IB Fields of Inquiry Explained with Examples: A Text-Based Guide

Field 2 – Beliefs, Values & Education

Sample Global Issues

• Religious extremism
• Educational inequality
• Moral conflict in modern societies
• Indoctrination versus independent thinking

Suggested Literary Texts

• Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
• The Crucible by Arthur Miller
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Suggested Non-Literary Texts

• Editorials on education policy
• Religious or ideological speeches
• Infographics on global access to education

Analysis Focus

• Explore how tone, imagery, and structure reflect belief systems
• Consider how education reinforces or challenges societal values

Field 3 – Politics, Power & Justice

Sample Global Issues

• Freedom of speech
• Propaganda and manipulation
• Institutional corruption
• Racial or gender injustice

Suggested Literary Texts

• 1984 by George Orwell
• A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
• A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams

Suggested Non-Literary Texts

• Government propaganda posters
• Political speeches
• Protest art or social justice campaigns

Analysis Focus

• Analyze power relationships and resistance through dialogue and rhetoric
• Assess how language is used to enforce or challenge authority

Field 4 – Arts, Creativity & Imagination

Sample Global Issues

• Censorship of art
• Satire as political critique
• Cultural preservation through creativity
• Representation in media

Suggested Literary Texts

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
• The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
• Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Suggested Non-Literary Texts

• Political cartoons or street art
• Music videos or performance art
• Interviews with controversial artists

Analysis Focus

• Explore how form, metaphor, and creativity communicate social critique
• Connect artistic intent to broader cultural commentary

Field 5 – Science, Technology & the Environment

Sample Global Issues

• Climate change
• Artificial intelligence and ethics
• Environmental injustice
• Digital surveillance

Suggested Literary Texts

• Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
• Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
• The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Suggested Non-Literary Texts

• Climate awareness campaigns
• Opinion articles on AI ethics
• Data-driven infographics on environmental decline

Analysis Focus

• Examine ethical dilemmas and scientific consequences through narrative choices
• Highlight how texts provoke awareness and moral debate

Tips for Choosing the Right Field and Texts

• Balance genres: Pair a literary text rich in stylistic techniques with a non-literary text that offers strong persuasive or visual elements
• Ensure thematic alignment: Look for shared symbols, ideas, or perspectives across texts
• Confirm global relevance: The issue should matter across cultures, not just within one context

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overgeneralizing your global issue (e.g. “violence” instead of “media portrayal of police violence”)
• Selecting texts that address different issues or perspectives
• Forcing a text into the wrong field rather than choosing the most natural fit

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same literary text in different fields?
Yes—if it supports a different global issue relevant to that field.

Can a text belong to more than one field?
Yes, but your IO must focus clearly on one field only.

What if I’m unsure which field fits my global issue?
Rephrase the issue in multiple ways and seek feedback from teachers or peers.

Is it better to choose popular texts?
No. Depth of analysis matters far more than familiarity.

Should I explicitly mention the field in my IO?
Yes. Clearly state both the field of inquiry and the global issue in your introduction.

Can I use poetry or graphic novels?
Absolutely. Both offer rich language and visual techniques suitable for strong analysis.

Final Thoughts

The Fields of Inquiry form the analytical backbone of the IB English Individual Oral. When used thoughtfully, they elevate your presentation from surface-level commentary to a focused, globally relevant argument. By selecting the right field, refining your global issue, and aligning your texts carefully, you not only strengthen your IO performance but also develop sharper comparative and critical thinking skills.

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