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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.

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

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

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

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

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

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

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

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

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

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

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

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Extended Essay: Step 5. Draft a Research Question

• Extended Essay- The Basics
• Step 1. Choose a Subject
• Step 2. Educate yourself!
• Using Brainstorming and Mind Maps
• Identify Keywords
• Do Background Reading
• Define Your Topic
• Conduct Research in a Specific Discipline
• Step 5. Draft a Research Question
• Step 6. Create a Timeline
• Find Articles
• Find Primary Sources
• Get Help from Experts
• Search Engines, Repositories, & Directories
• Databases and Websites by Subject Area
• Create an Annotated Bibliography
• Advice (and Warnings) from the IB
• Chicago Citation Syle
• MLA Works Cited & In-Text Citations
• Step 9. Set Deadlines for Yourself
• Step 10. Plan a structure for your essay
• Evaluate & Select: the CRAAP Test
• Conducting Secondary Research
• Conducting Primary Research
• Formal vs. Informal Writing
• Presentation Requirements
• Evaluating Your Work

RQ Resources

On this page you can find help with developing your preliminary research question.  See: 

Steps to Developing a Research Question

Sample research questions.

Practice Exercise:  Formulating Well-Focused Research Questions

IB Command Terms and Glossaries

• Research Question Formats for History Extended Essays

You've chosen a subject and topic that interests you, and carried out some preliminary reading.  What are the next steps ?

Evaluate the question.   Once you have posed possible research questions you should evaluate them.  This evaluation should be based on whether the question is clear , focused , and arguable .

• Clear  - Will the reader understand the nature of my research?  Will it direct the research being undertaken?
• Focused - Will the research question be specific enough to allow for exploration within the scope of the task (that is, the number of words and time available)?
• Arguable - Does the research question allow for analysis, evaluation and the development of a reasoned argument?

Consider research outcomes.   Once you have decided on a provisional research question you should start thinking about the direction your research might take.  You could do this by:

• suggesting possible outcomes of your research
• outlining the kind of argument you might make and how your research might support this
• considering options if the research available is not sufficient to support a sustained argument

The table below gives some examples showing the difference between unclear and unfocused research questions and those that are appropriately clear and focused, lending themselves to in-depth research.  

Practice exercise: Formulating well-focused research questions

Twelve-step Plan for Researching the Extended Essay - Step 5

5.  Formulate a preliminary research question.  Try to incorporate an IB command term in the research question if possible.

IB Command Terms & Glossaries

Command terms are the key terms and phrases used in examination questions for IB classes.  The lists below give the terms, and definitions, for specific IB subjects.

  These lists are glossaries of terms used in film and dance.

Students writing History Extended Essays can use these formats to help write research questions on their topics.

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Formulating the Research Question

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Research Question

• Write a preliminary research question. Try to incorporate an IB command term in the student research question.
• Make a list of the steps necessary to carry out the research required for writing the IB Extended Essay - choosing the subject and topic, doing the required reading of IB rules and guidelines, writing the initial research question, and more.

RQ Resources:

Steps to Developing a Research Question

Practice Exercise:  Formulating Well-Focused Research Questions

IB Command Terms and Glossaries

Research Question Formats for History Extended Essays

Developing a Research Question

The chosen a subject and topic that interests the student and carried out some preliminary reading.  What are the next steps?

• Consider the emerging questions. The student should now begin posing open-ended questions about the student topic.  These questions will usually be framed "how", "why", or "to what extent."
• Evaluate the question.   Once the student has posed possible research questions the student should evaluate them.  This evaluation should be based on whether the question is clear , focused , and arguable .
• Clear  - Will the reader understand the nature of my research?  Will it direct the research being undertaken?
• Focused - Will the research question be specific enough to allow for exploration within the scope of the task (that is, the number of words and time available)?
• Arguable - Does the research question allow for analysis, evaluation and the development of a reasoned argument?
• Consider research outcomes. Once the student has decided on a research question, the student should start thinking about the direction the research might take.  The student could do this by:
• suggesting possible outcomes of the student research
• outlining the type of argument, the student might make and how the student research might support this
• considering options if the research available is not sufficient to support a sustained argument

Sample Research Questions The table below gives some examples showing the difference between unclear and unfocused research.

Practice exercise: Formulating well-focused research questions

Developing a narrow, focused research question is an integral part of the extended essay process. A research question will provide a path to guide the student through the student research and writing.

The student must now start some preliminary reading around the issue or topic. Remember that the student will most likely need to revise the research question once the student start to undertake the research. In this sense the research question should always be considered provisional until the student has enough research data to make a reasoned argument.

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Extended Essay Writers

What Is the Research Question in IB?

Luke MacQuoid

As a seasoned IB writer, I’ve seen firsthand how the International Baccalaureate (IB) program molds students into knowledgeable individuals. Central to this transformation is the concept of research questions. Understanding the research question meaning is crucial in the IB context. It’s more than just a query; it’s the heartbeat of your entire project.

Definition of Research Question

In my experience, a research question forms the foundation of your academic inquiry. It’s a carefully formulated, thought-provoking statement that guides your writing. Think of it as the map for your intellectual path.

So, what is research question? This is the pillar upon which the entire project stands. From my perspective, a research question in the IB context is a clear, focused query that drives your investigation and shapes your learning.

In the IB, research questions are critical in shaping the direction of a student’s exploration. They are thoughtfully formulated queries that challenge students to think critically and analytically. According to general IB criteria, a good research question should be specific, measurable, and appropriately complex, reflecting the program’s rigorous standards.

Formulating these questions requires a blend of creativity and academic rigor. A well-formulated research question in IB should lead to a meaningful investigation and ultimately contribute to a deeper understanding of the subject. It should be open-ended enough to allow for thorough exploration yet focused enough to be answerable within the constraints of the project.

The beauty of research questions in IB lies in their ability to inspire students to engage with their subjects profoundly and personally. These questions encourage students to go far from textbook learning, allowing them to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. It improves their learning experience and prepares them for academic and professional challenges.

So, the research questions meaning is very straightforward. These are engines that drive intellectual curiosity and academic growth. For example, a well-formulated question in an essay can transform an ordinary project into extraordinary writing.

Types of Research Questions in IB

As an IB educator, I have encountered a fascinating array of research questions, each tailored to the unique demands of the IB curriculum. These questions, crucial in steering the course of a student’s inquiry, come in various forms. Firstly, let’s look at the different options that one might encounter in the IB program:

• Descriptive Questions . These questions describe the characteristics of a phenomenon or a subject. For example, “What are the main themes in Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’?”
• Comparative Questions . Such questions involve comparing different elements, like “How do the economic policies of Country X differ from those of Country Y?”
• Causal Questions . These questions are about investigating cause-and-effect relationships. An example could be, “What is the impact of global warming on polar bear populations in the Arctic?”
• Predictive Questions . These look to predict a future outcome based on current trends or data, such as “What will artificial intelligence’s impact on job markets by 2030?”
• Exploratory Questions . These questions are used to explore new areas with little existing knowledge. For instance, “What potential applications could nanotechnology have in renewable energy?”

Now, integrating these types of questions in research project requires careful consideration. The choice of question type should align with the objectives of your study and the methodology you plan to employ. For instance, a comparative or causal question might be most appropriate if your project involves a detailed analysis of historical events. On the other hand, if you’re venturing into a relatively unexplored area, an exploratory question could be more fitting.

Furthermore, the formulation of these questions demands precision and clarity. In the IB context, where research is not just about finding answers but also about understanding complexities and developing critical thinking, framing your question can significantly influence the depth and scope of your investigation.

Research Questions in Different IB Subjects

I’ve observed that research questions vary significantly across different IB subjects. Each subject has its unique focus and approach, which dictates the nature of the research questions formulated by students.

Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

In these subjects, research questions often probe into the workings of the natural world. For instance, in Biology, a student might ask, “How does the introduction of a non-native species affect the biodiversity of a local ecosystem?” Chemistry students might formulate questions like, “What are the effects of varying pH levels on the rate of an enzymatic reaction?” In Physics, a question could be, “How do different materials affect the efficiency of solar cells?”

Mathematics

These research questions typically involve investigating mathematical theories or applying mathematical models to solve real-world problems. A question might be, “How can calculus be used to optimize the design of a roller coaster for maximum safety and excitement?”

Research questions in History often involve analysis of past events to understand their causes and consequences. A typical question could be, “What were the key factors leading to the fall of the Berlin Wall, and what were its global implications?”

In Geography, students might consider the interaction between humans and their environment. A possible research question could be, “How have urbanization trends in the past decade impacted the natural landscape of the Amazon rainforest?”

Language and Literature

These subjects might focus on literary analysis or linguistic studies. A student might ask, “How does the use of symbolism in Orwell’s ‘1984’ contribute to its dystopian theme?” or “What are the linguistic impacts of social media on teenage communication?”

Visual Arts

Research questions here often involve looking at the artistic techniques, history, or the impact of art on society. A question could be, “How has modern digital technology influenced traditional photography techniques?”

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

In TOK, students formulate types of research questions about the nature of knowledge and learning. An example might be, “What is the role of language in shaping our understanding of the world?”

Real-World Examples of IB Research Questions

Drawing from my rich experience in the International Baccalaureate program, I can share some real-world examples of IB research questions:

• “How does the concentration of industrial pollutants in local water sources affect the biodiversity of aquatic invertebrates?” This question was posed by a student investigating environmental impact and showcased an impressive blend of fieldwork and laboratory analysis.
• “Can using natural, locally sourced materials effectively create cost-efficient solar cells?” A student curious about renewable energy and sustainable technology researched this innovative idea.
• “What is the efficiency of different shapes of wind turbine blades in generating electricity under varying wind conditions?” This question reflects a student’s engagement with renewable energy sources and practical application of physics principles.
• “How can mathematical modeling be used to predict and manage traffic flow in urban areas?” This project demonstrated the student’s interest in applying mathematical theories to solve everyday challenges.
• “What were the socio-economic impacts of the Silk Road on ancient civilizations?” A student digs into this historical research question to highlight the interconnectivity of cultures and economies in ancient times.
• “How have changes in land use patterns in the Amazon Rainforest affected local climate conditions over the past 50 years?” This inquiry into human-environment interactions required historical data analysis and an understanding of ecological concepts.
• “How have modern digital technologies influenced traditional Japanese printmaking techniques?” A student artistically highlights the intersection of technology and traditional art forms.
• “How do cultural perspectives influence the interpretation of scientific data in different communities?” This TOK question challenged students to think about the nature of knowledge and its interpretation.

