50+ Visual Arts Extended Essay Topics for IBDP

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  • Writing Metier

Finally, this is our exploration of Visual Arts Extended Essay topics. As you set out on this creative path, you’re about to enter a world where art meets identity, emotion intertwines with nature, and spirituality dances with performance. 

Suppose you’re fascinated by how artists express their cultural roots, intrigued by the emotional power of expressionism, or curious about the role of art in fashion. In that case, this article is your gateway to many inspiring topics. 

With the help of IB experts from Writing Metier, we’ll venture into the realms of art conservation, examine the interplay between art and performance, and even delve into the ethical considerations of art restoration. 

Art and Identity

  • Cultural Identity : Exploring how artists express cultural identity through their work.
  • Personal Identity : Investigating the role of art in shaping and reflecting personal identity.
  • National Identity : Analyzing how art is used to construct and communicate national identity.

Art and Emotion

  • Expressionism : Exploring how expressionist artists convey emotion through their work.
  • Art Therapy : Investigating the therapeutic effects of art on mental health.
  • The Sublime in Art : Analyzing the concept of the sublime and its emotional impact in art.

Art and Nature

  • Land Art : Exploring the relationship between land art and environmentalism.
  • Botanical Illustration : Investigating the scientific and artistic aspects of botanical illustration.
  • Animal Representation : Analyzing the symbolic and aesthetic representation of animals in art.

Art and Spirituality

  • Sacred Art : Exploring the role of art in religious and spiritual practices.
  • Mysticism in Art : Investigating the influence of mysticism on artistic expression.
  • Art and Meditation : Analyzing the use of art as a meditative and contemplative tool.

Art and Performance

  • Performance Art : Exploring the evolution and significance of performance art.
  • Theatre Design : Investigating the role of visual art in theatre production and design.
  • Dance and Visual Art : Analyzing the intersection of dance and visual art in interdisciplinary performances.

Art and Fashion

  • Fashion Illustration : Exploring the artistic techniques and impact of fashion illustration.
  • Art and Haute Couture : Investigating the relationship between art and high fashion design.
  • Street Art and Fashion : Analyzing the influence of street art on contemporary fashion trends.

Art Conservation and Restoration

  • Art Conservation Techniques : Exploring the methods and challenges of art conservation.
  • Restoration Ethics : Investigating ethical considerations in the restoration of artworks.
  • Preserving Digital Art : Analyzing the strategies for preserving and archiving digital art.

These categories offer a broader range of topics for an Extended Essay in Visual Arts, allowing students to delve into various aspects of the subject and contribute to the understanding of complex artistic issues.

Each category offers a unique lens through which to view the vibrant tapestry of visual arts. 

So, grab your palette and brush (or pen and paper) as we set the stage for a journey into the heart of artistic exploration.

IB VA EE Topic Ideas and RQs

IB VA EE Topic Ideas

Our team has carefully compiled a diverse range of ideas spanning various artistic mediums, cultural contexts, and conceptual frameworks. In this block, you will find three topics and research questions for each category for an IB Visual Arts Extended Essay:

 In “Art and Identity,” we’ll dive into the fascinating ways artists express themselves and their cultural, personal, and national identities through their art. It’s all about exploring how art can be a mirror reflecting who we are and where we come from.

Cultural Identity

  • Research Question: How have contemporary Australian artists incorporated indigenous art elements to express cultural identity?
  • Research Question: How did African American artists during the Harlem Renaissance use art to express and shape their cultural identity?
  • Research Question: How does calligraphy function as a tool for expressing cultural identity in Islamic art?

Personal Identity

  • Research Question: How does Frida Kahlo use self-portraiture to explore and express her personal identity?
  • Research Question: How do émigré artists represent the impact of migration on their personal identity through their artwork?
  • Research Question: How do contemporary artists use visual art to explore and express gender identity?

National Identity

  • Research Question: How do Canadian landscape paintings reflect and shape the national identity of Canada?
  • Research Question: How has postcolonial art contributed to the construction of national identity in India?
  • Research Question: How did propaganda art in Soviet Russia shape and reflect national identity during the 20th century?

Here, we’ll uncover how artists channel their feelings into their creations , from the raw intensity of expressionism to the healing power of art therapy. Let’s delve into the emotional depths of art and its impact on our hearts and minds.

Expressionism

  • Research Question: How does Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” embody the principles of expressionism and convey emotion?
  • Research Question: How do expressionist artists use color to convey emotion in their paintings?
  • Research Question: How does Egon Schiele’s portraiture reflect expressionist themes and the human psyche?

Art Therapy

  • Research Question: How effective is art therapy as a treatment for anxiety disorders compared to traditional therapies?
  • Research Question: How does art therapy facilitate trauma recovery and emotional healing in children?
  • Research Question: How does art therapy contribute to enhancing mental well-being and reducing feelings of loneliness in elderly populations?

The Sublime in Art

  • Research Question: How do Romantic landscape paintings, such as those by Caspar David Friedrich, depict the concept of the sublime?
  • Research Question: How do contemporary digital art installations create a sense of the sublime for viewers?
  • Research Question: How does the concept of the sublime influence the emotional impact of Mark Rothko’s color field paintings?

In “Art and Nature,” we’re going to explore the beautiful interplay between the natural world and artistic expression.

From land art that harmonizes with the environment to botanical illustrations that capture nature’s details, this section is all about art’s green side.

  • Research Question: What is the environmental impact of Robert Smithson’s “Spiral Jetty,” and how does it interact with its natural surroundings?
  • Research Question: How has land art been used as a tool to promote environmental awareness and conservation?
  • Research Question: How does Andy Goldsworthy’s use of site-specific natural materials in his sculptures enhance the viewer’s connection to the environment?

Botanical Illustration

  • Research Question: How did botanical illustration in the 19th century contribute to scientific knowledge and artistic expression?
  • Research Question: How have botanical illustration techniques evolved from traditional media to digital media, and what are the implications for scientific accuracy and artistic expression?
  • Research Question: How can contemporary botanical illustration be used as a tool for environmental education and promoting biodiversity conservation?

Animal Representation

  • Research Question: How are animals symbolically represented in indigenous art, and what cultural meanings are associated with them?
  • Research Question: How has wildlife photography contributed to conservation efforts and public awareness of endangered species?
  • Research Question: How does anthropomorphism in children’s book illustrations influence children’s perceptions of animals and nature?

Here, we’ll delve into the sacred side of art, exploring how it intersects with religious practices, mystical experiences, and meditative contemplation. It’s a journey into the soulful dimensions of artistic expression.

  • Research Question: How does iconography function in Christian sacred art to convey theological concepts and spiritual experiences?
  • Research Question: How are Hindu deities represented in Indian temple architecture, and what is their significance in religious practices?
  • Research Question: How is art used in Buddhist meditation practices to enhance spiritual experiences and understanding?

Mysticism in Art

  • Research Question: How are mystical experiences represented in medieval art, and what do they reveal about the spiritual beliefs of the time?
  • Research Question: How do Kandinsky’s artworks reflect his interest in theosophy and mystical concepts?
  • Research Question: How is Sufi symbolism expressed in Persian miniature paintings, and what does it convey about Sufi mystical teachings?

Art and Meditation

  • Research Question: How are mandalas used in art therapy and meditation to promote mental well-being and spiritual growth?
  • Research Question: How does the practice of Zen calligraphy serve as a form of artistic expression and mindfulness meditation?
  • Research Question: What are the therapeutic effects of engaging in the creative process of art-making on mindfulness and stress reduction?

“Art and Performance” is where we’ll dive into the dynamic world of performance art, theatre design , and the interplay between dance and visual art. Get ready to discover how artists bring their visions to life on stage and beyond.

Performance Art

  • Research Question: How has performance art evolved in the 20th century, and what are the key themes and innovations that have shaped its development?
  • Research Question: How has performance art been used as a medium for feminist expression and activism?
  • Research Question: How does audience participation impact the meaning and experience of performance art?

Theatre Design

  • Research Question: How does set design influence audience experience and immersion in theatrical productions?
  • Research Question: How is digital technology integrated into contemporary theatre design, and what are its implications for storytelling and audience engagement?
  • Research Question: What are the sustainable practices being implemented in theatre design and production, and how do they impact environmental sustainability?

Dance and Visual Art

  • Research Question: How do collaborations between choreographers and visual artists influence the creation and interpretation of dance performances?
  • Research Question: How do visual elements such as costumes, lighting, and set design contribute to the aesthetics and narrative of contemporary dance?
  • Research Question: How has dance been represented in visual art throughout history, and what does this reveal about the cultural significance of dance?

In this section, we’ll explore the stylish intersection of art and fashion, from the creativity of fashion illustration to the haute couture runway.

>via GIPHY

Let’s unravel the threads that weave together the worlds of art and fashion.

Fashion Illustration

  • Research Question: How have fashion illustration techniques evolved from traditional methods to digital media, and what are the implications for the fashion industry?
  • Topic: The Role of Fashion Illustration in Brand Identity
  • Research Question: How does fashion illustration contribute to the development and communication of brand identity in the fashion industry?
  • Research Question: How has the rise of social media platforms influenced the style, visibility, and relevance of fashion illustration?

Art and Haute Couture

  • Research Question: How have specific art movements, such as Art Deco or Surrealism, influenced the design and aesthetics of haute couture collections?
  • Research Question: How do collaborations between contemporary artists and fashion designers impact the creative process and final designs in haute couture?
  • Research Question: How does haute couture contribute to the preservation and innovation of traditional artisanal techniques in fashion?

Street Art and Fashion

  • Research Question: How has street art influenced urban fashion trends and the development of streetwear brands?
  • Research Question: How is graffiti used in fashion design and branding to convey urban identity and cultural messages?
  • Research Question: How do collaborations between street artists and fashion brands impact the artistic value and commercial appeal of fashion collections?

