can use these topics as inspiration for their own research and adapt them to suit their interests and abilities. 

These topics can be used in the following ways:

• As a starting point: Students can use these topics as a starting point for their research and develop their ideas further. For example, a student interested in the American Revolution can use this topic as a starting point and focus on a specific aspect, such as the role of women or the impact on indigenous peoples. 
• As a guide: Students can use these topics as a guide to understand the types of questions that can be asked in an Extended Essay in history. For example, a student interested in the role of religion in the English Civil War can use this topic as a guide to understand the types of questions that can be asked about the role of religion in other historical events.
• As a source of primary and secondary sources: Students can use these topics to identify primary and secondary sources to support their research. For example, a student interested in the impact of colonialism in Africa can use this topic to identify books, articles, and online resources that provide information on this topic.
• As a way to explore different historical perspectives: Students can use these topics to explore different historical perspectives and to understand how different historians have approached the same topic. For example, a student interested in the causes and consequences of the Cold War can use this topic to understand how different historians have approached this topic and to compare and contrast their arguments. 
• To develop critical thinking and research skills: The Extended Essay in history allows students to develop critical thinking and research skills. By choosing one of the topics provided, students can develop their research and analytical skills, such as finding and evaluating sources, making an argument, and drawing a conclusion on evidence.

It’s important to note that while these topics provide a starting point, students should always consult with their supervisor and make sure that their topic is specific and focused enough to be covered within the word count limit of the essay.

Ready to choose History EE topic?

In conclusion, the study of history is a vital tool in understanding the past, present, and future of human society. The Extended Essay in history is an excellent opportunity for students to conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choice and to demonstrate their understanding of the research methodologies and critical thinking skills required in the study of history.

The 20 topics provided are broad and varied, covering different historical periods, locations, and themes, and can be used as inspiration for students’ own research. They can be used as a starting point, a guide, a source of primary and secondary sources, a way to explore different historical perspectives and to develop critical thinking and research skills.

Writing an extended essay can be a challenging task, and it is essential for students to have a clear understanding of the research methodologies, critical thinking skills, and the structure of the essay.

If students are struggling with their essay, they can seek help from a writing service that specializes in providing assistance for Extended Essays. These services can provide guidance and support throughout the research and writing process, helping students to produce a well-written and well-researched essay that meets the required standards.

Luke MacQuoid has extensive experience teaching English as a foreign language in Japan, having worked with students of all ages for over 12 years. Currently, he is teaching at the tertiary level. Luke holds a BA from the University of Sussex and an MA in TESOL from Lancaster University, both located in England. As well to his work as an IB Examiner and Master Tutor, Luke also enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with others through writing articles for various websites, including extendedessaywriters.com blog

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IB History Extended Essay Topics

Table of contents.

Writing the International Baccalaureate History Extended Essay (IB HEE) can be quite a challenge. There are so many different topics to choose from, it can be intimidating to decide on one. This guide will provide you with an overview of the IB HEE and give you helpful advice on selecting a topic, incorporating primary and secondary sources, structuring the essay, getting feedback, and formatting the final essay. By the end of this guide, you will have a solid understanding of the IB HEE, giving you the confidence to write your essay.

What You Will Gain From This Guide

• An overview of the International Baccalaureate History Extended Essay
• Advice on how to select a topic for the IB HEE
• Breakdown of potential topics, from medieval to modern history
• Explanation of primary and secondary sources
• Strategies on how to incorporate both primary and secondary sources effectively
• Blueprint on how to structure your IB HEE
• Tips on getting feedback and perfecting drafts
• Guidance on how to format your final essay
• Recommendations for further research

By the end of this guide, you will be able to confidently choose a suitable topic and write your IB HEE. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out! Good luck!

Overview of the International Baccalaureate History Extended Essay (IB HEE)

The International Baccalaureate History Extended Essay, or IB HEE, is a 4,000-word research paper written by students taking higher-level IB History classes. The essay is aimed at helping students develop research and communication skills, and also acquire in-depth knowledge of a specialist topic.

Students writing their IB HEE pick a specific research question on a period or theme in history from a wide range of potential topics. Following this, they are required to collect relevant evidence, analyze it, and present the results of their research in a detailed and well-structured written essay.

The IB HEE is assessed according to how well the student is able to answer the posed research question and demonstrate that they have acquired in-depth knowledge of the topic area.

BTW…you can buy extended essay from our company, of you need professional help with it.

In order to build a strong, well-structured essay, it is really important to plan ahead and structure your research. Students are encouraged to brainstorm ideas and focus in on one that best suits their interests, skills and the available resources.

Advice on How to Select a Topic for the IB HEE

Choosing the right topic for your IB History Extended Essay (HEE) can be a daunting task; there are so many possibilities and no one-size-fits-all formula. While it is important to select something that interests you, engaging in thoughtful reflection, research and planning is also essential. Here are some tips and strategies to help you in selecting an engaging and achievable topic.

Choose Something You’re Interested In

The most important factor in selecting a topic for the IB HEE is to choose something you’re passionate about. This will help make the essay writing process more enjoyable and engaging. Consider topics related to a course you’ve taken or an area of history in which you’re particularly interested. When choosing a topic, ensure that it is narrow enough to explore in depth and wide enough to enable you to find adequate primary and secondary sources.

Do Your Research

Once you’ve narrowed down potential topics, start researching. Once you’ve gathered some information, evaluate whether it is feasible and achievable. Think about how you would go about researching this topic and gain a clear understanding of the primary and secondary sources you would use. Also ensure that there is enough evidence to create a well-constructed argument.

It is important to get feedback from your peers and advisors. Discuss your ideas with them to get further insight and perspective. Talking to your teachers and peers about your topic helps shape your thinking and develop your argument in ways you may not have previously considered. Additionally, your teacher may be able to provide additional resources or suggestions based on their own expertise.