These examples illustrate the vast scope of research within the IB curriculum. Each question is a testament to the student’s ability to identify and investigate complex issues, demonstrating academic rigor and deep engagement with the world.

Common Mistakes in Formulating IB Research Questions

Numerous students need help with the challenging task of formulating research questions. While many succeed, there are common pitfalls that can hinder the process:

• A common mistake is creating a research question that is too broad. Questions like “What is the impact of climate change?” lack specificity and can lead to overwhelming information. It’s essential to narrow down the focus.
• Some students, to impress, choose overly complex or highly technical topics. However, if the question is too intricate, it might be challenging to find sufficient resources or to address it thoroughly within the constraints of the project.
• As far as I know, each IB subject has specific criteria for research. A standard error is choosing a question that doesn’t align with these criteria, leading to challenges in meeting the assessment objectives.
• From my experience, students sometimes select a research question based on what they think will be impressive rather than what genuinely interests them. This lack of personal engagement can result in a lackluster project.
• Conversely, some questions are too narrow, limiting the scope of research. For instance, a question that can be answered with a simple yes or no, such as “Does light travel faster than sound?” lacks depth and does not allow for extensive research or analysis.
• It’s essential to consider the feasibility of the research. Some students overlook the availability of resources , time constraints, or the need for specific expertise or equipment.
• Connecting theoretical concepts with practical examples or case studies is crucial, particularly in TOK or the Extended Essay. A research question that fails to make this connection can lead to a disjointed and unsatisfying inquiry.

Need help with your IB extended essay?

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

Also, remember that ethical considerations are paramount in subjects like Psychology or Biology. Choosing a question that ignores these aspects can compromise the study and conflict with IB’s ethical guidelines.

In summary, formulating an exceptional research question is a skill at the heart of your IB path. It’s a point that should ignite curiosity and drive your investigation forward. A well-defined research question is your first step toward a successful IB project. So, good luck, and remember that our team of Extended Essay Writers is always ready to help!

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

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Extended Essay: Step 5 - Creating Research Questions

• Introduction to the EE
• Step 1 - Choose a subject
• World Studies
• Step 3 - The Researchers Reflection Space
• Identify Sources
• Tools for Note Taking
• Video Guides
• Step 5 - Creating Research Questions
• Step 6 - Outlines and Plans
• Step 7 - Citing
• Criteria E - 3 Reflections
• Know Your Criteria
• Criteria D - Check your Formatting
• 4000 words final hand in

Read this first

Five steps to creating a good research question - ibo.org, coming up with a research question.

First piece of advice from the Chief Examiner..

Students should not work with a research question that is too broad or too vague, too narrow, too difficult or inappropriate

A note on topic, title and research question (IB, 2016)

It is important that students understand the distinction between the terms topic, title and research question.

• The  topic  of the extended essay is the subject, issue or theme that you are investigating within a specific DP subject or world studies area of study. The topic, which develops during the initial thinking about the EE, should later be reflected in the wording of the title.
• be short, descriptive and succinct
• not be phrased as a question
• use key words that connect with the topic and the DP subject or world studies area of study
• attract the interest of the reader.
• be clear and focused
• provide a path through which you can undertake achievable research
• use key words that connect with the topic, the title, and the DP subject or world studies area of study
• support the development of an argument.

Sample Research Questions

All the individual guides have examples of what is a good and bad research Question - Read yours. This is from the History Guide

The table below gives some examples showing the difference between unclear and unfocused research questions and those that are appropriately clear and focused, lending themselves to in-depth research.

Presentation

A good template can be found here  -  https://ugc.futurelearn.com/uploads/files/ef/4b/ef4bb58c-220a-4b22-9788-4a6eaba1239d/Draft_hypothesis_task.pdf

Important place to Go in the IB Guide

Go to the Individual guide for your subject area and look at these two sections very carefully

infographic

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IB Extended Essay Research Question: The Complete Guide

by  Antony W

September 2, 2023

We’ve written dozens of EEs in the last 12 months. In our experience, the Extended Essay research question is the most important part of the project. Get this right and you’ll be on your way to completing an essay that earns you 34 points. 

The problem is:

Getting the research question right isn’t often as straightforward. Given that it’s the backbone of your research and the essay, it’s easy to feel the pressure that comes with the need to develop a research question that fits the scope of the project.

In this post, we give you some handy tips that can help you come up with a relevant research question for your Extended Essay project.

Key Takeaways

• An Extended Essay research question is the question you intend to answer throughout the 4,000-word assignment.
• You first have to choose a subject, select a topic, and then formulate your research question from the topic.
• The research question must be concise, direct to the point, and fall within the scope of the Extended Essay assignment.

Tips for Extended Essay Research Question

Here are some useful tips to help you develop the most relevant research question for your Extended Essay assignment: 

1. Choose an Interesting Topic

The first step to coming up with a relevant research question for your Extended Essay is to choose an interesting topic.

Choosing an interesting topic – or an area you’ve always wanted to explore – means three things:

• You’ll not look at or treat the EE as a burdensome task.
• You’ll have an easy time developing your research question.
• You’ll easily immerse yourself in the topic and easily crank up the 4,000 words in the shortest time possible.

By immersing yourself in the topic that intrigues you, your enthusiasm will also shine through in the final grade of your Extended Essay.

You need to understand that engagement is one of the grading criteria outlined in the IB EE Grade Descriptor Document.

Reflection is important to achieve the highest marks in this criterion. These reflections should convey a significant level of intellectual and personal engagement to the topic that you choose.

2. Develop Your Research Question

Now that you have an interesting topic already selected, it’s time to develop a research question for the Extended Essay.

Here’s how to do it:

Your research question should be more specific than you initially think.

For example:

The question “Why do only some people act aggressively?” is exceptionally broad. It would require more than 4,000 words to answer.

A more suitable research question for an extended essay can be something like “to what extent does the MAOA gene contribute to violent behavior?”

Narrowing down your focus requires thorough research. In our example, the only way you would arrive at the idea of investigating the MAOA gene is if you had conducted extensive research on the topic.

The ultimate goal is to eliminate ambiguity in your research question. When narrowing it down, you must provide precise definitions for each term used.

If you are exploring the philosophy in Albert Camus’ writings, it is essential to specify that you are investigating absurdist philosophy and clarify its meaning.

3. Focus on a Research Question You Can Answer

Many students struggle to write Extended Essays because of choosing the wrong topic and formulating the wrong research question.

Such mistakes are common, but you don’t want to fall into this trap because it can set you back in terms of time, resources, and effort.

Understand that thorough research is crucial to determine the availability of background information necessary to address your question.

Mechanisms can be challenging to grasp. In the case of your EE research question, you must dedicate time to find out whether there’s enough existing information on the mechanism you intended to explore.

If you notice that there isn’t enough information to warrant continuing with exploring the research question, you should consider something else altogether.

The last mistake you want to make is to write a paper that will veer into excessive theoretical speculation. Sometimes simply rephrasing the research question into something different can go a long way to make a huge difference. 

4. Avoid Making Assumptions

This primarily applies to subjects in the humanities.

Suppose you’re a history student planning to write an Extended Essay on Italy during World War 2.

After following the previous tips on how to write an Extended Essay research question, you may come up with a research question that looks something like this:

“How did Mussolini’s unethical policies weaken Italian morale during the Second World War?”

While this research question appears focused, it contains words like “unethical” and “weaken”. Here, we already assume the cruel nature and negative impact of Mussolini’s policies.

It would be more advantageous to maintain an objective and academic tone by avoiding such biased terms. A better starting point would be to ask whether Mussolini’s policies did or did not weaken morale.

5. Ask Someone to Proofread Your Research Question and Share Their Opinion

Did you happen to spot the typo in the research question provided earlier? If you did, it highlights the importance of having someone else review your work.

Having another person proofread your EE research question goes beyond simply correcting typos. They may also uncover hidden assumptions that you might have overlooked.

To receive the most valuable feedback on all aspects of your EE, consider asking someone with experience.

While your peers are a viable option, it would be even better to seek guidance from individuals who understand the requirements for achieving an A grade. Therefore, your teacher or former students from your school would be good choices.

About the author 

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

How to Create a Research Question for Your IB Extended Essay?

As an IB writer and tutor, I’ve seen how the right research question sets the stage for a compelling IB Extended Essay . This central element guides your investigation, sharpens your focus, and frames your findings. In this article, I’ll share insights from my experience and equip you with the tools to formulate a powerful research question that anchors your Extended Essay.

What Is a Research Question in the IB Extended Essay?

In the IB Extended Essay writing, the research question is your guiding light, the inquiry you seek to answer through your detailed investigation. It is the focal point around which your entire paper revolves, and it should be specific, focused, and feasible within the scope of the IB criteria. As someone who has guided many students through the intricacies of the IB Extended Essay, I can tell you from experience that a well-formulated research question is a challenge that should drive your investigation.

A well-formulated research question sets the tone for your research and writing. It directs your literature search and influences how you organize your data and findings. In my opinion, this isn’t just about finding an answer; it’s about framing that answer in a way that contributes something valuable and unique to your field of study. Here’s what a perfect research question should achieve:

• Clarity . It should be clearly and precisely articulated, leaving no ambiguity about what you aim to investigate.
• Focus . It should be narrowly tailored to allow thorough investigation within the Extended Essay’s word count limits.
• Feasibility . It should be achievable within the resources and time available, including access to necessary data or sources.
• Complexity . It should not be answerable with a simple “yes” or “no” but rather encourage more profound analysis and discussion.
• Originality . It should offer a fresh perspective or approach to the topic, even if it is not entirely new.

From my perspective, developing a strong research question also involves understanding the existing research and clearly defining what you want to achieve with your essay. According to general IB criteria, the question should lead to a systematic investigation contributing to your chosen topic’s scholarly discussion. Also, successfully completing the EE RPPF allows IB students to reflect critically on their research process and outcomes.

