Choosing the right research question is arguably the most crucial part of writing a successful IB Extended Essay (EE). A well-crafted question guides your investigation, sharpens your focus, and sets the stage for meaningful analysis. This guide breaks down the process into practical, manageable steps to help you build a research question that meets IB standards and fuels your academic curiosity.
What Is a Research Question in the IB Extended Essay?
A research question in the IB EE is a clear, concise, and focused inquiry that drives your 4,000-word investigation. It should be:
- Open-ended but specific
- Aligned with the subject you're registered for
- Designed for critical analysis and argumentation, not simple description
Why a Clear Research Question Matters
Without a clear research question:
- Your essay may become disorganized or lack direction
- You risk missing assessment criteria
- Your argument might be shallow or unfocused
With a strong research question:
- Your analysis stays sharp and relevant
- Your argument is easier to structure
- You demonstrate critical thinking and subject mastery
Step-by-Step: How to Write a Good Research Question
1. Start with a Focused Topic
Choose a topic that genuinely interests you and fits within the academic boundaries of your IB subject. For example:
- History: World War II propaganda
- English: Dystopian fiction and gender
- Biology: Enzyme activity and pH levels
2. Formulate It as an Actual Question
Always express your topic as a specific, answerable question. Avoid vague themes like "Pollution in cities." Instead, ask:
“To what extent have pollution reduction policies in Delhi since 2005 improved air quality?”
3. Use IB Command Terms
Incorporate terms that signal the type of critical thinking you will use, such as:
- To what extent
- How
- Why
- In what ways
- Evaluate
- Compare
This pushes your essay beyond facts into analysis and evaluation.
4. Ensure It Encourages Argument and Analysis
A good EE should not just present facts. Your question must:
- Be debatable
- Invite you to present evidence
- Allow you to develop a reasoned argument
5. Test for Feasibility and Scope
Ask yourself:
- Can I research this within 4,000 words?
- Are reliable sources or experiments accessible?
- Is the question too broad or too narrow?
6. Align with Subject Requirements
Your question must be appropriate to your EE subject:
- An Economics EE must include economic theory and data
- A History EE should rely on primary/secondary sources—not personal opinions
- A Science EE needs to be experimentally testable or data-driven
7. Collaborate with Your Supervisor
Early feedback from your EE supervisor can:
- Confirm that your question is valid
- Help you refine its clarity, wording, and relevance
- Keep your topic within IB guidelines
8. Reflect and Revise as You Research
Your initial question may evolve as you uncover more information. That’s okay—just make sure the final version is focused, analytical, and aligned with your findings.
Examples of Well-Formed vs. Weak Research Questions
Question: “Is global warming bad?”
- Why It's Weak: Too broad and vague; lacks specificity or focus.
Question: “The impact of technology on education”
- Why It's Weak: Not actually a question; too general and lacks a clear analytical direction.
Question: “How does Shakespeare write good plays?”
- Why It's Weak: Subjective and unclear focus; “good” is not defined or measurable.
Framework for Writing Your Own Question
Try this fill-in-the-blank model:
“I am studying [topic] because I want to find out [specific aspect] in order to understand [broader impact].”
Step 1: Choose a focused topic
Step 2: Turn it into a question
Step 3: Use IB command terms (e.g., evaluate, to what extent, analyze)
Step 4: Encourage argument and analysis
Step 5: Check feasibility and scope
Step 6: Align with subject guidelines
Step 7: Get supervisor feedback
Step 8: Revise as needed during research
Final Tips for Success
- Avoid yes/no questions or those answered in a sentence
- Stay within the boundaries of your subject
- Use subject-specific terminology
- Aim for clarity, not complexity
- Don't finalize until after preliminary research
FAQs About IB EE Research Questions
What makes a good EE research question?
It’s specific, analytical, manageable, and subject-appropriate. It asks “how” or “why,” not just “what.”
Can I change my question during the EE process?
Yes, as long as it remains aligned with your subject and purpose. Keep your supervisor updated.
How specific should my research question be?
Specific enough to guide a 4,000-word essay. Avoid both overly broad and ultra-narrow questions.
Should I use personal pronouns in my research question?
No. Use formal, academic tone and avoid “I” or “we.”
Can I use a quote as part of my question?
Rarely. Your question should be original and clearly framed.
Where can I get help drafting my EE question?
- Your EE supervisor
- IB subject guides
- RevisionDojo.com for topic examples and support
Crafting a precise and thoughtful research question is your first step toward Extended Essay success. With this foundation, you're ready to build a focused, structured, and high-scoring essay.
