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IB History Extended Essay Topics: 20+ Ideas to Get You Started

by  Antony W

September 3, 2022

Have you searched the web for the best History Extended Essay topics only to come out empty?

Or maybe you some topic ideas in mind but you’re not sure if you can explore the research issue within the scope of an Extended Essay ?  

You’ve come to the right place.

Writing an EE is quite involving. Combine this with class sessions and other assignments that require your attention, and you’re more than likely to find the work overwhelming.

Hire our Extended Essay Writers   today, and benefit from the flexibility of professional writing help on the web.

If all you want is to learn how to choose a topic because you have the time to write the essay yourself, continue reading this guide to learn more.

How to Choose A Good IB History Extended Essay Topic

History falls into the third group of the six IB subject groups which covers Individuals and Societies, including humanities and social science courses.

Choosing is a big part of the IBDP coursework, although by now we assume that you have already settled on doing a history essay. 

You can have a lot of fun when choosing your subjects. However, unlike other topics, history extended essay topics must follow certain guidelines. 

What Makes a Good History Extended Essay Topic?

A good History Extended Essay topic should meet the following requirements:

1. The Topic Should Focus on History Dating Back 10 Years or More

In IB, an issue that’s not older than 10 years is a current event and therefore unsuitable for the History Extended Essay . 

The topic you choose must focus on human’s past, going back far enough to be actual history.

To score high grades for topic selection, your idea for the EE should be at least 10 years older.

2. The Topic Should Be Relevant and Acceptable

You don’t have to choose your topic from the IB history subject. You’re free to choose any topic you want.

However, the topic you choose should be relevant and acceptable.

Your supervisor will review your proposed topic and determine whether you can analyze its historical significance to humanity.

According to IB, the topic must be “worth of study”.

3. Pick a Topic You Can Explore in 4,000 Words

The scope of your chose topic shouldn’t be too wide or too specific.

It should be right enough to allow an in-depth analysis without overshooting the maximum word count or being too shallow.

4. Your Topic Should Allow Critical Analysis and Commentary

Develop an open-ended research issue that allows you to develop an analytical approach rather than a descriptive or a narrative one.

Your research question should start with words like “to what extent” or “how significant”, not words such as “what” or “how”.

5. The Topic Should Be Disciplinary and Academic

Hinge the topic on one of the academic disciplines and treat it academically.

For example, if you choose to write about the Great Depression in the United States of America, you can approach it from an economic perspective.

If you write about the launch of steam technology and its impact on population growth, you may approach the topic from a sociological perspective.

To be clear, academic treatment means the topic allows you to explore primary and secondary sources in your research work, with the main focus being on primary sources because they add more credibility.

You cannot choose Sports or Music topics in this subject except in the case where you can approach them from a historical perspective. When in doubt, consult with your supervisor.

How to Choose a Good History IB Extended Essay

With the guidelines set out, it becomes easier to go through the process of selecting suitable topics.

1. Brainstorming

With such a wide range of possible topic ideas, you shouldn't have trouble with this part. You can literally choose any idea and give it a historical twist.

For example, if you are a techno buff, how about the influence of the steam engine in industry in Europe? If you love archaeology, there is no shortage of historical subjects.

All you have to do at this stage is to write down everything that comes to mind, no matter how unlikely it seems. You can get inspiration from your coursework, friends, popular media, or books you have read from the library.

We recommend that you think about topics you are thoroughly interested in - these will give you the motivation to push through the whole assignment.

2. Narrowing Down

Narrow down the preliminary list by first eliminating any unsuitable topics.

This includes any that are too complex, non-academic (fictional works, for example), and those that don’t seem particularly appealing to you. 

You can also weed out any that are not ‘worthy of study.’ Basically, any that don't meet the guidelines above should be removed at this point.

3. Selection

Now with a list of 3-5 remaining possibilities, you can afford to give each some serious thought. Ask your librarian about the wealth of literature available for each of the possible topics.

Gauge how common they are from the response. Ideally, you want to approach old topics with fresh ideas, or else choose completely new ones so that your essay will be unique and intriguing.

Remember that you can always have a plan B just in case things don’t work out with the first one.

4. Research

Conduct general research into your chosen topic. Online and library sources are the first stop for research.

The idea here is to know what you are dealing with, formulate your approach, understand the concepts, and perhaps identify any gaps. This stage will allow you to get to the most important one of all.

5. Formulate the Research Question

Formulating your research question is the ultimate in extended essay preparation.

This is what will guide your research, align your thoughts, and drive your inspiration.

Most IB scholars say that a good research question is 25% of the work, and we agree.

Sample History Extended Essay Topics 

As promised, here is a list of topic ideas for the IB extended essay in history.

These are meant to be just ideas, a sort of springing board from which you can launch your own investigations into a topic that interests you.

You will also have to formulate your research questions depending on your individual approach.

• The Rwandan genocide.
• The cold war.
• Salem witch trials.
• Pearl Harbour and its significance.
• Explore the first/second Sino-Japanese wars.
• The impact of dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
• Conflict Diamonds – you can explore their economic, ethnic, sociological, or even environmental impact.
• The Rosetta stone and its historical impact.
• The invasion of Nazi by Germany and the USSR, 1939.
• The Crusades and their religious significance/political significance in Europe.
• The rule of Mao in China.
• The Six-Day-War of 1967, and why Israel won. (You can also explore its impact.
•  The role of women in the 1st/2nd World War.
• The place of women in the Victorian era.
• The slave trade and its economic importance in the USA/Europe.
• The fall of the USSR.
• The Cuban missile crisis.
• In light of the Coronavirus, explore the various epidemics in history.
• The development of medicine in history.
• The role of medicine in history.
• The development of military technology during the American Civil War.
• The development of military technology during the World Wars/Sino-Japanese Wars. For instance, explore the use of human torpedoes.
• Land tenure in (some part of) Europe in (some era.) For example, explore the peasant and their land rights.
• The efforts of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in post-apartheid South Africa.
• The Ottoman Empire, it’s rise and fall, economic impact, etc.

To be clear, these topics are mainly ideas meant to inspire. You can easily focus them and craft a good research question for your purposes. Here is an example to show you how.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

IB History Extended Essay Topics

As an IB educator and writer, I’ve seen the significant growth students experience in the IB DP History course . However, the most notable part of this development frequently happens throughout the Extended Essay writing process. The practical application of historical theory helps students to take on the role of historians. This post provides advice and recommendations on selecting a topic and writing your IB History Extended Essay.

What Is IB DP History Course?

The IB History course is a fascinating and multidimensional path through time that aims to engage students in the complexity of human history. In my perspective, the course’s strength is its comprehensive approach to comprehending the forces that have formed our world. It is more than merely knowing about the past. It is about understanding why these events happened, how they shaped the present, and how they may affect the future.

In addition, IB History encourages students to become historians. This involves learning skills valuable for historical research and other areas of life outside the classroom. Critical thinking is at the forefront of these skills, allowing students to analyze sources, weigh evidence, and draw informed conclusions about the past.

The Extended Essay, an essential part of the IB History course, shows the program’s emphasis on individual investigation and in-depth study. This task encourages students to conduct deep research on a historical topic that interests them. It’s a daunting task that requires students to apply the skills they’ve learned throughout the course: developing a research question, gathering and analyzing materials, and building a well-supported argument.

How to Choose a History Extended Essay Topic?

Finding a topic that resonates with you is crucial. Throughout the IB History course, there will undoubtedly have been moments that captured your imagination more than others. Was it the intrigue of Cold War diplomacy, the cultural revolutions of the 1960s, or perhaps the ancient civilizations of Egypt or Rome that fascinated you? Start there. Reflect on the lectures, readings, and discussions that sparked a desire to learn more.

However, passion alone isn’t enough. Your chosen topic must also align with the IB History curriculum and offer a rich field for investigation. Here are the key considerations:

• Your topic should reflect the themes, periods, and areas covered in the IB History course.
• Ensure there are ample primary and secondary sources available on your chosen topic. Reliable sources are essential for conducting thorough research.
• Your topic should allow you to formulate a specific research question. Avoid overly broad issues that cannot be covered effectively within the word limit.
• A good topic is well-defined and narrow enough to be manageable. Vague or overly broad issues can lead to superficial treatment of the subject matter.
• Consider the feasibility of your topic. Can it be thoroughly researched and addressed within the constraints of the Extended Essay format?

Lastly, strive for a topic that offers a fresh perspective or researches less commonly discussed aspects of history. Originality can make your essay stand out and demonstrate your creativity and analytical skills.

IB Extended Essay Topics: History

Here are 30 topic ideas, along with their respective research questions, to inspire your project:

• The Impact of the Cold War on Space Research . How did the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union drive the space race, and what were its most significant outcomes?
• Women’s Suffrage Movements in the Early 20th Century . To what extent did women’s suffrage movements in Britain and the United States share common strategies and ideologies, and how did they differ?
• The Role of Propaganda in Nazi Germany . How did Nazi propaganda aim to create a unified national identity, and what methods were most effective?
• Economic Consequences of the Treaty of Versailles . What were the long-term economic impacts of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany, and how did they contribute to the rise of National Socialism?
• Decolonization and Independence Movements in Africa . How did the process of decolonization in Algeria compare with that in Kenya, and what factors contributed to the differences?
• The Cuban Missile Crisis: A Nuclear Standoff . What critical decisions did the leaders of the United States and the Soviet Union make during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and how did these decisions prevent a nuclear war?
• The Cultural Revolution in China . What were the primary goals of the Cultural Revolution in China, and to what extent were they achieved?
• Impact of the Silk Road on Cultural Exchange . How did the Silk Road facilitate cultural exchange between East and West, and what were its most significant impacts on the civilizations it connected?
• The Fall of the Roman Republic . What were the causes of the fall of the Roman Republic, and how did the transition to empire affect Roman society?
• The Vietnam War and Its Impact on American Society . How did the Vietnam War influence American public opinion on foreign policy and military engagement?
• The Development of Atomic Energy and Its Global Implications . How did the development of atomic energy during and after World War II influence global politics and the onset of the nuclear age?
• British Colonial Rule in India . What were British colonial rule’s economic, social, and political impacts on India, and how did they contribute to the Indian independence movement?
• The Influence of the Renaissance on Modern Western Thought . How did the Renaissance influence modern Western thought in art, science, and philosophy?
• The Role of Cryptography in World War II . How did the use of cryptography by Allied forces contribute to the outcome of World War II, specifically focusing on the Enigma machine?
• The French Revolution and the Rise of Napoleon . How did the French Revolution pave the way for Napoleon’s rise to power, and what were the key reforms he implemented?
• The Global Impact of the Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918 . How did the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 affect global populations differently, and what were its long-term impacts on public health policies?
• The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and its Role in Sparking WWI . To what extent did the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand contribute to the outbreak of World War I, considering the complex web of alliances and tensions in Europe?
• The Influence of Social Media on the Arab Spring . How did social media act as a catalyst for political and social change during the Arab Spring, and what were its limitations?
• The Partition of India: Causes and Consequences . What were the primary causes of the Partition of India in 1947, and how have its consequences shaped the current political and social climates in India and Pakistan?
• The Impact of the Gold Rush on California’s Development . How did the California Gold Rush 1849 impact the state’s economic development, demographic changes, and social structures?
• The Salem Witch Trials: A Study of Fear and Social Paranoia . What factors contributed to the outbreak of the Salem witch trials, and what does this episode reveal about the social and psychological underpinnings of early American colonial society?
• The Role of the Ottoman Empire in World War I . What was the strategic significance of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, and how did its participation affect the outcome of the war?
• The Chornobyl Disaster: A Historical Analysis of its Causes and Effects . What caused the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, and what have been its long-term environmental and health effects?
• The Development and Impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade . How did the transatlantic slave trade develop, and how did it impact African societies and economies?
• The Cultural and Political Impact of the Beatles . How did the Beatles influence cultural and political attitudes in the 1960s, particularly regarding youth culture and anti-war movements?
• The Evolution of Espionage During the Cold War . How did espionage tactics evolve during the Cold War, and what impact did intelligence activities have on the relations between the Soviet Union and the United States?
• The Rise and Fall of the Aztec Empire . What factors led to the Aztec Empire’s rapid rise and subsequent fall, and how did the Spanish conquest alter the course of Mexican history?
• The Influence of the Enlightenment on the American and French Revolutions . To what extent did Enlightenment ideas influence the ideologies and outcomes of the American and French Revolutions?
• The Berlin Airlift: A Turning Point in the Cold War . How did the Berlin Airlift signify a turning point in the Cold War, and what does it reveal about the powers’ strategies and priorities?
• The Impact of Apartheid on South African Society . What were the social, economic, and political impacts of apartheid on South African society, and how are its effects still felt today?

It is also a good idea to consult with your teacher or advisor to refine your choices. Seek feedback from peers or mentors who can provide fresh perspectives on your work.

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Our experienced writers can help you choose the perfect topic and assist you with any assignment.

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Every part of the writing process, from selecting a fascinating topic to conducting comprehensive research and constructing a convincing argument, provides a chance to improve your historical knowledge and academic skills. Also, our experienced IB writers are always ready to help you with extended essays on any subject.

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International Baccalaureate (IB)

IB students around the globe fear writing the Extended Essay, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress! In this article, I'll get you excited about writing your Extended Essay and provide you with the resources you need to get an A on it.

If you're reading this article, I'm going to assume you're an IB student getting ready to write your Extended Essay. If you're looking at this as a potential future IB student, I recommend reading our introductory IB articles first, including our guide to what the IB program is and our full coverage of the IB curriculum .

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

I myself am a recipient of an IB Diploma, and I happened to receive an A on my IB Extended Essay. Don't believe me? The proof is in the IBO pudding:

If you're confused by what this report means, EE is short for Extended Essay , and English A1 is the subject that my Extended Essay topic coordinated with. In layman's terms, my IB Diploma was graded in May 2010, I wrote my Extended Essay in the English A1 category, and I received an A grade on it.

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Extended Essay, or EE , is a mini-thesis you write under the supervision of an IB advisor (an IB teacher at your school), which counts toward your IB Diploma (learn more about the major IB Diploma requirements in our guide) . I will explain exactly how the EE affects your Diploma later in this article.

For the Extended Essay, you will choose a research question as a topic, conduct the research independently, then write an essay on your findings . The essay itself is a long one—although there's a cap of 4,000 words, most successful essays get very close to this limit.

Keep in mind that the IB requires this essay to be a "formal piece of academic writing," meaning you'll have to do outside research and cite additional sources.

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

• A title page
• Contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References and bibliography

Additionally, your research topic must fall into one of the six approved DP categories , or IB subject groups, which are as follows:

• Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
• Group 2: Language Acquisition
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies
• Group 4: Sciences
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: The Arts

Once you figure out your category and have identified a potential research topic, it's time to pick your advisor, who is normally an IB teacher at your school (though you can also find one online ). This person will help direct your research, and they'll conduct the reflection sessions you'll have to do as part of your Extended Essay.

As of 2018, the IB requires a "reflection process" as part of your EE supervision process. To fulfill this requirement, you have to meet at least three times with your supervisor in what the IB calls "reflection sessions." These meetings are not only mandatory but are also part of the formal assessment of the EE and your research methods.

According to the IB, the purpose of these meetings is to "provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with the research process." Basically, these meetings give your supervisor the opportunity to offer feedback, push you to think differently, and encourage you to evaluate your research process.

The final reflection session is called the viva voce, and it's a short 10- to 15-minute interview between you and your advisor. This happens at the very end of the EE process, and it's designed to help your advisor write their report, which factors into your EE grade.

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

• A check on plagiarism and malpractice
• Your reflection on your project's successes and difficulties
• Your reflection on what you've learned during the EE process

Your completed Extended Essay, along with your supervisor's report, will then be sent to the IB to be graded. We'll cover the assessment criteria in just a moment.

We'll help you learn how to have those "lightbulb" moments...even on test day!  

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

You can technically write about anything, so long as it falls within one of the approved categories listed above.

It's best to choose a topic that matches one of the IB courses , (such as Theatre, Film, Spanish, French, Math, Biology, etc.), which shouldn't be difficult because there are so many class subjects.

Here is a range of sample topics with the attached extended essay:

• Biology: The Effect of Age and Gender on the Photoreceptor Cells in the Human Retina
• Chemistry: How Does Reflux Time Affect the Yield and Purity of Ethyl Aminobenzoate (Benzocaine), and How Effective is Recrystallisation as a Purification Technique for This Compound?
• English: An Exploration of Jane Austen's Use of the Outdoors in Emma
• Geography: The Effect of Location on the Educational Attainment of Indigenous Secondary Students in Queensland, Australia
• Math: Alhazen's Billiard Problem
• Visual Arts: Can Luc Tuymans Be Classified as a Political Painter?

You can see from how varied the topics are that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to picking a topic . So how do you pick when the options are limitless?

How to Write a Stellar IB Extended Essay: 6 Essential Tips

Below are six key tips to keep in mind as you work on your Extended Essay for the IB DP. Follow these and you're sure to get an A!

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

You can't expect to write a compelling essay if you're not a fan of the topic on which you're writing. For example, I just love British theatre and ended up writing my Extended Essay on a revolution in post-WWII British theatre. (Yes, I'm definitely a #TheatreNerd.)

I really encourage anyone who pursues an IB Diploma to take the Extended Essay seriously. I was fortunate enough to receive a full-tuition merit scholarship to USC's School of Dramatic Arts program. In my interview for the scholarship, I spoke passionately about my Extended Essay; thus, I genuinely think my Extended Essay helped me get my scholarship.

But how do you find a topic you're passionate about? Start by thinking about which classes you enjoy the most and why . Do you like math classes because you like to solve problems? Or do you enjoy English because you like to analyze literary texts?

Keep in mind that there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your Extended Essay topic. You're not more likely to get high marks because you're writing about science, just like you're not doomed to failure because you've chosen to tackle the social sciences. The quality of what you produce—not the field you choose to research within—will determine your grade.

Once you've figured out your category, you should brainstorm more specific topics by putting pen to paper . What was your favorite chapter you learned in that class? Was it astrophysics or mechanics? What did you like about that specific chapter? Is there something you want to learn more about? I recommend spending a few hours on this type of brainstorming.

One last note: if you're truly stumped on what to research, pick a topic that will help you in your future major or career . That way you can use your Extended Essay as a talking point in your college essays (and it will prepare you for your studies to come too!).

#2: Select a Topic That Is Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow

There's a fine line between broad and narrow. You need to write about something specific, but not so specific that you can't write 4,000 words on it.

You can't write about WWII because that would be a book's worth of material. You also don't want to write about what type of soup prisoners of war received behind enemy lines, because you probably won’t be able to come up with 4,000 words of material about it. However, you could possibly write about how the conditions in German POW camps—and the rations provided—were directly affected by the Nazis' successes and failures on the front, including the use of captured factories and prison labor in Eastern Europe to increase production. WWII military history might be a little overdone, but you get my point.

If you're really stuck trying to pinpoint a not-too-broad-or-too-narrow topic, I suggest trying to brainstorm a topic that uses a comparison. Once you begin looking through the list of sample essays below, you'll notice that many use comparisons to formulate their main arguments.