Choosing the Right Topic for Your Extended Essay

Choosing the right topic for your Extended Essay is foundational to your success in the IB program. The topic sets the stage for a compelling research question and determines how engaging and manageable your research process will be. As I often advise my students, selecting a topic that resonates with their interests is crucial. This is because you will dedicate significant time and effort to investigating this topic. Your passion for the subject will be an essential motivator, helping you to sustain momentum throughout the challenging research and writing phases.

While choosing a topic you’re passionate about is essential, practical considerations cannot be overlooked. Your topic must be viable, which means it needs to be sufficiently broad to allow for in-depth research yet narrow enough to be effectively managed within the constraints of a 4,000-word essay. Here are some additional points to consider:

• Ensure that there are enough resources available to support thorough research. A good topic will have a rich body of literature you can draw upon.
• Choose a topic that allows for original thinking and interpretation. While it is easier to write on well-trodden paths, the ability to offer new insights into the subject sets your essay apart.
• The topic should allow you to demonstrate critical thinking, analytical skills, and an understanding of the academic conventions of your chosen subject area.
• Consider whether you have access to experts or mentors who can provide guidance and feedback on your research.

From my experience and considering high-score Extended Essay examples , students who choose a topic that balances personal interest with practical feasibility tend to produce more insightful and academically rigorous essays. This approach makes the research process more enjoyable and enhances the overall quality of the final essay, positioning students for a higher score.

Steps to Create a Research Question for IB Extended Essay

As a seasoned IB writer, I’ll help you formulate an effective research question to lay a solid foundation for your Extended Essay.

1. Identify Your Interests

Start by reflecting on your academic interests and passions. What subjects captivate you? Which topics spark your curiosity? Choosing a field that you are genuinely interested in will sustain your motivation throughout the research process.

2. Conduct Preliminary Research

Before formulating a research question, you must broadly understand your chosen topic. Dig into preliminary research to consider major themes, recent studies, and ongoing debates in the field. This step will help you narrow down your focus and identify gaps in existing research that you address.

3. Define the Scope

Once you have a general idea of your topic area, define the scope of your research question. It should be narrow enough to allow for deep analysis within the 4,000-word limit of the Extended Essay but broad enough to ensure that you will gather sufficient data and resources.

4. Formulate the Question

Craft your research question. Ensure that it is clear, concise, and specific. The question should invite critical thinking and require analysis rather than mere description. It should also align with the methodologies and academic standards of the subject area you are investigating.

6. Refine and Evaluate

Review and refine your research question. Ask yourself if the question is feasible within your time and resource constraints. Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers, and be open to revising your question based on the insights you receive.

7. Finalize Your Research Question

Once you have refined your question and received feedback, finalize it. Ensure that it meets all the criteria for a good research question regarding clarity, focus, and researchability. This final version should guide your research and writing process, leading you to a structured and compelling Extended Essay.

For detailed guidance on crafting your IB research plan, check out our complete guide on writing an Extended Essay proposal .

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Creating EE Research Questions

One typical mistake is formulating a research question that is either too broad or too narrow. A broad question can overwhelm you with too much information, leading to a superficial analysis that doesn’t dig deeply into any particular aspect. On the other hand, a question that is too narrow might not provide enough scope for meaningful discussion or analysis, making it challenging to produce a substantial essay.

Another issue arises when students select a topic for which resources are scarce. This lack of available information severely limits your ability to conduct thorough research, leading to weak arguments and underdeveloped conclusions. It’s crucial to ensure sufficient material to support your essay before committing to a research question.

Students often choose research questions that lead to descriptive rather than analytical essays. Such questions might ask for a summary of events or a description of a phenomenon without requiring critical analysis or evaluation. These questions fail to meet the IB’s criteria for an Extended Essay, emphasizing the importance of analytical skills and a deep understanding of the topic.

Choosing a highly subjective question can also be problematic. While engaging with your topic is essential, an overly subjective question might lead to biased research and conclusions. It detracts from the objectivity expected in academic research, potentially influencing the examiner’s assessment of your work.

Another pitfall involves neglecting the specific IB criteria for the Extended Essay. It’s crucial to align your research question with the IB’s expectations, including demonstrating analytical and evaluative skills concerning a well-defined question or hypothesis. A question that doesn’t align well with these criteria may result in a lower score, regardless of the effort put into the essay.

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.

You can order an Extended Essay tailored to your specific subject and requirements.

Our experienced IB writers are always ready to help.

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IB Extended Essay Research Questions: Examples

Here are some examples of well-formulated IB Extended Essay research questions across various disciplines, demonstrating how they are specifically tailored to encourage detailed study and critical analysis:

• Biology . “How does the introduction of non-native plant species affect the biodiversity of insect populations in rural Wales?”
• Economics . “What has been the economic impact of Brexit on small businesses in the northern regions of the UK?”
• English Literature . “How does J.R.R. Tolkien’s deployment of myth in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ reflect post-World War II British cultural attitudes?”
• History . “What were the primary causes of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and what role did diplomatic communication play in resolving the conflict?”
• Physics . “How does the temperature variation affect the elasticity of rubber in household materials?”
• Psychology . “How does sleep deprivation affect short-term memory among teenagers in a controlled environment?”
• Visual Arts . “How have modern digital technologies influenced traditional portrait painting techniques?”

These questions elicit a detailed investigation into a specific subject area, encouraging students to engage deeply with their topics and employ a range of research methodologies. By carefully formulating a focused, insightful research question, IB students lay a solid foundation for their Extended Essay.

The strength of your research question determines the success of your IB Extended Essay. Take this assignment seriously and lay a solid foundation for an excellent research project. Happy writing, and remember that our experts from IB Writing Service are always ready to help you with Extended Essays.

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The IB Extended Essay: Topic ideas and research Questions

• Details of the EE
• Topic ideas and research Questions
• Subject Guides & documents you need
• Writing a research paper
• Check the list of available subjects  here
• Read the IB's criteria for your subject
• Read an exemplar essay in your subject
• Decide on a topic within this subject
• This means you will need to do some research!
• During the first meeting with your advisor, discuss the research you've done, your ideas, and the requirements for your subject.
• Your revised research question proposal is due May 16.

Adapted from O'Farrell, Finbar.  Approach your assessment the IB Way: Extended Essay.  pg. 13

Examples of marked EEs in all subjects

• From the IB website Have a look at the specific subject you plan on writing your EE for a marked example. You will be able to identify what you need to be successful.

Design Technology

• Guide on writing an EE in DT The pdf explains everything clearly and is full of ideas and topics to write about.

Question: Has the introduction of new materials improved the performance of modern racing bicycles?

  Question:  What are the most ethical and efficient methods--through current technologies--private organizations can use to make Mars habitable for Human life?

History or Geography

Question : In what ways did the Cold War impact American public education? Question:   To what extent have Maori non-violent struggles for their land been effective? Question: How could the UN intervention in the Rwandan genocide be justified?  Question :Is it politically possible for the US government to win the drugs war? (Politics)

Question:  How are the depictions of Marie Antoinette in politics and portraiture significant to the French revolution and the fall of the French Monarchy? 

Question:  To what extent was film able to further pro-Nazi sentiment in Germany during the early 1930s to mid 1940s?

Question:  To what extent were the Vietnam War and cultural shifts occurring in the 1960s and early 1970s vital factors in the development of the student activism on college campuses in the United States and abroad?

Question:  To what extent was Matthew Perry’s 1853 arrival in Edo Bay the leading motivator for Japan’s rapid modernization during the Meiji Restoration?

Question:  What made the Federal Theatre Project such a success when after only four years of operation it was disbanded by the House of un-American Activities Committee?

Question:  To what extent were Kepler’s scientific discoveries revolutionary and how did they impact the development of science in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries?   

Question:  In what ways did the Hitler Youth organization impact the youth of Nazi Germany?

Question:  How did the works of classical Greek philosophers influence the domestic policy of Thomas Jefferson?  

Question:  How did the Bushido Code influence the meaning of tattoos in Asian culture?

Question:  In what way did the Catholic Church affect politics in the Kingdom of Spain during the Dark Ages?

Question:  What are the impacts of melting ice in the North and South Poles on the coastlines of the continental United States?

English EEs - ideas for Language and Literature

The EE Guide says the following on p 112 (EE Guide 2018, revised Jan 2017) - remember EACH subject has their own EE guides too.

   Quote The EE may relate to work students have already completed during the course, but they must also demonstrate relevant wider reading and individual study. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the topic of their EE does not overlap with any other work they are preparing for assessment in language A—for example, the written assignment in the literature course, or the written task in the language and literature course.   

Question:  How did Eugene Gladstone O'Neill express the themes of family relationship and sadness in his work Long Day's Journey Into Night?

Question:  How does the writing of Japanese horror artist and novelist Junji Ito contrast with the writing of American horror novelist Stephen King?

Question:  How do the final movies of the Harry Potter series compare to the final book? What has been changed or depicted differently in terms of characterization and storylines?

Sport Science

Question:  How does age affect the process of instant muscle reaction?

Economics or ITGS

Question:  What impact does public healthcare have on low income households in the United States compared to those in Canada?

Question:  To what extent has deforestation influenced Indonesia's economic and environmental growth?

Physics, Chemistry or Biology Ideas

Question:  How have climate change and forestry practices contributed to the spread of the mountain pine beetle in the Pacific Northwest in recent decades, and what does the outbreak show us about the ecological intricacies of climate change? 

Question:  What evidence is there to support the theory of life on Mars?

Question:  How does the DNA sequence of a transthyretin (TTR) gene affect whether Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy (FAP), Familial Amyloidotic Cardiomyopathy (FAC) or Senile Systemic Amyloidosis (SSA) form?

Arts - Visual/Performing

Question : What female stereotypes did Brecht employ in his plays, and how can these be compared and contrasted in performance, based on an analysis of a selection of Brecht's plays? Question : Picasso: individual genius or cultural thief? 

Question:  How does Rachmaninoff apply thematic development in his composition, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini ?

Question:  How do the Peanuts comics, written by Charles Schultz, show visual language?

Question:  How did the casting of the leading lady in Cole Porter's Anything Goes affect each production on Broadway?

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Resources for IB Coordinators

Formulating a Research Question

 formulating a research question.

I have created this document to support students in formulating their research question, which is a part of the process that they often find difficult and time consuming.

The document is a summary of the information on the International Baccalaureate’s Extended Essay website  

I go through this document with students in the DP Core class and get them to use it in conjunction with the example questions for their subject on the International Baccalaureate’s Extended Essay website . This document is also shared with the Extended Essay supervisors and I encourage the students to present their draft questions to their supervisor in their first meeting.

