Choosing your IB Extended Essay topic is one of the most important academic decisions you’ll make during the IB Diploma Programme. It sets the stage for your entire EE journey — from initial research to final reflection — and plays a significant role in determining how enjoyable and successful that journey will be.
A strong topic can keep you motivated, guide your research, and help you score higher in critical areas like focus, structure, and analysis. But many students struggle with where to start. That’s where support from an experienced ib ee tutor can make all the difference, helping you transform a vague idea into a focused, compelling research question.
Why Choosing the Right EE Topic Matters
The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word independent research project. While that might sound daunting, choosing a well-suited topic makes the entire process much smoother. Here’s why:
- Clarity and direction: A focused topic prevents you from getting lost in broad or unrelated content.
- Higher engagement: When you write about something you care about, the work feels less like a chore.
- Better grades: The topic you choose directly impacts Criterion A (Focus and Method), which assesses your clarity of purpose and relevance of research.
In short, the right topic can turn your EE into an opportunity to shine — not just an IB requirement to survive.
Step-by-Step: How to Choose a Strong EE Topic
Follow this framework to arrive at a research question that’s focused, relevant, and doable:
1. Pick a subject you genuinely enjoy
Whether it’s English Literature, History, Biology, or Economics — your EE will be easier (and better) if you’re genuinely curious about the subject matter.
2. Review the IB subject-specific EE guide
Each subject has its own set of criteria and expectations. These guides explain what kinds of topics and approaches are acceptable.
3. Identify areas of interest within the subject
Start broad. For example:
- Biology: Plant responses to stimuli
- History: Cold War diplomacy
- English: Themes of identity in modern literature
4. Brainstorm possible research questions
Once you have a theme, shape it into a researchable question:
- Avoid “yes or no” questions
- Focus on analysis or evaluation
- Make sure it’s narrow enough to explore in 4,000 words
5. Narrow the scope
Your question should focus on a specific case, period, or example. For instance, instead of writing about “World War II,” focus on “British media coverage of the Blitz in 1940.”
6. Check for source availability
Before finalizing your topic, make sure you have access to enough quality sources (books, journals, data, or experiments).
Good vs. Weak EE Topic Examples
Strong Topics:
- History: To what extent did the Marshall Plan contribute to economic recovery in West Germany between 1948–1952?
- Biology: How does light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis in Elodea canadensis?
- English: How is the theme of isolation explored through narrative voice in Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs Dalloway”?
Weak Topics:
- The causes of World War II — too broad and overdone
- Photosynthesis in plants — lacks a focused research question
- A review of “1984” — not analytical or original enough
How an IB EE Tutor Can Help
Choosing a good topic is just the beginning. A qualified ib ee tutor can offer support at every stage:
- Brainstorming and topic selection – Helping you turn interests into viable research questions
- Evaluating your question – Making sure it aligns with IB subject requirements and criteria
- Research planning – Identifying credible sources and building a structure
- Feedback and refinement – Reviewing drafts to ensure clarity, coherence, and alignment with IB standards
- Time management and motivation – Keeping you on track throughout the process
TutorsPlus offers one-on-one Extended Essay support for every IB subject — whether you’re just starting or already midway through your draft.
Final Thoughts
The IB Extended Essay is a unique chance to explore something meaningful, build academic skills, and impress universities — if you choose the right topic. Take the time to explore, ask questions, and refine your focus.
And remember, if you’re stuck or unsure, a dedicated ib ee tutor can help you gain clarity and momentum — turning uncertainty into confidence and structure into success.