I also used a comparison in my EE, contrasting Harold Pinter's Party Time with John Osborne's Look Back in Anger in order to show a transition in British theatre. Topics with comparisons of two to three plays, books, and so on tend to be the sweet spot. You can analyze each item and then compare them with one another after doing some in-depth analysis of each individually. The ways these items compare and contrast will end up forming the thesis of your essay!

When choosing a comparative topic, the key is that the comparison should be significant. I compared two plays to illustrate the transition in British theatre, but you could compare the ways different regional dialects affect people's job prospects or how different temperatures may or may not affect the mating patterns of lightning bugs. The point here is that comparisons not only help you limit your topic, but they also help you build your argument.

Comparisons are not the only way to get a grade-A EE, though. If after brainstorming, you pick a non-comparison-based topic and are still unsure whether your topic is too broad or narrow, spend about 30 minutes doing some basic research and see how much material is out there.

If there are more than 1,000 books, articles, or documentaries out there on that exact topic, it may be too broad. But if there are only two books that have any connection to your topic, it may be too narrow. If you're still unsure, ask your advisor—it's what they're there for! Speaking of advisors...

Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

#3: Choose an Advisor Who Is Familiar With Your Topic

If you're not certain of who you would like to be your advisor, create a list of your top three choices. Next, write down the pros and cons of each possibility (I know this sounds tedious, but it really helps!).

For example, Mr. Green is my favorite teacher and we get along really well, but he teaches English. For my EE, I want to conduct an experiment that compares the efficiency of American electric cars with foreign electric cars.

I had Ms. White a year ago. She teaches physics and enjoyed having me in her class. Unlike Mr. Green, Ms. White could help me design my experiment.

Based on my topic and what I need from my advisor, Ms. White would be a better fit for me than would Mr. Green (even though I like him a lot).

The moral of my story is this: do not just ask your favorite teacher to be your advisor . They might be a hindrance to you if they teach another subject. For example, I would not recommend asking your biology teacher to guide you in writing an English literature-based EE.

There can, of course, be exceptions to this rule. If you have a teacher who's passionate and knowledgeable about your topic (as my English teacher was about my theatre topic), you could ask that instructor. Consider all your options before you do this. There was no theatre teacher at my high school, so I couldn't find a theatre-specific advisor, but I chose the next best thing.

Before you approach a teacher to serve as your advisor, check with your high school to see what requirements they have for this process. Some IB high schools require your IB Extended Essay advisor to sign an Agreement Form , for instance.

Make sure that you ask your IB coordinator whether there is any required paperwork to fill out. If your school needs a specific form signed, bring it with you when you ask your teacher to be your EE advisor.

#4: Pick an Advisor Who Will Push You to Be Your Best

Some teachers might just take on students because they have to and aren't very passionate about reading drafts, only giving you minimal feedback. Choose a teacher who will take the time to read several drafts of your essay and give you extensive notes. I would not have gotten my A without being pushed to make my Extended Essay draft better.

Ask a teacher that you have experience with through class or an extracurricular activity. Do not ask a teacher that you have absolutely no connection to. If a teacher already knows you, that means they already know your strengths and weaknesses, so they know what to look for, where you need to improve, and how to encourage your best work.

Also, don't forget that your supervisor's assessment is part of your overall EE score . If you're meeting with someone who pushes you to do better—and you actually take their advice—they'll have more impressive things to say about you than a supervisor who doesn't know you well and isn't heavily involved in your research process.

Be aware that the IB only allows advisors to make suggestions and give constructive criticism. Your teacher cannot actually help you write your EE. The IB recommends that the supervisor spends approximately two to three hours in total with the candidate discussing the EE.

#5: Make Sure Your Essay Has a Clear Structure and Flow

The IB likes structure. Your EE needs a clear introduction (which should be one to two double-spaced pages), research question/focus (i.e., what you're investigating), a body, and a conclusion (about one double-spaced page). An essay with unclear organization will be graded poorly.

The body of your EE should make up the bulk of the essay. It should be about eight to 18 pages long (again, depending on your topic). Your body can be split into multiple parts. For example, if you were doing a comparison, you might have one third of your body as Novel A Analysis, another third as Novel B Analysis, and the final third as your comparison of Novels A and B.

If you're conducting an experiment or analyzing data, such as in this EE , your EE body should have a clear structure that aligns with the scientific method ; you should state the research question, discuss your method, present the data, analyze the data, explain any uncertainties, and draw a conclusion and/or evaluate the success of the experiment.

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

You will not be able to crank out a 4,000-word essay in just a week and get an A on it. You'll be reading many, many articles (and, depending on your topic, possibly books and plays as well!). As such, it's imperative that you start your research as soon as possible.

Each school has a slightly different deadline for the Extended Essay. Some schools want them as soon as November of your senior year; others will take them as late as February. Your school will tell you what your deadline is. If they haven't mentioned it by February of your junior year, ask your IB coordinator about it.

Some high schools will provide you with a timeline of when you need to come up with a topic, when you need to meet with your advisor, and when certain drafts are due. Not all schools do this. Ask your IB coordinator if you are unsure whether you are on a specific timeline.

Below is my recommended EE timeline. While it's earlier than most schools, it'll save you a ton of heartache (trust me, I remember how hard this process was!):

• January/February of Junior Year: Come up with your final research topic (or at least your top three options).
• February of Junior Year: Approach a teacher about being your EE advisor. If they decline, keep asking others until you find one. See my notes above on how to pick an EE advisor.
• April/May of Junior Year: Submit an outline of your EE and a bibliography of potential research sources (I recommend at least seven to 10) to your EE advisor. Meet with your EE advisor to discuss your outline.
• Summer Between Junior and Senior Year: Complete your first full draft over the summer between your junior and senior year. I know, I know—no one wants to work during the summer, but trust me—this will save you so much stress come fall when you are busy with college applications and other internal assessments for your IB classes. You will want to have this first full draft done because you will want to complete a couple of draft cycles as you likely won't be able to get everything you want to say into 4,000 articulate words on the first attempt. Try to get this first draft into the best possible shape so you don't have to work on too many revisions during the school year on top of your homework, college applications, and extracurriculars.
• August/September of Senior Year: Turn in your first draft of your EE to your advisor and receive feedback. Work on incorporating their feedback into your essay. If they have a lot of suggestions for improvement, ask if they will read one more draft before the final draft.
• September/October of Senior Year: Submit the second draft of your EE to your advisor (if necessary) and look at their feedback. Work on creating the best possible final draft.
• November-February of Senior Year: Schedule your viva voce. Submit two copies of your final draft to your school to be sent off to the IB. You likely will not get your grade until after you graduate.

Remember that in the middle of these milestones, you'll need to schedule two other reflection sessions with your advisor . (Your teachers will actually take notes on these sessions on a form like this one , which then gets submitted to the IB.)

I recommend doing them when you get feedback on your drafts, but these meetings will ultimately be up to your supervisor. Just don't forget to do them!

The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

Extended Essays are graded by examiners appointed by the IB on a scale of 0 to 34 . You'll be graded on five criteria, each with its own set of points. You can learn more about how EE scoring works by reading the IB guide to extended essays .

• Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum)
• Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum)
• Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum)
• Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum)
• Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

How well you do on each of these criteria will determine the final letter grade you get for your EE. You must earn at least a D to be eligible to receive your IB Diploma.

Although each criterion has a point value, the IB explicitly states that graders are not converting point totals into grades; instead, they're using qualitative grade descriptors to determine the final grade of your Extended Essay . Grade descriptors are on pages 102-103 of this document .

Here's a rough estimate of how these different point values translate to letter grades based on previous scoring methods for the EE. This is just an estimate —you should read and understand the grade descriptors so you know exactly what the scorers are looking for.

Here is the breakdown of EE scores (from the May 2021 bulletin):

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

The Extended Essay grade is combined with your TOK (Theory of Knowledge) grade to determine how many points you get toward your IB Diploma.

To learn about Theory of Knowledge or how many points you need to receive an IB Diploma, read our complete guide to the IB program and our guide to the IB Diploma requirements .

This diagram shows how the two scores are combined to determine how many points you receive for your IB diploma (3 being the most, 0 being the least). In order to get your IB Diploma, you have to earn 24 points across both categories (the TOK and EE). The highest score anyone can earn is 45 points.

Let's say you get an A on your EE and a B on TOK. You will get 3 points toward your Diploma. As of 2014, a student who scores an E on either the extended essay or TOK essay will not be eligible to receive an IB Diploma .

Prior to the class of 2010, a Diploma candidate could receive a failing grade in either the Extended Essay or Theory of Knowledge and still be awarded a Diploma, but this is no longer true.

Figuring out how you're assessed can be a little tricky. Luckily, the IB breaks everything down here in this document . (The assessment information begins on page 219.)

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

In case you want a little more guidance on how to get an A on your EE, here are over 40 excellent (grade A) sample extended essays for your reading pleasure. Essays are grouped by IB subject.

• Business Management 1
• Chemistry 1
• Chemistry 2
• Chemistry 3
• Chemistry 4
• Chemistry 5
• Chemistry 6
• Chemistry 7
• Computer Science 1
• Economics 1
• Design Technology 1
• Design Technology 2
• Environmental Systems and Societies 1
• Geography 1
• Geography 2
• Geography 3
• Geography 4
• Geography 5
• Geography 6
• Literature and Performance 1
• Mathematics 1
• Mathematics 2
• Mathematics 3
• Mathematics 4
• Mathematics 5
• Philosophy 1
• Philosophy 2
• Philosophy 3
• Philosophy 4
• Philosophy 5
• Psychology 1
• Psychology 2
• Psychology 3
• Psychology 4
• Psychology 5
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 1
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 2
• Social and Cultural Anthropology 3
• Sports, Exercise and Health Science 1
• Sports, Exercise and Health Science 2
• Visual Arts 1
• Visual Arts 2
• Visual Arts 3
• Visual Arts 4
• Visual Arts 5
• World Religion 1
• World Religion 2
• World Religion 3

What's Next?

Trying to figure out what extracurriculars you should do? Learn more about participating in the Science Olympiad , starting a club , doing volunteer work , and joining Student Government .

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Not sure where you want to go to college? Read our guide to finding your target school . Also, determine your target SAT score or target ACT score .

As an SAT/ACT tutor, Dora has guided many students to test prep success. She loves watching students succeed and is committed to helping you get there. Dora received a full-tuition merit based scholarship to University of Southern California. She graduated magna cum laude and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. She is also passionate about acting, writing, and photography.

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IB History EE examples

Filter exemplars, to what extent were the nuremberg trials defendants afforded a fair due process, to what extent was german defeat in the battle of stalingrad a result of german failures, want to get full marks for your ee allow us to review it for you 🎯, to what extent were legal measures responsible for the exclusion of jews from german society from 1933-1938, to what extent did logistical and environmental implications hinder napoleon’s victory in the russian campaign of 1812, to what extent was josef mengele’s experimentation on ethnical minorities in the auschwitz-birkenau extermination camp in the years 1943-1945 based on nazi ideology over actual scientific investigation, fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by ib examiners. upgrade now 🚀, to what extent were the foreign parties involved insrebrenica, bosnia & herzegovina responsible for the collapse andsubsequent genocide of srebrenica, how did the tactics used in the fight for racial equality, in the united states, change in the 20th century, ¿hasta qué punto el franquismo utilizó el deporte español como herramienta de adoctrinamiento nacionalista, to what extent were queer people liberated in weimar germany, 1919-1933, to what extent was nationalism the most significant cause of the dissolution of yugoslavia, what was the role of i̇smet i̇nönü's personal efforts in the transition to the multi-party political system in turkey 1945-50, how accurate is erich eyck in claiming that the great depression was the most significant reason for hitler’s rise to power in january 1933, to what extent was the british government responsible for the collapse of the sunningdale agreement of 1973, to what extent was the popular violence of the cultural revolution driven by mao’s need to eliminate opposition, to what extent was the 1948 arab-israeli war a result of whitehall intervention, to what extent were german reinforcements responsible for the victory of the finnish whites in the finnish civil war of 1918, to what extent was ‘ambitio’ a major factor in bringing about the end of the roman republic, how did the lavender scare impact united states domestic policy (1947-1959), to what extent did the guomindang fight less effectively than the chinese communist party during the second sino-japanese war, to what extent can the failure of the comprehensive agrarian reforms programme (carp) during corazon aquino’s administration be attributed to her leadership from 1986-1992, 第42および45議会下での憲政会の普通選挙法に対する姿勢の変化は、どの程度1919〜22年の一般民衆による普選運動が要因だったか (29/34), how significant was the aftermath of the black death in the transition from gothic architecture to renaissance architecture in early 15th century florence, why was the post war trial in japan (1946-48) treated in a less significant manner than the one in germany (1945-46), what was the significance of diseases and the role of doctors and hospitals in nazi german concentration camps of auschwitz and majdanek and to what extent it contributed to the extermination of prisoners, to what extent did the decline of the ottoman empire lead to british support for the creation of the zionist homeland, to what extent were the german population unaware of the existence of exterminationist policies between 1941-1945, modernization challenges in the middle east, to what extent did germany's failure to defeat britain cost them the war, what are the similarities and differences between germany’s foreign policy towards russia and ussr before the two world wars, to what extent did the french revolution change the role of women in society between 1789 and 1815, to what extent did britsh west africa contribute to britain's success in the second world war, ee checklist, what was the most significant reason that slavery was legal in brazil and took until 1888 to be fully abolished, who killed kirov, to what extent did the weakness of his opponents contribute to the rise to power of hitler.

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• IB History Extended Essay Topics

The Extended Essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, culminating in a 4,000-word paper. It’s an important component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and allows students to engage in an in-depth study of a topic that interests them. Aspiring IB History students must complete their EE to gain the full diploma.

When working on an EE, students need to follow very specific guidelines and formatting expectations. The essay should look professional, be free of errors, have a clear layout, and have a unique and interesting thesis statement. For IB History specifically, topics should relate to some historical event or time period.

Most EE topics require a large amount of research. Students are expected to use reliable and high-quality sources for information. Additionally, topics should not be too broad but also not too narrow—there needs to be enough material available to create a comprehensive essay.

It’s also important to keep in mind the weight of the essay in a student’s final grade. An EE typically includes a title page, table of contents, introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion, list of works cited, and any additional appendices. Getting started can seem daunting, but with clear goals and guidance, you can break the process into manageable parts.

🚀 Conquer Your IB Extended Essay with Our Expert Writing Service! 🚀 Feeling stressed about your Extended Essay? Look no further! Our professional IB Extended Essay Writing Service is here to guide you towards success! 🎓 ✅ Deep Understanding of IB Criteria: Our team of seasoned writers is well-versed in the IB curriculum and assessment criteria. They know precisely what examiners look for, ensuring your EE is tailored to meet the highest standards. 🔒 Absolute Confidentiality: Your privacy is our top priority. We maintain strict confidentiality and never share your personal information with third parties. You can trust us to handle your EE with the utmost care and discretion. ⏰ On-time Delivery: We understand the importance of deadlines. Our dedicated writers work tirelessly to ensure your IB Extended Essay is completed on time, without compromising on quality.

• The Impact of World War I on the Russian Revolution: A Comparative Analysis of Pre- and Post-War Societal Changes
• The Rise and Fall of Apartheid in South Africa: Analyzing the Political and Economic Factors
• The Cuban Missile Crisis: Assessing the Role of Cold War Diplomacy in Averting Nuclear War
• The Spanish Inquisition: Exploring the Socio-Cultural and Religious Dynamics of Persecution
• The Fall of the Berlin Wall: The Interplay of Political and Cultural Factors in East and West Germany
• The Chinese Cultural Revolution: Assessing the Legacy of Mao Zedong’s Policies on Modern China
• The Influence of Ancient Greek Democracy on the Formation of the United States Constitution
• The Role of Women in the French Revolution: Analyzing the Contributions and Limitations of Female Activism
• The Armenian Genocide: Investigating the Origins, Perpetrators, and International Response
• The Impact of the Printing Press on the Protestant Reformation: A Study of the Spread of Ideas in 16th Century Europe
• The League of Nations: Evaluating the Successes and Failures in Preserving Global Peace and Security
• The Indian Independence Movement: A Comparative Study of the Strategies Employed by Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose
• The Influence of the Enlightenment on the American and French Revolutions: A Comparative Analysis
• The Iranian Revolution of 1979: Examining the Role of Religion and Nationalism in Shaping Political Change
• The Rwandan Genocide: Analyzing the International Community’s Response and its Implications for Future Conflict Resolution
• The Consequences of the Treaty of Versailles on Post-World War I European Stability
• The Great Depression: Investigating the Effects of Economic Policies on the Global Recovery
• The Role of Propaganda in Shaping Public Opinion During World War II: A Comparative Study of Nazi Germany and Allied Nations
• The Impact of European Colonialism on the Formation of Modern African Nation-States
• The Vietnam War: Analyzing the Domino Theory and its Influence on American Foreign Policy

Brainstorming IB History Topics

When it comes to choosing an IB History Extended Essay topic, the sky is the limit. IB History offers a wide range of topics that span from ancient history to the contemporary world and beyond. To choose the best topic for your essay, it’s important to brainstorm several ideas and then narrow them down until you find your final topic. Here are some tips for brainstorming IB History topics for your essay.

1. Pick an Interesting Area

When selecting an area for your IB History topic, pick something that interests you. You will be researching this subject in depth, so it helps to pick something that catches your eye. Think about the topics that most pique your curiosity and consider these when narrowing down your choices.

2. Select a Time Period

Before you start brainstorming specific topics, it’s important to select a time period. This will help you to focus on topics within the scope of your essay. The IB History syllabus includes comprehensive studies of events, people, and societies from prehistory to the present day. Consider which time period you would like to focus on and use this to guide your research.

3. Brainstorm Ideas

Now that you have identified a broad area of research and a specific time period, it’s time to brainstorm some potential topics. Start by making a list of ideas and then narrow it down by considering which ones you think would make for compelling research. Consider topics related to events, people, or societies within the chosen time period. You can also look for potential connections between topics for added interest.

4. Research Specific Topics

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential topics, start researching each one. Try to find out as much information as you can about each topic, including background information and any relevant primary sources. This will help you decide which topic you would like to develop further and ultimately write your essay on.

5. Review the IB Assessment Criteria

Finally, before you make your final decision, take some time to review the IB Assessment Criteria. Understand what the components of the assessment are and make sure that your chosen topic is suitable. This will help ensure that you are on the right track early on and can dedicate more time to researching and writing the essay itself.

Developing Your Topic

Finding the right topic for your IB history extended essay is an important step. After brainstorming relevant and engaging topics, you’ll need to narrow your choices down to one final topic. This process can take some time and effort, but it’s well worth the effort. Here are a few tips for selecting the perfect topic:

• Think carefully about your passion and interests. Consider what topics you find the most interesting and engaging, and then research those topics more deeply. By selecting a topic that you have a real connection to, you are more likely to stay motivated and enjoy the writing process.
• Conduct a thorough research. Explore each of your suggested topics in greater depth. Gather as much information as possible and narrow your focus to a single topic.
• Identify an original angle. While it can be tempting to choose a broad or popular topic, try to choose something unique and specific that sets you apart from other students. Create a thesis statement that will ensure that your essay provides insight into the subject matter.

