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The Complete IB Extended Essay Guide: Examples, Topics, and Ideas

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.


30-34	Excellent: A
25-29	Good: B
17-24	Satisfactory: C
9-16	Mediocre: D
0-8	Elementary: E

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


A	10.1%
B	24.4%
C	40.8%
D	22.5%
E	1.4%
N (No Grade Awarded)	0.7%

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

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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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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.

On this page you will find guidance including:

As well as resource boxes containing:

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!

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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IB ToK Essay Titles and Topics: May 2022

Here are links to ideas and suggestions relating to the the six May 2022 IB ToK Essay topics:

Topic 1. Can there be knowledge that is independent of culture? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.
Topic 2. To what extent do you agree with the claim that "there’s a world of difference between truth and facts". (Maya Angelou) Answer with reference to two areas of knowledge.
Topic 3. Is there solid justification for regarding knowledge in the natural sciences more highly than another area of knowledge? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.
Topic 4. How do historians and human scientists give knowledge meaning through the telling of stories? Discuss with reference to history and the human sciences.
Topic 5. How can we distinguish between good and bad interpretations? Discuss with reference to the arts and one other area of knowledge.
Topic 6. If we conclude that there is some knowledge we should not pursue on ethical grounds, how can we determine the boundaries of acceptable investigation within an area of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Title 1: Can there be knowledge that is independent of culture? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 1 include:

the relationship between truth and knowledge
is truth always relative to some context?
can the same truth be seen in different ways?

These thoughts, and others, will be developed here shortly: come back soon!

Title 2: To what extent do you agree with the claim that "there’s a world of difference between truth and facts". (Maya Angelou) Answer with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 2 include:

truth is a property of representations, e.g. factual sentences
facts are truth-makers - what make true sentences true
do all facts exist independently of all minds?

The kinds of things that can be true or false are representations: they represent things as being a certain way: some represent truly, some falsely (misrepresent things). Photographs are representations: an acceptable passport photo represents the face of the passport owner with a true likeness, for example. Factual sentences are an important kind of representation. True factual sentences describe or represent the actual facts: e.g. the factual English sentence "gold is a metal" is true because gold is, in actual fact, a metal. False factual sentences misrepresent the facts: e.g. "gold is plastic" is false because, in actual fact, gold is not plastic, but is metal. True factual sentences are therefore an important way of recording and communicating factual knowledge: knowledge of the facts. For example, I can use the English sentence "The city of London is on the river Thames" to communicate the factual knowledge (knowledge of the fact) that the city of London is on the river Thames. Facts are therefore truth makers: they are what exist in reality to make factual sentences true. Reality therefore comprises, or contains all the facts. Someone who claims to live by "alternative facts" is therefore claiming to live, literally, in an alternative reality. Many TOK students make the mistake of talking about "true facts". This commits a category mistake. Facts aren't the kind of thing that can be true or false, precisely because they aren't representations, they just exist there in reality. It is factual sentences that are true in virtue of the facts. Some facts undoubtedly exist independently of all minds: the fact that the earth orbits the sun is so, it is a part of reality, whether or not anyone does think, or ever has thought, about it. However, are there some facts which rely on minds for their existence, such that if minds ceased to exist those facts would too? These thoughts, and others, will be developed here shortly: come back soon!

Title 3: Is there solid justification for regarding knowledge in the natural sciences more highly than another area of knowledge? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 3 include:

the uses and purposes of knowledge
how are beliefs justified?
the difference between knowing and claiming to know

Title 4: How do historians and human scientists give knowledge meaning through the telling of stories? Discuss with reference to history and the human sciences.

Thoughts to consider with essay 4 include:

the role of narrative construction in knowledge creation
the difference between trivial and significant knowledge

Title 5: How can we distinguish between good and bad interpretations? Discuss with reference to the arts and one other area of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 5 include:

the purposes and uses of interpretation
the difference between interpreting an artist's intentions and interpreting their work
the relationship between interpretation and truth

Title 6: If we conclude that there is some knowledge we should not pursue on ethical grounds, how can we determine the boundaries of acceptable investigation within an area of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 6 include:

the ethical difference between knowing something and using that knowledge
should ethics provide decision-making procedures?
can we assume there are there clear ethical boundaries that it is possible to determine?
1. Can there be knowledge that is independent of culture? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.
2. To what extent do you agree with the claim that "there’s a world of difference between truth and facts". (Maya Angelou) Answer with reference to two areas of knowledge.
3. Is there solid justification for regarding knowledge in the natural sciences more highly than another area of knowledge? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.
4. How do historians and human scientists give knowledge meaning through the telling of stories? Discuss with reference to history and the human sciences.
5. How can we distinguish between good and bad interpretations? Discuss with reference to the arts and one other area of knowledge.
6. If we conclude that there is some knowledge we should not pursue on ethical grounds, how can we determine the boundaries of acceptable investigation within an area of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
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How To Write A ToK Essay - Updated 2023

Ace your ToK Essay with our expert tips & tricks! Get the latest and greatest techniques on "How To Write A ToK Essay" and impress the IB examiners.📝💡

Table of content

Introduction

Purpose Of ToK

Assessment of tok, the game plan, execution of the gameplan, planning for tok essay, structure of tok essay, conclusions, bibliography.

Introduce your topic accurately and state your thesis statement for the essay carefully. A thesis statement is like a teaser to your entire essay wherein you define your key terms and introduce your interpretation of the question. Make sure that you do not reword the prescribed title in your thesis. Instead, it needs to, as the word says, INTRODUCE your readers to what your essay is about. A strong introduction allows the reader to deduce what knowledge question(s) you are trying to answer.

So, in a nutshell

Write interesting things about the given TOK essay title .
Define key terms
Narrow in on the particularly interesting aspect
State your thesis statement . This will be your short answer to your given title if you don't know how to write a killer thesis statement check out this blog from SparkNotes .
State your Roadmap. This will help the readers in understanding the direction of your essay.

