Introduction
One of the hardest parts of the ESS IA is choosing the right topic. For the 2026 first assessment, the IA is still worth 25% of your grade at SL and 20% at HL, so your choice of topic will strongly affect your success.
A good IA topic is focused, feasible, and relevant to ESS. Many students lose marks because they either choose a question that is too broad, too biological, or too impractical to investigate. The goal is to find something you can realistically research while applying ESS systems thinking.
Quick Start Checklist for ESS Students
When selecting your IA topic, make sure it:
- Is specific and focused (not too broad).
- Can be investigated with primary data.
- Links clearly to the ESS syllabus.
- Is achievable with the time and resources available.
- Allows for analysis and evaluation, not just description.
What Makes a Strong ESS IA Topic?
1. It’s Focused
- Weak: “How does pollution affect water quality?”
- Strong: “What is the effect of nitrate levels on dissolved oxygen in River X?”
2. It’s Measurable
- Your topic must allow for quantitative or qualitative data collection.
3. It’s Connected to ESS
- Avoid topics that are purely biology, chemistry, or geography.
- Always frame your topic in terms of systems, sustainability, or human impact.
4. It’s Realistic
- You must be able to collect data safely, ethically, and within your resources.
Example ESS IA Topics
Water
- Comparing water quality in rural vs. urban streams.
- Effect of pH on biodiversity in freshwater ponds.
Soil
- Comparing soil fertility between organic and conventional farms.
- Impact of slope on soil erosion rates.
Biodiversity
- Effect of invasive species on plant diversity in a local park.
- Biodiversity comparison between managed and unmanaged forests.
Human Impact
- Impact of traffic density on local air quality.
- Ecological footprint survey of students at your school.
Topics to Avoid
- Too broad: “The effects of climate change.”
- Too complex: “Modeling global carbon cycles.”
- Too unrelated: “How exercise affects heart rate.” (This is biology, not ESS).
Case Studies: Good vs. Weak IA Questions
- Weak: “Is water in my town polluted?” (too vague, not measurable).
- Strong: “What is the variation in turbidity between upstream and downstream sections of River Y?”
- Weak: “How do trees grow?” (too broad, more biology-focused).
- Strong: “How does canopy cover affect soil moisture in Forest Z?”
Choosing Your ESS IA Topic: Exam Tips
- Start local. Local issues are easier to investigate with primary data.
- Think systems. Frame your topic in terms of inputs, outputs, flows, and storages.
- Plan early. A well-chosen question saves time during data collection and analysis.
FAQs
1. Can I do my IA on climate change?
Yes, but it must be local and measurable (e.g., “Effect of urbanization on temperature in City X”). Avoid global-scale questions.
2. Can I base my IA on secondary data?
Secondary data can support your IA, but you must have primary data collection at the core.
3. Should I choose a simple or complex topic?
Simple is better if it allows for clear analysis and evaluation. Overly complex topics often fail due to poor data collection.
Conclusion
Choosing the right ESS IA topic is the foundation of success. A good topic is focused, measurable, connected to the syllabus, and realistic for your situation. By starting local, thinking in systems, and planning carefully, you can design a strong IA that maximizes your marks in the 2026 first assessment.
RevisionDojo Call to Action:
Need help refining your ESS IA question? RevisionDojo’s IA resources include brainstorming guides, sample questions, and examiner insights to help you choose wisely.