Develop a Roadmap

Once you have a clear idea of your topic, outline a plan for your research and writing process. Set achievable goals and deadlines for completing various stages of the essay, including research, writing and revisions. Give yourself adequate time to edit and improve your work.

Put Your Plan into Action

Once you have a well-thought-out plan, it’s time to put it into action. Begin researching and writing your paper step-by-step. As you progress through the stages of your essay, be sure to ask for feedback, revise your work and make necessary adjustments.

By following these simple steps, selecting a topic for your International Baccalaureate History Extended Essay should become much easier. Choose something you’re interested in, do your research, reach out to your teacher and peers for feedback, develop a roadmap and put your plan into action – and you’ll be on your way to writing a great IB HEE essay.

Breakdown of Potential Topics, from Medieval to Modern History

When it comes to selecting a history topic for your International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay, you have no shortage of options—from medieval to modern history, there are countless areas of study to explore. In this section, we’ll provide an overview of the various types of topics you can cover in your IB history extended essay.

Medieval History

If you’re interested in the history of the Middle Ages, potential topics could include an examination of medieval religious practices, warfare, or societal influences. You might also consider exploring the development of technology in the period or how literature was used to preserve cultural values.

Renaissance and Reformation

For those drawn to the Renaissance and Reformation, topics might include the role of religion in the period, advances in education, or the influence of art, philosophy, and science on the era. You could also research the growth of mercantilism in Europe, the new colonial empires, or the transatlantic slave trade.

Enlightenment and Revolution

The Enlightenment and Revolution period is a time of great transformation in the world. Possible topics could include the rise of liberalism, scientific advances, or successes and failures of the French Revolution. You may wish to examine the impact of colonialism in this period or the role of women during the Enlightenment and Revolution.

Nineteenth Century

Topics for the 19th century could include the spread of democracy and industrialization, the history of imperialism, or exploration of the effects of the Congress of Vienna. You might also consider researching the development of the Industrial Revolution, the Scientific Revolution, or the growth of mass education.

Twentieth Century

The 20th century was a period of profound change and progress. Potential topics could include the effects of World War I, the development of ideologies such as fascism and communism, or the rise of feminism. You could also research the emergence of new technologies, the impact of the dissolution of the British Empire, or the influence of the United Nations.

Twenty-First Century

Finally, if you would like to focus on more recent events, potential topics could include the rise of digital media, the continuing impact of globalization, or the role of international organizations such as the European Union and NATO. You might also research the current status of treaty relationships between Indigenous peoples and postcolonial governments, topics related to the refugee crisis, or current debates surrounding borders and immigration.

By understanding the various topics available from different historic periods, you can narrow down your research area and select a topic that interests you and fits best with your strengths. However, regardless of what topic you choose, remember that digging into primary and secondary sources is essential to producing a strong IB Extended Essay.

Explaining Primary and Secondary Sources

For your International Baccalaureate History Extended Essay (IB HEE), you will need to know about primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are original documents and items from the time period you are writing about. For example, if you were studying the Civil War, a primary source could be a letter written by a soldier during the war. Secondary sources, on the other hand, are written after the historical events have taken place. These could include academic books written about the Civil War or newspaper articles about it.

When you incorporate both primary and secondary sources into your IB HEE, it will show readers how well you understand the topic and your ability to research. Primary sources give readers an inside view into what life was like during the time period, while secondary sources provide analysis, context, and a deeper understanding of the topic. As such, it’s important to make sure your IB HEE incorporates both types of sources.

One thing to note is that when finding primary sources, it’s important to look for reliable sources. Try to use sources that have been validated by experts or are found in archives, as these types of sources are usually the most accurate. You can also look in libraries and online databases to find primary sources.

It’s also important to remember that primary and secondary sources should not be used interchangeably. For example, if you are writing about a famous person from history, primary sources provide information about that person, such as letters written by them, whereas secondary sources provide expert analysis and interpretation of those primary sources. By using both primary and secondary sources in your IB HEE, you’ll be able to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of your topic.

Incorporating Primary and Secondary Sources

When researching for your International Baccalaureate (IB) history extended essay, it’s important to utilize both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are first-hand accounts of an event as seen through the eyes of someone who was actually involved or present. This includes documents, letters, photographs, or other firsthand accounts. Secondary sources are interpretations or analysis of primary sources created by someone who wasn’t necessarily there in person. This can include the work of historians, published biographies, or other scholarly works.

Strategies for Incorporating Sources

To effectively use both primary and secondary sources, start your research by gathering primary sources related to your topic. Then use any secondary sources you find to fill any gaps, or help explain the context of the primary sources. When you have enough information to write your essay, read thoroughly to determine what questions can be answered using the sources. Evaluate the evidence you have collected, then decide which sections of your paper will be supported by primary sources, and which sections will have information from secondary sources.

Writing with Sources

When incorporating primary and secondary sources into the text of your essay, quote selectively when appropriate. Use direct quotes sparingly, and cite correctly. If taking information from a secondary source, make sure you explain the implications of the interpretation. Seek to show how the secondary evidence supports, refutes or otherwise interacts with the primary sources. Also, pay attention to the placement of sources. Sources should flow naturally in the text, and shouldn’t interrupt the reader’s understanding of an argument.

Cite Carefully

Finally, it’s important to cite all sources had used, both primary and secondary. Cite the original authors even if you are basing your interpretation on that of another scholar. Make sure to include not just the author and date of publication, but also title, publisher and page numbers in references. Use either footnotes or endnotes, depending on the format guidelines of your IB program. If unsure, check with your teacher or supervisor.