How to write a TOK Essay?

To answer that, you must familiarise yourself with what a TOK Essay is about.

Before you start reading this article, Amanda has some excellent TOK tips for you!

Theory of Knowledge is one of the most meta subjects that IB offers. Despite its complexity, TOK helps in providing a base for holistic learning and allows students to have a multidisciplinary experience.

To understand TOK is to understand the essence of IB, a task that most people consider unattainable.

But not for you!

Thank your lucky stars who made you land on Nail IB. How exactly will Nail IB help you?

Well, nailing International Baccalaureate is something we will discuss later.

Let's focus on cracking your TOK essay, shall we?

TOK demonstrates how students can apply their knowledge with greater awareness and credibility .

Big words, huh?

Now that we know that we cannot just slide through the Theory of Knowledge, let's understand how we can conquer this battle all guns blazing.

ToK essay’s primary objective is to answer the why behind our studies.

It makes one aware of the real-life implications of their subjects. The students gain greater awareness of their personal and ideological assumptions and appreciate the diversity of different perspectives. It helps the students find their unique perception, a prerequisite for excelling in the IB TOK essays.

Before we dive into our gameplan, let’s overview the rules of the game.

There are two assessment tasks in the TOK: an essay and a presentation . While a presentation encourages students to explore a real-life situation through the lens of TOK, an essay is written on the basis of the various questions provided by the International Baccalaureate Organisation.

The presentation is to assess a student’s ability to apply TOK thinking to a real-life situation whereas IB TOK essay is more conceptual.
The essay is externally assessed by IB and must be on any one of the prescribed TOK essay titles issued by the IB for each examination session.
Word limit of a TOK essay is 1600 words ( excludes extended notes, footnotes, bibliography).

Now that we have unleashed the game, let’s move ahead towards the gameplan of acing both, your presentation and your essay.

One of the fundamental tasks of TOK is to examine different areas of knowledge and find out their similarities and differences.

The TOK essay requires the students to investigate two Areas of Knowledge (AOK) and two Ways of Knowing (WOK) . AOKs and WOKs are investigated via questions such as:

How do we know what we know? (WOK)
What counts as evidence for X? (AOK)
How do we judge which is the best model of Y? (WOK)
What does theory Z mean in the real world? (AOK + WOK)

The aforementioned are Knowledge Questions which help combine the Areas of Knowledge and the Ways of Knowing that they are using. This eliminates the superficial way of learning and makes an individual sensitive to the nature of the information. Our acquisition of Knowledge can be broadly divided into Shared Knowledge and Personal Knowledge.

Shared knowledge: What WE know It is the product of more than one individual. Although individuals contribute to it, shared knowledge does not solely depend upon the contributions of a particular individual—there are possibilities for others to check and amend individual contributions and add to the body of knowledge that already exists.

Personal knowledge: What I know It is essentially dependent on the experiences of a particular individual. Also known as procedural knowledge, it is gained through experience, practice and personal involvement and is intimately bound up with the particular local circumstances of the individual such as biography, interests, values, and so on.

The best hack to ace TOK essay is to develop a habit of making connections between the construction of knowledge, its acquisition and its relevance in the real world.

After that one needs to develop an interest in understanding the difference between diversity and cultural perspectives and personal assumptions.

One also needs to critically reflect on their own beliefs and assumptions, leading to more thoughtful, responsible and purposeful lives.

Yes, this is what you signed up for. It may sound a little intimidating but once you get the hang of it you will be able to see the matrix and understand this beautiful world a little better.

Understand that to provide the best version of your writing, it will take you more than one or two drafts. First and foremost, you need to pick your essay topic diligently. Try to choose an essay topic that best interests you. The topic should also allow you to explore the Areas of Knowledge towards which you are naturally inclined. Here are a few sample questions:

a) 'Ways of knowing are a check on our instinctive judgments.' To what extend do you agree with this statement?

b) With reference to two areas of knowledge discuss the way in which shared knowledge can shape their personal knowledge.

c) How can we know if knowledge is produced more through 'Passive Observation' or 'Active-Experiment' within the Human and Natural-sciences under a Mathematical-Perspective?

d) "The whole point of knowledge is to produce both meaning and purpose in our personal lives". Assess the validity of this statement.

Great things take time. It took me more than a couple of weeks to finalize this TOK essay guide. It is completely okay if the first few drafts may not look pleasing or award-winning to you. You will require sharpening your perspective towards the topic each time you polish your draft. Your writing journey from a dull draft to a masterpiece will be a whole process that you will have to be patient with. Have faith in yourself and proceed stepwise.

You need to consider the opinions of others who have devoted hours of research and a lifetime of dedicated studying the topic that surrounds your writing. Unravelling the realms of your mind palace is so Sherlock but let’s not deny the fact that at times, Watson is the one whose expertise helps Sherlock through pretty difficult times. I mean even Batman needs a Robin. In support of my awesome sauce examples, the point I am trying to make is that finding support for our claims and counterclaims through research is a good thing .

Use real-life examples to support your claims and counterclaims. These examples need to be documented researched examples like studies, experiments, articles, presentations by well-known people, etc. Examples that stem from your diploma subjects are highly encouraged, but those will need to be supported by research as well.

It is suggested that you choose a title, stick to it, tackle it and not be afraid. Do not change your mind unless there is a good reason. Also, try choosing Areas of knowledge that you truly enjoy. You know slaying a known devil is much easier than an unknown one. Allot a TIMELINE to your essay. Start with creating an outline of your essay. This will help you to track your progress and accomplish your goals

You can use tools like Trello to organize your ideas and plan your TOK essay.

Areas of Knowledge (AOKs): TOK distinguishes between eight areas of knowledge. They are mathematics, the natural sciences, the human sciences, the arts, history, ethics, religious knowledge systems, and indigenous knowledge systems. It is suggested that students study and explore six of these eight.

