Writing the Extended Essay Choosing a topic. Extended Essay

Writing the Extended

Essay

Choosing a topic

Extended Essay

Choosing a Topic

For your Extended Essay

Keep in mind…

Choosing a topic that you can work with is extremely Choosing a topic that you can work with is extremely important in the Extended Essay.important in the Extended Essay.

Subject should be one of Subject should be one of the IB subjects the IB subjects that you have that you have studied yourselfstudied yourself

You should have both You should have both interestinterest and and knowledgeknowledge in the in the subjectsubject

You should be You should be comfortablecomfortable and and understandunderstand the the language language and terminology and terminology used in your subject areaused in your subject area

Check Check Subject Guidelines Subject Guidelines carefully (EE Wiki)carefully (EE Wiki)

Key Words

Think about the Think about the significant terms, concepts, significant terms, concepts, and keywords and keywords that that describedescribe your topic. These your topic. These terms will become the keys for searching terms will become the keys for searching online catalogs and databases, the Internet, online catalogs and databases, the Internet, and print resources for information about your and print resources for information about your topic.topic.

Keep track of the Keep track of the Key Words Key Words for your topicfor your topic

Background Information

Begin your research by reading articles (or book Begin your research by reading articles (or book chapters) that will give you a broad overview of chapters) that will give you a broad overview of a topic. Look in the a topic. Look in the Contents and Index Contents and Index of your of your textbooks and other books for ideas.textbooks and other books for ideas.

You can find background articles in books, You can find background articles in books, encyclopedias, journals and magazines. Also, encyclopedias, journals and magazines. Also, these resources often provide these resources often provide bibliographiesbibliographies——lists of books and articles that will allow you to lists of books and articles that will allow you to discover what else is available on a subject. discover what else is available on a subject.

Narrowing a Subject to a Manageable Topic:

A topic that covers too much material is a common problem for A topic that covers too much material is a common problem for students. Depending on your interests, a general topic can be students. Depending on your interests, a general topic can be focused in many ways. focused in many ways.

What do you already What do you already knowknow about this subject? about this subject?

Is there a Is there a specific time period specific time period that you want to cover? that you want to cover?

Is there a Is there a geographic region or country geographic region or country on which you would like to on which you would like to focus? focus?

Is there a Is there a particular aspect particular aspect of this topic that interests you? For of this topic that interests you? For example, public policy implications, historical influence, example, public policy implications, historical influence, sociological aspects, psychological angles, specific groups or sociological aspects, psychological angles, specific groups or individuals involved in the topic, etc. individuals involved in the topic, etc.

Topics that are too narrow

Think of parallel and broader associations for your subject if you need a Think of parallel and broader associations for your subject if you need a broader topic that will be easier to research. Sometimes a topic may be broader topic that will be easier to research. Sometimes a topic may be too new and sources to your research questions may not yet exist. For too new and sources to your research questions may not yet exist. For example, if you want to do a paper on the effect of deforestation on example, if you want to do a paper on the effect of deforestation on Colombia's long-term ability to feed its citizens, consider the following Colombia's long-term ability to feed its citizens, consider the following questions:questions:

Could you Could you examine other countries or regions examine other countries or regions in addition to Colombia? in addition to Colombia?

Could you Could you think more broadly think more broadly about this topic? Give thought to wider about this topic? Give thought to wider topics like agriculture and sustainable development. Who are topics like agriculture and sustainable development. Who are the key the key players players in this topic? The government? Citizens? International in this topic? The government? Citizens? International organizations? organizations?

What other What other issuesissues are involved in this topic? For example, how can natural are involved in this topic? For example, how can natural resources be allocated most economically to sustain the populace of resources be allocated most economically to sustain the populace of Colombia?Colombia?

Idea Wheel

Write your topic in the center of a blank page. Write your topic in the center of a blank page. Surround it with related topics, connecting Surround it with related topics, connecting sub-topics to the main topic. Do this by sub-topics to the main topic. Do this by drawing a line from the sub-topic to the main drawing a line from the sub-topic to the main topic as if you were connecting spokes to the topic as if you were connecting spokes to the hub of a wheel. Branch other topics off of the hub of a wheel. Branch other topics off of the sub-topics (making smaller wheels). sub-topics (making smaller wheels).