By using these guidelines and following the step-by-step process, you can select a topic for your IB history extended essay that you find interesting and engaging. When you have settled on a topic, you can begin conducting research and writing your essay.

Researching the Topic

Research is an essential part of writing your IB History Extended Essay. Gathering reliable sources that are relevant to your topic is the first step towards writing a successful essay.

There are a variety of sources you can use when researching your topic. Some good places to start include online databases, libraries, textbooks, and journals. It is important to use sources that are reliable and accurate, so be sure to double-check who the authors are and any associated credentials.

When researching, make sure to keep track of where you are gathering your information from. This will help you later when you are citing your sources in the essay. You should also take notes as you go along, as this will help you to remember which sources you used for each particular piece of information.

In addition to traditional sources, there are a number of other methods you can use to research your topic. Interviews, surveys, and field observations are just a few ways you can gather additional information. As always, make sure to record your sources and check for reliability.

As you do your research, be sure to pay attention to any opposing views or counterarguments. Understanding different perspectives can help you develop a more balanced and nuanced argument in your essay.

Finally, you should aim to draw connections between all your sources. Identifying patterns and themes can help you find evidence to support your thesis and provide an overall structure for your essay.

Writing the Essay

Writing your extended essay on IB History is an exciting challenge, but it can be daunting. However, with some careful preparation and organization, you can craft a powerful, persuasive argument that will get you the grade you’re looking for.

Formulating an Argument

When writing an extended essay, it’s important to make sure that you’re arguing for a clear point of view. Start by doing research into your topic area and brainstorming ideas about what you want to say. Once you have done this, you can begin to form a thesis statement and outline the structure of your essay. Remember to keep it focused, so that you can make your point in a concise and compelling way.

Organizing Your Thoughts

Organizing your thoughts in advance is key when writing an extended essay. When you have multiple sources to consult and various points to consider, it can be easy to get sidetracked. To keep yourself on track, start by creating a timeline and a plan. Break the task down into manageable steps and set deadlines for each one. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t miss anything important.

Creating a Powerful Introduction, Body Sections and Conclusion

Now you’re ready to start writing. The introduction should set the stage for the rest of your essay, giving background and context and introducing the main points you will be discussing. The body sections should each make a compelling case for your argument, supported by facts and examples from your research. Finally, the conclusion should summarize the main points of your essay in a concise and effective manner.

Overall, if you take the time to plan and organize your essay before you begin writing, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. By taking this approach, you will be able to create a coherent and persuasive essay that will impress your reader.

Editing and Revising Your Essay

Writing an extended essay for IB History can be a challenge, especially when it comes to the editing and revising process. Fortunately, with some careful planning and organization, you can make this step of the process much easier.

The first step in the editing and revising process is proofreading. This involves making sure that your essay is free from any errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It’s important to take your time when doing this, as even the smallest mistake can detract from your overall grade. Once you’ve finished proofreading, the next step is to check for coherence. This involves ensuring that the ideas in your essay are logically connected and flow together. If your essay jumps around too much, it can be difficult for readers to follow your ideas.

Another useful tip is to consult with experts or mentors who may have experience writing essays in the same field. They can often provide valuable feedback and advice that can help you improve your essay. Additionally, it’s helpful to read your essay aloud, or have someone else read it out loud, as this can help you identify any awkward phrasing or unclear sentences.

Overall, editing and revising your extended essay for IB History can be daunting, but with some careful planning and organization, it doesn’t have to be! So take your time, proofread thoroughly, and don’t forget to consult with experts or mentors if you need feedback.

Writing an IB History Extended Essay doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right amount of preparation and research, you can craft an essay that will be well-received by your teachers and peers.

This guide has offered a comprehensive overview on how to go about writing a successful extended essay, from brainstorming topics to researching, writing and editing. Additionally, resources such as examples of excellent essays, common mistakes to avoid, and FAQs were provided to give readers a further understanding of the expectations of a successful Extended Essay.

Take the time to read through this guide and make sure you are inline with all the guidelines, as they are there to help you produce a high quality essay. Good luck!

• Last Edit 11 May 2023

Nick Radlinsky

Nick Radlinsky is a devoted educator, marketing specialist, and management expert with more than 15 years of experience in the education sector. After obtaining his business degree in 2016, Nick embarked on a quest to achieve his PhD, driven by his commitment to enhancing education for students worldwide. His vast experience, starting in 2008, has established him as a reputable authority in the field.

Nick's article, featured in Routledge's " Entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe: Development through Internationalization ," highlights his sharp insights and unwavering dedication to advancing the educational landscape. Inspired by his personal motto, "Make education better," Nick's mission is to streamline students' lives and foster efficient learning. His inventive ideas and leadership have contributed to the transformation of numerous educational experiences, distinguishing him as a true innovator in his field.

📚🔍 Explore a Wide Range of IB Extended Essay Topics! 🔍📚

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• History Extended Essay: Definition, Outline, Assessment Criteria
• How Long Does It Take to Write an IB Extended Essay?
• How to Pick an Interesting Topic for Your Extended Essay
• How to choose a research question for your IB extended essay

How Long Is IB EE? Minimum and Maximum Word Count

Balancing word count limits requires careful planning and consideration of every word you write. In this guide, I’ll share strategies and insights from years of mentoring IB students to help you master the art of word count management in your extended essay.

TOK Essay Word Count. Min & Max

In this guide, we discuss the crucial parameters set by the International Baccalaureate for minimum and maximum word counts. Through the insights of an experienced IB writer, this article offers practical strategies for staying within these limits while improving the quality and depth of your essay.

How Long Is IB IA? Average IA Word Count

From my experience as IB tutor, a frequent question among students is, “How Long Is IB IA?” This question is crucial as the IA represents a significant component of the IB diploma, reflecting a student’s ability to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world context.

IB Extended Essay Rubric. Grading Criteria

Understanding the IB extended essay rubric is essential for success. The rubric provides a framework that grades students on several key criteria including the sharpness of their research question, the rigor of their methodology, the breadth and depth of their knowledge, the fluidity and clarity of their argumentation, and their personal engagement with the research topic.

IB TOK Essay Rubric. Grading Criteria

This article provides essential insights and strategies for understanding the assessment process and helping you write essays that meet and exceed the rigorous standards of the IB curriculum. Whether you’re striving for clarity of argument, effective integration of knowledge, or personal engagement, our tips will help you achieve a higher score.

IB Internal Assessment Rubric and Grading Criteria

The IB IA rubric is carefully structured to assess students’ understanding, skills and application of subject matter in a nuanced and comprehensive manner. Each subject rubric, whether for sciences such as Biology and Chemistry, humanities such as History and Psychology, or Mathematics, emphasizes a unique set of criteria tailored to assess specific competencies and skills.

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IB History Extended Essay Topics and Research Questions

Table of contents

• Writing Metier

Are you gearing up to start writing your History Extended Essay but feeling a bit overwhelmed with where to start?

You’re in luck! We’ve put together an exciting array of IB History EE topics that span the rich tapestry of history, from the world wars to the nuances of cultural revolutions.

These aren’t just any History EE topics; they’re carefully selected to ignite your curiosity and fit snugly within the IB criteria.

So, please grab a cup of your favorite brew, and let’s explore these ideas together. And remember, if you need a bit more than just inspiration, we at Writing Metier are here to help you every step of the way! 

50+ History Extended Essay Topics

In this article, we’ve divided our selection of History Extended Essay topics into ten categories. It’s like having a library where each section is dedicated to a different era or theme in history, making it easier for you to find the topics that catch your eye. 

Whether you’re passionate about the Cold War, intrigued by the Renaissance, or curious about economic history, these categories collected by our History essay writers are set up to help you zero in on the area that sparks your interest. 

Think of it as a well-organized menu of historical feasts, ready for you to pick your favorite dish! 

1. World War I and II

We’re starting our exploration with World War I and II, where battles reshaped our planet. 

We’ll examine the causes behind the Great War, analyze strategic masterstrokes of the Second World War, and assess their lasting impact on society and politics. 

It’s a fascinating look at events that defined a century.

Causes and Consequences of World War I

• Research Question:  How did rising nationalism contribute to the outbreak of World War I?
• Research Question:  What were the long-term economic impacts of World War I on European countries?

Key Battles and Strategies of World War II

• Research Question:  How did the Battle of Stalingrad turn the tide of World War II?
• Research Question:  How did naval warfare strategies influence the outcome of battles in the Pacific during World War II?

Political and Social Impact of the World Wars

• Research Question:  How did World War II influence the progression of the Civil Rights Movement in the US?
• Research Question:  How did the political landscape of Europe change after World War I?

Moving from global conflicts to a war of shadows and ideologies, we enter the Cold War Era.

2. Cold War Era

This period was less about physical battles and more about espionage, strategic politics, and iconic leaders. We’ll explore the secret world of spies, the global chess game of this era, and the personalities who steered these events.

The Role of Espionage and Intelligence

• Research Question:  How did espionage activities shape the diplomatic relations between the US and the Soviet Union during the Cold War?
• Research Question:  How did intelligence operations contribute to the resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

Influence of the Cold War on Global Politics

• Research Question:  How did the Cold War affect political dynamics in the Middle East?
• Research Question:  How did the Cold War contribute to the formation and policies of the European Union?

Key Figures and Leaders of the Cold War

• Research Question:  How did Ronald Reagan’s policies contribute to the end of the Cold War?
• Research Question:  How did Nikita Khrushchev’s leadership influence the course of the Cold War?

Now, let’s focus on Revolution and Change. We’re delving into the Russian Revolution’s seismic shifts, the Industrial Revolution’s world-changing innovations, and the unique narratives of Latin American revolutions.

3. Revolution and Change

These events didn’t just change nations; they rewrote the rules of society.

The Russian Revolution: Causes and Effects

• Research Question:  What factors led to the success of the Bolsheviks in the Russian Revolution?
• Research Question:  How did World War I catalyze the Russian Revolution?

The Impact of the Industrial Revolution

• Research Question:  How did the Industrial Revolution drive urbanization and social change in 19th century Britain?
• Research Question:  What were the key technological innovations of the Industrial Revolution, and how did they transform societies?

Revolutions in Latin America: A Comparative Study

• Research Question:  How do the causes and outcomes of the Mexican and Cuban revolutions compare and contrast?
• Research Question:  What was Simon Bolivar’s impact on the revolutions in Latin America?

Next, we explore the era of Colonialism and Imperialism, a time of empires expanding and reshaping continents. We’ll investigate what drove the Scramble for Africa, the complexities of British rule in India, and how empires waned in the 20th century. 

4. Colonialism and Imperialism

It’s a compelling story of power, conquest, and resistance.

The Scramble for Africa: Causes and Impact

• Research Question:  What were the primary motivations for European nations in the Scramble for Africa, and how did they justify their actions?
• Research Question:  How did the Berlin Conference and the subsequent division of Africa impact the political landscape of the continent in the long term?

British Rule in India: Economic and Social Effects

• Research Question:  How did the economic policies of the British Raj affect the social and economic structure of Indian society?
• Research Question:  What was the significance of the Indian railway system in facilitating British colonial objectives and its impact on India?

The Decline of Empires in the 20th Century

• Research Question:  How did the collapse of the Ottoman Empire contribute to the shaping of modern Middle Eastern borders and conflicts?
• Research Question:  What were the key factors that led to the decline of the British Empire after World War II?

Shifting from political power plays to the power of ideas, we enter the world of Cultural and Intellectual History. 

5. Cultural and Intellectual History

We’ll explore the Renaissance’s bloom of creativity, the Enlightenment’s revolutionary ideas, and the 1960s’ cultural upheaval. It’s a celebration of the minds that dared to think differently.

The Renaissance: Artistic and Scientific Innovations

• Research Question:  How did Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions and scientific studies exemplify the spirit of innovation during the Renaissance?
• Research Question:  How did the invention of the printing press transform literature and the spread of ideas during the Renaissance?

The Enlightenment: Philosophers and Ideas

• Research Question:  How did Voltaire’s writings and ideas contribute to the development of Enlightenment thought?
• Research Question:  How did Enlightenment philosophies influence the development of modern democratic and political ideals?

The Cultural Impact of the 1960s

• Research Question:  How did the counterculture movement of the 1960s influence the evolution of music during that era?
• Research Question:  How did youth movements in the 1960s contribute to social and political change in the United States?

From the world of art and ideas, we turn to Economic History. Here, we’ll dissect the Great Depression’s global impact, trace the evolution of economic systems, and understand globalization’s role in reshaping economies. 

6. Economic History

It’s an insightful look at how economic forces shape our world.

The Great Depression: Causes and Global Effects

• Research Question:  What were the underlying causes of the 1929 stock market crash, and how did it precipitate the Great Depression?
• Research Question:  How did the Great Depression affect the economies of industrialized nations outside the United States?

The Evolution of Economic Systems in the 20th Century

• Research Question:  How did the shift from mercantilism to free market capitalism shape economic policies in the 20th century?
• Research Question:  What factors led to the rise and eventual decline of command economies in the 20th century?

The Impact of Globalization on World Economies

• Research Question:  How has the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) impacted the economies of its member countries?
• Research Question:  How have multinational corporations influenced the process of economic globalization and its impact on national economies?

Here you can also find a list of good Economics extended essay topics for you. Just so you know 😉

In Social History, we examine the movements that have sculpted our societal landscape. 

7. Social History

We’ll explore the fight for women’s rights, the journey of the Civil Rights Movement in the US, and the Victorian era’s social reforms. These movements are the pillars of our modern society.

Women’s Rights Movements Across History

• Research Question:  How did the suffragette movement in the UK impact the fight for women’s rights and lead to societal change?
• Research Question:  What was the contribution of women to the French Revolution, and how did it influence their rights?

The Civil Rights Movement in the United States

• Research Question:  How did Martin Luther King Jr.’s leadership and strategies shape the course of the Civil Rights Movement?
• Research Question:  How did media coverage affect the public perception and progress of the Civil Rights Movement?

Social Reforms of the Victorian Era

• Research Question:  How did the Factory Acts reform labor conditions, and what was their social impact during the Victorian era?
• Research Question:  How did Charles Dickens’ portrayal of social issues in his novels contribute to awareness and reform in Victorian England?

Next, we explore the experiences of Indigenous Peoples during colonial times. We’ll look at how European colonization impacted Native American societies, the resilience of Aboriginal communities in Australia, and the effects of colonial policies in South America. 

8. Indigenous Peoples and Colonial Histories

These stories are about endurance, identity, and cultural survival.

The Impact of European Colonization on Native American Societies

• Research Question:  What were the immediate and long-term effects of the Spanish conquest on Aztec society and culture?
• Research Question:  How did European colonization transform the social, political, and economic structures of Native American societies?

Aboriginal Histories and Resistance in Australia

• Research Question:  What were the long-term effects of the Stolen Generations policy on Aboriginal communities in Australia?
• Research Question:  How has the Aboriginal land rights movement shaped the legal and political landscape in Australia?

The Effects of Colonial Policies on Indigenous Cultures in South America

• Research Question:  How did Spanish colonialism affect the social and cultural structures of indigenous societies in the Andean region?
• Research Question:  What has been the lasting impact of Portuguese colonialism on indigenous communities in Brazil?

Now, let’s look at how technology changes history’s course. 

9. Technological Advancements and Historical Change

From the printing press sparking a knowledge revolution to the telegraph altering warfare, and the internet’s role in recent revolutions, we’re examining technology’s power to transform societies.

The Role of the Printing Press in Reformation Europe

• Research Question:  How did the printing press facilitate the spread of Martin Luther’s ideas during the Reformation?
• Research Question:  How did the invention of the printing press contribute to the intellectual and cultural developments of the Renaissance?

The Impact of the Telegraph on 19th Century Wars

• Research Question:  How did the telegraph influence military strategies and communication during the American Civil War?
• Research Question:  How did the use of the telegraph affect diplomatic communications and decision-making during the Crimean War?

The Influence of the Internet on Late 20th Century Revolutions

• Research Question:  How did the internet and social media platforms influence the organization and spread of the Arab Spring movements?
• Research Question:  How did the advent of digital communication technologies contribute to the political and social changes leading to the fall of the Soviet Union?

Finally, we arrive at the latest chapter in our history – Contemporary Global Issues and Conflicts post-1990. 

10. Contemporary Global Issues and Conflicts (Post-1990)

Here, we tackle the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the new face of terrorism post-9/11, and the far-reaching effects of the 2008 financial crisis. It’s a close look at the challenges shaping our current world.

The Historical Roots of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

• Research Question:  How have the Oslo Accords shaped the subsequent developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
• Research Question:  How have international interventions influenced the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since 1990?

The Rise of Terrorism and Its Global Impact Post-9/11

• Research Question:  How have global counterterrorism strategies evolved in response to the changing nature of terrorism since 9/11?
• Research Question:  What changes have been implemented in global aviation security as a direct response to the 9/11 attacks?

The Social and Political Consequences of the 2008 Financial Crisis

• Research Question:  How did the 2008 financial crisis influence economic and political policies within the European Union?
• Research Question:  What changes in financial regulation have been implemented since the 2008 crisis to prevent similar future events?

The Syrian Civil War and Refugee Crisis

• Research Question:  How have different countries responded to the Syrian refugee crisis, and what are the implications of these responses?
• Research Question:  How has the Syrian Civil War affected political and social stability in the Middle East region?

The Russian-Ukrainian Conflict and Its Global Implications

• Research Question:  What were the causes of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, and how did the international community respond?
• Research Question:  How has cyber warfare been utilized in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, and what are its implications for modern warfare?

And that wraps up our extensive list of over 50 History IB Extended Essay topics, carefully selected across various intriguing categories. 

Tailored to meet the IB criteria and EE rubric, these topics are ideal for anyone taking on history as their extended essay subject. They offer a gateway to explore significant historical events and themes, ensuring a blend of academic rigor and engaging storytelling.

Select Your Topic Wisely

As you stand at the threshold of your IB History Extended Essay, remember, the path to a great paper doesn’t have to be walked alone. If you’re circling around topic ideas or looking for expert guidance in writing a standout essay, Writing Metier is just a message away. 

We’re here to offer support, whether it’s sparking your initial idea or crafting an essay that truly reflects your historical insight. 

Reach out to us, and let’s turn your history essay into a piece that stands out in both depth and clarity.

Free topic suggestions

Vasy kafidoff.

Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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Tips for writing an EE in History

1. Choose an interesting, unique topic

The first step to any successful Extended Essay (EE) is choosing a good topic. This can actually be one of the most challenging parts of the process! I recommend choosing a topic that, first and foremost, interests you . You’ll be exploring this topic for over a year, so the best way to remain motivated is to research something you actually want to research.

Also choose a topic that isn’t overdone. Your examiner is human, so it’s best to keep them engaged and excited about your topic by writing about an area of history that, perhaps, is a little more obscure. At the same time, make sure it isn’t so obscure that you can’t find many good sources about it. It’s a balancing act. 