Ways of knowing (WOKs): TOK identifies eight specific WOKs- language, sense perception, emotion, reason, imagination, faith, intuition, and memory. It is suggested that studying four of these eight in-depth would be appropriate. WOKs underlie the methodology of the areas of knowledge and provide a basis for personal knowledge.

Moving ahead, let us discuss the structure of your TOK essay.

Your essay will consist of 4 broad segregations

Before breaking down further on the pillars, keep the following in mind

Please note what the TOK essay title is asking you. (Read it a couple of times. We highly recommend that you brainstorm ideas with your TOK coordinator)
Make sure you understand the command term and the question it is asking.
What kind of knowledge is being elicited?
When choosing your areas of knowledge (AoK) and ways of knowing (WoK) make sure that you are able to draw contrasts and comparisons, that is, you are able to find evidence that supports as well as challenges your claims.
Identify key terms in your TOK essay title. Make sure you define them. Your essay will gravitate around them. Key terms/words in your titles are your essay anchors. Your response should be built around them.
Your writing skills come in handy while you work on your IB TOK essay. Like any other essay make sure you have proper thesis statements and topic sentences to guide the evaluator through your work.
Respect the TOK essay title. Rephrasing the topic is not encouraged . Your main job is to address the title.

The body can be mainly divided into 3 segments.

Body (1st Segment)

AoK Claim: Here you investigate your first Area of Knowledge and draw parallels between your AoK and the question. This is done by stating your claim. Claims can be general in nature and need not reference a particular area of knowledge. They help you shape your essay and investigate the question further.
Evidence: Example of a real-life situation, describe thoroughly and accurately, which supports your stated claim. (AoK)
Counter-Claim: State your counter-claim: like claims, those can be general and need not reference a particular area of knowledge. Counterclaim helps you show the other side the coin and gives your essay a holistic nature.
Evidence: A referenced real-life situation/example. Describe thoroughly and accurately, show how this supports your counterclaim (AoK ).
Don’t forget to weave in your WoKs: You need to take into account the source of your knowledge. Here you can also investigate if your nature of acquiring the knowledge has, in any way, affected it. It is good practice to question if your knowledge would be different had it been acquired through a different source/method
Mini-conclusion: Here you analyze your examples in reference to your claims and counterclaims. You must connect to your thesis statement and the prescribed title. How does your proposed argument, in this particular part of the body, connect to the prescribed title and the knowledge questions you are trying to answer?

Body (2): Follow the above process for your second AOK.

Use this part of your essay to compare and contrast your varying AoKs. You need to connect them to your thesis and your prescribed title clearly showing how your arguments respond to the PT.

Your conclusion section will make your essay come together. It is the glue that will make your essay stick together. Herein, you need to

Reiterate your thesis (initial response).
Use your mini conclusions to write a final conclusion.
Tell the reader what the significance is for knowing what we know in this particular PT.
Discuss implications as well.
Offer another perspective, how will the perspective of a different person affect the claims/counterclaims you make in the essay?
Don’t forget to make the end strong.

We recommend all the ib students use the citation machine (It's FREE) to organize or generate a bibliography for your TOK essay. Please go through this extensive guide provided by the IB before you start working on your citations.

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The May 2024 TOK Essay Titles

Below are the Theory of Knowledge Essay prescribed titles for the May 2024 session.

The video analysis of these titles is available in the member's area --which you can watch using a free trial. (Just click the " subscribe " tab at the top of this page). Click here to watch it now (just login first).

Our just updated TOK Essay Video Course (11 helpful videos) is ready for you as well .

The May 2024 TOK Essay Prescribed Titles

Is subjectivity overly celebrated in the arts but unfairly condemned in history? Discuss with reference to the arts and history.

How can we reconcile the opposing demands for specialization and generalization in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.

Nothing is more exciting than fresh ideas, so why are areas of knowledge often so slow to adopt them? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.

Do we underestimate the challenges of taking knowledge out of its original context and transferring it to a different context? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Do we need custodians of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Are we too quick to assume that the most recent evidence is inevitably the strongest? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.

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Guide to the TOK Presentation

What’s covered:, what is the theory of knowledge (tok) presentation, how is the tok presentation scored, how to pick a tok presentation topic, how to structure your tok presentation.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB/IBDP) is a high school program offering courses in subjects, ranging from mathematics to Arabic. Students sign up for a holistic approach to learning including external examinations, internal assessments, research papers and community service hours. Students will have to do a bit of everything while completing IB’s core, including CAS, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and the extended essay (EE). Understanding how to excel in TOK will usually help students in their other aspects of student life. It’ll be important to be familiar with the basics of TOK as a subject before progressing into one of its components, the presentation.

Quite similar to the TOK essay , the TOK presentation is an attempt to assess your critical thinking skills while conveying your opinions in a clear cut manner. While a TOK essay is more conceptual in its nature in tackling the focal point, the TOK presentation answers a knowledge question by making use of actual real life scenarios to display your understanding of TOK concepts .

The TOK presentation can be done individually, in pairs, or in a group of three. It’s usually delivered in front of your TOK classroom, making this an internal assessment that other students are watching and taking peer review notes on. Each presentation gets a max of 10 minutes per presenter, meaning if you have three people, you get 30 minutes. The actual presentation is followed by a discussion section where the presenter actively engages in a Q&A with the audience and the teacher.

A lot of students really struggle with where to start the presentation, but if you break it down by following a few steps it gets a lot more manageable:

1. Knowledge Question (KQ)

The knowledge question is the focus of your presentation. Upon being given a list of topics for the TOK presentation, keep in mind that the list of selections changes every examination set. So, once you pick a topic, you could create a KQ that analyzes this topic to a greater degree. An example of a knowledge question could be: “What is the role of faith in making ethical decisions.” This is a good knowledge question because it incorporates ways of knowing (WOKs) which are important to analyze in any TOK presentation.