Free-write

Write down any or all of the thoughts that come Write down any or all of the thoughts that come to mind about your chosen topic. Write non-to mind about your chosen topic. Write non-stop for 10 minutes without lifting the pen from stop for 10 minutes without lifting the pen from the page or your hands from the keyboard. the page or your hands from the keyboard. Step away from your work for a little while Step away from your work for a little while (maybe a half-hour or so). Look over your free (maybe a half-hour or so). Look over your free writing: Choose the idea that seems both most writing: Choose the idea that seems both most interesting to you and most capable of offering interesting to you and most capable of offering depth and complexity. Starting with this new, depth and complexity. Starting with this new, narrower topic, repeat the whole process. narrower topic, repeat the whole process.

Explore

Go to the areas of the Library Media Center Go to the areas of the Library Media Center that have books about your subject.that have books about your subject.

Explore the area, pull out books and scan the Explore the area, pull out books and scan the contents and indexcontents and index

Look at magazines and reference booksLook at magazines and reference books

Refine your ideas

Go back to your Idea Wheel and Free WriteGo back to your Idea Wheel and Free Write

Add more informationAdd more information

Keep these documents to look back at later Keep these documents to look back at later and refine more in the next few days and and refine more in the next few days and weeks.weeks.

Try using the following questions to help you:Try using the following questions to help you:

Journalistic Questions

Ask Ask Who?Who? What?What? Where?Where? When?When? Why?Why? How?How? about your topic. about your topic.

Answer each question as completely as Answer each question as completely as possible. possible.

Discovery Questions

Explore your topic by answering the Explore your topic by answering the following questions: following questions:

a) Can you discuss an a) Can you discuss an incidentincident about it? about it?

b) What b) What causes causes it?it?

c) What can you c) What can you describedescribe about the topic? about the topic?

d) What d) What resultsresults from it? from it?

Continued…

e) How does it e) How does it comparecompare to something else? to something else?

f) What are its f) What are its parts, sections, or aspectsparts, sections, or aspects??

g) What do you g) What do you rememberremember about it? about it?

h) Why is it h) Why is it valuablevaluable or or importantimportant??

i) Are you i) Are you for or againstfor or against it? Why? it? Why?

Things to do…Before starting work on the extended essay, students Before starting work on the extended essay, students should:should:

Read the assessment criteriaRead the assessment criteria

Read previous essays to identify strengths and possible Read previous essays to identify strengths and possible pitfalls (MPH library has access to these from the IBO site)pitfalls (MPH library has access to these from the IBO site)

Spend time working out the research question (imagine the Spend time working out the research question (imagine the finished essay, work with an advisor on this)finished essay, work with an advisor on this)

Work out a structure for the essay.Work out a structure for the essay.

Repeat these steps ‘cause they are so much fun, but are Repeat these steps ‘cause they are so much fun, but are gooood for yougooood for you

Sample topics – EnglishGroup 1

Category 1 - Category 1 - The essay must be based on the The essay must be based on the literature of countries where the language is literature of countries where the language is spoken (that is, all works discussed will originally spoken (that is, all works discussed will originally have been written in the language of the essay). have been written in the language of the essay).

Category 2 - Category 2 - The essay must be a comparison of at The essay must be a comparison of at least one literary work originally written in the least one literary work originally written in the language of the essay with a literary work or works language of the essay with a literary work or works originally written in a different language to that of originally written in a different language to that of the essay and probably studied in translation.the essay and probably studied in translation.

Sample topics – English (Cat

1)

Dance in Jane Austen’s novels – what you have Dance in Jane Austen’s novels – what you have offered us – a subject areaoffered us – a subject area

““What are the role and the significance of dance in What are the role and the significance of dance in Pride and Prejudice Pride and Prejudice and and Emma? – what it can becomeEmma? – what it can become

Death in Emily Brontë’s and Emily Dickinson’s poetryDeath in Emily Brontë’s and Emily Dickinson’s poetry

““How is the subject of death treated in selected How is the subject of death treated in selected poems by Emily Brontë and Emily Dickinson?”poems by Emily Brontë and Emily Dickinson?”

Sample topics – English (Cat 2)

The presentation of the hero in literature (English, The presentation of the hero in literature (English, French, and German)French, and German)

““In what different ways do Shaw, Anouilh and Schiller In what different ways do Shaw, Anouilh and Schiller present Joan of Arc in their respective plays?”present Joan of Arc in their respective plays?”

Male authors and female characters (Russian, French, Male authors and female characters (Russian, French, English)English)

““In what ways do the male authors of In what ways do the male authors of Anna Karenina Anna Karenina and Madame Bovary and Madame Bovary seek to render their heroines seek to render their heroines sympathetic to the reader? How far do they succeed?”sympathetic to the reader? How far do they succeed?”