The document covers the following:

• Distinguishing between a title and a research question.

Step 1. Choose your subject area.

Step 3. Suggest a question.

Step 5. Restate your question using a different command term.

Step 7. Reflection.

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How to write the perfect EE question

Travis Dixon August 24, 2020 Extended Essay

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With so much riding on the EE question itself, it’s important to get it right. But I often disagree with a lot of advice offered on EE questions, so here’s  my  advice for writing the perfect EE question. 

The best EE questions are clear and focused. It’s important to have a focused EE research question because it’s stated in the rubric (see below). This is why whenever someone asks about a research question the advice is always “it’s too broad. Make it more focused.”

Download this free eBook that gives you a brief intro to the EE.

However , it’s impossible for students to  begin  their research process with a specific, focused essay question. Why? Because you can’t ask questions about something you know nothing about. Therefore, if the EE is a genuine inquiry into a subject the students don’t already know about (which it should be), then the question can’t begin by being broad. It should then be a living thing that is continually evolving throughout the process.

This is why in this blog post my answer to the question, “is this a good EE question?” is inevitably, “it depends!”

Teachers sometimes even offer specific research questions for a kid to ask. This breaks my heart. It’s not us as teachers who should be assigning the research question because then the kid’s EE will become a summary of the topic we already knew about, rather than a product of their genuine research.

• Is this a good EE question?
• Evaluating Psychological Theories
• How to evaluate any study in 3 simple steps

My Advice for Students

Start broad then focus:  Start as broad  as you like. But remember that the more you find out about your topic the more specific your question should become. Your question becomes the title of your essay rather than the thing you’ve had since the very beginning.

Make sure your regularly check in with your EE supervisor and keep them informed of how your research and the question is developing.

The key to the perfect EE research question is to start broad and continually adjust your RQ so it becomes as focused as possible. It might not be just four steps – you could end up with lots of variations of your RQ until you get the right one!

My Advice for Teachers

Let your students begin with a broad topic. They might not even have a question to begin with at all. Allow them to explore something that interests them but encourage them to craft and hone their EE RQ as the process unfolds. The more work they do, the better their research question will become.

Setting regular check-points can help to keep them focused and for you to check how their research and their question is progressing.

Spoon-feeding ways for students to narrow their RQ results in them inevitably researching what we know about, rather than what they’ve learned about.

Finally, avoid the temptation to give the question to the students or to tell them what to write about. This removes the inquiry from the EE process and it becomes a task instead of a journey. You might be worried because you have a kid who does no work and writes a generalized EE about a general topic. That’s fine because that’s as far as they got in the process.

A good question to ask other teachers is “is this about psychology?” I think that’s a fine question to ask. But I would try to refrain from asking for suggesting about specific RQs. Why? Because it’s so subjective. What’s narrow and focused to one person might not be to another. Also, the only way the kid can narrow their research question is if they learn some more about the topic and it goes in a new direction. Offering them advice on how to narrow their RQ results in them inevitably researching what we know about, rather than what they’ve learned about.

As you can see, it’s important that you  eventually  have a research question that’s clear and focused because it’s an important part of the rubric. It also allows you to write a more nuanced and logical essay.

Travis Dixon is an IB Psychology teacher, author, workshop leader, examiner and IA moderator.

Extended Essay Guide: The Introduction

• Purpose of Guide
• Writing Your Research Question
• Finding Resources
• Research Plan Ouline
• Drafting Your Paper
• The Introduction
• The Conclusion
• Citations/Bibliography
• Proofreading Your Paper
• IB Assessment Criteria/Subject Specific Guides/Exemplars/Etc

Extended Essay Introduction

The goal of the introduction is to introduce the topic and provide enough information about it in order to enable the reader to comprehend the significance of your research question. The research question must be clearly and precisely stated in the introduction.  The research question is the central question you are trying to answer through your research and writing of the extended essay. This question, if properly composed, will both enable you to maintain your focus on a topic of narrow and limited scope while also help you to maintain the purpose and orientation of your entire investigation. Your extended essay will be assessed in part according to the extent to which the essay appropriately addresses and develops your specific research question. The readers will also evaluate your success in collecting information relevant to the research question. Establish the significance of the research question and explain why it is worthy of study.  Briefly and concisely preview your body by providing a plan of investigation (game plan) for the rest of the paper. The game plan briefly explains how you intend to answer the research question.

Introduction Checklist

____ Does your introduction include some background information and place the topic in an appropriate context

_____ Is your research question clearly and exactly focused, and stated (in bold)?

_____ Does your introduction explain the significance and context of your topic? (This topic is an important because…)

_____ Does your introduction explain why your topic is worthy of investigation and still have contemporary relevance? (This topic is worthy of investigation because…)

_____ Does your introduction explain how the research question relates to existing knowledge?

_____ Do you avoid writing lengthy, irrelevant background material?

_____ Do you give the game plan for the rest of the essay?

• _____ Is it clear where your intro ends?

EE Introduction

Background information.

Background information identifies and describes the history and nature of your research question with reference to the existing literature. Background information expands upon the key points stated in the beginning of your introduction but is not intended to be the main focus of the paper.  Sufficient background information helps your reader determine if you have a basic understanding of the research question being investigated and promotes confidence in the overall quality of your analysis and conclusion. This information provides the reader with the essential context needed to understand the research question and its significance.

Websites to help:

Background of the Problem Section: What do you Need to Consider?

How to Write a Research Paper . 

• << Previous: Drafting Your Paper
• Next: The Conclusion >>
• Last Updated: Nov 15, 2016 1:55 PM
• URL: https://baltimorecitycollege.libguides.com/eeguide

The Extended Essay Step-By-Step Guide 4: The Question

Welcome back to our step-by-step guide to the Extended Essay! So far in this series, we’ve covered how to choose your topic and get on with your research . Here in Part 3, I want to talk all about how to make sure you have the perfect question.

I know. I’ve mentioned the question before. Some of you might have had a version of a question before you even started the research phase. But I want to go into more depth now because I think the research question is something that a lot of IB students underestimate.

It’s tempting to get excited at this point and to dive straight from the high, high ladder of research and into the pool of planning the essay. But how do you know you’re going to hit the water smoothly?

So let’s take this opportunity to pause, reassess, and make sure you’re absolutely, ABSOLUTELY certain your question will help you to sail all the way through to Extended Essay success.

1. To start: draft your question

“The title should provide a clear indication of the focus of the essay. It should be precise and not necessarily phrased in the form of a question” – Extended Essay Guide

The only way to work out if your question is good enough is to have a question to begin with. So if you haven’t yet tried to formulate your topic into a research question, do this now. Don’t worry about writing the perfect question down yet. Just think of it as a draft.

If you aren’t sure what a research question should look like, use the Guide and past examples of titles to help you. We can see from the way that the EE Guide defines the question that the important things to consider are:

b) precision

Examples of essay titles include:

How are the distribution and growth of lichens affected by sulfur dioxide and ozone levels in the atmosphere?

Will the recent policy of cutting bakery prices lead to increased revenue for the Safeway supermarket in Ryde, Sydney?

Themes and stylistic devices from Dante in T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land and Four Quartets.

All of these are very specific, very detailed and very concise. In other words, clear and precise.

Exercise 1: draft three different versions of your question. If there are different angles you could take in the question and different words you could use to express it, write each option down. Keep these three options to hand throughout the rest of the process, but for now, just pick the one which you think is clearest and the most precise.

2. What is your question actually about?

“A good research question is one that asks something worth asking” – Extended Essay Guide

It can be easy, after digging through mountains of research and writing an elegantly worded question, to forget what the original point of your topic was. It’s also easy to let the research and information take you far away from your original intention. This is absolutely fine, and even to be expected; often in-depth research and thinking take us to a more interesting place than we ever could have reached originally. Except that it’s important to take a step back from all of that work and really question whether the place you have ended up is what you want to be writing about.

The first step is to know what your question is really about, beneath the fancy words and clever ideas.

The second step is to ask yourself if your question is truly interesting. Does it present a possibility that intrigues you?

If you either can’t pin down the point of your question, or you admit to yourself that actually that point is rather boring, it’s time to reassess. A good way to refine your question in a way that will solve this, without throwing away all the work that you have done, is to start picking the question apart.  Work out the different elements being addressed in the question so that you will be able to dig as deeply as you can into the situation being examined. If this feels like an effort, the thing to remember is that a good question will make it a lot easier to score points when you are answering the question in your essay.

Exercise 2:  take your draft question and pick out the keywords. Combined, do they make a good summary of your topic? More importantly, do they point towards just one topic? The keywords of your question should encompass all the main things you will address in your essay, so keep these to-hand throughout the writing process and use them as a guide for what you should and shouldn’t include in your plan.

3. Is your question specific enough?

“The Extended Essay is an in-depth study of a focused topic” – Extended Essay Guide

Your question should define its own limits. In other words, it should be specific enough that you can answer it in 4,000 words. And any IB graduate will tell you that 4,000 words are not a lot. It’s okay if some aspects of your question need further explanation, and in fact, the Guide itself recommends that you analyse your title during the essay. However the key is to choose which variables you leave open. There is no point in wasting time explaining a phrase or word in your essay when a simple change of word would solve everything. And if every word could mean two different things, this means there are two different essays you could be writing and the essay will feel unfocused as a result.

Different types of words that create ambiguities include:

Subjective words such as success, failure, influence, significant

Words that could refer to multiple things such as novels, lichens, lower-middle class

Words that you’ll need to define such as themes, soul, tradition

A good Extended Essay question should contain just a few of these ambiguities.

Exercise 3:  Identify all the possible variables in your question, and write down all of the possible things that it could mean. Then, write down ways that you could eliminate some of the variables. For example, an analysis of reduced prices in a supermarket can be narrowed down to the reduced prices of bakery items only.

4. Can you answer your question?

“Structure a reasoned argument in response to the research question on the basis of the material gathered” – Extended Essay Guide

When writing the essay y

You’ll need to make sure that every idea you include links back to the question. You’ll need to show over and over again how each paragraph digs that little bit deeper into the question you laid out at the beginning. With that in mind, it’s a good idea, now you’ve done your research, to really make sure that the material, ideas, and information you will be using are still answering the question that you set out to answer.