By knowing how to incorporate primary and secondary sources effectively, you can better demonstrate your knowledge of the historical issue and create a more convincing argument for your IB history extended essay. As long as give credit where credit is due and don’t overuse direct quotes, sources can enrich your paper and boost your grade.

Blueprint on How to Structure Your IB HEE

The extended essay is a 4000-word essay that provides an opportunity for you to showcase your knowledge and passion for history. It requires careful planning and organization in order to effectively structure the essay.

Here is a blueprint to help you structure your essay:

• Introduction: Provide an overview of your topic, stating the relevance and purpose of your essay.
• Body: Split this section into two parts for a clearer and more organized approach. In the first part, discuss the chosen theme or issue, backed up with evidence from your primary and secondary sources. In the second part, provide a critical discussion related to the theme or issue. Remember to include relevant evidence here too.
• Conclusion: Summarize the points discussed in the body. Draw some conclusions based on your analysis and restate the relevance of your chosen theme.

It can be difficult to get started with the structure of your essay, but it’s important to consider it early on as it will save you time when writing and shaping your paper. Sticking to a well-structured outline with clear sections will better inform the reader of your argument and make it easier to follow.

If you are struggling to plan out the structure of your essay, try jotting down key points under each heading and build them up with evidence or quotes before beginning to write. It may also be beneficial to look at examples of similar essays to get an idea of how to start writing yours.

Start using this blueprint today and you will be on your way to submitting a top-notch International Baccalaureate History Extended Essay (IB HEE)!

Tips on Getting Feedback and Perfecting Drafts

Getting feedback from peers and experts is an invaluable part of perfecting the Extended Essay. Aim to have at least 2-3 reviews from different people. Make sure you choose reviewers who are familiar with the subject you are writing about, as well as what it takes for an essay to receive a high grade.

When receiving feedback, look for common themes and areas of improvement. Identify what needs to be rewritten, edited, or otherwise improved. The feedback you get should be used as a guide to constructing your final draft and refining content accordingly.

It’s important to remember that getting feedback is only part of the process. You must also apply what you learn in the feedback to perfect your drafts. This may involve reworking arguments, restructuring paragraphs, adding more details, and citing sources accurately. Dedicating the necessary time and effort to this process is essential for achieving a good score on the IB HEE.

Lastly, ask your reader to provide comments and explanations to any suggestions they make. This can help you better understand where adjustments need to be made and how to refine future drafts. Taking the time to do this will ensure that your essay is well-informed, structured, and free of errors.

Getting feedback and perfecting drafts is an important part of the essay writing process. With feedback from knowledgeable readers and diligent revisions, you can craft a strong IB HEE that stands out among the rest.

The formatting of your IB History Extended Essay (HEE) is one of the most important things to consider when wrapping up your project. You want your essay to be easily readable and pleasing to look at. Luckily, the International Baccalaureate (IB) provides useful guidelines so you can make sure your final essay follows their criteria.

Your essay should include:

• A title page containing the title of your essay, your name, your school name, and your supervisor’s name.
• A table of contents with the titles and page numbers of each section.
• An introduction that outlines the purpose and major points of your essay.
• Body paragraphs that discuss the topics you outlined in the introduction.
• A conclusion that summarizes your main points and presents any recommendations for further research.
• Bibliography or References page listing all sources used in your essay.

It is also important to use consistent formatting throughout your paper. The IB recommends using double spacing and leaving a margin of 1 inch on all sides. Select a font that is easy to read, such as Times New Roman, at size 12. Finally, make sure to use headings to organize your essay and make it easier to read.

The most important thing to remember is that your essay must reflect the IB’s high standards. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the IB’s guidelines regarding formatting, as well as their assessment criteria. If you keep these guidelines in mind while writing your IB HEE, your final essay will be well-structured, professional, and appealing.

Recommendations for Further Research

When researching for your IB History Extended Essay, it’s important that you go beyond standard sources such as textbooks and academic articles. To find more unique sources, consider the following recommendations:

Personal Interviews

Interviewing people who have relevant experience or knowledge about your essay topic is an excellent resource. Consider experts in the field or individuals living in the area at the time of your essay topic. If you decide to use this method, take notes or record the conversation so you can incorporate the information into your essay.

Government Resources

Take advantage of online government archives or search local libraries and government buildings. These are valuable resources because they can provide you with information that is based on direct accounts and first-hand experiences which may not be accessible elsewhere.

Cultural Institutions

Visit your local museum, art gallery or other cultural institution, as it can provide you with additional sources of data and show you how cultural phenomena have changed over time. It is also a great way to gain insight on how perspectives of the past can influence modern cultures.

Websites and Social Media

Social media networks and websites are becoming increasingly useful for research and gathering primary sources. You can find interview transcripts, personal accounts and recordings, official statements from organizations, old photographs and more. Be sure to be familiar with the site’s terms of service as content is not always 100 percent verified.

By using each of these research methods, you can ensure that your IB History Extended Essay is well-researched and provides a comprehensive analysis of the chosen topic. Remember that research is an ongoing process, so make sure you remain open to new sources and ideas. Also, don’t forget to document all your findings, as it will assist you when writing your essay.

Summary of all the Key Points

Completing an International Baccalaureate History Extended Essay (IB HEE) is an important part of achieving your IB diploma. If you tackle this project with confidence and preparation, you can be successful in completing a great IB HEE. Here is a summary of the key points:

• Understand the purpose of the IB HEE and the criteria for grading.
• Select an appropriate topic for your HEE, based on your interests and abilities.
• Research potential topics from medieval to modern history.
• Learn about primary and secondary sources and how to find them.
• Incorporate both primary and secondary sources into your essay.
• Organize your essay by creating an outline and writing a draft.
• Get feedback from teachers or peers and perfect your essay.
• Format your final essay according to the prescribed guidelines.
• Look for additional resources and use them in your essay.