Sample topics – English (Cat 1-

2)

““Religious imagery in Religious imagery in Wuthering Heights” Wuthering Heights” is better than is better than “Religion in the Brontës”.“Religion in the Brontës”.

““A comparison of the presentation of racial conflict in one A comparison of the presentation of racial conflict in one work by James Baldwin and one work by Richard Wright” work by James Baldwin and one work by Richard Wright” is is better than “Racial conflict in the works of American better than “Racial conflict in the works of American writers”writers”..

French: “The portrayal of women in the works of Zola” French: “The portrayal of women in the works of Zola” is is better than “The works of Zola”better than “The works of Zola”..

French: “Existentialism in French: “Existentialism in Les Mains Sales and Les Mouches Les Mains Sales and Les Mouches by Sartre” by Sartre” is better than “What is existentialism?”is better than “What is existentialism?”

Sample topics – LanguageGroup 2

A group 2 extended essay is intended for students A group 2 extended essay is intended for students who are studying a second modern language. who are studying a second modern language. Students may Students may not write a group 2 extended not write a group 2 extended essay in a language that they are offering as a essay in a language that they are offering as a language A1 for their language A1 for their diploma. Foreign words diploma. Foreign words ((gairaigo) in Japanesegairaigo) in Japanese

There are 3 categories within this area: 1. Language There are 3 categories within this area: 1. Language

2. Culture and Society 3. Literature2. Culture and Society 3. Literature


Language - The essay should be a specific analysis Language - The essay should be a specific analysis of the language (its use, structure and so on) of the language (its use, structure and so on) normally related to its cultural context or a specific normally related to its cultural context or a specific text.text.


Foreign words (Foreign words (gairaigo) in Japanesegairaigo) in Japanese

Research question: Do young people use more Research question: Do young people use more words of foreign origin than older people?words of foreign origin than older people?

How to do it: Take surveys of younger people and How to do it: Take surveys of younger people and older people. Results are compared for knowledge of older people. Results are compared for knowledge of foreign words, frequency of their use and attitude foreign words, frequency of their use and attitude towards their use.towards their use.


Culture and Society Type A: essays of a Culture and Society Type A: essays of a sociocultural nature with an impact on the sociocultural nature with an impact on the language - language - The essay should be an analysis of a The essay should be an analysis of a cultural nature that describes the impact of a cultural nature that describes the impact of a particular issue on the form or use of the language.particular issue on the form or use of the language.

Sample topics – LanguageGroup 2 – Culture and Society Type A

Language laws in QuebecLanguage laws in Quebec

Research question: To what extent has Bill 101 Research question: To what extent has Bill 101 contributed to increasing the prevalence ofthe contributed to increasing the prevalence ofthe French language in Quebec?French language in Quebec?

How to do it: An investigation into the effect of Bill How to do it: An investigation into the effect of Bill 101 on the status of the French language in Quebec.101 on the status of the French language in Quebec.

Sample topics – LanguageGroup 2Culture and Society Type B: Essays of a general Culture and Society Type B: Essays of a general cultural nature based on specific cultural artifactscultural nature based on specific cultural artifacts

The essay should be an analysis of a more general The essay should be an analysis of a more general cultural nature but specific to a country or community cultural nature but specific to a country or community where the language is spoken. Topics that are too broad where the language is spoken. Topics that are too broad and could apply to many cultures (like globalization, the and could apply to many cultures (like globalization, the death penalty or eating disorders) are inappropriate.death penalty or eating disorders) are inappropriate.

Essays of a general cultural nature must be based on Essays of a general cultural nature must be based on specific cultural artifacts. Cultural artifacts in this context specific cultural artifacts. Cultural artifacts in this context are understood to include a wide variety of phenomena, are understood to include a wide variety of phenomena, ranging from works of fine art to newspapers, magazines ranging from works of fine art to newspapers, magazines and cartoons, to films, television programmes and and cartoons, to films, television programmes and popular music.popular music.

Sample topics – LanguageGroup 2 – Culture and Society – Type B

Social criticism in the songs of MC SolaarSocial criticism in the songs of MC Solaar

Research question What is the nature of MC Solaar’s Research question What is the nature of MC Solaar’s rap critique of modern French society?rap critique of modern French society?

