The Extended Essay (EE) is one of the core components of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. For students interested in Individuals and Societies (I&S) subjects—such as History, Geography, Psychology, Economics, and Global Politics—the EE offers a unique opportunity to explore real-world issues, develop research expertise, and prepare for university-level academic writing.
In this guide, you'll discover exactly how the Extended Essay functions in IB Individuals and Societies, what assessors are looking for, and how you can leverage tools like RevisionDojo to craft a top-scoring essay.
What Is the Extended Essay in the IB?
The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word independent research project completed during the IB Diploma Programme. It requires:
- A clearly defined research question
- A focused argument
- Evidence-based analysis
- Academic referencing
It forms part of the core requirement along with TOK and CAS, and contributes to the overall 3-point bonus awarded in the IB diploma.
Individuals and Societies: Subjects Included
The IB Individuals and Societies group comprises subjects that explore human behavior and societal dynamics. You can choose your EE in any of the following:
- History
- Geography
- Psychology
- Economics
- Global Politics
- Social and Cultural Anthropology
- World Religions
- Business Management
How the EE Supports Learning in I&S Subjects
Writing an EE allows I&S students to:
- Deepen their subject understanding through independent inquiry
- Develop critical thinking by analyzing real-world data or historical events
- Apply subject-specific methods of investigation
- Integrate ethical reasoning and academic debate
EE Assessment Criteria Specific to I&S
The Extended Essay is graded out of 34 points across five key areas:
CriterionDescriptionA: Focus and MethodClear research question, relevance, methodologyB: Knowledge and UnderstandingSubject relevance, academic sourcesC: Critical ThinkingAnalysis, discussion, evaluationD: PresentationStructure, layout, formal requirementsE: EngagementReflections, intellectual initiative
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Choosing a Strong EE Topic in I&S
A good research question should be:
- Narrow enough to explore in 4,000 words
- Rooted in primary/secondary data
- Subject-specific (aligned with I&S criteria)
Examples:
- History: “To what extent was U.S. involvement in Chile in 1973 driven by Cold War ideologies?”
- Psychology: “How does childhood trauma influence academic motivation in teenagers?”
- Geography: “What is the impact of tourism on coastal erosion in Cornwall, UK?”
- Economics: “What effect did COVID-19 have on small businesses in Munich between 2020–2022?”
IB History EE Example Topics and Structure
In History, the EE must focus on a specific time period and event. Avoid purely descriptive essays—go analytical.
Sample Outline:
- Introduction & research question
- Context & historiography
- Argument development with primary/secondary sources
- Evaluation & conclusion
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IB Geography EE Example Topics and Structure
Geography EEs can involve fieldwork, statistical analysis, or GIS-based research.
- Use data tables, maps, and graphs
- Include a clear methodology section
- Discuss anomalies and limitations
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IB Psychology EE: Ethics and Methodology
Psychology essays require:
- A clear theoretical framework
- Respect for IB ethical guidelines
- Balanced discussion of different psychological perspectives
Tip: Choose a focused study population and reference well-established experiments.
The Importance of Secondary Sources and Case Studies
Strong EEs rely on:
- Academic journals and books
- Case studies with proper citations
- Varied, reliable data
- Properly formatted references (MLA, APA, or Chicago)
Avoid unverified websites and personal blogs.
Timeline for EE Research and Writing
Timeline PhaseActionYear 1 Term 2Choose subject & topicSummer BreakResearch, draft outlineYear 2 Term 1Submit first draftYear 2 Term 2Final revisions & submission
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How the EE Prepares Students for University-Level Work
- Teaches academic writing and formal tone
- Develops self-management and planning
- Introduces research methodology
- Builds critical argumentation and synthesis skills
RevisionDojo Tools to Support EE in I&S
RevisionDojo offers:
- Essay Planner Tool to build outlines
- AI-powered essay review with Jojo
- Source Tracker for citation management
- Model EEs for I&S subjects
- Time management calendars
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Common Mistakes in I&S Extended Essays
- Picking overly broad or vague topics
- Not linking argument to research question
- Failing to include counterarguments
- Ignoring citation requirements
- Lacking critical evaluation
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use interviews or surveys in my I&S EE?
Yes, especially in subjects like Geography, Economics, or Anthropology—just ensure ethical clearance and analysis validity.
Q2: How long should my EE introduction be?
Typically 300–400 words. Define your research question and outline the essay structure.
Q3: Do I need footnotes or in-text citations?
Yes—choose MLA, APA, or Chicago, and be consistent throughout.
Q4: Is it better to do a quantitative or qualitative EE?
It depends on your subject. Economics and Geography lend themselves to quantitative methods, while History and Psychology often use qualitative data.
Q5: Can I reuse EE research in my IA?
No. IB requires that the EE and IA be distinct and original.
Q6: Can RevisionDojo help with referencing?
Absolutely. The Source Tracker tool helps organize and cite sources with the correct format.
🧠 Conclusion
The Extended Essay in IB Individuals and Societies isn’t just a requirement—it’s a golden opportunity. You’ll explore a subject you care about, develop academic skills, and even boost your university prospects. With smart topic selection, structured planning, and the tools available on RevisionDojo, you can write an EE that makes you proud.
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