“Art Conservation and Restoration” is all about the science and ethics behind preserving art for future generations. We’ll dive into the techniques used to conserve and restore artworks, and the challenges faced in keeping art alive and authentic.

Art Conservation Techniques

  • Research Question: What are the challenges in conserving contemporary art, and what innovative techniques are being used to address them?
  • Research Question: How is technology being used to enhance art conservation practices and extend the lifespan of artworks?
  • Research Question: What ethical considerations arise in the conservation of cultural heritage, and how are they addressed by conservators?

Restoration Ethics

  • Research Question: What are the ethical debates surrounding the restoration of damaged artworks, and how do different approaches impact the integrity of the original piece?
  • Research Question: How does the restoration process affect the authenticity and historical value of paintings?
  • Research Question: What ethical dilemmas arise in the restoration of religious artifacts, and how are they navigated by conservators and religious communities?

Preserving Digital Art

  • Research Question: What are the challenges in preserving digital art, and what strategies are being developed to ensure its longevity?
  • Research Question: How are museums adapting their conservation practices to accommodate and preserve digital media art?
  • Research Question: What methods are being used to archive and document digital artworks to maintain their accessibility and integrity over time?

All these topics and research questions are designed to inspire IB Visual Arts students to engage in meaningful and manageable research projects that contribute to their understanding of various aspects of art while meeting the IB Extended Essay criteria.

Final Thoughts

At WritingMetier, we firmly believe that the Visual Arts extended essay is a transformative experience that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the boundless realms of artistic expression. 

As you peruse through this list, allow your curiosity and passion to lead the way, and remember that the true essence of the extended essay lies in your ability to articulate your unique artistic vision and contribute to the ever-evolving discourse within the Visual Arts community. 

If you need further assistance in finding the perfect topic or even require a custom-written IB Visual Arts extended essay, WritingMetier is here to help . Our team of experts can guide you through the process, ensuring your extended essay is well-researched, engaging, and aligns with all the IB’s requirements .

extended essay topics art

So, let your creativity flow, and set out on this artistic voyage with confidence and enthusiasm. Your journey through the visual arts is bound to be as colorful and dynamic as the subjects you choose to explore. 

Free topic suggestions

Vasy kafidoff.

Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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Visual Arts Extended Essay Topics: Exploring the World of Art

Visual Arts Extended Essay Topics

Luke MacQuoid

Visual Arts is a fascinating and diverse field that encompasses various forms of art, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and photography, among others. Writing an extended essay on Visual Arts offers an opportunity to delve deeper into the creative world of art, its history, and its impact on society. Therefore, selecting the right Visual Arts extended essay topic is essential for a successful paper. 

Yes, a well-chosen topic is key to crafting a successful Visual Arts extended essay. To ensure that you create an engaging and informative essay, consider selecting a topic that resonates with you personally. 

Your passion for the topic will show in your writing and make the research process more enjoyable. However, ensuring that the topic and research question is feasible, and not too general , and can be thoroughly researched within the word count limit is essential. 

To do this, narrow your focus to a specific question or issue that can be analyzed in depth. By selecting a specific and focused topic, you’ll be able to craft a clear and well-supported argument in your essay. And this is one of the most important parts of the IB EE rubric .

List of Visual Arts IB Extended essay topics

Below are some intriguing Visual Arts extended essay topics that can help you kickstart your research:

The Significance of Color in Contemporary Art: An Analysis of the Work of Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko.

With this topic, the student can begin by researching the use of color in art, its significance, and its impact on the viewer. The student can then choose specific works of Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko that use color in interesting ways and analyze the color schemes, techniques, and meanings behind them. 

The essay can also explore the similarities and differences between the two artists’ approaches to color and the influence of their work on contemporary art.

Examining the Importance of Context in the Interpretation of Contemporary Art: A Case Study of Banksy’s Graffiti.

To approach this topic, the student can begin by researching the concept of context in art and its role in shaping meaning. The student can then analyze Banksy’s graffiti, specifically focusing on one or more pieces that are known to have created controversy or sparked public discourse. 

Such an extended essay can explore how the context in which the graffiti was created, the location, and the message conveyed by the artwork affect its interpretation and reception.

How Have Women Artists Contributed to the Development of Art Movements in the 20th Century?

With this topic, the student can begin by researching the history of women artists and their struggles for recognition in the male-dominated art world. 

The IB student can then choose one or more women artists who played a significant role in the development of a particular art movement, such as Frida Kahlo in Surrealism or Mary Cassatt in Impressionism. 

The essay can analyze the artist’s work, their impact on the art movement, and the challenges they faced as a woman in the art world.

A Comparative Analysis of the Relationship between Art and Society in Renaissance Europe and Modern America.

To approach this topic, the student can begin by researching the historical and cultural contexts of Renaissance Europe and modern America and how art reflects and responds to the social and political changes of the time . 

Moreover, the student can then choose specific works from both periods that illustrate the relationship between art and society, such as Michelangelo’s David and Shepard Fairey’s Hope poster. 

This IB EE can compare and contrast the works’ meanings, techniques, and the social and cultural contexts that shaped them.

An Exploration of the Intersection of Technology and Art: The Emergence of Digital Art in the 21st Century.

Working on this topic, the student can begin by researching the history of digital art, its emergence as a new art form, and the impact of technology on artistic expression. 

Following this topic, the student can then analyze specific examples of digital art, such as Cory Arcangel’s Photoshop gradient demonstrations or Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s interactive installations, and explore the ways in which technology has influenced the creation, reception, and interpretation of these works.

The Role of Art in Documenting Historical Events: An Analysis of Goya’s The Third of May 1808 and Picasso’s Guernica.

To approach this topic, the student can begin by researching the role of art in documenting historical events and the ways in which artists use their work to respond to social and political issues. 

The student can then analyze specific works of Goya and Picasso that depict significant historical events, such as The Third of May 1808 and Guernica. 

The essay can explore the ways in which these works convey meaning, the social and political contexts in which they were created, and the ways in which they have influenced art and society.

The Significance of Architecture in Shaping Urban Environments: A Case Study of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

With this topic, the student can begin by researching the significance of architecture in shaping urban environments and the ways in which buildings can impact their surroundings. The student can then analyze the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao as a case study, exploring its design, construction, and impact on the city of Bilbao. 

IB EE can also explore the ways in which the museum’s architecture reflects its function as an art museum and its relationship to the artworks displayed within it.

The Impact of the Avant-Garde Movement on Contemporary Art Practices.

To approach this topic, the student can begin by researching the history of the Avant-Garde movement and its influence on contemporary art practices. The student can then analyze specific works of contemporary artists who the Avant-Garde movement, such as Yayoi Kusama or Marina Abramovic have influenced. 

This extended essay can explore the ways in which these artists have incorporated Avant-Garde concepts and techniques into their work and the impact of this influence on contemporary art practices.

The Influence of African Art on European Modernism: An Analysis of the Work of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.

To approach this topic, the student can begin by researching the influence of African art on European modernism and the ways in which European artists incorporated African aesthetics into their work. An IB student can then analyze specific works of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse that show the influence of African art, such as Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and Matisse’s Blue Nude. 

The essay can explore the ways in which African art influenced these artists’ techniques and aesthetics and the impact of this influence on modern art.

An Exploration of the Concept of Beauty in Contemporary Art: An Analysis of the Work of Jeff Koons and Takashi Murakami.

The student can begin by researching the concept of beauty in art and its evolving meaning in contemporary art. One can then analyze specific works of Jeff Koons and Takashi Murakami that explore the concept of beauty, such as Koons’ Balloon Dog and Murakami’s Superflat. 

The essay can explore the ways in which these artists challenge traditional notions of beauty and the impact of this challenge on contemporary art.

Each of the Visual Arts extended essay topics listed above requires thorough research and analysis of specific artworks, artists, or movements. To successfully approach each Visual Arts idea, an IB student should begin by conducting preliminary research on the topic and then choosing specific artworks or artists to analyze. 

The student should then carefully analyze the works, explore their meanings and impact, and relate them to the larger context of art and society. With dedication and focus, an IB student can produce a compelling and informative Visual Arts extended essay.

Ready to select an appropriate topic for your VA extended essay?

When selecting a Visual Arts extended essay topic, it is important to choose a topic that you are passionate about and interested in exploring further. A topic that resonates with you will make it easier to research and write about, and your passion will be evident in your writing, making it more engaging for your readers.

extended essay topics art

Need help with your IB EE?

You can also use our extended essay writers team’s services if you need assistance selecting a topic . Furthermore, we can also help you write your extended essay from scratch or edit your draft following the IB criteria.

Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that your topic is feasible and has enough information available for research. The best way to ensure this is to conduct preliminary research on your EE topic before finalizing it. 

This will help you determine whether there is enough information available and whether the research will be manageable within the given word count .

All our team at ExtendedEssayWriters wishes you to construct a research question of your dream and complete a good IB extended essay following the structure and general IB criteria. With good topic you can be almost 100% sure that you will not fail your IB extended essay .

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

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100 IB Extended Essay Topic Ideas!

extended essay topics art

One of the biggest keys to the Extended Essay is choosing which subject you want to write your work in and developing that crucial research question. Read on to find inspiration for topics across a wide range of subjects.

Extended Essay: The Love/Hate aspect of the IB

One of the biggest keys to the Extended Essay is choosing which subject you want to write your work in and developing that crucial research question. Annoyingly, coming up with that idea and research question can be the toughest part of the entire process. Writing 4,000 words about something you are interested in is a big ask and it often feels impossible to narrow down your thoughts. To make everything super clear, here are 100 Extended Essay Topics for you to draw inspiration from! Use these as a springboard to create your own research question !

