history extended essay tips

• How to Structure an IB History Extended Essay: A Comprehensive Guide

The Extended Essay Challenge

The IB History Extended Essay (EE) is a significant academic undertaking that requires you to conduct independent research on a topic of your choice. Structuring your essay effectively is crucial to presenting your research in a clear and coherent manner. This guide will help you organize your IB History EE to ensure that it meets the IB criteria and showcases your analytical and research skills.

The Importance of Structure

A well-structured essay not only helps you present your arguments clearly but also makes it easier for the examiner to follow your line of thought. Imagine reading an essay where ideas are jumbled and key points are lost in the confusion. Proper structure is key to avoiding this pitfall.

Key Elements of an IB History Extended Essay

1. Title Page

• Title : Should be concise and focused on your research question.
• Candidate Details : Include your name, candidate number, and session.
• Subject : Specify that the subject is History.
• Word Count : Provide the total word count of the essay.

2. Abstract (No longer required in the new EE guidelines)

• The abstract is no longer a requirement as per the updated IB guidelines. Ensure you are following the latest requirements by checking the IB Extended Essay guide.

3. Table of Contents

• Headings : List all major sections and subsections with corresponding page numbers.
• Clarity : Ensure the table of contents is clear and accurately reflects the structure of your essay.

4. Introduction

• Research Question : State your research question clearly and succinctly.
• Context : Provide background information and context to your research question.
• Significance : Explain why the topic is significant and worth researching.
• Thesis Statement : Present your main argument or thesis statement.
• Scope : Outline the scope of your essay, including what you will and will not cover.
• Overview of Sources : Summarize the key sources you have used.
• Historiography : Discuss different historical interpretations and debates related to your topic.
• Thematic or Chronological Organization : Organize your analysis either thematically or chronologically, depending on what best suits your topic.
• Detailed Analysis : Provide a detailed analysis of your primary and secondary sources.
• Evidence and Examples : Support your arguments with specific evidence and examples from your research.
• Critical Evaluation : Critically evaluate the sources and interpretations, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.
• Constructing Arguments : Develop clear and coherent arguments that support your thesis.
• Linking Sections : Ensure each section logically follows from the previous one and leads into the next.

6. Conclusion

• Restate Thesis : Summarize your main findings and restate your thesis in light of the evidence presented.
• Implications : Discuss the broader implications of your findings.
• Further Research : Suggest areas for further research or questions that remain unanswered.

7. References and Bibliography

• Citation Style : Use a consistent citation style (such as Chicago, MLA, or APA) as recommended by your supervisor.
• Comprehensive List : Include all sources cited in your essay in a comprehensive bibliography.
• Primary and Secondary Sources : Differentiate between primary and secondary sources in your bibliography.

8. Appendices (if applicable)

• Supplementary Material : Include any supplementary material such as maps, charts, or images that are relevant to your research.
• Referencing in Text : Ensure that all appendices are referenced in the main body of your essay.

Tips for a Successful Extended Essay

1. Choose a Focused Topic

• Narrow Scope : Select a specific and focused research question that allows for in-depth analysis.
• Interest and Relevance : Choose a topic that interests you and has sufficient available resources.

2. Conduct Thorough Research

• Primary Sources : Seek out primary sources such as letters, diaries, official documents, and contemporary accounts.
• Secondary Sources : Use secondary sources such as books, journal articles, and scholarly critiques to provide context and analysis.

3. Draft and Revise

• Initial Draft : Write a complete first draft, focusing on content and argumentation rather than perfection.
• Feedback : Seek feedback from your supervisor and peers.
• Revisions : Revise your essay based on feedback, focusing on clarity, coherence, and depth of analysis.

4. Proofread

• Grammar and Spelling : Carefully proofread your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
• Formatting : Ensure that your essay adheres to the required formatting and citation guidelines.

Steps to Implement Your Structure

• Plan Your Research : Create a research plan and timeline to ensure you cover all necessary areas.
• Organize Your Notes : Keep your research notes organized by theme or chronological order.
• Outline Your Essay : Create a detailed outline before you start writing.
• Write in Sections : Write your essay in sections, focusing on one part at a time.
• Review and Edit : Continuously review and edit your work to ensure it meets the IB criteria.

Crafting a Compelling Extended Essay

Structuring your IB History Extended Essay effectively is crucial for presenting your research clearly and coherently. By following this guide, you can ensure that your essay is well-organized, thoroughly researched, and analytically robust. Embrace the challenge, stay focused, and enjoy the process of exploring your chosen historical topic in depth.

