is economics extended essay hard

How to Structure an Economics Extended Essay

Here is a step-by-step structure you can follow to complete your Extended Essay in Economics. The layout has changed recently, for example in terms of the cover sheet requirements and the reflections, but this post is up-to-date (and it includes a lot of helpful links).

Before you start writing...

Here are a few key points and other helpful links you’ll want to use:

Be careful about choosing your research question . You’ve got a lot of options, but these generally fall under two categories 1) Evaluating the effects of a policy or 2) Determining the structure of a certain market. There are a lot of aspects that go into choosing a perfect EE question and it's worth taking your time to do this properly. ( I'd be happy to meet with you to help you get your question right.
Decide on your citation style. Most people go with MLA. It's best to decide this early on, so you gather the right info as you go. I recommend doing your citations as you write, so you don't loose track of which sources you used where. Aim for at least 5 cited sources on an average page. Here’s a good guide from Purdue to help you. You can use Easybib , but it's just as easy to do it on your own.
The E.E. should be in 12-point font, preferably Arial or Times New Roman. And it should be double spaced, with numbered pages. This makes it easier for us when we're marking hundreds of EE pages in a row. 😄
Anything over the 4000 word limit won’t be read by your marker, so you'll want to stick to a word-budget for each section. That's a big benefit of this document. I’ve noted below how many words I recommend for each section, which sections don’t count in the word count, etc.
About 18% of your EE marks now come from your reflections , so those are also important. Here’s how to do them: How to Write IB EE Reflections (IBM) so be careful with those too. (And of course, I'd be happy to meet you with to talk through your reflections. Most people don't realize that excellent reflections can almost boost your EE from a C to an A ). 😮

Okay, here’s the structure.

The Economics EE Structure

(Not included in your word count.)

The title page should include only the following information:

Your EE title . This part can be slightly confusing, because the title is not the same as your Research Question (RQ). The RQ is written in the form of a question, but the title should not be a question. Instead it is “a clear, focused summative statement of your research” ( EE Guide , page 82). For example, “ The market structure of supermarkets in Dubai. "
Your Research Question . For example, “ To what extent is the market structure of supermarkets in Dubai an oligopoly? ”
The subject ( Economics )
Your word count

(Notice that you shouldn’t put your name, date, candidate number, or school name on the EE.)

All parts of your EE, with page numbers of course. (You can just copy and paste my list to get you started).

Introduction
Methodology

Bibliography

Appendices

(Do not include an Abstract. You'll find abstracts in a lot of the available sample EE, but the new E.E. Guide states that an Abstract should not be included in the EE.)

Introduction (Approx. 250 words)

Explain what you're be researching (i.e. the policy or a market structure) and how.
Provide some context for your question. Provide a few key facts (i.e. statistics) that will set the stage for the upcoming investigation.
Define some of the main key words.
Explain why this research is interesting and worthwhile to be studied.
Indicate to us how you're going to be organizing your investigation (i.e. the 3 aspects of the question). This part is worth getting some advice on as well.
Near the end of the introduction, include your research question again and explain to us why it is important to answer.

Methodology (Approx. 350 words)

I recommend your methodology have two major aspects. One for explaining your sources and one for explaining your tools.

You’ll notice that, as much as you’re telling us what you are going to use to answer the question (sources and tools), you should also point out a limitations and weaknesses of these.

Methodology Aspect 1: Sources

Describe each of your major sources of primary and secondary research. Tell us why they will be helpful and also a weakness or a limitation for each source. For example, how there may have been room for bias or a limited scope to your research sources. Or perhaps there are other reasons why other data you used could be unreliable or invalid.
Remember that the majority of your research for the EE (perhaps around 80%) should come from secondary sources.
Secondary research are: academic sources (i.e. JSTOR or Google Scholar ), industry sources, government reports, consumer reports, journalistic sources (i.e. news articles and magazine articles), Economics textbooks, and encyclopedias. More tips on using sources well here: How to Make Your Good Extended Essay Great (IBM) .
Primary research are: Interviews, periodic recording of data (i.e. pricing changes) and surveys (but be very careful about how you go about gathering survey data. Otherwise you can waste quite a lot of time and actually reduce the quality of your EE findings).

Methodology Aspect 2: Graphs and concepts

Explain the concepts (i.e. Economics graphs) you’re going to use (very briefly) and why (the purpose of each).
Clarify why you're using each in a way that shows you really understand them.

The Main Body (Approx. 2800 words)

This is where you’ll be sharing your research, analysis, discussion and evaluation.

Think of this section as also having two main parts.

The first is for your basic, 'course concepts research' (including your analysis and evaluations of them). This is where you show off that you understand how to do the things you’ve been taught in your IB Economics class.
The second is for your ' extended research' . Most students will only do the basic level, but this second level is where you get to wow us with all of the impressive extra research that you’ve done, which goes beyond what is taught in the course.

💡 Every single paragraph of the body needs to relate (in a very obvious way) to the research question , so don’t include tools or research which aren't helping you to answer your question.

Body Part 1: The “course concepts” part

Include 3 to 5 course graphs that help you answer your RQ.
As you write, you'll be using economics diagrams and concepts to help to answer your question. By the end of each tool-section, you’ll want to include some data and analysis on your case. That way, you’ll have used the model to help to answer your research question (RQ).
Don't forget to include your evaluations. You can use my CLASPP TM Economics Evaluation model.
After each diagram, it should be very clear to your examiner, how this diagram has contributed to answering your RQ and also how the diagram is somewhat limited.

Note that you don't need to explore alternative policies, like you may sometimes choose to do in your Economics IAs.

Body Part 2: The “beyond-the-course” stuff

This is where you really get to impress us. Often this is the part where you’ll actually teach the reader of your paper (an experienced Econ examiner) a thing or two. 💪

Share some more-advanced, yet relevant theories and concepts, showing us that you've really pushed yourself.
Impress us. Give us the sense that you really do know how some of the more-sophisticated/complicated economics works in this domain (i.e. anti-competitive behaviour or how economists accurately measure unemployment).
Make sure this section is analytical, rather than descriptive. Don't just explain the hard concept, but link it back to your Research Question. This can be hard, because the theories are challenging to even understand, but it can really raise your grade. Make sure all of your theories in this section are really helping you answer your RQ.
A graph or calculation of some kind is recommended here, if you can include one. However, overall impressiveness and usefulness (to your RQ) of your 'extended research' is what matters.
Sometimes you might learn that there is an analytical method which is commonly used in this specific domain (i.e. a ratio that isn’t taught in the course, or a more advanced way of measuring consumer confidence). Feel free to include that in your EE here, as long as it links to your RQ.
If you can’t think of what else to include, ask people for advice.

Conclusion (Approx. 600 words)

Take time with your conclusion, so you can emphasize and clarify the most important insights you've discovered and how it all fits together to answer your RQ.

Pull your previous mini-conclusions together (synthesize them), make some interesting insights based on them. This is where you really get to shine.
Include several of your most interesting evaluative insights (i.e. pros and cons, short-term vs long-term effects, possible stakeholder conflicts). Here is some more help on writing effective evaluations in Econ ( CLASPP TM Economics Evaluation model again).
Don’t include any new data in your conclusion.
Mention at least two weaknesses and limitations of your research. Show you have really reflected on your work. You could discuss possible inaccuracies in your analysis and the reasons for those. You'll do much more along these lines in your reflections , but it still helps to point out a few things here. For example, mention other information would it be very valuable to have, but which you was unavailable to you. Or you could explain some other “unresolved questions”, which you weren’t able to answer for some good reason.
There is a real art to conclusions and I'd be happy to talk you through yours to make sure you tick all the right boxes, in an easy-to-follow, logical way.
Note that you don't need to include any recommendations (i.e. to the government) in your EE.

(Not included in your word count. Aim for around 2-3 pages of sources)

This is where you reaffirm (remind the marker) all the great sources you used.

Remember that your EE is mostly focused on your secondary sources.
Include at least 3 books (one of these can be the textbook), 4 internet sources, and at least 3 sources which show your willingness to work hard and go beyond the minimum requirements (i.e. a trade journal, an advanced academic paper, an interview).
Generally you should have at least one primary source (i.e. an interview, a survey, observation data, focus group data), but it is not mandatory to have a primary source.
Make sure all of your bibliography sources are link to in-text references in your EE.

(Not included in your word count. Often this is around 3 or 4 pages)

The EE guide us us that “appendices are not an essential part of the extended essay and examiners will not read them , or use any information contained within them, in the assessment of the essay” ( EE guide , Page 87). And yet, they are still commonly used and I can tell you that I normally advise my students to include them and I often find them helping when I'm marking EEs).

I would say the best use of appendices is to include artefacts from your process, which help to show the hard work that you’ve done.

Transcripts from your interviews, questionnaire results, your raw pricing data table, additional analysis (i.e. calculations) you did which didn’t fit in the body of your EE.
You won’t exactly get “credit” for the work, but they can help to show how methodically you have worked and that cannot hurt your mark.

Cite this page as: Woods, Tim. “How to Structure an Economics Extended Essay” IBMastery 2 March 2022. Web. [i.e. August 17, 2022 --> CHANGE THIS TO TODAY’S DATE] < https://www.ibmastery.com/blog/how-to-structure-an-economics-extended-essay>

Tim is available for private tutoring , almost every day, to support you in writing your best Economics Extended Essay. He's an expert Economics teacher (a fully IB-trained teacher and marker) with over 18 years of teaching experience . 🚀 Click here to meet with Tim on Zoom and talk through your work. 🚀

Tim also helps students with Theory of Knowledge, IB Business Management, IB Global Politics, IB History, IB English and College Admissions essays.

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Extended Essay

General Resources

How to Write an Economics Extended Essay? A Complete Guide

Today, I’d love to share my insights on how to make an impressive Economics extended essay. According to general IB criteria, it’s about showcasing your knowledge and getting into your topic. So, where should you start?

Introduction to the Economics Extended Essay

From my experience, the extended essay is your chance to demonstrate critical thinking, research skills, and genuine interest in your subject. And believe me, there’s no better subject than Economics to showcase these abilities. Why? Well, economics constantly interacts with our daily lives, influencing our decisions and shaping our world.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Economics extended essay has a maximum word count of 4,000 words. However, some sections are not included in it:

The abstract.
Footnotes and endnotes.
Bibliography or works cited.
Appendices.

Students must adhere to this word limit to avoid potential penalties in the assessment process. Always double-check the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the IB and your school to ensure compliance.

All Economics Extended Essay Features

Based on both general IB criteria and my experience with the IB program, here are some key features of an Economics extended essay:

The research question should be sharply focused and relevant to economic theory. Ideally, the question will address microeconomic and macroeconomic perspectives, but it could focus solely on one.
The essay should not just be descriptive but should apply relevant economic theories or concepts. For instance, if the topic is about market structures, discussing monopoly, oligopoly, perfect competition, etc., using supply and demand graphs and even mathematical calculations is apt.
An Economics essay should be rooted in real-world data. It could involve case studies, statistical data, or surveys. Analyzing this data in the context of the chosen topic is vital.
More than merely presenting data is required. The student should analyze, interpret, and evaluate the data in light of their research question. It involves discussing the data’s implications, limitations, and potential biases.
Students should cite various sources , including textbooks, journal articles, news articles, and interviews. This section is crucial to demonstrate the depth and breadth of the research undertaken.
The essay should reflect critical thinking by considering different viewpoints and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of arguments.
If primary research is conducted, such as surveys or interviews, the student should consider the ethical implications and ensure that participants’ rights and confidentiality are respected.

In conclusion, an Economics extended essay requires a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical data analysis, and a deep understanding of the economic landscape. It’s a rigorous academic exercise, but it can be rewarding for IB students with the right approach and passion.

Choosing the Right Topic for Your Economics Extended Essay

Every IB student faces an age-old question: “Which topic should I choose for my Economics extended essay?” I’ve been there, and as someone who has spent considerable time around the IB system, I understand the gravity of this decision. With many potential IB extended essay Economics topics floating around, the choice can be overwhelming.

However, based on my insights, always let your passion guide you. Don’t just chase complex or trendy topics; ensure you are genuinely interested in the subject. The most insightful extended essay Economics ideas are often birthed from personal experiences or recent events that resonate with you. These subjects can provide a fresh perspective and often yield profound insights.

Aligning with Personal Interest

The world of Economics is vast and varied. From the ebbs and flows of international trade to the microcosm of local markets, a topic can kindle anyone’s curiosity. In my opinion, the passion with which you approach your subject can be a game-changer. An inspired researcher will undoubtedly dig deeper with more zest, leading to more significant insights. Remember those moments when a particular news headline about economic reforms or market shifts caught your attention? Therein might lie your perfect topic!

Ensure your Economics extended essay reflects your unique perspective.

Feasibility and Scope

However, enthusiasm alone isn’t enough. From my experience, the feasibility of your chosen topic is paramount. You might be fascinated by a niche area of economics, but if there’s a shortage of research material or data, you could find yourself in a tricky spot. It’s balancing choosing a subject you love and ensuring enough information exists to support your claims. The general IB criteria prioritize evidence-based arguments, so having ample resources is crucial.

Here are some potential topics to consider:

The impact of Brexit on the UK’s economic landscape.
The economic implications of the gig economy.
Green economics: The cost and benefits of sustainable energy.
The influence of cryptocurrency on traditional banking.
A study on the wage gap: Factors and future implications.
The economic aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fast fashion and its economic and environmental costs.
A comparative analysis of universal basic income models.
The role of microfinance in developing economies.
Economic consequences of population aging in Japan.
The effects of automation and AI on employment rates.
Tourism economics: A case study on [specific country or region].
Price discrimination in online retailing.
Economic challenges and opportunities of hosting the Olympics.
The role of government interventions in preventing economic recessions.

Choosing a topic for your Economics extended essay is a significant first step in wrapping up. Take your time to follow your interests, but always be practical in ensuring you have the resources and scope to produce an insightful paper.

Structuring Your Essay: How to Get the Highest Grade

Once you’ve picked a topic, the next step is understanding how to structure an Economics extended essay.

Crafting a Strong Introduction

From my years around the IB community, I’ve seen countless essays; trust me, first impressions count! Your introduction is more than just a paragraph — it’s your audience’s first taste of your work. Start by setting the context; why did you choose this topic? What relevance does it have in today’s world?

Then, concisely present your research question. This initial clarity not only piques the interest of your reader but also firmly establishes the path you’re about to tread upon. An introduction is like the cover of a book; it should invite the reader to turn the page.

Building a Compelling Body

In this section, you lay out your arguments, analyses, and findings. Each paragraph should have a distinct point seamlessly linked to the next. But how do you ensure your ideas hold water? The answer is evidence. Whether it’s data from renowned economic journals, findings from credible institutions, or even case studies, always back up your claims. Here are a few additional tips:

Clarity is Key . Use concise and clear language. Avoid jargon unless necessary, and always explain complex concepts.
Stay Objective . While it’s okay to have a stance, ensure your essay is balanced, considering various perspectives and counterarguments.
Proofread . A simple yet often overlooked step. Ensure your essay is free from grammatical errors and is coherently structured.

Using good sources for an Economics extended essay is like constructing with quality bricks; it strengthens your narrative. Remember to not just present data but interpret it. Ask yourself, “What story is this data telling? How does it relate to my research question?” From my experience, this analytical approach differentiates good essays from great ones.

Concluding with Impact

In my opinion, a conclusion is not an end but a new beginning. Instead of a mere summary, offer your readers a fresh insight or a different perspective based on your findings. It may raise additional questions that future researchers might consider. What are the broader implications of your research in the grand scheme of things? A firm conclusion leaves a lasting impression, making readers reflect upon your work long after reading.

