extended essay guide ibdp

World Studies Extended Essay

World studies was first proposed by the United World College of Mahindra in 2001 and was eventually set up as an extended essay pilot option in 2005. The development of the world studies extended essay pilot has been underpinned by extensive academic research and development. IB staff have worked closely with both teachers in the pilot schools and Harvard Graduate School of Education, Project Zero Interdisciplinary Studies Project, to develop this exciting extended essay option.

A world studies extended essay must focus on a topic of global significance. This encourages the student to reflect on the world today in relation to issues such as the global food crisis, climate change, terrorism, energy security, migration, global health, technology and cultural exchange.

The student should then explore how their chosen issue may be illustrated in a local context or contexts using specific examples of a small scale, local phenomenon; in this way the student is linking the local to the global.

As the approach is interdisciplinary explaining the topic through the lens of more than one discipline, students should develop a clear rationale for taking an interdisciplinary approach, selecting the IB disciplines through which they plan to explore the topic. The process of researching and writing the world studies extended essay develops international-mindedness and specifically the concept of global consciousness. This concept encompasses three distinct strands:

• global sensitivity - a sensitivity to local phenomena and experiences as expressions of developments on the planet
• global understanding - the capacity to think in flexible and informed ways about issues of global significance
• global self - a developing perception of self as a global actor and member of humanity, capable of making a positive contribution to the world.

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IB Extended Essay: 300+ Ideas And Guide

What is the ib extended essay.

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

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

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

How to Choose Your Extended Essay Research Question?

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

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

Extended Essay Ideas for Each Subject

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

Extended Essay Ideas for Literature:

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

Extended Essay Ideas for Biology:

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

Extended Essay Ideas for Chemistry:

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

Extended Essay Ideas for Physics:

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

Extended Essay Ideas for Economics:

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

Extended Essay Ideas for Mathematics:

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

Extended Essay Ideas for Business Management:

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

Extended Essay Ideas for Computer Science:

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

Extended Essay Ideas for Psychology:

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

Extended Essay Ideas for Social and Cultural Anthropology:

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

Extended Essay Ideas for Environmental Systems and Societies:

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

Extended Essay Ideas for World Studies:

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

Extended Essay Ideas for Visual Arts:

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

How to Write a Great IB Extended Essay

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

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

Finding Reliable Sources for Your Extended Essay

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

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

Strategies for Conducting Primary and Secondary Research

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

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

Formatting and Structure Guidelines for the IB Extended Essay

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

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

The IB Extended Essay Assessment Criteria and Grading

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Beyond Tutors can help you prepare for IB Extended Essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step-By-Step Guide On IB Extended Essay With 10 Tips

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay is a challenging and rigorous component of the IB Diploma Programme . It requires students to choose a research question, conduct extensive independent research, and present their findings in a formal essay format. The extended essay provides students with an opportunity to develop their research, writing, and critical thinking skills, and to delve into a subject that interests them in depth. 

This essay is a significant component of the IB Diploma, as it contributes up to 36 points toward a student’s final score, and is considered an important factor in university admissions. In this blog, we will explore the importance of the extended essay and provide tips and guidance on how to succeed in writing a high-quality essay. 

Furthermore, as Ignite Training Institute offers full-scale support for IB Diploma , know more!

Table of Contents

What Is An Extended Essay For IB? 

Ib extended essay checklist: what to include, 10 tips to write an excellent ib extended essay, what is the assessment criteria of an ib extended essay, is extended essay important for ib diploma, #1 support for ib diploma in uae.

The Extended Essay (EE) is a core component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). It is a research-based essay of up to 4,000 words written on a topic of the student’s choice, under the guidance of a supervisor. The Extended Essay is a unique opportunity for students to engage in independent research and develop their skills in critical thinking, research, and writing. 

The IB Extended Essay is intended to encourage students to explore their interests, develop their knowledge of a subject in depth, and demonstrate their ability to communicate their ideas effectively in written form. The Extended Essay is scored by external examiners and contributes up to three points toward the final IB DP score. The Extended Essay is a challenging but rewarding part of the IB DP and provides students with a valuable experience for their future academic and professional careers.

Related: The IB CAS Program: A Unique Approach to Learning

The IB Extended Essay Checklist is a set of guidelines that students should follow when writing their Extended Essays. It is a comprehensive list of the essential elements that should be included in the essay to ensure that it meets the criteria set by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). Here are some of the key components that should be included in an IB Extended Essay:

• Introduction: This should include a brief overview of the research question, the scope of the essay, and the methodology used.
• Abstract: A concise summary of the main findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the essay.
• Research Question: The research question should be clear, specific, and focused, and it should reflect the scope of the essay.
• Methodology: A clear and detailed description of the methods used to gather and analyze data.
• Results: This section should present the findings of the research, and it should be supported by data and evidence.
• Discussion: A critical analysis of the results and an interpretation of their significance.
• Conclusion: A summary of the main findings and conclusions of the essay, along with any recommendations for further research.
• Bibliography: A list of all the sources used in the essay, including books, articles, and other materials.
• Referencing: The essay should be properly referenced, using the appropriate referencing style, such as MLA or APA.
• Word count: The essay should be within the word limit set by the IBO, typically 4000 words.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay is a research paper that students write as a requirement for their IB Diploma. To write an excellent IB Extended Essay, you should follow these steps:

• Choose A Topic: Choose a topic that you are passionate about and have enough information to research.
• Conduct Research: Gather information from multiple sources and note important information.
• Create A Research Question: Formulate a research question that will guide your investigation and analysis.
• Plan Your Essay: Organize your information and ideas into a clear and logical structure.
• Write The Introduction: Introduce your topic, research question, and thesis statement.
• Develop The Main Body: Present your research, arguments, and evidence in support of your thesis.
• Write The Conclusion: Summarize your findings, explain their significance, and restate your thesis.
• Use Credible Sources: Cite all sources of information used in the essay to avoid plagiarism.
• Revise & Edit: Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors and make revisions as needed.
• Get Feedback: Seek feedback from your teacher or peer to identify any weaknesses in your essay and make improvements.

The grading system of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay is based on a scale of 0 to 36 points. The essay is evaluated using four assessment criteria, each worth a maximum of 7 points. The criteria are:

Criterion A: Research Question

Criterion B : Introduction

Criterion C: Investigation

Criterion D: Conclusion

Each criterion is marked by two independent assessors, who award marks based on the quality of the student’s work in that area. The final grade is the average of the two assessors’ marks, rounded to the nearest whole number. The extended essay contributes up to 3 points towards a student’s overall score in the IB Diploma Program, with the maximum score of 36 points equating to a grade of A.

The assessment criteria are designed to measure the depth and quality of the student’s research and writing skills, as well as their ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate sources. Additionally, the criteria assess the student’s ability to use critical thinking and independent judgment to address the research question and support their argument with evidence.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay is an integral part of the IB Diploma Programme. Here’s why it is important for the IB Diploma Programme. 

• A Significant Part Of The IB Diploma: The Extended Essay (EE) is an important component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, accounting for up to 3 points out of the total of 45 points.
• Develops Research & Writing Skills: Writing an Extended Essay requires students to engage in independent research and develop their critical thinking and writing skills.
• Enhances Subject Knowledge: By choosing a topic that interests them and conducting in-depth research, students can develop a deeper understanding of a specific subject area.
• Prepares For University Studies: The Extended Essay provides students with a taste of what academic research and writing are like at the university level, preparing them for future academic challenges.
• Improves Time Management & Organizational Skills: Completing the Extended Essay requires students to manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks and stay organized, skills that are essential for success in higher education and beyond.
• Boosts Confidence & Self-Esteem: The successful completion of the Extended Essay can be a source of great pride and self-esteem for students and can help build their confidence in their own abilities.
• Improves Language Skills: Writing the Extended Essay in English, and presenting it in a clear and concise manner, helps students to improve their language skills.
• A Valuable Addition To College Applications: Completing an Extended Essay demonstrates to colleges and universities that students are capable of independent research and writing, making them stand out as strong candidates for admission.

Ignite Training Institute is a well-known and highly respected institution that provides comprehensive support to students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Whether you are looking to improve your grades or get a head start in your future academic career, Ignite Training Institute has you covered.

At Ignite Training Institute, you can expect to receive a first-class education experience. Our experienced and knowledgeable instructors understand the unique challenges that students face when pursuing the IB Diploma Programme, and they work tirelessly to provide you with the support you need to succeed. With a comprehensive curriculum that covers all of the key subjects and topics in the IB program, our courses are designed to help you reach your full potential and develop the skills you need to succeed in your future academic and professional careers.

Related: How To Find The Best Coaching Institute In Dubai?

1. Is IB Extended Essay Hard? 

The difficulty level of the IB Extended Essay (EE) varies from student to student. Some students may find the process of research and writing the essay challenging, while others may find it relatively easier. The difficulty of the EE depends on factors such as the student’s writing skills, time management abilities, research skills, and understanding of the topic chosen.