Get Support from A Top Tutor Today

At Lanterna we have over 300 tutors who smashed their Extended Essay. They know exactly how to get an A in your EE and can give you tips and tricks on how you can do the same. What are you waiting for? Get your own tutor today !

How to Begin Your IB Extended Essay

To make everything super clear, here are 100 Extended Essay Topics for you to draw inspiration from! Use these as a springboard to  create your own research question !

Get Support from a Top Tutor Today

At Lanterna, we have over 300 tutors who smashed their Extended Essay. They know exactly how to get an A in your EE and can give you tips and tricks on how you can do the same. What are you waiting for? Get your own tutor today!

10 Steps to Writing an Extended Essay

Before we look at specific topics for your essay, let’s recap the 10-steps you’ll need to follow to complete your extended essay.

1. Define the Topic and Draft the Research Question

2. Create a Timeline

3. Identify and gather Sources

4. Set Deadlines

5. Plan the structure according to the total word count

6. Evaluate

7. independent Research

8. Write the extended essay draft

10. Present

By following the steps above, you should be able to produce a logical and coherent rationale to follow when writing the extended essay for your IB diploma programme.

By starting with a solid research question, you’ll be able to put an extended essay of global significance together, from the research and writing process all the way through to your final submission with a favourable extended essay grade.

Below, we’re sharing 10 topics across 10 subjects to inspire your next IB extended essay.

1. How the change of habitat affects an X organism?

2. How does climate affect the growth of X plant?

3. Can photosynthesis take place without sunlight?

4. What is the effect of age and gender on the photoreceptor cells in the human retina?

5. How is climate change impacting the appearance of coral reefs?

6. An evaluation of how  antioxidants  work in our bodies?

7. Does hand sanitizer, hand soap or antibacterial wipes have the greatest ability to inhibit the growth of E. Coli?

8. To what extent do live cultures in yogurts/milk/other dairy products reduce the concentration of lactose present over the course of a 2 hour incubation period at x°C?

9. What is the relationship between  population density  between X and population size of X?

10. What is the relationship between indoleacetic acid, a growth hormone, and the growth of X (a crop)?

11. How does human influence impact an aquatic ecosystem?

12. How can one organize a pollution check along a X canal in X?

13. What is the effect of the increased ecological footprint in the  Amazon ?

14. What are the forest and woodland restoration in Siberia, Russia and which one is most effective?

15. How does human interference cause ecological imbalances in an X city/country/continent?

16. What is the impact of urban development on the  bee population  in X city?

17. What are the differences in the conversation efforts in Yosemite National Park (California, USA) and the Lake District National Park (UK)?

18. To what extent have healthcare policies in X country influenced their human population curve?

19. How have changes in environmental systems influenced the value system of X country?

20. How has X landfill site affected the surrounding terrestrial ecosystem?

21. What is the profitability of  airline companies ?

22. How does unemployment affect the market?

23. Why did X recession occur?

24. How did the financial Policy affect the economy in X?

25. How effective are government policies in reducing overconsumption of alcohol (specifically hard liquor)?

26. To what extent are public buses and subways substitute goods in a country?

27. How did the tax reform in country x affect its growth and development? (many countries to choose from)

28. To what extent was weak government policy responsible for the Latin American financial crisis of 1997?

29. How effective is the  Big Mac Index  in measuring purchasing power parity?

30. To what extent would the UK suffer from leaving the European Customs Union if Brexit happens?

31. Is there an association between viewing violence on television and the display of violent acts?

32. What motivational climate should a coach employ in order to achieve optimal performance in athletes?

33. How does  X hormone affect human behavior ?

34. Compare theories explaining altruism in human behaviour

35. Discuss short-term and long-term consequences of exposure to violence

36. Why do relationships change or end?

37. Discuss how  social variables (poverty, parenting, educational environment) may the affect cognitive environment.

38. To what extent do mirror neurons play a role in empathy? (2014)

39. To what extent does Mindfulness help people cope with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

40. To what extent is drug therapy effective in the treatment of bipolar disorder?

41. Does the British Parliamentary reforms act of 1832 deserve its title as the great reform act?

42. To what extent are there similarities in Hitler and Mussolini’s Rise to Power?

43. To what extent did Mao’s tackle the problems which he faced?

44. Was Tsar Alexander II of Russia reforms a success or failure?

45. To what extent was the bombing of Dresden in 1945 justifiable?

46. To what extent can  Sweden be considered neutral during WWII ?

47. The impact of structural economic weakness on the collapse of the Soviet Union.

48. How were women treated differently in 1920s and 1950s Great Britain?

49. Why did Israel win the  Six Day War  of 1967?

50. What role did economics play in the unification of Germany from 1834 to 1871?

English Literature

51. What are the Compare and Contrast Jane Austen Books?

52. How does Joseph Conrad’s portray Racism in A Heart of Darkness?

53. How does Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman critique today’s capitalist society? The American Dream?

54. To what extent does Chris McCandless in Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild escape familial influence?

55. What are the similarities and differences between J.K. Rowling’s characterization of Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows?

56. How does Yaa Gyasi use structure in her novel Homegoing to portray the evolution of time?

57. What is the impact of the social context on Holden Caufield and Huckleberry Finn?

58. How does Sylvia Path’s use of Inanimate objects in Bell Jar?

59. How is the empowerment of Feminine portrayed in the Lord of the Rings?

60. Compare the political rhetoric as used in the inaugural addresses of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump.

61. The design, construction and calibration of an apparatus for measuring lipid concentration in milk.

62. What is the effect of a change in the optimal lift on the horizontal gliding distance of an aircraft?

63. How does the sugar concentration affect the refractive index of water?

64. How does temperature affect the viscosity of X juice/soda?

65. Is the relationship between temperature and conductivity and insulators and conductors?

66. What is the Oberth Effect?

67. What is the temperature dependence of work performed on an AA battery?

68. How can the rotational frequency of a fan driven by a flame measure distance?

69. Do wine bottles of different shapes behave as Helmholtz resonators?

70. How does the diameter of a wheel affect stability in different weather conditions?

71. What factors influence the location of industries in country/city X?

72. An investigation into the significance of preserving the quality of water in a continent/country/city?

73. An investigation into the degree to which City X can be considered a Sustainable City/Community.

74. To what extent is Biodiversity being managed successfully in city X?

75. To what extent does the education and employment of women affect Country x’s fertility rate?

76. To what extent do gender, educational attainment, and working parameters influence obesity risk?

77. To what extent has urban development affected human thermal comfort levels in Country/city x (a country/city that has developed in a rapid rate over the past decades)?

78. To what extent is the Company x corporate waste management program effective, demonstrating environmental sustainability?

79. To what extent is biodiversity being managed successfully at National Park X?

80. What types of urban design encourage high rates of vandalism in X neighbourhoods?

81. The kinetics of Enzymatic Reactions.

82. How do Iron Intake Diets differ in X country?

83. What are the different factors that affect the iodine values in cooking oils?

84. What is the effect of standing time and temperate on the acid content in X juice or soda?

85. Can caffeine in tea or coffee be reduced?

86. What is the effect of temperature on the souring of milk?

87. What are the sources of error in calorimetry?

88. Does brushing your teeth affect the pH in your mouth after eating?

89. How does changing the concentration of the reagents affect the formation and spacing between Liesehang rings in the reaction between X chloride and X when conducted in a test tube?

90. What effect does the coating of aspirin tablets have on the hydrolysis of aspirin?

Social and Cultural Anthropology

91. How clothing relates to the cultural anthropology of X culture.

92. The extent to which social media networks affect different societies.

93. The relationship between ritual, myths and faith in an X society.

94. The history of rituals in X culture.

95. How different marriage rituals inform the cultural anthropology of X culture.

96. Climate change and its impact on the evolution of different creatures on the planet.

97. Understanding the social and cultural anthropology of the supernatural in X culture.

98. An analysis of body modification in relation to social and cultural anthropology.

100. Chaste systems and social ranks in societies.

There are so many class subjects that can form the basis of your extended essay, including these popular six subjects:

– Information technology

– Computer science

– Health science

– World studies

– Visual arts

– Business management

Extended essays are a great way to improve your writing skills in academic writing. Essays of a high standard that demonstrate critical thinking and in depth analysis can be submitted to academic journals. These have the potential to reach the global society.

Start Writing Your Extended Essay Topic

We hope this gave you some great inspiration for the variation of topics available for your Extended Essay . The research question you select is what will carry you through the entire process, so be sure to choose wisely!

Remember, if you are looking for more help with your Extended Essay, make sure to check out our guide which will tell you exactly how to plan, structure, research and write your Extended Essay!

Grab Free Extended Essay Resources!

No matter the subject groups in your diploma program, we’re here to help all of our IB students. Whether you’re writing about social and cultural anthropology, business management, design technology, or scientific methods for your IB diploma, Lanterna has you covered.