By keeping these key points in mind, you should be well on your way to crafting a brilliant IB HEE. Working hard and staying organized will help you complete a high quality essay that will fulfill your IB goals. Good luck!

Conclusion: Taking Action

Writing the International Baccalaureate History Extended Essay (IB HEE) can be a daunting task, but it is one that you are well-equipped to tackle. In this guide, we have discussed the purpose of the essay, how to select the right topic, primary and secondary sources, and blueprints for structure, feedback, formatting and resources.

We hope you now feel confident and ready to get started on your IB HEE journey. As you write, remember to stay focused on your topic and that using both primary and secondary sources will provide you with the best level of evidence. With such an expansive and interesting field like history, make sure to take full advantage of the opportunities available to you and express your creativity in a scholarly manner.

Your IB HEE is a major step for you as an aspiring historian. Use this opportunity to develop meaningful connections between your chosen topic, the groundwork you’ve prepared, and yourself. Good luck!

Valerie Green

Valerie Green is a dedicated educator who spends her time helping high school and college students succeed. She writes articles and guides for various online education projects, providing students with the tools they need to excel in their studies. Friendly and approachable, she is committed to making a difference in the lives of students.

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The Complete Extended Essay Guide | 100 Topics & Examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

Extended Essay Facts

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

Significance of Extended Essay

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

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

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

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

Extended Essay Assessment Criteria

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

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

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

How to Select a Topic for the Extended Essay?

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

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

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

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How to Formulate Research Questions for the Extended Essay?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also read: Mental health essay topics

Choosing the Supervisor

Here are some suggestions on how to choose an advisor

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

Structure of an Extended Essay

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

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

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

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

There are six required components of an extended essay structure:

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

Contents Page

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

Introduction

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

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

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

References and Bibliography

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

The deadline you Need to Meet

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

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

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

The viva voce Interview

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

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

Free Extended Essay Topics

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

Biology Extended Essay Topics

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

Psychology Extended Essay Topics

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

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

English Extended Essay Topics

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

Literature Extended Essay Topics

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

Economics extended essay topics

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

Movie and Film Extended Essay Topics

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

History Extended Essay Topics

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

Geography Extended Essay Topics

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

Mathematics and Physics Extended Essay Topics

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an extended essay.

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

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2016-2017 IB Extended Essay: Sample IB EE's

• Workshop 1: Getting started
• Workshop 2: EE Options
• Workshop 3: Selecting a topic
• Workshop 4:Research Questions
• Workshop 5: Supervisors and Reflections
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• Primary Sources
• Citation Guide
• Subject guidance
• Sample IB EE's
• Biology (2018 new rubric)
• Biology Light Intensity
• Does Age Have an Effect on Short-term Memory of 6 to 18 Year Old Students?

Chemistry: 

• Chemistry 1
• What are the Alternative Fuels for the Depleting Fossil Fuels and which is the Best Fuel in Accordance with the Energy Output?
• A Copper Ions
• Chemistry 3

Design Technology

• Does Hull Trim and Balance Affect the Speed of a Boat?

Individuals & Society:

• Market Form of the Retail Petroleum Supply Industry in Parklands
• Economics 1
• Economics 2
• Economics 3

I have an exemplar but the file is too big to upload.  If you are interested in this topic I can share the essay with you.

• Geography 2
• History EE (2018 new rubric)
• To What Extent was the Establishment of the State of Israel in Palestine in 1948, Influenced by Theodor Herzl?

Information Technology in a Global Society

• Philosophy 1
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• Philosophy 4
• Psychology EE (2018 new rubric)
• Applied Behavior Analysis and Early Intervention: The Extent of Recovery from Autism
• Psychology 1
• Psychology 2
• Psychology 3

Social & Cultural Anthropology

• Social & Cultural Anthropology 1
• Social & Cultural Anthropology 2

World Religions

• To What Extent do the Core Scriptural Teachings of Sikhism Permit them to Marry Outside of the Religion?
• World Religions 1
• World Religions 2

Language Acquisition:

• French: Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Literature & Language 

•   Journeys in the Inferno and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz   
•   Toni Morrison 

Math: 

•   Cryptography and Rubik's Cube: An Investigative Analysis   
•   Pascal's Triangle 

Visual Arts: 

•   How Does the work of Yinka Shonibare Illustrate the Changing Role of African Art in a Global Society? 
• Ballet's Accessibility and Costumes Affecting Society's View of the Art Form
• Visual Arts 1
• Visual Arts 4

Interdisciplinary Essays:

Environmental Systems & Societies

• ESS Extended Essay (2018 new rubric)

World Studies

• World Studies EE History, Economics, & Politics  (2018 new rubric)
• Does the Production of Dairy and Meat from Dairy Cows in the United States affect the Environment and Well Being of Animals and Humans?
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Home — Blog — Topic Ideas — Extended Essay Topics on History: How to Choose the Best One?

Extended Essay Topics on History: How to Choose the Best One?

Extended essay topics.

The main purpose of the extended essay is to provide students with the opportunity to engage in independent research and develop writing skills through a systematic process. Below we will talk about how to write an extended essay , as well as help with the choice of extended essay topics .

What Is the Extended Essay?

An extended essay (EE) is an independent , author's study conducted by a student on their own. The upper limit of its volume is 4,000 words. This is a required type of academic work for students under the core Diploma Programme of the International Baccalaureate.

Most often, the discipline for which students write an extended essay is studied by them officially, but this is not a mandatory requirement. Also, EE cannot be written in different subjects.

Structure of the Extended Essay

The standard structure of an extended essay looks like this (the order of paragraphs can be changed):

• title page;
• page of content;
• introduction (statement of the problem);
• the main part (selected methods for solving the problem and the results obtained);
• conclusion;
• references and bibliography;
• appendices.