2. What Makes A Good IB Extended Essay?

A good IB Extended Essay is one that showcases the student’s ability to conduct independent research and present their findings in a well-structured, organized, and analytical manner. It should demonstrate the student’s understanding of the research topic and their ability to critically evaluate and analyze information. The essay should also reflect the student’s originality and creativity, and showcase their writing skills. 

3. How Important Is The Extended Essay In IB?

The EE is assessed and contributes to a student’s overall score for the IB Diploma. As such, it is important for students to take the EE seriously and put in the necessary time and effort to produce a high-quality piece of work. This not only demonstrates their competence in research and writing but also showcases their intellectual curiosity and ability to engage with complex topics.

The IB extended essay is a crucial component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. It provides students with the opportunity to engage in independent research and develop important skills such as critical thinking, time management, and effective communication. The extended essay also offers students the chance to explore a topic that they are truly passionate about and demonstrate their ability to think critically and creatively. 

Ultimately, the extended essay is a valuable experience that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of higher education and beyond. By embracing the extended essay process, students can gain a deeper understanding of their chosen topic, enhance their research and writing skills, and achieve greater academic success. As Ignite Training Institute offers full academic support for IBDP, get in touch with expert consultants today.

Related: List Of Top 10 Benefits Of The IB Diploma Programme

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Extended essay : core.

Extended Essay is a compulsory core component that contributes to the final grade point in IBDP. It is mandatory for all students to achieve a minimum of D grade in EE to qualify for a diploma. This component is externally assessed and it contributes for three points in combination with TOK. The extended essay is an in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from one of the student’s six chosen subjects for those taking the IB diploma, or a subject that a course student has a background in. It is intended to promote academic research and writing skills, providing students with an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of their own choice, under the guidance of a supervisor in school. The extended essay offers an opportunity for IB students to investigate a topic of special interest, in the form of a 4,000-word piece of independent research. Students select an area of research from Diploma Programme subjects, or in the case of the interdisciplinary world studies essay from two subjects, and become acquainted with the independent research and writing skills expected at university. This leads to a major piece of formally presented, structured writing, in which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned and coherent manner, appropriate to the subject or subjects chosen. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. As an authentic learning experience, the extended essay provides students with an opportunity to engage in personal research on a topic of choice.

Source: IBDP Extended Essay Guide 2018

MODULES : View – Register – Learn

This module prepares you to understand the research process and skills required to successfully write an Extended Essay. Students often are not aware of how organised and methodical they should be and they waste a lot of time in doing the unnecessary and redoing. Hence, we prepare you in the following areas that are the key areas of success in the journey of writing an Extended Essay. We demonstrate an example for you in this module to get a clearer focus to begin your own EE.

• Introduction to Extended Essay
• Choosing the right category: literature or language or comparative
• Choosing a text for EE – the Primary Source
• Importance of reading secondary sources in EE
• Formulating Research Question: Provisional to Final
• Understanding methodology  
• Organising ideas and arriving at a line of argument in EE 
• Extended Essay Structure 
• Understand the criteria in EE 
• Why Reflections: initial, Interim and Viva-voce
• Why RRS? Researchers Reflection Space 
• Citations-  MLA or APA?
• The writing process of Extended Essay – the journey

Duration of the module:  6 hours ( 3 sessions of two hours each ) Fee: SGD  240/-  Module CODE: EEM1 Mode of Teaching: Online  How to enrol: Complete the form for slots and payment details CLICK HERE

If you are interested in a literary or non-literary text of your choice for writing an Extended Essay, we shall guide you through the research process. Or we can also suggest a title that works for EE. We guide you in phases of what secondary sources that you should read, research, collect information, plan, organise, and arrive at formulating a research question (RQ). Our educators discuss and understand your preparedness to begin writing the essay and guide from planning to writing to final draft and evaluation . We do not steal the joy of your research as an IB student but guide and supervise the entire process. We consistently review your work and assess if it meets the criteria for a better grade and alert you in phases in the journey. This module covers all the topics covered in Module 1: Extended Essay in English A – Understand the Research Process.

Duration of the module:  Up to 20 hours  Fee: SGD  1000 /- Module CODE: EEM2 Mode of Supervision: Online  How to enrol: Complete the form for slots and payment details CLICK HERE

If you have completed writing an extended essay in English Language and Literature or literature (3500-4000 words), a good feedback will help you to improve it for a better grade. Our team of assessors would mark it and give feedback on each criterion (A to E). The assessor identifies gaps and areas to improve and provides you written feedback to understand the areas to improve. If you would like to get this comprehensive feedback on EE, send us the copy – remember your essay is safe with us, do not worry of losing the work. We understand your hard work and the IB academic honesty policy. We shall send the feedback in 48 hours. 

Fee:   SGD 150/- Module CODE: EEM3 Mode of Delivery: Assessor’s Comments in PDF through email How to enrol: Complete the form to receive payment details CLICK HERE

Having taken DP Chemistry as your EE subject, the initial challenges students face are the RQ, planning the design of investigation and writing the research process, for which we would be glad to guide you through this phase which is very critical in laying the foundation for EE in Chemistry. Once this is done, the next phase is recording, processing, presenting the data collected and then eventually critically evaluating the entire investigation, for which it’s necessary to follow IB assessment criteria in order to be able to accomplish a good research process. With EE guidance and resources, you’ll be better equipped to write an EE which the examiner should be pleased to assess for a top grade A-B.

In this module, student shall also learn the essential aspects such as:

• EE criteria and marking band rubrics for Chemistry
• EE report structure
• EE past samples and resources

Duration of the module:  Up to 20 Hours Fee: SGD 1000/- Module CODE: EEM4 Mode of Supervision: Online  How to enrol: Fill in the form and submit for slots and payment details CLICK HERE

IB Extended Essay: Assessment Criteria

• Research Questions
• Past Essays
• Notes & Outlines
• Works Cited Page
• In-Text Citations
• Assessment Criteria
• Reflections
• Supervisor Info
• Net Valley Library This link opens in a new window

Score Descriptors for each Criterion:

• A - Focus and Method
• B - Knowledge and Understanding
• C - Critical Thinking
• D - Presentation
• E - Engagement

Printable: Full Rubric  for all subjects

To view details for your SUBJECT, open the correct page below.

• Choose "Interpreting the EE Assessment Criteria" on the sidebar to see how to score well in YOUR subject area

Language & literature (language A)

Language acquisition (language B)

Mathematics

Visual Arts

World Studies

Business Management

Grade Boundaries

What's Expected?

• A: Focus/Method
• B: Knowledge
• C: Critical Thinking
• D: Presentation
• E: Engagement
• A: Focus and Method (6 marks)
• B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)
• C: Critical Thinking (12 marks)
• D: Presentation (4 marks)
• E: Engagement (6 marks)
• Total marks possible: 34 (see grade boundaries below)
• Printable:  Full Rubric
• Printable: A3 size with details
• Printable:  Details for each criterion , via the Oxford guide

Criterion A:  Focus and Method (6 points)

What It Means:   This criterion focuses on the topic, the research question and the methodology. It assesses the explanation of the focus of the research (this includes the topic and the research question), how the research will be undertaken, and how the focus is maintained throughout the essay.

Questions to ask:  

• Does this essay meet the requirements for the subject for which you are registering it?
• Is your research question stated as a question?
• Have you explained how your research question relates to the subject that you selected for the extended essay?
• Have you given an insight into why your area of study is important?
• Is your research question feasible within the scope of the task? Could your research question be “answered” or it is too vague?
• Did you refer to your research question throughout the essay (not only in the introduction and conclusion)?
• Did you explain why you selected your methodology?
• Are there other possible methods that could be used or applied to answer your research question? How might this change the direction of your research?
• If you stated a particular methodology in the introduction of your essay, or specific sources, have you used them?
• Are there any references listed in the bibliography that were not directly cited in the text?

(Source: Susan Trower, via West Sound Academy)

Criterion B:  Knowledge and Understanding (6 points)

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

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

(Source: Oxford EE manual, p. 110)

Criterion C:  Critical Thinking (12 points)

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

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

(Source: Oxford EE Manual p. 111)

Handy Links:

• Presentation One Pager  via Catalina Bordoy
• Presentation Checklist
• Sample Title page   (see below - top half of the page)

Criterion D:  Presentation ( 4 points)

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

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

Criterion E: Engagement

• Three reflections (best after meeting with your supervisor)
• 500 words TOTAL (100 + 150 + 250?)
• Reflections are done in Managebac on your Reflection space
• See the "Reflections" tab above for prompts to write about

(Source: Oxford EE Manual p.135)

(Source: Oxford EE Manual p.133)

• Sample Reflections
• Full chapter on Reflections from the Oxford Guide

Criterion E:  Engagement (6 points)

What It Means:   This criterion assesses the student’s engagement with their research focus and the research process. It will be applied by the examiner at the end of the assessment of the essay, after considering the student’s RPPF (Reflections on planning and progress form).

