I'm working on my Extended Essay (EE) for the IB diploma, and I'm a bit overwhelmed with choosing a topic. Do you guys have any suggestions or tips on how to come up with an interesting and doable topic? Thanks in advance for your help!
I can imagine it must feel overwhelming to choose a topic for your Extended Essay. Here are a few tips to help you narrow down your options and find a topic that interests you:
1. Reflect on your interests: Think about the subjects you enjoy the most and the topics that have caught your attention in class. Your topic should be something that intrigues you and has a potential for in-depth analysis. When you're passionate about the subject matter, the process of researching and writing will be more enjoyable.
2. Consider your coursework: Look back at the work you've done in your classes and consider choosing a topic that builds on something you've already studied. This might make the research process more manageable since you already have some background knowledge.
3. Consult with teachers and advisors: Talk to your teachers and IB advisors about potential topics. They may have suggestions based on their experience or knowledge of your interests and strengths.
4. Choose a subject with ample resources: Make sure there's enough material available for you to research your chosen topic. Check libraries, online databases, and other resources to ensure there's enough information for you to provide a comprehensive analysis in your Extended Essay.
5. Be specific and focused: While it's essential to choose a topic you're passionate about, you also want to make sure your topic is focused and specific. A narrower topic will allow you to go more in-depth, whereas a broader subject might leave you feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information you need to cover.
Here are a few topic ideas in various subject areas to help you get started:
- History: Analyze the impact of a specific historical event on society, such as the influence of the French Revolution on European politics or the Civil Rights Movement in the United States.
- Literature: Explore the use of symbolism or recurring themes in a particular novel or author's work, like examining the theme of guilt in Macbeth or the role of nature in the poetry of William Wordsworth.
- Science: Investigate a topic related to environmental or health issues, such as the effects of pollution on marine ecosystems or the relationship between nutrition and mental health.
- Psychology: Examine the role of social factors in mental health, like how family dynamics affect the development of anxiety disorders or how cultural norms can influence body image issues.
- Economics: Analyze the effects of a specific economic policy on a country's growth, such as the impact of trade liberalization on developing nations or the consequences of implementing universal basic income.
Remember, the most important thing is to choose a topic that you're genuinely interested in and passionate about. Best of luck with your Extended Essay!
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