Hi all, stressed out IB student here. I need to decide on a topic for my Extended Essay. Do you have suggestions on how to choose a topic that's neither too broad nor too narrow?
Selecting an appropriate topic for your IB Extended Essay is indeed an important step in the whole process. Ideally, you want a topic that genuinely interests you to keep you motivated throughout the extensive research and writing process.
To find this, start by identifying the IB subjects that you enjoy and excel at. Scoring well on your Extended Essay can contribute substantially to your overall IB score, so it's worth playing to your strengths.
Once you've narrowed down the subject, try to choose a topic within that subject that you find irresistible. Not only will this make the process more enjoyable, but your enthusiasm will also be evident in your essay, which can leave a more remarkable impression on the examiner.
As for ensuring your chosen topic is neither too broad nor too narrow, consider the following:
If your topic is too broad, you'll find it challenging to cover all the aspects in depth considering the word limit (4000 words). For instance, a topic like "The impacts of World War II" is too broad due to the wide-ranging impacts across different parts of society and across different countries.
On the other hand, if your topic is too narrow, you may struggle to find enough sources to support your research or to fulfill the word count. For example, "The impact of World War II on the fishing industry in a specific small town" may be too narrow as there might not be enough information available to research thoroughly.
A more optimal topic could be "The effects of World War II on women's employment in Britain." It's specific enough to delve into in-depth, yet broad enough to gather substantial research.
Moreover, ensure that your research question is clear, focused, and articulated in the form of a question. You may even engage in a bit of preliminary research ahead of time to make sure there is enough information out there for you to work with.
Remember, stay organized, maintain a clear research plan, and consult your supervisor regularly. They can provide much-needed counseling and useful criticism. Good luck!
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