• Have you demonstrated your engagement with your research topic and the research process?
• Have you highlighted challenges you faced and how you overcame them?
• Will the examiner get a sense of your intellectual and skills development?
• Will the examiner get a sense of your creativity and intellectual initiative?
• For prompts to deepen your reflections, go  here  and then to the bottom of the page
• Presentation Quick Guide
• << Previous: In-Text Citations
• Next: Reflections >>
• Last Updated: Apr 9, 2024 9:39 AM
• URL: https://sis-cn.libguides.com/ExtendedEssay

HS DP Extended Essay: General Information

• General Information
• Class of 2025 EE Calendar
• The assessment criteria
• Criterion D
• Research Questions, Topics & Keywords
• ISZL Online Subscription Sources
• Open Access Resources
• NoodleTools
• Annotated Bibliography
• Academic Honesty
• Understanding Source Types
• Formatting and Citation Assistance
• EE Exemplars from IBO
• HS Library Homepage This link opens in a new window

What is the Extended Essay?

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

What is the significance of the extended essay?

The extended essay provides:

• practical preparation for undergraduate research
• an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them, which relates to one of the student's six DP subjects, or takes the interdisciplinary approach of a World Studies extended essay.

Through the research process for the extended essay, students develop skills in:

• formulating an appropriate research question
• engaging in a personal exploration of the topic
• communicating ideas
• developing an argument. 

Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge.

Source: https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/extended-essay/

Extended Essay Guide and Assessment

This is the complete Extended Essay guide from the IBO. You should consult the guide frequently in order to ensure that you are doing exactly what is required of you throughout the process.

Extended Essay Subject Specific Guides

             Guidelines from the IB on each subjects’ requirements for the extended essay (EE).

Guidelines from the IB on how to put together an annotated bibliography to help you think critically about your sources and save time.

Samples provided in the IB Extended Essay Guide

From George Mason University's Writing Center, a guide to crafting a research question.

Essay Outline from Philpot Education You will need to adapt for your own specifications. Also note the link to methodology. 

Effective Citing and Referencing from the IBO

This link directs you to the "Presentation" page of the Extended Essay Guide (online). Pay attention to the left-hand column as there are links to further information on Word Counts, Illustrations, Tables, Headers, Footnotes and Endnotes, Appendices and more.

What goes on the EE title page?

Use this checklist to identify areas that need your focus before the final deadline.

CC Source : Ohio State Press

Strategies for using the EE in university applications

10 Extended Essay Tips

• Next: Class of 2025 EE Calendar >>
• Last Updated: Jan 30, 2024 9:05 AM
• URL: https://iszl.libguides.com/EE

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Introduction to the extended essay in economics

Many of you will be aware of the extended essay and what it includes. The extended essay consists of a 4000 (maximum) word essay on a topic of your choosing and concludes with a viva voce or short interview to confirm the candidates level of competence in the topic area chosen.  You are also required to provide two additional reflections during the process.

The extended essay provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge on a particular topic or area of study and is chosen from a list of approved subjects.

Before starting work on the essay you are advised to complete the following tasks:

• Read the assessment criteria carefully.
• Where possible ask your teacher or IB coordinator to let you read previously completed essays in economics.  Many school libraries keep an archive of extended essays previously written by students.
• Work on a research question and discuss this with your supervisor.  This is a very important part of the process.  A good research question will go a long way to helping you towards a good finished essay.  A bad research question; one that is too broad in scope or where original data is difficult to obtain will make it significantly more difficult to achieve a high score in your finished essay.
• Decide how you will collect the research that you need for your essay and check the validity of this research with your supervisor.
• Write down a brief structure for your essay and discuss this with your supervisor before sitting down to write your essay.

How to choose a subject and research question to study?

The first piece of advice must be to pick a subject and a research question that is something you will enjoy researching and writing about. The EE involves a considerable amount of work - approximately 40 hours as an average.

In terms of selecting a research topic, why not ask the following question: ‘What is it that I am interested in?  What research question am I genuinely interested in finding out?’.  What topic(s) do I enjoy? 

What to do next?

Having completed all the preparation that you need, having written your research question and essay plan and had all of this approved by your supervisor you are ready to begin.

The essay should be no more than 4000 words in length but this does not include the following:

Contents page, acknowledgements, formulas, calculations, diagrams, tables, the bibliography, citations and references.

Essays can actually achieve a reasonable score just by following these simple rules:

• state the research question
• analyse your results
• discuss your results
• have a conclusion
• keep to about 4000 words
• present it well
• cite all sources appropriately.

What makes a good title in economics?

Opportunities for analysis

The topic that you chose should provide an opportunity for you to demonstrates some critical analysis of the information that is gathered. You should avoid any topic that depend entirely on summarizing secondary data, because this leads to an essay that is overly descriptive in nature.  A good way of making your essay more unique is to restrict the scope of the essay, so that it focuses on, for example, a specific business, area or demographic.

Suitable areas of economics

Macroeconomics topics can be chosen, but any research question must be narrowed to a particular part of the economy and is not on the economy as a whole.  An extended essay on economic development would be recommended but the research question would need to relate to a particular aspect of development or a limited area.  It would not be suitable, for example, to examine the effect of some government policy on the development of the whole economy.

The following are some examples of extended essay titles which are suitable for use an economics extended essay.  You will notice that each of these are locally based on an area in which the student is familiar and allow the candidate to investigate their own primary research, applying it to conventional economic theory.  You will also be expected to complete secondary research as part of their essay.  You should also formulate your own critical arguments as well as construct a conclusion, consistent with the findings displayed during the main body of the essay.

• What is the relationship between the volume of livestock and the wholesale price of meat in Erzurum county?
• The impact of the 2018 rise in minimum wage on employment levels in London’s catering and restaurant industry?
• What is the MPC (marginal propensity to consume) of guest workers working on a construction site in Singapore?
• To what extent do the ski lodge hotels in Palandoken practise John Nash’s game theory when setting prices during the tourist season?
• How has the declining value of the £ affected the Airbnb market in Leeds?
• What is the PED for tobacco products amongst different age groups in Istanbul, Turkey.  How might this influence government policy aimed at reducing consumption of tobacco products?

Final questions to ask yourself before deciding on your RQ

Before answering this question, consider how you might collect information to answer your question. For example, how confident are you that you can actually access the information? Remember that any information gained from businesses might be confidential. Some economic questions are also difficult to research because isolating the particular variable is difficult.

When conducting primary research you need to very clear about who your sample frame is going to be and can you get access to those people?  For instance when completing research on the viability of solar panels, your sample frame must be those potential purchasers e.g. those who own their own home with a roof large enough to accommodate it and not just your friends and family.

Can this topic be completed in 4000 words?

4,000 words may seem like a dauntingly large amount but you will be surprised how quickly the words go.  Some topics are far too broad in their scope to tackle in 4,000 words and some economic theory maybe too complex to cover adequately within the word limit.  Try to stay clear of topics more suited to essays in Business Management or Psychology and you will be disadvantaged, unless you also take those subjects as part of your Diploma. Some of these topics would be more suited to a multi-disciplinary approach of World Studies and combining Economics and Psychology.

You also need to be cognisant that this is a project where you should spend around 40 hours. For some topic it would be impossible to survey enough interested people, without giving up your entire summer vacation.

Is your topic academically rigorous enough?

One of the skills of writing the essay is connecting to an area of the syllabus with sufficient complexity so you can demonstrate your ability to critically evaluate and analyse like an economist. Remember that essays which are too descriptive are unlikely to score well.

For more information about completing an extended essay in economics including a sampler essay read the remainder of the pages in this section.

Candidates should expect to spend approximately 40 hours completing their essay.

IB CompSci Hub

Extended Essay

Extended Essays in Computer Science are not easy to do. Computer Science is counted as an experimental science by the IB and thus requires you to do some kind of experiment in the realm of computer science and then report your findings.

As so few students attempt a CS EE every year, coming up with a ‘good’ CS EE topic will be half your struggle.

IB guidance on EEs

General IB Extended Essay

Specific IB EE Guidance on Computer Science

Topic guidance for Computer Science

EE mark scheme (new)

EE mark scheme guidance

EE mark scheme guidance (specifically for Computer Science)

RPPF form (must be included in final submission)

Examples of Topics 

Below are some examples of what topics our students have been doing recently (including the grade they received from the IB). Obviously, you cannot take any of these topics as it would flag as cheating; they are posted to give you an idea of the TYPE of topic that gets a good grade.

Past essays  

Because of plagiarism concerns, we cannot share any essays from past students on this site, but you are welcome to visit LD Anderson’s CS EE world site:  CS EE World

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• Educator Hub

17/04/2023  •  1 min read

Download guide: How to facilitate the Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is one of the core components of the IB Diploma, along with the CAS and Theory of Knowledge. It provides candidates with the opportunity to carry out a major piece of inquiry and produce a formal piece of writing that is focused on a topic of their choice.