For example, imagine that you’d originally wanted to compare the pH levels of rainwater in London and in Spain. Perhaps during your background research phase, you realised that there is very little second-hand information that could help you answer this question, but there is a ten-year-old study about the pH levels of rainwater in London compared with Scotland. A possible option could be that you change your investigation to look at whether the pH levels of rainwater throughout the UK has changed in the past ten years. Alternatively, maybe you have already begun your first-hand research but couldn’t collect any rainwater during your trip to Spain. In this scenario, a ‘plan B’ might be to compare the pH levels of rainwater in different parts of London.

Exercise 4 : Write down a super rough plan for what you will cover in your answer to the question. This isn’t the outline (I’ll go into way more depth on this in a later post) but just a way to make sure you know how the question will work. Write one sentence, or better yet one word, for every paragraph in your essay. Don’t worry about the order of the paragraphs yet, but do make sure that you have enough to talk about that relates directly to the question.

5. Will the IB examiner approve?

Your question can score up to 2 marks out of the total 36 points. This might sound like a lot, but consider that this is over 5% of your total score which you can earn before you write a single word of your essay. With this in mind it’s important to go back to the Extended Essay Guide to check that your question is doing everything that they want it to.

Exercise 5: Double-check that your question is fulfilling every criteria that it can. And to make this as easy as it can possibly be for you, we’ve made a handy checklist right here:

• Is it specific?
• Can you answer it?
• Can you address any variables?
• Can you justify any assumptions that it makes?
• Do you have enough research to back up your investigation?
• Is it interesting?

Once you’ve made certain your question is as brilliant as it can be, the next step is to start planning the essay itself! Watch this space for our next post in the series all about creating the perfect plan and structure.

Read Part 5: Structure and Planning

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Choosing a Chemistry IA Research Question

Choosing a Research Question for the Internal Assessment

Confused about what a Research Question is? This guide will help you understand what they are and how to pick a good one.

The Internal Assessment (IA) is a mini-research project. It is an opportunity to show-off your chemistry skills and knowledge and investigate interesting ideas without the pressure and constraints of the written exams.

The IA requires you to design and carry out an original investigation into a topic of interest related to IB chemistry, then produce a 6 – 12 page report of your findings. Worth 20% (the same as paper 1), the project and report should be of a high standard – the very best ones are of university research standard.

Central to your IA is the research question , around which your entire project revolves.

What is a research question?

Your research question states the aim and context of your investigation. It may be phrased as a statement or a question and it can be in more than one part, provided that each part is properly defined and focused on a common aim.

Importantly, it needs to be fully focused and clear , meaning someone reading it should understand what you investigated, the context, and what you did experimentally. The research question should not simply be a restatement of your project title.

Choosing your research question

The research question is a focused summary of your project aims, so the process of choosing one and refining it ensures you’ve thought properly about your project and is a good exercise to go through.

The flow diagram below is one I’ve used with my past students to help them identify their research question, variables and hypothesis:

To use this method:

• Think about the ‘big idea’ behind your potential project and identify the chemical reaction at its centre. (Note that for projects involving measurements of physical properties or molecular modelling, you might have a physical system or a molecule instead of a chemical reaction).
• Think about which factors will affect the reaction, focusing on only those that are relevant and that can be measured and controlled
• Determine what it is you will deliberately change, how you will change it ( e.g. how many values), and what you are going to measure as the outcome

Research question variables

Your research question should contain your independent and dependent variables (note this is a recommendation, not a rule).

• Independent variable : the thing you are going to deliberately change in order to see the outcome.
• Dependent variable : the variable you will measure.

You will also need to identify controlled variables, which are things that if not controlled and kept constant, will potentially affect the experimental outcome.

It’s vitally important that your independent variable is scientific and quantifiable ( i.e. you can measurably vary it).

Here are some examples of weak or uninteresting independent variables and how they could be improved:

Is the research question different to a hypothesis?

You should be able to generate a hypothesis describing how your dependent variable will change for a given number of independent variable values (usually, a range of 3-5 values).

So, what’s a hypothesis? It’s your prediction about the outcome of your experiment. Your hypothesis predicts how your independent variable will affect the outcome (dependent variable). You then test the prediction by experiment and will either find your results support your research question hypothesis, or don’t support it.

Refining your research question

Suppose a student wants to investigate whether “superfoods” contain more vitamin C than other foods (this sort of food chemistry project is popular).

Here are some of their potential research questions:

• Vitamin C content of vegetables – this is a project title, not a research question
• Analysis of vitamin C in vegetables – this is not focused enough
• Analysis of vitamin C content of superfoods using redox titration – this is better but the focus is unclear
• Using redox titration to determine whether the vitamin C concentration of so-called superfoods is higher than normal vegetables – this is better since it’s fully-focused, provides context for the investigation and contains the dependent variable.

But wait, this is NOT a good project idea!

The independent variable here is type of vegetable. This is not a quantifiable variable ! The outcome of the project is not rooted in scientific principles that can be investigated and correlated, so this would be a weak IA.

You must choose a project where you will change something over a range of values and then measure an outcome.

Tablet brands or types of fruits are not independent variables. There is specific guidance on this in the Science IA Guidelines, which state: “ The straightforward comparison of two organisms or “brands” probably represents a weak RQ since the underlying cause of any difference does not arise from any scientific principle ”.

Avoid weak and poorly-connected RQs

IAs sometimes seem to have a weak connection between the research question and what was actually done. This often occurs when a student wants to research a ‘big question’ that involves complex systems, many variables, and would realistically take a year to investigate. Because they can’t do that, they end up taking the ‘big question’ and reducing it down to a more mundane research question. Here are some examples:

Meeting the personal engagement criteria

• Ensure your project is something you are genuinely curious about and can show that in your report
• Ensure that you take ownership of the project and steer it using your own initiative
• Ensure that it’s clear in your report that you have engaged with your chose topic
• Be creative in your approach to designing your experimental programme

Don’t just copy an existing IA you found online, such as one from my list here !

Meeting the originality criteria

You have to pick a project that enables you to show initiative and creativity, and that is demanding to investigate.

• It must not involve experiments where the outcome is well-known and well-documented (what’s the point of investigating it?)
• It therefore can’t be a commonplace school science experiment.
• It should be more challenging and original than the class practicals you should have done as part of the chemistry IB

It also shouldn’t be something you can find the answer to in you IB chemistry textbook or in the IB chemistry data booklet e.g. how surface area affects reaction rate or determining the enthalpy of combustion of butane

Which projects work well?

Projects that can often be reliably executed are physical chemistry projects involving data collection experiments. Often, you will be able to find very reproducible experimental procedures that you can adapt for your project idea For example:

• measuring rates of reaction
• measuring activation energies
• determining enthalpy changes by calorimetry
• titrations (acid-base or redox) to determine unknowns
• spectroscopy or colorimetry to investigate mineral, vitamin or ion concentrations

However, just because physical chemistry projects tend to work well in the lab and produce good results, it does not mean you are guaranteed to get a top mark by picking one. You are marked on the quality of your research and report, not just how well the experiments worked and how good your results are.

Project selection questions

To help choose a good IA, it’s a good idea to ask yourself the following questions about your project:

• Is your topic relevant to the IB chemistry syllabus?
• Do you have genuine curiosity for this topic and will you be able to communicate that in your report?
• Is your research question suitably demanding with a strong scientific setting?
• Will your research question allow you to show creativity and initiative in the project?
• Is your project original?
• If the project is novel and risky, are you likely to be able to satisfy the assessment criteria in other ways?
• Are the project outcomes non-obvious?
• Will you be able to complete the project in around ten hours?
• Can you show that the scientific context for your project is clear, valid and supported by your background research?
• Have you carried out a risk assessment to identify potential health and safety issues?
• Is the project feasible on ethical grounds? (it cannot involve any animal experimentation for example)
• What are the main apparatus, skills and techniques required?
• Are the required apparatus and chemicals available and not too expensive?
• Do you need to learn any new experimental techniques to carry out your project?
• Will the project generate data that you can analyse and present in your report?
• Will you need to use secondary data?
• Can you demonstrate maths and graphing skills in your report?
• What are your main experimental errors and how can you plan for these?
• How will you ensure your results are reliable?
• How will you ensure fair-testing?

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How to Develop a Research Question for IB IA?

Table of contents.

The research question is one of the most critical parts of your Internal Assessment (IA) for the International Baccalaureate. A well-written IB IA research question is the key to a successful project because it guides your investigation and shapes your analysis. I think you must know how to develop a good research question to get a good grade on your IA.

What Is an IB IA Research Question?

Your Internal Assessment is based on an IB IA research question, so this is the most crucial part of your project. It is the exact question you want your study and analysis to answer. IB rules say that a good research question for IA is clear, focused, and doable. It should be narrow enough to find many tools but wide for in-depth study.

In my experience, a well-thought-out research question guides your research and keeps you on track, ensuring you don’t get off track and look into unrelated topics. When developing IA, it’s important to remember that your research question will decide the direction and length of your study.

For example, you might gain too much knowledge if your question is too general. If it’s too broad, on the other hand, you might not be able to find enough data to support your argument . So, it’s essential to find the right mix. Here are some things that make effective research questions for IA:

• Clarity . The question should be straightforward and not leave any room for doubt.
• Focus . It should focus on a specific problem or part of the subject.
• It’s possible . Think about the available tools and how long the IA will take.
• Usefulness . The question should have something to do with the subject and add to the field of study.
• Ability to handle . Please ensure that the question’s topic fits the length and depth of the IA.

It’s impossible to emphasize enough how important clarity is. A straightforward research question removes any doubt, helping you focus your writing. If you want to know more about how technology in high school classes affects student involvement and learning, you should ask, “What are the effects of technology?” This more detailed question is easy to understand and gives you clear guidelines for your study.

In addition, your research question must be answered according to IB standards if you want to pass your IA . From what I’ve seen, students often don’t think about whether their ideas are possible, which can lead to big projects that are too hard to handle.

How to Develop Good Research Questions for IA?

From my experience, following a structured approach can make developing IA questions much more manageable and effective. Let me share some practical steps that have helped many students succeed.

Step 1. Pick a Subject

The first step in creating IA questions is to choose a topic. It’s crucial to pick a topic that interests you because that interest will keep you going while you study. The more interested you are in a subject, the more driven and dedicated you will be to your work.

