I know how hard it can be to start writing an IB World Studies Extended Essay because I’ve done it before. But if you do it the right way, it can be a fun and satisfying task. This essay lets you make connections between different fields and look at world problems from various points of view.
From what I’ve seen, the most important things are picking the right topic, organizing your research correctly, and strictly adhering to IB’s rules. Let’s take it one step at a time.
What Is the IB World Studies Extended Essay?
The IB World Studies Extended Essay is a one-of-a-kind research project that lets students look at world problems from different points of view. The IB World Studies Extended Essay differs from other EEs because it asks you to use what you’ve learned in two or more IB courses to look at complicated world problems.
In other words, you can’t just look at a problem through the lens of one field; you have to connect different points of view to make a strong case. Students must think seriously about issues that happen in the real world, making the writing difficult and enjoyable to read.
For example, to study climate change, you could combine Environmental Systems & Societies and Economics and look into the scientific reasons and the economic effects of environmental policies. You could also look into human rights violations by combining Political Science and History and studying how laws have changed and affect current cultures.
I think the IB World Studies is one of the best choices for an Extended Essay because it covers a lot of different subjects. You get to work on topics you’re interested in and learn research skills that will help you after IB, whether you go to college or start a job.
Also, before you do anything else, understand the IB requirements. According to general IB guidelines, your essay should:
- Be between 3,000 and 4,000 words.
- Have a focused research question with clear connections to two IB subjects.
- Use credible, well-cited sources.
Remember that showing critical thinking and analysis is as crucial as giving facts.
Why Should You Choose IB World Studies for Your EE?
I’ve seen that students who do their Extended Essay in IB World Studies get a unique edge in school. This essay style forces you to do more than just basic research. It forces you to look into essential problems in the real world. Here are some main reasons IB World Studies might be a good choice for your EE.
1. It Allows Flexibility
Unlike conventional Extended Essays, which follow a single theme, the IB World Studies EE allows you to mix two fields. This enables you to investigate a subject most suited to your academic talents and interests. If you like economics and science, for instance, you may examine how regulations on renewable energy affect world markets.
2. It Connects Your Essay to the Real World
One of the best things about an IB World Studies Extended Essay is that it is useful in real life. You will not just study general ideas; you will also look into world problems people face now. No matter your topic—income inequality, AI, climate policy, or access to health care—your writing will help you learn more about current problems.
3. It Develops Critical Thinking and Research Skills
For this kind of Extended Essay, you must combine knowledge from different sources, analyze different points of view, and make a strong case. These are some of the most valuable skills I think you can learn in the IB school. Universities like students who can look at problems from different points of view. The IB World Studies Extended Examination helps you get better at this.
4. It Helps You Stand Out in University Applications
There are a lot of standard research papers and articles that students going to college have written on a single topic. But by picking IB World Studies, you show admissions managers that you can think critically about ideas from different fields, break down complicated problems, and do a lot of research. It can help your application stand out, especially if you want to study Interdisciplinary Sciences, Global Studies, or International Relations.
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Steps to Write a Good World Studies EE
I’ve seen that students who follow an organized plan do better on tests and feel less stressed during the process. Here are some important steps to help you stay on track and write a great World Studies Extended Essay.
Step 1. Choose a Strong and Interdisciplinary Topic
Step one is to choose a topic that combines two IB courses and focuses on a problem that affects people worldwide. This part is important because the IB likes approaches that draw from different fields and promote critical thinking. For instance, you could combine economics with environmental systems and societies to examine strategies for climate change.
An excellent topic should be related to both subjects, current with global issues, and specific enough to be thoroughly analyzed in 4,000 words. Spending time thinking of ideas carefully will make a big difference. I have seen that students find it much easier and more fun to research and write when they choose topics they are genuinely interested in.
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Step 2. Develop a Clear Research Question
Make a focused research question out of your topic once you have one. The question should help you with your research and give you direction. Some good question starters are “How much does X affect Y?” or “To what extent does X affect Y?”
As an example:
❌ “Social Media and Politics” is too broad and not strong.
✅ “How much has social media changed the number of people who vote in the US and France over the last ten years?” is a better topic with a clear goal and world importance.
A good research question lets you look at things from different points of view and make cases based on facts.
Step 3. Research Thoroughly and Organize Your Sources
You need to do good research to write a good IB World Studies EE. To back up your points, use both primary and secondary sources:
- Books and academic journals provide credible background information.
- Government reports and policies are useful for case studies.
- Interviews and surveys add unique insights if applicable.
- Newspaper articles are helpful for current events but should be critically evaluated.
Make a research log to organize your sources, notes, and main points. Trust me, this will save you time in the end!
Step 4. Outline Your Essay Before Writing
A good plan keeps your essay organized and stops you from repeating yourself too much. Your IB World Studies EE should start with an introduction stating your research question, explaining why it’s essential, and describing how you plan to answer it. There should be clear parts in the main body:
- Background information and theoretical perspectives.
- Evidence and case studies from Subject A.
- Evidence and case studies from Subject B.
- Comparative analysis and synthesis.
Lastly, the conclusion should restate the main points, consider the importance of the research, and suggest areas that could be studied further. This way of organizing your essay will help you write it quickly and ensure your ideas flow smoothly.
Step 5. Write a Strong First Draft
You can start writing your essay now that you have a plan. I always tell my students that the most important thing is to get their ideas down on paper, not how well they are put together. Each paragraph should start with a clear topic sentence that presents the main idea. Then, it should have strong points backed up by solid proof.
To keep academic ethics, you must properly cite your sources. Your writing shouldn’t just list facts but be critical, giving you new ideas and perspectives related to your research question. As you work, keep returning to your question to ensure your analysis stays on track and makes sense.
Step 6. Edit and Refine Your Essay
Once your draft is finished, relax before looking over it. This step facilitates your more rapid spotting of mistakes and weak arguments. Also, consider this editing checklist:
- Does each section directly support the research question?
- Is my case grounded on evidence and balanced?
- Have I accurately mentioned all the sources?
- Are my paragraph transitions clear-cut?
- Is my writing clear and succinct?
Ask your supervisor, teachers, or peers for comments, then adjust. Sometimes, a new viewpoint points out areas needing work.
Step 7. Proofread and Format According to IB Standards
Your essay has to be polished last. Look for format problems, clarity, and grammar. IB rules state that your EE must cite consistently using MLA, APA, or Chicago. Double-check that:
- Your word count falls within the 3,000 and 4,000 range.
- Your appendices and bibliography are correctly arranged.
- Your paper keeps proper academic language.
Once everything is in place and thoroughly reviewed, submit your IB World Studies Extended Essay with confidence, knowing you have made an effort to produce a well-structured and thoughtful analysis.
Final Thoughts
Writing an IB World Studies Extended Essay takes time, hard work, and careful planning. These organized steps will help you stay on track. From what I’ve seen, students who remain interested, think critically, and stay organized throughout the process write the best essays. Spending some time ahead and approaching your research deliberately can help you simplify the process and enable you to create significant output.
If you need professional help, BuyExtendedEssay.com has what you need to ensure your essay meets IB standards.
Valerie Green
Valerie Green is a dedicated educator who spends her time helping high school and college students succeed. She writes articles and guides for various online education projects, providing students with the tools they need to excel in their studies. Friendly and approachable, she is committed to making a difference in the lives of students.
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