This guide written by our expert author, John Cannings, will take you through exactly what your role as supervisor entails as your students work on their Extended Essay. He maps out what is expected of you as a facilitator, what you can expect from your students, and draws on an example process to put it all into context.

About the Author

John Cannings is an experienced IB educator who has been a workshop leader for 19 years, and an examiner for 22 years. He has co-authored two CAS books, and has been involved with the CAS curriculum reviews.

Topics included in the guide:

• Formal meetings 1, 2 & 3 – how should they be planned out?
• Reflections – example answers
• Tips for supervisor comments

Download guide

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Download the guide here.

TOK Mindset: how to integrate concepts, content and skills

New to Teaching TOK? Here’s Some Advice

Whether we are new to teaching altogether or are experienced teachers, having to familiarise ourselves with a new curriculum is something we normally take in our stride. The IB Diploma Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, however, seems to make us all believe that we know nothing about anything. Here is the big secret:

IB Chemistry Web

• Syllabus 2016
• The IB Diploma
• Experimental
• Extended essay
• May 2023 schedule
• Periodic table
• MYP Chemistry

Extended essay in chemistry

The following is an overview of the extended essay guidelines for chemistry (IBO documents)

An extended essay in chemistry provides students with an opportunity to investigate a particular aspect of the materials of our environment. Such extended essays must be characterized by a particular chemical emphasis within a more general set of research criteria.

The outcome of the research should be a coherent and structured piece of writing that effectively addresses a particular issue or research question and arrives at a particular, and preferably personal, conclusion.

Choice of topic

It is important that the extended essay has a clear chemical emphasis and is not more closely related to another subject. Chemistry is the science that deals with the composition, characterization and transformation of substances. A chemistry extended essay should, therefore, incorporate chemical principles and theory, and emphasize the essential nature of chemistry, relating to the study of matter and of the changes it undergoes.

Although the same assessment criteria apply to all extended essays, for an extended essay submitted in chemistry the topic chosen must allow an approach that distinctly involves chemistry. Where a topic might be approached from different viewpoints, the treatment of the material must be approached from a chemistry perspective. For example, an extended essay in an interdisciplinary area such as biochemistry will, if registered as a chemistry extended essay, be judged on its chemical content, not its biological content.

The scope of the topic and the research associated with it should enable all the criteria to be addressed. A good topic is one where the single research question is sharply focused and can be treated effectively within the word limit. Perhaps the most important factor is the depth of treatment that can be given to the topic by the student. Broad or complex survey topics (for example, investigations into health problems caused by water pollution, chemotherapy for cancer treatment or the use of spectroscopy in chemical analysis) will not permit the student to discuss conflicting ideas and theories, nor to produce an in-depth personal analysis within the word limit.

Some topics may be unsuitable for investigation because of safety issues. For example, experiments involving toxic or dangerous chemicals, carcinogenic substances or radioactive materials should be avoided unless adequate safety apparatus and qualified supervision are available.

Other topics may be unsuitable because the outcome is already well known and documented in standard textbooks, and the student may not be able to show any personal input. An example might be a study of the reactions of the alkali metals with water as this is already covered by the syllabus. However, some care does need to be exercised in deciding whether a topic is suitable or not; for example, previously, the study of the allotropes of carbon might have been thought to be trivial but this would not be the case today.

Example essay titles

The following examples of titles for chemistry extended essays are intended as guidance only. The pairings illustrate that focused topics (indicated by the first title) should be encouraged rather than broad topics (indicated by the second title).

“The ratio of the gases evolved at the positive electrode during the electrolysis of common salt solution” is better than “Electrolysis of solutions”.

“Spectrophotometric determination of trace amounts of lead in drinking water” is better than “Water analysis”.

“The effects of sugar-free chewing gum on the pH of saliva in the mouth after a meal” is better than “Acid–base chemistry”.

“How can the natural oxidant rutin be extracted and purified from the seed of the Chinese Scholartree?” is better than “Extraction of natural products from plants”.

Moreover, it may help if the student further defines and refines the topic chosen for study in the form of a research question or statement.

The ratio of the gases evolved at the positive electrode during the electrolysis of common salt solution

Research question

Is there a relationship between the concentration of aqueous sodium chloride solution and the ratio of the amounts of oxygen and chlorine gas that are evolved at the positive electrode during electrolysis.

The caffeine content of a cup of tea

Does the time it takes to brew a cup of tea using a specific commercial brand of tea leaves significantly alter the amount of caffeine that is dissolved in the drink?

Analysis of strawberry jellies by paper chromatography

The use of paper chromatography to determine whether strawberry jellies obtained from 24 different countries in 5 different continents all contain the same red dyes.

Treatment of the topic

An extended essay in chemistry may be based on literature, theoretical models or experimental data. Whichever category or combination of categories is chosen, the student should ensure that sufficient data is available for evaluation and that the topic can be researched accurately using locally available resources.

Students who choose to write an extended essay based on literature and/or surveys should ensure that their extended essay clearly shows its chemical basis. Essays written at the level of a newspaper or news magazine article are unlikely to achieve a high mark.

Since chemistry is an experimental science, students are strongly encouraged to undertake experimental work as part of their research, although this is not compulsory. In order to place their research into the appropriate context, students should research the area of the investigation before commencing any experimental work. Where possible, they should consult original research using scientific journals, personal communications and the internet. Textbooks should never be the only source of information.

All essays involving experimental work undertaken by the student should include a clear and concise description of the experimental work. Students should indicate clearly whether they have personally designed the experiment, or give the source of an existing experiment method that they have used and state how they have adapted and improved upon it. All essays must be supervised by a school supervisor.

Many of the best essays are written by students investigating relatively simple phenomena using apparatus and materials that can be found in most school laboratories, and this approach is to be encouraged. If the practical work is carried out in an industrial or university laboratory, the essay should be accompanied by a letter from the external supervisor outlining the nature of the supervision and the level of guidance provided. The school supervisor must be satisfied that the work described in the essay is genuine and essentially that of the student.

Data collected from an experiment designed by the student is of little value unless it is analysed using appropriate scientific techniques, evaluated and perhaps compared with appropriate models.

It is possible to produce an extended essay in chemistry in which the student has used data collected elsewhere as the primary source. In such cases, the element of personal analysis and evaluation is extremely important.

In any chemistry extended essay, students should be able to demonstrate that they understand the theory underlying any experimental work and state any assumptions made. They should show an understanding of the results obtained and be able to interpret them with reference to the research question posed. They should be critical of inadequate experimental design, the limitations of the experimental method and any systematic errors.

Students should be encouraged to consider unresolved questions in their research, and to suggest new questions and areas for further investigation in their conclusion. Throughout the whole of the essay, students should emphasize clearly their own personal contribution.

Interpreting the assessment criteria

Criterion A: research question

Many research questions can be formulated as an actual question or questions. A typical example is: “What gas is evolved when zinc is added to copper (II) sulfate solution and what factors affect its formation?”. However, in chemistry extended essays it is perfectly reasonable to formulate the research question as a statement or as a hypothesis rather than an actual question. “An analysis of the amount of aluminium in three different brands of underarm deodorant by visible spectroscopy” and “The kinetics of oxidation of iodide ions with hydrogen peroxide in acidic solutions” are two such examples where a statement rather than a question is appropriate. Whichever way it is formulated, it should be identified clearly as the research question and set out prominently in the introduction.

Criterion B: introduction

The purpose of the introduction is to set the research question into context, that is, to relate the research question to existing knowledge in chemistry. It is usually appropriate to include also the underlying chemical theory required to understand how the research question has arisen. Some research questions require some background knowledge that is not related to chemistry—for example, “Do the fossils found in different strata of rocks at a particular location contain different amounts of sulfur?” . For the essay to make sense, it would be important to state the ages of the rocks and give some geological background. In such cases, only the essential non-chemistry information should be provided in the introduction, as the essay will be marked on its chemical content. If it is necessary to include more non-chemistry (for example, geological) information, then the appropriate place for it is the appendix.

Criterion C: investigation

The way in which the investigation is undertaken will depend very much on whether or not the essay contains experimental work performed by the student. For non-experimental essays, students should endeavour to show clearly how the data has been selected. They should distinguish between primary sources (original scientific publications, personal communications, interviews) and secondary sources (textbooks, newspaper articles, reviews), and show awareness of how reliable these sources are. For experimental work, sufficient information should be provided so that the work could be repeated if necessary by an independent worker. Students should make it clear which experiments they have designed themselves and which they have altered, adapted or improved from existing methods.

Criterion D: knowledge and understanding of the topic studied

Students should show that they understand fully the underlying chemistry behind the context of their research question and their subsequent investigation. They are not expected to explain basic chemistry forming part of the Diploma Programme chemistry course, but they are expected to show that they fully understand the relevant principles and ideas and can apply them correctly. They should also demonstrate that they understand the theory behind any techniques or apparatus used.