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IB Visual Arts EE examples

Filter exemplars, to what extent does the street art in downtown athens, greece politically and socially charge the city, how did pablo picasso develop intimacy with the original audience and the impact on the contemporary audience through his artworks during his blue period, want to get full marks for your ee allow us to review it for you 🎯, to what extent did the mughal architectural style influence the hindu temple architecture of india, to what extent was gaudi's iconographic program on the example of the basilica of the sagrada familia different from gothic solutions on the example of the seville cathedral, to what extent can artificial intelligence create original fine art, fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by ib examiners. upgrade now 🚀, to what extent did hilma af klint’s artworks (1906-1922) bridge science and spiritualism, to what extend does gender impact omani artists, to what extent did edvard munch apply formal elements of art therapy such as color,shape, and repetition to create symbolism and purpose in the scream, how did zofia and oskar hansen’s architectural vision of przyczółek grochowski estate translate into practice and with what effect, how do andy warhol and thierry guetta's artwork demonstrate the controversies between intertextuality and plagiarism in pop art culture, to what extent has the indian culture influenced the architect gajanan b mhatre in the design of the empress court in mumbai during the british colonization, an exploration into the theme of motherhood in art during the early weimar republic, as seen through the works of otto dix and käthe kollwitz, how does frida kahlo portrya her devotionb to communism, the influence of nature on caso batlo by architect antoni guadi, "how did the dynamic style of zaha hadid's original abstract paintings introduce her unique architectural design of the jockey club in hong kong"..

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How to Choose an EE Topic (Visual Arts)

Bryan Defjan

Choosing the EE Subject

It’s important to:

  • Choose a subject you are willing to dedicate many hours to, and
  • Understand what an EE in that subject is like. For example, science EEs look like longer science IAs and involve a lot of lab work, whereas English EEs are similar to long Written Task 2s and involve a lot of reading and analysis.

I knew I wanted to write a Visual Arts EE because I loved learning about art history. I’d previously enjoyed analysing artworks for an academic competition, so I wanted to take that interest further through my IB work.

Brainstorming Ideas

For a Visual Arts EE, you can write about virtually any topic using any approach. This intimidated me because I had NO clue what to write about. So, I looked at what sort of questions have been addressed in past essays. I’ve compiled a few popular approaches here for you: 

extended essay topics art

I began by researching various movements in art history, followed by looking into art from different countries and cultures. Then I dove into specific aspects of artwork such as lighting and lines. Finally, I researched artists I liked. This last step was the most important to me because it was what I found most interesting.

Narrowing Down your List

I circled my favourite topics and looked for connections between them. For example, I liked Edward Hopper’s artwork, which relies heavily on lighting and coincides with my fascination for American history and art. One of the questions I came up with was: “How does the use of lighting in Edward Hopper’s work evoke emotion in his audience?” Through making further connections, I shortlisted three other subjects I was eager to study—colour in Munch and Hopper’s paintings, sensuality and controversy of the Vienna Secession, and emotions in post-Chinese Cultural Revolution art. 

Selecting the Final Question

My supervisor urged me to choose a question that was both challenging and personally fulfilling. Though I found the Hopper question interesting, I was familiar with Hopper’s work and could answer it before even writing the EE. Upon reflection, I realized I wanted to use an artistic lens to explore an aspect of my Chinese background I’ve never learned about before. Thus, my final question was: “How have contemporary Chinese artists’ responses to the Cultural Revolution evolved from 1976 to the present day?”

In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed the Extended Essay process from start to finish, especially the synthesis of academic research and first-hand data collection (I surveyed 300 people and interviewed a gallery owner!). My findings also helped inform my IB Visual Arts pieces.

The brainstorming process might seem overwhelming because there are just so many topics to choose from! Create mind maps, discuss your ideas with others, and only shortlist topics that you really like—you’ll soon find that you have a direction. And remember, it’s okay to change your question later on!

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International Baccalaureate (IB)

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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:

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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.

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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?

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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...

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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!

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The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Does the Extended Essay Grade Affect Your IB Diploma?

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

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

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

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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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Good IB Visual Arts Extended Essay Topics

As a seasoned IB tutor, I’ve seen the transformative power of a well-chosen IB Visual Arts Extended Essay topic. From my experience, selecting the right theme isn’t just a step in the process; it’s the foundation of rewarding creative research. So, let’s get into the world of art and ideas, and I’ll guide you through choosing a topic that will make your essay shine!

What Is the IB Visual Arts Extended Essay?

Firstly, what is an IB Visual Arts Extended Essay? According to the general IB criteria, it’s an opportunity to get into an art topic that fascinates you, presented through a structured, analytical lens. It’s your chance to show your understanding of art and its myriad forms. From my experience, a strong extended essay reflects your knowledge and passion for the subject.

An exceptional work also seamlessly blends original thought with scholarly research. The key? A theme that’s both intriguing and manageable. Now, how do you choose a compelling topic ? As I’ve advised many students, start by reflecting on what aspects of Visual Art excite you. Are you drawn to contemporary installations, or do you find yourself lost in the brushstrokes of Renaissance paintings? Remember, originality and personal connection are crucial.

However, it’s also essential to be practical. From my experience, the best topics are those you’re passionate about but are also feasible for in-depth study. It’s about striking a balance between love for the subject and the scope of the essay.

IB Visual Arts Extended Essay Topics

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Inspirational IB Visual Arts Extended Essay Topic Ideas

These topics span a variety of styles, periods, and themes, providing a rich field for research and analysis:

  • The Evolution of Impressionism.  How did impressionist artists like Monet and Degas change the art world?
  • The Influence of Surrealism on Modern Advertising.  In what ways has Salvador Dali’s surrealism impacted today’s advertising strategies?
  • Feminism in Contemporary Art.  How do contemporary female artists use their work to comment on feminism?
  • The Role of Technology in Digital Art.  How has digital technology transformed traditional artistic techniques?
  • Street Art as Social Commentary.  What role does street art play in reflecting societal issues?
  • The Psychology of Color in Abstract Painting.  How do artists like Kandinsky use color to affect emotions?
  • Art Therapy and Mental Health.  How can art be used as a tool for mental health therapy?
  • Cubism and its Impact on Modern Architecture.  How has Cubism influenced modern architectural designs?
  • The Cultural Significance of Indigenous Art.  What can we learn about indigenous cultures through their art?
  • Photography as an Art Form.  How has photography evolved to be recognized as a fine art?
  • Baroque Art and its Political Context.  How did Baroque art reflect the political climate of its time?
  • The Renaissance in Northern Europe.  How did the Renaissance art movement manifest in countries like Germany and the Netherlands?
  • Pop Art and Consumer Culture.  How did artists like Andy Warhol comment on consumerism through their work?
  • Expressionism and Emotional Evocation.  How do expressionist artists convey emotion through their art?
  • The Impact of Art Movements on Fashion Design.  How have historical art movements influenced contemporary fashion?
  • The Role of Women in Renaissance Art.  What was the status and role of women artists during the Renaissance?
  • The Art of Japanese Ukiyo-e.  How did Ukiyo-e prints influence Western artists?
  • Environmental Art and Awareness.  How do artists use their work to address environmental issues?
  • Art in Times of War.  How has art been used to document and comment on war?
  • The Influence of African Art on European Artists.  How have African art traditions influenced European artists?
  • The Art of Islamic Calligraphy.  What makes Islamic calligraphy a unique art form?
  • Post-Modernism in Visual Arts.  How does post-modernism challenge traditional artistic conventions?
  • Art and Political Propaganda . How has art been used for political propaganda throughout history?
  • The Harlem Renaissance and African American Art.  How did the Harlem Renaissance affect African American art?
  • The Golden Ratio in Art and Architecture.  How is the golden ratio used in artistic compositions and architectural designs?
  • Graffiti: Vandalism or Art?  How is graffiti perceived in different cultural contexts?
  • The Role of Museums in Preserving Art.  How do modern museums contribute to art preservation and education?
  • Performance Art as a Reflective Social Practice.  How does performance art reflect and challenge social norms?
  • The Intersection of Art and Science.  How do artists incorporate scientific concepts into their work?
  • The Revival of Classical Techniques in Contemporary Art.  How are classical art techniques being revived by contemporary artists?
  • Art Censorship and Freedom of Expression.  How has art censorship affected artistic expression throughout history?
  • The Renaissance Influence on Modern Western Art.  How did the Renaissance period shape modern Western art?
  • The Development of Landscape Painting.  How has landscape painting evolved over the centuries?
  • Iconography in Byzantine Art.  What is the significance of iconography in Byzantine art?
  • The Art of Book Illustration.  How has book illustration contributed to the art world?
  • Sculpture in the 21st Century.  How is sculpture evolving in the modern era?
  • Expressionism in Film.  How do film directors use expressionist techniques?
  • Artistic Responses to Climate Change.  How are artists addressing the issue of climate change through their work?
  • Symbolism in Medieval Art.  What are common symbols and their meanings in medieval art?
  • The Impact of Social Media on Contemporary Art.  How has social media influenced modern artistic practices?
  • Art and Religion: A Historical Perspective.  How have religious beliefs throughout history influenced art?
  • The Role of Patronage in Renaissance Art.  How did patronage affect art production during the Renaissance?
  • Futurism and its Vision of the Future.  How did the Futurism movement envision the future?
  • The Artistic Representation of Gender and Sexuality.  How do artists explore themes of gender and sexuality in their work?
  • The Influence of Latin American Art on Global Art Trends.  How has Latin American art impacted global art trends?
  • The Art of Caricature and Satire.  How is caricature used to convey satire and social critique?
  • Abstract Expressionism and the Cold War.  How did abstract expressionism reflect the tensions of the Cold War era?
  • The Use of Recycled Materials in Art.  How do artists use recycled materials to make a statement?
  • The Art of Tattooing Across Cultures.  How does the art of tattooing vary across different cultures?
  • Kinetic Art and the Illusion of Movement.  How do kinetic artists create the illusion of movement in their work?
  • Artistic Representations of Space Exploration.  How have artists depicted space exploration and its impact on humanity?
  • The Evolution of Comic Book Art.  How has the art in comic books evolved from their inception to the present day, and what cultural factors have influenced this evolution?
  • Art and Virtual Reality.  How is virtual reality technology changing the landscape of contemporary art, and what new forms of artistic expression are emerging as a result?
  • The Revival of Folk Art in Modern Times.  How is traditional folk art being revived and reinterpreted by contemporary artists, and what does this say about our connection to cultural heritage?
  • The Impact of Art Festivals on Local Art Scenes.  How do major international art festivals like the Venice Biennale or Documenta impact the local art scenes in their host cities, and what long-term effects do they have on the development of local artists and galleries?

