You have searched the Internet for the best History Extended Essay topics and come up empty?
Maybe you have some topic ideas, but you aren’t sure whether you can research the issue in an extended essay.
You’ve reached the right place.
It can be quite challenging to write an EE. You’ll find it overwhelming when you combine this with other assignments and class sessions.
You don’t need to know how to choose the topic, unless you are able to write it yourself. This guide will help.
How do you choose a good IB history extended essay topic?
History is the third of six IB subject areas. It includes Individuals and Societies as well as social sciences courses.
The IBDP curriculum includes much of choosing. However, we assume you have already decided on a history essay.
It’s possible to have lots of fun choosing your topics. But, like other topics, extended essays on history must adhere to certain guidelines.
What makes a good history extended essay topic?
The following criteria should be met in order to write a great History Extended Essay:
1. History dating back at least 10 years should be the topic
IB defines a history issue as one that is not older than 10 year. This makes it unsuitable to write the History Extended Essay.
Your topic must be about human history, and not just the present.
For high-quality topic selection grades, you should have a minimum of 10 years’ experience.
2. The topic should be relevant and acceptable
Your topic doesn’t need to be a subject in IB history. Any topic is possible.
You must choose an acceptable topic.
Your supervisor will review the topic you propose and decide whether it can be analyzed historicalally.
According to IB, the topic should be worth studying.
3. Choose a topic you can explore in 4,000 words
It is important that your chosen topic doesn’t go too far or be too narrow.
It should allow for in-depth analysis but not exceed the maximum word count.
4. Your topic should allow for critical analysis and commentary
Make an open-ended research project that will allow you to use an analysis approach and not a descriptive one.
Research questions should begin with words such “to what extent” and “how significant”, rather than words such “what” and “how”.
5. The topic should be academic and disciplinary.
Take the topic and tie it to one of your academic disciplines.
An example: If you decide to write about Great Depression in America, you could approach it from an economically-oriented perspective.
Sociological perspectives may be used to write about the impact of steam technology’s launch on population growth.
To be clear, academic treatments means that you can explore both primary and second sources in your research. Primary sources are more trustworthy.
This subject cannot be chosen if you are able to approach the topic from a historical perspective. If you are unsure, talk to your supervisor.
How to choose a good history IB extended essay
The guidelines help you make the selection process easier.
1. Generating ideas by thinking creatively
There are so many topic options, it shouldn’t be a problem. Any idea can be given a historical twist.
Techno buffs might be interested in how the steam engine influenced industry in Europe. There are many historical subjects for archaeologists.
You simply need to take down all the ideas that come to you, no matter how unlikely they may seem. Inspiration can come from friends, your coursework, popular media and books you’ve borrowed from the library.
We suggest that you consider topics that interest you deeply. These will motivate you to complete the assignment.
2. Simplifying Down
Prioritize the elimination of any inappropriate topics.
You can’t accept any complex, non-academic, or uninteresting works.
You can also eliminate any that aren’t “worthy of research.” You should remove any items that do not meet the above guidelines.
3. Choice
You now have a list with 3-5 more options. Each one is worth serious consideration.
Ask your librarian for information about the literature available on each topic.
Find out how common the topics are by looking at the responses. It’s a good idea to try new approaches or pick completely different topics. This will make your essay stand out and be interesting.
Keep in mind that there is always a plan B for when things don’t go according to plan.
4. Investigating
General research is necessary to understand the topic. Research can be done online and in libraries.
Here you need to be clear about what you’re dealing with, develop your approach, understand and possibly identify gaps. This stage is crucial in order to reach the most important.
5. Formulate your Research Question
The ultimate step in essay preparation is to formulate your research question.
This will help you to align your thoughts and inspire your research.
We agree with most IB scholars that 25% of research should be devoted to a single question.
Sample Essay on History
Here are some topic suggestions for the IB Extended Essay in History.
These are ideas. They can be used as a starting point for your own explorations into any topic you’re interested in.
You’ll also need to determine the research questions that are most relevant to your particular approach.
– The Rwandan Genocide.
– The cold conflict.
Salem Witch trials.
– The significance of Pearl Harbour
Explore the first and second Sino-Japanese Wars.
– The effect of dropping nuclear bombs on Hiroshima/Nagasaki.
Conflict Diamonds – You can examine their sociological, economic, and even environmental impacts.
– Historical impact of the Rosetta Stone.
– The invasion by Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia of Nazi Germany in 1939.
– The Crusades and their religious significance/political significance in Europe.
– China’s rule by Mao.
– Israel’s Six-Day-War of 1967. You can also learn about its impact.
– The role played by women during the 1st/2nd World War.
– The Victorian Era’s place for women.
– The economic significance of the slave trade in America/Europe.
– The fall USSR.
– The Cuban missile Crisis.
– Learn about the different epidemics that have occurred throughout history in light of Coronavirus.
– The history of medicine’s development.
– The history of medicine.
– The American Civil War: Military technology development.
– Military technology and its development during World Wars/Sino-Japanese Wars. Take, for example: Human torpedoes.
– Land tenures in Europe in the past (somewhere in Europe). You can explore, for example, the rights to land and peasants.
– The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s efforts in South Africa after apartheid.
– The Ottoman Empire’s Rise and Fall, Economic Impact, etc.
These topics are intended to be inspirational, so let’s be clear. These topics can be easily grouped and used to create a research question that is relevant to your purpose. Here’s an example.
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