Choosing the right topic for your Extended Essay (EE) is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the IB Diploma Programme. Your EE is an opportunity to explore a subject you’re passionate about while demonstrating research and analytical skills that universities value. In this guide, you’ll learn 10 powerful steps to select an Extended Essay topic that aligns with your interests, meets IB criteria, and maximizes your score potential.
Why Choosing the Right EE Topic Matters
Your EE topic will shape your entire research process and experience. A focused, engaging topic:
- Keeps you motivated throughout the long writing journey.
- Helps you produce a well-organized, high-quality essay.
- Showcases your strengths and interests to examiners and universities.
- Makes it easier to meet the IB's rigorous assessment criteria.
10 Powerful Steps to Choose an Extended Essay Topic
1. Reflect on Your Genuine Interests
Start by thinking about the subjects and topics that excite you. When you choose an area you're passionate about, writing the EE feels less like a task and more like an opportunity to explore. Consider:
- What subjects do you most enjoy at school?
- What topics do you find yourself researching or reading about for fun?
2. Focus on Subjects You’re Strong In
It’s wise to select a topic from a subject where you’ve consistently performed well—ideally one you're studying at Higher Level (HL). This ensures you have the necessary background knowledge and confidence to tackle more advanced concepts.
3. Align With Future Goals
If you’re applying to university programs in science, humanities, or a specific professional field, choose an EE topic that complements your academic and career aspirations. A well-chosen topic can strengthen your university applications.
4. Narrow Down to a Focused Research Question
One of the most common mistakes is picking a topic that’s too broad. A great EE has a clear, precise, and manageable research question that invites analysis rather than description. For example:
- Too broad: “The impact of climate change on ecosystems.”
- Better: “To what extent has rising temperature affected the species diversity of [local ecosystem] from 2000 to 2020?”
5. Check Feasibility and Resources
Before you commit, ensure you can access enough reliable sources (books, journals, primary data) to support your research. Avoid topics that are difficult to investigate due to lack of data or limited resources.
6. Choose a Topic With Analytical Depth
The EE is not just a long essay—it’s an academic investigation that requires critical thinking. Pick a topic that allows you to:
- Formulate and test hypotheses.
- Analyze rather than simply describe.
- Draw reasoned conclusions based on evidence.
7. Explore Real-World Relevance
A strong topic often has connections to real-world issues. Whether you're exploring an environmental concern, historical event, or mathematical model, demonstrating relevance can make your EE more meaningful and impactful.
8. Draw Inspiration From Classwork and Current Events
Class discussions, personal experiences, and current global or local issues can all spark ideas for an original and engaging EE topic.
9. Consult Your Supervisor Early
Your EE supervisor plays a key role in helping you refine your research question. Bring your initial ideas to them for feedback—they can help you focus your topic and ensure it meets IB expectations.
10. Test the Topic With a Preliminary Plan
Write a brief outline of how you might approach the topic:
- What key questions would you explore?
- What sources or data would you use?
- How would you structure your investigation?
If you can sketch a realistic plan, you’re likely on the right track.
Checklist for Choosing a High-Scoring EE Topic
Genuine interest: Keeps you motivated throughout the process.
Strong subject knowledge: Enables deeper analysis and understanding.
Focused research question: Makes the essay manageable and coherent.
Resource availability: Ensures you can collect sufficient evidence.
Analytical potential: Meets IB’s requirement for critical thinking.
Real-world relevance: Adds significance and engagement.
Supervisor approval: Confirms alignment with IB criteria.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your Extended Essay topic is the foundation of your entire EE journey. By following these 10 steps, you can select a topic that not only meets IB standards but also reflects your passion and academic strengths. A well-chosen EE topic makes the entire process smoother and positions you for success.
For extra guidance on refining your topic, crafting a focused research question, or structuring your EE effectively, check out RevisionDojo’s Extended Essay tools—they’re designed to help IB students like you achieve top results.