2. Real Life Situation (RLS)

A RLS is supposed to be an example or situation that you can directly use as an expression of your KQ. Relating your RLS to numerous WOKs and areas of knowledge (AOKs) strengthens the arguments you make (the claims and counterclaims for your presentation) and earns you a chunk of your grade for the presentation.

3. Planning out your presentation

Creating an outline that details each slide, and even writing down how many minutes you spend on each section of your presentation is important, allowing you to allocate time and manage your presentation efficiently. Creating this outline can also help you feel more confident when your presentation day comes around too!

These three tips can serve as the founding basis for your presentation and will definitely help get you started on the right track!

The grade you get in IB includes the core (CAS, extended essay and TOK). And, 33% of your total IB TOK grade is dependent on your TOK presentation, which is usually graded externally, but recorded internally. What this means is, your actual presentation will be recorded by your teacher, and the recording with your slides will be sent to the IB board, who then assigns an external grader to assess it. The presentation is scored out of ten points, as well as the essay, and the following formula explains the grading schema:

(presentation score) + (essay score * 2) = overall score out of 30

To correlate a letter grade to your score out of 30, IB uses grade boundaries. These boundaries can change any year so checking in with your school for the most updated ones is best. Here is a past example of grade boundaries:

Upon receiving a letter grade you can calculate your grade for the core of IB, which includes the extended essay, CAS, and TOK. Passing the core is essential to earning your diploma in IB and the table below outlines this further:


	Excellent (A)	Good (B)	Satisfactory (C)	Mediocre (D)	Elementary (E)	Not Submitted
Excellent (A)	3	3	2	2	1 + Failing Condition	N
Good (B)	3	2	1	1	Failing Condition	N
Satisfactory (C)	2	1	1	0	Failing Condition	N
Mediocre (D)	2	1	0	0	Failing Condition	N
Elementary (E)	1 + Failing Condition	Failing Condition	Failing Condition	Failing Condition	Failing Condition	N
Not Submitted	N	N	N	N	N	N

Your topic should be presented in the form of a knowledge question that isn’t easily answered with two-dimensional answers like “yes” and “no.” It should in its nature make both the presenter and the audience think deeper into multilevel ways of understanding knowledge as a concept. More often than not, a KQ will usually end up with people having more questions than ending up with a satisfying answer, and that’s exactly what IB wants from a presentation, a debatable and questioning idea. This is usually achieved with a KQ and RLS that work hand in hand, and successful students make sure to consistently link back to their solid topics throughout the presentation. An example of a good TOK presentation topic might look like this: To what extent does faith play a part in online shopping experiences?

In this case a related RLS could be:

Purchases of overpriced and highly coveted products with little to no inherent practical value.

Your topic should have an RLS that the audience can at least relate to, making it easier for them to stay on board for the duration of your presentation, but as well as stay engaged with what you’re talking about. Once you pick a great topic for the presentation, the rest of the planning and work actually falls in place a lot more steadily.

Breaking the presentation down slide-by-slide is the best way to plan it out, and the following structure may help streamline the process of creating it from start to finish.

Slide 2 – RLS and Context In this slide you introduce your RLS and provide all the required context and information to explain what your RLS is to the audience. Make sure to start using jargon specific to TOK. Introducing your WOKs and AOKs is a good idea in this slide, and relating it to your RLS should be how you wrap it up.
Slide 3 – KQ and RLS Declare the KQ that you’ve decided upon and analyze the KQ by breaking it down into segments that can be further developed on. If the KQ contains or mentions a WOK or AOK, further contextualize that specific AOK or WOK for the audience. Explain any assumptions you’ve made on the basis of your KQ and RLS as well, before you continue to develop on them.

The most important tip for IB students when it comes to TOK is the most generic one: start as early as possible! IB is an ultra-holistic approach to schooling, so there’s a lot more than just TOK going on; students usually need to make time to study for internal and external assessments, CAS service hours, and even writing their extended essays. Starting TOK work as early as possible not only sets you up with more time to produce work of higher quality, but also allows you to allocate time for other tasks as well.

Otherwise, you might find yourself feeling burnt out and unmotivated before actually submitting the essay, and maybe even prevent yourself from achieving that high score in IB that you wanted. So start early, and give yourself that easy extra advantage!

While your IB scores aren’t as important to college admissions as one might assume, showing proof that you’re taking rigorous classes and demonstrating hard work throughout your time as an IB student is more impactful. For better insight into how your chances of college admissions look, check out CollegeVine’s admissions calculator !

Literature Extended Essay Topics for IB Students

Writing your Literature Extended Essay is a significant milestone in your IB Diploma Programme . Having gone through this process myself, I’ve gained valuable insights along the way. Now, I’m eager to offer guidance that can help you succeed. Choosing the ideal topic is crucial; it can transform this assignment from a basic requirement into fascinating personal academic research.

Understanding the Literature Extended Essay

Let’s look at what the Literature Extended Essay involves. According to the general IB criteria, this assignment offers an excellent opportunity to engage in a literary analysis or investigation of genuine interest. It is a unique platform to showcase your analytical skills, ability to construct a compelling argument, and, most importantly, your passion for literature. In my extensive experience, I’ve found that students who choose topics that resonate with them write perfect works and find the research process deeply satisfying and enlightening.

The nature of the Literature Extended Essay is not simply to fulfill a requirement. This paper encourages you to become a critical thinker, to question and analyze the narratives and voices that have shaped literary discourse. Whether it’s investigating the intricate layers of character development, the nuanced use of symbolism and theme, or the impact of historical and cultural contexts on literature, the Extended Essay challenges you to go far from just reading. It invites you to actively participate in the literary conversation, bringing your insights and interpretations.

In addition, the Literature Extended Essay is an exercise in academic rigor and discipline. It requires you to hone your research skills, critically examine multiple sources, and synthesize your findings into a coherent and persuasive argument. This process is beneficial not only to your academic growth but can also help to develop skills invaluable in real life: analytical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to engage with complex ideas critically.

