Choosing an Extended Essay topic is one of the most important decisions in your IB journey.
A great topic makes the EE enjoyable.
A bad topic makes it a year-long nightmare.
Here's how to choose a topic that is focused, researchable, and examiner-friendly.
A "smart-sounding" topic is useless if you hate the subject.
Good signs you've chosen well:
Bad signs:
Enthusiasm leads to better writing AND easier research.
Most EE topics fail because they are way too broad.
Examples of weak → strong topics:
❌ "Climate change and agriculture"
✔️ "To what extent did rising temperatures affect wheat yield in Victoria between 2000–2020?"
❌ "Psychology of motivation"
✔️ "How does intrinsic motivation differ between male and female student athletes in school sports?"
Your topic should fit on one line — clearly and specifically.
Before committing, test:
If research sources look weak, change early.
You should be able to answer:
Publishers, interviews, news articles, and journals should fit the subject's expectations.
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