Tips and Tricks for a Stellar Extended Essay

From my experience, a few strategies can improve your paper. While good extended essay topics for Economics are crucial, how you present them is equally vital.

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 wordcount and stringent IB criteria but also reflects your passion for selected IB group .

Engaging Your Audience

One thing becomes crystal clear: the importance of connection. Your examiners sift through many essays, so what can make yours memorable? Originality, yes, but also the art of storytelling. Incorporate real-life examples and thought-provoking questions that give a human touch to economic theories. Each paragraph should pull the reader into the next, creating a seamless flow of ideas. Remember, it’s not just about what you say but how you say it.

Ensuring Originality

The heart and soul of the IB program lie in its emphasis on original thought. Plagiarism is a strict no-no, but originality goes beyond that. It’s about showcasing your unique perspective, analytical prowess, and personal reflections. While secondary research will form the backbone of your essay, your interpretations, conclusions, and insights should stand out, offering a fresh perspective on a well-trodden topic.

Critical Evaluation

Always question your sources and the data you encounter. Instead of accepting information at face value, get into its implications, biases, and limitations. Critical evaluation showcases your ability to think beyond the obvious and challenges the status quo, a trait highly valued in the IB criteria.

Crafting a remarkable Economics extended essay is no small feat. But with passion, the right resources, and a clear structure, it’s an enriching experience. So, to all budding economists, I wish you the best of luck on this academic adventure!

This article serves as a guide, combining my years of experience as an IB tutor at ExtendedEssayWriters.com with essential tips to help students write a stellar Economics extended essay . Remember, the path is as significant as the destination!

Luke MacQuoid

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

The Do’s and Don’ts of Extended Essay (EE)

The Extended Essay (EE) is an exhilarating yet challenging journey that every IB student embarks upon during the diploma. It is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, an opportunity to delve into a subject you are passionate about, and a chance to demonstrate your research and writing skills. However, the path to completing an outstanding EE can be strewn with obstacles and pitfalls. Drawing from personal experience, I will share some valuable do’s and don’ts to guide you through your Extended Essay journey.

Do’s:

Utilize your supervisor.

One of the greatest resources at your disposal is your EE supervisor. Regularly communicate with them, seek their guidance, and ask questions when you are unsure. A good rapport with your supervisor can make a significant difference in your EE experience.

Advocate for Yourself

If, like me, you find yourself shuffled through supervisors or encounter issues with your assigned supervisor, don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself. Request a change if necessary and ensure you have a supervisor who understands and supports your research goals.

Start Early

Procrastination is a common pitfall in the EE process. Start your research and writing as early as possible. A well-structured timeline can help you manage your time effectively and reduce last-minute stress. Starting your EE journey with research rather than writing will allow you to understand the implications of your question and your writing process will be a lot smoother. Then the summer holiday between Y1 and Y2 of IB is the best time to get ahead in writing your EE, even if you only do a little, it’s still going to make the whole process during Y2 so much easier.

Choose Your Passion

Select a topic that genuinely excites you. Your EE is a substantial research project, and your passion for the subject matter will keep you motivated throughout the process. Plus, it will reflect in the quality of your work. This can also help in choosing a future area of study after the IB – who knows, maybe you could be on your way to a PhD in your EE area in the future.

Reading Widely

When researching, it’s beneficial to engage in a wide variety of sources. When you’re researching make sure to read all perspectives on your matter, from the journal articles to documents, to news articles, and even people’s personal anecdotes. While you may not use all of these, you do need to get every countless perspective on an issue to make informed interpretations and back up your claims. This wide-range of research and engagement with your topic also makes you develop a deeper passion and brings fun to the process.

Draft and Redraft

Writing is a process that often requires multiple drafts. Don’t expect your first draft to be perfect. Edit and revise your work diligently, and seek feedback from peers and teachers to refine your essay.

Cite Sources Properly

Adhere to proper citation and referencing styles (such as MLA, APA, or Chicago). Plagiarism is a serious academic offense, and citing sources correctly is crucial to maintaining academic integrity. What is strongly advised by many IB schools is that the percentage of integrity – or TurnItIn score – should be under 20%, so citing and referencing is vital in all IB assignments.

Don’ts

Procrastinate.

As mentioned earlier, procrastination can be your worst enemy. Avoid putting off your EE tasks until the last minute. This can lead to rushed research, lower-quality work, and unnecessary stress.

Choose a Topic Solely for Its Ease

While it’s important to choose a subject you are passionate about, avoid selecting a topic solely because you think it will be easy. EE is about challenging yourself and exploring your academic boundaries.

Overcomplicate Your Topic

On the other hand, don’t choose a topic that is overly complex or beyond your current knowledge level. Striking the right balance between challenge and feasibility is essential.

Ignore feedback

When you receive feedback from your supervisor or peers, don’t dismiss it. Feedback is a valuable tool for improvement. Embrace constructive criticism and use it to refine your EE.

Neglect your Reflections

Your 3 reflections are worth 6 marks, which is a lot in terms of EE. If you know that you might forget to complete them, or won’t remember things to put in them, keep a document while you’re on your EE journey to keep track of all problems, solutions and lessons you’ve learnt – this will help you synthesize great reflections and help your future self.

The IB Extended Essay is a rigorous and rewarding endeavor that can shape your academic and personal growth. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can navigate the challenges and make the most of this unique opportunity. Remember to harness your passion, seek guidance from your supervisor, and start early to ensure a successful Extended Essay journey. Embrace the process, and you’ll emerge with not only a valuable piece of research but also a sense of accomplishment that will stay with you long after your IB days are over.

Economics Extended Essay Guide: Everything You Need to Learn

by Antony W

April 18, 2024

This guide covers everything you need to learn before you write an IB Economics Extended Essay.

We look at the definition, structure, assessment criteria, topic selection, data collection, analysis and evaluation, and reflection.

What is an IB Economics Extended Essay?

An Economics Extended Essay is a 4,000-word autonomous, self-directed report based on a topic of personal interest. This project allows you to:

Improve your research skills.
Apply economic theories to a real-world issue.
Analyze and evaluate the outcomes of your study.

The essay requires 40 hours of preparation and writing. Moreover, you’ll get help from your school-based supervisor throughout this period. The result should be a clear and well-organized analytical essay.

To write a comprehensive Economics EE, you must dedicate time to conduct in-depth research to collect meaningful and reliable data you can use to analyze the context of your theory and research issue.

IB Economics Extended Essay Structure

Your Economics EE should feature a title page, table of contents, introduction, methodology, main body, conclusion, bibliography, and appendices.

Title Page: Write the title of the essay, the EE research question , subject, and word count.
Table of Contents: Make sure each section mentioned in your table of contents has corresponding page numbers.
Introduction: Explain the focus of the essay, the scope of the research, and your line of argument.
Main Body: Write reasoned arguments for the issue under investigation. Use subheadings for methodology, analysis, discussion, and evaluation.
Conclusion: Communicate what you’ve achieved. Mention the limitation of your research and note what your research question couldn’t answer.
Bibliography: Cite all the EE sources to demonstrate that you engaged in in-depth research and that you care about academic integrity.

IB Economics Extended Essay Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria for an extended essay in economics examine focus and method, knowledge and understanding, critical thinking, presentation, and engagement. The following table is a complete summary of the marking scheme.


6	Topic, research question, and methodology	Focus and method looks at your subject, research issue, and approach. It looks at the description of the study, how you conducted research, and your area of emphasis.
6	Context and subject-specific terminologies and concepts	Knowledge and understanding focuses on relevance of your study to the topic. IB looks at how you demonstrate your economic knowledge, language, and ideas.
12	Research, analysis, discussion and evaluation	Critical thinking looks at the extent to which you’ve analyzed and evaluated the research conducted.
4	Structure, and layout	Presentation looks at the layout of your economics extended essay. You have to adhere to the conventional structure to score a 4.
6	Process, and research focus	Engagement evaluates the extent to which you participated in the research process and completed the economics extended essay.

Economics Extended Essay Topic Selection

The best economics EE topic is the one that you find interesting enough to explore, as long as the focus remains on the fundamentals of economic concepts.

We strongly suggest you choose a topic that allows you to apply economic theories, methods and instruments present in the curriculum. Remember, the assignment requires you to conduct secondary research. However, you may also conduct pertinent original research depending on the topic you choose.

Your topic should:

Be historical. However, your focus should be on a research issue that’s no more than five years old.
Allow you to use economic theories and concepts to answer your research question.
Provide opportunities for critical analysis of the information and data collected.
Allow enough room for analysis while sticking to the scope of the essay.

Don’t choose a broad topic because the essay needs critical and reflective thinking and analysis on something specific. And don’t pick an excessively narrow theme because you may not have access to specific data.

So choose your topic wisely, making sure that it isn’t too wide or too narrow to fit within the scope of the EE’s requirements.

Data Collection in Economics Extended Essay

You have to conduct original research on topics covered in the economics curriculum. Therefore, spend just enough time establishing value for your topic in microeconomics, macroeconomics or the global economy.

Doing original research goes a long way to show that the title and the research question is an issue unanswered by secondary sources.

If you’ve decided to write an EE on microeconomics, you may have to use primary research in the form of surveys, questionnaires, or interviews with pertinent businesspeople direct to the study subject.

Themes from macroeconomics and the global economy require more secondary research in the form of data extraction from published academic papers, historical records, government publications, newspaper/online articles, and statistical databases.

Analysis and Evaluation in Economics EE

The analysis of your economics extended essay can only be effective if you use pertinent economic theories to analyze data collected.

You have to incorporate applicable economic theories, models, and methods in your research’s findings.

For example, you can exhibit critical analysis and evaluation by a sound assessment and judgment of the amount to which the applicable economic theory is beneficial in addressing your research question .

If you cannot establish relevant connections between your selected topic and the research question, avoid establishing knowledge claims based on economic theories, models, and instruments.

Criterion C of the assessment instrument requires you to provide precise findings for each analyzed point, and there has to be interim conclusions throughout your writing.

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the limitations of your own research, flaws in the economic theories, and underlying assumptions of the models utilized when developing your arguments. Also, evaluate the extent to which an economic theory may or may not describe your topic.

IB Economics EE Reflection Session

Being reflective is one of the IB learner profile characteristics, and it is now a formal requirement of the EE evaluation criteria.

IB uses the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF), which has a 6-point value, to evaluate reflections. This is a substantial amount of points, which can determine the distinction between two grades on the final examination.

As part of the EE requirements, you will be required to hold three mandatory reflection sessions with your supervisor, and each of these reflection sessions appear on the official RPPF.

Reflection in the EE focuses on the process of the assignment itself.

Consider the following areas of reflection for each portion of the RPPF:

How did you overcome the problems, setbacks, and barriers you encountered, and what did you learn in the process?
Which of the IB learner profile characteristics apply to you?
What did you learn, and did new views emerge?

The maximum word count for all three reflections is 500. You must write the reflection in your own word and pertain only to your personal learning journey throughout the course.

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.

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Navigating the IB Extended Essay in Economics: A Comprehensive Guide

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with its high academic standards and comprehensive curriculum, has three core components, i.e., EE, CAS, and TOK, along with other subjects. Each component comes with its own challenges. An extended essay is one of those components that consists of a 4,000-word research project that gives students the opportunity to delve deeper into a topic of their choice within the range of IB subject areas. This article will explore a step-by-step process using which students can streamline their IB Extended Essay in Economics with finesse and ease.

Choosing the Right Topic

Not every topic is going to excite you, so choosing a topic is like exploring many options to find a suitable fit.

Economics is a comprehensive subject, so in order to keep your motivation intact, you should choose a topic that genuinely interests you. Following the herd will lead you to a barren grass with overeating. It’s essential to choose a topic that excites you because you will be spending a significant amount of time on this topic throughout the course. Writing and researching become easy when you already understand the basic premises of the topic that you are choosing. Also, choosing a topic that you can easily relate to in real life is a vantage point. Your topic should be broad enough to allow research and specific enough to allow newness.

Formulating Your Research Question

After choosing a suitable topic, the next thing to work on is to formulate a specific, clear, and well-defined research question. A research question will form the basis of your entire research and writing. A good research question should have the tendency to solve a current issue in our commercial world. For example, students can talk about the impact of COVID-19 on the granary market.

Conducting Research

After choosing a suitable topic and relevant research question, the next thing is to plunge into the river of research. This is the first execution stage that forms the foundation of a successful IB Extended Essay in economics. This is the stage where you delve deep into the available literature, research articles, books, scholarly articles, economic databases, and relevant magazines. The credibility and reliability of these sources should not be compromised; therefore, they should be checked properly.

Tip: Make notes of the available literature and the sources from which you have acquired relevant information and evidence, as you will have to cite them in your extended essay.

Data Collection and Analysis: A Batter for Writing

The next step is to collect data and then make a well-informed evaluation. This should be relevant to your Economics research question from the beginning of the research to the culmination. Data collection typically uses two sources—primary and secondary. This includes interviews, surveys, or statistical evaluations of the existing literature review, etc. Data collection methods should be reliable, and recording techniques should be precise and accurate. In writing an Economics Extended Essay, you will probably deal more with statistical data than empirical data.

The collection of data can only prove meaningful if interpreted properly. No data is relevant without accurate interpretations. Presenting your interpretations using visual representations will enhance the coherency and applicability of your extended essay.

Structuring Your Essay

Structuring your extended essay is like forming a display for your shop. This is the stage where the execution of your preparations is done.

It is important to consider the structure of your extended essay, as it will enhance the flow and clarity of your essay. Usually, an economics extended essay follows this structure:

Table of Contents

Introduction
Existing Literature Review
Methodology
Data Presentation and Analysis
Bibliography
Appendices, if relevant
Writing Your Essay

The next step is to add content to the established structure. While writing your extended essay, students should keep in mind the language and relevance of the subject matter. They should use a formal writing style, adhering to IB standards and accurate economic terminology. Unnecessary jargon should be avoided in order to give a simplistic model of your entire research.

The arguments play an important role in the extended essays. Plausible explanations with relevant evidence should be provided and justified. Unnecessary arguments that beat around the bush should be avoided. Adding counterarguments will demonstrate your deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Citing Sources and Referencing

Plagiarism is a serious offence that should be taken seriously. Giving credit wherever it is due is essential, so proper citation and referencing should form part of your extended essay. Students should use a recognised citation style throughout their essays.

Seeking Guidance

Help is given to those who ask for it.

Seeking guidance from your IB supervisor or economics teacher is another important thing in the process of writing the IB Extended Essay. The teachers or supervisors can guide you by providing invaluable insights about everything relating to your essay. Constructive criticism will help you refine your arguments and research questions. If you have taken help from people other than your supervisors and teachers, you should also acknowledge them in your essay.

Editing and proofreading

After completing your initial draft, it is important to revise and edit your essay. You should check for gaps and inconsistencies in your research question, grammar and spelling errors, plausibility in the stated arguments, and the overall flow of the essay. You can also ask your peers to review your essay and provide constructive criticism.

Tip: It’s often helpful to take a break after finishing your first draft and revise it from a fresh perspective.

Meeting Deadlines

Deadlines are important in order to ensure that your extended essay fulfils the basic requirements of IBDP guidelines. The Extended Essay has several deadlines, beginning from the selection of an essay to the submission of the final draft. Students should be aware of all the deadlines in order to keep up with them.