Below we propose to analyze the content of each of these paragraphs separately in detail.

The title page contains the title of the essay (it should be formal and give the reader a clear idea of what will be discussed in the main part), as well as details related to the authorship of the work (name and surname of the author, specialty, university where the author studies, year of writing, etc.).

An abstract can be called a formal description of the work. The information in the abstract is presented very briefly and concisely. In terms of volume, this part of an extended essay usually takes up to one page of printed text. The abstract must indicate the essay topic , the purpose and objectives of the work, problems and their solution, and the conclusion.

Page of content

This page includes a sequential listing of the paragraphs that are contained in the extended essay, with the page numbers from which they begin. It looks standard, just like any table of contents in a book.

Introduction

The introduction is the first section of an extended essay. In this part of the work it’s necessary to reveal the main ideas of scientific work: set goals and objectives, highlight the object and subject of research, argument its relevance. In particular, here students should describe why they decided to study this issue and what role it plays in the modern world. Also in the introduction, they have to formulate the problem, the solution to which this scientific work is devoted. And finally, about the purpose of the work: it should be related to the problems and anticipate the desired result.

The main part

The main part of the extended essay is essentially a description of the research work done by the student. It is a formalization of the process from the formulation of the problem to its solution, through the methods chosen by the student.

At the same time, it’s very important to choose high-quality illustrations that would visualize the stages of research conducted by the student. In addition, infographics, graphs, and tables can be useful here. However, note that their number should be moderate and they should complement the written material, and not just be used to separate blocks of text.

Usually, the conclusion is a short paragraph, from one to three pages. In conclusion, the student must describe the conclusions and results obtained in the research process. If there are several conclusions, they can be issued in a bulleted list.

References and bibliography

When writing an extended essay, it is important to respect copyright. That is why students must clearly distinguish between their own and other people's intellectual property - that is, indicate the sources from where the information was obtained to help in their research. In particular, when citing a citation, it should immediately be included in the list of sources.

As for the number of publications in the list of references, at least 10 sources of various types are generally accepted for an extended essay:

• methodological and teaching aids;
• monographs;
• journal articles;
• dissertations and abstracts;
• scientific and research websites.

Note that all literature must fully comply with your topic of the extended essay . When choosing sources, it’s important to pay attention first of all to the most recent resources, not older than 4 years. If they aren’t enough, students can refer to the publications of the last decade. They should be no more than 30% of the entire list.

This section of the extended essay includes all additional information that may be useful to readers of the extended essay (primarily examiners) but isn’t required reading. That’s why it’s so important not to include in this section the key aspects of the research done. In addition, students shouldn’t often refer to the appendices in the introduction, main body, and conclusion of their extended essay, as this makes the work unreadable.

How to Choose the Topic for an Extended Essay: Great Extended Essay Ideas

If the student has not yet fully defined the range of scientific interests, choosing essay topics can be difficult. These five factors will help you to choose the best topic:

• the department where the student is studying. The topic for an extended essay must be chosen within the framework of specialization (archeology, ancient history, history of Asia and Africa, etc.);
• the profile of the scientific advisor. It’s better to choose a topic in which the student’s scientific advisor is well versed since in this case, the student will always be able to turn to him or her for help;
• research that the student conducted during the semester. It makes sense to choose extended essay topics in which the student has deep knowledge;
• the most relevant research of popular historians . Interesting ideas for topics can be found in recent scientific publications;
• practice. Often during the archaeological excavations or work in a museum, a student may face interesting scientific problems. They can also become the foundation for formulating a topic for the extended essay.

12 Best History EE Topics

Looking for some EE English topics on historiography ? Below, we compiled a list of ten English extended essay topics to help you handle the assigned task. 

• Japanese Culture : Religion, Healthcare And Gender Roles: essay on rich Japanese culture full of ancient rituals, social customs, traditions, and powerfully held beliefs
• The Impact Of Religion In Women's Role In Society : essay on the differences and similarities between Christianity and Islam, the traditional social roles of women
• Comparing Chivalry in Medieval Europe with Modern Honor
• Martin Luther King Jr : Fighting For Equal Rights In America : essay on this Baptist minister's contribution to African American rights
• The Cold War : essay on its causes, course, the end, and the most significant events within it 
• The Attitude of the US and British Government to the "Neue Ostpolitik" of Germany : essay on the aim of Ostpolitik and its influence on the USA and Great Britain
• The Rosetta Stone and Its Historiographical Significance : essay on the decipherment and contents of the Rosetta Stone
• The Six-Day War of 1967 and Why Israel Won : essay on the causes of the war, its course, its end, and the aftermath
• The Influence of Women in the 1st World War : essay on the most iconic women in this period and their fate after the war
• The American War of Independence
• The Slave Trade and Its Importance for the US Economics : essay on the states where slavery was legal, the living conditions typical of slaves, the abolition of slavery  
• The Historical Significance of Cuban Missile Crisis : essay on the causes of this crisis, its resolution, and its effect on the course of the Cold War

Final Thoughts

Try to combine the essay topics for your education with some common aspects. Then it will be easier for you to write your thesis, as you will be able to use your previous academic works. For example, you can study the development of one problem in different years or different territories.

If you do not have enough time to write your extended essay on your own, our educational service will always come to the rescue. Our experts will write an academic work on any topic (here you will find history extended essay examples, literature extended essay examples, film extended essay examples, economics extended essay examples, geography extended

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Extended essay

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

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

Read about the extended essay  in greater detail.

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

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

DP subject briefs

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

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

• Explore the DP subject briefs

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Extended Essay (IB): Choosing a subject and topic

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

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

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

Introduction to the Extended Essay

What is the Extended Essay?

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

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

What do I need to do?

This guide is just to get your thinking started.