Approach An investigation into the thematic content Approach An investigation into the thematic content of MC Solaar’s songs.of MC Solaar’s songs.


Category 3: LiteratureCategory 3: Literature

The essay should be an analysis of a literary The essay should be an analysis of a literary type, based on a specific work or works of type, based on a specific work or works of literature exclusively from the target literature exclusively from the target language. In the case of a comparison of language. In the case of a comparison of texts, texts, all texts must originally have been all texts must originally have been written written in the target language.in the target language.

Sample topics – LanguageGroup 2 – Literature – Type 3

Fictionalization of history in Abel Posse’s Fictionalization of history in Abel Posse’s novelsnovels

How does Abel Posse construct an imaginary How does Abel Posse construct an imaginary history in his novel history in his novel El largo atardecer del El largo atardecer del caminante?caminante?

Research question : A textual analysis to Research question : A textual analysis to reveal the narrative techniques used by the reveal the narrative techniques used by the author to make the plot contrast with the author to make the plot contrast with the order of chronological events.order of chronological events.

Sample topics – Biology

(Group 4)

The effect of detergent toxicity on soil The effect of detergent toxicity on soil bacteria” bacteria” is better than “Detergents in is better than “Detergents in the environment”.the environment”.

“ “A study of malnourished children in Indonesia A study of malnourished children in Indonesia and the extent of their recovery after a and the extent of their recovery after a period of supervised improved nutrition” period of supervised improved nutrition” is is better than “Malnutrition in children”.better than “Malnutrition in children”.

Sample topics – Biology

““A study of the effect of differing pH levels A study of the effect of differing pH levels on the growth of on the growth of Phaseolus vulgaris” Phaseolus vulgaris” is is better than “The better than “The effect of acidity on plant effect of acidity on plant growth”.growth”.

““The competitive and evolutionary nature of The competitive and evolutionary nature of the symbiotic relationship in the symbiotic relationship in Paramecium Paramecium bursaria” bursaria” is is better than “Symbiosis in better than “Symbiosis in animals”.animals”.

Sample topics – BiologyThe distribution and growth of lichens on The distribution and growth of lichens on urban pavementsurban pavements

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

Research question: Thalus diameter and population Research question: Thalus diameter and population density data is collected from selected sites in density data is collected from selected sites in different parts of the city. This data is then correlated different parts of the city. This data is then correlated with published data on the levels of SO2 and O3.with published data on the levels of SO2 and O3.

Sample topics – BiologyThe effectiveness of commercial antibacterial The effectiveness of commercial antibacterial cleaning agentscleaning agents

Are commercially available antibacterial cleaning Are commercially available antibacterial cleaning agents effective at controlling the growth of agents effective at controlling the growth of E. coli E. coli on nutrient agar under laboratory on nutrient agar under laboratory conditions?conditions?

Research question: Pure strain Research question: Pure strain E. coli are grown on E. coli are grown on nutrient agar plates under controlled nutrient agar plates under controlled conditions. conditions. Filter paper discs soaked in samples of the Filter paper discs soaked in samples of the antibacterial agents are placed on the agar plates antibacterial agents are placed on the agar plates and the zone of exclusion is measured and and the zone of exclusion is measured and compared.compared.

Sample topics – Chemistry

(Group 4) The Investigation – Experimental or not?The way in which the investigation is undertaken will The way in which the investigation is undertaken will depend very much on whether or not the essay contains depend very much on whether or not the essay contains experimental work performed by the student. For non-experimental work performed by the student. For non-experimental essays, students should endeavor to show experimental essays, students should endeavor to show clearly how the data has been selected. They should clearly how the data has been selected. They should distinguish between primary sources (original scientific distinguish between primary sources (original scientific publications, personal communications, interviews) and publications, personal communications, interviews) and secondary sources (textbooks, newspaper articles, secondary sources (textbooks, newspaper articles, reviews), and show awareness of how reliable these reviews), and show awareness of how reliable these sources are. For experimental work, sufficient information sources are. For experimental work, sufficient information should be provided so that the work could be repeated if should be provided so that the work could be repeated if necessary by an independent worker. Students should necessary by an independent worker. Students should make it clear which experiments they have designed make it clear which experiments they have designed themselves and which they have altered, adapted or themselves and which they have altered, adapted or improved from existing methods.improved from existing methods.


(Group 4)

““The ratio of the gases evolved at the positive electrode The ratio of the gases evolved at the positive electrode during the electrolysis of common salt solution” during the electrolysis of common salt solution” is is better than “Electrolysis of solutions”.better than “Electrolysis of solutions”.

