Complete Guide For Extended Essay Topics

The Extended Essay is an important academic assignment that is a required component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. The Extended Essay is a research project that allows students to explore a topic of their choice in-depth, and is intended to develop and demonstrate a range of academic skills, including research, analysis, and critical thinking.

The Extended Essay is typically completed during the second year of the IB Diploma Program and is a significant undertaking, requiring extensive research and a high level of academic rigor. Students are expected to choose a topic that is of interest to them, and to work closely with a supervisor who will provide guidance and support throughout the research process.

The Extended Essay is structured around a research question, which the student must formulate and develop into a coherent and well-argued essay. The research question should be focused and clearly defined, and should be related to one of the six subject areas of the IB Diploma Program: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, or The Arts.

The research process for the Extended Essay typically involves conducting extensive research, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings in a clear and concise manner. Students are expected to demonstrate a range of academic skills, including critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, and to present their findings in a structured and well-organized manner.

How to Choose a Good Topic

Choose a topic that interests you: You will be working on your Extended Essay for a long time, so it is important to choose a topic that you are genuinely interested in. This will help you stay motivated and engaged throughout the research and writing process.

Choose a topic that is manageable: Make sure your topic is not too broad or too narrow. You should be able to research and write about your topic within the word limit and time frame set for the Extended Essay.

Choose a topic that is relevant to your subject area: Your topic should be related to one of the six subject areas of the IB Diploma Program. It is also a good idea to choose a topic that is relevant to the course you are taking within that subject area.

Choose a topic that allows for original research: Your Extended Essay should be a piece of original research, so choose a topic that allows you to conduct research and collect data. This could include conducting experiments, surveys, or interviews, or analyzing data from primary or secondary sources.

Consult with your supervisor: Your supervisor will be able to provide guidance and support throughout the research and writing process. They can help you refine your research question, suggest resources, and provide feedback on your work.

Biology Extended Essay Topics

1. Investigating the effects of different types of exercise on muscle growth in humans.
2. Analyzing the genetic basis of cancer and its potential for personalized treatment.
3. Examining the impact of environmental factors on plant growth and development.
4. Investigating the effectiveness of natural remedies in treating common ailments such as headaches or digestive problems.
5. Evaluating the effectiveness of different types of contraception and their impact on reproductive health.
6. Analyzing the effects of pollution on marine ecosystems and the potential for restoration efforts.
7. Examining the role of genetic engineering in developing new crops with increased yields and disease resistance.
8. Investigating the relationship between stress and the immune system in humans.
9. Analyzing the impact of climate change on the distribution and behavior of wildlife populations.
10. Investigating the effectiveness of different methods for controlling invasive species and their impact on biodiversity.

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Psychology Extended Essay Topics

1. Investigating the impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health and well-being.
2. Analyzing the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating anxiety disorders.
3. Examining the influence of cultural factors on the development of self-esteem in adolescents.
4. Investigating the role of social support in coping with stress and adversity.
5. Analyzing the relationship between personality traits and academic performance.
6. Examining the impact of social media on body image and self-esteem in young adults.
7. Investigating the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing symptoms of depression.
8. Analyzing the impact of music therapy on individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
9. Examining the influence of parental attachment styles on the development of romantic relationships in young adults.
10. Investigating the role of gender and gender identity in the development of eating disorders.

English Extended Essay Topics

1. Analyzing the use of symbolism in a particular novel or poem.
2. Investigating the role of gender in a specific Shakespearean play.
3. Examining the portrayal of mental illness in a particular work of literature.
4. Analyzing the impact of colonialism on the language and literature of a particular country.
5. Investigating the use of satire in a particular work of literature.
6. Examining the representation of cultural identity in contemporary literature.
7. Analyzing the influence of a particular literary movement on the work of a specific author.
8. Investigating the use of foreshadowing in a particular novel.
9. Examining the impact of historical events on the literature of a particular time period.
10. Analyzing the portrayal of social class in a specific work of literature.

Literature Extended Essay Topics

1. Analyzing the use of allegory in a particular novel or poem.
2. Investigating the role of the supernatural in a specific Shakespearean play.
3. Examining the portrayal of a specific historical event in literature.
4. Analyzing the influence of a particular literary movement on the work of a specific author.
5. Investigating the use of setting as a narrative device in a particular novel.
6. Examining the portrayal of gender roles in a specific work of literature.
7. Analyzing the impact of cultural identity on the work of a particular author.
8. Investigating the use of unreliable narrators in a specific novel.
9. Examining the portrayal of the human condition in a particular work of literature.
10. Analyzing the use of symbolism in a specific work of literature.