Personally, I wrote my History EE about how the March First independence uprisings of 1919 impacted Japanese colonial policies in Korea until 1941 . This topic interested me, was unique, and had ample resources, checking off all of the recommendations! 

2. Use a broad range of sources

Now that you’ve chosen a topic, it’s time to start researching. When you compile resources, try to get a diverse mixture of primary and secondary sources. 

Primary sources are “immediate, first-hand accounts of a topic, from people who had a direct connection with it”; they may include newspaper articles, interviews, photographs, and more. 

Secondary sources are usually produced later on, and talk about a historical event retrospectively and with a layer of “interpretation and analysis”. A prominent historian’s book, for example, is a good secondary source. (Pro tip: if you struggle to find primary sources, many secondary sources will reference or excerpt primary sources, so you can find a lot of them from there!) 

Don’t use textbooks or Wikipedia, as these are considered tertiary sources. Dig a little deeper! 

It’s also important to have a diverse range of sources. In my case, since I was looking at Japan’s colonial policies in Korea, I consulted both Japanese and Korean sources to look at “both sides” of history. By using many different sources, you will show a deeper understanding of your chosen topic. 

3. Have a thesis

Okay, this one seems pretty obvious, but it’s actually easy to forget to have a thesis after so much researching and planning. Remember: you aren’t writing a history report, you’re writing a history essay. A good IB History teacher will constantly wisely remind you: don’t write a narrative. Don’t simply recount the events that happened; instead, say something about the events. After doing all your research and preparation, think about what argument you’ll be developing throughout your essay. 

4. Focus on structure

The EE is 4000 words long, so organization is key if you want to get your points across effectively. I recommend choosing a few key areas within your topic that you want to address. Turn these areas into your “chapters” to give your essay a coherent structure. Here’s an example from my History EE’s table of contents: 

As you can see, I divided up my essay into 4 main chapters with certain subsections. By structuring my EE in this way, my goal was to make it easier for the reader to follow the essay. I recommend creating a table of contents page before you even start your EE, as this will allow you to follow a set structure as you write, improving your organization. 

5. Address multiple perspectives

If you’re aiming to achieve a high mark on your History EE, try to integrate multiple different perspectives into your essay. This shows that your arguments are nuanced and you’ve taken into account contrasting viewpoints before arriving at your conclusion. For example, if you’re arguing that economics was the primary cause of World War I, you should also consider the political and social situation in Europe at the time. But don’t leave it at that! After addressing the counterarguments, you should then discuss why your main thesis statement still stands and is the strongest argument. This will actually make your essay more persuasive. 

These are just some of the tips you should keep in mind as you approach your History EE. While the EE may feel daunting and stressful at times (trust me, I’ve been there), if you think of it as an opportunity to study and write about anything you want to, it can actually become a fun and engaging process. Good luck with your EE! 

Read Tiffany’s overview of the Extended Essay here .

Read Bryan, Nikki, Bianca, and Victoria’s experiences of the EE here .

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Guide to the IB Extended Essay in 2024

January 24, 2024

If you’re an International Baccalaureate student getting ready to write your IB Extended Essay, you might be experiencing some very understandable trepidation. But have no fear—we’re here to help you understand what’s required of you, how to plan ahead (IB extended essay topics), and how you’ll be graded (IB extended essay rubric). Keep reading for a good dose of preparation and confidence before you begin the journey. In this article, we’ll cover:

What is the IB Extended Essay?

The ib extended essay—required content, ib extended essay topics.

IB Extended Essay—Sample Essays

IB Extended Essay Tips

Ib extended essay rubric, ib extended essay—more resources.

The IB Extended Essay is a 4,000-word paper that asks you to immerse yourself in research and academic writing. A required part of the IB program, the Extended Essay is a chance to dig deep into a topic that fascinates you.

Although it’s no small task, the IB Extended Essay is an opportunity to gain practical research and writing skills that will come in handy again in college. As you write, you’ll learn how to:

• Identify credible sources
• Formulate a research question and limit your scope of research
• Communicate ideas to an audience
• Develop a well-supported argument

The IB Extended Essay is largely an independent, self-directed project, but don’t worry—the IB program doesn’t throw you into the deep end. You do get to select a mentor (usually a teacher at your school) to help guide you through the process. As you write, you’ll be required to meet with your mentor three times. As part of your final evaluation, your mentor will interview you in a final reflection section called a viva voce . During the viva voce, your mentor will check for plagiarism and malpractice, ask you to reflect on challenges and difficulties, and prompt you to discuss what you’ve learned through the research and writing process. Your mentor will then generate a report that factors into your final grade.

Your final essay must include the following:

• Contents page
• Introduction
• Body of the essay
• References and bibliography

For this essay, it will be up to you to generate a topic; the International Baccalaureate does not provide prompts. However, your essay will need to fit within one of six provided subject areas . You’ll choose from the following list of IB Extended Essay Topics:

• Language and literature
• Language acquisition
• Individuals and societies
• Mathematics

IB Extended Essay Topics (Continued)

At a glance, the subject areas might look limited, but the topics you can choose to write about are actually wide-ranging. The “Individuals and societies” category includes social science topics like economics, history, world religions, and philosophy. And, if you’re leaning toward “Science,” you can choose from classic subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics, or related topics like environmental systems or health science, among others.

The IB also offers a special “World Studies” option for students interested in researching global issues. This subject would allow you to center your writing on global issues such as migration, global health, cultural exchange, or climate change.

Wondering what an outstanding IB Extended Essay looks like? The International Baccalaureate provides quite a few sample student essays online . Here are five essays that earned A grades.

Language and literature: An exploration of an aspect of the narrative voice in Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita

Environmental Systems and Societies: The economic impact of the 1995 reintroduction of grey wolves to Yellowstone National Park

Psychology: To what extent do social networking sites (SNS) usage lead to experience of anxiety in adolescents?

Music: Composition techniques in the 1st movement of Johannes Brahms’s Symphony No. 2, Op. 73

Business Management: Corporate Culture at Oracle

1) Pick something you’re passionate about

As you can see from the titles above, the IB Extended Essay is a great place to delve into a niche topic that fascinates you. Since you’ll be spending many months on this essay, you’ll want to pick a topic you genuinely enjoy spending time learning about. It’s also smart to choose something you’ve already learned about in your IB classes so that you have a strong foundation of knowledge to start with. In music class, do you love pondering why music makes us feel a certain way? Maybe an essay about music theory will keep your gears turning. Do you come alive trying to solve seemingly impossible problems in physics class? Now’s your chance to put those equations into action.

Since this essay is all about your academic interests, it’s also a good idea to pick a topic that’s relevant to what you plan to study in college. Selecting a relevant topic will provide you with significant exposure to the field and will also give you something meaningful to talk about in your college admissions essays.

2) Limit your scope

What’s the meaning of life? Why do wars happen? What is time? Some questions are just way too big to answer, and your IB Extended Essay is not a good place to tackle expansive, philosophical questions. Instead, think of this essay as a place to investigate one piece of a big question. If, let’s say, you’re generally interested in what helps women reach positions of leadership in business, this is a good place to examine how one or a few companies approach this issue. Or, if you’re interested in studying what inspires surrealist painters, you’ll want to pick one or a few painters to research, likely all from the same time period. For both these topics, you’d need a whole textbook to tackle the full question, but limiting your scope will make it much easier to write a clear and cohesive 4,000 words.

On the other hand, it’s possible to narrow your focus too much. It would be impossible, for example, to write 4,000 words about a single sentence in a novel. Make sure you talk about scope early and often with your mentor. Together, you can find the perfect Goldilocks scope for your project that’s not too big and not too small.

3) Choose a good mentor

Speaking of mentors, choosing wisely will help you enormously as you embark on your IB Extended Essay. You’ll want to make sure you choose someone with existing knowledge in your research topic. Your English teacher may be able to give you great writing advice, for example, but they won’t be able to guide your research and scope if you’re writing about marine animals or modern dance.

Before you approach a teacher, make sure you have at least one topic idea (or even a few ideas) in mind so that you can make sure they’ll be a good fit to supervise your project. When you meet with them, find out what their mentorship style is like. Make sure they’ll have time to read several drafts of your essays, meet with you a few times, and give you feedback. Some IB schools will require your IB Extended Essay mentor to sign an agreement form too, so make sure you find out what paperwork is required in advance.

4) Get organized, way organized

The IB Extended Essay is not something you can crank out the night before it’s due. The essay is meant to be a substantive, in-depth, thoughtful, and thoroughly researched analysis, and Rome simply isn’t built in a day. This might be the longest paper you’ve written to date, and this project might require more research than you’ve been asked to do before. Timelines vary by school, but you’ll likely spend between eight months and a year working on your IB Extended Essay. So, how will you pull it all off? For these 8-12 months, organization will be your guiding light. We recommend you:

• Get started early. If your essay is due November of your senior year, start generating topic ideas during your junior year right after winter break.
• Create a long-view schedule for yourself. What will you accomplish each month of your process?
• Give yourself deadlines. Once you choose a mentor, suggest 2-3 draft deadline dates so that you will be held accountable throughout the writing process.
• Find a note-taking system that works for you. You’ll be reading many articles and books and it’s hard to keep track of all your sources. Create a document or spreadsheet where you keep track of the sources you’ve found and check them off as you read. As you finish reading a text, type up important quotes and a few notes explaining how it connects to your topic and to your other texts.

5)Write a messy first draft

Writing never comes out perfect the first time, even for New York Times bestselling authors and the most experienced researchers. In your first draft, give yourself permission to get all your thoughts out, no matter how unstructured or rambling they are. Call this your brainstorming draft. When you’re ready to revisit it, see what patterns emerge, what common ideas you can group together, what beginning buds of ideas you can make bloom into full-fledged analysis.

6) Communicate for an audience

When you’re used to producing writing that only your teacher reads, it can be hard to remember to write for an audience. But at the end of the day, writing is communication , and the best writing is clear and thorough communication that anyone could pick up and read. For your IB Extended Essay, you’ll want to remember that many people will be reading your final essay, and not all of them will be experts in the niche topic you choose to study. Ask yourself: how can I explain my research to an audience who doesn’t already agree with my analysis?

To communicate to an audience, you’ll want to:

• Provide lots of general background information on your topic.
• Don’t assume your reader is familiar with your sources. Introduce them as if they’re guest speakers about to walk up to a podium and deliver a lecture.
• After including quotes, facts, and figures, be sure to explain what those sources mean in your own words and how they connect to your bigger-picture argument.
• Don’t assume your arguments are self-evident. In this essay, communicating for an audience means supplying ongoing interpretation and analysis, even if it feels like you’re explaining the obvious. Your reader isn’t on your research journey with you, so your points might not be so obvious to your reader.

Although your IB Extended Essay provides a report that factors into your grade, your essay will also be assessed by external examiners the IB. Per the IB Extended Essay Rubric , essays are graded on a scale from 0 to 34 based on 5 different criteria:

• Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum)
• Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum)
• Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum)
• Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum)
• Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

As you can see, Critical Thinking is the most significant rubric category. This means that the IB wants to see you arrive at your own unique analysis of your topic, drawing connections between sources and data, and making well-supported arguments. This means they want a lot of you: your ideas, your interpretations, your thoughts. Make sure you emphasize that in your essay, but of course don’t forget the other categories.

The score a student receives corresponds to a letter grade scale that is slightly different than what we’re accustomed to in the U.S. Here’s the letter grade to numerical score breakdown:

You must earn a D or higher to receive your IB Diploma. To learn more about the different criteria included in the IB Extended Essay Rubric, you can explore the IB’s full guide to the Extended Essay .

We hope you found our look at the IB extended essay rubric and IB extended essay topics to be helpful. Ready to dive into research? You may want to read our 10 Expert Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension before you hit the books.

And if you’re a high school student in the process of mapping out your pathway to college, take a look at a few other useful guides:

• IB vs AP—Which Classes are Best for College Admission?
• How to Earn College Credit in High School
• High School Course Requirements for College Admission
• SAT Score Calculator
• ACT Score Calculator 
• High School Success

Christina Wood

Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeney’s , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story “The Astronaut” won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a “Distinguished Stories” mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.

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IB Extended Essay Topics: History

Choosing the perfect topic for a History extended essay may initially seem daunting. However, with guidance and a little insider knowledge, it can actually be fascinating. As an experienced IB writer and tutor, I’m here to share my insights and give you some ideas for extended essay topics in History.

4. Be Mindful of Overdone Topics

What is the ib history extended essay.

This extended essay is an integral component of the Diploma Programme, offering students the chance to undertake independent, in-depth research on a topic of their choice within the IB History course . Drawing on my years of experience writing within the IB framework and mentoring students through their extended essays, I’ve come to appreciate the unique opportunity it provides for personal growth.

The extended essay in History investigates a specific historical question, event, or theme that interests the student. According to the general IB criteria, the essay encourages students to develop skills in critical thinking, deep step-by-step research , and academic writing. From my perspective, what sets this extended essay apart is how it challenges students to act as historians: asking questions, analyzing sources, and developing nuanced interpretations. Now, let’s highlight a few essential points:

• The primary objective of the IB History extended essay is to enable students to research a historical topic in great detail, demonstrating their ability to formulate a focused research question, gather and evaluate evidence, and construct a coherent argument.
• The essay is expected to be rigorous, where students apply analytical skills to dissect historical narratives, argue a thesis, and contribute to historical understanding.
• The research requires a careful balance between primary and secondary sources, offering insights into the historical period or events.

Having witnessed many students overcome the IB History extended essay challenges, I’ve identified a few common pitfalls: choosing a topic that is too broad or narrow and underestimating the importance of a well-structured argument. In my opinion, avoiding these pitfalls begins with thorough planning and ongoing reflection throughout the research and writing process.

IB History Extended Essay Topics and Research Questions

Based on my extensive experience mentoring students through the IB DP, I’ve found that the right topic can make all the difference. Here are some ideas and IB research questions to inspire and challenge History students:

• The Impact of the Cold War on Global Alliances . How did the Cold War influence the formation and dissolution of alliances in the second half of the 20th century?
• Decolonization in Africa After World War II. What were the primary factors driving the decolonization process in Africa after World War II?
• The Role of Women in the French Revolution . How did the French Revolution alter the status and perceptions of women in French society?
• Economic Policies of the Ming Dynasty . What were the economic policies of the Ming Dynasty, and how did they contribute to its stability and prosperity?
• The Cuban Missile Crisis: A Turning Point in the Cold War . To what extent did the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 alter the course of the Cold War?
• The Influence of the Silk Road on the Spread of Ideas . How did the Silk Road facilitate the exchange of ideas and cultural practices between East and West?
• The Fall of the Berlin Wall: Causes and Consequences . What were the immediate causes of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and how did its collapse impact Germany and Europe?
• The Rise and Fall of the Aztec Empire . What factors led to the rapid rise and subsequent fall of the Aztec Empire?
• The British Raj in India: An Analysis of Economic Impact . How did British colonial rule alter India’s economic landscape?
• The Influence of Propaganda in Nazi Germany . How did Nazi propaganda influence the German population during the 1930s and throughout World War II?
• The Genocide in Rwanda: An Analysis of International Response . What was the international community’s response to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, and how effective was it?
• The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Urbanization . How did the Industrial Revolution contribute to urbanization in 19th-century England?
• The Role of Cryptography in World War II . To what extent did advances in cryptography influence the outcome of World War II?
• The Treaty of Versailles: A Prelude to World War II . How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to the conditions leading to World War II?
• The Cultural Revolution in China: Goals and Outcomes . What were the stated goals of the Cultural Revolution in China, and to what extent were they achieved?
• The Impact of the Spanish Influenza on Post-World War I Society . How did the Spanish Influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 affect societal changes in post-World War I Europe?
• Apartheid in South Africa: Origins and Outcomes . What were the origins of apartheid in South Africa, and what were its long-term effects on the nation’s social and economic fabric?
• The Role of the Samurai in Japanese Society . How did the role and perception of samurai change in Japanese society from the Kamakura to the Edo period?
• The Manhattan Project: Scientific Breakthroughs and Ethical Dilemmas . What were the Manhattan Project’s scientific breakthroughs, and what ethical dilemmas did they present?
• The Renaissance in Italy: A New Dawn of Cultural Awakening . How did the Italian Renaissance catalyze a cultural awakening across Europe?
• The Impact of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire on Eurasia . To what extent did Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire’s conquests influence the political and cultural landscape of Eurasia?
• The Crusades: A Clash of Faiths and Cultures . How did the Crusades influence the cultural and religious dynamics between Christian and Muslim societies?
• The Haitian Revolution: Implications for Slavery and Colonialism . What were the implications of the Haitian Revolution for the institution of slavery and the system of colonialism in the Americas?
• The Formation of NATO and its Role in the Cold War . How did the formation of NATO shape the political and military landscape of the Cold War era?
• The Role of Propaganda in the American Revolution . How did propaganda influence public opinion and support for the American Revolution?
• The Great Leap Forward in China: Intentions and Consequences . What were the intentions behind the Great Leap Forward in China, and what were its consequences for Chinese society and economy?
• The Salem Witch Trials: Socio-Economic Causes and Effects . What socioeconomic factors contributed to the Salem Witch Trials, and what were their long-term effects on the community?
• The Impact of the Gold Rush on California’s Development . How did the California Gold Rush affect California’s economic, social, and demographic development?
• British Naval Supremacy in the 18th Century . What factors contributed to the rise of British naval supremacy in the 18th century, and how did it influence global trade patterns?
• The Dissolution of the Ottoman Empire: Causes and Consequences . What were the primary causes of the Ottoman Empire’s decline and eventual dissolution, and what were the consequences for the Middle East?
• The Environmental Impact of the Industrial Revolution . How did the Industrial Revolution alter the natural landscape and contribute to environmental changes in industrialized countries?
• The Influence of the Enlightenment on Democratic Ideals . To what extent did Enlightenment philosophies influence the development of democratic ideals in the late 18th and early 19th centuries?
• The Partition of India: Causes and Effects on Communal Relations . What were the primary causes of the Partition of India in 1947, and how did it affect Hindu-Muslim relations in the subcontinent?
• The Role of Women in World War II’s Workforce . How did the involvement of women in the workforce during World War II impact gender roles and societal expectations in the post-war period?
• The Impact of Technological Advancements on 20th Century Warfare . How have technological advancements changed the nature of warfare in the 20th century, particularly concerning World Wars I and II?
• Diplomatic Strategies of the Tudor Monarchs . How did the diplomatic strategies of the Tudor monarchs shape European politics?
• Economic Impacts of the Transatlantic Slave Trade . What were the long-term economic impacts of the Transatlantic Slave Trade on the West African economies?
• The Rise of Totalitarianism in 20th Century Europe . What factors contributed to the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe during the early 20th century?
• Native American Societies Before European Contact . How did Native American societies in North America structure their political and social systems before European contact?
• The Fall of the Soviet Union: Internal and External Factors . Which were more significant in causing the fall of the Soviet Union: internal economic issues or external political pressures?
• The Effect of the Printing Press on European Religious Movements . How did the invention of the printing press influence the spread of religious reform movements across Europe?
• The Role of Women in the Resistance Movements During WWII . What role did women play in resistance movements across Europe during World War II?
• The Formation of Modern Nation-States in the Middle East . How did the Sykes-Picot Agreement influence the formation of modern nation-states in the Middle East?
• Social Reforms of the Meiji Restoration . What were the key social reforms of the Meiji Restoration, and how did they transform Japanese society?
• The Cultural Impact of the British Empire on Its Colonies . What were the primary cultural impacts of the British Empire on its colonies during the 19th and early 20th centuries?
• Impact of Colonial Rule on Southeast Asia’s Economic Development . How did colonial rule impact the economic development of Southeast Asia from the 19th to the early 20th century?
• The Role of Secret Societies in Revolutionary Movements . What role did secret societies play in promoting revolutionary movements throughout history?
• Consequences of the Treaty of Versailles on Weimar Germany . How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to the political and economic instability in Weimar Germany?
• Influence of the Spice Trade on European Colonialism . How did the spice trade influence the patterns and practices of European colonialism in the 15th and 16th centuries?
• Transformation of Warfare During the Napoleonic Wars . How did warfare evolve during the Napoleonic Wars, and what were the long-term effects on European military strategies?
• The Role of Intelligence in the Cold War . How did intelligence operations impact the conduct and outcome of the Cold War?
• Architectural Renaissance: The Influence of Classical Antiquity . How did the revival of classical antiquity influence architectural developments during the Renaissance?
• Social Impacts of the Industrial Revolution in Britain . What were the key social impacts of the Industrial Revolution on British society in the 19th century?
• Decolonization and National Identity in the Caribbean . How did decolonization shape national identity in Caribbean countries during the 20th century?
• Economic Consequences of the Black Death in Medieval Europe . What were the economic consequences of the Black Death in Europe, and how did it alter the economic landscape of the continent?
• Women’s Suffrage Movements in the Early 20th Century . How did women’s suffrage movements in different countries influence each other, and what were their outcomes?
• The Impact of the Cuban Revolution on Latin American Politics . How did the Cuban Revolution influence political ideologies and movements in Latin America?
• Technological Innovations and Their Impact on the First World War . What role did technological innovations play in shaping the tactics and outcomes of the First World War?
• Rise and Fall of the Zulu Kingdom . What were the key factors contributing to the rise and subsequent fall of the Zulu Kingdom in the 19th century?
• The Influence of Religion on Early Modern European Diplomacy . How did religious considerations influence diplomacy in Early Modern Europe?