““Spectrophotometric determination of trace amounts of Spectrophotometric determination of trace amounts of lead in drinking water” lead in drinking water” is better than “Water is better than “Water analysis”.analysis”.

· “The effects of sugar-free chewing gum on the pH of · “The effects of sugar-free chewing gum on the pH of saliva in the mouth after a meal” saliva in the mouth after a meal” is better than is better than “Acid–“Acid–base chemistry”.base chemistry”.


Title: The ratio of the gases evolved at the Title: The ratio of the gases evolved at the positive electrode during the electrolysis of positive electrode during the electrolysis of common salt solutioncommon salt solution

Research Question: Research Question: Is there a relationship Is there a relationship between the concentration of aqueous sodium between the concentration of aqueous sodium chloride solution and the ratio of the amounts of chloride solution and the ratio of the amounts of oxygen and chlorine gas that are evolved at the oxygen and chlorine gas that are evolved at the positive electrode during electrolysis?positive electrode during electrolysis?


Title: The caffeine content of a cup of teaTitle: The caffeine content of a cup of tea

Research Question: Does the time it takes to brew a Research Question: Does the time it takes to brew a cup of tea using a specific commercial brand of tea cup of tea using a specific commercial brand of tea leaves significantly alter the amount of caffeine that leaves significantly alter the amount of caffeine that is dissolved in the drink?is dissolved in the drink?

Sample topics – Physics (Group 4)

Experimental: design and implementation of an experiment, Experimental: design and implementation of an experiment, then personal collection and analysis then personal collection and analysis of the data.of the data.

Data-based: location and extraction of raw or processed data, Data-based: location and extraction of raw or processed data, not collected directly by the student, not collected directly by the student, which is then further refined which is then further refined and analysed.and analysed.

Theoretical: development of a quantitative or semi-Theoretical: development of a quantitative or semi-quantitative description of some physical quantitative description of some physical phenomenon, exercise phenomenon, exercise of the model, predictions about its behaviour and limitations.of the model, predictions about its behaviour and limitations.

Survey: formulation of a cohesive, ordered, analytical and Survey: formulation of a cohesive, ordered, analytical and supported (qualitative and quantitative) supported (qualitative and quantitative) discussion of the topic.discussion of the topic.

Combination: some combination of the approaches listed Combination: some combination of the approaches listed above.above.


Topic: Black hole at the centre of the Milky WayTopic: Black hole at the centre of the Milky Way

Research Questions: Is it possible to determine the Research Questions: Is it possible to determine the presence of a black hole at the centre of the Milky presence of a black hole at the centre of the Milky Way?Way?

Approach: A data-based approach is taken. From the Approach: A data-based approach is taken. From the astronomical observations of a star following a astronomical observations of a star following a Keplerian orbit around a compact radio source, the Keplerian orbit around a compact radio source, the mass of a supermassive black hole is determined. mass of a supermassive black hole is determined. The level of uncertainty is appreciated.The level of uncertainty is appreciated.


Topic: The efficiency of electromagnetic dampingTopic: The efficiency of electromagnetic damping

Research Question: Is the efficiency of electromagnetic Research Question: Is the efficiency of electromagnetic

Approach: An experimental approach is taken. The Approach: An experimental approach is taken. The energy budget of a coil-carrying glider going through energy budget of a coil-carrying glider going through magnetic braking on a linear air track is followed by magnetic braking on a linear air track is followed by comparing the mechanical energy lost to the thermal comparing the mechanical energy lost to the thermal energy generated in the coil.energy generated in the coil.

Remember: However, the aim of the essay may also Remember: However, the aim of the essay may also be presentedbe presented


Remember: However, the aim Remember: However, the aim of the essay may also be of the essay may also be presented as a statement or as presented as a statement or as a hypothesis rather than an a hypothesis rather than an actual question. actual question.

Some examples are as follows:Some examples are as follows:

Sample topics – Physics (Group 4)The objective is to establish theoretically the The objective is to establish theoretically the proportionality existing between the terminal proportionality existing between the terminal velocity of a cylindrical magnet falling down a velocity of a cylindrical magnet falling down a metallic pipe and the resistivity of the metal of the metallic pipe and the resistivity of the metal of the pipe as well as the pipe’s wall thickness. An pipe as well as the pipe’s wall thickness. An experimental investigation follows.experimental investigation follows.