Each of these topics encourages research into dynamic and evolving aspects of the art world, offering students a chance to get into contemporary trends, technological advancements, and the interplay between art and cultural heritage.

IB Visual Arts Extended Essay: Research Techniques and Resources

In my opinion, the foundation of an excellent  paper lies in the depth and breadth of your research. Start with academic databases like JSTOR and Artstor. These are goldmines for scholarly articles and critical essays, essential for understanding the nuances of your chosen topic.

From my experience, digital libraries and e-books are invaluable resources. Platforms like the Internet Archive and university library collections offer a range of specialized texts that can deepen your understanding of art history and contemporary art trends.

Moreover, virtual museum tours and online exhibits have become indispensable tools in today’s digital age. Museums like the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Rijksmuseum offer digital access to their collections, allowing you to study masterpieces in detail. These virtual experiences are not just convenient; they are a gateway to researching global art goldmines, offering previously geographically limited perspectives.

Listening to interviews with artists, curators, and art historians can provide unique perspectives and insights. Podcasts like The Art History Babes and The Lonely Palette offer accessible discussions on various art topics, which can be informative and inspiring. And visit local art galleries and exhibitions. Direct interaction with art pieces provides a tangible connection to your topic and can inspire new viewpoints.  This way, you can write an excellent essay of about 4000 words .

These diverse resources will enrich and align your essay with the general IB criteria, emphasizing thorough research and analytical depth. Remember, the quality of your work reflects your commitment to the subject and your desire to present a well-informed, nuanced perspective.

The Bottom Line

So, choosing the right IB Visual Arts Extended Essay topic sets the stage for a fulfilling and intellectually stimulating. By blending passion with practicality and backing it up with robust research and structured writing, you’re on your way to creating a work that not only impresses your examiners but also enriches your understanding of the vast, vibrant world of art. And if you need help with IB Extended Essay , our experts are always by your side!

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What Is IB Reflective Project?

The Reflective Project is an in-depth study where students select an ethical issue related to their career-related studies to research and analyze through various lenses. This research is not a mere academic exercise; it is a rigorous, reflective process that encourages students to connect their findings with their own beliefs, values, and experiences.

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What’s the Ideal Number of Sources for Your IB EE?

What’s the ideal number of sources for my EE? The answer, nuanced and subject-specific, depends on striking the perfect balance between breadth and depth of research. As a seasoned IB writer, I’ve seen how this balance varies across disciplines — a History EE might thrive on many sources to construct a well-rounded argument, while a Math EE might depend on a few texts for its foundational theory.

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Pros and Pitfalls of Using Internet-Sourced EE Topics

In the ever-evolving landscape of academic research, the Internet has emerged as a significant resource for students undertaking the challenging task of the IB Extended Essay (EE). As an experienced IB writer, I’ve observed the transformative impact of Internet-sourced EE topics. This article aims to highlight both the benefits and challenges of this modern approach to research.

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How Can You Ensure Originality in Your IB Extended Essay?

Ensuring originality in your IB extended essay is a crucial step in distinguishing your work in the world of academic research. As an experienced IB essayist, I’m here to guide you in creating an essay that not only meets academic standards, but also showcases your unique intellectual contributions. Originality in the IB extended essay is about bringing your personal insights and perspectives to every aspect of your work, from the choice of topic to the final argument.

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What’s Your Secret Writing Weapon in EE? Annotated Bibliographies!

Imagine having a map that guides you through the labyrinth of research and enriches your understanding and appreciation of the topic. That’s what an annotated bibliography does. It allows you to keep track of your sources, critically evaluate their content, and reflect on their relevance to your research question. This process deepens your engagement with the topic, providing a clearer direction for your argument and analysis.

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Current Unit: DEVELOPING YOUR EXHIBITION

Extended Essay

Visual arts and ee.

An extended essay in visual arts provides you with an opportunity to undertake research in an area of the visual arts of particular interest to you.

The outcome of the research should be a coherent and structured piece of writing (with appropriate illustrations) that effectively addresses a particular issue or research question, appropriate to the visual arts (broadly defined also to include architecture, design and contemporary forms of visual culture).

The research may be generated or inspired by your direct experience of artwork, craftwork or design, or interest in the work of a particular artist, style or period. This might be related to your own culture or another culture. Personal contact with artists, curators and so on is strongly encouraged, as is the use of local and/or primary sources.

The strongest EEs often show careful choice of socially and culturally interesting subjects, which often had a special meaning for the candidate either in relation to your own cultural identity, a future university program, or for a current artistic reason, e.g. your personal studio pursuits.

Whatever you choose your question needs to be narrowed down and strictly focused in order for the rest of the criteria - investigation, analysis, evaluation, a valid argument, and purposeful understanding of the question, to be treated effectively. Without a strong focused research question it is difficult to collect data and evaluate sources for comparison.

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

Choice of topic

Topics that are entirely dependent on summarizing general secondary sources (such as universal art history textbooks, and encyclopedias), and topics that are likely to lead to an essay that is essentially narrative or descriptive in nature, should be avoided. Biographical studies of artists must address a relevant issue or research question and arrive at a particular, and preferably personal, conclusion. Choosing a topic that covers many aspects of art history and/or a long period of time is also unlikely to result in a successful essay. Restricting the scope of the essay will help to ensure a clear focus and will provide opportunities for demonstrating detailed understanding and critical analysis.

The following examples of titles for visual arts extended essays are intended as guidance only. The pairings illustrate that focused topics (indicated by the first title) should be encouraged rather than broad topics (indicated by the second title).

“How did Wassily Kandinsky use colour?” is better than “The Bauhaus”

“In what way did African art influence on the work of Henry Moore” is better than “20th-century British sculpture”

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

It may help if you define the topic chosen for study in the form of a more specific research question, followed by a statement of intent that indicates which broad process is going to be used in answering the question. In this way, the approach to the topic chosen may be even further clarified. Some examples of this could include the following.

Topic Cultural influences on Pablo Picasso’s work

Research question Picasso: individual genius or cultural thief?

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

Topic The influence of Renaissance architecture in Montreal

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

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

Topic The impact of immigration on an artist’s work

Research question What is the impact of transcultural experience on the art of Gu Xiong?

Approach An investigation into the effects of migration on a selected artist’s work.

Treatment of the topic

It is essential that the topic chosen be clearly and directly related to visual arts. If the connection is only incidental, you risk introducing material that is of only marginal relevance, and will confuse the inquiry and weaken the argument. You should formulate a research question of personal interest and draw on a variety of sources to support your arguments, such as textual analysis, study of original artworks or designed artifacts, and interviews with practitioners or authorities on the subject. Research questions that do not allow a systematic investigation that demonstrates critical artistic analysis and detailed understanding are unlikely to be suitable. In some instances, it may become clear at an early stage in the research that too few sources are available to permit such an investigation. In such cases, a change of focus should be made.

The inclusion and discussion of appropriate visual reference material is of particular importance in visual arts extended essays. Such material must, however, be directly supportive of, and relevant to, the analysis/argument. It should be neatly presented, properly acknowledged, and should appear in the body of the essay, as close as possible to the first reference.

In order to promote personal involvement in the extended essay, the use of local and/or primary sources should be encouraged wherever possible. However, it is appreciated that, in certain situations, you may not necessarily have access to primary sources. In such situations, reproductions, videos, films or photographs/Internet images of a high quality are considered acceptable sources. An argument should be well substantiated, with comments and conclusions supported by evidence that is relevant and well-founded, not based simply on your preconceptions.

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Examples of good EE titles

  • What part did national motifs play in the creative work of Russian avant-garde artists of the Knave of Diamonds society?
  • Should the old neon signs of Warsaw be moved to a new Museum of Modern Art?
  • In what ways did men’s and women’s fashion convey the ideals of National Socialism?
  • How does the work of Yinka Shonibare illustrate the changing role of African art in a global society?
  • Le Corbusier: Chapel at Ronchamp. How does Le Corbusier use both cubist and organic architecture to create aesthetic and functional harmony?
  • What were the origins of the Romanesque in Arles?
  • Are there influences of pop art in the decorations on Pakistani trucks?

The following examples are more appropriate for the Comparative Study rather than an EE topic

  • The Orient in the works of three orientalist artists and their diverging perspectives – Jean-Auguste Dominique Ingres, Jean-Leon Gerome, Osman Hamdi Bey.
  • A comparison of the marriage of high art and fashion in the designs of Sonia Delaunay and Yves St-Laurent.

Examples of weak EE Titles

  • The Variation within perception amongst human beings.
  • Architecture: Art with a purpose.
  • Salvador Dali. (in fact any purely biographical study of a very famous artist - what more can you say that has been written already in countless books)
  • Postmodernism.
  • Islamic architecture.

Writing the EE

You are expected to evaluate critically the resources consulted during the process of writing the essay by asking yourself the following questions.

  • Which sources are vital to the support of my ideas, opinions and assertions?
  • Which sources do not contribute to the analysis?

Many different approaches to the research question can be appropriate, for instance:

  • use of primary sources (artwork and artists) and secondary sources (material about the visual arts) in order to establish and appraise varying interpretations
  • analysing sources (primary and secondary) in order to explore and explain particular aspects of the visual arts
  • using primary source material for an analysis, with emphasis on a particular aspect of visual arts
  • collecting and analysing reproductions of artwork, possibly leading to a comparison of similar or different images.