You can use these topics or refine them as you see fit. It is also good to consult your teacher or supervisor when choosing the best theme for in-depth research.

Need Help with Your IB Extended Essay?

Maximize your potential and boost your Extended Essay ‘s excellence with the help of our experts! Whether starting from scratch or fine-tuning your existing assignment to meet your supervisor’s demands, the BuyTOKEssay.com team is here to make your dream of a perfect paper a reality. Say goodbye to writer’s block and hello to success with just one click.

Tips for Choosing History Extended Essay Topics

Drawing from years of experience guiding students through this process, I’ve observed that the difference between a good and an outstanding extended essay often lies in the initial choice of topic. Here are some insider tips to help you.

1. Align with Your Interests

It might seem obvious, but it’s easy to be swayed by what seems popular or what you think might impress. Remember, you’ll spend much time researching and writing about this topic. From my experience, students who choose passionate topics tend to enjoy the research process more.

2. Availability of Sources

Conduct preliminary research before settling on a topic to ensure enough primary and secondary sources are accessible. A lack of sources can severely limit your ability to develop a comprehensive and nuanced argument. From my experience, a well-chosen topic is supported by ample evidence that you can analyze and interpret.

3. Originality and Specificity

Try to find a unique angle or a specific aspect of a broader topic. It doesn’t mean you need to choose something obscure but focus on narrowing down a broad topic to something more manageable and original. Originality catches the eye, and specificity helps maintain a clear focus throughout your essay.

While it’s okay to choose a popular topic, be cautious of subjects that have been extensively covered. If you opt for a well-trodden path, bring a fresh perspective or focus on an unstudied aspect. From my experience, stand-out essays offer new insights into familiar topics.

Writing the IB History extended essay requires patience and persistence. According to general IB criteria, this paper should demonstrate clarity of thought, depth of insight, and an understanding of historical context. In my experience, successful essays demonstrate a mastery of the topic and an ability to engage with historical debates. So choose your topic wisely, and remember that you can always order custom-written essays from our IB experts. ✍️

Liliana Duman

Liliana Duman has a strong background in teaching English language, having graduated from Hacettepe University’s English Language Teaching Department in 2008. With over two decades of experience in the field, she has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share with her students. In addition to her bachelor’s degree, Liliana holds a master’s in Teaching Turkish as a Second Language and has previously worked at Başkent and Hacettepe University in Ankara. Currently, she is an EFL instructor at Sakarya University, teaching various skills, including methodology, speaking, reading, writing, and listening. In addition to her teaching, Liliana has also contributed to material development and testing efforts. As well as her work as a teacher, Liliana is an experienced private online ToK essay tutor, providing personal help for both IB ToK students and teachers in all aspects of IB ToK essays and exhibitions. She is dedicated to helping her students succeed and achieve their full potential. In her spare time, Liliana also writes articles for buytokessay.com, sharing her expertise and insights on ToK with a wider audience.

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2016-2017 IB Extended Essay: Sample IB EE's

• Workshop 1: Getting started
• Workshop 2: EE Options
• Workshop 3: Selecting a topic
• Workshop 4:Research Questions
• Workshop 5: Supervisors and Reflections
• Finding Books & Ebooks
• Primary Sources
• Citation Guide
• Subject guidance
• Sample IB EE's
• Biology (2018 new rubric)
• Biology Light Intensity
• Does Age Have an Effect on Short-term Memory of 6 to 18 Year Old Students?

Chemistry: 

• Chemistry 1
• What are the Alternative Fuels for the Depleting Fossil Fuels and which is the Best Fuel in Accordance with the Energy Output?
• A Copper Ions
• Chemistry 3

Design Technology

• Does Hull Trim and Balance Affect the Speed of a Boat?

Individuals & Society:

• Market Form of the Retail Petroleum Supply Industry in Parklands
• Economics 1
• Economics 2
• Economics 3

I have an exemplar but the file is too big to upload.  If you are interested in this topic I can share the essay with you.

• Geography 2
• History EE (2018 new rubric)
• To What Extent was the Establishment of the State of Israel in Palestine in 1948, Influenced by Theodor Herzl?

Information Technology in a Global Society

• Philosophy 1
• Philosophy 2
• Philosophy 3
• Philosophy 4
• Psychology EE (2018 new rubric)
• Applied Behavior Analysis and Early Intervention: The Extent of Recovery from Autism
• Psychology 1
• Psychology 2
• Psychology 3

Social & Cultural Anthropology

• Social & Cultural Anthropology 1
• Social & Cultural Anthropology 2

World Religions

• To What Extent do the Core Scriptural Teachings of Sikhism Permit them to Marry Outside of the Religion?
• World Religions 1
• World Religions 2

Language Acquisition:

• French: Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Literature & Language 

•   Journeys in the Inferno and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz   
•   Toni Morrison 

Math: 

•   Cryptography and Rubik's Cube: An Investigative Analysis   
•   Pascal's Triangle 

Visual Arts: 

•   How Does the work of Yinka Shonibare Illustrate the Changing Role of African Art in a Global Society? 
• Ballet's Accessibility and Costumes Affecting Society's View of the Art Form
• Visual Arts 1
• Visual Arts 4

Interdisciplinary Essays:

Environmental Systems & Societies

• ESS Extended Essay (2018 new rubric)

World Studies

• World Studies EE History, Economics, & Politics  (2018 new rubric)
• Does the Production of Dairy and Meat from Dairy Cows in the United States affect the Environment and Well Being of Animals and Humans?
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100 IB Extended Essay Topic Ideas!

One of the biggest keys to the Extended Essay is choosing which subject you want to write your work in and developing that crucial research question. Read on to find inspiration for topics across a wide range of subjects.

Extended Essay: The Love/Hate aspect of the IB

One of the biggest keys to the Extended Essay is choosing which subject you want to write your work in and developing that crucial research question. Annoyingly, coming up with that idea and research question can be the toughest part of the entire process. Writing 4,000 words about something you are interested in is a big ask and it often feels impossible to narrow down your thoughts. To make everything super clear, here are 100 Extended Essay Topics for you to draw inspiration from! Use these as a springboard to create your own research question !

Get Support from A Top Tutor Today

At Lanterna we have over 300 tutors who smashed their Extended Essay. They know exactly how to get an A in your EE and can give you tips and tricks on how you can do the same. What are you waiting for? Get your own tutor today !

How to Begin Your IB Extended Essay

To make everything super clear, here are 100 Extended Essay Topics for you to draw inspiration from! Use these as a springboard to  create your own research question !

Get Support from a Top Tutor Today

At Lanterna, we have over 300 tutors who smashed their Extended Essay. They know exactly how to get an A in your EE and can give you tips and tricks on how you can do the same. What are you waiting for? Get your own tutor today!

10 Steps to Writing an Extended Essay

Before we look at specific topics for your essay, let’s recap the 10-steps you’ll need to follow to complete your extended essay.

1. Define the Topic and Draft the Research Question

2. Create a Timeline

3. Identify and gather Sources

4. Set Deadlines

5. Plan the structure according to the total word count

6. Evaluate

7. independent Research

8. Write the extended essay draft

10. Present

By following the steps above, you should be able to produce a logical and coherent rationale to follow when writing the extended essay for your IB diploma programme.

By starting with a solid research question, you’ll be able to put an extended essay of global significance together, from the research and writing process all the way through to your final submission with a favourable extended essay grade.

Below, we’re sharing 10 topics across 10 subjects to inspire your next IB extended essay.

1. How the change of habitat affects an X organism?

2. How does climate affect the growth of X plant?

3. Can photosynthesis take place without sunlight?

4. What is the effect of age and gender on the photoreceptor cells in the human retina?

5. How is climate change impacting the appearance of coral reefs?

6. An evaluation of how  antioxidants  work in our bodies?

7. Does hand sanitizer, hand soap or antibacterial wipes have the greatest ability to inhibit the growth of E. Coli?

8. To what extent do live cultures in yogurts/milk/other dairy products reduce the concentration of lactose present over the course of a 2 hour incubation period at x°C?

9. What is the relationship between  population density  between X and population size of X?

10. What is the relationship between indoleacetic acid, a growth hormone, and the growth of X (a crop)?

11. How does human influence impact an aquatic ecosystem?

12. How can one organize a pollution check along a X canal in X?

13. What is the effect of the increased ecological footprint in the  Amazon ?

14. What are the forest and woodland restoration in Siberia, Russia and which one is most effective?

15. How does human interference cause ecological imbalances in an X city/country/continent?

16. What is the impact of urban development on the  bee population  in X city?

17. What are the differences in the conversation efforts in Yosemite National Park (California, USA) and the Lake District National Park (UK)?

18. To what extent have healthcare policies in X country influenced their human population curve?

19. How have changes in environmental systems influenced the value system of X country?

20. How has X landfill site affected the surrounding terrestrial ecosystem?

21. What is the profitability of  airline companies ?

22. How does unemployment affect the market?

23. Why did X recession occur?

24. How did the financial Policy affect the economy in X?

25. How effective are government policies in reducing overconsumption of alcohol (specifically hard liquor)?

26. To what extent are public buses and subways substitute goods in a country?

27. How did the tax reform in country x affect its growth and development? (many countries to choose from)

28. To what extent was weak government policy responsible for the Latin American financial crisis of 1997?

29. How effective is the  Big Mac Index  in measuring purchasing power parity?

30. To what extent would the UK suffer from leaving the European Customs Union if Brexit happens?

31. Is there an association between viewing violence on television and the display of violent acts?

32. What motivational climate should a coach employ in order to achieve optimal performance in athletes?

33. How does  X hormone affect human behavior ?

34. Compare theories explaining altruism in human behaviour

35. Discuss short-term and long-term consequences of exposure to violence

36. Why do relationships change or end?

37. Discuss how  social variables (poverty, parenting, educational environment) may the affect cognitive environment.

38. To what extent do mirror neurons play a role in empathy? (2014)

39. To what extent does Mindfulness help people cope with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

40. To what extent is drug therapy effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder?

41. Does the British Parliamentary reforms act of 1832 deserve its title as the great reform act?

42. To what extent are there similarities in Hitler and Mussolini’s Rise to Power?

43. To what extent did Mao’s tackle the problems which he faced?

44. Was Tsar Alexander II of Russia reforms a success or failure?

45. To what extent was the bombing of Dresden in 1945 justifiable?

46. To what extent can  Sweden be considered neutral during WWII ?

47. The impact of structural economic weakness on the collapse of the Soviet Union.

48. How were women treated differently in 1920s and 1950s Great Britain?

49. Why did Israel win the  Six Day War  of 1967?

50. What role did economics play in the unification of Germany from 1834 to 1871?

English Literature

51. What are the Compare and Contrast Jane Austen Books?

52. How does Joseph Conrad’s portray Racism in A Heart of Darkness?

53. How does Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman critique today’s capitalist society? The American Dream?

54. To what extent does Chris McCandless in Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild escape familial influence?

55. What are the similarities and differences between J.K. Rowling’s characterization of Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows?

56. How does Yaa Gyasi use structure in her novel Homegoing to portray the evolution of time?

57. What is the impact of the social context on Holden Caufield and Huckleberry Finn?

58. How does Sylvia Path’s use of Inanimate objects in Bell Jar?

59. How is the empowerment of Feminine portrayed in the Lord of the Rings?

60. Compare the political rhetoric as used in the inaugural addresses of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump.

61. The design, construction and calibration of an apparatus for measuring lipid concentration in milk.

62. What is the effect of a change in the optimal lift on the horizontal gliding distance of an aircraft?

63. How does the sugar concentration affect the refractive index of water?

64. How does temperature affect the viscosity of X juice/soda?

65. Is the relationship between temperature and conductivity and insulators and conductors?

66. What is the Oberth Effect?

67. What is the temperature dependence of work performed on an AA battery?

68. How can the rotational frequency of a fan driven by a flame measure distance?

69. Do wine bottles of different shapes behave as Helmholtz resonators?

70. How does the diameter of a wheel affect stability in different weather conditions?

71. What factors influence the location of industries in country/city X?

72. An investigation into the significance of preserving the quality of water in a continent/country/city?

73. An investigation into the degree to which City X can be considered a Sustainable City/Community.

74. To what extent is Biodiversity being managed successfully in city X?

75. To what extent does the education and employment of women affect Country x’s fertility rate?

76. To what extent do gender, educational attainment, and working parameters influence obesity risk?

77. To what extent has urban development affected human thermal comfort levels in Country/city x (a country/city that has developed in a rapid rate over the past decades)?

78. To what extent is the Company x corporate waste management program effective, demonstrating environmental sustainability?

79. To what extent is biodiversity being managed successfully at National Park X?

80. What types of urban design encourage high rates of vandalism in X neighbourhoods?

81. The kinetics of Enzymatic Reactions.

82. How do Iron Intake Diets differ in X country?

83. What are the different factors that affect the iodine values in cooking oils?

84. What is the effect of standing time and temperate on the acid content in X juice or soda?

85. Can caffeine in tea or coffee be reduced?

86. What is the effect of temperature on the souring of milk?

87. What are the sources of error in calorimetry?

88. Does brushing your teeth affect the pH in your mouth after eating?

89. How does changing the concentration of the reagents affect the formation and spacing between Liesehang rings in the reaction between X chloride and X when conducted in a test tube?

90. What effect does the coating of aspirin tablets have on the hydrolysis of aspirin?

Social and Cultural Anthropology

91. How clothing relates to the cultural anthropology of X culture.

92. The extent to which social media networks affect different societies.

93. The relationship between ritual, myths and faith in an X society.

94. The history of rituals in X culture.

95. How different marriage rituals inform the cultural anthropology of X culture.

96. Climate change and its impact on the evolution of different creatures on the planet.

97. Understanding the social and cultural anthropology of the supernatural in X culture.

98. An analysis of body modification in relation to social and cultural anthropology.

100. Chaste systems and social ranks in societies.

There are so many class subjects that can form the basis of your extended essay, including these popular six subjects:

– Information technology

– Computer science

– Health science

– World studies

– Visual arts

– Business management

Extended essays are a great way to improve your writing skills in academic writing. Essays of a high standard that demonstrate critical thinking and in depth analysis can be submitted to academic journals. These have the potential to reach the global society.

Start Writing Your Extended Essay Topic

We hope this gave you some great inspiration for the variation of topics available for your Extended Essay . The research question you select is what will carry you through the entire process, so be sure to choose wisely!

Remember, if you are looking for more help with your Extended Essay, make sure to check out our guide which will tell you exactly how to plan, structure, research and write your Extended Essay!

Grab Free Extended Essay Resources!

No matter the subject groups in your diploma program, we’re here to help all of our IB students. Whether you’re writing about social and cultural anthropology, business management, design technology, or scientific methods for your IB diploma, Lanterna has you covered.

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The Complete Extended Essay Guide | 100 Topics & Examples

Published by Ellie Cross at November 3rd, 2021 , Revised On July 10, 2023

One of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme’s mandatory requirements is to produce a 4,000 words long extended essay, which should be submitted as an independent piece of research.

All IB students must complete the extended essay assignment regardless of the subjects they are taking because, together with CAS and TOK, it is a core module of the IB programme.

An extended essay allows students to choose any suitable topic of their choice and demonstrate their knowledge and capability beyond what they learn in the classroom. This assignment sets the stage for students to hone their research and writing skills for Bachelor’s and Master’s level coursework.

Students write an extended essay in the second term of the IB program’s first year. All students are expected to work closely with their supervisor to finalise the essay topic and the research questions.

The project involves submitting one extended essay draft to get the supervisor’s feedback before submitting the second and final version. A short viva voce must be included at the end of the essay.

Extended Essay Facts

• The length of the essay should not be more than 4,000 words.
• The project is expected to be completed over a period of one year.
• Significance of the extended essay
• In 2019 – approximately 200,000 students took the IB Programme exam
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is for students in the age group of 16 to 19 years.

Significance of Extended Essay

So how significantly does the extended essay assignment contribute towards the overall grade?

The extended essay is of critical importance for the following reasons:

• It allows students to polish their skills for undergraduate and Masters’s level essay assignments.
• They can independently explore the topic of their interest, which relates to one of the six modules of the IB Programme.
• Students learn to conduct desk-based research to find appropriate and manageable topics.
• They learn the basics of how to formulate research questions
• They learn to develop an argument.
• Successful completion of this assignment enhances their ability to analyse and assess information critically.

If you choose to undertake the extended essay in world studies, you will be required to conduct extensive interdisciplinary research on an issue of global significance.

Extended Essay Assessment Criteria

Extended essays are marked on a scale from 0 to 34 by external examines chosen by the IB itself. The score you will achieve in the assignment will relate to one of the following bands:

• A – work of an excellent standard.
• B- work of a good standard.
• C – work of a satisfactory standard.
• D- work of a mediocre standard.
• E- work of an elementary standard.