Criterion E: reasoned argument

Students should be aware of the need to give their essays the backbone of a developing argument. A good argument in chemistry will almost certainly include consideration and comparison of different approaches and methods directly relevant to the research question. Straightforward descriptive or narrative accounts that lack analysis do not usually advance an argument and should be avoided.

Criterion F: application of analytical and evaluative skills appropriate to the subject

A thorough understanding of the reliability of all data used to support the argument should be shown. Inadequate experimental design or any systematic errors should be exposed. The magnitude of uncertainties in physical data should be evaluated and discussed. Approximations in models should be accounted for and all assumptions examined thoroughly. Where possible, the quality of sources accessed or data generated should be verified by secondary sources or by direct calculations.

Criterion G: use of language appropriate to the subject

Correct chemical terminology and nomenclature should be used consistently and effectively throughout the extended essay. Relevant chemical formulas (including structural formulas), balanced equations (including state symbols) and mechanisms should be included. The correct units for physical quantities must always be given and the proper use of significant figures is expected.

Criterion H: conclusion

The conclusion must be consistent with the argument presented and should not merely repeat material in the introduction or introduce new or extraneous points to the argument. In chemistry, it is almost always pertinent to consider unresolved questions and to suggest areas for further investigation.

Criterion I: formal presentation

This criterion relates to the extent to which the essay conforms to academic standards about the way in which research papers should be presented. The presentation of essays that omit a bibliography or that do not give references is deemed unacceptable (level 0). Essays that omit one of the required elements—title page, table of contents, page numbers—are deemed no better than satisfactory (maximum level 2), while essays that omit two of them are deemed poor at best (maximum level 1).

The essay must not exceed 4,000 words of narrative. Graphs, figures, calculations, diagrams, formulas and equations are not included in the word count. For experiments where numerical results are calculated from data obtained by changing one of the variables, it is generally good practice to show one example of the calculation. The remainder can be displayed in tabular or graphical form.

Criterion J: abstract

The abstract is judged on the clarity with which it presents an overview of the research and the essay, not on the quality of the research question itself, nor on the quality of the argument or the conclusions.

Criterion K: holistic judgment

Qualities that are rewarded under this criterion include the following.

Intellectual initiative: Ways of demonstrating this in chemistry essays include the choice of topic and research question, and the use of novel or innovative approaches to address the research question.

Insight and depth of understanding: These are most likely to be demonstrated as a consequence of detailed research and thorough reflection, and by a well-informed and reasoned argument that consistently and effectively addresses the research question.

Originality and creativity: These will be apparent by clear evidence of a personal approach backed up by solid research and reasoning.

The assessment criteria

Past essay titles

The Roaming Scientist

• Nov 7, 2023

IBDP Extended Essay Timeline - Sessions & Deadlines for Students

One of the most time consuming and important parts of my role as IBDP Extended Essay Coordinator is planning the timeline for each cohort of students. What deadlines make sense for each group? When do holidays & IA due dates fall? What kinds of sessions do I need to run to support the

students? In this blog post I will share the general guidelines I use to make these decisions, the student sessions I choose to run and a Word Document version of the timeline for this cohort (class of 2025).

At my school we choose to break the EE process down into several mini-deadlines, which are:

EE Advisor request - November 13th

First draft EE Research Question (RQ) - December 11th (just before winter break)

EE Outline & Bibliography due - January 25th

Reflection #1 in RRPF form - January 31st

2500 words of draft #1 due - March 18th

Reflection #2 in RRPF form - April 24th

4000 words of draft #2 due - May 16th

Final draft due - first week back in school (August)

Viva voce - mid-September

Final reflection late September

Among all of these due dates are a variety of informational sessions designed to help teach students what the extended essay is all about & provide guidance through each step of the process. While we tend to start the process early at my school we try to let students get through most of their first semester before they select their EE Subject area, topic & write the first draft of their research question. This allows them to build some knowledge in their chosen subject area and really take some time to think about their ideas. Here are the sessions I offer to support students during short 40-minute sessions.

Year 1 Sessions:

What is the EE? IBDP Induction - September 6th

EE Fair (Intro EE Subjects) with teachers, students & posters - October 4th

EE Basics ( Who , What, When & RRS set-up) - November 1st

Developing your Research Question - November 22nd

Research Tools (with librarian) - January 17th

The Reflection Process - January 31st

EE Formatting & Reflection #2 - April 24th

Year 2 Sessions:

What is the Viva voce & finalizing your EE for upload - early September

EE Completion celebration!

The final part of our EE process are the Writer's Workshops, these are events held in the library on campus where students and teachers have time to focus completely on the EE. Usually one is held on a Saturday from about 10 am to 1 pm and one on a Wednesday afternoon from 1:30 pm to 4 pm. We have them just before each major draft deadline. These help our students find time to meet with their advisors, focus and motivate each other to be productive. There are so many deadlines and things to do in the IB Diploma Program that it can be hard to focus on the EE, so this is something we do to help. This year we will do our two Writer's Workshops on:

Writer's Workshop #1 (for first 2500 word draft) Saturday, March 9th

Writer's Workshop #2 (for first 4000 word draft) Wednesday, May 8th

Here is the process all in an editable Word document that you can use to modify for your own school's needs.

I hope that this post was helpful, if you need any other resources or ideas for the IBDP Extended Essay you can find several resources in my TPT shop and a few other blog posts about the EE. The first post is all about the IBDP EE , an introduction post and I have also written one about the different roles in the EE , including the role of the student, supervisor, librarian etc.

As always, thanks for reading teachers, travelers & curious souls of all kinds.

• IBDP Extended Essay

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Biology Extended Essay Topics and RQs for IBDP

Table of contents

• Writing Metier

It’s time for our exploration of Biology extended essay topics, a resource designed to spark your curiosity and guide your research interests in the vast and vibrant field of biology. 

Whether you’re fascinated by the intricate workings of ecosystems or intrigued by the complexities of cellular processes, this article offers a diverse range of topics collected by expert academic writers to suit your interests. 

NB! If you need assistance with your Biology assignments, you can use our biology essay writing service , which will surely assist you. Now, let’s get back to the main question of the article – BIO EE topic ideas.

Bio EE topic categories

List of biology extended essay topic categories I’ll cover in this article.

• Impact of Urban Development on Local Ecosystems – Investigating the effects of urban expansion on biodiversity in a specific area.
• Marine Biology and Ocean Acidification – Studying the impact of changing pH levels on marine life.
• Invasive Species and Their Impact on Biodiversity – Analyzing how a particular invasive species has affected native wildlife.
• Conservation Efforts for Endangered Species – Evaluating the effectiveness of current conservation strategies for a specific endangered species.
• Climate Change and Its Effects on Ecosystems – Researching how a particular ecosystem has been impacted by climate change.
• Nutrition and Diet’s Impact on Human Health – Exploring the effects of a specific diet on human health.
• Exercise Physiology – Investigating how different types of exercise affect a particular aspect of human health.
• Neurobiology of Sleep – Studying the effects of sleep patterns on cognitive functions.
• Genetic Factors in Diseases – Exploring the role of genetics in the susceptibility to a specific disease.
• Impact of Environmental Factors on Allergies – Analyzing how environmental changes have influenced the prevalence of allergies.
• Gene Expression in Cancer Cells – Investigating how gene expression differs in cancerous versus normal cells.
• Protein Synthesis and Its Regulation – Studying the regulation of protein synthesis in a specific organism or cell type.
• Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine – Exploring the potential of stem cells in treating a specific condition.
• Viral Replication and Host Interaction – Examining how a particular virus replicates and interacts with its host.
• DNA Repair Mechanisms – Investigating the efficacy of different DNA repair mechanisms under various conditions.
• Photosynthesis Variations Among Plant Species – Comparing photosynthetic efficiency in different plant species.
• Impact of Climate Change on Plant Growth – Studying how changing climates affect the growth of a specific plant species.
• Medicinal Properties of Plants – Investigating the medicinal properties of a specific plant.
• Plant Defense Mechanisms Against Pathogens – Exploring how a particular plant species defends itself against pathogens.
• Genetic Modification and Crop Improvement – Analyzing the impacts of genetic modification on a specific crop’s traits.
• Social Behavior in Insects – Studying the social structures and behaviors of a specific insect species.
• Bird Migration Patterns – Investigating the factors influencing migration patterns of a specific bird species.
• Physiological Adaptations in Marine Mammals – Exploring adaptations that enable marine mammals to survive in their environments.
• Impact of Environmental Stressors on Animal Behavior – Analyzing how specific stressors affect the behavior of a particular animal species.
• Endocrine Regulation in Animals – Studying how the endocrine system regulates processes in a specific animal.
• Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria – Investigating the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in a specific bacterial strain.
• Use of Microorganisms in Bioremediation – Exploring the use of microorganisms in cleaning up environmental pollutants.
• Genetic Engineering and Its Applications – Analyzing the applications and implications of genetic engineering in a specific field.
• Role of Microbiome in Human Health – Studying how the human microbiome influences health and disease.
• Yeast Fermentation and Its Industrial Applications – Investigating the fermentation process in yeast and its uses in industry.
• Evolutionary Adaptations to Environmental Changes – Exploring how a particular species has adapted to environmental changes over time.
• Genetic Diversity and Population Health – Studying the impact of genetic diversity on the health of a specific population.
• Molecular Basis of Inheritance – Investigating the molecular mechanisms of inheritance in a specific organism.
• Speciation and Genetic Drift – Analyzing the role of genetic drift in the speciation process.
• Human Evolutionary Biology – Studying aspects of human evolution, such as the development of specific traits.