Final Thoughts and Reflection: The Way of Learning

After finishing your extended essay, it is important to take some time out to think and reflect on your entire research journey. This will help you critically analyse your strengths and weaknesses to ensure that your future projects do not endure any inconsistencies.

In conclusion, the IB Extended Essay in Economics is a challenging yet rewarding task. It gives students an opportunity to delve deep into the intricacies of a topic of their choice. Although one can feel the burden of this cumbersome task, with proper planning and execution, students can not just excel in it but will also gain invaluable insights in the process of this academic research.

Happy researching and learning!

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

International Baccalaureate (IB)

IB students around the globe fear writing the Extended Essay, but it doesn't have to be a source of stress! In this article, I'll get you excited about writing your Extended Essay and provide you with the resources you need to get an A on it.

If you're reading this article, I'm going to assume you're an IB student getting ready to write your Extended Essay. If you're looking at this as a potential future IB student, I recommend reading our introductory IB articles first, including our guide to what the IB program is and our full coverage of the IB curriculum .

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

I myself am a recipient of an IB Diploma, and I happened to receive an A on my IB Extended Essay. Don't believe me? The proof is in the IBO pudding:

If you're confused by what this report means, EE is short for Extended Essay , and English A1 is the subject that my Extended Essay topic coordinated with. In layman's terms, my IB Diploma was graded in May 2010, I wrote my Extended Essay in the English A1 category, and I received an A grade on it.

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Extended Essay, or EE , is a mini-thesis you write under the supervision of an IB advisor (an IB teacher at your school), which counts toward your IB Diploma (learn more about the major IB Diploma requirements in our guide) . I will explain exactly how the EE affects your Diploma later in this article.

For the Extended Essay, you will choose a research question as a topic, conduct the research independently, then write an essay on your findings . The essay itself is a long one—although there's a cap of 4,000 words, most successful essays get very close to this limit.

Keep in mind that the IB requires this essay to be a "formal piece of academic writing," meaning you'll have to do outside research and cite additional sources.

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

A title page
Contents page
Introduction
Body of the essay
References and bibliography

Additionally, your research topic must fall into one of the six approved DP categories , or IB subject groups, which are as follows:

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
Group 2: Language Acquisition
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Group 4: Sciences
Group 5: Mathematics
Group 6: The Arts

Once you figure out your category and have identified a potential research topic, it's time to pick your advisor, who is normally an IB teacher at your school (though you can also find one online ). This person will help direct your research, and they'll conduct the reflection sessions you'll have to do as part of your Extended Essay.

As of 2018, the IB requires a "reflection process" as part of your EE supervision process. To fulfill this requirement, you have to meet at least three times with your supervisor in what the IB calls "reflection sessions." These meetings are not only mandatory but are also part of the formal assessment of the EE and your research methods.

According to the IB, the purpose of these meetings is to "provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their engagement with the research process." Basically, these meetings give your supervisor the opportunity to offer feedback, push you to think differently, and encourage you to evaluate your research process.

The final reflection session is called the viva voce, and it's a short 10- to 15-minute interview between you and your advisor. This happens at the very end of the EE process, and it's designed to help your advisor write their report, which factors into your EE grade.

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

A check on plagiarism and malpractice
Your reflection on your project's successes and difficulties
Your reflection on what you've learned during the EE process

Your completed Extended Essay, along with your supervisor's report, will then be sent to the IB to be graded. We'll cover the assessment criteria in just a moment.

We'll help you learn how to have those "lightbulb" moments...even on test day!

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

You can technically write about anything, so long as it falls within one of the approved categories listed above.

It's best to choose a topic that matches one of the IB courses , (such as Theatre, Film, Spanish, French, Math, Biology, etc.), which shouldn't be difficult because there are so many class subjects.

Here is a range of sample topics with the attached extended essay:

Biology: The Effect of Age and Gender on the Photoreceptor Cells in the Human Retina
Chemistry: How Does Reflux Time Affect the Yield and Purity of Ethyl Aminobenzoate (Benzocaine), and How Effective is Recrystallisation as a Purification Technique for This Compound?
English: An Exploration of Jane Austen's Use of the Outdoors in Emma
Geography: The Effect of Location on the Educational Attainment of Indigenous Secondary Students in Queensland, Australia
Math: Alhazen's Billiard Problem
Visual Arts: Can Luc Tuymans Be Classified as a Political Painter?

You can see from how varied the topics are that you have a lot of freedom when it comes to picking a topic . So how do you pick when the options are limitless?

How to Write a Stellar IB Extended Essay: 6 Essential Tips

Below are six key tips to keep in mind as you work on your Extended Essay for the IB DP. Follow these and you're sure to get an A!

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

You can't expect to write a compelling essay if you're not a fan of the topic on which you're writing. For example, I just love British theatre and ended up writing my Extended Essay on a revolution in post-WWII British theatre. (Yes, I'm definitely a #TheatreNerd.)

I really encourage anyone who pursues an IB Diploma to take the Extended Essay seriously. I was fortunate enough to receive a full-tuition merit scholarship to USC's School of Dramatic Arts program. In my interview for the scholarship, I spoke passionately about my Extended Essay; thus, I genuinely think my Extended Essay helped me get my scholarship.

But how do you find a topic you're passionate about? Start by thinking about which classes you enjoy the most and why . Do you like math classes because you like to solve problems? Or do you enjoy English because you like to analyze literary texts?

Keep in mind that there's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your Extended Essay topic. You're not more likely to get high marks because you're writing about science, just like you're not doomed to failure because you've chosen to tackle the social sciences. The quality of what you produce—not the field you choose to research within—will determine your grade.

Once you've figured out your category, you should brainstorm more specific topics by putting pen to paper . What was your favorite chapter you learned in that class? Was it astrophysics or mechanics? What did you like about that specific chapter? Is there something you want to learn more about? I recommend spending a few hours on this type of brainstorming.

One last note: if you're truly stumped on what to research, pick a topic that will help you in your future major or career . That way you can use your Extended Essay as a talking point in your college essays (and it will prepare you for your studies to come too!).

#2: Select a Topic That Is Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow

There's a fine line between broad and narrow. You need to write about something specific, but not so specific that you can't write 4,000 words on it.

You can't write about WWII because that would be a book's worth of material. You also don't want to write about what type of soup prisoners of war received behind enemy lines, because you probably won’t be able to come up with 4,000 words of material about it. However, you could possibly write about how the conditions in German POW camps—and the rations provided—were directly affected by the Nazis' successes and failures on the front, including the use of captured factories and prison labor in Eastern Europe to increase production. WWII military history might be a little overdone, but you get my point.

If you're really stuck trying to pinpoint a not-too-broad-or-too-narrow topic, I suggest trying to brainstorm a topic that uses a comparison. Once you begin looking through the list of sample essays below, you'll notice that many use comparisons to formulate their main arguments.

I also used a comparison in my EE, contrasting Harold Pinter's Party Time with John Osborne's Look Back in Anger in order to show a transition in British theatre. Topics with comparisons of two to three plays, books, and so on tend to be the sweet spot. You can analyze each item and then compare them with one another after doing some in-depth analysis of each individually. The ways these items compare and contrast will end up forming the thesis of your essay!

When choosing a comparative topic, the key is that the comparison should be significant. I compared two plays to illustrate the transition in British theatre, but you could compare the ways different regional dialects affect people's job prospects or how different temperatures may or may not affect the mating patterns of lightning bugs. The point here is that comparisons not only help you limit your topic, but they also help you build your argument.

Comparisons are not the only way to get a grade-A EE, though. If after brainstorming, you pick a non-comparison-based topic and are still unsure whether your topic is too broad or narrow, spend about 30 minutes doing some basic research and see how much material is out there.

If there are more than 1,000 books, articles, or documentaries out there on that exact topic, it may be too broad. But if there are only two books that have any connection to your topic, it may be too narrow. If you're still unsure, ask your advisor—it's what they're there for! Speaking of advisors...

Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

#3: Choose an Advisor Who Is Familiar With Your Topic

If you're not certain of who you would like to be your advisor, create a list of your top three choices. Next, write down the pros and cons of each possibility (I know this sounds tedious, but it really helps!).

For example, Mr. Green is my favorite teacher and we get along really well, but he teaches English. For my EE, I want to conduct an experiment that compares the efficiency of American electric cars with foreign electric cars.

I had Ms. White a year ago. She teaches physics and enjoyed having me in her class. Unlike Mr. Green, Ms. White could help me design my experiment.

Based on my topic and what I need from my advisor, Ms. White would be a better fit for me than would Mr. Green (even though I like him a lot).

The moral of my story is this: do not just ask your favorite teacher to be your advisor . They might be a hindrance to you if they teach another subject. For example, I would not recommend asking your biology teacher to guide you in writing an English literature-based EE.

There can, of course, be exceptions to this rule. If you have a teacher who's passionate and knowledgeable about your topic (as my English teacher was about my theatre topic), you could ask that instructor. Consider all your options before you do this. There was no theatre teacher at my high school, so I couldn't find a theatre-specific advisor, but I chose the next best thing.

Before you approach a teacher to serve as your advisor, check with your high school to see what requirements they have for this process. Some IB high schools require your IB Extended Essay advisor to sign an Agreement Form , for instance.

Make sure that you ask your IB coordinator whether there is any required paperwork to fill out. If your school needs a specific form signed, bring it with you when you ask your teacher to be your EE advisor.

#4: Pick an Advisor Who Will Push You to Be Your Best

Some teachers might just take on students because they have to and aren't very passionate about reading drafts, only giving you minimal feedback. Choose a teacher who will take the time to read several drafts of your essay and give you extensive notes. I would not have gotten my A without being pushed to make my Extended Essay draft better.

Ask a teacher that you have experience with through class or an extracurricular activity. Do not ask a teacher that you have absolutely no connection to. If a teacher already knows you, that means they already know your strengths and weaknesses, so they know what to look for, where you need to improve, and how to encourage your best work.

Also, don't forget that your supervisor's assessment is part of your overall EE score . If you're meeting with someone who pushes you to do better—and you actually take their advice—they'll have more impressive things to say about you than a supervisor who doesn't know you well and isn't heavily involved in your research process.

Be aware that the IB only allows advisors to make suggestions and give constructive criticism. Your teacher cannot actually help you write your EE. The IB recommends that the supervisor spends approximately two to three hours in total with the candidate discussing the EE.

#5: Make Sure Your Essay Has a Clear Structure and Flow

The IB likes structure. Your EE needs a clear introduction (which should be one to two double-spaced pages), research question/focus (i.e., what you're investigating), a body, and a conclusion (about one double-spaced page). An essay with unclear organization will be graded poorly.

The body of your EE should make up the bulk of the essay. It should be about eight to 18 pages long (again, depending on your topic). Your body can be split into multiple parts. For example, if you were doing a comparison, you might have one third of your body as Novel A Analysis, another third as Novel B Analysis, and the final third as your comparison of Novels A and B.

If you're conducting an experiment or analyzing data, such as in this EE , your EE body should have a clear structure that aligns with the scientific method ; you should state the research question, discuss your method, present the data, analyze the data, explain any uncertainties, and draw a conclusion and/or evaluate the success of the experiment.

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

You will not be able to crank out a 4,000-word essay in just a week and get an A on it. You'll be reading many, many articles (and, depending on your topic, possibly books and plays as well!). As such, it's imperative that you start your research as soon as possible.

Each school has a slightly different deadline for the Extended Essay. Some schools want them as soon as November of your senior year; others will take them as late as February. Your school will tell you what your deadline is. If they haven't mentioned it by February of your junior year, ask your IB coordinator about it.

Some high schools will provide you with a timeline of when you need to come up with a topic, when you need to meet with your advisor, and when certain drafts are due. Not all schools do this. Ask your IB coordinator if you are unsure whether you are on a specific timeline.

Below is my recommended EE timeline. While it's earlier than most schools, it'll save you a ton of heartache (trust me, I remember how hard this process was!):

January/February of Junior Year: Come up with your final research topic (or at least your top three options).
February of Junior Year: Approach a teacher about being your EE advisor. If they decline, keep asking others until you find one. See my notes above on how to pick an EE advisor.
April/May of Junior Year: Submit an outline of your EE and a bibliography of potential research sources (I recommend at least seven to 10) to your EE advisor. Meet with your EE advisor to discuss your outline.
Summer Between Junior and Senior Year: Complete your first full draft over the summer between your junior and senior year. I know, I know—no one wants to work during the summer, but trust me—this will save you so much stress come fall when you are busy with college applications and other internal assessments for your IB classes. You will want to have this first full draft done because you will want to complete a couple of draft cycles as you likely won't be able to get everything you want to say into 4,000 articulate words on the first attempt. Try to get this first draft into the best possible shape so you don't have to work on too many revisions during the school year on top of your homework, college applications, and extracurriculars.
August/September of Senior Year: Turn in your first draft of your EE to your advisor and receive feedback. Work on incorporating their feedback into your essay. If they have a lot of suggestions for improvement, ask if they will read one more draft before the final draft.
September/October of Senior Year: Submit the second draft of your EE to your advisor (if necessary) and look at their feedback. Work on creating the best possible final draft.
November-February of Senior Year: Schedule your viva voce. Submit two copies of your final draft to your school to be sent off to the IB. You likely will not get your grade until after you graduate.

Remember that in the middle of these milestones, you'll need to schedule two other reflection sessions with your advisor . (Your teachers will actually take notes on these sessions on a form like this one , which then gets submitted to the IB.)

I recommend doing them when you get feedback on your drafts, but these meetings will ultimately be up to your supervisor. Just don't forget to do them!

The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

Extended Essays are graded by examiners appointed by the IB on a scale of 0 to 34 . You'll be graded on five criteria, each with its own set of points. You can learn more about how EE scoring works by reading the IB guide to extended essays .

Criterion A: Focus and Method (6 points maximum)
Criterion B: Knowledge and Understanding (6 points maximum)
Criterion C: Critical Thinking (12 points maximum)
Criterion D: Presentation (4 points maximum)
Criterion E: Engagement (6 points maximum)

How well you do on each of these criteria will determine the final letter grade you get for your EE. You must earn at least a D to be eligible to receive your IB Diploma.

Although each criterion has a point value, the IB explicitly states that graders are not converting point totals into grades; instead, they're using qualitative grade descriptors to determine the final grade of your Extended Essay . Grade descriptors are on pages 102-103 of this document .

Here's a rough estimate of how these different point values translate to letter grades based on previous scoring methods for the EE. This is just an estimate —you should read and understand the grade descriptors so you know exactly what the scorers are looking for.


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

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


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

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

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

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

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

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

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

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

40+ Sample Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme

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

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

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Guide to the IB Extended Essay in 2024

January 24, 2024

If you’re an International Baccalaureate student getting ready to write your IB Extended Essay, you might be experiencing some very understandable trepidation. But have no fear—we’re here to help you understand what’s required of you, how to plan ahead (IB extended essay topics), and how you’ll be graded (IB extended essay rubric). Keep reading for a good dose of preparation and confidence before you begin the journey. In this article, we’ll cover:

What is the IB Extended Essay?

The ib extended essay—required content, ib extended essay topics.

IB Extended Essay—Sample Essays

IB Extended Essay Tips

Ib extended essay rubric, ib extended essay—more resources.

The IB Extended Essay is a 4,000-word paper that asks you to immerse yourself in research and academic writing. A required part of the IB program, the Extended Essay is a chance to dig deep into a topic that fascinates you.