I know how hard it can be to cut down on big topics. Start with a broad area that interests you, then narrow it down to a specific part that interests you. Say you’re interested in environmental science. You could narrow it down to how plastic waste affects sea life.

Step 2. Do Some Preliminary Research

Primary research is essential for creating IA questions. In this first step, you’ll gather basic knowledge about your chosen subject. This study helps you identify the main ideas and holes that need more research.

From what I’ve seen, this step can help you develop ideas for your research question. Use various sources, including scholarly papers, books, and trustworthy websites, to get a complete picture of your subject.

Step 3. Look for Questions and Gaps

Find holes that haven’t been thoroughly investigated yet or where the knowledge doesn’t agree. This step is crucial to developing IA questions that help your field learn new things. For instance, if most climate change research has focused on its effects on the economy, you might want to look into its effects on society instead. Finding these gaps will help you develop a research question that makes your IA more useful and unique.

Step 4. Fine-Tune Your Question

Once you have a rough question, make sure it is clear and to the point. Do not use general or unclear words; this could lead to too broad or too focused research. For example, you could ask, “How does high school students’ use of social media affect their self-esteem?” instead of “What are the effects of social media?” This question has been improved to be simpler and more detailed, making it easier to do more focused research.

Step 5. Make Sure It’s Possible

Consider whether you have the necessary tools and can answer the question within an IA deadline . From what I’ve seen, a good IA research question should be something you can respond to with the time and tools you have. It means you must think about how easy it is to get data and study tools and how long it takes you to finish your Internal Assessment. A good IA research formulation will keep you on track and keep you from getting too busy.

Get Help With Your Paper

Real-life examples of ib ia research questions.

Let me give examples from different IB subjects to show you how to write clear, focused, and doable research questions.

“How did the economic policies of the New Deal impact unemployment rates during the Great Depression?”

This question concerns a specific historical event and the economic policies that followed it. It’s also limited because it only examines how jobless rates changed during a certain period. IB standards say you need a question leading to a thorough, focused past investigation.

“What is the effect of varying pH levels on the rate of enzyme activity in catalase?”

This question identifies what is being studied (enzyme activity and pH levels) and what enzyme is being studied (catalase). It also makes planning and carrying out a controlled experiment possible, ensuring the study in Biology IA can be done methodically.

“How does the minimum wage influence unemployment rates in urban areas?”

This question concerns a specific economic strategy (the minimum wage) and how it affects a certain group of people (people who live in cities). It’s useful and possible, allowing us to gather numbers and examine economic trends. Working on an explicit part of economic strategy makes the IA stronger and easier to handle.

“What are the impacts of urbanization on the local climate in megacities?”

This question takes the big idea of development and narrows it down to how it changes the weather in megacities, which are huge cities. Given the current trends in urban growth worldwide, this question is timely for Geography IA . It’s also possible because the expert can get temperature data from individual places and look it over.

“How does exposure to violent video games affect aggression levels in adolescents?”

This question is obvious and specific. It asks about the link between playing violent video games and anger within a particular age group. It plans a focused study that could include polls, tests, or just watching people to ensure the scope stays doable within the time frame of an IA.

Common Mistakes in Developing IA Questions

One big mistake I’ve seen students make is coming up with research questions that are either too broad or too narrow for a  strict IA word count . If your question is too wide, you might get too much information, which makes it hard to give a focused analysis. On the other hand, if the question is too specific, there may need to be more resources to support a study.

Another common mistake is picking a question that needs more tools available. Ensuring that your study has enough data and books to back it up is very important. To keep you from making these mistakes, here are some tips:

• Do not be vague . Make sure your question is precise and detailed.
• Look at resources . Make sure there is enough information before you write your question.
• Balance the scope . Develop a doable question that still leaves room for a deep analysis.

Another trouble is that your question might not be related to the subject. For instance, an IA question in biology should stick to biological ideas and not go into unrelated areas like economics. In my view, alignment with the subject area makes sure that your study stays current and meets the IB curriculum’s standards.

Last, not refining your question can make it hard to focus. It is important to keep returning to and improving your research question. This process helps narrow the topic and ensure everything is clear. From what I’ve seen,  research and referencing  go more smoothly and in the right direction when the question is clear and well thought out.

So, a well-thought-out research question is essential for the success of your IB IA. It helps you stay focused and organized while researching and analyzing. If you follow the tips in this piece, you can develop a research question that will help your IA go well.

For more help, you might want to contact our pros at  IBStudentHelp.com .

Nick Radlinsky

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

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

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IB Paper 1 Writing Guide

As an experienced IB writer, I’ve compiled this complete guide to help you feel strong as you take on this critical part of the IB Diploma Programme. This article details the methods and skills you need to ace Paper 1, from understanding how the test is set up and choosing the right texts.

IB Economics IA Article Suggestions 2024/2025

When IB students start their Economics Internal Assessment (IA), it’s important for them to pick an interesting topic. For the school years 2024/2025, we will consider many different areas of economics, ranging from the rise of inflation to the changing nature of global trade.

What Are the Easiest and Hardest Extended Essay Subjects?

In this article, we discuss the easiest and hardest extended essay subjects, providing insights to help you make an informed decision. From the creative freedom found in the Arts to the demanding nature of the Experimental Sciences, we break down into what makes a subject approachable or daunting.

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IB Extended Essay: Research Questions

• Research Questions
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IB Command Terms

Command terms are the key terms and phrases used in examination questions. 

See the lists below for the terms and definitions for each IB subject

• Visual Arts command terms
• Biology command terms
• Chemistry command terms
• Math command terms
• Language and Literature command terms
• Economics command terms
• Physics command terms

Sample research questions

Source: IBO.org

Question Starters

Source: Oxford Course Companion, p.17

Research Questions: Class of 2020

Visual Arts: To what extent are the developments in American military aircraft nose designs from World War 2, Vietnam War and Gulf War more connected to individual crew preference than to the visual culture of America, 1940 - 1990?

English A: To what extent does William Shakespeare employ Elizabethan elements in Romeo and Juliet to build towards the eventual tragedy?

English A: To what extent did news media outlets, specifically CNN and Fox News, use different reporting methods to portray the candidates in the 2016 United States presidential election?

English A: How do aspects of real-life societies inform and shape A Clockwork Orange and The Handmaid’s Tale?

English A: How were African Americans portrayed in American sitcoms from 1980 to 2000?

English B: To what extent does 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green reflect 'The Hero's Journey'?

English B: To what extent does social media influence or have an effect on the english language usage?

English B: To what extent does the usage of AAVE affect an individual’s social status and mobility?

English B: To what extent does the development of the Super Bowl mirror specific aspects of American cultural, social, and economic trends?

Psychology: To what extent is the phenomenon of Karoshi, the overworking of office workers in Southeast Asia, interconnected with symptoms of depression?

Psychology: To What Extent is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as an addition to traditional pharmacotherapy necessary for the successful treatment of Schizophrenia?

Psychology: To what extent is Δ9-THC an effective antidepressant that can be used to treat patients with depression?

Chinese B: 论新时代网络语言对现代汉语有何种影响？

Chinese B: 中国嘻哈歌手如何运用歌词传播中华文化？How do Chinese Hip-hop Artists Promote Chinese Culture through Lyrics?

Economics: To what extent have increases in rental prices (2017-2018) shrunken the market for Korean restaurants in Chegongmiao, Shenzhen?

Economics: How does President Moon's minimum wage policy affect convenience store market in Seocho 1-dong, South Korea?

Business: To What Extent Does the WeChat Application in Tencent's Business Model Play a Role in its Success?

Business: To what extent has Samsung's acquisition of Harman Kardon helped in increasing revenue and access to new markets?

Research Questions: Class of 2019

World Studies (Biology & Economics): How does mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) ecotourism support and strengthen local economies while ensuring the mountain gorillas’ health and survival?

English A, Category 3: How are skincare companies like: Neutrogena, Nivea, and Dove promoting white supremacy?

English B, Category 2B: To what extent do the changes in Cersei’s and Daenerys’s character development in the HBO series Game of Thrones show they are ultimately both motivated for and by power?

Visual Arts: To what extent did visual qualities in Coco Chanel’s Little Black Dress 1913, influence black dresses created by Chinese fashion designer Vivienne Tam and haute couture designer Yiqing Yin in regards to development in visual elements and societal acceptances in the 21st century?

Business Management: “To what extent was Apple Inc.’s acquisition of Beats Electronics, LLC an effective growth strategy?”

Math, Group 5: Investigating the Korean MERS outbreak using the SEIR model: How would hypothetical diseases be simulated if variables of the SEIR model were to be altered?

Business Management : To what extent has the benefits offered by Shekou International School helped them retain staff?

Economics: To what extent has the subsidy that was introduced in 2016 for hybrid electric vehicles led to a rise in demand for domestic car producers in Baden Württemberg?

Chemistry: How does the addition of salt (NaCl) which modifies the salinity affects the interfacial tension and stability of oil-in-water emulsion?

World Studies (History & Literature): What aspects of the anti-vaccination movement, and “The Crucible” relate to mass hysteria during the Salem Witch Trials?

Psychology: To What Extent Do Behavioural Addictions Fit The Criteria for ‘The Disease Model of Addiction’?

World Studies (Economics & Politics): To what extent has the political decision to host the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro affected Brazils’ economy and the financial welfare of its citizens?

Physics: To what extent does the volume of water affect the altitude gained by adding a constant pressure?

Psychology: To what extent are sociocultural and biological factors major causes of elderly people’s depressive behavior?

World Studies (History & Economics): To what extent did the LGBTQ community contribute to making attractive neighborhoods in the US and why are they pushed to leave them now?

Economics: To what extent is the cafe market in Shekou, Shenzhen, monopolistically competitive?

Economics: “Which is the most important factor that changes the real estate price rate in Magok-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul Korea?”

Business Management: To what extent has McDonald’s marketing strategies played a major role in becoming a prominent fast-food company in Korea?

World Studies (Physics & Geography): To What Extent is the Design of the Standard Houses that Gawak Kalinga Builds Able to Withstand the Seismic Hazards Present in Manila?

World Studies (Economics & Music): To what extent is electronic music’s economy expanding?