Every category and its subcategories provide a comprehensive overview, from the microscopic wonders of microbiology to the grand scale of evolutionary biology. 

With the help of our IB writers team, I have managed to collect all these ideas for you, so I hope you will be enjoying this. I aim to inspire your investigative spirit and help you select a topic that  satisfies the IB criteria  and aligns with your passion for biology. 

IB Bio extended essay topics

So, let’s begin with a list of IB Biology EE topics list.

Ecology and Environmental Science

I’m stoked to talk about Ecology and Environmental Science . It’s all about how living things interact with each other and their surroundings. Think of it like a complex dance of life, where every move affects the whole scene. 

From the hustle and bustle of city ecosystems to the quiet, yet dynamic, world of marine biology, we’ll explore how these interactions shape our planet. We’ll also explore the hot topics of invasive species and their impacts, the heroic efforts in conservation, and the big elephant in the room – climate change. 

So, let’s get ready to explore the intricate tapestry of life that makes our world fascinating!

Impact of Urban Development on Local Ecosystems

• Research Question: How does the presence of urban green spaces affect bird species diversity in [City Name]?
• Research Question: What impact do urban heat islands have on the behavior and distribution of [Specific Animal Species] in [City Name]?

Marine Biology and Ocean Acidification

• Research Question: How does ocean acidification affect coral bleaching events in the [Specific Coral Reef Location]?
• Research Question: What is the impact of increasing ocean acidification on the shell growth and survival of [Specific Shellfish Species]?

Invasive Species and Their Impact on Biodiversity

• Research Question: What has been the impact of the invasive Zebra Mussel on native species in the Great Lakes?
• Research Question: How do invasive plant species [Specify Species] affect the growth and survival of native plants in [Specific Region]?

Conservation Efforts for Endangered Species

• Research Question: How effective have conservation strategies been in increasing the population of the Giant Panda in China?
• Research Question: What are the impacts of anti-poaching measures on the survival of Rhinoceros populations in Africa?

Climate Change and Its Effects on Ecosystems

• Research Question: How is the melting of Arctic sea ice affecting the habitat and migration patterns of polar bears?
• Research Question: What are the effects of rising global temperatures on plant and animal life in the Alpine ecosystems?

Transitioning from the external world of Ecology and Environmental Science, we now turn to the internal intricacies of Human Physiology and Health. 

This shift brings us from exploring external ecosystems to understanding our body’s inner workings, a world where lifestyle choices meet biological responses.

Human Physiology and Health

Let’s chat about Human Physiology and Health, the amazing science of how our bodies work and how we keep them ticking. We’re diving headfirst into the world of nutrition and diet – what you eat isn’t just about taste, it’s about your health too! 

Then, we’ll check out how exercise, that thing we all know we should do more of, affects our bodies in awesome ways. Ever wondered about the science of sleep and how it messes with your brain when you don’t catch enough Z’s? We’ll cover that, along with the mysteries of genetics in diseases, and how our environment plays a sneaky role in triggering allergies. 

It’s going to be an eye-opening ride through the wonders of our bodies!

Nutrition and Diet’s Impact on Human Health

• Research Question: How does adherence to the Mediterranean diet affect cardiovascular health indicators in adults?
• Research Question: What is the impact of a long-term vegan diet on nutrient absorption and health in teenagers?

Exercise Physiology

• Research Question: How does HIIT affect cardiovascular fitness in young adults?
• Research Question: What are the effects of regular yoga practice on stress and anxiety levels in college students?

Neurobiology of Sleep

• Research Question: How does sleep deprivation impact cognitive performance and memory in high school students?
• Research Question: What is the relationship between sleep patterns and academic performance in IB students?

Genetic Factors in Diseases

• Research Question: How do specific genetic factors contribute to the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease?
• Research Question: What is the contribution of genetics to the onset of Type 2 Diabetes in populations with high prevalence rates?

Impact of Environmental Factors on Allergies

• Research Question: What is the correlation between air pollution levels and the prevalence of respiratory allergies in urban children?
• Research Question: How has climate change influenced the prevalence and severity of allergic diseases in [Specific Region]?

Moving from Human Physiology and Health, we zoom into the realm of Cellular and Molecular Biology. 

Here, we swap the broader human health perspective for a closer look at life’s building blocks, delving into the microscopic universe that operates within every living being.

Cellular and Molecular Biology

Ready to geek out on Cellular and Molecular Biology? This is where we get down to the nitty-gritty of life – the cells and molecules that make up every living thing. 

We’re talking about the big bad world of cancer cells and what makes them tick, the fascinating process of how our cells make proteins, and the cutting-edge stuff like stem cell research and how viruses play a game of cat and mouse with our bodies. 

Meanwhile, make sure also to check our article with biology research paper topics for all students.

Plus, we’ll unravel the mysteries of how our cells fix their own DNA. It’s like being a detective, but for biology. Trust me, it’s cooler than it sounds!

Gene Expression in Cancer Cells

• Research Question: How does gene expression in breast cancer cells differ from that in normal breast tissue?
• Research Question: What role do specific oncogenes play in the development of colorectal cancer?

Protein Synthesis and Its Regulation

• Research Question: How is protein synthesis regulated in response to physical exercise in human muscle cells?
• Research Question: How do bacterial cells regulate protein synthesis under environmental stress conditions?

Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine

• Research Question: What is the potential of stem cell therapy in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease?
• Research Question: How can stem cells be used to repair damaged heart tissue?

Viral Replication and Host Interaction

• Research Question: How does HIV replicate within human cells, and what is its impact on the immune system?
• Research Question: How does the Influenza virus adapt to host immune responses over time?

DNA Repair Mechanisms

• Research Question: How do DNA repair mechanisms change as human cells age?
• Research Question: How effective are DNA repair mechanisms in skin cells exposed to different levels of UV radiation?

After diving into the microcosm of cells and molecules, we transition to Plant Biology. 

This shift steers us from the foundations of life at the cellular level to the diverse world of plants, exploring how these organisms harness and embody basic biological principles.

Plant Biology

Let’s dive into the world of Plant Biology! Plants are not just pretty to look at; they’re the backbone of all life on Earth. 

We’ll be talking about how they turn sunlight into food – a process that’s as important as it is fascinating. Ever wonder how plants are coping with our changing climate or what superpowers medicinal plants have? We’ve got that covered. 

We’ll also explore the secret life of plants, how they defend themselves against enemies, and the science behind making them stronger and better through genetic modification. 

It’s time to get our hands dirty and uncover the secrets of the plant world!

Photosynthesis Variations Among Plant Species

• Research Question: How does photosynthetic efficiency compare between C3 and C4 plants under varying light conditions?
• Research Question: What is the effect of varying light intensities on the rate of photosynthesis in [Specific Aquatic Plant Species]?

Impact of Climate Change on Plant Growth

• Research Question: How are Arctic tundra plants adapting their growth patterns in response to global warming?
• Research Question: What is the impact of elevated atmospheric CO2 levels on the growth of [Specific Plant Species]?

Medicinal Properties of Plants

• Research Question: What are the anti-inflammatory properties of [Specific Medicinal Plant] and how can they be harnessed?
• Research Question: What is the antioxidant capacity of different herbal teas, and how does it affect human health?

Plant Defense Mechanisms Against Pathogens

• Research Question: How do [Specific Plant Species] defend themselves against fungal infections?
• Research Question: What role do secondary metabolites play in the defense mechanisms of [Specific Plant Species] against herbivores?

Genetic Modification and Crop Improvement

• Research Question: How effective are genetically modified crops in resisting drought conditions compared to traditional varieties?
• Research Question: What is the impact of genetic modification on the nutrient content of [Specific Crop]?

From the stationary life of plants, we now step into the dynamic world of Animal Behavior and Physiology. This change of scene introduces us to the complex behaviors and physiological adaptations of animals, offering a contrasting perspective to plant biology.

Animal Behavior and Physiology

Let’s jump into the wild and wonderful world of Animal Behavior and Physiology. This is where we get to spy on the animal kingdom and learn about their secret lives. 

From the social gossip of insects to the globe-trotting adventures of migratory birds, animals have some amazing stories to tell. 

We’ll also look at how marine animals have adapted to their deep and mysterious homes, how animals respond when their environment goes bonkers, and the hormonal soap operas that dictate their lives. 

It’s like being a fly on the wall in the most interesting nature documentary ever!