Although it’s no small task, the IB Extended Essay is an opportunity to gain practical research and writing skills that will come in handy again in college. As you write, you’ll learn how to:

Identify credible sources
Formulate a research question and limit your scope of research
Communicate ideas to an audience
Develop a well-supported argument

The IB Extended Essay is largely an independent, self-directed project, but don’t worry—the IB program doesn’t throw you into the deep end. You do get to select a mentor (usually a teacher at your school) to help guide you through the process. As you write, you’ll be required to meet with your mentor three times. As part of your final evaluation, your mentor will interview you in a final reflection section called a viva voce . During the viva voce, your mentor will check for plagiarism and malpractice, ask you to reflect on challenges and difficulties, and prompt you to discuss what you’ve learned through the research and writing process. Your mentor will then generate a report that factors into your final grade.

Your final essay must include the following:

Contents page
Introduction
Body of the essay
References and bibliography

For this essay, it will be up to you to generate a topic; the International Baccalaureate does not provide prompts. However, your essay will need to fit within one of six provided subject areas . You’ll choose from the following list of IB Extended Essay Topics:

Language and literature
Language acquisition
Individuals and societies
Mathematics

IB Extended Essay Topics (Continued)

At a glance, the subject areas might look limited, but the topics you can choose to write about are actually wide-ranging. The “Individuals and societies” category includes social science topics like economics, history, world religions, and philosophy. And, if you’re leaning toward “Science,” you can choose from classic subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics, or related topics like environmental systems or health science, among others.

The IB also offers a special “World Studies” option for students interested in researching global issues. This subject would allow you to center your writing on global issues such as migration, global health, cultural exchange, or climate change.

Wondering what an outstanding IB Extended Essay looks like? The International Baccalaureate provides quite a few sample student essays online . Here are five essays that earned A grades.

Language and literature: An exploration of an aspect of the narrative voice in Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita

Environmental Systems and Societies: The economic impact of the 1995 reintroduction of grey wolves to Yellowstone National Park

Psychology: To what extent do social networking sites (SNS) usage lead to experience of anxiety in adolescents?

Music: Composition techniques in the 1st movement of Johannes Brahms’s Symphony No. 2, Op. 73

Business Management: Corporate Culture at Oracle

1) Pick something you’re passionate about

As you can see from the titles above, the IB Extended Essay is a great place to delve into a niche topic that fascinates you. Since you’ll be spending many months on this essay, you’ll want to pick a topic you genuinely enjoy spending time learning about. It’s also smart to choose something you’ve already learned about in your IB classes so that you have a strong foundation of knowledge to start with. In music class, do you love pondering why music makes us feel a certain way? Maybe an essay about music theory will keep your gears turning. Do you come alive trying to solve seemingly impossible problems in physics class? Now’s your chance to put those equations into action.

Since this essay is all about your academic interests, it’s also a good idea to pick a topic that’s relevant to what you plan to study in college. Selecting a relevant topic will provide you with significant exposure to the field and will also give you something meaningful to talk about in your college admissions essays.

2) Limit your scope

What’s the meaning of life? Why do wars happen? What is time? Some questions are just way too big to answer, and your IB Extended Essay is not a good place to tackle expansive, philosophical questions. Instead, think of this essay as a place to investigate one piece of a big question. If, let’s say, you’re generally interested in what helps women reach positions of leadership in business, this is a good place to examine how one or a few companies approach this issue. Or, if you’re interested in studying what inspires surrealist painters, you’ll want to pick one or a few painters to research, likely all from the same time period. For both these topics, you’d need a whole textbook to tackle the full question, but limiting your scope will make it much easier to write a clear and cohesive 4,000 words.

On the other hand, it’s possible to narrow your focus too much. It would be impossible, for example, to write 4,000 words about a single sentence in a novel. Make sure you talk about scope early and often with your mentor. Together, you can find the perfect Goldilocks scope for your project that’s not too big and not too small.

3) Choose a good mentor

Speaking of mentors, choosing wisely will help you enormously as you embark on your IB Extended Essay. You’ll want to make sure you choose someone with existing knowledge in your research topic. Your English teacher may be able to give you great writing advice, for example, but they won’t be able to guide your research and scope if you’re writing about marine animals or modern dance.

Before you approach a teacher, make sure you have at least one topic idea (or even a few ideas) in mind so that you can make sure they’ll be a good fit to supervise your project. When you meet with them, find out what their mentorship style is like. Make sure they’ll have time to read several drafts of your essays, meet with you a few times, and give you feedback. Some IB schools will require your IB Extended Essay mentor to sign an agreement form too, so make sure you find out what paperwork is required in advance.

4) Get organized, way organized

The IB Extended Essay is not something you can crank out the night before it’s due. The essay is meant to be a substantive, in-depth, thoughtful, and thoroughly researched analysis, and Rome simply isn’t built in a day. This might be the longest paper you’ve written to date, and this project might require more research than you’ve been asked to do before. Timelines vary by school, but you’ll likely spend between eight months and a year working on your IB Extended Essay. So, how will you pull it all off? For these 8-12 months, organization will be your guiding light. We recommend you:

Get started early. If your essay is due November of your senior year, start generating topic ideas during your junior year right after winter break.
Create a long-view schedule for yourself. What will you accomplish each month of your process?
Give yourself deadlines. Once you choose a mentor, suggest 2-3 draft deadline dates so that you will be held accountable throughout the writing process.
Find a note-taking system that works for you. You’ll be reading many articles and books and it’s hard to keep track of all your sources. Create a document or spreadsheet where you keep track of the sources you’ve found and check them off as you read. As you finish reading a text, type up important quotes and a few notes explaining how it connects to your topic and to your other texts.

5)Write a messy first draft

Writing never comes out perfect the first time, even for New York Times bestselling authors and the most experienced researchers. In your first draft, give yourself permission to get all your thoughts out, no matter how unstructured or rambling they are. Call this your brainstorming draft. When you’re ready to revisit it, see what patterns emerge, what common ideas you can group together, what beginning buds of ideas you can make bloom into full-fledged analysis.

6) Communicate for an audience

When you’re used to producing writing that only your teacher reads, it can be hard to remember to write for an audience. But at the end of the day, writing is communication , and the best writing is clear and thorough communication that anyone could pick up and read. For your IB Extended Essay, you’ll want to remember that many people will be reading your final essay, and not all of them will be experts in the niche topic you choose to study. Ask yourself: how can I explain my research to an audience who doesn’t already agree with my analysis?

To communicate to an audience, you’ll want to:

Provide lots of general background information on your topic.
Don’t assume your reader is familiar with your sources. Introduce them as if they’re guest speakers about to walk up to a podium and deliver a lecture.
After including quotes, facts, and figures, be sure to explain what those sources mean in your own words and how they connect to your bigger-picture argument.
Don’t assume your arguments are self-evident. In this essay, communicating for an audience means supplying ongoing interpretation and analysis, even if it feels like you’re explaining the obvious. Your reader isn’t on your research journey with you, so your points might not be so obvious to your reader.

Although your IB Extended Essay provides a report that factors into your grade, your essay will also be assessed by external examiners the IB. Per the IB Extended Essay Rubric , essays are graded on a scale from 0 to 34 based on 5 different criteria:

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)

As you can see, Critical Thinking is the most significant rubric category. This means that the IB wants to see you arrive at your own unique analysis of your topic, drawing connections between sources and data, and making well-supported arguments. This means they want a lot of you: your ideas, your interpretations, your thoughts. Make sure you emphasize that in your essay, but of course don’t forget the other categories.

The score a student receives corresponds to a letter grade scale that is slightly different than what we’re accustomed to in the U.S. Here’s the letter grade to numerical score breakdown:

Total Points Earned	Letter Grade	Descriptor
30-34	A	Excellent
25-29	B	Good
17-24	C	Satisfactory
9-19	D	Mediocre
0-8	E	Elementary

You must earn a D or higher to receive your IB Diploma. To learn more about the different criteria included in the IB Extended Essay Rubric, you can explore the IB’s full guide to the Extended Essay .

We hope you found our look at the IB extended essay rubric and IB extended essay topics to be helpful. Ready to dive into research? You may want to read our 10 Expert Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension before you hit the books.

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Christina Wood

Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeney’s , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story “The Astronaut” won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a “Distinguished Stories” mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.

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Economics Extended Essay

The ib extended essay.

The Economics EE & the RQ

What to keep in mind when writing

How bartyed can help.

The IB Extended Essay is a stumbling block for many IB students. A core component of the IB Diploma Programme, the Extended Essay is characterised as a 4,000-word independent research paper that seeks to provide an in-depth analysis of a topic chosen by IB candidates. While candidates are supported in their work by a supervisor, only three sessions are permitted. Consequently, IB students are often left wanting for greater levels of feedback or direction with regard to their Extended Essay.

Put simply, the IB Extended Essay is one of, if not the most, challenging aspect of a student’s IBDP. That the IB Extended Essay is not the only piece of coursework, with IAs and other such projects necessary, as well as the need for continuous revision, IB students can easily become overwhelmed. However, there are ways to maintain a level-head.

The Economics EE & the RQ

Those who choose to complete their Extended Essay in Economics must be aware of certain subject-specific characteristics of the IB Economics EE before attempting any research or writing. Of paramount importance is the RQ, or Research Question. A well-developed RQ can function as a guiding light during the composition of an IB Economics EE. Similarly, a poorly conceived Research Question can be a dead weight. Students must think carefully about what their Research Question might be, while keeping in mind two key factors.

The first is that whatever topic they choose to examine in the field of Economics, it must relate to economic information, policies, outcomes or events that are no more than five years old. The IB Economics EE is not a history paper. Students are not discussing the history of a particular school of thought within the subject of Economics. Nor are they to write about the success and/or failure of a particular policy from the past. Topics must be relatively contemporaneous.

The second is that candidates must not “double-dip”, as it is often put. This means that whatever topic is chosen for the Economics EE, there must be no repetition occurring between it and other pieces of coursework completed during the IBDP. The EE, after all, is a unique intellectual exploration into a topic of particular interest within the field of Economics. While this may seem obvious to some, IB Economics students struggle each year with the development of their respective Research Questions.

Although an Economics essay, candidates should call upon their knowledge of English composition and be aware of the need for clear and concise expression. Due to the complexity of the task, sentences and paragraphs of Economics Extended Essay, or any IBDP Extended Essay for that matter, can run on considerably. When this happens, writing can often become needlessly complex and difficult to follow. Consequently, IB learners, whether completing their EE in Economics or not, must be sure to take care when composing their text. Clarity and brevity often go hand-in-hand. Short to medium length sentences and paragraphs in which information is shared clearly enhances a text’s readability. Not only does this show confidence in one’s understanding of the topic being discussed but may also engender the marker towards the candidate. Further, the more complex pieces of punctuation—a semicolon, for example—should largely be avoided, as the margin of error for students in using such elements of written English is far higher than exists for the comma and full stop.

The IB Economics Extended Essay is a daunting piece of coursework. Significantly more challenges abound than can be expressed in a blogpost. Consequently, those studying IB Economics and wishing to complete their EE in the subject can benefit greatly from the guidance provided by an experienced tutor. At BartyED, our team of expert tutors have guided innumerable students through the difficulties inherent in the IB EE. We have assisted those studying Economics, History, Geography, and English, to name but a few, and the results speak for themselves.

If you believe you or your child could benefit from bespoke tutoring in the IB Economics EE, or any other aspect of learning, reach out today by phone (+852 2882 1017) or email ( [email protected] ).

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August 29, 2023

How to structure Economics Extended Essay

As a student in the IB Diploma Programme, you must write a 4,000-word independent essay on a topic you choose. In economics, this essay lets you research more deeply. You can study something you’re interested in and that’s important for academics.

By doing this essay, you will:

Improve your research skills.
Use economic ideas to understand real-world situations.
Judge the results of your research.

You’ll need to work about 40 hours on this essay, with help from a school supervisor. The end product should be a clear, well-organized essay that answers your research question.

To do well in this economics essay, you should be willing to learn more through research. Finding good data that fits your question and theory is important. This often means reading academic articles beyond your regular economics studies.

Topic Selection

When you’re picking a topic for your economics extended essay (EE), choose something from the syllabus that really interests you. Build your essay on the basic ideas of economics, and use them to explore a topic you’re passionate about. Use the economic theories, tools, and techniques you’ve learned in your IB economics classes to study your chosen topic.

As you decide on your economics EE topic, remember these things:

Stay away from history: Pick a topic and question that are about economic things from the last five years.
Make sure it works with economic ideas: Your question should be something you can answer using economic theories and ideas.
Allow for careful thinking: Your chosen topic should let you look closely at the information you collect.
Keep it clear and focused: While staying clear, your essay should also show how well you understand economics, analyze things, and make judgments.

Crafting a Research Question

Once you’ve found a good topic, the next step is to make a clear and specific question for your extended essay (EE). This question should really focus on economics and not go into other subjects. If your question doesn’t connect well with economic ideas, it can make it hard to think deeply and look at things carefully. So, it’s important to use economic theories in how you deal with the information you find, to meet the requirements of the economics EE.

Here are some examples of good research questions (all follow the rule of being about things from the last five years for the economics EE):

How do inflation and interest rates affect a country’s economy?
Compare price elasticity and demand elasticity.
What makes supply and demand change?
Explain the idea of market balance.
What causes consumer prices to rise in China?
What is the Matthew Effect and how does it relate to social investment?
Look at trade models involving different types of businesses, growing productivity, and trade connections.
How are salary levels connected to ‘economic convergence’ in the United States?
Compare how people in the United States and China have spent money over the last 20 years.
What does it mean to have a Cashless economy?

Collecting data

If you want to do original research on any topic in microeconomics, macroeconomics, or the global economy, that’s a great idea! Just make sure that your topic hasn’t already been studied in books or other sources.

For microeconomics, you can do your own research by asking people questions. You can talk to teachers, reporters, government workers, or business people. Just make sure their answers fit with your research question. But remember, you don’t have to use your own research for your essay.

On the other hand, if your essay is about macroeconomics or the global economy, you’ll probably use information that’s already been gathered. You can get this information from academic papers, government papers, numbers collected by different groups, and articles in newspapers, magazines, or online. Sometimes, old records can help too. For these types of essays, using the right information is really important. You’ll need to use this information to build strong arguments that answer your research question. Make sure not to just repeat what others have said.

Analysis and Evaluation

Effectively delving into analysis transpires when the gathered information is scrutinized through the lens of pertinent economic theories. Throughout the entirety of your extended essay (EE), the integration of pertinent economic theories, models, and tools should seamlessly intertwine with the evidence garnered from your research. An avenue for showcasing critical analysis and evaluation lies in skillfully assessing the applicability and relevance of relevant economic theories in the context of your chosen topic and in addressing the research question at hand.

Caution should be exercised to abstain from asserting knowledge claims anchored in economic theories, models, or tools if meaningful connections to the selected topic and research question cannot be established. A paramount characteristic of highly effective essays is their adept utilization of supporting data or evidence to consistently address the specific research question.

Noteworthy is Criterion C of the assessment criteria, necessitating the explicit inclusion of conclusions for individual points of analysis. This underscores the importance of incorporating interim conclusions within your work, rather than confining them solely to a distinct section at the essay’s conclusion.

Demonstrating a critical awareness concerning the validity of collected and employed information is crucial. For instance, the inclusion of theories and diagrams within the essay demands support from critical and reflective thought processes. When formulating arguments, it’s incumbent upon you to manifest an awareness of your research’s limitations and the inherent imperfections within the economic theories and assumptions of the utilized models. This can be achieved through the critical assessment of the degree to which economic theory elucidates or falls short in explaining the realities associated with your researched topic.