Water waves are observed in a long and narrow Water waves are observed in a long and narrow trough and their speeds are measured. It is trough and their speeds are measured. It is assumed that, for shallow water, the speed of the assumed that, for shallow water, the speed of the wave will be proportional to the square root of the wave will be proportional to the square root of the depth of the water and independent of the depth of the water and independent of the wavelength.wavelength.

Sample topics – Economics (Group 3)Students should undertake an essay that uses Students should undertake an essay that uses the core principles of economics as a basis for the core principles of economics as a basis for researching a particular topic. Students should researching a particular topic. Students should use a combination of primary and secondary use a combination of primary and secondary research as the basis for their extended essay, research as the basis for their extended essay, and should apply the accepted theories, tools and should apply the accepted theories, tools and techniques of the subject to the topic and techniques of the subject to the topic chosen.chosen.

Essays should not be historical. They should be Essays should not be historical. They should be related to economic information that is no more related to economic information that is no more than three years old.than three years old.

Sample topics – Economics (Group 3)““What market form characterizes the petrol supply industry in my What market form characterizes the petrol supply industry in my area of Madrid?” area of Madrid?” is better than is better than “What is the market structure of the “What is the market structure of the Spanish petroleum industry?”.Spanish petroleum industry?”.

“ “What is the effect of the recent imposition of a minimum wage in What is the effect of the recent imposition of a minimum wage in Austria on unemployment in the fast food industry in Graz?” Austria on unemployment in the fast food industry in Graz?” is better is better than “What has been the effect of the minimum wage on than “What has been the effect of the minimum wage on unemployment in Austria?”.unemployment in Austria?”.

“ “To what extent has the fall in the exchange rate of the US dollar To what extent has the fall in the exchange rate of the US dollar affected the tourist industry in Carmel, California?” affected the tourist industry in Carmel, California?” is better than is better than “How has the fall in the exchange rate of the US dollar “How has the fall in the exchange rate of the US dollar affected affected the US economy?”.the US economy?”.

““What has been the economic effect of water privatization on the What has been the economic effect of water privatization on the farming industry in my region of Zambia?” farming industry in my region of Zambia?” is better than “How has is better than “How has the privatization of water affected Zambia?”.the privatization of water affected Zambia?”.

Sample topics – Economics (Group 3)Topic: Pricing at the local supermarketTopic: Pricing at the local supermarket

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

Approach: Primary research is conducted through Approach: Primary research is conducted through observation and supported by secondary research, observation and supported by secondary research, such as company records and textbooks. This results such as company records and textbooks. This results in a detailed examination of elasticity and its in a detailed examination of elasticity and its relationship with total revenue.relationship with total revenue.

Sample topics – Economics (Group 3)Topic: The impact of monetary policyTopic: The impact of monetary policy

Research Question: Has the Kenyan central bank’s policy of Research Question: Has the Kenyan central bank’s policy of interest rate cuts led to a rise in new car sales in Nairobi?interest rate cuts led to a rise in new car sales in Nairobi?

Approach: A consumer questionnaire (quantitative Approach: A consumer questionnaire (quantitative research) is circulated and interviews (qualitative research) research) is circulated and interviews (qualitative research) are carried out with sales managers of new car firms. are carried out with sales managers of new car firms. Government macroeconomic statistics (secondary Government macroeconomic statistics (secondary research)research)

are also accessed.are also accessed.

Sample topics – History (Group 3)

Research requires the use of sources. Ideally, primary Research requires the use of sources. Ideally, primary sources will be included but an essay that uses only sources will be included but an essay that uses only secondary sources will not be disqualified. Many different secondary sources will not be disqualified. Many different approaches to the research question can be appropriate, approaches to the research question can be appropriate, for instance: for instance:

using primary and secondary sources in order to using primary and secondary sources in order to establish and appraise varying interpretationsestablish and appraise varying interpretations

analysing sources in order to explain changing views analysing sources in order to explain changing views over time of particular happenings or developments over time of particular happenings or developments

Sample topics – History (Group 3)using source material for a case study or local using source material for a case study or local history project, perhaps leading to a comparison of history project, perhaps leading to a comparison of local and national developmentslocal and national developments

collecting and analysing oral and written data from collecting and analysing oral and written data from family and other contacts to help explain pastfamily and other contacts to help explain past

happenings, perhaps leading to a comparison of happenings, perhaps leading to a comparison of local and national developmentslocal and national developments

using all available sources to answer the question using all available sources to answer the question posed are also accessed.posed are also accessed.