So, this paper is an opportunity to leave your mark on the literary world and add your voice to the ongoing dialogue about what it means to be human, as reflected in literature.

Wondering about the expenses involved in creating an Extended Essay? Our latest article provides a precise cost analysis to help you budget effectively.

IB Literature Extended Essay Topics and Research Questions

Below are a few topics with accompanying research questions that span various literary genres, periods, and themes. These ideas may inspire you to think critically about literature and its myriad interpretations:

The Evolution of the Tragic Hero in Classical vs. Modern Literature . How has the concept of the tragic hero evolved from classical Greek tragedies to contemporary literature?
Gender Dynamics in 19th Century Literature . How do Jane Austen’s novels critique the gender dynamics and societal expectations of the 19th century?
The Influence of Colonialism on Postcolonial Literature . How does Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart” depict the impacts of colonialism on traditional African society?
The Representation of Mental Illness in Modernist Literature . How do Virginia Woolf’s novels reflect the modernist perspective on mental illness and its social implications?
The Role of Nature in Romantic Poetry . How do William Wordsworth’s poems portray nature, and what role does it play in expressing romantic ideals?
Dystopian Visions: A Comparison of 20th vs. 21st Century Literature . How do the dystopian visions in George Orwell’s “1984” compare with those in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”?
The Quest for Identity in Adolescent Literature . How is the quest for personal identity depicted in J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye”?
Magic Realism and Cultural Identity . How does Gabriel García Márquez use magic realism in “One Hundred Years of Solitude” to research themes of cultural identity?
The Gothic Tradition: Fear and Morality . In what ways does Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” use gothic elements to depict themes of morality and human fear?
Satire and Social Commentary in “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” How does Mark Twain use satire in “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” to comment on the social issues of his time?
The Symbolism of the Travelling in Literature . How is the travel motif used symbolically in Homer’s “The Odyssey” and its significance in the context of ancient Greek society?
Feminism and the Subversion of Gender Roles in Literature . How do the works of Charlotte Perkins Gilman, specifically “The Yellow Wallpaper,” subvert traditional gender roles?
The Concept of Justice in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” How does Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” show the concept of justice within the context of racial inequality in America?
The Impact of War on the Human Spirit in Hemingway’s Works . How do Ernest Hemingway’s wartime experiences influence his portrayal of the human spirit in “A Farewell to Arms”?
Literary Devices in Depicting Cultural Clash in “The Joy Luck Club.” What literary devices does Amy Tan use in “The Joy Luck Club” to depict the clash of cultures between Chinese immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters?
The Depiction of the American Dream in 20th Century American Literature . How is the American Dream portrayed and critiqued in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”?
The Role of the Supernatural in Shakespeare’s Plays . How does William Shakespeare use supernatural elements in “Macbeth” to influence characters and advance the plot?
The Concept of Freedom in Post-War American Literature . How do Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road” and other Beat Generation works depict the theme of freedom in post-war America?
The Research of Existentialism in European Literature . How is existentialism represented in Albert Camus’ “The Stranger”?
The Representation of Race and Identity in Contemporary African American Literature . How does Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” show the complexities of race and identity in post-Civil War America?
The Use of Mythology in Modern Fantasy Literature . How does J.R.R. Tolkien incorporate Norse and Anglo-Saxon mythology elements in “The Lord of the Rings” series?
The Literary Portrayal of Women during the Victorian Era . How do the female characters in Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre” challenge Victorian-era norms and expectations?
The Impact of Digital Culture on Contemporary Literature . How do novels like Dave Eggers’ “The Circle” reflect societal concerns about digital culture and privacy?
The Psychological Depth in the Characters of Chekhov’s Short Stories . How does Anton Chekhov use psychological realism to develop complex characters in his short stories?
The theme of Isolation in 20th-Century Poetry . How do the poems of T.S. Eliot, particularly “The Waste Land,” convey themes of isolation and alienation in the 20th century?
The Evolution of the Bildungsroman Genre in European Literature . How does “The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling” by Henry Fielding exemplify the evolution of the Bildungsroman genre?
The Depiction of Political Upheaval in Latin American Literature . How is political upheaval and its impact on individuals depicted in Isabel Allende’s “The House of the Spirits”?
The Influence of the French Revolution on British Romantic Poetry . How did the French Revolution influence the themes and styles of British Romantic poets such as William Blake and William Wordsworth?
The Use of Satire in Dystopian Literature . How is satire used to critique societal norms in Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World”?
The Depiction of Artificial Intelligence in Science Fiction Literature . How does Philip K. Dick’s “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” depict the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and what it means to be human?
The Representation of Urban Landscapes in Modernist Poetry . How do poets like T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound depict urban landscapes to reflect the complexities of modern life?
Family Dynamics in Contemporary Drama . How do modern playwrights like Tracy Letts use family dynamics to explore themes of dysfunction and reconciliation?
The Influence of Fairy Tales on Modern Fantasy Literature . How have traditional fairy tales influenced the narrative structures and themes in J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series?
The Literary Portrayal of Historical Revolutions . How is the French Revolution depicted in Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities”?
Religion and Morality in Medieval Literature . How are themes of religion and morality intertwined in Dante Alighieri’s “The Divine Comedy”?
The Evolution of the Female Protagonist in 20th Century Literature . How have female protagonists in literature evolved from the early to late 20th century, particularly in works by Virginia Woolf and Toni Morrison?
Cross-Cultural Conflicts in Immigrant Literature . How do authors like Amy Tan and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie portray cross-cultural conflicts in their narratives?
The Role of Dreams in Symbolic Literature . How are dreams used as a symbolic element in Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis”?
The Depiction of Suburban Life in American Literature . How does John Cheever use the setting of the American suburbs to critique societal norms and values?
The Influence of Classical Literature on Modern Dystopian Works . How are themes from classical literature reinterpreted in modern dystopian novels like Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games”?
The Role of Silence in Dramatic Literature . How is silence used as a dramatic tool in Harold Pinter’s plays?
The Literary Treatment of Exile and Displacement . How does Salman Rushdie address themes of exile and displacement in “Midnight’s Children”?
Satirical Techniques in 21st-Century Political Novels . What satirical techniques are used in Gary Shteyngart’s “Super Sad True Love Story” to critique political and cultural issues?
The Portrayal of Rural Settings in Southern Gothic Literature . How do rural settings enhance the themes of decay and grotesqueness in Flannery O’Connor’s stories?
Mental Health Themes in Contemporary Young Adult Literature . How is mental health portrayed in John Green’s novels?
The Role of the Sea in Literature . How is the sea used as a symbol in Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea”?
The Depiction of War in Children’s Literature . How is the theme of war depicted in Michael Morpurgo’s “War Horse”?
The Concept of Heroism in Epic Poetry . How is the concept of heroism explored in Homer’s “Iliad”?
The Impact of Globalization on Contemporary Literature . How does globalization affect cultural identity in Zadie Smith’s “White Teeth”?
The Representation of Time and Memory in Magical Realism . How do authors like Isabel Allende in “The House of the Spirits” use magical realism to depict themes of time and memory?