Additionally, it’s prudent to note that throughout your essay, consistent demonstration of critical awareness regarding secondary information (and primary sources, if employed) is requisite. This demonstration should span the entirety of the essay, rather than being relegated solely to its conclusion.

Structure of the essay

Title of the essay.
Research question (phrased as a question).
Subject for which the essay is registered.
Word count declaration.
Table of Contents

Introduction

Introduce the topic and its relevance to economics.
Present the research question.
Outline the scope and purpose of the essay.
Establish the significance of the research question within the field

Body of the essay

Explain the research methods used (e.g., primary research, secondary research).
Detail data collection techniques (surveys, interviews, secondary data sources).
Justify why these methods were chosen and how they contribute to answering the research question.
Present your findings from the research.
Apply economic theories and models to analyze the data
Use charts, graphs, and other visuals to support your analysis.
Connect the findings to the research question.
Interpret the results in the context of the research question.
Compare and contrast your findings with existing literature.
Address any limitations or challenges encountered during research.
Discuss the implications of your findings in terms of economics.
Summarize the main points of your essay.
Answer the research question based on your analysis.
Reflect on the significance of your findings and their implications.
Address any limitations and suggest areas for further research.

List all sources cited in your essay, following a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

Include any additional material that supports your analysis (e.g., survey questions, interview transcripts, data tables).

Remember that the structure may vary slightly depending on your specific research topic and approach. Always refer to the guidelines provided by your school and the International Baccalaureate (IB) organization.

For those seeking excellence in their economics extended essay journey, QE is with you every step. Beyond resources and guidance, we offer tailored intensive adhoc classes. These specialized sessions will empower you with the tools and strategies to confidently tackle your economics extended essay.

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15 Top Tips on Writing the IB Extended Essay (EE)

Table of Contents

1 What is the EE?
2 Tips on Getting Started
3 Tips on Organizing your Sources
4 Tips on Writing the Essay

What is the EE?

The IB Extended Essay (EE) is a 4000-word essay that gives you the chance to explore interesting topics relating to one of your DP subjects. It’s like a mini-thesis.

Tips on Getting Started

1. pick a subject and topic:.

Perhaps you have enjoyed your literature classes the most: that could be your subject. What themes did you find intriguing? You might have enjoyed Beckett’s Waiting for Godot and may choose to compare the play with Endgame . It’s important to spend some time picking your subject and topic because your essay must insightfully answer a research question.

2. Design a research question:

Start with a broad topic and brainstorm limiting factors, which are questions you can ask yourself to narrow your focus. The research question should eventually be fairly specific, such that a short 4000 word essay would be able to answer it with some depth.

For example, you can start with ‘ the portrayal of women in 19th century novels ’ (a broad topic). Asking yourself, ‘ Which novelist specifically am I interested in? would limit your scope, and you can come up with better scope: ‘Portrayal of women in the novels of Jane Austen’ (a more focused topic). The next limiting factor would give you a refined title. Now ask ‘ which novels? ’ Keep going with this process till you have narrowed yourself down to an appropriately specific research question. This same process can be applied to the study of any subject of your choice.

Below is a table to give you an example of the process:

Below you will find some common question starter you can use to generate your working title:

In what ways…
To what extent….
What are the impacts of….
What is the influence of ….

3. Finding sources:

Find suitable sources as soon as you have your working title. Find at least 5- 7 reliable sources that relate to your title.

4. Changing your research question, subject, or topic:

It is fine to change the above, but give yourself a deadline, after which you cannot allow yourself to change the subject and topic. Adjustment to the research question is permissible as you might reconsider it while conducting your research. However, having a deadline to refine your research question would also ensure that you’re on the right track. This also means you should start more ahead of time that you originally planned so that you have time and space to get comfortable and make some mistakes.

Tips on Organizing your Sources

1. Distinguish between primary and secondary sources. For example, in Literature, novels, poems, and anthologies are considered primary sources while secondary sources comprise articles or literary reviews related to your topic.

2. Visit a library.

3. Structure your reading to avoid re-reading:

You can also organize the reading using mind maps, interconnected block lists, progression charts, and branches.

4. Research is important because an EE that is based on mere opinions will not score highly.

Tips on Writing the Essay

A formal essay follows the model below:

1. The introduction must explicitly state your research question. Write the introduction first because it will help you write a logical and coherent essay. The introduction functions as an outline of your essay.

2. You may want to think about subsections in your essay before you start writing. This will give you a sense of how much space or how many words each section of your analysis will take. The last thing you want is an essay that requires heavy cutting, or to struggle to meet the word count close to your deadline.

3. Examiners want to see logical arguments supported by relevant evidence. You must provide evidence to support your points and discuss the relationship between them, so make reference to your primary and secondary sources.

4. Use reporting verbs such as argues, highlights, defines, reinforces, asserts, and so on rather than thinks, shows, hopes, imagines, and so on.

5. Use linking words to link ideas and provide a logical flow of ideas.

6. Read through your paragraphs, again and again, reordering paragraphs, until you have a logical order.

7. The conclusion of your essay must reiterate your key findings, summarize main points, and provide a resolution to your conclusion. DO NOT introduce new findings or information. DO NOT pass judgments or make any accusations. AVOID including personal statements.

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What Is An Extended Essay & How to Write It?

Read this article for 5 tips to ace your IB Extended Essay. this article shows IB students how to write an Extended Essay for IB Diploma.

Table of content

Introduction , what is ib extended essay, choosing your mentor, how to select your topic, the structure of ib extended essay, research question, table of contents, methodology, the main body, the conclusion, bibliography, ib extended essay checklist.

Introduce and elaborate topic that you are researching in your EE.

A crisp description of what you will explore and how you will do so. If you are aiming at a particular firm/industry, discuss the problems and your investigation method.
To provide context to your question, you must address the situation from where the question is coming.
State your research question and emphasize the importance of answering that question.
Please describe how your research is helpful and exciting and how it is valuable to your audience.

This article will reveal helpful information on what your IB Extended Essay (EE) requires. Consider this your IB Extended Essay Checklist, which covers everything you must know about your EE.

Hey! Make sure you listen to Ivy, who will explain what NOT to do on your EE.

These mountains you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb!

Understand that no warrior ever conquered the battlefield with an unhinged mind. We say this because, being past IB students, we have seen and faced what we are about to and have a good knowledge and acquired the ability to differentiate between more enormous beasts and smaller beasts.

IB Extended Essay is a smaller beast considering that you give it enough time before it becomes more prominent. All you need to do is relax your mind, de-stress and follow a simple procedure explained further in the article. There is no need to panic. Trust us, listen to us, and be like us!

Moving ahead from punny insertions, let us tell you why the IB extended essay can be an easy and exciting mountain to climb:

Subject of your choice (Good practice to choose from your HLs)
Independence of choosing a topic
Choice of choosing your mentor
Continuous feedback and support from your chosen mentor.

IB extended essay (IB EE) is another one of the mandatory requirements of the IB Diploma Programme. It is a mini-thesis that you write under the supervision of a mentor/advisor. Your mentor will be an IB teacher from your school. The students must conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, which must be at most the limit of 4000 words. You begin by choosing a research question as a topic that will be further approved by IBO. It is up to you to either do a typical research paper, conduct an experiment/solve a problem-type EE.

I can write too many paragraphs giving you unnecessary information but let’s cut to the chase and admit the heart wants what it wants. You will go with an advisor/mentor with whom you will connect the most. However, suppose your judgment is clouded between the advisor you want to choose solely because you click with them better and the mentor who is knowledgeable about your chosen topic and can help you improve your research work. In that case, the choice is pretty straightforward: listen to your brain. Get rid of your toxic love and make a wise decision to choose a knowledgeable mentor. If you are lucky, the mentor you connect with and the one with ample knowledge about your chosen topic will be the same person. On that note, consider only two things while choosing your advisor:

An advisor who is familiar with your topic
An advisor who will push you to be your best

Before diving into the topic selection and the structure of your IB extended essay, refer to this table to get an insight into the grade breakdown table. This will be helpful in your planning phase.

No	Extended Essay	Theory of Knowledge	Total Grade
1	A	A	3
2	A	B	3
3	B	A	3
4	A	C	2
5	B	B	2
6	C	A	2
7	A	D	1
8	D	A	1
9	B	C	1
10	B	D	1
11	C	B	1
12	C	C	1
13	D	B	1
14	C	D	0
15	D	C	0
16	D	D	0
17	E	A	F*
18	E	B	F*
19	E	C	F*
20	E	D	F*
21	E	E	F*

Moving ahead towards essential aspects of this article. After choosing your mentor, the next step for ‘how to write an EE’ is choosing a topic with the help of your mentor’s input. It is as essential as our TOK Essay and TOK presentation .

Keep the following in mind while selecting your topic:

Choose a topic that interests you.
A topic that has enough resources and material.
Choose a topic that is neither too narrow (so you have enough material) nor too broad (to avoid exceeding the word limit of 4000 words)

Before we dive into the structure, let us make one thing clear, there is a difference between the title and the research question. A title is different from your research question. Your research question is a clear and focused summative statement of your research. For instance, “The Effect of Gender and Age on the photoreceptor cells in the human retina” is a title whereas the following as the examples of research questions:

“Does the efficiency of Rods and cones decrease with age?

“What is the efficiency of L-cone vs M-cone vs S-cone?“

“To what extent are rod cells more efficient than the three cone cells?”

“Does the efficieny of rods and cones differ between genders?”

This will include the following:

Introduction

Quick Note: The content on this page will not be included in your essay word count.

NO ABSTRACT REQUIRED. The latest IB guide states that an abstract should not be included in EE anymore.

You should split this section into two major areas to cover all the essential aspects.

Section - 1 Explaining your sources
Section - 2 Related topics, theories, and arguments that you will use to explore

Quick Note: Ensure that besides giving the readers an insight into the theories, arguments, and resources you plan to use for your research, you also point out the weaknesses and limitations.

Section- 1: Sources

Describe each of your major sources of primary and secondary research.
Inform the readers how these sources are helpful.
To provide the readers with insight into each source's weaknesses or limitations. For example, there may have been room for bias or a limited scope of your research. Or there are other reasons why other data you used could be unreliable or invalid.
Some useful sources of secondary research are company annual reports, news articles, magazine articles, business textbooks, and encyclopedias.
Mention any adjustments (at least one) you made to your research as you progressed with your EE.

Section- 2: Related topics, theories, and arguments

Briefly explain the ideas you will use and why (what are you aiming to support by using these).
Address weaknesses or limitations of each addressed topic, theory, or related argument.
Mention any changes made to these as you progressed with your EE.

This part of your essay will be the most elaborate. It will concentrate on research, analysis, discussion, and evaluation.

To maintain the flow of your previous section, we suggest splitting this section into two parts, identical to the previous bifurcation, to showcase your understanding of the IB concepts learned in your business management class and the other addressing the insightful material outside of your course.

Section-1: Related arguments, theories, and topics form your course learning

Include 4 or 5 of these to help you answer your research question.
It is suggested that you include at least one financial element. Address your qualitative tools before the quantitative ones.

Section- 2: Beyond your Course

Take up this section as an opportunity for you to educate your reader/evaluator.

Review several related theories and concepts more extensively than the course does.
Impress your reader by giving the sense that you know how the particular industry works. Showcase your expertise or knowledge gained through expert opinions in several aspects of your question.
Please add some analytical insight in this section rather than just descriptive. Be careful to ensure that all of your theories in this section are really helping you answer your research question.
You can use a graph here, but it must link to the research question.
Use theories and supportive arguments that apply to your research and are beyond your course (if relevant).

Quick Note: Relate every paragraph to your research question.

This section is self-explanatory. It is time to bind all your areas together.

It would help if you concentrated on making your EE sections cohesive.
Please address what you have researched and how it helps answer your research question.
Keep everything new in your conclusion.
Shine through by including mini-conclusions to synthesize your essay.
You can include several evaluative insights as well, if applicable.
Mention some weaknesses and limitations of your research and their effect on your research. You can even address the inaccuracies these limitations may have caused and state the reason behind them.
Explain at least one thing that you would have done differently if you were to do it again.

Quick Note: Don’t include a recommendations section in your EE

This section gives the reader an insight into your research resources. It may include:

Books –textbooks, internet resources, journals, academic papers, competitor interviews, etc.
Primary Resource (if applicable) –Interview, data (focus group, survey, etc.).

Quick note: The content on this page will not be included in your essay word count.

Take this section as more of an essential formality of showcasing the process of hard work that you have put in.

Transcripts from your interviews,
The additional analysis you didn't fit in the body of your EE.
Any other exciting data which you would like to refer to in the body of your work.

With this, we come to the end of our article on what is an IB extended essay and how to write an extended essay. As we mentioned earlier, it is relatively easy. All you need is dedication, set timelines, and proper research. So, don't worry; no rabbits can pull out your hat today. If you want to score a 36 on 36 your Extended Essay, check out our Extended Essay Guide , which offers '5 never heard before' tips to help you write a quality essay.

Make an IB Extended Essay Checklist! I cannot emphasize enough on this point. The submission for your EE happens simultaneously when you are expected to take your exams. There will be a million things that you would have to keep track of. There is a high chance of forgetting to make that final edit or perfecting your EE's introduction in the midst of it all. Therefore, an IB Extended Essay Checklist will ensure you do everything. IB Extended Essay Checklist will be your savior during the final submission days.

We want Nail IB to be your virtual companion to hustle through IB. We have many helpful blogs that will help you navigate your way through IB. Apart from our blogs, we offer a "Take A Test' module, which allows IB students to evaluate their level in the IB Program. Make sure to try a test and see your strengths and weaknesses. And finally, to ensure you have all the resources you might need to nail IB, we have curated special student bundles for your convenience.

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Extended Essay Guide: Criteria, Format, Sample EEs

Criteria, Format, Sample EEs
Annotated Bibliographies
DP Research Process
Databases & Academic Journals
Evaluate Sources
Academic Integrity
MLA Citation Format
CSE Citation Format (Science & Math)
Video Tutorials 2024

The Assessment Crtiteria in Detail!

Criterion A: Focus and method
Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding
Criterion C: Critical Thinking
Criterion D: Presentation
Criterion E: Engagement
EE_How to maximize marks for different subjects?

Criterion C: Critical thinking

Notes from the IB

RE: Research Question and Title of Extended Essay

Please note the statement below from the EE curriculum manager regarding the need to have both a title and a RQ for all subjects. Previous versions of the EE Guide indicated that the title and the RQ should be the same for History, Business Management and Mathematics. This is no longer the case. All essays, regardless of the subject, need to have both a RQ and a title.

Hi Kathy,

To answer your question, I am going to quote directly from a response John Royce provided, on this forum, in October in response to a very similar question: (it was a question about using Spanish sources - hence the mention of Spanish)

It is certainly permissible to use sources which are not in the language of the essay, but translation into the target language is required , one cannot assume that the reader understands the original language.

It is usual to quote the original as well as presenting the translation. [Do not put quotation marks around your translation, just around the original]

Umberto Eco argues ("in Mouse or rat?") that direct translation may lose meaning, paraphrase or use of different idioms may be required to get the ideas across. Paul Bellos ("Is that a fish in your ear?") makes a similar argument - direct translation may confound meaning... Direct translation may not be ideal - meaning and understanding are preferred - so, not to worry that your student with her good Spanish cannot present a direct translation.

What must be made clear is that the translations are those of the student; these are her understandings. Readers can make of that what they will - and if unsure, are presented with the original - they can seek another translation. A note in the acknowledgements and/or in the introduction to the effect that all translations are those of the writer is ... essential.

In response to the question about the Bibliography/Works cited, my preference would be to list the source in its original Thai version, but perhaps with the English in brackets, to help the examiner.