Please click here to check how your grade in the extended essay assignment affects the overall diploma score. Here is the breakdown of EE scores (from the May 2019 bulletin)

How to Select a Topic for the Extended Essay?

Selecting an enjoyable and manageable topic for the extended essay is perhaps the most exciting yet challenging part of the whole process. In a nutshell, you will be required to research a topic in one of the six subjects you are undertaking for the IB Programme. The selection criteria are based on the analysis of an issue of global significance in a specific context. For example, you can investigate technological, environmental, medical, or cultural trends from the local perspective. Here are some tips for choosing the best extended essay topic:

• It should neither be too broad nor too narrow.
• Choose a topic you are passionate about.
• Are there any global trends you are curious to explore and understand?

Choosing the topic can often be overwhelming. Think about the issues you enjoy the most, and more specifically, why you want to learn about them. This will help you develop many ideas that you can review, compare, and pick from. Note: The IBO approves the proposed topic.

Fear of failing the essay? Get help from an expert!

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• Well formulated
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How to Formulate Research Questions for the Extended Essay?

Once the topic has been approved, you can proceed to formulate the research questions (s). A poorly planned research question can cause complications at a later stage, so make sure to take your time to develop a question that would genuinely add value to the existing literature.

The answer to the formulated research question should not be a simple yes or no. It should instead provide valuable information in a larger context. The research question should be focused and relevant to the title. If the research question includes a hypothesis, then there is no obligation on your part to provide it right or wrong. Your job is to test the hypothesis and reveal the facts only.

The question should not necessarily start with words like “Is”, “Will”, “Should”, “Why”, “How”, or “Does”. Merely asserting that “yes, this is correct”, or “no, this is not correct” is inappropriate.

The highest-scoring essays usually address a research question that starts with broader phrases such as, “An investigation of”, “Exploring the idea”, “An analysis of”, “To what extent”, “A review of”, or “Examining the role”. Or it could simply be a hypothesis statement that you aim to test.

If you set out to answer a research question without contemplating the resources required to address it, then you are making a fatal mistake. Whether the essay research is primary or secondary, we cannot understate the importance of a well-thought-out plan to gather relevant supporting academic sources.

However, in most cases, it is only possible to base your essay on secondary data because conducting primary research can involve time and money. But make sure to state your reasons for choosing one research method over another.

Finally, if you cannot find a sufficient number of sources for your research question, you can alter it with your supervisor’s help.

Also read: Mental health essay topics

Choosing the Supervisor

Here are some suggestions on how to choose an advisor

• If you are unsure about who you would like to work with, create a list of potential advisors.
• The supervisor should be familiar with your topic.
• Pick an advisor who would get the best out of you.
• An advisor who is patient with you would not mind reviewing several drafts of your essay and providing feedback.
• It would be best if you were comfortable discussing ideas with them.
• The supervisor should know you well personally because their assessment will contribute towards your final EE score. A teacher who does not know you well may not assess you fairly.
• Simply having your favourite teacher as an advisor may not be a good idea because they may not be familiar with the topic.
• Check whether your school requires the advisor to sign a consent form and make the necessary arrangements.

Structure of an Extended Essay

The extended essay follows the standard essay structure , including the introduction , main body , and conclusion. However, always check with your supervisor about the structure you must follow to avoid complications later.

Your supervisor will provide the necessary guidance and advice to support you throughout the research and writing process.

The project includes up to three reflection rounds with the assigned supervisor, with the final round consisting of an interview, also known as the viva voce.

The extended essay and the reflection meetings provide a much-needed impetus, especially to those required to pass an interview assessment for a place at university and before acceptance for employment.

There are six required components of an extended essay structure:

The title page is where you state the research question you set out to address, the subject you are studying, your school name, your name, total word count of the essay, and category (for language essays).

Contents Page

This is where you must list the heading and the subheadings with corresponding page numbers. All pages should be numbered using the Microsoft page numbering feature.

Introduction

The extended essay’s introduction should provide a brief background to the research question, thesis statement , and the central argument presented in the essay.

This is where you present your arguments, evaluation, comparison, discussion, and analysis of the subject matter. This section’s structure varies according to the subject of the essay, but the supporting evidence should accompany every piece of information.

The conclusion section should relate to the thesis statement, the overall scope of the research, and the line of argument taken. It should also reflect any open questions, research limitations, and unexplained problems.

References and Bibliography

A list of academic sources used is provided in the required citation style at the end of the essay. The citation style you need to follow varies subject to subject, but make sure you consistently use it throughout the essay.

The deadline you Need to Meet

Your school will let you know the deadline for the extended essay assignment. Each school has a different official IB deadline. You will have a year to complete the essay, but unfortunately, most students leave their essay to the last week before the deadline.

Careful planning can help you complete the task promptly and avoid a last-minute crunch. Many students make the fatal mistake of giving too much time to research and reading and with very little time to write an essay .

Most schools set their deadlines for different project milestones to help students stay on schedule. Keep in regular contact with your advisor and management to ensure each section is completed in due time.

The viva voce Interview

The viva voice interview allows students to demonstrate the significance of the research results. More specifically, students can provide details of the challenges and the successes of their research during the interview.

For example, you could tell your supervisor about the problem you faced during the data collection process, the strategies you used to overcome them, and how the exercise helped improve your writing skills.

Free Extended Essay Topics

Here are some amazing topic ideas in various subjects that you can consider for your extended essay.

Biology Extended Essay Topics

• Investigate the relationship between indole acetic acid, a growth hormone, and the growth of X (a crop).
• To examine the relationship between the population size of X and population density between X.
• How significantly do live cultures in dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, and cheese reduce the concentration of lactose present for a 2 hour incubation period at x °C?
• Discuss the relationship between the production process of plants and the climate.
• To examine the possibility of manufacturing flowers.
• An investigation into the idea of planting healing a disease.
• The impact of various drugs on the functioning of the human brain
• Does the change of habitat affect the life of an organism?
• Investigate the process of storing cow’s milk safely.
• The relationship between the photoreceptor cells in the human retina and “the age and gender”.
• Examining the growth of an X plant when the climate changes
• Neadderthalian DNA in people who have European ancestors

Psychology Extended Essay Topics

Discuss the relationship between violent acts and viewing the violence shown on social media platforms.

• Can drug therapy heal bipolar disorder?
• Can General Anxiety Disorder be healed through meditation?
• Examining the relationship between cognitive environment and social variables such as educational setting, poverty, culture, parenting, and more
• How do our relationships evolve? Why causes a relationship to an end?
• Investigate the effects of domestic violence on the human brain.
• Discuss the causes of depression from a psychological perspective.
• Different between female and male schizophrenia.
• The relationship between General Anxiety Disorder and stress
• The relationship between stress and bulimia medical condition
• The relationship between obesity and our social media-oriented lifestyle
• What causes suicide? How do suicidal behaviours develop over time?

English Extended Essay Topics

• The importance of learning English literature in the modern world
• Examine the importance of the literary function of the English language.
• Explore the relationship between politics and social Darwinism.
• Sexual and ethnic identity in the twenty-first century
• The impact of the English language on any other language of your choice
• Comparing English learning bend with other languages
• The distinct patterns of the United States English phonetics.
• Identifying the use of the Sanskrit language in English
• Tracing the differences between British English and American English in a systematic way
• Identify the English phrases and words embraced by other Hindi and Urdu languages during the British Raj
• The influence of the French language on the evolution of the English language.

Literature Extended Essay Topics

• Examine the significance of different Noble prize winners in the literature on the stylistic evolution.
• An analysis of the controversy surrounding Bob Dylan’s Noble prize award
• The Role of Emile Zola’s “J’accuse” in the Dreyfus Affair.
• Analysing Jane Austen
• Jame’s Baldwin’s illustration of Racism.
• The evolution of an ideal woman in English literature
• The traits of the Islamic religious text
• Emma by Jane Austen and the importance of Dance
• An investigation of Severus Snape’s character in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secret. What are the similarities and differences between J.K Rowling’s characterization of Severus in the two novels?
• The evolution of the character of Bilbo Baggins from Lord of the Rings to the Hobbit Sequel

Economics extended essay topics

• The impact of Covid-19 on the global airline industry
• How Covid-19 has forced car manufacturers around the work to redesign its economic model
• The growing importance of the role of India in the world economy
• China’s plans to take over the world economy by 2050 – How valid is this statement?
• The role of the road infrastructure in the development of a growing country such as Afghanistan
• The relationship between an increase in exports and empowerment of the local farmers in an agricultural country like India
• Tax handling in a world dominated by multinationals.
• The impact of an ageing population on Japan’s economy
• Offshore tax havens and the corruption of politicians. How can this trend be stopped?
• The impact of Brexit on the UK’s economy. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages from the UK’s perspective.

Movie and Film Extended Essay Topics

• The elements of social protest in Charlie Chaplin’s films
• How modern have computer capabilities revolutionized conventional cinematography?
• Avoiding the “soap opera” effect – why movies stay at 24 frames per second (including future predictions)
• Moving camera – revolutionary ideas (for example, as depicted in the Matrix and the Tenet)
• Correlation between IMDB marks and differing nationwide and film that is international
• Metamorphosis of masculinity in our contemporary world as depicted in battle club
• Kinds of timeline manipulation approach to paper writing service cinematography
• Massively distorted scientist or systematic technique depiction in Sci-Fi films

History Extended Essay Topics

• The rise of the Ottoman Empire – An analysis of the role of King Salman-II
• How significant was the battle of Vienna in European history?
• The implications of the British Raj on the Indian Subcontinent
• Discuss the reasons that caused the Arabs to lose in six days against resurging Israel?
• The treatment of women in India of the 1950s vs India of 2000s
• The history behind the animosity between two nuclear-armed neighbours – India and Pakistan
• An investigation of the events led to Hitler’s rise to power in Germany.
• The simultaneous invasion of Poland by the USSR and Nazi Germany in the second world war
• An examination of the pearl harbour attack from the Japanese perspective
• What caused the abnormal expansion of the Islamic empire between the 8 th century and the 10 th

Geography Extended Essay Topics

• The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) significance for Chinese economic domination
• An analysis of the current climate change trends and their impact on our oceans
• Discuss and evaluate the various strategies used to prevent power outages caused by solar storms.
• India’s improving fertility rate’s relationship with women empowerment and improved women education environment
• To what extent is biodiversity being managed in Regent’s Park in London.
• The relationship between obesity risk and parameters such as educational environment, gender, genes, and social settings
• Examine the affectivity of the environmental sustainability programme initiated by company X.
• Compare a country with no access to the sea with the one that has access to it.
• An analysis of the agricultural revolution impact on the world’s environment
• Does geography influence the social relationships between people?

Mathematics and Physics Extended Essay Topics

• General functions of the theory of partitions
• General relativity and cosmology
• Symmetries of plane tessellations
• Egyptian forces in arithmetic
• A review of the various methodological approaches employed by academic researchers
• Why do planets move the way they do? What causes their circular motion?
• An investigation into the string theory
• How quantum physics has the potential to change the rules of science?
• The basics of dynamics – forces and motion
• Discuss the different types of forces, including magnetic force, quantum force, and physical
• The quantum movement of particles
• How much of an influence does the quantum slit experiment have on traditional Newtonian physics?
• The nature and behaviour of light
• The cosmic patterns of stars and planets
• Gravitational waves – generation, propagation rules, detection on Earth?
• Is there scientific proof of the existence of another intelligent species in the universe like humans?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an extended essay.

The Extended Essay is a research-based academic project undertaken by International Baccalaureate (IB) students. It allows them to investigate a topic of interest in depth, develop critical thinking skills, and produce a 4000-word essay.

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There are several reasons why someone may write an essay about racism. Writing an essay on racism may appear simple at first. However, your paper must be extremely compelling to obtain a good score because racism is such a hot topic in social sciences, politics, and history.

When it comes to picking an essay topic, understanding the essay guidelines is crucial. The same rules apply to cause and effect essay. It is the simplest form of an essay and can be written within a couple of hours if you are well prepared.

Well, sit back and read! Because this article lists many argumentative criminal justice essay topics that are sure to inspire you. Student engagement with criminology and criminal justice

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• How It Works

Extended Essay (IB): Choosing a subject and topic

• The Inquiry Process
• EE Seminar 1
• EE Seminar 2
• IT Workshop 1
• EE Investigation Days
• EE Writing Days
• Choosing a subject and topic
• Developing a line of inquiry
• Finding and selecting sources
• Working with ideas
• Expressing your ideas
• Using ManageBac
• Supervisor resources
• Who can help?

For your EE you have the freedom to focus on almost any topic and you will write your own question to answer.  However, your topic must fit into a single DP subject (unless you choose to write an interdisciplinary essay, such as a World Studies EE that covers a topic “of contemporary global significance” and is likely to encompass two subject areas).

Given the academic challenge and level expected of an EE, you are strongly advised to choose a subject that you are currently studying, preferably at Higher Level.

Introduction to the Extended Essay

What is the Extended Essay?

• Compulsory element of the core, along with TOK and CAS
• Inquiry-based research project resulting in an essay of up to 4,000 words
• Topic of your choice, but must be based in a DP subject * and meet subject-specific requirements
• You are strongly encouraged to do your essay in one of your HL subjects

*It is possible, under certain circumstances, to combine two subjects and do a World Studies essay but we do not currently recommend this.

What do I need to do?

This guide is just to get your thinking started.

You are going to be spending nine months on your Extended Essay - it is very important to choose a topic that actually interests you, or it is going to be a very long nine months...

Good preparation is much more effective for finding inspiration than last minute panic!

CALVIN AND HOBBES © Watterson. Reprinted with permission of ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION.  All rights reserved.

How do I choose a subject?

• Think about your interests outside the classroom then check whether they might fit into any IB subject areas.
• Think about your IB subjects, particularly your HL subjects. Which would (and wouldn't) you enjoy exploring in more depth?
• Make a list of the topics (for one or more different subject areas) that you have enjoyed in that subject area and a list of topics you haven’t covered but wish you had. You might want to chat to your teachers or have a look in your textbooks.
• Think about any career aspirations you might have, or any ideas for further study, and they could point you in a direction.

Now have a look at the Subject Group Overviews , below, to see what an EE in that group might involve. It is worth comparing a couple of different subject groups.

Subject Group Overviews

• Group 1: Studies in language and literature
• Group 2: Language acquisition (incl. Classical Languages)
• Group 3: Individuals and societies
• Group 4: Experimental sciences
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: The Arts
• Interdisciplinary essays

• Category 1 Studies of one or more literary works originally written in the language in which the essay is presented.
• Category 2 Studies of a literary work or works originally written in the language of the essay compared with one or more literary works originally written in another language. (The work originally written in another language may be studied in translation.)
• Category 3 Studies in language based on one or more texts originally produced in the language in which the essay is presented.

Students and teachers must indicate at the point of upload which category of essay they are submitting."

From: IBO (2020) Extended Essay: Studies in language and literature

Students working on a language acquisition EE must demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the language, culture and society or literature studied. This understanding must be shown in the form of:

• an analysis of a cultural context or a specific text OR
• an analysis of trends in the culture studied and the impact of a cultural change on the form or use of the language OR
• an analysis and comparison of literary texts.

For those undertaking a classical Greek or Latin EE, the focus is on demonstrating an understanding of a relevant or significant aspect of the language, literature and civilization of ancient Greece or Rome."

From: IBO (2020) Extended Essay: Language acquisition including classical languages

Note that you may not do your EE in a language you are studying at ab initio level .

The individuals and societies EE is intended to encourage the systematic and critical study of:

• human experience and behaviour
• physical, economic and social environments
• the history and development of social and cultural institutions.

Students’ choice of topic should enable them to recognize that the content and methodologies of the subjects are contestable and that their study requires critical thinking.

Students must have sufficient grounding in the subject under which they submit their essay: reading a textbook or consulting an encyclopedia while writing the EE will not compensate for a lack of proper background knowledge."

From: IBO (2020) Extended Essay: Individuals and societies

Note: The IB considers Environmental Systems and Societies EEs to be interdisciplinary, so materials for these can be found under the Interdisciplinary essays tab, above.

"An extended essay (EE) in the sciences gives students an opportunity to apply a range of skills while researching a topic of personal interest in the field. Students working on a science EE must demonstrate an in-depth analysis of the subject matter studied, be it biology, chemistry, computer science, design technology, physics or sports, exercise and health science. This understanding must be shown in the form of a research paper involving a wellformulated research question. Students should be advised that while there is overlap between the subjects, their study should reflect one specific science area. For example:

• biology—dealing with living organisms and life processes
• chemistry—dealing with the composition, characterization and transformation of substances

...The nature of the topic under investigation should be different for each subject area and students should be careful if they undertake essays that may blur the boundaries between two science subjects. For example, when studying the pH of a body of water, students may investigate the chemicals responsible for the observed pH (chemistry), or the effect of the pH on the biota (biology)."

From: IBO (2020) The Sciences: an introduction from Extended Essay: The sciences

• the applicability of mathematics to solve both real and abstract problems
• the beauty of mathematics, as in, for instance, geometry or fractal theory
• the elegance of mathematics in the proving of theorems as in, for example, number theory
• the origin and subsequent development of a branch of mathematics over a period of time, measured in tens, hundreds or thousands of years
• the links between different branches of mathematics, or the way that branch of mathematics has been born, or has flourished, as a result of technology.

Students should be advised on the importance of formulating logical and coherent reasons for selecting a particular topic for the EE, the need to identify a well-thought-out research question and the requirement to search for the mathematical problems that require a solution. Students must be advised that mathematical research is a long-term and open-ended exploration of a set of related mathematical problems that are based on personal observations. The answers to these problems connect to and build upon each other over time."

From: IBO (2020) Extended Essay: Mathematics

• a coherent analysis and interpretation of their chosen area in relation to a posed research question
• the testing and validation of the research and consideration of its effect on the practice of the investigated area of the arts
• development and exploration in a disciplined and imaginative way of an area of study specifically appropriate to the curriculum area chosen
• a link to a practical dimension.

Each subject area poses its own unique set of challenges. Therefore, the approach to the topic of investigation should reflect the particular methodology most appropriate to the arts subject being studied. Students should have logical and coherent reasons for selecting a particular topic for their essay, a well-thought out research question and an approach that allows them to develop a reasoned argument.

...While there may be overlap between the subjects in the arts and common approaches, the research topic must clearly relate to one specific arts area. If a student chooses a research area that blurs the boundaries between two arts subjects, they must ensure that their essay’s emphasis clearly lies within the arts subject for which they are submitting it. Crucially, the topic selected should reflect each student’s particular interest and enthusiasm within that subject area."