Feel free to discuss your ideas with your advisor or peers. In my experience, feedback at the idea stage is precious, offering new perspectives and helping to refine your focus.

Tips for Choosing Literature Extended Essay Topics

Here are some tips from years of guiding students and my experiences to help you choose the best possible topic.

1. Start with Your Passions

Firstly, reflect on the works of literature that have moved you, intrigued you, or left you with questions. Your enthusiasm for a topic will make the research process more enjoyable and shine through in your writing. Essays grounded in genuine interest and passion are more compelling and insightful.

2. Research Broadly at First

Before narrowing down your topic, research a wide range of literature. This broad initial sweep is crucial for uncovering hidden gems and unexpected angles that might not be immediately obvious.

3. Consider the Scope

A common pitfall is choosing a topic that is too broad (or too narrow). The perfect topic is one that allows you to investigate in-depth without being overwhelmed by too much information or, conversely, struggling to find enough. Formulating a focused research question early on can help maintain the right balance.

Don’t let the stress of the IB curriculum hold you back.

Are you struggling to come up with topic suggestions for your IB Extended Essay? Or do you need help with Internal Assessment?

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

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4. Check the Availability of Resources

Before committing to a topic, ensure access to the necessary resources (primary texts, scholarly articles, and other academic works). As I know too well, there’s nothing more frustrating than choosing a topic only to find that the resources you need are inaccessible.

5. Consider Relevance

Consider how your topic connects to broader themes, contexts, or issues. According to general IB criteria, essays that demonstrate an understanding of the broader significance of the studied literature tend to score higher. I think these connections in your essay make it more impactful.

Topics to Read:

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IB Extended Essay Topics: Sports and Health Science
IB Extended Essay Topics: Geography
IB Extended Essay Topics: Global Politics
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Choosing the right Literature Extended Essay topic allows you to engage deeply with texts, develop your analytical skills, and contribute to literary discussions. I’ve learned that passion, perseverance, and a critical eye are your best tools for this task. So, choose a topic that resonates and start writing your best work.

By the way, our team of professional writers is always ready to help you with an Extended Essay so you can spend more time preparing for your exams.

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How to Choose the Right Topic for Your TOK Essay Presentation

by Antony W

December 12, 2021

Writing TOK essays or preparing for the presentation is not a fun process, but we can help make it better by showing you how to choose the most suitable TOK topics for the assignment.

In general, theory of knowledge in IB is one of the key pillars through which students learn critical thinking, open-mindedness, and how to explore the world and themselves. These noble goals are achieved in a two-part assessment consisting of an essay and presentation.

Choosing the right topics for your theory of knowledge presentation is the foundation of passing the IB TOK part of the assessment.

Help for Assessment IB experts have composed this useful step by step guide to help you choose the best topic for your IB TOK, but we also do more than that. If you need a reliable, expert, and experienced TOK specialist to write your essay for you, then you can simply skip the tedium of explanations ahead and order our TOK essay writing service .

Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t do it yourself if you put in the many hours of work and refinement required. Let’s get started on how to choose the most relevant topics for your theory of knowledge essay and/or presentation.

How to Choose a TOK Essay Topic

Each year, IB provides a list of 6 topics called prescribed titles, or PTs, from which candidates have to choose one to base their essay. The prescribed title should be used as-is, with no changes in wording or format.

Prescribed titles cover various topics and are multi-disciplinary. They are quite general and open-ended, as befits a good title. When you first read the six titles, you will notice that they sound abstract. That is a result of generalization, so you need to make them more real and transform them into something people can understand.

These steps will help you choose good TOK topics for your essay and presentation.

Write all the six titles on a blank page, leaving plenty of space between them.
Read the titles individually, and think about each of them for a few minutes. Underline the keywords in the title, note down any inspirations you have, and identify at least two perspectives or viewpoints that you can use.
Check for personal affiliation. One thing you will need is real life situation, which comes easier if you can associate the title to something, which happened/happens to you. For example, for 2019's November TOK 3rd title " do good explanations have to be true ?", one student drew parallels to how he solves math problems and counter-checks with answers at the back of the book.
Choose a title that you understand well or one for which you can easily acquire background knowledge. You can do this by picking a title whose areas of knowledge and ways of knowing interact with what you are currently studying.

These are simple guidelines designed to help you pick the right TOK essay titles. They are only meant to help the student with the process rather than being cut-and-dry rules.

With that, it's time to have a peek at the prescribed titles for the May 2020 and November 2019 TOK essays.