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

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

CALVIN AND HOBBES © Watterson. Reprinted with permission of ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION.  All rights reserved.

How do I choose a subject?

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

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

Subject Group Overviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From: IBO (2020) Extended Essay: Mathematics

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

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

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

From: IBO (2020) Extended Essay: The arts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subject Specific Guidance

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

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

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

Ethical guidelines

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

Extended essays from previous years

Past essays

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

Please remember:

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

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

How do I choose a topic?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Browsing our subscription databases

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

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

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

Hodder Education Magazines

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

Other, subject-specific resources

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

Using the Subject Specific Guidelines

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

AI Prompt Catcher

• AI Prompt Catcher Example

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

Annotated bibliography

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

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110 Original History Essay Questions: Examples and Topics

When looking for history essay topics, people often think about the world-famous military and political events. However, there is so much more to history than battles and international affairs. Plenty of small but engaging incidents are hiding in plain sight, and yet, people usually miss them.

What are those intriguing aspects?

In this article, our team has prepared a list of interesting history essay questions with examples. They are all about unusual events and historical viewpoints. To help with your academic writing, we divided the article into subheadings. Here, you’ll find topics according to your essay type.

• Top History Topics
• 🔍 Extended Essay
• ✒️ Historiographical Essay
• 📌 Persuasive Essay
• ⚙️ Technology Topics
• 🎶 Music Topics
• 🌄 American History
• 🏰 European History
• 🔥 5 In-Class Essay Tips

🤩 Top 15 History Essay Topics

• Julius Caesar.
• Middle Ages.
• World Wars.
• Holy Inquisition.
• US Independence.
• 20 th Century.
• Bronze Age.
• Thomas Edison.
• Slave Trade.
• Russian Revolution.

💁 Topics for Various Essay Types

There are many types of essays for an academic assignment. It may be a simple short essay or a long structured essay. Each one has its format and rules. Here, we are going to talk about essays that you might have questions about.

🔎 History Extended Essay Topics

An extended essay (EE) is an obligatory part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). For an IB diploma, a student should do extensive research. It should be finished with a 4000-word paper.

The extended essay provides practice for undergraduate research. Besides, it gives a chance to explore a topic of personal interest. You may check out some examples in a free essays database to get a reference of how they actually look like. Here, we dive into history EE topics.

• Oldest human settlements according to archeological sources.
• The suffrage movement in the United States of the early XXth century.
• How Dior’s bar suit revolutionized women’s fashion.
• History of Chemistry in Europe during the Age of Enlightenment.
• Psychology essay: evolution of treatment for various mental disorders. Psychological methods and medicine.
• Development of black rights following the US Civil War.

• History of physics: from Antiquity to modern times.
• Principles of medieval economics: a historical analysis. Analyze the financial structure in medieval Europe and the Middle East.
• How did industrialization affect global climate change?
• Expansion of traffic jams in China. The root of a problem and China’s solution.
• The effects of capitalism on Caribbean republics. Study the history of capitalism in the Caribbean. What were the effects of plantation produce on their economy?
• The use of sun reflection in the military. A historical analysis of the utilization.
• Analysis of Victorian literature and culture by Carolyn Williams.
• Biology in warfare. The use of biological weapons from Antiquity to modern times.
• A study of malnourishment in African societies. Explore the historical roots of malnutrition in Africa. How did it affect their societies?
• Research question: why Western countries have dominated the world in modern history?
• Otto Skorzeny. How did Nazi Germany’s most effective agent become Mossad’s advisor? Dive in the biography of Otto Skorzeny. Analyze his character and post-war activity.
• The history of visual arts in Christianity. How did religion shape the art of Western civilization?
• Six-Day War of 1967. Examine the strategies of Israel and The United Arab States.
• Imperial Japan in the late period of WWII. Its non-standard means of warfare.

📝 Historiographical Essay Topics

Now, let’s look into another type of essay—a historiographical essay. It analyzes and evaluates how scholars interpret a historical topic. Usually, the essay is problem-centered. So, compare the viewpoints of two or more historians on the same event.

Here you will find good topics for historiographical essays:

• The Soviet internment camps of the Stalin Era.
• What is the classification of a “historical fact?”
• The fate of Japanese Americans during WWII.
• Mongolian aid to the Soviet Union during World War II.
• An analysis of the main areas of historical research.
• What defined a nation’s sovereignty in the XIXth century?
• The activity of Pamela Parsons in the 70s.
• “The Life of the Prophet” by Ibn Hisham.
• The history of Earth: from its formation to modern times. Make detailed research on the history of Earth. Talk about major geophysical and chemical processes. What did impact the Earth’s formation and evolution?
• An argumentative essay. How substantial was the Allies’ aid of “Land Lease” to the USSR in WWII?
• Things to know when studying cultural heritage.
• Processes of detecting historical excavation sites.

📌 History Persuasive Essay Topics

A persuasive essay is a piece of academic writing where you list two or more points of view on a subject. In such a paper, you use facts and logic to support your perspective.

• An argumentative essay on American involvement in WWI. How crucial was it in defeating the German Empire and its allies? Analyze the impact of America’s contribution to WWI.

• Slavery played one of the key roles in Ancient Rome’s rise to power. Discuss the structure of slavery in Ancient Rome. Provide evidence for/against this argument.
• Festivals in India are an essential part of the nation’s identity. Analyze the role of local and national Indian festivals. Did they form identities of different cultural groups?
• Why did the Soviet Union lose the Cold War? Could it be because of its involvement in Afghanistan? Explore the impact of the Soviet-Afghan War on countries of the Warsaw Pact.
• Psychedelic substances allow people to think more creatively. Discuss the effects of different drugs on the human mind. Examine notable cases and experiments with drug testing.
• The presentation of the American Revolution in movies. Research a few pieces of cinematography about the American Revolution. Analyze their historical accuracy.
• Bipolar disorder essay and Vincent Van Gogh. Analyze activity and medical records of Vincent Van Gogh. Give arguments for/against the aforementioned idea.