From: IBO (2020) Extended Essay: The arts

For example, in literature and performance, students focus on the nature of the relationships that occur between a chosen text and its adaptation for performance; in world studies an issue of contemporary global significance is explored through the lenses of two subjects ; and in environmental systems and societies the interaction and integration of natural environmental systems and human societies are explored

Students undertaking one of these options must demonstrate a solid understanding of their area of research, taking a fully integrated approach. This examination must be shown in the form of:

• a coherently written and structured essay that effectively addresses an area of research, taking an interdisciplinary approach
• bringing together concepts, methods and approaches from across different subjects
• the development and exploration of an area of study specifically appropriate to the interdisciplinary choice

The most critical stage in preparing for the EE is the formulation of a logical and coherent rationale for selecting a particular topic for the extended essay, a topic that offers enough scope to provide material for a substantial essay , and the development of ideas around the topic and research question that examine existing views and argue against them."

From: IBO (2020) Interdisciplinary essays: an introduction from Extended Essay: Interdisciplinary essays

We do not recommend undertaking an EE in World Studies. If you choose to do so anyway, make sure that you consider very carefully whether your topic would fit the requirements of a single subject discipline instead. It can be challenging to juggle the requirements of two different subjects while undertaking a piece of academic research like this for the first time, particularly if you do not currently study one or both of the subjects.

Note that the Treatment of the Topic section of the Subject Guide for World Studies says that:

"It is expected that students will have a good grounding in at least one of the Diploma Programme subjects used in the EE.

If they are unfamiliar with a discipline used, they must access its syllabus so that they can identify the concepts, terminology and modes of thinking required for their EE. (Many IB syllabuses contain lists of key concepts.)"

This means that whether or not you are currently studying either or both of the subject areas your World Studies EE is based in  you will need to use DP Level concepts, terminology and modes of thinking appropriate to both subject areas.

Subject Specific Guidance

Use the links below to explore the Subject-Specific Guidance for your chosen subject. Note that it is very important to use the side navigation menu to make sure you have read ALL the relevant guidance (see example for Biology, below).

You MUST read the subject-specific guidance before completing your Supervisor Application Form, and reread it before completing your Research Proposal Log. You might find it helpful to take notes using the Using the Subject-Specific Guidelines table.

Electronic versions of these can be found at the top right hand side of this page (follow links). If you wish to submit your handwritten version to ManageBac, you may upload a (legible!) photograph.

Ethical guidelines

You must address the IB ethical guidelines in your Research Proposal and follow them throughout the EE process. Some Subject Guides will contain specific ethical guidelines for that subject, but here are some general guides you might need to refer to:

Extended essays from previous years

Past essays

It can be really useful at this stage to look at essays from previous Oakham students, to see what kinds of topics they investigated and what their final essays looked like. These are upstairs in the library and can be looked at while you are here.

Please remember:

• These are all the essays from past Oakhamians and they were awarded a range of grades (which are recorded on the contents pages). They are not a set of examples of 'good' essays or even 'good' titles.
• There have been several rule changes in the past, most notably in 2018, so make sure you are aware of the current rules.

You may take photographs of individual pages (such as the contents pages). You may not photograph or photocopy whole essays.

How do I choose a topic?

Go back to your brainstormed list of topics from the first session:

• Eliminate any that you don’t really want to write about and focus on the rest.
• Use the ideas on the mind map below to examine these topics and decide which might be worth further exploration. You might choose to make a mind map like this for some of your topics.

Before deciding on a topic you should do some preliminary research to see what information is out there. Make a few brief notes as you go.

• General internet browsing: You could begin with some freestyle internet searching on a broad topic that interests you. Search for your topic online, give yourself an hour to follow links and see where they take you – keeping an EE focus, of course!
• Subscription Databases : While you will almost certainly search the databases extensively for your research once you have chosen a topic, you can also browse them to help you to chose one. See the ' Browsing our subscription databases ' box below for advice on the best ones to choose for this. Using the subscription databases to help you to choose a topic also means that you are guaranteed to be able to find high quality information on that topic.
• Talk to your teachers, friends and family

Put your notes away, forget about what you have read for a few days, then see what you remember.  This time and distance is important as it is likely that you will remember what is of most interest to you, and so the angle you should develop.

Aim to have three suggestions for topic areas you might like to explore for your EE to explore further before making a decision .

Browsing our subscription databases

You are likely to have used our databases in the past to search for information on specific topics, but many of them are also excellent when browsing for ideas. I have made some suggestions below. You will need to access them from the list on our Subscription Databases page (using the log in information given if you are not on the school network).

An excellent series of ebooks providing a short, academic introduction to a wide range of topics. Choose 'Browse by subject' from the menu bar to explore them (or use the excellent search facility if you know which topic you are interested in).

An online encyclopaedia that you can trust and cite! Choose 'Advanced' then 'Explore: Articles' to browse Britannica in a range of different subject areas.

Hodder Education Magazines

Although aimed at A-level students, browsing these Review magazines may be a good way to identify a broad topic of interest. After you log-in, you can choose to search the whole database or choose a specific subject and browse/search within it.

Other, subject-specific resources

• Art: Oxford Art
• Drama: Drama Online
• Economics: Financial Times and Gale Newspaper Collection
• English literature: Connell Guides, EBSCO Literary Reference Centre, emagazine and MASSOLIT (a video-based resource)
• Music: Naxos Music Library, Oxford Music
• Politics: Financial Times and Gale Newspaper Collection 

Using the Subject Specific Guidelines

This table will help you work with the Subject-Specific Guidelines as you choose your topic. You are not required to submit this form to your supervisor, but you might find it helpful when filling in your Supervisor Application Form and Research Proposal.

AI Prompt Catcher

• AI Prompt Catcher Example

This Prompt Catcher  must  be completed if you are using AI tools as part of your initial research.  Since examiners cannot access the exact AI-generated content subsequently, you must cite and reference the tool in your essay and include a copy of the Prompt Catcher containing the generated content and the prompt you used to generate it in an appendix.

Annotated bibliography

This resource will help you to keep track of all the different sources you find. Once you start working with each source in more detail, you will also need a tool like the Investigative Journal to organise your notes.

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Extended Essay Topics: 285 IB Ideas for You

High school students typically undertake this research project as part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. With a length of 3000-4000 words, it offers an opportunity for students to delve deeply into a topic of personal interest within one of the IB subject areas. Please follow the link to learn more about the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum .

If you want to learn how to write an extended essay, begin by selecting a well-defined research question that aligns with the subject's curriculum and your interests. Conduct thorough research using various reputable sources, analyze the gathered information critically, and develop a clear argument or thesis. Structuring the essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, students should present their findings cohesively, supported by evidence and examples. Additionally, adhere to academic conventions, including proper citations and referencing, and ensure clarity and coherence in your writing.

Finally, students should engage in regular revisions and seek feedback from teachers or peers to refine their essays into a comprehensive and academically rigorous piece of work. You’ll be pleased to know that our online paper writing service provides IB essays, too!

How to Choose an Extended Essay Topic?

Choosing an EE topic is crucial as it sets the direction for your research and impacts your overall experience. Here's a concise guide to help you select suitable IB extended essay topic ideas:

• Identify Your Interests

Start by brainstorming subjects or topics that genuinely interest you. Consider your passions, hobbies, and subjects you excel in or find intriguing.

• Review IB Subject Areas

Explore the IB subject areas you're studying and consider how your interests intersect with these disciplines. Your EE topic should align with one of these subjects.

• Consider Feasibility

Assess the feasibility of potential extended essay ideas based on available resources, access to data, and your ability to conduct research within the given timeframe.

• Narrow Down Your Focus

Once you have a broad topic in mind, narrow it down to a specific research question or area of investigation. A focused, well-defined research question will make your EE more manageable and coherent.

• Consult with Teachers

Seek guidance from your teachers or EE supervisor. They can provide valuable insights, suggest potential topics, and help you refine your research question.

• Evaluate Significance

Consider the significance and relevance of your chosen topic. Is it academically challenging? Does it offer opportunities for original research or critical analysis?

• Reflect on Personal Connection

Reflect on why this topic matters to you personally. Connecting with your topic on a deeper level can enhance your motivation and engagement throughout the research process. If you need a more hands-on approach, request our college essay writing help now.

• Pilot Research

Conduct some preliminary research to gauge the availability of sources and the depth of existing literature on your chosen topic. This will help you determine whether it's viable for your EE.

• Stay Flexible

Be open to adjusting your topic or research question as you delve deeper into the literature and gather more information. Flexibility is key to finding the right balance between academic rigor and personal interest.

• Finalize Your Topic

Once you've considered these factors, finalize your EE topic and research question. Ensure it meets the IB's requirements and aligns with your academic goals and interests. If you need a psychology essay writing service , you can easily obtain it on our website.

The Ultimate List of Extended Essay Ideas

Are you ready for a surge of inspiration that will leave you no choice but to start writing? Then, let’s do this! For your convenience, EssayService distributed the topics among nineteen areas, depending on what subject you’re going to choose. Alternatively, you can order essay online without having to spend hours on research, drafting, and proofreading.

Best Extended Essay Topics

• Social media's impact on teen mental health.
• Renewable energy policy effectiveness.
• Gender roles in contemporary literature.
• Ethics of gene editing technology.
• Diversity's effect on workplace productivity.
• Propaganda's role in wartime opinions.
• Music's influence on memory.
• Bilingual education's language benefits.
• Globalization's impact on indigenous cultures.
• Mindfulness for stress reduction.
• Socioeconomic status and academic success.
• Mental illness portrayal in media.
• Religion's role in politics.
• Climate change and biodiversity.
• Alternative medicine's efficacy in chronic illness.

Visual Arts Extended Essay Topics

• The portrayal of light in Impressionist paintings.
• Symbolism in Frida Kahlo's self-portraits.
• The evolution of cubism in Picasso's works.
• Cultural influences on Japanese woodblock prints.
• Surrealism's impact on contemporary photography.
• The use of color in Matisse's cut-outs.
• Female empowerment in contemporary street art.
• Environmental themes in Land Art installations.
• Religious symbolism in Renaissance masterpieces.
• The intersection of technology and art in digital animation.
• Abstract expressionism and emotional catharsis.
• Political commentary in Banksy's graffiti.
• Gender representation in classical sculpture.
• Art as a form of protest in the Civil Rights Movement.
• Nature as muse in the Hudson River School paintings.

Computer Science Extended Essay Topics

• Machine learning applications in predicting stock market trends.
• Encryption techniques for securing cloud-based data.
• Quantum computing's impact on cryptography.
• Cybersecurity measures against ransomware attacks.
• Artificial intelligence in personalized healthcare.
• Algorithm optimization for autonomous vehicle route planning.
• Ethical considerations in facial recognition technology.
• Blockchain in supply chain management efficiency.
• Natural language processing advancements in virtual assistants.
• The role of big data analytics in business intelligence.
• Cybersecurity challenges in the Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
• Exploring the potential of edge computing in IoT networks.
• Data privacy regulations and their impact on technology companies.
• The use of virtual reality in immersive learning experiences.
• Advancements in computer vision for image recognition tasks.

English Extended Essay Topics

• Identity exploration in contemporary literature.
• Gender dynamics in Shakespearean tragedies.
• Magical realism in Gabriel García Márquez's novels.
• Postcolonial themes in Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart."
• Symbolism in George Orwell's "1984."
• Alienation in J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye."
• The hero archetype in epic literature.
• Eco-criticism in environmental literature.
• Satire in Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels."
• Mental illness in Sylvia Plath's poetry.
• Comparative dystopian literature analysis.
• Mythology's influence on modern fantasy.
• Power dynamics in Shakespeare's "Macbeth."
• Narrator roles in postmodernist literature.
• Social commentary in Octavia Butler's science fiction.

History Extended Essay Topics

• The impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures.
• Analyzing the causes and consequences of the Great Depression.
• Women's suffrage movements around the world.
• The role of Propaganda in shaping public opinion during wartime.
• Comparing the French and American Revolutions.
• The rise and fall of ancient civilizations: A comparative study.
• Investigating the origins and consequences of the Cold War.
• The effects of globalization on indigenous communities.
• The significance of religious reformations in shaping modern societies.
• Exploring the legacy of imperialism in Africa.
• The role of technology in shaping the course of World War II.
• Resistance movements during periods of oppression.
• The impact of the Renaissance on European society and culture.
• Analyzing the causes and consequences of the Civil Rights Movement.
• The role of nationalism in the dissolution of empires.

Extended Essay Topics Human Rights

• The impact and challenges of international human rights treaties.
• Social media's influence on human rights activism.
• Refugee rights: Navigating challenges in host nations.
• Transitional justice mechanisms in post-conflict societies.
• Environmental rights amidst the climate crisis.
• Indigenous land rights: Struggles and victories.
• Accountability and justice through international criminal tribunals.
• Technology's implications for privacy rights.
• Gender-based violence in conflict regions: Addressing root causes.
• Economic sanctions: Balancing human rights and political goals.
• Corporate responsibility in global supply chains: Progress and setbacks.
• Advocating for disability rights in diverse societies.
• Examining human rights impacts of mass incarceration.
• Protecting migrant workers from exploitation.
• Education's role in promoting human rights awareness.

Extended Essay Topics English Literature

• Symbolism in "To Kill a Mockingbird."
• Character development in "Pride and Prejudice."
• Conflict resolution in "Lord of the Flies."
• Themes of isolation in Emily Dickinson's poetry.
• Literary techniques in Edgar Allan Poe's short stories.
• Cultural identity in "The Joy Luck Club."
• Gender roles in Shakespearean comedies.
• Narrative structure in "The Great Gatsby."
• The theme of love in sonnets by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
• Imagery in the poetry of Langston Hughes.
• Symbolism in "The Catcher in the Rye."
• Social commentary in George Orwell's "1984."
• Religious motifs in "The Canterbury Tales."
• Irony in Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."
• Allegory in William Golding's "Lord of the Flies."

Math Extended Essay Topics

• Fibonacci sequences in nature.
• Sorting algorithm efficiency.
• Music and mathematics.
• Game theory in economics.
• Mathematics of cryptography.
• Fractal patterns in geometry.
• Mathematics in sports analysis.
• Chaos theory: A mathematical view.
• Quantum computing fundamentals.
• Voting systems analysis.
• Symmetry: Exploring group theory.
• Population growth modeling.
• Origami mathematics.
• Neural networks: Math in AI.
• Network theory in social sciences.

Chemistry Extended Essay Topics

• pH's effect on enzyme activity.
• Chemical reaction kinetics.
• Food preservation chemistry.
• Temperature and reaction rate.
• Nanomaterials in chemistry.
• Catalysts in reactions.
• Water treatment chemistry.
• Natural vs. synthetic polymers.
• Photosynthesis and respiration.
• Equilibrium factors in chemistry.
• Chemical pollutants and remediation.
• Medicinal drugs chemistry.
• Green chemistry principles.
• Taste and aroma chemistry of foods.
• Alternative energy chemistry.

Extended Essay Business and Management Topics

• Corporate social responsibility's impact on consumer behavior.
• Effective supply chain management in global businesses.
• Leadership styles' role in organizational success.
• Marketing strategies' effectiveness in building brand loyalty.
• Culture's influence on international business negotiations.
• Entrepreneurship's challenges and opportunities in emerging markets.
• Employee motivation's relationship with performance.
• Globalization's effects on small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
• Digital technologies' role in transforming business operations.
• Diversity and inclusion policies' impact on organizational performance.
• Change management strategies in organizations.
• Factors influencing consumer buying behavior in the digital age.
• Ethics' role in business decision-making.
• E-commerce's impact on traditional retail businesses.
• International expansion's challenges and opportunities for businesses.

Good Extended Essay Topics for Economics

• Impact of government policies on income inequality.
• Effectiveness of monetary policy in achieving price stability.
• Role of human capital in economic development.
• Effects of globalization on labor markets.
• Relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability.
• Impact of trade liberalization on developing economies.
• Causes and consequences of financial crises.
• Effects of technological innovation on economic growth.
• Role of foreign direct investment in economic development.
• Economics of healthcare systems and universal coverage.
• Impact of income taxation on economic behavior.
• Economics of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Role of government intervention in market failures.
• Economics of poverty alleviation programs.
• Impact of economic incentives on consumer behavior.

Physics Extended Essay Topics

• How different surfaces affect the bounce of a ball.
• Exploring the science behind a slingshot's launch.
• The relationship between temperature and the rate of a chemical reaction.
• Investigating the factors affecting the stretch of a rubber band.
• The physics of a simple electric circuit.
• Measuring the speed of sound in different materials.
• Analyzing the effect of magnetism on the direction of a compass.
• The behavior of light through different colored filters.
• How the length of a pendulum affects its swing time.
• Investigating the relationship between mass and acceleration.
• Exploring the physics of a falling object.
• The properties of static electricity: Attraction and repulsion.
• The impact of surface area on the rate of heat transfer.
• Understanding the basics of friction: Sliding vs. rolling.
• Analyzing the effect of temperature on the volume of a gas.

Psychology Extended Essay Topics

• How music affects mood.
• Social media's impact on self-esteem.
• Color and emotion perception.
• Family dynamics and adolescent behavior.
• Nature vs. nurture in personality.
• Decision-making under pressure.
• Mindfulness meditation for stress.
• Sleep deprivation and cognition.
• Exercise and mental health.
• Psychology of addiction.
• Childhood trauma and adult mental health.
• Peer pressure and behavior.
• Motivation in academics.
• Culture's effect on cognition.
• Attachment styles in relationships.

Racism Extended Essay Topics

• Effects of racial bias in education.
• Media's role in perpetuating racial stereotypes.
• Economic disparities due to racial inequality.
• Combating racial prejudice strategies.
• Implicit bias and decision-making.
• Intersectionality of race and gender.
• Racial segregation in urban communities.
• Privilege and systemic racism.
• Racialization of immigration policies.
• Colonialism's impact on contemporary racism.
• Racial profiling in law enforcement.
• Microaggressions and their impact on minorities.
• Health disparities among different racial groups.
• Historical roots of racial discrimination.
• Representation of race in popular culture.

Global Politics Extended Essay Topics

• International efforts in addressing climate change.
• The impact of social media on political movements.
• Nuclear proliferation and global security.
• Human rights violations in conflict zones.
• Gender equality in international politics.
• The role of diplomacy in resolving conflicts.
• Economic globalization and income inequality.
• Refugee crises and humanitarian responses.
• Cybersecurity threats in the digital age.
• The rise of populism and its impact on democracy.
• Global health governance and pandemic preparedness.
• Ethnic conflicts and peacebuilding efforts.
• Environmental policies and sustainable development goals.
• Arms trade and its impact on global peace.
• The role of non-governmental organizations in global governance.

Biology Extended Essay Topics

• Effects of temperature on enzyme activity.
• Plant growth responses to light intensity.
• Genetics of flower color inheritance in plants.
• Impacts of pollution on freshwater ecosystems.
• Antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
• The role of vitamins in human health.
• Photosynthesis rates in different light conditions.
• Investigating the biodiversity of a local ecosystem.
• Cellular respiration and its environmental factors.
• Effects of caffeine on heart rate in humans.
• Genetics of blood type inheritance.
• Investigating the effects of pH on aquatic life.
• Comparative study of animal adaptations in different environments.
• Impact of pesticides on bee populations.
• Investigating the factors influencing seed germination.