TOK Prescribed Titles November 2019

IB Prescribed Titles May 2020

The student must thoroughly understand the prescribed topic and break it down into parts that are easier to digest. This is called unpacking the prescribed title.

How to Unpack TOK Essay Title in 9 Steps

Step 1

Underline the terms that you’ll need to define or explain. You must never assume that the reader/person marking your essay knows what you mean, because definitions can be subjective. For example, in the title do explanations have to be true question, what is the definition of “explanation” and “true”?

Step 2

List and note the assumptions made in the title, if any. For example, the assumptions are clear in this title given in the November 2019 session.

Decide whether you will need to challenge the assumption made. In this case, you will not as the title commands you to assume it to be true.

Pick out any explicit requirements in the title and list them out. For example, in the following May 2020 title, can you pick out any explicit requirements?

From preliminary investigation, we can see we will need to explore Picasso as a person and his art to understand not so much what he saw, but how. Then we will be able to make a case for or against his claim.

Step 4

Underline or list the action words in the title. These are words that direct or command you to do something. Such action words include analyze, compare, explore, and many others.

Identify alternative angles and approaches to the title. You will already have a few ideas from when you were choosing the title. Each unique approach is a new opportunity to explore the title afresh.

Step 6

Create and write down your thesis, clearly identifying your position in relation to the essay title. If you don’t know how to do this, explore our definitive guide on how to write a TOK essay .

Step 7

With your perspective of choice, select the relevant AOKs and WOKs, which you will base your essay on.

Step 8

Pick out claims and counterclaims, and write them down in general terms. At this point, you are essentially writing down an outline for your essay, which gives you the chance to back off a particular title if it doesn't provide enough reference material.

Step 9

Finally, come up with germane examples you will use. They must have a strong correlation to the title with clear links. The best places to draw them would be your coursework, global events, or personal experiences.

That is how you select and deconstruct IB TOK essay titles. However, that is only 67% of the work. You will also have to come up with a TOK presentation.

The fact that you also have to tie a chosen topic with real-life situations as well as AOKs and WOKs is not fun at all, at least for most non-nerdy students.

How to Choose TOK Presentation Topics, With Examples

The TOK presentation does not give you the luxury of having 6 titles to choose. Without some inspiration, you will be flying blind. Here is what you can do to make sure you come up with the perfect TOK topics.

The topic has to be something you are interested in or passionate about. Remember, you will be presenting it for at least 10 minutes to a room packed with people, so you had better have enough motivation. You need to be knowledgeable, confident, and autonomous with it.

Make it a topic that you can relate to some part of your life. This will give you plenty of real-life situations (RLS) with which to support it. At the very least, make sure to have a wealth of global events or historical evidence to run with.

The topic should be presented as a question that is not easily answered with a Yes/No statement. In other words, the goal is not to find answers but to evoke more questions before you can get the answer. They usually start with "to what extent …" and invoke one or more WOK or AOK.

The topic should be a debatable one. That means it should have at least two compelling arguments or facets, and will naturally raise questions about the knowledge question you will be exploring.

It also has to be specific and concise. You will only have 10 minutes to present your case, and a wide-angled approach will not give you enough time to conclude or explore in-depth. Your theory of knowledge presentation topic needs to be relevant. Ultimately, it needs to be applicable to a wide range of situations in real life within the same context.

Examples of Topics for IB TOK Presentation

To help you understand what is meant by these steps, here are 10 examples with relevant RLS. They are given here as inspiration, not to be copied word-for-word. If you do that, you won't have the required organic thinking required to defend your presentation.

To what extent does emotion play a part in buying products online? RLS: Purchase of overpriced designer clothes that have no corresponding practical value.
To what extent does social hierarchy affect interpersonal relations and how we treat others? RLS: How older kids, prefects, team captains, and class monitors bully those perceived to be lesser than them.
How much information is needed to make a theory credible? RLS: The various conspiracy theories about 5G, the Coronavirus, aliens, etc.
What role do celebrity persons play in influencing culture, fashion, and morality? RLS: Teenagers who take drugs because their favorite rap artists do.
To what extent can mathematics be trusted as a credible source of actionable knowledge? RLS: The math-based models and predictions used to map and predict the spread of the Coronavirus, and their results.
To what extent does language shape the mental acuity of children? RLS: Intelligence of native tribes compared to supposedly “civilized” invaders in the past two centuries in America.
The cost of knowing: to what extent does exploring one part of knowledge blind us from the rest, which is not necessarily insignificant? RLS: Religious leaders refuse to acknowledge scientific proof about the effects and spread of the Coronavirus because of their faith.
Ethically speaking, what effect has the legalization of marijuana in various states had in society? RLS: increase in the use of hard drugs for which marijuana is a gateway drug in teens and young adults.
To what extent does social media infringe on privacy and personal safety? RLS: Zuckerberg’s admission to Congress that Facebook infringes on privacy on the grounds that “people want to share information so long as they can control how it spreads.”
To what extent should freedom be allowed to undisciplined individuals if overall good for the society is to be maintained? RLS: Guns and gun safety in the US in relation to the concept of freedom embedded in the US constitution, as compared to dictatorial governments such as China or Korea.

Help With TOK Titles and Essays

Having chosen the right TOK topic is only the beginning of a long and intensive process. It is meant to be highly rewarding and revealing to the student, but in the end, it's the marks you get that matter.

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The Complete IB Extended Essay Guide: Examples, Topics, and Ideas
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Extended essay: Essay structure
Tok Essay Example Sample ️ Bookwormlab.com
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TOK Essay: how to write a perfect one?