• Florentine art history. How did the noble patronage of artists contribute to Florentine art? To prove your perspective, examine several famous art patrons of Florence.

⚙ History of Technology Essay Topics

Technology has been the cornerstone of powerful civilizations that moved the world forward. Advancement of technology is a curious phenomenon. It moved at a faster pace with every century of the last millennium.

Here, we will take a look at thought-provoking topics on the history of technology. Besides, you’ll see a few history essay questions on technology.

• Advancement of farming technology in the Bronze Age.
• Technological advancements of Ancient Rome. Discuss Roman technological inventions. How did they impact the world for many centuries?
• Structure of a Roman road. Explain the structure of a Roman road. Discuss how the road system connected the Empire. Did it help to spread Christianity?
• The history of genetically modified food: corporation profits and risks.
• The history of sanitation in Paris. A tale of revolutionary engineering solutions.
• Evolution of heart surgeries.
• The scientific contribution of Dr. Ivan Pavlov to physiology.
• Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and the history of medieval medicine. Talk about Avicenna’s contribution to medicine. How accurate were his thoughts on it?

• The trebuchet: the deadliest siege weapon of Medieval Europe.
• The history of limb surgery: from pirates to modern medicine.
• Japanese experiments on humans during WWII. Did they provide humanity with valuable data on the human organism?
• Naval technology throughout human history. Research military and civic solutions of naval engineering during various periods. Consider Antiquity, Middle Ages, Age of Discovery, Age of Enlightenment, etc.
• Rapid European scientific advancement of the Age of Enlightenment. Why did the advancement of science and technology in Europe increase in the 18-19th centuries?
• History of blimps: strengths and weaknesses.
• First computers of WWII. Study the first computer systems of WWII. Explain their technical capabilities and flaws.
• How did the new technology make WWI so high with casualties?
• The science of an atomic bomb: a case study.
• How online social media impacted global society in the 2010s?
• How China introduced new types of censorship with the creation of the Internet.
• Compare college education of the XIXth century and modern times.
• The city of Tenochtitlan. The technological marvel of the Aztecs.

🎶 Music History Essay Topics

Music is one of the most effective examples of human genius. People have made music to express their emotions to each other. Thus, the history of music is extensive and rich in detail. Exploring it can be just as fascinating as listening to music.

Below, you’ll find the best ideas on the history of music to talk about:

• Jazz, New Orleans, and the Roaring Twenties: a musical phenomenon. Discuss the genre’s origins and technical aspects.
• The music of the Antiquity of the Mediterranean region. From Egypt and Greece to Rome.
• The use of music in Ancient Rome.

• Techniques a style of Mozart and Beethoven. A critical analysis.
• Studio 54 – a story of disco, glamour, and exclusivity.
• The history of organum and organ music.
• Advancement of music technology in the early XXth century.
• Baroque music and its famous composers. Analyze the technical details behind baroque music. Give examples of its notable composers.
• Music theater as the main source of musical innovation of the late classical era.
• Detailed analysis of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Examine the composer’s final symphony. Explore Beethoven’s health complications during the last years of his life.
• Religion and music: how Christianity employed the vocal skills of monks. Research the history and characteristics of the Gregorian chant.
• The golden era of classical music of the XVIIth-XIXth centuries in Germany and Austria.
• The musical experiments by Andy Warhol.
• The musical instruments of the Renaissance and modern times. What are the similarities and differences?
• Musical instruments and chants of Bronze Age Mesopotamia.
• Bohemian Rhapsody: a musical analysis. Discuss the story behind the creation of Queen’s famous song.
• Lively music and deadly drugs. How did narcotics become a part of the music industry in the 60s and 70s?
• The history of the club culture of New York. Discuss the history of clubs in New York. How did the advocates for gay rights start the new idea of clubbing?
• The emergence of hip-hop and rap in Uptown Brooklyn and the Bronx. Analyze how the new genre started commenting on the reality of streets and black rights.
• The history of Woodstock – America’s most iconic music festival.

👍 Good History Essay Questions

Writing an essay about countries should be divided into European and American theaters. Each region has a history rich in events and personalities.

Below, there are great European and US history essay questions for your paper:

🌄 American History Essay Questions

• How did medics deal with casualties during the US Civil War? Talk about the organization of medical staff on both sides of the war. Analyze the treatment methods applied to wounded soldiers.
• What factors contributed to the victory in the American Revolution?
• US economy and culture of the 1920s. How did it develop?
• How did civil rights develop during the Reconstruction era?

• Why was slavery so popular in the southern states? Analyze the economy of the southern states in America. Explain why slavery has such deep roots there.
• Why did the United States emerge as a superpower after WWII?
• Who were the main benefactors of the US economy in the early 20th century?

🏘 European History Essay Questions

• The Renaissance essay. Why and how did naturalistic beauty become the main element of art?
• What are the key ideas in Robin Briggs’s historical research on witchcraft?
• The Modern European history question. How did the Mafia operate in Italy? Analyze the roots of Italian Mafia, its organizational structure. What were its spheres of influence?
• Which scientific innovations were discovered in the late XIXth and early XXth century Europe?
• Tudor history: what caused the English Reformation?
• How did colonization transform the economies of European empires?
• Which economic and political benefits were introduced at the creation of the European Union? Elaborate on the history of the EU. Analyze its economic and political aspects.

🔥 5 Tips for Writing an Essay in Class

For whatever reason, you need to write an in-class essay. It could be an exam or an ordinary assignment. It doesn’t matter as the goal remains the same. You have to compose a coherent paper in a short amount of time under supervision.