Your bibliography will have the entries in Thai characters first in the document. Any in-text citation to Thai sources will be in (Thai characters [English translation]).

Citation in Thai [English translation]

Works Cited Example:

วงษ์ปัญญา, ธนกร [Wongpunya, Thanakorn]. “โรงงานยาสูบรวยแค่ไหน และเอาเงินไปทำอะไรบ้าง.” [How rich is the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly and where does the money go?] (candidate translation). The Standard, The Standard, 30 Aug. 2018, thestandard.co/thailand-tobacco-monopoly/.

Format of the Extended Essay

Required Formatting

The extended essay should be written in a clear, correct and formal academic style, appropriate to the subject from which the topic is drawn. Given that the extended essay is a formally written research paper, it should strive to maintain a professional, academic look.

To help achieve this, the following formatting is required:

12-point, readable font (Calibri or Times New Roman);
double spacing throughout entire Essay;
page numbering - top right corner;
no candidate or school name or supervisor name on the title page or page headers.

Submitting the extended essay in the required format will help set the tone of the essay and will aid readability for on-screen assessment by examiners.

Required S tructure

The structure of the essay is very important. It helps students to organize the argument, making the best use of the evidence collected.

There are six required elements of the final work to be submitted. More details about each element are given in the “Presentation” section. Please note that the order in which these elements are presented here is not necessarily the order in which they should be written.

Six required elements of the extended essay:

Contents page
Introduction
Body of the essay
References and bibliography -- if MLA "Works Cited" if CSE "References"

1. Required Title Page

The title page should include only the following information:

the title of the essay
the research question
the subject the essay is registered in (if it is a language essay also state which category it falls into; if a world studies essay also state the theme and the two subjects utilized)

The upper limit is 4,000 words for all extended essays.

2. Required Contents Page

A contents page must be provided at the beginning of the extended essay and all pages should be numbered. Please note that an index page is not required and if included will be treated as if it is not present.

3. Required Introduction

The introduction should tell the reader what to expect in the essay. The introduction should make clear to the reader the focus of the essay, the scope of the research, in particular an indication of the sources to be used, and an insight into the line of argument to be taken.

While students should have a sense of the direction and key focus of their essay, it is sometimes advisable to finalize the introduction once the body of the essay is complete.

4. Required Body of the Essay (research, analysis, discussion, and evaluation)

The main task is writing the body of the essay, which should be presented in the form of a reasoned argument. The form of this varies with the subject of the essay but as the argument develops it should be clear to the reader what relevant evidence has been discovered, where/how it has been discovered and how it supports the argument. In some subjects, for example, the sciences, sub-headings within the main body of the essay will help the reader to understand the argument (and will also help the student to keep on track). In structuring their extended essay, students must take into consideration the expected conventions of the subject in which their extended essay is registered.

Once the main body of the essay is complete, it is possible to finalize the introduction (which tells the reader what to expect) and the conclusion (which says what has been achieved, including notes of any limitations and any questions that have not been resolved).

Any information that is important to the argument must not be included in appendices or footnotes/endnotes. The examiner will not read notes or appendices, so an essay that is not complete in itself will be compromised across the assessment criteria.

5. Required Conclusion

The conclusion says what has been achieved, including notes of any limitations and any questions that have not been resolved. While students might draw conclusions throughout the essay based on their findings, it is important that there is a final, summative conclusion at the end. This conclusion(s) must relate to the research question posed.

6. Required References & Bibliography

Students should use their chosen style of academic referencing as soon as they start writing. That way they are less likely to forget to include a citation. It is also easier than trying to add references at a later stage. For more information on this, refer to the guidelines in the IB document Effective citing and referencing.

Writing the essay takes time but if students have used their Researcher's reflection space and reflection sessions in a meaningful way they should be well prepared to develop their arguments.

Extended Essay - Examples & Exemplars

Essays from May 2018 with IB marks and commentaries
Assessed Student Work & Commentary IB-provided. "Student sample extended essays, corresponding marks and comments from senior examiners are available for the following Diploma Programme disciplines. Please note that in light of not having authentic RPPFs to accompany these essays, they are marked against criteria A – D only, for a total of 28 possible marks. Following the first assessment session in 2018, exemplars will be refreshed with authentic sample material." more... less... Biology English Economics History Studies in language and literature Language acquisition Mathematics Psychology Visual arts World studies extended essay (WSEE)
Excellenet Extended Essays Concordian GoogleDoc
EngA1_Othello EE Othello 2018 From inThinking.net Click the link to see the score and evaluation.
Fifty (50) More Excellent Extended Essays DVD by International Baccalaureate Call Number: HS DVD 808.4 ISBN: 9781906345600 Publication Date: 2011 1 DVD-ROM (1:33 min.)

Past CIS Extended Essays

Available in the library behind the desk are file folders of past Extended Essays by Concordian students and IB EE Exemplars. Feel free to browse the papers which must be kept in the library.

<< Previous: EE Home
Next: Annotated Bibliographies >>
Last Updated: May 28, 2024 10:30 AM
URL: https://concordian-thailand.libguides.com/ee

Economics Extended Essay Topic Ideas for IB Students

Table of contents

Writing Metier

The International Baccalaureate Extended Essay in Economics can cover a wide range of topics. However, the choice of topic must enable the student to apply a range of economic theories and concepts to address a research question.

This will be a long read, but everyone will likely find a good idea of the topic and research question for their Economics extended essay.

Extended essay in Economics topic categories

The IB Economics EE is expected to demonstrate a good understanding of the subject and the application of economic theory to real-world situations .

Btw…if you need assistance, you can always count on our extended essay writing service at Writing Metier. We will help you with your Economics extended essay.

Here are 12 potential categories for IB Economics Extended Essay topics:

Market Structures (e.g., Monopolies, Oligopolies)
Market Failure (e.g., Externalities, Public Goods)
Elasticity (e.g., Price Elasticity of Demand/Supply)
Economic Cycles (e.g., Business Cycles, Economic Growth)
Fiscal Policy (e.g., Government Spending, Taxation)
Monetary Policy (e.g., Interest Rates, Money Supply)
Trade Policies (e.g., Tariffs, Trade Agreements)
Exchange Rates (e.g., Currency Fluctuations, Foreign Exchange Markets)
Balance of Payments (e.g., Current Account, Capital Account)
Measures of Development (e.g., GDP, HDI)
Poverty and Inequality (e.g., Income Distribution, Poverty Alleviation Strategies)
Sustainable Development (e.g., Environmental Sustainability, Social Sustainability)
Consumer Behavior (e.g., Bounded Rationality, Heuristics)
Nudge Theory (e.g., Choice Architecture, Incentives)
Market Behavior (e.g., Bubbles, Herd Behavior)
Wage Determination (e.g., Minimum Wage, Bargaining)
Labor Markets (e.g., Unemployment, Labor Mobility)
Human Capital (e.g., Education, Training)
Resource Management (e.g., Renewable Resources, Conservation)
Environmental Policies (e.g., Carbon Tax, Emissions Trading)
Cost-Benefit Analysis (e.g., Environmental Impact Assessments)
Healthcare Systems (e.g., Insurance, Public vs. Private Provision)
Health Outcomes (e.g., Life Expectancy, Quality of Life)
Health Policies (e.g., Regulation, Subsidies)
Government Expenditure (e.g., Public Goods, Welfare)
Taxation (e.g., Progressive vs. Regressive Taxes)
Fiscal Federalism (e.g., Central vs. Local Government Finance)
Firm Behavior (e.g., Mergers, Acquisitions)
Market Regulation (e.g., Antitrust Laws, Competition Policy)
Innovation and Technology (e.g., R&D, Patents)
Financial Markets (e.g., Stock Markets, Bond Markets)
Financial Instruments (e.g., Derivatives, Futures)
Financial Regulation (e.g., Banking Regulation, Financial Crises)
Economic Thought (e.g., Classical, Keynesian)
Economic History (e.g., Historical Economic Development, Historical Crises)
Methodological Issues (e.g., Econometrics, Qualitative vs. Quantitative Analysis)

Each of these categories can be further refined into specific research questions suitable for an extended essay . Below, I’ll be providing some ideas for your ease.

The choice of topic should be such that it allows for a systematic investigation that can be effectively analyzed using economic theories and data.

It’s also essential to ensure that the topic is narrow enough to be addressed within the word limit and broad enough to allow for an in-depth analysis.

Economics IB EE Topic Ideas and Research Questions

Starting with Microeconomics, we’re zooming in on the nitty-gritty of individual markets and how they tick.

Microeconomics Topics and Research Questions

We’ve got our classic battles of market structures—monopolies holding the fort, oligopolies playing chess with each other, and perfect competition being the ideal we rarely meet.

Then there’s the whole drama of market failure, where things get messy with externalities and public goods, and no one’s quite sure who should clean up the mess.

And elasticity? It’s like the pulse check of the market, seeing how it reacts to price changes. It’s all about the small scale, the details, the fine print.

Market Structures

Topic: The impact of local monopolies on consumer choice in rural areas.

Research Question: How do local monopolies in rural areas affect consumer choices and prices?

Topic: The competitive strategies of oligopolies in the smartphone industry.

Research Question: What competitive strategies do oligopolies in the smartphone industry use to maintain market share?

Topic: The prevalence of monopolistic competition in the fast-food industry.

Research Question: How does monopolistic competition influence product variety in the fast-food industry?

Market Failure

Topic: The role of government in addressing negative externalities in urban transport.

Research Question: How effective are government interventions in reducing traffic congestion as a negative externality in urban areas?

Topic: The effectiveness of public goods provision in rural education.

Research Question: How does the provision of education as a public good affect educational outcomes in rural areas?

Topic: The impact of plastic bag taxes on environmental externalities.

Research Question: Have plastic bag taxes significantly reduced the environmental externalities associated with plastic waste?

Topic: Price elasticity of demand for organic produce in urban markets.

Research Question: How does the price elasticity of demand for organic produce affect consumer purchasing patterns in urban markets?

Topic: Cross-price elasticity between electric cars and fossil fuel vehicles.

Research Question: What is the cross-price elasticity of demand between electric cars and fossil fuel vehicles, and what does it imply for future sales?

Topic: The elasticity of supply in the housing market during economic booms.

Research Question: How does the elasticity of supply in the housing market respond to economic booms?

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Macroeconomics Topics and Research Questions

But then we step back and look at the big picture with Macroeconomics. Here we’re talking about the economy’s heartbeat—those business cycles that keep us on our toes, wondering if we’re heading for a boom or bracing for a bust.

Governments step in with their fiscal policies, wielding taxes and spending like surgeons trying to fix the economy without making it bleed out.

And let’s not forget the central banks, playing with interest rates and money supply like some high-stakes game of poker.

Economic Cycles

Topic: The impact of economic cycles on unemployment rates in industrial sectors.

Research Question: How do different phases of economic cycles affect unemployment rates in the manufacturing sector?

Topic: The correlation between economic growth and income inequality.

Research Question: Is there a significant correlation between economic growth and the level of income inequality in developed countries?

Topic: The role of technological innovation in driving economic cycles.

Research Question: To what extent does technological innovation influence the length and magnitude of economic cycles?

Fiscal Policy

Topic: The effectiveness of fiscal stimulus in recession recovery.

Research Question: How effective are fiscal stimulus packages in accelerating recovery from recessions?

Topic: The impact of taxation on small businesses and economic growth.

Research Question: What is the impact of changes in small business taxation on economic growth?

Topic: Government spending priorities and their impact on long-term economic growth.

Research Question: How do government spending priorities influence long-term economic growth?

Monetary Policy

Topic: The effects of interest rate changes on consumer spending.

Research Question: How do changes in the central bank’s interest rate affect consumer spending patterns?

Topic: The relationship between money supply growth and inflation.

Research Question: What is the relationship between the growth of money supply and the rate of inflation in emerging economies?

Topic: Central bank policies and their impact on currency exchange rates.

Research Question: How do central bank policies in developed countries affect their currency exchange rates?

Each of these topics and research questions can be tailored to fit the specific requirements of an IB Economics Extended Essay , including the availability of data, the scope of the research, and the word count limitations.

It’s important to conduct preliminary research to ensure that there is enough material to support the investigation.

Next stop, International Economics. This is where countries shake hands or sometimes wrestle over trade policies.

International Economics Topics and Research Questions

Tariffs, trade agreements, and who gets the better deal—it’s like a global marketplace where everyone’s trying to haggle their way to prosperity.

Exchange rates bounce around like ping pong balls, and the balance of payments tells us who’s spending too much on their credit card and who’s got money in the bank.

Trade Policies

Topic: The impact of trade tariffs on the domestic automobile industry.

Research Question: How have recent changes in trade tariffs affected the competitiveness of the domestic automobile industry?

Topic: The effectiveness of free trade agreements in promoting economic growth.

Research Question: What has been the impact of free trade agreements on the economic growth of member countries?

Topic: The role of trade policies in protecting local agriculture.

Research Question: How do trade policies affect the sustainability and profitability of local agricultural sectors?

Exchange Rates

Topic: The effects of exchange rate fluctuations on the tourism industry.

Research Question: How do exchange rate fluctuations impact the number of international tourists and tourism revenue?

Topic: Currency wars and their impact on global trade.

Research Question: What are the consequences of competitive devaluations, often referred to as ‘currency wars’, on global trade dynamics?

Topic: The relationship between commodity prices and currency strength in exporting countries.

Research Question: How do fluctuations in commodity prices affect the exchange rate of commodity-exporting countries?

Balance of Payments

Topic: The impact of remittances on the balance of payments in developing countries.

Research Question: What role do remittances play in the balance of payments of developing countries?

Topic: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and its effect on the current account balance.

Research Question: How does FDI influence the current account balance of emerging economies?

Topic: The effects of tourism on the balance of payments in small island economies.

Research Question: What is the significance of tourism revenue in the balance of payments of small island economies?

Then we get into the meaty issues with Development Economics.

Development Economics Topics and Research Questions

It’s all about asking, “Are we getting better?” We measure development with things like GDP and the Human Development Index, but they don’t always tell the full story.

We’re also tackling the tough stuff like poverty, inequality, and whether we can keep growing without trashing the planet. It’s about making sure progress today doesn’t rob tomorrow.

Measures of Development

Topic: The correlation between GDP growth and improvements in Human Development Index (HDI) scores.

Research Question: Does GDP growth have a significant correlation with improvements in HDI scores?

Topic: The effectiveness of Gross National Happiness (GNH) as an alternative development measure.

Research Question: How does GNH compare to GDP as a measure of development, and what are its implications for policy-making?

Topic: The impact of technological advancement on economic development indicators.

Research Question: What is the impact of rapid technological advancement on traditional economic development indicators?

Poverty and Inequality

Topic: The effectiveness of microfinance in reducing poverty in rural areas.

Research Question: To what extent has microfinance contributed to poverty reduction in rural communities?

Topic: Income inequality and educational outcomes in urban environments.

Research Question: How does income inequality within urban areas affect educational outcomes?

Topic: The role of gender inequality in economic development.

Research Question: What is the impact of gender inequality on economic development in developing countries?

Sustainable Development

Topic: The economic impacts of transitioning to sustainable energy sources.

Research Question: What are the short-term and long-term economic impacts of transitioning to sustainable energy?

Topic: The role of sustainable agriculture in promoting food security.

Research Question: How does sustainable agriculture contribute to food security and economic development?

Topic: The cost-benefit analysis of environmental conservation measures.

Research Question: What are the economic benefits and costs associated with environmental conservation measures?

