The extended essay is a required component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. It is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. The extended essay provides the opportunity for students to investigate a topic of their choice in depth and to demonstrate their intellectual and research skills.
Students strive to find topics that are interesting, relevant, and have enough information available to conduct a thorough research. To help you with this process, here are several examples of successful extended essay topics from various disciplines:
In History, a student could write about the role of the American Red Cross during World War I. In Economics, a student could research the impact of subsidies on the local economy. In Science, a student could write about the importance of oxygen for human health. In Business and Management, a student could investigate the effects of outsourcing on a companys financial performance.
Other extended essay topics can include an analysis of a specific literary work or historical period or even an analysis of a culture in another country. For example, an extended essay could investigate the influence of culture on architecture in India. The paper could also analyze the cultural implications of certain customs or beliefs in India.
The possibilities for extended essay topics are endless. It is important to make sure that the topic you choose is relevant and interesting to you, as well as having enough resources to conduct a thorough research. By starting early and researching carefully, you can create a successful extended essay that will make you stand out from your peers.