Quick Answer
Choose an EE topic in a subject you genuinely enjoy, narrow it to something specific you can cover in 4,000 words, and ensure you have access to enough sources. Your passion for the topic will sustain you through the months of work ahead.
What You'll Learn
- Start with genuine curiosity, not what seems 'safe' or 'impressive'
- Narrow your focus until your question fits 4,000 words
- Check source availability before committing
- Your research question should invite analysis, not yes/no answers
- Discuss topic viability with your supervisor early
Why Your Topic Choice Matters
Your Extended Essay topic is one of the most important decisions you'll make in the IB Diploma. You'll spend 40+ hours on this project over many months, so choosing something you're genuinely interested in is essential for both your motivation and the quality of your final essay. The best EE topics emerge from genuine curiosity. They're questions you actually want to answer, not just topics that seem 'safe' or 'easy.'
Pro Tip
Start thinking about potential topics in IB1. This gives you time to explore ideas, discuss with teachers, and refine your focus without last-minute pressure.
1Step 1: Choosing Your Subject
Your Extended Essay must be in one of the IB subjects (or World Studies for interdisciplinary essays). While you can write in any approved subject, writing in a subject you study often makes sense because you have foundational knowledge, your teacher can supervise you effectively, and the research supports your course learning.
- Consider subjects where you consistently perform well and enjoy the content
- Think about teachers available as supervisors. A supportive supervisor matters
- Research-heavy subjects (History, English, Biology) suit students who enjoy reading and analysis
- Experimental subjects (Sciences) suit students who can design and conduct original research
- Don't choose a subject just because it looks impressive. Authentic interest shows in your writing
Watch Out
Avoid choosing a subject you don't study unless you have strong independent knowledge. You'll need to understand the subject's methodology and assessment expectations.
2Step 2: Finding Topic Ideas
Good EE topics often come from unexpected places. Start by reflecting on what genuinely interests you, then look for intersections with your IB subjects.
- What topics in your classes have you wanted to explore further?
- What issues in the news relate to your subjects and spark your curiosity?
- What books, documentaries, or podcasts have captured your attention recently?
- What questions have you asked that your teachers couldn't fully answer in class?
- What aspects of your personal background or experiences connect to academic subjects?
Pro Tip
Keep a notes app or document where you jot down interesting ideas, questions, and observations. Review it when you're ready to choose your EE topic.
3Step 3: Narrowing Your Focus
The most common mistake students make is choosing a topic that's too broad. You only have 4,000 words, and a focused essay with deep analysis scores better than a broad survey of a topic. Move from general interest to specific, answerable question.
- 1Start with a broad area of interest (e.g., 'climate change')
- 2Narrow to a specific aspect (e.g., 'climate change policy in developing nations')
- 3Focus further on something researchable (e.g., 'carbon tax implementation in Country X')
- 4Frame as a question with a clear scope (e.g., 'To what extent has Country X's carbon tax achieved its environmental objectives?')
4Step 4: Checking Topic Viability
Before committing to a topic, verify that it's actually feasible. Many interesting questions can't be answered within EE constraints.
- Are there enough accessible sources? (Check library databases, not just Google)
- Can you answer the question in 4,000 words, or is it too ambitious?
- Do you have access to any primary sources or original research materials needed?
- Does your school have a supervisor with relevant expertise?
- Is the topic appropriate for the subject's methodology and assessment criteria?
- Can you complete any required research or experiments within your timeframe?
Watch Out
Topics requiring interviews with specific people, access to restricted archives, or experiments with unavailable equipment should be reconsidered unless you've confirmed access.
5Step 5: Crafting Your Research Question
Your research question is the heart of your EE. It should be focused, open-ended (not yes/no), arguable or investigable, and achievable within the scope of the essay.
- Use question words strategically: 'To what extent,' 'How,' 'Why,' 'What factors' invite analysis
- Avoid questions that are too factual. You should be arguing or investigating, not just reporting
- Test your question: Can you imagine different possible answers or conclusions?
- Ensure the question relates to your chosen subject's methodology
- Be specific about time period, location, case study, or scope
Pro Tip
Your research question may evolve as you research. This is normal. Discuss changes with your supervisor to ensure your question remains appropriate.