Behavioral Economics Topics and Research Questions

Now, let’s talk about what makes people tick with Behavioral Economics. This is where we realize that humans aren’t always the rational robots some theories make us out to be.

We’ve got our quirks—bounded rationality, heuristics, and sometimes we follow the herd off a cliff in a market bubble. It’s fascinating because it’s about the psychology behind the economics.

Consumer Behavior

Topic: The influence of social media on consumer purchasing decisions.

Research Question: To what extent does social media influence consumer behavior in the fashion industry?

Topic: The impact of brand loyalty on price elasticity.

Research Question: How does brand loyalty affect the price elasticity of demand for consumer electronics?

Topic: Behavioral factors influencing impulsive buying behavior.

Research Question: What behavioral factors are most significant in influencing impulsive buying behavior in online retail?

Nudge Theory

Topic: The effectiveness of nudges in promoting healthy eating habits.

Research Question: How effective are nudging strategies in changing consumer eating habits in school cafeterias?

Topic: The role of default choices in retirement savings plans.

Research Question: What is the impact of default options on the participation rates in employer-sponsored retirement savings plans?

Topic: The use of framing effects in environmental policy compliance.

Research Question: How do framing effects influence compliance with environmental policies among households?

Market Behavior

Topic: The impact of investor sentiment on stock market bubbles.

Research Question: To what extent does investor sentiment contribute to the formation and bursting of stock market bubbles?

Topic: Herd behavior and its influence on cryptocurrency markets.

Research Question: How does herd behavior manifest in the trading patterns of cryptocurrency markets?

Topic: The role of overconfidence in financial market trading.

Research Question: What is the role of overconfidence bias in the decision-making processes of individual investors in financial markets?

Each of these topics and research questions should be carefully considered and refined to ensure that they are feasible for an extended essay , with a clear focus and available data for analysis.

Labor Economics Topics and Research Questions

Shifting gears to Labor Economics, we’re in the world of work. Wages aren’t just about money; they’re about bargaining power, fairness, and sometimes just sticking to the minimum.

The labor market’s a tough crowd, with unemployment and the quest for the right job in the right place.

And human capital reminds us that it’s not just about filling positions but nurturing talent through education and training.

Wage Determination

Topic: The impact of minimum wage increases on small business employment levels.

Research Question: What is the effect of minimum wage increases on employment levels in the small business sector?

Topic: Wage bargaining and gender pay disparity in the technology sector.

Research Question: How does wage bargaining contribute to the gender pay gap in the technology industry?

Topic: The influence of trade unions on wage determination in the automotive industry.

Research Question: What role do trade unions play in shaping wage determination in the automotive industry?

Labor Markets

Topic: The effects of automation on unemployment rates in manufacturing.

Research Question: How has the increase in automation impacted unemployment rates in the manufacturing sector?

Topic: Labor market flexibility and its impact on economic resilience during recessions.

Research Question: How does labor market flexibility affect a country’s economic resilience to recessions?

Topic: The role of labor mobility in regional economic development.

Research Question: What is the impact of labor mobility on economic development in economically depressed regions?

Human Capital

Topic: The return on investment in higher education for various fields of study.

Research Question: What is the comparative return on investment in higher education across different fields of study?

Topic: The impact of vocational training programs on employability in the service sector.

Research Question: How do vocational training programs affect employability and income levels in the service sector?

Topic: The correlation between educational attainment and labor productivity.

Research Question: How does the level of educational attainment correlate with labor productivity in the tech industry?

Breathing in some fresh air, we move to Environmental Economics.

Environmental Economics Topics and Research Questions

Here’s where we figure out how to play nice with nature. Managing resources, setting up environmental policies like carbon taxes, and doing the math to see if the benefits of saving a forest are worth the cost.

It’s economics going green.

Resource Management

Topic: The economic viability of renewable energy sources in rural communities.

Research Question: What are the economic challenges and benefits of adopting renewable energy sources in rural communities?

Topic: The impact of water resource management on agricultural productivity.

Research Question: How does effective water resource management influence agricultural productivity and economic sustainability?

Topic: The effects of conservation policies on the forestry industry.

Research Question: What economic impact do conservation policies have on the forestry industry?

Environmental Policies

Topic: The effectiveness of carbon taxes in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Research Question: How effective have carbon taxes been in achieving their intended reductions in greenhouse gas emissions?

Topic: The economic impacts of emissions trading schemes on heavy industries.

Research Question: What are the economic consequences of emissions trading schemes for heavy industries?

Topic: The role of environmental regulations in shaping the automotive industry.

Research Question: How have environmental regulations influenced innovation and economic outcomes in the automotive industry?

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Topic: The cost-benefit analysis of urban green space preservation.

Research Question: What are the economic costs and benefits of preserving urban green spaces?

Topic: The economic evaluation of flood defense systems in coastal cities.

Research Question: From an economic perspective, how do the costs and benefits of flood defense systems in coastal cities compare?

Topic: The financial implications of biodiversity conservation programs.

Research Question: What are the economic trade-offs associated with biodiversity conservation programs?

Health Economics Topics and Research Questions

Health Economics brings us to the crossroads of wealth and well-being. Healthcare systems are complex beasts, and we’re trying to tame them so that they can heal without causing financial heartache.

We’re measuring health outcomes and life quality, all while navigating through the maze of health policies.

Healthcare Systems

Topic: The economic effects of public versus private healthcare provision on quality of care.

Research Question: How does the mode of healthcare provision (public vs. private) affect the quality of care and economic efficiency?

Topic: The impact of insurance coverage on healthcare utilization rates.

Research Question: How does the level of insurance coverage influence healthcare utilization rates among different socioeconomic groups?

Topic: The cost-effectiveness of universal healthcare systems.

Research Question: From a cost-effectiveness standpoint, how do universal healthcare systems compare to multi-payer systems?

Health Outcomes

Topic: The economic burden of chronic diseases on healthcare systems.

Research Question: What is the economic impact of the rising prevalence of chronic diseases on healthcare systems?

Topic: The relationship between socioeconomic status and health outcomes.

Research Question: How does socioeconomic status affect health outcomes across different regions?

Topic: The impact of mental health services on workplace productivity.

Research Question: What is the economic impact of providing mental health services on workplace productivity?

Health Policies

Topic: The economic implications of pharmaceutical regulation on drug prices.

Research Question: How do pharmaceutical regulations affect drug prices and the availability of new medications?

Topic: The cost-benefit analysis of preventive healthcare measures.

Research Question: What are the long-term economic benefits of investing in preventive healthcare measures?

Topic: The effects of subsidies on the consumption of health-related goods.

Research Question: How do subsidies for health-related goods (e.g., gym memberships, healthy foods) affect consumption patterns and health outcomes?

Public Sector Economics Topics and Research Questions

Public Sector Economics is where we see how the government tries to steer the ship. They’re spending on public goods and welfare, trying to keep the economy afloat without springing too many leaks.

Taxation is a hot topic—progressive, regressive, who’s paying their way, and who’s getting a free ride? And with fiscal federalism, it’s a tug-of-war between local needs and central control.

Government Expenditure

Topic: The impact of government spending on public goods on economic growth.

Research Question: How does government expenditure on public goods such as infrastructure contribute to economic growth?

Topic: The effectiveness of welfare programs in reducing poverty.

Research Question: What has been the impact of welfare programs on poverty levels in developed countries?

Topic: The economic consequences of military spending.

Research Question: How does military expenditure affect the allocation of government resources and economic growth?

Topic: The economic effects of progressive taxation on income distribution.

Research Question: Does progressive taxation lead to a more equitable distribution of income?

Topic: The impact of value-added tax (VAT) on consumer spending.

Research Question: How does the implementation of VAT affect consumer spending patterns?

Topic: The role of tax incentives in promoting renewable energy investments.

Research Question: How effective are tax incentives in encouraging investment in renewable energy projects?

Fiscal Federalism

Topic: The challenges of fiscal coordination between central and local governments.

Research Question: What are the main challenges in achieving fiscal coordination between different levels of government?

Topic: The impact of fiscal decentralization on local economic development.

Research Question: How does fiscal decentralization affect economic development at the local level?

Topic: The role of intergovernmental transfers in balancing regional disparities.

Research Question: How do intergovernmental transfers help to address regional economic disparities?

Industrial Organization Topics and Research Questions

We’re watching firms and their power moves—mergers, acquisitions, and the regulatory hoops they have to jump through.

It’s about keeping the market fair and innovative, making sure the big fish don’t eat all the little ones and that new ideas get a chance to grow.

Firm Behavior

Topic: The economic rationale behind mergers and acquisitions in the tech industry.

Research Question: What economic factors drive mergers and acquisitions in the technology sector?

Topic: The impact of corporate governance on firm performance.

Research Question: How does the quality of corporate governance affect firm performance and economic outcomes?

Topic: The effects of vertical integration on market competition.

Research Question: Does vertical integration by large firms lead to less competition in the market?

Market Regulation

Topic: The effectiveness of antitrust laws in promoting fair competition.

Research Question: How effective are antitrust laws in maintaining competitive markets?

Topic: The economic impacts of deregulation in the airline industry.

Research Question: What have been the economic outcomes of deregulation in the airline industry?

Topic: The role of competition policy in fostering innovation.

Research Question: How does competition policy influence the rate and direction of innovation in high-tech industries?

Innovation and Technology

Topic: The relationship between R&D investment and economic performance in pharmaceuticals.

Research Question: How does R&D investment correlate with economic performance in the pharmaceutical industry?

Topic: The economic implications of patent laws on innovation.

Research Question: What is the impact of patent laws on the rate of innovation in renewable energy technologies?

Topic: The role of government subsidies in technological advancement.

Research Question: How do government subsidies affect technological advancement in emerging industries?

Financial Economics Topics and Research Questions

Financial Economics is where the money’s at—literally. Stock markets, bond markets, the exotic world of derivatives—it’s all about the flow of money.

And with financial regulation, we’re trying to keep the party responsible so that the financial hangover doesn’t hit too hard.

Financial Markets

Topic: The impact of stock market volatility on economic decision-making.

Research Question: How does stock market volatility influence corporate investment decisions?

Topic: The role of bond markets in public debt management.

Research Question: What role do bond markets play in the management of public debt?

Topic: The effects of quantitative easing on financial markets.

Research Question: How has quantitative easing affected financial markets post-2008 financial crisis?

Financial Instruments

Topic: The use of derivatives in risk management by corporations.

Research Question: How do corporations use derivatives to manage financial risk?

Topic: The impact of futures trading on commodity price stability.

Research Question: Does futures trading contribute to the stability of commodity prices?

Topic: The role of cryptocurrency in the financial portfolio diversification.

Research Question: How do cryptocurrencies affect the diversification of financial portfolios?

Financial Regulation

Topic: The effectiveness of banking regulation in preventing financial crises.

Research Question: How effective have banking regulations been in preventing another financial crisis?

Topic: The economic effects of capital adequacy requirements on banks.

Research Question: What are the economic effects of increased capital adequacy requirements for banks?

Topic: The impact of international financial reporting standards on market transparency.

Research Question: How do international financial reporting standards improve market transparency and economic outcomes?

Economic Methodology and History Topics and Research Questions

Lastly, we’ve got Economic Methodology and History. It’s a bit like time travel, seeing how past thinkers shape our current policies and how historical events steer us towards new economic shores.

And methodology? It’s the toolbox that helps us figure out if what we’re doing actually makes sense, with all the number crunching and case studies that help us understand the why behind the what.

Economic Thought

Topic: The influence of Keynesian economic policies on modern fiscal strategies.

Research Question: How have Keynesian economic principles shaped contemporary fiscal policy-making?

Topic: The relevance of classical economics in today’s market economy.

Research Question: To what extent are the principles of classical economics applicable in the current market economy?

Topic: The impact of behavioral economics on traditional economic models.

Research Question: How has behavioral economics challenged the assumptions of traditional economic models?

Economic History

Topic: The economic consequences of the 1970s oil shocks.

Research Question: What were the long-term economic consequences of the oil shocks of the 1970s?

Topic: The role of economic policies in the Great Depression.

Research Question: How did economic policies contribute to the onset and duration of the Great Depression?

Topic: The economic impacts of the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Research Question: What were the economic impacts of the dissolution of the Soviet Union on Eastern European countries?

Methodological Issues

Topic: The application of econometrics in evaluating fiscal policy.

Research Question: How can econometric models be used to evaluate the effectiveness of fiscal policy?

Topic: The challenges of qualitative analysis in economic research.

Research Question: What are the main challenges associated with using qualitative analysis in economic research?

Topic: The comparison of case study and statistical methods in economic analysis.

Research Question: How do case study methods compare to statistical methods in the analysis of economic phenomena?

So, there you have it—a whirlwind tour through the interconnected world of economics extended essay topics.

Each piece of the cake tells part of the story, and it’s only when you put them all together that you see the full tasty picture. What’s your take on all this?

If you need some other IB EE topic options, we also have many other articles with various extended essay topic ideas . Do not miss a chance to check some that may interest you.

Conclusion

I would have continued with other options, but I believe this list of Economics extended essay topic ideas are quite enough for today. Good luck with your RQ selection, research and writing .

If you find a better article that provides more comprehensive and detailed suggestions for Economics extended essay topic ideas, share it with me 😉

If you need topic suggestions with outlines or assistance with writing a custom IB Economics EE, our IB experts at Writing Metier are always ready to assist you.

Need a Dope Paper Written? We've Got Your Back!

Simply contact us using our contact form or fill out the order form with details to your economics extended essay and our IB experts will land you a hand.

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IB Extended Essay Topics: Economics

As someone with a background in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, I’ve come to appreciate the unique challenges and opportunities it presents, especially regarding the IB DP Economics Extended Essay (EE). From my extensive experience, I can say that choosing the right topic is an essential step in achieving a high score. That’s why I’m happy to share some ideas on engaging and researchable IB Economics Extended Essay topics.

The Basics of an Economics Extended Essay

Let’s talk about what an Economics EE involves. According to the general IB criteria, this essay requires you to conduct independent research on a topic of interest in Economics, culminating in a 4,000-word paper. From my perspective, the beauty of IB DP Economics EE lies in its ability to explore complex global issues through the lens of economic theory and principles.

In my experience, the most successful economics EEs are born from a genuine passion for the subject matter. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of considerations that might help to choose a topic:

Aim for a topic that reflects ongoing discussions within the field of economics. It could range from the impact of blockchain technology on financial markets to the economic consequences of climate change policies.
Ensure sufficient data is available to support your research. Topics with accessible and reliable data sources allow for a more in-depth analysis and a stronger argument.
Choose a topic that allows you to apply economic theories and concepts. It may involve analyzing market structures, evaluating economic policies, or exploring consumer behavior factors.
Your topic should spark curiosity and engagement. Writing about something you’re genuinely interested in can make the research process more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Consider the feasibility of your topic within the given word count and time constraints. Find a topic broad enough to explore in depth but narrow enough to be thoroughly analyzed within 4,000 words.

A high-grade economics EE doesn’t just summarize data or describe an economic situation. It critically engages with economic theories and models to analyze that data. It might involve applying the concepts of supply and demand, elasticity, market structures, or the theories of consumer choice to your chosen topic.

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Extended Essay Topics in Economics: The Best Ideas

As mentioned above, creating an engaging and rigorous IB Extended Essay in Economics starts with choosing a theme for investigation. Below are some topics and research questions spanning various aspects of economics.