You should also demonstrate awareness of other issues surrounding the art studied.

  • Do I show an awareness of the value and limitations of the art I am studying through analysing its origin and purpose?
  • Do I show a consistently good artistic understanding in setting the research question into context and addressing it fully and effectively?

Relevant outcomes of this analysis should be integrated into the your argument.

  • The argument should also be well substantiated:
  • With what evidence do I support my comments and conclusions?
  • Is this evidence relevant and well founded, and not based simply on my preconceptions?

Extended Essay Titles

Borrowing culture: the appropriateness of Picasso's use of the Mbangu mask in 'Les Demoiselles d'Avignon' (2008)

Can Luc Tuymans be classified as a political painter?

How does the work of Ketna Patel illustrate the growing impact of media culture on Asian cultures? (2014)

How does the work of Yinka Shonibare illustrate the changing role of African art in a Global Society? (2008)

How far Andy Warhol's interest in morbidity explored in his "Death and Disaster' series? (2014)

How the cultural aspects of Jesse Trevino's life impacted his artwork (Part1, Part2) (2008)

How would one determine the essential balance between form and function in the cases of four 21st century pedestrian bridges? (2014)

The influence on the Casa Batllo (1904-6) by the architect Antoni Gaudi (Part1, Part2, Part3, Part4) (2011)

Is the distortion of Francis Bacon and Jenny Saville's artwork gender related? (Part1, Part2, Part3) (2011)

To what extent has Damien Hirst explored the themes of Life and Death in his work? (2013)

To what extent has the design of Federation Square been a success?

To what extent have Jungian theories of the unconscious archetypes, influenced Rotho's 'The Omen of the Eagle, 1942' and 'No. 18, 1948,' and in what ways are they expressed? (2012)

To what extent was Toulouse-Lautrec's lithograph 'Dican Japonais' influenced by the culture of Montmartre and technical developments of 'Belle-Epoque'? (2013)

When does photojournalism transcend into art? (Part1, Part2, Part3) (2011)

How does Fra Angelico present himself within Renaissance Florence though his depiction of The Annunciation? ( 2017)

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Extended Essay Topics: 50+ Examples for Subject in EE

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by  Antony W

July 30, 2022

extended essay topics art

This is the complete list of Extended Essay topics on different EE subject areas. We’ve packed this guide with as many topic ideas as possible.

So if you’re just getting started with the IB extended essay assignment and you’re already stuck on topic selection, this post might help you to get unstuck.

What is an Extended Essay?

Abbreviated as EE, the Extended Essay is a required component of the IB Diploma Program for all students, regardless of the disciplines they are studying.

The objective of the Extended Essay is to offer students the chance to conduct research on a topic of their choice and demonstrate knowledge and reading beyond the classroom curriculum. The essay also provides students with the opportunity to develop abilities necessary for researching and writing in advanced learning institutions.

Students often begin working on their essay during the second term of their first year of the IB Diploma Program. They will require a manager (one of the teachers at their school) with whom they will meet on a regular basis to help them outline their research questions and lead them through the writing process.

The IB diploma program allows you to prepare and submit one draft to the supervisor for input, followed by a second, final draft. As for the length of the extended essay, you want to make sure the assignment doesn’t exceed 4,000 words .

Getting Extended Essay Help

Owing to the very nature of the IB program, searching for an extended essay topic and getting the task completed can be an involving task. If you feel like the whole process would end up rather overwhelming, you can take advantage of our extended essay writing service and we’ll help you get the task done. 

For just $19.09/page, you can get the professional writing help and advice required to score a 34 in your Extended Essay. The pricing is standard regardless of the topic you would like to work on.

Extended Essay Topics

If you’re confident that you can write an extended essay yourself, and you should, you need to start with selecting the right topic for the assignment. Here are some topic ideas to get you started: 

1. English Extended Essay Topics

The following are some of the best examples of topic ideas to consider if you choose to write an Extended Essay in the English subject.

  • How the heroic couplets of the neoclassical period differed from those of the romantic period, and why classical poetry had so many rules.
  • How many different styles of poetry can we observe from the English Renaissance through modernism and postmodernism?
  • Does colonialism have an effect on modern poetry and the manner in which it evolves during the many eras of colonial rule?
  • Why has euphemism been so prominent in the English language for so long and how does this affect the lexicon and structure of the language?
  • Can we argue that, unlike other languages of the globe, English is a language of conventions and traditions with no hard and fast rules?
  • What function does slang play in the English language, and how are slang terms now preserved in official and academic dictionaries?
  • What are the primary causes of the gradual shift in the spelling of English words through time?
  • Impact of globalization on the evolution of the English language as it becomes the universal language.

We encourage you to read more about English Extended Essay for further insights.

2. Biology Extended Essay Topics

  • How do age and gender influence the photoreceptor cells in the human retina?
  • What effects does climate change have on the appearance of coral reefs?
  • An analysis of how antioxidants function in the human body?
  • Which of hand sanitizer, hand soap, or antibacterial wipes inhibits the development of E. coli the most effectively?
  • How does population density between X and X’s population size relate?
  • What is the link between the growth hormone indoleacetic acid and the growth of X?

You can read more about Biology EE here.

3. Business Management Extended Essay Topics

We put together an in-depth guide on IB Business Management EE to give you more insight about the subject.

In addition to teaching you exactly how to write an EE in this subject, the post includes some interesting topic ideas as well as their respective research questions.

Remember to check it out to learn more.

4. Chemistry Extended Essay Topics

  • What effect does acid rain have on the trees, plants, and public gardens in your neighborhood?
  • Analyze the chemical composition of various types of lava and magma rocks from across the world.
  • What kinds of chemical components are responsible for the majority of food allergies?
  • Examine the chemistry of MDMA and other “nightclub” or designer drugs in users of various ages.
  • Examine how chemical experiments and the knowledge gained from them have altered the globe.
  • How has the usage of fluoride in the community’s water supply benefited and harmed the community?
  • What chemical difference does choosing organic foods vs pesticide-treated foods have on our bodies?
  • What impact have big cosmetics manufacturers made on our contemporary understanding of chemistry?
  • What type of chemistry is involved in making generic medications cheaper than brand-name pharmaceuticals?

You can read more about Chemistry Extended Essay in this post.

5. Computer Science Extended Essay Topics

  • In what way are support vector machines more accurate in predicting ATP tennis matches than artificial neural networks?
  • To what extent are Java-generated pseudo-random numbers more predictable than C#-generated numbers?
  • How much more effectively does MP3 encoding reduce quality loss and file size than OGG in terms of algorithmic efficiency and encoded file quality?
  • How well does the binary search algorithm locate specific values among variable-sized data sets?
  • How much more efficient is Depth First Search than Breadth First Search for path finding in artificial intelligence and robot motion planning?
  • To what degree is hashing a more appropriate and efficient method than binary search for locating specific values in different-sized data sets?
  • How do Password Length and Character Variation Influence the Entropy of a Password?
  • How much more space-efficient is the AES symmetric encryption method compared to the Blowfish symmetric encryption technique when encrypting data of varied sizes and types?

6. Economics Extended Essay Topics

  • What is the connection between unemployment and economic contraction?
  • Is Alcohol Consumption Regulation Beneficial to the Stock Market?
  • Trucking Companies and the Effects of Sanctions and Trade Embargoes
  • Analysis of the Effects of Increasing Taxes on Multinational Corporations and Religious Organizations
  • What Negative Effects Will a “Hard” Brexit Have on Scotland and Wales?
  • How Will the Substitution of Fossil Fuels with Solar Power Affect the Economies of Middle Eastern Nations?
  • In Sub-Saharan Africa, deforestation and man-made disasters are the leading causes of poverty.

We’ve written an in-depth guide on Economics Extended Essay, and we encourage you to check it out to learn more about the subject.

7. Environmental Systems and Societies EE Topics

The following are some interesting topics on the Environmental Systems and Societies. The X is a variable, which can be a name of any city or country you’d wish to investigate in your ESS.

  • What forest and woodland restoration strategies exist in Siberia, Russia, and one is the most effective?
  • How can human meddling in X city/country/continent produce ecological imbalances?
  • What effect does urbanization have on the bee population in X city?
  • What are the distinctions between Yosemite National Park (California, USA) and Lake District National Park (United Kingdom) in terms of dialogue efforts?
  • How much have healthcare policies in nation X affected its human population curve?
  • What impact has X’s landfill had on the surrounding terrestrial ecosystem?

You can read our ESS guide to learn more about this subject before you start working on your Extended Essay assignment.

8. Film Extended Essay Topics  

  • Relationship between IMDB ratings and several national and international film honors
  • The current transformation of masculinity as represented in Fight Club
  • Varieties of timeline modification methods in cinematography
  • Sci-fi film portrayals of scientists and the scientific method are grossly inaccurate.
  • Moving camera – inventive approaches (such as those utilized in The Matrix or Guy Ritchie’s film)
  • How can filmic approaches depict the evolution of Disney princesses from 1937 to 2012?
  • How are transgender characters portrayed in two films from distinct periods?

9. Geography Extended Essay Topics

  • What socioeconomic and urban design elements contribute to high vandalism rates in Eindhoven’s neighborhoods?
  • How does the quality of life of Filipina Foreign Domestic Workers in Downtown Singapore compare to that of Filipinas in the Philippines?
  • An inquiry examining whether Singapore qualifies as a sustainable city
  • To what degree do migratory patterns and motivations in the northern area of Thailand correspond to predicted migration movements in an LDC?
  • Comparative analysis of the provision of public services in Warsaw’s districts

Check out our complete guide on Geography EE to learn more about the subject. Make sure you check the assessment criteria part, so you can write the kind of an EE that earns you top grades – if not a 34.