Geography Extended Essay Topics

1. Investigating the impact of climate change on a specific geographic region or ecosystem.
2. Analyzing the effectiveness of different methods for managing water resources in a particular country or region.
3. Examining the impact of tourism on a specific geographic region and its communities.
4. Investigating the relationship between urbanization and environmental degradation in a particular city or region.
5. Analyzing the impact of globalization on the economy of a specific country or region.
6. Examining the relationship between natural disasters and their impact on human settlements in a particular region.
7. Investigating the impact of deforestation on biodiversity in a particular forest or region.
8. Analyzing the effectiveness of different methods for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a particular country or region.
9. Examining the impact of land use changes on the ecological health of a specific region.
10. Investigating the impact of human migration on the demographic and cultural makeup of a particular region.

History Extended Essay Topics

1. Analyzing the causes and consequences of a particular historical event or conflict.
2. Investigating the impact of colonialism on the economic and political development of a specific country or region.
3. Examining the role of women in a particular historical period or event.
4. Analyzing the impact of technological innovations on the course of a specific historical period.
5. Investigating the role of propaganda in shaping public opinion during a particular historical period or conflict.
6. Examining the impact of social movements on political and social change in a particular country or region.
7. Analyzing the impact of globalization on the economy of a specific country or region.
8. Investigating the role of religion in shaping historical events and cultural practices in a specific country or region.
9. Examining the impact of the Cold War on a specific country or region.
10. Analyzing the impact of the slave trade on the economies and societies of the countries involved.

Physics Extended Essay Topics

1. Investigating the factors that affect the efficiency of solar cells.
2. Analyzing the impact of different materials on the performance of electric circuits.
3. Examining the properties of light and their applications in technology.
4. Investigating the physics behind the production and detection of sound waves.
5. Analyzing the principles behind nuclear energy and their application in nuclear reactors.
6. Examining the principles of quantum mechanics and their applications in technology.
7. Investigating the principles behind the design and construction of bridges and their stability.
8. Analyzing the principles behind the operation of particle accelerators.
9. Examining the physics behind the design and operation of airplanes.
10. Investigating the principles behind the design and operation of roller coasters and their safety.

Film Extended Essay Topics

1. Analyzing the representation of gender and sexuality in a specific film or film genre.
2. Investigating the use of sound and music in a specific film or film genre.
3. Examining the role of a particular film director or production company in shaping the film industry.
4. Analyzing the use of cinematography and visual effects in a specific film or film genre.
5. Investigating the influence of historical events and social movements on the representation of race and ethnicity in films.
6. Examining the use of narrative structure and plot devices in a specific film or film genre.
7. Investigating the impact of globalization on the film industry and the representation of different cultures in films.
8. Analyzing the role of film festivals in promoting independent and alternative cinema.
9. Examining the representation of mental illness and neurodiversity in films.
10. Investigating the role of film censorship in different countries and its impact on the film industry.

Economics Extended Essay Topics

1. Analyzing the impact of globalization on the economies of developing countries.
2. Investigating the factors that contribute to income inequality in a particular country or region.
3. Examining the impact of trade policies on the economy of a specific country or region.
4. Analyzing the impact of the minimum wage on employment and income in a particular country or region.
5. Investigating the impact of government spending on economic growth and development in a specific country or region.
6. Examining the role of international organizations like the IMF and World Bank in shaping economic policies of developing countries.
7. Investigating the impact of automation and technological advancements on employment and wages in a specific industry or sector.
8. Analyzing the relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability in a particular country or region.
9. Examining the impact of market structure on the pricing and availability of essential goods and services in a particular industry or sector.
10. Investigating the impact of tax policies on income distribution and economic growth in a specific country or region.

World Religion Studies Extended Essays Topics

1. Analyzing the role of religion in shaping the culture and society of a particular country or region.
2. Investigating the different interpretations and practices of a particular religious tradition across different cultures and historical periods.
3. Examining the impact of religious fundamentalism on politics and society in a particular country or region.
4. Analyzing the impact of secularism and atheism on the practice and perception of religion in different societies.
5. Investigating the role of women in different religious traditions and their status in society.
6. Examining the impact of religious pluralism and diversity on social harmony and conflict resolution.
7. Investigating the role of religion in shaping ethical values and decision-making in different societies.
8. Analyzing the relationship between religion and environmental ethics in different cultures and traditions.
9. Examining the role of religion in promoting social justice and equality in different societies.
10. Investigating the impact of globalization on the practice and perception of religion in different societies.