Sample topics – History (Group 3)Title: Varying interpretations of the Salem Title: Varying interpretations of the Salem witch trialswitch trials

Research question: Which theory best explains the Research question: Which theory best explains the Salem witch trials? Salem witch trials?

Approach: Background reading is undertaken to Approach: Background reading is undertaken to enable identification and explanation of two enable identification and explanation of two dominant theories as to why the trials took place. dominant theories as to why the trials took place. The merits of the two theories are appraised using The merits of the two theories are appraised using data obtained about the accused and the accusers.data obtained about the accused and the accusers.

Sample topics – History (Group 3)Title: Changing views of the 1962 Cuban missile Title: Changing views of the 1962 Cuban missile crisiscrisis

Research Question: How and why have explanations Research Question: How and why have explanations of the Cuban missile crisis changed since 1962?of the Cuban missile crisis changed since 1962?

Approach: General reading is undertaken for a Approach: General reading is undertaken for a historical introduction and note taking. The views of a historical introduction and note taking. The views of a number of historians are summarized in order to number of historians are summarized in order to understand, categorize and evaluate selected understand, categorize and evaluate selected explanations of the 1962 missile crisis in the 1960s, explanations of the 1962 missile crisis in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.1970s and 1980s.

Sample topics – History (Group 3)Title: The influence of National Socialist ideology on Title: The influence of National Socialist ideology on the German school system in the late 1930s: a case the German school system in the late 1930s: a case studystudy

Research Question: Research Question: To what extent were Hitler’s To what extent were Hitler’s educational aims fulfilled in the Uhland Gymnasium, 1937–educational aims fulfilled in the Uhland Gymnasium, 1937–1939?1939?

Approach: Reading is undertaken to enable a Approach: Reading is undertaken to enable a summarization of National Socialist ideology and summarization of National Socialist ideology and curriculum proposals. Primary sources (teachers’ records) curriculum proposals. Primary sources (teachers’ records) are used to establish how far the proposed changes were are used to establish how far the proposed changes were put into practice in one school during 1937–1939.put into practice in one school during 1937–1939.

Sample topics-Mathematics (group 5)““Prime numbers in cryptography” Prime numbers in cryptography” is better than is better than “Prime numbers”.“Prime numbers”.

““The Hausdorff dimension of fractal sets” The Hausdorff dimension of fractal sets” is better is better than “Fractals”.than “Fractals”.

““Continued fractions in birth–death processes” Continued fractions in birth–death processes” is is better than “Continued fractions”.better than “Continued fractions”.

Sample topics-Mathematics (group 5)Topic: The geometry of navigationTopic: The geometry of navigation

Research Question: What was the role of Research Question: What was the role of mathematics, and geometry in particular, in mathematics, and geometry in particular, in navigation when we relied on the stars? Does it still navigation when we relied on the stars? Does it still play a part now we have man-made satellites?play a part now we have man-made satellites?

Approach: Using one of the two geometric Approach: Using one of the two geometric representations of the earth (spherical or representations of the earth (spherical or ellipsoidal), describe how maps and charts were ellipsoidal), describe how maps and charts were produced to assist navigators in the past.produced to assist navigators in the past.

Sample topics-Mathematics (group 5)Topic: Archimedes’ calculations of areasTopic: Archimedes’ calculations of areas

Research Question: What is the legacy of Research Question: What is the legacy of Archimedes’ calculations of circular and parabolic Archimedes’ calculations of circular and parabolic areas in today’s methods of integration?areas in today’s methods of integration?

Describe how Archimedes determined the area of a Describe how Archimedes determined the area of a circle by using inscribed polygons, leading also to circle by using inscribed polygons, leading also to his measurement of π. Continue with a description his measurement of π. Continue with a description of his method of discovery for calculating the area of of his method of discovery for calculating the area of a parabola.a parabola.

Sample topics-Mathematics (group 5)Topic: The exponential function and the Topic: The exponential function and the measurement of age and growthmeasurement of age and growth

Research Question: How does the exponential function, Research Question: How does the exponential function, and its calculus, inform areas of science such as nuclear and its calculus, inform areas of science such as nuclear physics, geology, anthropology or demography?physics, geology, anthropology or demography?

