IB Extended Essay

How Do You Know If Your EE Topic Is Good Enough? [IB Student’s Checklist]

RevisionDojo
••7 min read

Introduction

Your Extended Essay (EE) topic is the cornerstone of your entire IB research journey. Choose well, and the process becomes exciting, enriching, and manageable. Choose poorly, and it can lead to stress, confusion, and a low mark—even if your writing is decent. So, how do you know if your EE topic is good enough?

This guide gives you the ultimate checklist to test and refine your EE topic before it’s too late.

What Makes a “Good” EE Topic?

A strong Extended Essay topic should be:

  • Focused: Narrow enough to explore in 4,000 words
  • Relevant: Linked clearly to an IB subject and its criteria
  • Researchable: Backed by accessible, quality sources
  • Original: Not cliché, yet not so obscure that resources are unavailable
  • Scoring-friendly: Aligned with what examiners reward

Checking for Subject Suitability

Your EE must align with one of your IB subjects. It must:

  • Fit within the subject’s core themes or methodologies
  • Follow the specific EE guide for that subject (e.g., no creative writing in English A EE)
  • Be assessed by a teacher who understands that subject

Avoid topics that cross subject lines too loosely (e.g., “philosophical aspects of a biology concept”).

Is the Topic Focused Enough?

A major red flag is a topic that’s too broad, such as:

  • “The effects of World War II on Europe”
  • “The use of symbolism in Shakespeare’s plays”
  • “The impact of technology on society”

These can’t be covered properly in 4,000 words.

Instead, ask yourself:

  • Can I explain the entire scope of this topic in a short paragraph?
  • Does it focus on a specific issue, time, or case study?

Example of a better focus:
“To what extent did Churchill’s rhetoric during WWII affect British civilian morale between 1940–1941?”

Originality vs. Feasibility

While you don’t need a groundbreaking topic, your EE should avoid being overused. Aim for:

  • A fresh angle on a well-discussed topic
  • A less common case study
  • A personal connection that adds meaning

But keep it feasible—you must be able to research and write about it effectively with available resources.

Does It Align With the EE Rubric?

The EE rubric emphasizes:

  • A clearly defined research question
  • A structured argument supported by evidence
  • A strong engagement with the topic
  • Demonstrated reflection and research process

If your topic doesn’t lend itself to this structure, it’s not EE-ready.

Access to Resources and Data

Ask yourself:

  • Do I have reliable sources (books, academic journals, studies)?
  • Is there enough data for analysis (especially for sciences or economics)?
  • Can I collect primary data if needed (e.g., interviews, surveys, experiments)?

Avoid topics where sources are too obscure, overly technical, or behind paywalls.

Relevance to the Chosen Subject Area

Your EE will be assessed as part of a subject. Make sure the topic:

  • Reflects the theories, frameworks, and skills of that subject
  • Uses appropriate terminology and methods
  • Answers a question that someone in that field would actually ask

Can You Formulate a Clear Research Question?

This is the ultimate test.

A good RQ should be:

  • Specific
  • Focused on cause and effect, comparison, or analysis
  • Open-ended but not vague

If you can’t write a clear, concise RQ by the end of your planning, the topic needs refinement.

Depth Over Breadth: The 4,000 Word Test

A good topic fits comfortably into 4,000 words without cutting corners or going off-track.

Test this by:

  • Outlining 3–4 main sections of your argument
  • Estimating 800–1,200 words per section
  • Making sure each part has enough sources and analysis

Topic Examples: Good vs. Weak

Weak Topic:
“Pollution in cities” (Too broad, lacks focus)

Improved Topic:
“To what extent did the introduction of bike-sharing programs reduce carbon emissions in Copenhagen between 2010–2015?”

What EE Examiners Look For in a Topic

Examiners favor topics that:

  • Are clearly linked to the chosen subject
  • Allow for critical analysis
  • Are appropriately scoped
  • Provide a logical structure for the essay
  • Show independent thinking and curiosity

Testing Your Topic with Teachers and Peers

Before committing, pitch your topic to:

  • Your EE Supervisor
  • A knowledgeable subject teacher
  • Trusted classmates or friends

Ask: “Does this sound specific, manageable, and interesting?”
If they struggle to understand your RQ, revise it.

When and How to Change Topics

If your research hits a dead end, or your question becomes unworkable, it’s okay to pivot—early.

  • Discuss changes with your supervisor
  • Keep any useful research and reuse it
  • Narrow or rephrase your original idea

Changing late is tough—but better than writing a weak EE.

RevisionDojo’s EE Topic Review Service

At RevisionDojo, we help IB students choose scoring-ready EE topics. Our experts:

  • Review your topic and RQ for clarity, focus, and scoring potential
  • Provide feedback based on real EE examiner insights
  • Help you align your topic with assessment criteria

Call to Action: Perfect Your EE with RevisionDojo

Don’t leave your Extended Essay topic to chance.

Visit www.revisiondojo.com to book your EE Topic Review Session and get expert feedback before your submission window closes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I change my EE topic after submitting my proposal?
Yes—but check your school’s internal deadlines and supervisor approval.

2. Is it okay if my topic is similar to past EEs?
It’s fine, but make sure your angle or case study is unique.

3. Can I use a personal experience as part of my EE?
Yes, especially for subjects like psychology, world studies, or literature—but keep it analytical.

4. What’s the biggest mistake students make with EE topics?
Choosing something too broad or unresearchable.

5. How early should I finalize my EE topic?
Ideally before the end of IB Year 1—but flexibility depends on your school.

6. How can RevisionDojo help with my EE?
We offer topic reviews, RQ development, outline feedback, and full editing services.

Conclusion

A great EE starts with a great topic. If your research question is clear, specific, researchable, and relevant to your subject—you’re already on track to succeed.

And if you're unsure, let RevisionDojo guide you toward clarity, confidence, and a high-scoring Extended Essay.