What is the best way to handle working under such pressure? By following our tips:

1. Practice beforehand

Any sort of training makes a person comfortable with the upcoming task. Practice writing an essay so that you memorize the format. Keep in mind how to outline the paper and some useful words for transitions. Even when you’re unfamiliar with the topic, you’ll still know where to begin without thinking.

2. Forget to panic

Students can lose time by bracing themselves. By staring on the blank page with the essay question can help no one. The sooner you start the task, the better. Don’t let your brain panic!

3. Plan before you write

Starting the essay right away may be tempting and promising, but that’s how you make mistakes. Reread and analyze the given question, notice the keywords. Make sure you’re answering what’s asked, not more or less. Come up with a thesis statement and make an outline.

Properly organizing your paper saves your time and reduces stress. It ensures that you addressed every issue. Plus, it shows whether you connected every argument to the thesis statement. Besides, putting topic sentences and transitions in the outline makes them less repetitive in the essay.

4. Keep in mind your writing speed

Remember the first tip? This one comes naturally from practicing. The more you write, the better you understand your pace. Learn how much time you need to complete each part of the essay writing. Try not to exceed the estimated time for an outline, an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

5. Proofread

Writing in a rush, you may forget about your spelling and punctuation. Save some time for rereading your paper thoroughly. Pay attention to logical reasoning and grammar errors. Add sentences if necessary. Your paper may look messy as long as you do so to improve your writing and ensure the perfect flow.

Thank you for taking some time to read this article. We hope that it will help you in your academic studies. If this article proved to be informative to you, leave a comment below. Share it with others who might need some guidance in their studies.

🔗 References

• How To Write a Good History Essay: Robert Pearce for History Today
• Elements of an Effective History Exam Essay: Mark Brilliant, Department of History, Program in American Studies, University of California, Berkeley
• UChicago Supplemental Essay Questions: College Admissions, University of Chicago
• Tips for Writing Essay Exams: Writing Center, University of Washington
• Popular Application Essay Topics: The Princeton Review
• Historiographical Essays: Center for Writing and Speaking, Campbell Hall
• Persuasion Essays: Sheldon Smith for Eapfoundation.com
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Economics Extended Essay Topic Ideas for IB Students

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• Writing Metier

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

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

Extended essay in Economics topic categories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Economics IB EE Topic Ideas and Research Questions

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

Microeconomics Topics and Research Questions

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

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

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

Market Structures

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

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

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

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

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

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

Market Failure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Macroeconomics Topics and Research Questions

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

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

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

Economic Cycles

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

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

Topic:  The correlation between economic growth and income inequality.

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

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

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

Fiscal Policy

Topic:  The effectiveness of fiscal stimulus in recession recovery.

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

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

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

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

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

Monetary Policy

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

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

Topic:  The relationship between money supply growth and inflation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

International Economics Topics and Research Questions

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

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

Trade Policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exchange Rates

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

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

Topic:  Currency wars and their impact on global trade.

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

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

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

Balance of Payments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then we get into the meaty issues with Development Economics. 

Development Economics Topics and Research Questions

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

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

Measures of Development

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

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

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

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

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

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

Poverty and Inequality

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

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

Topic:  Income inequality and educational outcomes in urban environments.

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

Topic:  The role of gender inequality in economic development.

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

Sustainable Development

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

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

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

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

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

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

Behavioral Economics Topics and Research Questions

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

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

Consumer Behavior

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

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

Topic:  The impact of brand loyalty on price elasticity.

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

Topic:  Behavioral factors influencing impulsive buying behavior.

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

Nudge Theory

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

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

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

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

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

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

Market Behavior

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

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

Topic:  Herd behavior and its influence on cryptocurrency markets.

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

Topic:  The role of overconfidence in financial market trading.

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

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

Labor Economics Topics and Research Questions

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

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

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

Wage Determination

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

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

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

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

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

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

Labor Markets

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

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

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

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

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

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

Human Capital

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

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

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

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

Topic:  The correlation between educational attainment and labor productivity.

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

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

Environmental Economics Topics and Research Questions

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

It’s economics going green.

Resource Management

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

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

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

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

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

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

Environmental Policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cost-Benefit Analysis

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

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

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

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

Topic:  The financial implications of biodiversity conservation programs.

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

Health Economics Topics and Research Questions

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

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

Healthcare Systems

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

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

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

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

Topic:  The cost-effectiveness of universal healthcare systems.

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

Health Outcomes

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

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

Topic:  The relationship between socioeconomic status and health outcomes.

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

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

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

Health Policies

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

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

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

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

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

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

Public Sector Economics Topics and Research Questions

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

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

Government Expenditure

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

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

Topic:  The effectiveness of welfare programs in reducing poverty.

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

Topic:  The economic consequences of military spending.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fiscal Federalism

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

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

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

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

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

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

Industrial Organization Topics and Research Questions

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

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

Firm Behavior

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

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

Topic:  The impact of corporate governance on firm performance.

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

Topic:  The effects of vertical integration on market competition.

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

Market Regulation

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

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

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

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

Topic:  The role of competition policy in fostering innovation.

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

Innovation and Technology

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

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

Topic:  The economic implications of patent laws on innovation.

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

Topic:  The role of government subsidies in technological advancement.

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

Financial Economics Topics and Research Questions

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

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

Financial Markets

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

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

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

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

Topic:  The effects of quantitative easing on financial markets.

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

Financial Instruments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Financial Regulation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Economic Methodology and History Topics and Research Questions

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

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

Economic Thought

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

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

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

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

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

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

Economic History

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methodological Issues

Topic:  The application of econometrics in evaluating fiscal policy.

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

Topic:  The challenges of qualitative analysis in economic research.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion 

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

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

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

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

Free topic suggestions

Vasy kafidoff.

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

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