10. Global Politics EE

  • The legitimacy of the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq; to what extent was the invasion justified? (2021)
  • How media depictions and government information can diverge
  • How the success of a political party in one nation may affect the results in another.
  • Comparing the influence of global political trends on two countries reveals contrasting results.
  • The effect of a single crisis on the political ties between two countries

We’ve put together a more comprehensive guide on Global Politics Extended Essay . So we encourage you to check that out to learn more.

11. History Extended Essay

  • The consequences of dropping nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
  • You can investigate the economic, ethnic, social, and even environmental consequences of conflict diamonds.
  • The evolution of military technology during the American Civil War
  • The post-apartheid work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Southwest Africa
  • The rise and collapse of the Ottoman Empire and its economic influence

You can get more topic ideas on this subject from this post .

12. Math Extended Essay

  • How can mathematics be used to determine the ideal distance from the try line for positioning the ball for a rugby union conversion kick?
  • In the sliding tile problem, what is the graph structure of m x n?
  • How long does it take to travel around the whole Singapore MRT network? (2015)
  • Modeling mathematics – An examination of the Richardson arms race model (2020)
  • Real-world applications of a study of differential equations of the second order
  • A mathematical examination of shock absorbers’ damped harmonic motion

Our IB Math EE guide has more insights worth checking out. So we recommend going through the guide before you start writing an extended essay on this subject.

13. Physics Extended Essay Ideas  

  • How may the design of an airplane’s wings affect its aerodynamic performance?
  • Why is it required for the wing of an aircraft to have an ‘angle of attack’? Is it impossible for the aircraft to behave the same without the angle of attack?
  • If landing gears are a cause of drag during flight, how is a Cessna able to deliver a sufficient amount of force to overcome drag?

14. Psychology EE Ideas  

  • What do we know about the connection between stress and bodily disease, and can we utilize this information to manage stress?
  • To what degree can psychology offer plausible explanations for altruistic behavior?
  • Which strategies are most effective in assisting autistic youngsters in improving their everyday functioning?
  • The difficulty of identifying particular genetic variables that might indicate an autism risk
  • How well biological (or sociocultural) variables explain the origin of homosexuality.
  • To what degree does parental discipline affect the temperament of their children?
  • Are Montessori schools, which utilize a humanistic approach to education, also consistent with cognitive theory?

We’ve put together a complete guide on Physics Extended Essay. So, check that out to learn more about the subject. 

15. Visual Arts

  • What role did national themes have in the creative activity of Russian avant-garde artists associated with the Knave of Diamonds society?
  • How did men and women’s clothes communicate National Socialist ideals?
  • How does Yinka Shonibare’s work represent the evolving importance of African art in a global society?
  • What are the origins of Romanesque architecture in Arles?
  • Are there pop art elements in the design of Pakistani trucks?

Check out this post to learn more about the topic. 

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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What’s covered:, what is the ib extended essay, extended essay examples, how is the ee scored, how does the extended essay affect my admission chances.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP or IB) is a rigorous high school program considered to be equivalent to the AP system, if not harder. Along with coursework and examinations in this two-year long program, there are expectations to write an in-depth essay on one subject of your selection, called the Extended Essay (EE). The following article is about the EE and presents ideas for topics to write about. 

The EE is an essay required to gain the IBDP and pass the course. It’s not like any regular essay, as it gives the student a chance to write a college-level research paper at an earlier point of their lives, giving them useful exposure for their future endeavors in further education. The essay is written in a single subject of your choosing, giving you six options to choose from. The EE is usually done in one of your HL classes, as it could have more scope to produce a more in-depth paper based on the increased amounts of coursework available in HL. 

The essay is expected to be around 4,000 words long, making it not only lengthy to read but time-intensive to produce. This means students must usually figure out which subject they’re writing for early, to give them time to start earlier. The process of planning a draft, along with your appointed EE supervisor, can take up most of your time in the first year of IB (11th grade). It’s common to not start the actual writing until our 2nd year, where you not only have learned enough coursework for the subject, but have also drafted enough to create a well-written essay. 

Choosing a topic for the EE can be difficult, but hopefully the ideas and examples in this article can give you some inspiration to create your own. 

Given there are 6 subject groups in IB, each with numerous options for those groups it would be nearly impossible to suggest examples for each subject, instead we will show examples for popular subjects. These examples can serve as blueprints for crafting your own ideas! 

Example EE Topic 1 – Math HL

Example Topic: Practical Applications and Implementations of the Golden Ratio

extended essay topics art

This irrational number is often represented visually as such: 

extended essay topics art

This image contains fibonacci vectors, a visual representation of the golden ratio. It’s an interesting concept because it’s a shape/ratio that our brains are seemingly wired to prefer things to take form in, a subconscious level of attraction. Many architects and artists today use this ratio to produce visually appealing works of art, but what other practical applications have risen from this mathematical concept? An EE would be a great way to learn more about this and present it in an interesting manner! 

Example EE Topic 2 – Physics SL

Topic: Build Your Own Radio

This topic requires some fundamental understanding of circuitry and electronics, a big component of physics SL and HL. Building a radio requires thorough understanding of currents, resistances and circuit design aspects that are usually best understood through practical, hands-on learning. 

This project could also demonstrate your knowledge in waves, specifically radio and microwaves required to operate the radio. If documented right throughout the whole process, this could make for not only a very extensive and interesting EE, but fun as well! 

Example EE Topic 3 – English SL/HL

Topic: The Effects Of Shakespearean Literature On Modern English

English EE topics are a bit more difficult than other subjects because it may be the least objective class to write about. That being said, it can also be the most creative EE to write for, with this topic being an ideal example. 

Shakespeare contributed lots to literature and writing, especially in the form of plays and dramas, but how can these be observed in modern day literature? Focus on how forms of comedy from Shakespeare’s plays are implemented in modern comedy, or how some forms of artistic expression from that era could be considered problematic today. 

To make this better suited for HL, try going more in depth about other forms of literature that draw from Shakespearean influence, and more specific implementations of humor, such as slapstick (just an example of many). 

Talk about how literature personally influences you, because this EE is an opportunity to not only present information through research, but to also indulge the reader about yourself and your personality! 

IB scores the EE out of 34 points, with 5 letter grades being assigned as boundaries:

EE and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) are graded together along with CAS, to form the “core” of IB which is worth a total of 3 out of 45 points. The following table details this:

The EE doesn’t have much direct influence on your chances of admission, but learning how to write a great essay through the EE can. The admissions process requires writing a great quality essay to showcase yourself to the office of admissions as best as you can. The EE not only teaches you how to write an informative essay, but a high quality one as well! More factors are also responsible for your chances of admission, and for more info on this check out CollegeVine’s admissions calculator ! This intuitive tool uses your standardized test scores, GPA and more to calculate your chances of admission into a university of your choosing!

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  • Sample Extended Essays
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Use this resource to get a sense of what examiners are looking for, and to share good practice with your students. Select the essay page you want to share in student access.These are all top scoring essays. Thank you to the students and their teachers!Please be aware that this is the student"s copyrighted material and must be treated with due respect.M.C. Escher and his travels; influences in his artworks.In this top...

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Extended Essay: The Arts: Visual Arts

  • Step 1 - Choosing a Subject
  • Step 2 - Choosing a Topic
  • Step 3 - Draft a Research Question
  • Step 4 - Finding Sources
  • Step 5 - Evaluating Information
  • Step 6 - Bibliography & Citation
  • Step 7 - Organizing Information
  • The Arts: Visual Arts
  • Individuals & Societies: Business Management
  • Individuals & Societies: History
  • Individuals & Societies: Psychology
  • Language Acquisition
  • Language and Literature
  • Sciences: Biology
  • Sciences: Sports, Exercise, and Health Sciences
  • Interdisciplinary Papers: World Studies
  • Assessment Criteria

Extended Essays in the Arts

Extended Essays in the Visual Arts

Choosing a Topic

The visual arts are here broadly defined also to include architecture, design and contemporary forms of visual culture. The outcome of a student's research should be a coherent piece of writing that effectively addresses a particular research question appropriate to the visual arts, and including any relevant images or illustrations.

The research may be generated or inspired by the student’s direct experiences of creating visual artworks, or by their interest in the work of a particular artist, style or period. This might be related to the student’s own cultural context or another cultural context.

Personal contact with artists, curators and other active participants in the visual arts is encouraged, as is the use of local and primary sources.

Students can choose an extended essay topic related to an area of their visual arts course, but students can also choose to explore other areas of the subject. Crucially, the topic must reflect their particular interest and enthusiasm within the visual arts.

Approaches to Research

It is vital that the methodology of the EE is tailored to the research question and allows for an in-depth exploration. Many different approaches to the research question can be appropriate. Students will often use a combination of primary and secondary research to answer their research questions.

Visual Arts Sources

Even students doing primary research will still need to reference secondary sources. These may include established artistic interpretations or criticisms, biographical and/or historical information.

Writing the Essay

extended essay topics art

Beyond individual interpretations, students should also demonstrate awareness of other issues surrounding the artworks they study such as:

  • Considering the origin and purpose of an artwork to discuss its value and limitations
  • Contextualizing the research question to demonstrate good artistic understanding 

Relevant outcomes of this analysis should be integrated into a well-substantiated argument.

  • Using primary or secondary evidence to justify the argument
  • Ensuring that cited evidence is relevant, well founded, and not simply based on preconceptions

The emphasis of the EE should always be on written analysis, interpretation, evaluation and the construction and development of a sound argument.

Visual Reference Material

extended essay topics art

It is required that students include visual references to any artworks they discuss, provided it is relevant to the analysis or argument. Images should be appropriately presented and acknowledged and should appear in the body of the essay, as close as possible to the first reference.