Visual Arts: To what extent did artistic influences and material sources impact the chair designs of Gerrit Thomas Rietveld Zig-Zag (1934), Verner Panton Panton S (1956), and Tom Dixon, Capellini, S Chair (1991)?

Business Management: To what extent has Apple Inc.’s prioritization of product innovation and advertising led to sales of iPhone X?

World Studies (Psychology & Geography): How do the combined effects of Socioeconomic Status and Diabetes increase prevalences of Alzheimer’s Disease in different regions within China (PRC)?

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IB History IA - This ULTIMATE Guide Will Get You A 7

Transform your IB History IA with this ULTIMATE guide! Get tips to score a 7 & ace your assignment to unlock your full potential!

Table of content

Introduction, what the hell is ib history ia, history ia rubric & pointers, finalizing your ib history ia topic, steps for effective research, different components of the history ia, identification & analysis of sources, investigation, critical analysis, sample ib history ia topics.

• The first two paragraphs of your Investigation should briefly overview the topic. This is where you interest the reader/examiner. Why is the question you chose relevant or essential?

Being an exploratory subject, History has often worried IB students because it covers everything from World History to Depth studies as a part of the IB Diploma Programme course.

IB History IA is a whole different world of historical investigation that students generally struggle with!

The IB has introduced the IB History IA to help students inquire and get hands-on experience exploring the world we live in, especially in the context of our past. Through the History IA investigation, IB expects students to develop the skills of analytical inquiry and achieve the goal of the  IB DP History course.

But that doesn’t solve the trouble.

Starting with one’s IB History, IA is one hurdle; completing it successfully is another!

Understanding the various facets of this investigation, doing the relevant research, and assembling the findings in an organized manner only to reflect on one’s work, takes more than just articulate planning.

It would help if you had a comprehensive guide to help you select, strategize, investigate and execute in the easiest way possible.

You are at the right place because this article covers everything from IB IA History rubrics to some select topics to get you going on your journey.

We present the ultimate IB History IA guide to help you score a perfect 7!

Before we start, you should check out the premium  IB History HL Notes  offered by Nail IB that cover not only past years’ papers but also curated guides on how to nail your Extended Essays and Internal Assessments. There is no way you should miss out on this premium content!

Also, we have several  sample IB History IAs  that will add value to your work and help you nail your investigation. Do check them out on the go!

But before delving deeper, let’s go through the contents of this article and help you get a clear idea of what this guide offers you:

The IB defines History as a dynamic subject that helps engage with the past strongly. It revolves around historical events of significance and encourages learning about their causation and the changes these events affected. IB History Diploma Programme presents History in terms of the following aspects - 

To get more clarity on the purpose and aim of the discipline, go through  the  information provided about the IB DP History Course by the International Baccalaureate itself. 

The IB History course aims to enhance students’ historical skills and develop a sense of international-mindedness. Through the History IA, IB expects you to critically explore the past with your learned skills.  

A historical investigation on a topic of interest needs to be done by both HL and SL students.

While the IA makes for 25% of the final IB score of History SL, the weightage is 20% for History HL

A few of the advantages of this historical investigation are -

• Helps interpret and understand historical documents and resources
• Helps get a better understanding of the world around us and is of great benefit for students looking forward to taking History or related fields up at university.

Now that we know what the IB History IA is for HL and SL, let’s list the key pointers you should know before you embark on this historic journey. Let’s look at these essential points, shall we?​​​​​​​

Before immersing yourself in the exploration, it is essential to understand how the structure of the IA works. Some necessary protocols that you can’t afford to miss are given below.

• The topic you choose for your investigation should not be an event of the last decade; it should be a historical event.
• The topic needn’t be something you have learned or studied at school.
• The word limit of 2200 words must be followed.
• It would help if you discussed the topic you chose with your teacher for guidance and approval.
• Make sure you regularly update your teacher on the drafts of your work.
• The investigation should not be performed in a group; it is an individual task.
• Make sure there are enough sources relevant to the investigation.
• Ethical considerations need to be taken into account during the entire process. Your instructor/teacher will brief you more on this.
• Finally, the work you turn in should follow the  academic honesty guidelines laid down by the IB .
• Your teacher will assess your submitted IA and moderated by the IB.

The following substantial question is: What topic to choose? Settling on a case can be almost endless, so the next section should be your next station on this journey.

The struggle to land on an IA topic that genuinely interests you is accurate.

But we have compiled a list of points that you can refer to make the right decision.

• Go for a topic that interests you. No use picking up something from the charming contemporary world (WWI or WWII) if it doesn’t get you excited.
• Don’t be vague. Your research question needs to be as specific as possible.
• You can also choose a personal topic for your country, community, or region. This will help you find quality sources and produce a remarkable IA.

Get approval for your research question from your instructor/teacher.

A few sample research questions given by the IB in its guide are as follows:

• How significant were economic problems as a cause of the Bamberg Witch Trials (1623–1633)?
• What were the most important reasons for the failure of Operation Market Garden?

Once you pick a research question, the research you conduct for your investigation plays the most crucial role while kickstarting your exploration. The following section discusses the research that produces a relevant and informative IA.

Let’s talk business.

No matter how great a topic you select, your investigation will disappoint if your research isn’t up to the mark!

What’s important to note is that no matter what sources you pick, credibility is the key. The easiest way to conduct your research is online, no doubt. But if you think Wikipedia is going to answer all the questions you have, don’t.

While online sources can provide valuable information, never scrape off the little content you get.

Dig DEEPER!

This is precisely where  Google Scholar  will come in handy. Triple-check the details you collect. Always, always cite the original source.

Not to mention, books, journals, and academic papers are the numero uno for the research. Try looking up important works by historians and authors in your nearest library. That is set to give a brilliant direction to your process.

This is certainly not the end of it. Visit museums, universities, and several other sites of importance, because the information you will get here is exactly what needs to go into your IA.

We have a good idea of how the first few steps of making the History IA look. We now need to focus on documentation because your work will reflect all your hard work. Without further ado, let’s go!

The IB DP History IA allows all the students to showcase their skills and knowledge as historians. From selecting and analyzing resources to critically reflecting on one’s work by considering several viewpoints, the History IA is the perfect measure of a student’s inquiry skills. A lot goes into assembling and displaying the job in an organized manner.

All in all, the purpose of the History IA is to help students search, select, evaluate and present a viewpoint that follows the sources and the arguments made.

But before we start talking about the components of the IA, you should read the  IB History IA guide  provided by the IB itself. You will learn about the significance of what you’re doing and how you are supposed to be doing it.

The first section of the IA expects you to analyze two sources (primary or secondary) that you have used elaborately.

Other things to be kept in mind -

• State the question you have chosen clearly. Do not be vague. It should be stated as a question.
• You need to mention the relevance of the sources you have picked to analyze. Why were these sources important to your findings or conclusion? What do they offer? Do they give you more clarity in detail or a fresh perspective?
• Thoroughly analyze the two sources. Analyze and discuss the value and limitations of these sources.
• This analysis must be done in the context of the origins (when and by whom), the purpose (why), and the content (what).

The word limit should be 500 for this section.

Section 2 of your IA, the Investigation, is a tougher nut to crack but possible. Be mindful of specific essential points, and you'll be ready. Your Investigation should be nearly 1300 words and aim to answer your IA's question.

Since this is the actual Investigation, it should have a proper structure

• The evidence used by you (as a reference, you may use 2 primary and 3 secondary sources) should be analyzed in different contexts. Try giving an informative counterargument if needed. All the sources should be discussed. You can also bring in diverse perspectives and address them in separate paragraphs.
• The last paragraph should be a concluding statement summarising the Investigation and analysis. Keep it short and precise.

This section deals with your reflecting on the methods used and the challenges you faced during the investigation. The word count for this section must be 400 .

Sample discussion questions given by the IB for this section are -

• What methods used by historians did you use in your investigation?
• What did your investigation highlight to you about the limitations of those methods?
• What are the challenges facing the historian? How do they differ from the challenges facing a scientist or a mathematician?
• What challenges, in particular, does archive-based history present?
• How can the reliability of sources be evaluated?
• What is the difference between bias and selection?
• What constitutes a historical event?
• Who decides which events are historically significant?
• Is it possible to describe historical events in an unbiased way?
• What is the role of the historian?
• Should terms such as “atrocity” be used when writing about history, or should value judgments be avoided?
• If it is difficult to establish proof in history, does that mean that all versions are equally acceptable?  

🔥🔥🔥🔥  SUPER TIP - Sections 1 and 3 of your IA will fetch you marks in the easiest way possible. Make sure you nail these  🔥🔥🔥🔥  

The Bibliography and citing of original works must be done towards the end of the investigation.

We at Nail IB have curated some sample IB DP History IAs for your benefit. Check these out to get a good idea to go about yours. 

Another critical aspect of the IA is the assessment criteria. Knowing what the examiner is looking for in your work is essential. Go through the assessment criteria in the IB History guide before compiling your work.

And that’s a wrap!

We hope this guide will help you understand IB’s expectations from your IA and how to quickly seize that 7 by keeping the essential things in mind. To get a better grip on IB History, check out our premium notes and get closer to nailing your History exam.

Want some A-quality guidance for all things IB? Start your Nail IB journey today, and thank us later!

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Investment Banking Interview Questions: What to Expect

Investment banking is a competitive and challenging industry, which means that strong preparation for investment banking interviews is always vital.

When a candidate moves forward to solve a set of investment banking interview questions, it becomes crucial to understand certain technical and behavioral aspects. This article focuses on a detailed view of interviews, typical questions, preparation methods, and even enhanced topics like named entity recognition, deep learning, and natural language processing, which will help the attendees to be prepared for further processes.

Investment Banking Interview Essentials Skills

Most investment banking interviews test technical expertise and behavioral competencies. Interview preparation should prioritize mastering these areas:

• Technical Skills: This involves financial analysis, business valuation methods, including DCF, comparative company analysis, and precedent transactions, as well as mastery of accounting and financial statements. Aspiring candidates should also possess good analytical skills regarding markets and industries.
• Behavioral Skills: Interviewers evaluate teamwork and leadership background, solving aptitude, and communication skills. Some questions regarding behavioral analysis require the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to highlight the applicant’s previous work.
• Advanced Technical Knowledge: This includes detailed financial modeling , M&A analysis , and LBO having to explain the step-by-step process of how one came up with their approach and all the equations on the model.

