How to choose the best extended essay topic?

Choosing the perfect extended essay topic for you might seem as a daunting task. Well, don't worry. By the end of this blog, you'll be confident on the steps to choosing your topic. Make sure to grab a notebook and a pencil/pen and follow along!

Step 1: Choose a subject that interests you

Write down a list of all of your subjects, specifically your higher level subjects. It is preferable that you write your extended essay in a higher level subject, something that you are already in-depth with. Try to avoid writing your EE for an SL subject. Though IB won't cut down marks, it just means that you have to research a lot more covering not only your research topic but also the higher level portions (to fully grasp your research topic).

Now, write down the higher level subjects in ascending order from your least favourite to your ABSOLUTE favourite subject. Highlight or underline the subjects that are extremely relevant to your future career. It's best to choose a topic that you're not only motivated in but also benefits you for college application. That's what we like to call killing two birds with one stone. P.S. Sorry Birds :)

Choose the subject that is in your higher level, your favourite, and underlined. If you're still stuck with two options, try asking a friend or counsellor for their opinion.

Step 2: Invest time and RESEARCH

Take some time to read through the ENTIRE extended essay guide. Understand the grading criteria and write down in bullet points what are needed to score an A.

Now, it's time to take your not-so-secret weapon: THE INTERNET! The internet is a fantastic resource to learn about your peer's extended essays and get some ~inspiration~. Remember, don't plagiarise anything!

Step 3: Try to get your area of focus in a broad sense

Write down your area of focus and read some sample extended essays. Look at how the top-scoring extended essays phrased their research questions. Try to mimic that, but remember no copying! From our experience, most of the research questions start with the infamous:

"TO WHAT EXTENT ..."

That's it! With these three simple steps, you've found your perfect extended essay topic and your research question. Great job!

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