Social Behavior in Insects

• Research Question: How does the social structure of honeybee colonies affect their survival and productivity?
• Research Question: What are the primary communication mechanisms used in ant colonies, and how do they impact colony efficiency?

Bird Migration Patterns

• Research Question: How has climate change affected the migration routes of [Specific Bird Species]?
• Research Question: How do magnetic fields influence the migration patterns of [Specific Bird Species]?

Physiological Adaptations in Marine Mammals

• Research Question: What physiological adaptations allow sperm whales to dive to extreme depths?
• Research Question: How do polar bears regulate their body temperature in the Arctic environment?

Impact of Environmental Stressors on Animal Behavior

• Research Question: How does underwater noise pollution affect the behavior and communication of dolphins?
• Research Question: What are the effects of urban light pollution on the nocturnal activities of [Specific Nocturnal Animal Species]?

Endocrine Regulation in Animals

• Research Question: How do hormones regulate the reproductive behaviors in [Specific Bird Species]?
• Research Question: How do stress-induced cortisol levels affect the behavior of [Specific Wild Animal Species] in their natural habitat?

Leaving the observable world of animals, we enter the less visible but equally important sphere of Microbiology and Biotechnology. This transition takes us from larger life forms to the microscopic, where tiny organisms significantly impact our health, environment, and technology.

Microbiology and Biotechnology

Alright, microbe hunters and tech wizards, it’s time to zoom in on Microbiology and Biotechnology. This is the world of the tiny, where bacteria and viruses hang out, and where science meets innovation . 

We’re going to explore the battleground of antibiotic resistance, how we can use tiny organisms to clean up our messes, and the mind-blowing possibilities of genetic engineering. 

Ever thought about how your gut buddies – the microbiome – affect your health? We’ll get into that too, along with the yeast party that’s behind some of your favorite bread and beverages.

Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria

• Research Question: What factors have contributed to the rise of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in hospitals?
• Research Question: What are the primary mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli strains found in [Specific Environment]?

Use of Microorganisms in Bioremediation

• Research Question: How effective are specific bacterial species in the bioremediation of oil spills?
• Research Question: What is the effectiveness of using fungi in the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals?

Genetic Engineering and Its Applications

• Research Question: What is the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in preventing genetic diseases?
• Research Question: How has genetic engineering been used to enhance the nutritional quality of [Specific Crop]?

Role of Microbiome in Human Health

• Research Question: What is the relationship between the gut microbiome and obesity in adults?
• Research Question: How does the diversity of the human microbiome affect immune system functioning?

Yeast Fermentation and Its Industrial Applications

• Research Question: How efficient is yeast fermentation in the production of biofuels compared to traditional methods?
• Research Question: How do different yeast strains affect the flavor profiles in beer brewing?

Finally, we shift from the practical applications in Microbiology and Biotechnology to the historical narrative of Evolution and Genetics. This move links present-day biological understanding to the historical journey of life, unraveling how genetic heritage and evolutionary processes shape all living things.

Evolution and Genetics

Ready to unravel the tales of Evolution and Genetics? This is where we figure out how life on Earth got to be as diverse and fantastic as it is. We’ll be exploring the incredible adaptations organisms have made to survive and thrive, how genetic diversity is crucial for the health of species, and the molecular secrets behind inheritance. 

Ever pondered how new species come into being or what genetics reveal about our own ancient history ? Well, you’re in for a treat. We’re about to walk through time and genes to discover the roots and branches of the tree of life. Buckle up!

Evolutionary Adaptations to Environmental Changes

• Research Question: What evolutionary adaptations have enabled cacti to thrive in harsh desert environments?
• Research Question: How have Galápagos finches undergone adaptive radiation in response to their environment?

Genetic Diversity and Population Health

• Research Question: How does genetic diversity affect the health and survival of animal populations on isolated islands?
• Research Question: How can conservation genetics be used to enhance the survival prospects of [Specific Endangered Species]?

Molecular Basis of Inheritance

• Research Question: What is the molecular basis of inheritance for Sickle Cell Anemia?
• Research Question: How can mitochondrial DNA be used to trace maternal lineage in human populations?

Speciation and Genetic Drift

• Research Question: What role has genetic drift played in the speciation of cichlids in Lake Victoria?
• Research Question: How does genetic drift affect the genetic diversity of small, isolated animal populations?

Human Evolutionary Biology

• Research Question: What evolutionary factors contributed to the development of bipedalism in early humans?
• Research Question: What are the key genetic adaptations that enable humans to live at high altitudes?

These topics and questions aim to inspire in-depth exploration and research, allowing students to delve into various aspects of biology, from molecular to ecosystem levels. 

Use them as an inspiration for your future Ib extended essay.

Select your topic wisely!

The world of biology is rich with diverse topics suitable for an Extended Essay. From the tiny intricacies of cellular biology to the broad complexities of environmental science, each area offers a unique perspective and a chance for in-depth exploration . 

The key to a successful essay is choosing a topic that not only interests you but also challenges your analytical and research skills.

Need Extra Support?

If you’re seeking guidance with your topic selection, or if you need assistance in writing or editing your Biology Extended Essay , our team at Writing Metier is here to help. 

Our experienced IB writers are equipped to provide the support you need to refine your ideas and enhance your writing. Contact us for personalized assistance, or simply fill out our online order form with details of your IB EE and ensure your essay is a reflection of your best efforts.

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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The role of the librarian in the IBDP

If you are reading this you are probably in an International Baccalaureate (IB)  school – which means you are very lucky because you almost certainly have a school librarian to support you. But what is the unique role that a librarian should have in your education, and how can you make the most of what your librarian is offering?

It’s not all about books!

School libraries around the world are under threat ( BBC, 2017 ;   ABC news, 2017 ;  Citylab, 2019 ). As school budgets are being squeezed, many regard a professional librarian (and often even a library) as a luxury they can’t afford rather than an educational necessity. The problem is largely one of definition, and of understanding (both among school leaders and librarians themselves) of what a school librarian does. And that is why the situation is often different in IB schools. The traditional definition of a librarian is “ a person in charge of or assisting in a library ” (1), where a library is “ a building or room containing collections of books, periodicals, and sometimes films and recorded music for use or borrowing by the public or the members of an institution ” (2).

In a world where so much information is freely available online, ebooks are on the rise and many print books are cheap to buy, some have even suggested that libraries should be replaced by a well-known online retail giant ( Guardian, 2018 ). But regardless of the arguments about the importance of books in education (and I am convinced they are still very important), the real problem often lies in school librarians grounding their identity in books and reading, not in education. The central purpose of schools is education and that should be the central purpose of school librarians too. If “they aren’t buying what we’re selling” then maybe the problem is with us, not them!

Fortunately, the IB recognises this and has published a document entitled  Ideal libraries  ( IBO, 2018 ) explaining (3) what you should be able to expect from your school library. It defines (school) libraries as “ combinations of people, places, collections and services that aid and extend learning and teaching .” (p.2). Notice that books aren’t mentioned at all – not because they aren’t an important and valuable part of our job, but because they are a tool we use to achieve our purpose, not the reason we exist. This astonishing and inspiring document goes on to explain the key roles of the librarian, and I am going to use it to explain what you should be expecting from your school librarian, and why they are a fundamental part of your IB education.

So what does a school librarian do?

The IBO says in  Ideal Libraries that:

Library/ians act as curators of information, caretakers of content and people, catalysts of people and services, and connectors to sources of information, multiliteracies, and reading. Librarians’ responsibilities are inspired by the learning environments they engage with, and in that capacity, they are co-creators of information with the school and the wider community. They challenge learners to seek appropriate information, to use sound methods of inquiry and research, and teach them to question the information they find and use. (p.5)

In short, your librarian is the person to know if you want to learn how to access and work with information to generate and/or answer an inquiry question. You might expect your librarian to have the skills to locate and access information on whatever obscure topic you may have chosen for your EE (or IA), but our role goes far beyond that. It’s our job to be able to teach you to understand how to journey from the vague stirrings of an interest in a topic all the way through to a carefully researched, tightly argued and appropriately sourced and referenced essay answering a thoughtfully worded inquiry question within the space of about nine months, reflecting as you go. In short, it is our job to turn you into an academic researcher (although we prefer the term inquirer).

Shaping the IB Extended Essay process

Your teachers and supervisors are subject specialists, but your librarian is the specialist in inquiry. “ Inquiry is an approach to learning whereby students find and use a variety of sources of information and ideas to increase their understanding of a problem, topic or issue. It requires more of them than simply answering questions or getting a right answer. ”  (Kuhlthau, 2007, p. 2) . More broadly, “ inquiry is a dynamic process of being open to wonder and puzzlement and coming to know and understand the world, [and] as such, it is a stance that pervades all aspects of life and is essential to the way in which knowledge is created ” ( Galileo Educational Network ).