For effective interview preparation, candidates need to develop investment banking skills like technical and behavioral competencies, mentioned above to showcase their versatility to the interviewer.

Common Investment Banking Interview Questions and Answers

Before going through investment banking interview questions and answers, it is important to understand both the technical and behavioral questions that may be asked. Here are some vital questions and their detailed answers to assist you in your preparation.

Technical Questions

Question 1: Explain the three main financial statements.

Answers: The three main financial statements are:

• Income Statement: A financial statement that depicts a company’s revenues, expenditures, and profits in a certain period like a fiscal quarter or year. It begins indeed with sales or revenues and then takes out the costs or expenses to arrive at operating profit or net income.
• Balance Sheet: Shows the current state of affairs of a company, and includes what the company owns (assets), what it owes (liabilities), and it’s worth (shareholders’ funds). It follows the formula: Assets = Liabilities + Shareholders Equity.
• Cash Flow Statement: Records the flow of cash in and out of business in a particular period, dividing activities into operational, investment, and financing activities. It adjusts the true inventory balance more to the economic value which is preferred by the company.

Question 2: How do you value a company?

Answer: Various approaches are used to value a company. These include; DCF analysis (Discounted Cash Flow), comparable company analysis , and precedent transactions . DCF analysis discounts the estimated future cash flow of a business based on contractual terms with a discount rate. Comparative analysis for M&A refers to the comparison of the target firm’s financial ratios with those of firms in the same industry, adjusted for size, growth, and risk levels. Another technique for determining a company’s value is the use of precedent transaction analysis, which refers to the valuation approaches multiples of past merger and acquisition transactions of similar companies.

Question 3: Explain EBITDA and its importance.

Answer: EBITDA stands for Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization. This is calculated and used to determine a company’s operating performance, without regard to non-operational income and expenses such as interest, taxes, and depreciation, respectively. There is merit in evaluating EBITDA, because a figure calculated in this way gives a clearer picture of the earnings of the company’s core business, thus facilitating a comparison of the results of different companies and sectors. The formula for EBITDA is:

EBITDA = Net Income + Interest +Taxes +Depreciation +Amortization

Behavioral Questions

Question 1: Describe a time you worked in a team and faced a challenge.

Answer: At [Company Name], in one of my previous organizations, my team was required to deploy a new CRM system in a very short timeframe. The major concern was compatibility and the accompanying resistance to change amongst the working team members. I discussed these problems and their solutions with my teammates and addressed all technical concerns promptly, and encouraged everyone to work towards the same objective. As a result, we were able to manage the successful implementation of the CRM system before the indicated period and increase efficiency by 20%.

Question 2: Tell me about a time you had to learn something quickly.

Answer: When I was an intern in [Company Name], I received a task to review a financial model, created on Excel macros, and I did not have any experience working with macros at that time. So, to complete the project before the given deadline, I consulted with the senior analysts, took online tutorials for Excel macros and committed extra time for practice. Thus, I was able to spend enough time and learned the details of how to use Excel macros to my advantage and could produce accurate financial statements that were applauded by the senior management Thus, I was able to spend enough time, and learned the details of how to use Excel macros to my advantage, and could produce accurate financial statements that were applauded by the senior management.

Question 3: Give an example of a time you had to manage multiple priorities and how you handled it.

Answer: During my internship, I faced a situation where I had to prepare a client presentation, a financial analysis report, and conduct team meetings all at the same time. I was able to multitask by arranging the activities as per their urgency and priority, creating a timetable to complete each required activity at the given time. I used my coordination skills to identify when extra assistance was required from other personnel to meet all the required working assignments. By keeping track of organization charts and maintaining clear communication, i was able to accomplish all tasks on time. My performance was well evaluated by both the team and clients. This experience, I believe, prepared me for effective time management and the art of working under immense pressure— skills demanded in investment banking career path .

While studying the possible investment banking interview questions and answers, it is necessary to note these key questions and then learn how to answer them clearly and quickly. Knowledge of financial concepts and practices, valuation methodologies, and behavioral situations will improve your chances of excelling in interviews.

Advanced Technical Questions

Question 1: Walk me through a DCF model.

Answers: The discounted cash flow (DCF) model is a valuation tool that uses the cash flows expected to be generated from that business in the future, adjusted to their present value. Begin with estimating the free cash flow that is expected by the company for a certain forecast period, which may take five to ten years. Free Cash Flow (FCF) is calculated as:

FCF=EBIT×(1−Tax Rate)+Depreciation and Amortization−Capital Expenditures−Change in Working Capital

Next, determine the terminal value using the perpetuity growth method or the exit multiple method. For the perpetuity growth method, use the formula:

Terminal Value = FCF(1+g)/(r-g)

where 𝑔 is the perpetual growth rate and 𝑟 is the discount rate (WACC).

Finally, discount the projected cash flows and terminal value to the present value using the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC):

DCF = ∑ FCFt / (1+WCC)t + Terminal Value / (1+WCC)n

Question 2: Describe the key steps in an LBO analysis.

Answers: Leveraged Buyout (LBO) analysis focuses on the valuation of a company that has been acquired by using a large proportion of external funding. Key steps include:

• Purchase Price Assumption: Establish the acquisition cost by using EBITDA as the basis of the multiples.
• Financing Structure: The sources of financing for the acquisition, such as the amount of debt and the amount of equity to be used in the acquisition need to be figured out.
• Projection of Financial Statements: Using the target company’s historical data, prepare a brief income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement for the following year.
• Debt Repayment Schedule: Provide the debt repayment plan, and compute interest expense.
• Exit Strategy: After the expected exit value has been determined using the EBITDA multiples, perform the IRR analysis.

Key Formulas:

IRR Calculation: Evaluate the IRR to determine the return on the equity investment:

IRR= (Exit Equity Value / Initial Equity Investment)1/n - 1

Question 3: Explain the Difference Between Enterprise Value (EV) and Equity Value.

Answer: Enterprise Value (EV) and Equity Value are two critical metrics used in investment banking to value companies.

Equity Value=Share Price×Total Shares Outstanding

Enterprise Value (EV), on the other hand, reflects the total value of the company, including debt and excluding cash and cash equivalents. It is calculated as:

EV=Equity Value+Total Debt−Cash and Cash Equivalents

The major difference is that on the balance sheet, there is also reported debt and cash. This is because EV is believed to give a broader assessment of the firm’s worth due to the inclusion of the firm’s liabilities and cash on hand. Enterprise Value is most useful in analyzing companies with different capital bases since it attempts to value the entities on an equal platform which includes equity and debt. This distinction is important in coming up with the right company valuation and making the right investment decisions.

Question 4: How would you evaluate a distressed company's financial health?

Answers: Analyzing the financial health of a distressed company entails determining the firm’s capability of fulfilling short-term and long-term commitments. Start with liquidity ratios such as the current ratio and quick ratio:

• Current Ratio = Current Assets / Current Liabilities
• Quick Ratio = (Current Assets - Inventory) / Current Liabilities

A ratio below 1.0 suggests liquidity issues. Next, analyze the debt-to-equity ratio:

• Debt-to-Equity Ratio = Total Debt / Shareholders' Equity

A high ratio indicates excessive leverage. Evaluate operational performance using metrics like the EBITDA margin:

• EBITDA Margin = EBITDA / Revenue

A declining margin could be an indication of poor operations and management of the business. Analyze the cash flow statements for negative free cash flows and examine the trends in revenues and profits in recent periods. It is also important to consider the industry and the prevailing economic conditions. Thus, these metrics give a holistic picture of the financial situation of the company in distress.

Candidates demonstrate their deep understanding of complex financial concepts crucial for investment banking roles by understanding these advanced technical questions.

Investment Banking Interview Preparation Tips

Effective investment banking interview preparation is crucial to succeed. Here are three essential tips:

• Research the Firm and Industry Trends: Learn about the history of the firm and its latest acquisition, as well as the current state of the market, to ensure your answers are unique and genuine.
• Practice Technical Skills and Financial Models: To build confidence while answering technical questions, it is recommended to constantly rehearse technical concepts such as DCF, M&A, and LBO models in preparation for the interview.
• Develop Strong Answers for Behavioral Questions: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action Taken, Result) when discussing typical behavioral questions and use it to stress teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.

Named Entity Recognition (NER) in Investment Banking Interviews

Named Entity Recognition (NER) is an essential technique for the identification and classification of significant details within investment banking interviews.

• Definition and Importance: NER is a natural language processing method that assigns predefined labels to names, dates, money, etc. within written text, which helps in the easy extraction of useful data.
• Subtypes of NER: In investment banking, NER is comprised of Organization Names; Financial Instruments; Monetary Amounts; and Industry-specific terms; thus, preparing for interviews precisely.
• Application in Interview Preparation: Through NER, the candidates can easily locate specific information within relevant documents such as study materials, financial statements, and articles, thus shortening their duration of preparation.
• Role of Deep Learning and NLP: The advanced NER models based on deep learning and NLP can analyze more data, and get more insights and more accurate information, which also enhances the investment banking interview preparation.

Role of Deep Learning and NLP in Preparing for Investment Banking Interviews

The application of deep learning and natural language processing (NLP) technologies can enhance your training process for investment banking interviews by providing an additional level of data analysis and individualized experience.

• Enhanced Understanding of Complex Questions: It is possible to use deep learning models to analyze as many interview questions as possible so that you can gain a good understanding of how certain financial terms and concepts work, along with examples.
• Personalized Practice and Feedback: The answers can be checked by the NLP tools, which can generate feedback to the candidate about the correctness of the technical aspect as well as about the fluency of the answer.
• Automated Financial Analysis: It is feasible to put under deep learning algorithms some of the practical tasks of financial modeling and analysis and thus be able to practice more effectively to enhance one’s technique.
• Comprehensive Resource Compilation: NLP can accumulate and assimilate large volumes of material, such as industry reports, market trends, and company information, to guarantee that you are updated with the current industry trends for the interviews you conduct.

Effective investment banking interview preparation entails understanding both technical and behavior-related areas, plus the aid of contemporary technologies such as NER and NLP. With these techniques, candidates can develop their assimilation and reaction abilities. Information updates, practice in financial models, and last but not least, mastery of communications, are imperative. By using both conventional approaches and modern tools in preparation, interviewees get the best preparation, hence making them buckle up and perform well during the interview.

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