These ideas can inspire and guide IB students in their quest for a fascinating research project:

The Impact of COVID-19 on Small Businesses in New York City . How have small businesses in New York City adapted to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Cryptocurrencies and the Global Economy . How do Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies influence global trade and financial markets?
Sustainable Agriculture and Economic Development in India . Can sustainable agriculture significantly contribute to economic development in India?
The Economics of Renewable Energy in Germany . How cost-effective are renewable energy sources compared to traditional fossil fuels in Germany?
Globalization and Local Economies in Mexico . What is the impact of globalization on Mexico’s manufacturing sector?
Minimum Wage and Employment Rates in the UK Retail Industry . How does introducing a minimum wage affect employment rates in the UK retail industry?
Economic Implications of Climate Change Policies in the European Union . How have climate change policies impacted economic growth in the European Union?
Consumer Behavior and E-commerce in China . How has the proliferation of online shopping platforms like Alibaba changed consumer behavior in China?
Market Structure and Competition in the Telecommunications Industry of South Korea . How does the market structure affect consumer prices and service quality in South Korea’s telecommunications industry?
Income Inequality and Economic Growth in Brazil . Does income inequality hinder economic growth in Brazil?
The Economics of Education and Its Impact on Economic Growth in Finland . How does the level of education affect economic growth in Finland?
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Economic Development in Vietnam . What role does FDI play in Vietnam’s economic development?
Tourism Economics and Economic Development in Thailand . How does tourism contribute to the economic development of Thailand?
Economic Impact of Health Crises on the Healthcare Sector in Italy. What are the long-term economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Italy’s healthcare sector?
Technology Startups and Economic Growth in Silicon Valley, USA . How do technology startups contribute to economic growth in Silicon Valley?
Trade Policies and Agricultural Exports in Kenya . How do trade policies affect agricultural exports in Kenya?
Inflation and Consumer Purchasing Power in Argentina . How does inflation affect consumer purchasing power in Argentina?
The Gig Economy and Labor Markets in the United States . How does the gig economy impact traditional labor markets in the United States?
Public Debt and Economic Stability in Greece . How does high public debt affect economic stability in Greece?
Economic Sanctions and Their Effectiveness Against Iran . How effective are economic sanctions in achieving political objectives against Iran?
Gender Inequality in the Workforce and Economic Development in Japan . What impact does gender inequality have on economic development in Japan?
Economics of Recycling and Waste Management Policies in Sweden . How does the economics of recycling impact waste management policies in Sweden?
Housing Markets and Economic Cycles in Canada . How do housing markets affect economic cycles in Canada?
Impact of Social Media on Consumer Spending Among Teenagers in the United States . How does social media influence consumer spending habits among teenagers?
The Role of Microfinance in Poverty Reduction in Bangladesh . How effective is microfinance in reducing poverty in Bangladesh?
The Economic Effects of Urbanization in Lagos, Nigeria . How does rapid urbanization affect economic development and living standards in Lagos?
Brexit and the UK’s Financial Services Sector . What has been Brexit’s impact on London as a global financial hub?
The Economics of Plastic Ban Policies in Rwanda . How have plastic ban policies impacted the environment and economy in Rwanda?
The Role of Women Entrepreneurs in Economic Development in Jordan . How do women entrepreneurs contribute to economic growth and job creation in Jordan?
Impact of Digital Currency on Traditional Banking in Sweden . How is the rise of digital currency affecting traditional banking services in Sweden?
Agricultural Subsidies and Food Security in India . How do agricultural subsidies impact food security and farmer welfare in India?
Economic Impact of Cultural Tourism in Kyoto, Japan . What role does cultural tourism play in Kyoto’s economy?
Child Labor and Economic Growth in Pakistan . How does child labor affect economic growth and development in Pakistan?
The Effectiveness of Anti-Smoking Policies on Public Health Expenditures in Australia . Have anti-smoking policies significantly reduced public health expenditures in Australia?
The Gig Economy and Urban Transportation in New York City . How has the gig economy transformed urban transportation in New York City?
Renewable Energy Adoption and Job Creation in Germany . How has the shift towards renewable energy affected job creation in Germany?
The Economic Consequences of Ageing Populations in Japan . What are the economic challenges and opportunities faced by an aging population in Japan?
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Manufacturing Jobs in China . How is artificial intelligence reshaping the manufacturing sector and employment in China?
The Influence of Social Media Marketing on Consumer Spending in the Fashion Industry . How does social media marketing influence consumer spending in the fashion industry?
Water Scarcity and Economic Development in Egypt . How does water scarcity impact agricultural productivity and economic development in Egypt?
The Economics of Space Exploration . What are the economic benefits and costs of investing in space exploration?
Impact of Sports Events on Local Economies . Case Study of the Olympics in Tokyo: How do major sports events like the Olympics affect the local economy of the host city?
Sustainable Fishing Practices and Economic Viability in Norway . How do sustainable fishing practices impact the economy and environment in Norway?
The Role of E-commerce in Rural Development in China . How does e-commerce contribute to economic development in rural areas of China?
Economic Impacts of Natural Disasters in the Philippines . How do natural disasters affect economic growth and recovery in the Philippines?
The Relationship Between Social Inequality and Economic Growth in South Africa . How does social inequality affect economic growth in South Africa?
The Effect of International Sanctions on North Korea’s Economy . How have international sanctions impacted North Korea’s economy?
Economic Benefits of Bilingualism in Canada . How does bilingualism contribute to economic opportunities in Canada?
The Impact of Veganism on the Meat Industry in the United States . How is the rise of veganism affecting the meat industry and economy in the United States?
Mobile Banking and Financial Inclusion in Kenya . How has mobile banking contributed to financial inclusion and economic development in Kenya?

These topics and research questions are intended to promote critical thinking and lay the groundwork for a thorough inquiry into various economic concerns. You can tailor these ideas to your interests and data availability for Extended Essay research. Also, check our latest article for tips on selecting and adapting Internet-sourced Extended Essay topics .

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You can write an informative and compelling Extended Essay by choosing a topic that aligns with your interests and adhering to the IB’s criteria. Remember, this is an opportunity to research an area of Economics that fascinates you. So approach it enthusiastically, and you’ll get the highest grade. Also, if you need help with Extended Essay writing , just contact our IB writers.

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The IB extended essay is a paper of up to 4,000 words that is required for students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program. The extended essay allows students to engage in independent research on a topic within one of the available subject areas.

The extended essay should be an original piece of academic writing that demonstrates the following student's abilities:

Formulating a research question
Conductig independent investigation
Presenting key findings in a scholarly format.

Check out this article by StudyCrumb to discover how to write an IB extendend essay properly. We will give you a complete writing guide and critical tips you need for this essay type.

IB Extended Essay: What Is It?

An extended essay is independent research. Usually students choose a topic in consultation with a mentor. It is an integral part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) degree program. This means that you won't receive a degree without a successfully written paper. It requires 4,000-word study on a chosen narrow topic. To get a high score, you should meet all required structure and formatting standards. This is the result of approximately 40 working hours. Its purpose is giving you the opportunity to try independent research writing. It's approved that these skills are critical for student success at university. The following sections explain how to write an extended article with examples. So keep reading!

Choosing a Mentor for Extended Essay

IB extended essay guidelines require supervisor meetings, totaling 3-5 hours. They include three critical reflections. A mentor won't write a paper instead of you but can help adjust it. So it is important to consult with them, but no one will proofread or correct actual research for you. In general, initially treat an essay as an exclusively individual work. So your role and contribution are maximal.

Extended Essay Outline

Let's take a look at how to write an extended essay outline. In this part, you organize yourself so that your work develops your idea. So we especially recommend you work out this step with your teacher. You can also find any outline example for essay . In your short sketch, plan a roadmap for your thoughts. Think through and prepare a summary of each paragraph. Then, expand annotation of each section with a couple more supporting evidence. Explain how specific examples illustrate key points. Make it more significant by using different opinions on general issues.

Extended Essay: Getting Started

After you chose an extended essay topic and made an outline, it's time to start your research. Start with a complete Table of Contents and make a choice of a research question. Select the subject in which you feel most confident and which is most interesting for you. For example, if at school you are interested in natural science, focus on that. If you have difficulties choosing a research question, rely on our essay topic generator .

Extended Essay Introduction

In the introduction of an extended essay, present a thesis statement. But do it in such a way that your readers understand the importance of your research. State research question clearly. That is the central question that you are trying to answer while writing. Even your score depends on how you develop your particular research question. Therefore, it is essential to draw it up correctly. Gather all relevant information from relevant sources. Explain why this is worth exploring. Then provide a research plan, which you will disclose further.

Extended Essay Methodology

In accordance with extended essay guidelines, it's mandatory to choose and clearly state a methodological approach. So, it will be apparent to your examiner how you answered your research question. Include your collection methods and tools you use for collection and analysis. Your strategies can be experimental or descriptive, quantitative or qualitative. Research collection tools include observations, questionnaires, interviews, or background knowledge.

Extended Essay Main Body

Well, here we come to the most voluminous part of the extended essay for IB! In every essay body paragraph , you reveal your research question and discuss your topic. Provide all details of your academic study. But stay focused and do it without dubious ideas. Use different sources of information to provide supporting arguments and substantial evidence. This will impress professors. For this section, 3 main paragraphs are enough. Discuss each idea or argument in a separate paragraph. You can even use supporting quotes where appropriate. But don't overcomplicate. Make your extended essay easy to read and logical. It's critical to stay concise, so if you aren't sure how to make your text readable, use our tool to get a readbility test . Following the plan you outlined earlier is very important. Analyze each fact before including it in your writing. And don't write unnecessary information.

Extended Essay Conclusion

Now let's move on to the final part of IB extended essay guidelines. In conclusion, focus on summarizing the main points you have made. No new ideas or information can be introduced in this part. Use conclusion as your last chance to impress your readers. Reframe your own strong thesis. Here you must show all key points. Do not repeat absolutely every argument. Better try to make this part unique. This will show that you have a clear understanding of the topic you have chosen. And even more professional will be recommendations of new areas for future research. One good paragraph may be enough here. Although in some cases, two or three paragraphs may be required.

Extended Essay Bibliography & Appendices

To write an impressive extended essay, you should focus on appropriate information. You must create a separate page for bibliography with all sources you used. Tip from us: start writing this page with the first quote you use. Don't write this part last or postpone. In turn, appendices are not an essential section. Examiners will not pay much attention to this part. Therefore, include all information directly related to analysis and argumentation in the main body. Include raw data in the appendix only if it is really urgently needed. Moreover, it is better not to refer to appendices in text itself. This can disrupt the narrative of the essay.

Extended Essay Examples

We have prepared a good example of an extended essay. You can check it by downloading it for free. You can use it as a template. However, pay attention that your paper is required to be unique. Don't be afraid to present all the skills you gained during your IB.

Final Thoughts on IB Extended Essay

In this article, we presented detailed IB extended essay guidelines. An extended essay is a daunting academic challenge to write. It is a research paper with a deep thematic analysis of information. But we have described several practical and straightforward tips. Therefore, we are sure that you will succeed!

If topics seem too complex, turn to our top essay writers. They will accomplish any IB assignment in the best way your professor can evaluate it!

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

Economics Extended Essay Can Be Really Difficult for IB Students!

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is known for its strict curriculum and focus on critical thinking, independent research, and proper understanding of different subjects. Among the distinct elements of the IB program, the Extended Essay (EE) is considered one of the most challenging tasks. For the students who have to deal with Economics EE, they have to suffer a lot.

Understanding the Economics EE

The Economics EE enables the learners to carry out extensive research on the domain of their choice in the economics field. EE is basically a 4,000 word essay that needs the strong grasp of economic concepts and frameworks. It further requires the capability of applying them to the real-world scenarios. Some reasons need to be considered why the Economics EE is challenging and you should seek professional Economics EE writing support.

Choosing the Topic

Selecting the right topic is the most common barrier. The students should focus on finding that is feasible and interesting to research. It must be narrow to enable for the in-depth analysis but broad enough to deliver adequate material for discussion. Keeping the proper balance is difficult, and students tend to struggle in finding the topic that meets all the criteria.

Carrying Out Research

When you have selected the topic, then research is the next topic. This includes the data collection from different sources, like online databases, books, or academic journals. For Economics EE, the students may require collecting the primary data or information through interviews or surveys. The research quality influences the quality of the essay, which further makes it a crucial stage. Further, interpreting and understanding the complex data may be a critical issue for several students.

Application of Relevant Economic Concepts and Theories

A major requirement of the Economics EE involves the implementation of economics theories or frameworks to the selected topic. The students should focus on demonstrating a proper understanding of such theories or concepts and utilize them to evaluate their data and draw the conclusions. It needs the mix of critical thinking, analytical skills, and knowledge.

Structuring the Essay

Organizing the whole Economics Extended Essay in a logical and coherent way is critical. The student should assure that their arguments tend to flow smoothly and their analysis is supported by recent evidence. It can include utilizing the recent references to back up the claims.

Referencing and Writing

Finally, the essay’s actual writing is a complex task. The students should focus on expressing their concepts clearly and precisely while also adhering to the strict guidelines of IB on referencing and formatting. The proper sources’ citation is critical to avoid plagiarism.

Dealing with the Challenges

Despite such challenges, several students focus on completing their Economics EE with the right support and approach. You should seek out expert assistance from companies like ibscholars.com . They can connect you with the right teachers and writers who can provide complete guidance about the EE. Their expertise can provide you with sufficient feedback and insights. The good thing with such professional services is that they also consider the initial feedback provided by the tutor on your already-written Extended Essay.

Support from IBScholars.com

For students looking for additional support, IBScholars.com offers a range of resources and services specifically designed for IB students. From topic selection and research guidance to essay writing and review, IBScholars.com can help you navigate the challenges of the Economics EE. Their experienced tutors provide personalized assistance to ensure that you achieve your best possible outcome.

Visit IBScholars.com today to learn more about how they can support you in your IB journey and help you excel in your Economics Extended Essay.

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How to Structure an Economics Extended Essay

Before you start writing...

The Economics EE Structure

Table of Contents

Bibliography

Introduction (Approx. 250 words)

Methodology (Approx. 350 words)

The Main Body (Approx. 2800 words)

Conclusion (Approx. 600 words)

How to Write an Economics Extended Essay? A Complete Guide

Introduction to the Economics Extended Essay

All Economics Extended Essay Features

Choosing the Right Topic for Your Economics Extended Essay

Aligning with Personal Interest

Feasibility and Scope

Structuring Your Essay: How to Get the Highest Grade

Crafting a Strong Introduction

Building a Compelling Body

Concluding with Impact

Tips and Tricks for a Stellar Extended Essay

Need help with your IB extended essay?

Engaging Your Audience

Ensuring Originality

Critical Evaluation

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Extended Essay (EE)

Do’s:

Advocate for Yourself

Start Early

Choose Your Passion

Reading Widely

Draft and Redraft

Cite Sources Properly

Don’ts

Choose a Topic Solely for Its Ease

Overcomplicate Your Topic

Ignore feedback

Neglect your Reflections

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Economics Extended Essay Guide: Everything You Need to Learn

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How to Write a Stellar IB Extended Essay: 6 Essential Tips

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

#2: Select a Topic That Is Neither Too Broad nor Too Narrow

#3: Choose an Advisor Who Is Familiar With Your Topic

#4: Pick an Advisor Who Will Push You to Be Your Best

#5: Make Sure Your Essay Has a Clear Structure and Flow

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

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Guide to the IB Extended Essay in 2024

What is the IB Extended Essay?

IB Extended Essay Tips

IB Extended Essay Topics (Continued)

1) Pick something you’re passionate about

2) Limit your scope

3) Choose a good mentor