The Extended Essay may be your first major step into the type of inquiry where you have real freedom to choose your own topic, so it makes sense that it should be guided by someone who really understands the process. At Oakham School, our journey with inquiry began with an examination of the EE process and how it could be reshaped to support our students more effectively. In 2010 Darryl Toerien, the Head of Library, had been developing his understanding of inquiry through the work of Carol Kuhlthau and Barbara Stripling. He realised that the EE process that he had inherited when he joined the school in 2008 was largely driven by an administrative need to make sure that students met certain deadlines rather than by a deep understanding of the inquiry process and what it would take for them to get there.

Most glaringly, students were expected to select their research question within four weeks of their first introduction to the EE, but were then only given dedicated off-timetable time to work on the EE six months later, a week before their first draft was due. While they were expected to start gathering research materials much earlier, there was no real expectation of any substantial reading until EE “research week”, when they needed to do their reading and writing together in a fairly short concentrated space of time.

From his understanding of Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process, Darryl realised that the inquiry question only emerges from a deep understanding of the topic, achieved by using resources to investigate the topic and build understanding. You go into your investigation with an idea and a direction, and emerge with an understanding of an appropriate question to answer. He also realised that the most challenging, transformative and important work of the EE is not what is often called the “research” – finding resources and reading them – or even writing the essay. It is what comes in between those two – constructing a new (to you) understanding of your topic based on what you have read. This is what changes you and equips you to write an original, evidence-based essay, rather than a disjointed patchwork of other people’s thoughts. But this takes time and support.

Our current timetable is based on a blend of  Information Search Process  and  The FOSIL Cycle , developed by Darryl based on the  Stripling Model of Inquiry  within the  Empire State Information Fluency Continuum .

The FOSIL cycle  is a clear description of all the stages of inquiry, resting on a foundation of decades of research and it would require a blog post of its own to explain how the cycle works and the impact it has on teaching and learning – if you are interested visit the  The FOSIL Group website  for more information about the cycle,  free downloadable resources  and a community of educators sharing their ideas in  our forum .

By understanding how the inquiry process works, we can guide our students more effectively through it. In this particular case we realised that students had almost no time for  Connect  and  Wonder  (the background research and exploration required to understand a topic well enough to ask good questions) and often skipped  Construct  (building understanding) altogether as they jumped from  Investigate  (finding out) to  Express  (writing).

Adding  Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process , which described what students might be thinking, doing and feeling at each stage, into the timetable was the final piece of the puzzle.

We began to understand how students might be feeling at different stages of the process and when the most appropriate times to offer support were. In terms of structured support (provided centrally to the whole cohort, as opposed to that provided by supervisors) we went from just one seminar at the start of the process to three, backed up by two dedicated IT workshops. We also split the  Research Days  into two chunks, giving students three  Investigation Days  off timetable to find resources and start working with them quite early in the process (February), with plenty of time to continue reading, follow up leads and acquire new resources, think through what they had read and discuss it with their supervisors in between that and the  Writing Days  (June). This  Construct time is critical to helping students find their own voices. This is what the new timetable looks like in practice:

Hopefully you can see that this timetable is now informed by an understanding of the inquiry process and the student experience, rather than an administrative need for students to reach certain goals. The Library is also now integral to the EE process, not peripheral. This is the value of involving the Librarian in shaping the EE process.

Supporting the EE process

We now support the EE process through:

• Offering three compulsory targeted seminars at appropriate intervention points.
• Offering two compulsory targeted IT workshops at appropriate intervention points. As our provision has improved further down the school, we are finding more students arriving in the sixth form able to use the tools in Word to cite and reference and generate contents lists. This year we plan to offer parallel sessions for those who have never used these tools before and those who feel reasonably confident and just need a reminder.
• Supporting students in small groups and individually during the Investigation and Writing Days. It’s amazing how often students who thought they were pretty good at searching come out of these seminars surprised at how much they have learnt – if your library offers similar seminars it would be worth attending.
• Providing a web-based support resource (in our case a  LibGuide ) supporting students at every stage of the process. Our new  EE LibGuide  absolutely transformed our EE support last year, empowering students to access the support they need whenever they need it, moving through the process at their own pace. Having launched the resource in December 2019 with no idea of what was to come, the guide also enabled us to provide our strongest support ever, despite the coronavirus shutdown. We may continue to use some of the strategies we developed last year even after life returns to normal – for example using video tutorials for IT skills enables students to differentiate and self-pace and revisit in a way that live workshops do not, and allows them to choose PC or Mac based tutorials.
• Offering individual support as requested. We welcome individual requests by email or (before lockdown!) in person, and students often contact us for help finding resources on obscure topics and on citing different types of resources.
• Providing a broad and rich range of print and subscription resources, and purchasing new resources (or suggesting suitable alternatives) on request. Which leads us on to the third strand of the library service – and perhaps the one that springs to mind for most people when they think of the role of the library:

Resourcing the EE process

We have always emphasised using a wide variety of resources for in-depth research like the EE.

I.   Books  are perfect both for breadth – for reading around, becoming an expert in your topic and putting it into context. They are often (but not always) good academic sources, particularly when from well-known publishers, but you do still have to watch out for bias. Their biggest issue is the publishing time lag, which can mean it is harder to find a range of books about emerging issues, and the cost for niche academic texts.

II. Online journal articles  often give very narrowly focussed depth (and can be very current) but have to be used carefully at this level because they can be too focused if you don’t have appropriate grounding in that area. Our most commonly used databases for the EE are EBSCO Advanced Placement source and JSTOR – and both have also proved invaluable last year for the range of  ebooks  they have during lockdown when the physical library was closed. We also saw increasing use of the Oxford Very Short Introductions ebooks, which offer the quality and depth of print books combined with the searchable convenience of online resources.

III.  We have other subscription databases as well, and a third important category is  targeted databases  aimed directly at students at this level, which are increasingly starting to include video as well as print resources. We picked up the fantastic Ideas Roadshow’s IBDP Portal  resource quite late in the process last year, when many of our students were already quite far into the investigation and were moving towards writing. As we approach the start of our EE process this year, I am confident that this innovative and exciting resource will really come into its own during the  Connect  stage of the FOSIL Cycle.

The short clips and compilations (each of which comes with an accompanying 1-page PDF providing lots of helpful information related to each video, including citing instructions) and the longer, in-depth conversations with world-leading researchers are ideal for students with a vague idea of the subject and perhaps topics they are interested in, but no clear direction. They are perfect for browsing and stimulating interest – and students who discover a line of inquiry that inspires them are assured of a one-hour detailed conversation with an expert in the field (with an accompanying PDF e-book) underpinning each clip or compilation to kick off their investigation!

Shaping you

As you can see from the above, although my role as a librarian does involve the traditional “librarian” activities of acquiring and curating resources, and helping my students to navigate them, it is actually so much bigger than that. I see my role directly as an educator. Perhaps more than anyone else in the school, it is the librarian’s job to nurture, enable and empower life-long learners because our subject is inquiry. I am not constrained by the need to teach my students to pass a Chemistry or Latin or Sports Science exam  as well as  teaching them how to think and learn independently – how to find, access, interrogate, assimilate, evaluate information and transform it into knowledge  for themselves .

Not for me, not for the IB, not for the EE, not for their parents or their teachers. For themselves.

My students think I am supporting them through the EE, but my goal is so much larger. Done properly an EE can be a life changing experience that transforms a young person’s relationship with information and knowledge. It may well be the first time in your life when you realise that you have the power to turn yourself into an expert – when you realise that you know more about an academic topic than anyone around you, including your teachers, and that your thoughts and ideas matter.

I want to empower young people to question the narratives the world offers them, and to have the tools to seek authentic answers to those questions. I believe that the skills and attitudes that you learn through a relationship with your Library/ians during your school career will be vital for your success, not just at university but through the rest of your life.

As  Ideal Libraries  puts it:

“Libraries are where most forms of inquiry, not just academic ones, begin. The school may set the conditions for inquiry, encourage inquiry, and to some extent direct it, but learners must initiate inquiry for it to happen.”

You may think librarians spend all day hiding away in the library waiting patiently for someone to come in and ask for a book, but actually we’re hard at work (often late into the night) on changing the world, student by student.  As the author and film-maker Michael Moore said of librarians back in 2002 :

 “They are subversive. You think they’re just sitting there at the desk, all quiet and everything. They’re like plotting the revolution, man. I wouldn’t mess with them.”

1)  Oxford University Press. (2010) Librarian. In  Oxford Dictionary of English , edited by Stevenson, Angus. Retrieved June 8, 2020, from  https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780199571123.001.0001/m_en_gb0468920

2) Oxford University Press. (2010) Library. In  Oxford Dictionary of English , edited by Stevenson, Angus. Retrieved June 8, 2020, from  https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780199571123.001.0001/m_en_gb0468930

3) IBO (2018)  Ideal libraries: a guide for schools . Cardiff: IBO. Retrieved 12 June, 2020, from:  https://uaeschoollibrariansgroup.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/ideal-libraries-for-ib.pdf

Jennifer Toerien, Oakham School

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