Extended Metaphor Essay Topics

• Life as a Rollercoaster: The ups and downs of life's journey.
• Love as a Battlefield: Navigating the challenges and victories of love.
• Education as a Garden: Cultivating knowledge and growth.
• Friendship as a Ship: Sailing through the waters of companionship.
• Time as a Thief: How time steals moments and memories.
• Success as a Puzzle: Fitting together the pieces of achievement.
• Dreams as Stars: Reaching for the stars in pursuit of our aspirations.
• Courage as a Beacon: Guiding us through dark times with bravery.
• Creativity as a River: Flowing with endless ideas and inspiration.
• Challenges as Mountains: Conquering obstacles like scaling peaks.
• Happiness as Sunshine: Brightening our lives with joy and warmth.
• Knowledge as a Key: Unlocking doors to understanding and wisdom.
• Emotions as Weather: Ever-changing like the skies above.
• Society as a Garden: Cultivating harmony and growth within communities.
• Ambition as a Flame: Burning bright with determination and drive.

Law IB Extended Essay Topics

• Human rights and national laws.
• Digital privacy regulations.
• International criminal accountability.
• Intellectual property and innovation.
• Law, technology, and challenges.
• Cultural influences on legal systems.
• Environmental laws for sustainability.
• Gender equality in legal contexts.
• International law effectiveness.
• Artificial intelligence and legal implications.
• Corporate responsibility in law.
• Reforming criminal justice systems.
• Family law in modern society.
• Legal ethics and dilemmas.
• Law's role in global inequality.

Extended Essay Topics Language and Literature

• The role of symbolism in a selected novel.
• Cultural stereotypes in contemporary literature.
• Comparing female characters in classic and modern literature.
• Metaphors in poetry: Analysis and interpretation.
• Historical context and its influence on literary themes.
• Translation's impact on understanding literature.
• Depiction of mental health in literary works.
• Folklore's influence on modern storytelling.
• Evolution of a literary genre.
• Narrative perspective and reader interpretation.
• Power dynamics in dystopian fiction.
• Trauma and resilience in postcolonial literature.
• Satire addressing social issues in literature.
• Interplay of language and identity in literature.
• Character development in a chosen play or novel.

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IB History Extended Essay Topics

Luke MacQuoid

The study of history is essential in understanding the past, present, and future of human society. It helps us to understand the origins of our present-day beliefs, values, and institutions and provides a context for understanding current events.

The Extended Essay in history is an opportunity for students to conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choice and to demonstrate their understanding of the research methodologies and critical thinking skills required in the study of history.

IB History Extended Essay Topics | 20 Ideas 

It’s worth noting that these topics are just suggestions and that the best topic for an Extended Essay in history is one that you are passionate and knowledgeable about and one that allows you to demonstrate your critical thinking skills and research abilities. The topic should also be specific and focused enough to be covered within the word count limit of the essay.

• The causes and consequences of the American Revolution
• An analysis of the impact of the Industrial Revolution on European society
• The role of women in the French Revolution
• The impact of colonialism on the economic and social development of Africa
• The role of propaganda in Nazi Germany
• The reasons behind the collapse of the Soviet Union
• The role of religion in the English Civil War
• The impact of the Renaissance on art and culture
• The causes and consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis
• The impact of the Scientific Revolution on the development of the modern world
• The role of diplomacy in the lead up to World War I
• The impact of the Cold War on global politics
• The role of the media in shaping public opinion during the Vietnam War
• The economic and social effects of the Black Death in medieval Europe
• The rise of fascism in Italy: causes and consequences
• The impact of the Berlin Wall on East and West Germany
• The role of the civil rights movement in the United States
• The causes and consequences of the Cuban Revolution
• The role of religion in the Spanish Inquisition

The 20 topics I provided for Extended Essay in history are broad and varied, covering different historical periods , locations, and themes.

Need help with your History extended essay?

From research and analysis to structuring and editing, our skilled mentors will be by your side, helping you craft an exceptional extended essay that not only meets the stringent IB criteria but also reflects your passion for History studies.

Students can use these topics as inspiration for their own research and adapt them to suit their interests and abilities. 

These topics can be used in the following ways:

• As a starting point: Students can use these topics as a starting point for their research and develop their ideas further. For example, a student interested in the American Revolution can use this topic as a starting point and focus on a specific aspect, such as the role of women or the impact on indigenous peoples. 
• As a guide: Students can use these topics as a guide to understand the types of questions that can be asked in an Extended Essay in history. For example, a student interested in the role of religion in the English Civil War can use this topic as a guide to understand the types of questions that can be asked about the role of religion in other historical events.
• As a source of primary and secondary sources: Students can use these topics to identify primary and secondary sources to support their research. For example, a student interested in the impact of colonialism in Africa can use this topic to identify books, articles, and online resources that provide information on this topic.
• As a way to explore different historical perspectives: Students can use these topics to explore different historical perspectives and to understand how different historians have approached the same topic. For example, a student interested in the causes and consequences of the Cold War can use this topic to understand how different historians have approached this topic and to compare and contrast their arguments. 
• To develop critical thinking and research skills: The Extended Essay in history allows students to develop critical thinking and research skills. By choosing one of the topics provided, students can develop their research and analytical skills, such as finding and evaluating sources, making an argument, and drawing a conclusion on evidence.

It’s important to note that while these topics provide a starting point, students should always consult with their supervisor and make sure that their topic is specific and focused enough to be covered within the word count limit of the essay.

Ready to choose History EE topic?

In conclusion, the study of history is a vital tool in understanding the past, present, and future of human society. The Extended Essay in history is an excellent opportunity for students to conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choice and to demonstrate their understanding of the research methodologies and critical thinking skills required in the study of history.

The 20 topics provided are broad and varied, covering different historical periods, locations, and themes, and can be used as inspiration for students’ own research. They can be used as a starting point, a guide, a source of primary and secondary sources, a way to explore different historical perspectives and to develop critical thinking and research skills.

Writing an extended essay can be a challenging task, and it is essential for students to have a clear understanding of the research methodologies, critical thinking skills, and the structure of the essay.

If students are struggling with their essay, they can seek help from a writing service that specializes in providing assistance for Extended Essays. These services can provide guidance and support throughout the research and writing process, helping students to produce a well-written and well-researched essay that meets the required standards.

Luke MacQuoid has extensive experience teaching English as a foreign language in Japan, having worked with students of all ages for over 12 years. Currently, he is teaching at the tertiary level. Luke holds a BA from the University of Sussex and an MA in TESOL from Lancaster University, both located in England. As well to his work as an IB Examiner and Master Tutor, Luke also enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with others through writing articles for various websites, including extendedessaywriters.com blog

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110 Original History Essay Questions: Examples and Topics

When looking for history essay topics, people often think about the world-famous military and political events. However, there is so much more to history than battles and international affairs. Plenty of small but engaging incidents are hiding in plain sight, and yet, people usually miss them.

What are those intriguing aspects?

In this article, our team has prepared a list of interesting history essay questions with examples. They are all about unusual events and historical viewpoints. To help with your academic writing, we divided the article into subheadings. Here, you’ll find topics according to your essay type.

• Top History Topics
• 🔍 Extended Essay
• ✒️ Historiographical Essay
• 📌 Persuasive Essay
• ⚙️ Technology Topics
• 🎶 Music Topics
• 🌄 American History
• 🏰 European History
• 🔥 5 In-Class Essay Tips

🤩 Top 15 History Essay Topics

• Julius Caesar.
• Middle Ages.
• World Wars.
• Holy Inquisition.
• US Independence.
• 20 th Century.
• Bronze Age.
• Thomas Edison.
• Slave Trade.
• Russian Revolution.

💁 Topics for Various Essay Types

There are many types of essays for an academic assignment. It may be a simple short essay or a long structured essay. Each one has its format and rules. Here, we are going to talk about essays that you might have questions about.

🔎 History Extended Essay Topics

An extended essay (EE) is an obligatory part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). For an IB diploma, a student should do extensive research. It should be finished with a 4000-word paper.

The extended essay provides practice for undergraduate research. Besides, it gives a chance to explore a topic of personal interest. You may check out some examples in a free essays database to get a reference of how they actually look like. Here, we dive into history EE topics.

• Oldest human settlements according to archeological sources.
• The suffrage movement in the United States of the early XXth century.
• How Dior’s bar suit revolutionized women’s fashion.
• History of Chemistry in Europe during the Age of Enlightenment.
• Psychology essay: evolution of treatment for various mental disorders. Psychological methods and medicine.
• Development of black rights following the US Civil War.

• History of physics: from Antiquity to modern times.
• Principles of medieval economics: a historical analysis. Analyze the financial structure in medieval Europe and the Middle East.
• How did industrialization affect global climate change?
• Expansion of traffic jams in China. The root of a problem and China’s solution.
• The effects of capitalism on Caribbean republics. Study the history of capitalism in the Caribbean. What were the effects of plantation produce on their economy?
• The use of sun reflection in the military. A historical analysis of the utilization.
• Analysis of Victorian literature and culture by Carolyn Williams.
• Biology in warfare. The use of biological weapons from Antiquity to modern times.
• A study of malnourishment in African societies. Explore the historical roots of malnutrition in Africa. How did it affect their societies?
• Research question: why Western countries have dominated the world in modern history?
• Otto Skorzeny. How did Nazi Germany’s most effective agent become Mossad’s advisor? Dive in the biography of Otto Skorzeny. Analyze his character and post-war activity.
• The history of visual arts in Christianity. How did religion shape the art of Western civilization?
• Six-Day War of 1967. Examine the strategies of Israel and The United Arab States.
• Imperial Japan in the late period of WWII. Its non-standard means of warfare.

📝 Historiographical Essay Topics

Now, let’s look into another type of essay—a historiographical essay. It analyzes and evaluates how scholars interpret a historical topic. Usually, the essay is problem-centered. So, compare the viewpoints of two or more historians on the same event.

Here you will find good topics for historiographical essays:

• The Soviet internment camps of the Stalin Era.
• What is the classification of a “historical fact?”
• The fate of Japanese Americans during WWII.
• Mongolian aid to the Soviet Union during World War II.
• An analysis of the main areas of historical research.
• What defined a nation’s sovereignty in the XIXth century?
• The activity of Pamela Parsons in the 70s.
• “The Life of the Prophet” by Ibn Hisham.
• The history of Earth: from its formation to modern times. Make detailed research on the history of Earth. Talk about major geophysical and chemical processes. What did impact the Earth’s formation and evolution?
• An argumentative essay. How substantial was the Allies’ aid of “Land Lease” to the USSR in WWII?
• Things to know when studying cultural heritage.
• Processes of detecting historical excavation sites.

📌 History Persuasive Essay Topics

A persuasive essay is a piece of academic writing where you list two or more points of view on a subject. In such a paper, you use facts and logic to support your perspective.

• An argumentative essay on American involvement in WWI. How crucial was it in defeating the German Empire and its allies? Analyze the impact of America’s contribution to WWI.

• Slavery played one of the key roles in Ancient Rome’s rise to power. Discuss the structure of slavery in Ancient Rome. Provide evidence for/against this argument.
• Festivals in India are an essential part of the nation’s identity. Analyze the role of local and national Indian festivals. Did they form identities of different cultural groups?
• Why did the Soviet Union lose the Cold War? Could it be because of its involvement in Afghanistan? Explore the impact of the Soviet-Afghan War on countries of the Warsaw Pact.
• Psychedelic substances allow people to think more creatively. Discuss the effects of different drugs on the human mind. Examine notable cases and experiments with drug testing.
• The presentation of the American Revolution in movies. Research a few pieces of cinematography about the American Revolution. Analyze their historical accuracy.
• Bipolar disorder essay and Vincent Van Gogh. Analyze activity and medical records of Vincent Van Gogh. Give arguments for/against the aforementioned idea.

• Florentine art history. How did the noble patronage of artists contribute to Florentine art? To prove your perspective, examine several famous art patrons of Florence.

⚙ History of Technology Essay Topics

Technology has been the cornerstone of powerful civilizations that moved the world forward. Advancement of technology is a curious phenomenon. It moved at a faster pace with every century of the last millennium.

Here, we will take a look at thought-provoking topics on the history of technology. Besides, you’ll see a few history essay questions on technology.

• Advancement of farming technology in the Bronze Age.
• Technological advancements of Ancient Rome. Discuss Roman technological inventions. How did they impact the world for many centuries?
• Structure of a Roman road. Explain the structure of a Roman road. Discuss how the road system connected the Empire. Did it help to spread Christianity?
• The history of genetically modified food: corporation profits and risks.
• The history of sanitation in Paris. A tale of revolutionary engineering solutions.
• Evolution of heart surgeries.
• The scientific contribution of Dr. Ivan Pavlov to physiology.
• Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and the history of medieval medicine. Talk about Avicenna’s contribution to medicine. How accurate were his thoughts on it?

• The trebuchet: the deadliest siege weapon of Medieval Europe.
• The history of limb surgery: from pirates to modern medicine.
• Japanese experiments on humans during WWII. Did they provide humanity with valuable data on the human organism?
• Naval technology throughout human history. Research military and civic solutions of naval engineering during various periods. Consider Antiquity, Middle Ages, Age of Discovery, Age of Enlightenment, etc.
• Rapid European scientific advancement of the Age of Enlightenment. Why did the advancement of science and technology in Europe increase in the 18-19th centuries?
• History of blimps: strengths and weaknesses.
• First computers of WWII. Study the first computer systems of WWII. Explain their technical capabilities and flaws.
• How did the new technology make WWI so high with casualties?
• The science of an atomic bomb: a case study.
• How online social media impacted global society in the 2010s?
• How China introduced new types of censorship with the creation of the Internet.
• Compare college education of the XIXth century and modern times.
• The city of Tenochtitlan. The technological marvel of the Aztecs.

🎶 Music History Essay Topics

Music is one of the most effective examples of human genius. People have made music to express their emotions to each other. Thus, the history of music is extensive and rich in detail. Exploring it can be just as fascinating as listening to music.

Below, you’ll find the best ideas on the history of music to talk about:

• Jazz, New Orleans, and the Roaring Twenties: a musical phenomenon. Discuss the genre’s origins and technical aspects.
• The music of the Antiquity of the Mediterranean region. From Egypt and Greece to Rome.
• The use of music in Ancient Rome.

• Techniques a style of Mozart and Beethoven. A critical analysis.
• Studio 54 – a story of disco, glamour, and exclusivity.
• The history of organum and organ music.
• Advancement of music technology in the early XXth century.
• Baroque music and its famous composers. Analyze the technical details behind baroque music. Give examples of its notable composers.
• Music theater as the main source of musical innovation of the late classical era.
• Detailed analysis of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Examine the composer’s final symphony. Explore Beethoven’s health complications during the last years of his life.
• Religion and music: how Christianity employed the vocal skills of monks. Research the history and characteristics of the Gregorian chant.
• The golden era of classical music of the XVIIth-XIXth centuries in Germany and Austria.
• The musical experiments by Andy Warhol.
• The musical instruments of the Renaissance and modern times. What are the similarities and differences?
• Musical instruments and chants of Bronze Age Mesopotamia.
• Bohemian Rhapsody: a musical analysis. Discuss the story behind the creation of Queen’s famous song.
• Lively music and deadly drugs. How did narcotics become a part of the music industry in the 60s and 70s?
• The history of the club culture of New York. Discuss the history of clubs in New York. How did the advocates for gay rights start the new idea of clubbing?
• The emergence of hip-hop and rap in Uptown Brooklyn and the Bronx. Analyze how the new genre started commenting on the reality of streets and black rights.
• The history of Woodstock – America’s most iconic music festival.

👍 Good History Essay Questions

Writing an essay about countries should be divided into European and American theaters. Each region has a history rich in events and personalities.

Below, there are great European and US history essay questions for your paper:

🌄 American History Essay Questions

• How did medics deal with casualties during the US Civil War? Talk about the organization of medical staff on both sides of the war. Analyze the treatment methods applied to wounded soldiers.
• What factors contributed to the victory in the American Revolution?
• US economy and culture of the 1920s. How did it develop?
• How did civil rights develop during the Reconstruction era?

• Why was slavery so popular in the southern states? Analyze the economy of the southern states in America. Explain why slavery has such deep roots there.
• Why did the United States emerge as a superpower after WWII?
• Who were the main benefactors of the US economy in the early 20th century?

🏘 European History Essay Questions

• The Renaissance essay. Why and how did naturalistic beauty become the main element of art?
• What are the key ideas in Robin Briggs’s historical research on witchcraft?
• The Modern European history question. How did the Mafia operate in Italy? Analyze the roots of Italian Mafia, its organizational structure. What were its spheres of influence?
• Which scientific innovations were discovered in the late XIXth and early XXth century Europe?
• Tudor history: what caused the English Reformation?
• How did colonization transform the economies of European empires?
• Which economic and political benefits were introduced at the creation of the European Union? Elaborate on the history of the EU. Analyze its economic and political aspects.

🔥 5 Tips for Writing an Essay in Class

For whatever reason, you need to write an in-class essay. It could be an exam or an ordinary assignment. It doesn’t matter as the goal remains the same. You have to compose a coherent paper in a short amount of time under supervision.

What is the best way to handle working under such pressure? By following our tips:

1. Practice beforehand

Any sort of training makes a person comfortable with the upcoming task. Practice writing an essay so that you memorize the format. Keep in mind how to outline the paper and some useful words for transitions. Even when you’re unfamiliar with the topic, you’ll still know where to begin without thinking.

2. Forget to panic

Students can lose time by bracing themselves. By staring on the blank page with the essay question can help no one. The sooner you start the task, the better. Don’t let your brain panic!

3. Plan before you write

Starting the essay right away may be tempting and promising, but that’s how you make mistakes. Reread and analyze the given question, notice the keywords. Make sure you’re answering what’s asked, not more or less. Come up with a thesis statement and make an outline.

Properly organizing your paper saves your time and reduces stress. It ensures that you addressed every issue. Plus, it shows whether you connected every argument to the thesis statement. Besides, putting topic sentences and transitions in the outline makes them less repetitive in the essay.

4. Keep in mind your writing speed

Remember the first tip? This one comes naturally from practicing. The more you write, the better you understand your pace. Learn how much time you need to complete each part of the essay writing. Try not to exceed the estimated time for an outline, an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

5. Proofread

Writing in a rush, you may forget about your spelling and punctuation. Save some time for rereading your paper thoroughly. Pay attention to logical reasoning and grammar errors. Add sentences if necessary. Your paper may look messy as long as you do so to improve your writing and ensure the perfect flow.

Thank you for taking some time to read this article. We hope that it will help you in your academic studies. If this article proved to be informative to you, leave a comment below. Share it with others who might need some guidance in their studies.

🔗 References

• How To Write a Good History Essay: Robert Pearce for History Today
• Elements of an Effective History Exam Essay: Mark Brilliant, Department of History, Program in American Studies, University of California, Berkeley
• UChicago Supplemental Essay Questions: College Admissions, University of Chicago
• Tips for Writing Essay Exams: Writing Center, University of Washington
• Popular Application Essay Topics: The Princeton Review
• Historiographical Essays: Center for Writing and Speaking, Campbell Hall
• Persuasion Essays: Sheldon Smith for Eapfoundation.com
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