Approach: Use one of the settings where exponential Approach: Use one of the settings where exponential growth applies, perhaps modeling the world’s population, growth applies, perhaps modeling the world’s population, to describe the phenomena. Show how it is applicable in to describe the phenomena. Show how it is applicable in mathematical models of other real situations.mathematical models of other real situations.

Sample topics-Mathematics (group 5)Whatever the title of the extended essay, students must apply Whatever the title of the extended essay, students must apply good mathematical practice that is relevant to the chosen good mathematical practice that is relevant to the chosen topic. Data must be analysed using appropriate techniques; topic. Data must be analysed using appropriate techniques; arguments correctly reasoned; situations modelled using arguments correctly reasoned; situations modelled using correct methodology; problems clearly stated and techniques correct methodology; problems clearly stated and techniques at the level of sophistication applied to their solution. There at the level of sophistication applied to their solution. There must be sufficient explanation and commentary throughout must be sufficient explanation and commentary throughout the extended essay to ensure that the reader does not lose the extended essay to ensure that the reader does not lose sight of the purpose of the essay in a mass of mathematical sight of the purpose of the essay in a mass of mathematical symbols, formulae and analysis.symbols, formulae and analysis.

Sample topics-Visual Arts (group 6)

The outcome of the research should be a coherent and The outcome of the research should be a coherent and structured piece of writing (with appropriate illustrations) that structured piece of writing (with appropriate illustrations) that effectively addresses a particular issue or research question, effectively addresses a particular issue or research question, appropriate to the visual arts (broadly defined also to include appropriate to the visual arts (broadly defined also to include architecture, design and contemporary forms of visual culture). architecture, design and contemporary forms of visual culture). The research may be generated or inspired by the student’s The research may be generated or inspired by the student’s direct experience of artwork, craftwork or design, or interest in direct experience of artwork, craftwork or design, or interest in the work of a particular artist, style or period. This might be the work of a particular artist, style or period. This might be related to the student’s own culture or another culture. related to the student’s own culture or another culture. Personal contact with artists, curators and so on is strongly Personal contact with artists, curators and so on is strongly encouraged, as is the use of local and/or primary sources.encouraged, as is the use of local and/or primary sources.


Absolute reliance on textbooks and the Internet is discouraged Absolute reliance on textbooks and the Internet is discouraged and no extended essay in visual arts should be based and no extended essay in visual arts should be based exclusively on such sources. Textbooks should be consulted exclusively on such sources. Textbooks should be consulted only insofar as they may stimulate original ideas, provide only insofar as they may stimulate original ideas, provide models of disciplined, structured and informed approaches, models of disciplined, structured and informed approaches, and encourage direct and personal involvement with the essay and encourage direct and personal involvement with the essay topic.topic.

Sample topics-Visual Arts (group 6)““How did Wassily Kandinsky use colour?” How did Wassily Kandinsky use colour?” is better than “The is better than “The Bauhaus”.Bauhaus”.

““An analysis of African influences on Henry Moore” An analysis of African influences on Henry Moore” is better is better than “20th-century British sculpture”.than “20th-century British sculpture”.

““What is the artistic significance of recent poles raised by the What is the artistic significance of recent poles raised by the First Nations of Haida-Gwai?” First Nations of Haida-Gwai?” is better than “The art of is better than “The art of Native North American people”.Native North American people”.

““Klimt’s use of gold” Klimt’s use of gold” is better than “Sezession in Berlin”.is better than “Sezession in Berlin”.

““Robert Ntila’s etching techniques: a critical investigation” Robert Ntila’s etching techniques: a critical investigation” is is better than “Contemporary East Africanbetter than “Contemporary East Africanart”.art”.


Topic: Cultural influences on Pablo Picasso’s Topic: Cultural influences on Pablo Picasso’s workwork

Research question: Picasso: individual genius or Research question: Picasso: individual genius or cultural thief?cultural thief?

Approach: An investigation of the extent to which Approach: An investigation of the extent to which selected images in Picasso’s work may have been selected images in Picasso’s work may have been appropriated from other cultural sources.appropriated from other cultural sources.


Topic: The influence of Renaissance Topic: The influence of Renaissance architecture in Montrealarchitecture in Montreal

Research question: Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Research question: Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde, Montreal: a replica of St Peter’s, Rome?Monde, Montreal: a replica of St Peter’s, Rome?

Approach: An original investigation into the stylistic Approach: An original investigation into the stylistic similarities in the architecture of these two similarities in the architecture of these two buildings.buildings.

Documents

Writing the Extended Essay Choosing a topic. Extended Essay