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TOK May 2024 Essay Title 1
How to Write an Excellent ToK Essay Pt 1
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TOK November 2023 Essay Title 4
Important Essay Topics
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The Complete IB Extended Essay Guide: Examples, Topics, Ideas
Body of the essay. Conclusion. 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.
Theory of knowledge
Learn more about theory of knowledge. You can also find examples of TOK essay titles and read about how the IB sets deadlines for TOK. You may also be interested in the other components of the DP core: creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay. Learn more about TOK in a DP workshop for teachers.
100 IB Extended Essay Topic Ideas!
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.
Example essays
Example essays. Last updated: 06 June 2023. As part of theory of knowledge (TOK), each student chooses one essay title from six issued by International Baccalaureate® (IB). The titles change in each examination session. Upcoming and past questions include:
The May 2025 TOK Essay Titles
Below are the Theory of Knowledge Essay prescribed titles for the May 2025 session. The video analysis of these titles will be ready for you soon in the member's area --which you can watch using a free trial. (Just click the "subscribe" tab at the top of this page). Our updated TOK Essay Video Course (11 helpful videos) is ready for you as well.
IB TOK Essay examples
You can always look through our example Theory of Knowledge coursework below for inspiration. Mathematics Natural Sciences Human Sciences Arts History Ethics Religious Knowledge Systems Indigenous Knowledge Systems Language Sense Perception Emotion Reason Imagination Faith Intuition Memory.
Extended Essay (IB): Choosing a subject and topic
Compulsory element of the core, along with TOK and CAS; Inquiry-based research project resulting in an essay of up to 4,000 words; ... 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 ...
PDF Theory of knowledge guide
complete the three core components that lie at the heart of the programme: theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS), and the extended essay (EE). DP pedagogy is underpinned by the "approaches to teaching and learning"—deliberate strategies, skills and attitudes that permeate the teaching and learning environment.
How to Structure a Theory of Knowledge Essay
Paragraph 1. - Say one or two interesting things about the prescribed title question. This shows us, right away that you know what the question is asking. - Define one or two of the key terms in the title. Get definitions for all of the main words in your title. You don't need to include all of them in your essay, but it's useful to see how ...
Guide to the TOK Essay
The TOK essay is a 1600 word essay written about topics usually given to students from their teachers from a list of numerous options. It is an essay that promotes arguments and counterarguments for the topic at hand. Understanding your ways of knowing (WOKs) and areas of knowledge (AOKs) is extremely crucial before you even start choosing a ...
IB ToK Essay Titles and Topics: May 2022
Here are links to ideas and suggestions relating to the the six May 2022 IB ToK Essay topics: Topic 1. Can there be knowledge that is independent of culture? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge. Topic 2. To what extent do you agree with the claim that "there's a world of difference between truth and facts".
PDF WRITING THE TOK ESSAY PLAN (RUBRIC AND INSTRUCTIONS)
Suggested structure (see also the exemplar essay plan) Element Description No. words (approx) Introduction Include a 'hook' to interest the reader Explain the key terms of your title, and how you will be interpreting them Refer to the scope of your essay plan - speciﬁcally the AOKs that you will explore 200 words
How To Write A ToK Essay
Introduce your topic accurately and state your thesis statement for the essay carefully. A thesis statement is like a teaser to your entire essay wherein you define your key terms and introduce your interpretation of the question. Make sure that you do not reword the prescribed title in your thesis. Instead, it needs to, as the word says ...
Making Theory of Knowledge (TOK) extended essay relevant
The last episode in the TOK-bite series looked at how to make Theory of Knowledge (TOK) relevant to your students - specifically in the context of maths, history and politics. In this episode, authors Wendy Heydorn and Susan Jesudason continue with this topic. Here they discuss how technology impacts what we know, the value of reflection, and the extended essay in more detail.
PDF Diploma Programme core: Theory of knowledge
In addition three core elements—the extended essay theory of knowledge and creativity, activity service—are compulsory and central to the philosophy of the programme. I B D I P L O M A PR G R A M M E I N T E R N A TI O ... • Theory of knowledge essay on a prescribed title Assessment objectives Having completed the TOK course, students ...
The May 2024 TOK Essay Titles
Below are the Theory of Knowledge Essay prescribed titles for the May 2024 session. The video analysis of these titles is available in the member's area --which you can watch using a free trial. (Just click the "subscribe" tab at the top of this page). Click here to watch it now (just login first). Our just updated TOK Essay Video Course (11 ...
English A Extended Essay Topics: Ideas & Inspiration
Today, I'm excited to share my insights into writing an outstanding English A extended essay. This assignment, a cornerstone of the IB diploma, requires creativity, critical thinking, and a strategic approach. Today, I will give you some ideas for English A extended essay topics. Understanding the English A Extended Essay
PDF The Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge
The Extended Essay •"The extended essay is an in-depth study of a focused topic …. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. It provides students with an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of their own choice, under
Guide to the TOK Presentation
The grade you get in IB includes the core (CAS, extended essay and TOK). And, 33% of your total IB TOK grade is dependent on your TOK presentation, which is usually graded externally, but recorded internally. What this means is, your actual presentation will be recorded by your teacher, and the recording with your slides will be sent to the IB ...
Extended Essay Topics: 50+ Examples for Subject in EE
11. History Extended Essay. The consequences of dropping nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. You can investigate the economic, ethnic, social, and even environmental consequences of conflict diamonds. The evolution of military technology during the American Civil War.
Literature Extended Essay Topics for IB Students
I think these connections in your essay make it more impactful. Topics to Read: IB Extended Essay Topics: Business and Management. IB Extended Essay Topics: Physics. IB Extended Essay Topics: Economics. IB Extended Essay Topics: Sports and Health Science. IB Extended Essay Topics: Geography.
Extended essay
The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. One component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, the extended essay is mandatory for all students. Read about the extended essay in greater detail. You can also read about how the IB sets deadlines for ...
Good TOK Essay Presentation Topics, Examples and Ideas
Step 5. Identify alternative angles and approaches to the title. You will already have a few ideas from when you were choosing the title. Each unique approach is a new opportunity to explore the title afresh. Step 6. Create and write down your thesis, clearly identifying your position in relation to the essay title.