In order to promote personal involvement in the EE, the use of local and primary sources should be encouraged wherever possible. (i.e. a picture of the artwork taken by the student themself). In the case where students do not have access to the artwork they may rely on high-quality reproductions or images.

Students are expected to evaluate critically the resources consulted during the process of writing the EE by asking themselves the following questions:

  • Which sources are vital to the support of my ideas, opinions and assertions?
  • Which sources do not contribute to the analysis?

Assessed Student Work

  • Marina Abramovic and her audience: An investigation into her diverse techniques to connect with her public.
  • To what extent did Japanese aesthetics and fashion have an influence on contemporary Danish fashion?
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Example essays

The International Baccalaureate® (IB)  programme resource centre,  a key resource for educators at IB World Schools, includes several examples of  extended essay titles .

These highlight the diverse range of topics covered by International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) students during their extended essays.

Some examples are:

  • “An analysis of costume as a source for understanding the inner life of the character”
  • “A study of malnourished children in Indonesia and the extent of their recovery after a period of supervised improved nutrition.”
  • “Doing  versus  being: language and reality in the Mimamsa school of Indian philosophy.” 
  • “The effects of sugar-free chewing gum on the pH of saliva in the mouth after a meal.”
  • “To what extent has the fall in the exchange rate of the US dollar affected the tourist industry in Carmel, California?”
  •  “What level of data compression in music files is acceptable to the human ear?”

Also available in the programma resource centre , the Diploma Programme Assessment Procedures has guidance on choosing a subject for the extended essay.

The PRC is only available to existing IB World Schools.

You can also purchase examples of essays in the IB Store . These essays fulfil the requirements for an ‘A’ grade in the extended essay.

If your school is not one already, learn how to become an IB World School  in order to implement the DP.

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Study the assessment criteria for the Extended Essay before reading the example essay and RPPF that have been provided below. How would you apply the assessment criteria ? How many marks would you award the essay for Criteria A-D and the RPPF for Criterion E? Discuss your comments and marks with a colleague or classmate, before revealing the examiner's comments and marks below.

When writing about Visual Arts

There are a few points worth considering when writing an EE in Visual Arts. Take these into consideration when reading the following essay: 

  • Be careful not to summarise secondary sources (i.e. history books on art).
  • Focus on applying theories and ideas on art to particular artists.
  • Avoid writing a biography on an artist.
  • There should be evidence of critical analysis of primary sources (i.e. artwork).
  • Try to come to a personal conclusion that is based on an orginial argument. 

An RPPF with examiner comments is also on this site here . In fact the RPPF that is annotated is the one from this essay. In brief, it is a rather mediocre RPPF , which could have scored much better with a few key changes. Learn from this student's mistakes, so that you do not have to make them on your RPPF . 

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  1. 50+ Visual Arts Extended Essay Topics for IBDP

    Art Conservation Techniques: Exploring the methods and challenges of art conservation. Restoration Ethics: Investigating ethical considerations in the restoration of artworks. Preserving Digital Art: Analyzing the strategies for preserving and archiving digital art. These categories offer a broader range of topics for an Extended Essay in ...

  2. IB Visual Arts Extended Essay Topics: Exploring the Ideas

    List of Visual Arts IB Extended essay topics. Below are some intriguing Visual Arts extended essay topics that can help you kickstart your research: The Significance of Color in Contemporary Art: An Analysis of the Work of Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko. With this topic, the student can begin by researching the use of color in art, its ...

  3. 100 IB Extended Essay Topic Ideas!

    An analysis of body modification in relation to social and cultural anthropology. 100. Chaste systems and social ranks in societies. There are so many class subjects that can form the basis of your extended essay, including these popular six subjects: - Information technology. - Computer science. - Health science.

  4. IB Visual Arts EE examples

    EE Visual Arts A. To what extent has the Indian culture influenced the architect Gajanan B Mhatre in the design of the Empress court in Mumbai during the British colonization. EE Visual Arts B. An exploration into the theme of motherhood in art during the early Weimar Republic, as seen through the works of Otto Dix and Käthe Kollwitz.

  5. How to Choose an EE Topic (Visual Arts)

    Choosing the EE Subject. It's important to: Choose a subject you are willing to dedicate many hours to, and. Understand what an EE in that subject is like. For example, science EEs look like longer science IAs and involve a lot of lab work, whereas English EEs are similar to long Written Task 2s and involve a lot of reading and analysis.

  6. Visual Arts Extended Essay: The Complete Guide for IB Students

    An extended essay in visual arts allows you to conduct study in a particular area of visual arts that is of interest to you. The conclusion of the study should be a clear and structured piece of writing that tackles a topic or research question pertinent to the visual arts in an effective manner.. The strongest EE in arts is the one that demonstrate a thoughtful selection of socially and ...

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

    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.

  8. Top IB Visual Arts Extended Essay Topics: Expert Tips

    Find engaging IB Visual Arts Extended Essay topics. Get expert tips on choosing and researching compelling topics in Visual Arts. This article, penned by an experienced IB educator, offers a carefully curated list of potential essay subjects, from the influence of surrealism in modern advertising to the evolving role of technology in digital art.

  9. DP Visual Arts: The Extended Essay

    Students can choose from the subject areas on offer and as an IB Visual Arts teacher you will probably be asked to supervise one or more essays of those students who chose a Visual Arts topic. The EE is compulsory for all Diploma Programme studentsThe extended essay is an in-depth study on a topic chosen from the list of approved Diploma Programme subjects.

  10. DP Visual Arts: A Good Read: the Visual Arts Extended Essay

    As would be expected, the weakest essays are those without a clear focused topic. Essays with topics that are too broad and general such as "the role of women in art", or even "the role of women in abstract art" are difficult to build up a convincing argument or point of view.Much better to take a narrow approach such as "Joan Mitchell and Agnes Martin; different approaches to ...

  11. IBDP : Visual Arts

    An extended essay in visual arts provides you with an opportunity to undertake research in an area of the visual arts of particular interest to you. ... Choosing a topic that covers many aspects of art history and/or a long period of time is also unlikely to result in a successful essay. Restricting the scope of the essay will help to ensure a ...

  12. How to write a Visual Arts Extended Essay [2022 Ultimate Guideline]

    Five tips for writing a better-extended essay in IV Visual Arts. 10. Use Current Sources. 10. Use Contemporary Sources. 11. Contact Organizations such as Museums. 11. Stick to the Topic on Visual Arts. 11. Edit and proofread your essay. 11. Visual Arts Extended Essay topics. 12. Visual Arts Extended Essay.

  13. Extended Essay Topics: 50+ Examples for Subject in EE

    11. History Extended Essay. The consequences of dropping nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. You can investigate the economic, ethnic, social, and even environmental consequences of conflict diamonds. The evolution of military technology during the American Civil War.

  14. Tanglin LibGuides: IB Extended Essay (EE): Visual Arts

    Excellent Extended Essays - Visual Arts. To what extent should Fred Williams be regarded a landscape artist (with focus on the Pilbara Series)? (2014) How far Andy Warhol's interest in morbidity explored in his "Death and Disaster' series? (2014) How does the work of Ketna Patel illustrate the growing impact of media culture on Asian cultures ...

  15. Keystone Academy Libraries: Extended Essay: Visual arts

    A: Focus and method. [6] 5. The essay reaches achievement level 5-6 and deserves the lower mark. The topic of the essay is appropriate, interesting and made sufficiently clear, as is the purpose and focus of the research. The candidate does a good job of frequently bringing the discussion back to the research question.

  16. IB Extended Essay Ideas

    The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP or IB) is a rigorous high school program considered to be equivalent to the AP system, if not harder. Along with coursework and examinations in this two-year long program, there are expectations to write an in-depth essay on one subject of your selection, called the Extended Essay (EE ...

  17. DP Visual Arts: Sample Extended Essays

    Sample Extended Essays. Use this resource to get a sense of what examiners are looking for, and to share good practice with your students. Select the essay page you want to share in student access.These are all top scoring essays. Thank you to the students and their teachers!Please be aware that this is the student"s copyrighted material and ...

  18. IB Visual Arts Extended Essay Topics: Exploring the Ideas

    Write an long endeavor on Visual Artistic offer can opportunities to delving deep include the create worlds of art, her history, both his impact for society. Thus, choice the right Visionary Fine extended editorial featured is essential for a successful paper. Yes, a well-chosen your is key to craft a prosperous Visionary Arts extended essay.

  19. The Arts: Visual Arts

    Students can choose an extended essay topic related to an area of their visual arts course, but students can also choose to explore other areas of the subject. ... the student's own art-making processes and resolved pieces . the student's visual arts journal . a favorite artist, time period, style, medium, or theme; A topic that can be ...

  20. Extended essay

    The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. One component of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, the extended essay is mandatory for all students. Read about the extended essay in greater detail. You can also read about how the IB sets deadlines for ...

  21. Examples

    These highlight the diverse range of topics covered by International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) students during their extended essays. Some examples are: "An analysis of costume as a source for understanding the inner life of the character". "A study of malnourished children in Indonesia and the extent of their recovery ...

  22. Extended essay: Visual art

    When writing about Visual Arts. There are a few points worth considering when writing an EE in Visual Arts. Take these into consideration when reading the following essay: Be careful not to summarise secondary sources (i.e. history books on art). Focus on applying theories and ideas on art to particular artists.

  23. 100+ Art Essay Topics for Your Excellent Paper

    Best art essay topics in December 2023. How modern technology has altered the landscape of art. The value of public artworks in contemporary cityscapes. The colossal cultural influence of Christmas art. How social justice movements relate to artistic expression. How works of art and literature depict mental illness.