Related Articles:

• Tips for Writing IB History Essays: A Comprehensive Guide
• Understanding IB History: A Comprehensive Guide
• Understanding the Differences Between IB History SL and HL
• Common Mistakes in IB History Exams and How to Avoid Them
• Comprehensive Guide to Preparing for the IB History Exam
• Preparing for IB History with Mock Exams and Practice Tests
• How to Prepare for IB History Exams: A Comprehensive Guide

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

International Baccalaureate (IB)

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

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

IB Extended Essay: Why Should You Trust My Advice?

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

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

What Is the Extended Essay in the IB Diploma Programme?

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

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

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

The IB Extended Essay must include the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the topics covered in your viva voce :

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

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

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

What Should You Write About in Your IB Extended Essay?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1: Write About Something You Enjoy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don't get stuck with a narrow topic!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#6: Start Writing Sooner Rather Than Later!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The early bird DOES get the worm!

How Is the IB Extended Essay Graded?

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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Tips for writing an EE in History

1. Choose an interesting, unique topic

The first step to any successful Extended Essay (EE) is choosing a good topic. This can actually be one of the most challenging parts of the process! I recommend choosing a topic that, first and foremost, interests you . You’ll be exploring this topic for over a year, so the best way to remain motivated is to research something you actually want to research.

Also choose a topic that isn’t overdone. Your examiner is human, so it’s best to keep them engaged and excited about your topic by writing about an area of history that, perhaps, is a little more obscure. At the same time, make sure it isn’t so obscure that you can’t find many good sources about it. It’s a balancing act. 

Personally, I wrote my History EE about how the March First independence uprisings of 1919 impacted Japanese colonial policies in Korea until 1941 . This topic interested me, was unique, and had ample resources, checking off all of the recommendations! 

2. Use a broad range of sources

Now that you’ve chosen a topic, it’s time to start researching. When you compile resources, try to get a diverse mixture of primary and secondary sources. 

Primary sources are “immediate, first-hand accounts of a topic, from people who had a direct connection with it”; they may include newspaper articles, interviews, photographs, and more. 

Secondary sources are usually produced later on, and talk about a historical event retrospectively and with a layer of “interpretation and analysis”. A prominent historian’s book, for example, is a good secondary source. (Pro tip: if you struggle to find primary sources, many secondary sources will reference or excerpt primary sources, so you can find a lot of them from there!) 

Don’t use textbooks or Wikipedia, as these are considered tertiary sources. Dig a little deeper! 

It’s also important to have a diverse range of sources. In my case, since I was looking at Japan’s colonial policies in Korea, I consulted both Japanese and Korean sources to look at “both sides” of history. By using many different sources, you will show a deeper understanding of your chosen topic. 

3. Have a thesis

Okay, this one seems pretty obvious, but it’s actually easy to forget to have a thesis after so much researching and planning. Remember: you aren’t writing a history report, you’re writing a history essay. A good IB History teacher will constantly wisely remind you: don’t write a narrative. Don’t simply recount the events that happened; instead, say something about the events. After doing all your research and preparation, think about what argument you’ll be developing throughout your essay. 

4. Focus on structure

The EE is 4000 words long, so organization is key if you want to get your points across effectively. I recommend choosing a few key areas within your topic that you want to address. Turn these areas into your “chapters” to give your essay a coherent structure. Here’s an example from my History EE’s table of contents: 

As you can see, I divided up my essay into 4 main chapters with certain subsections. By structuring my EE in this way, my goal was to make it easier for the reader to follow the essay. I recommend creating a table of contents page before you even start your EE, as this will allow you to follow a set structure as you write, improving your organization. 

5. Address multiple perspectives

If you’re aiming to achieve a high mark on your History EE, try to integrate multiple different perspectives into your essay. This shows that your arguments are nuanced and you’ve taken into account contrasting viewpoints before arriving at your conclusion. For example, if you’re arguing that economics was the primary cause of World War I, you should also consider the political and social situation in Europe at the time. But don’t leave it at that! After addressing the counterarguments, you should then discuss why your main thesis statement still stands and is the strongest argument. This will actually make your essay more persuasive. 

These are just some of the tips you should keep in mind as you approach your History EE. While the EE may feel daunting and stressful at times (trust me, I’ve been there), if you think of it as an opportunity to study and write about anything you want to, it can actually become a fun and engaging process. Good luck with your EE! 

Read Tiffany’s overview of the Extended Essay here .

Read Bryan, Nikki, Bianca, and Victoria’s experiences of the EE here .

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IB History EE examples

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IB History Extended Essay Topics

As an IB educator and writer, I’ve seen the significant growth students experience in the IB DP History course . However, the most notable part of this development frequently happens throughout the Extended Essay writing process. The practical application of historical theory helps students to take on the role of historians. This post provides advice and recommendations on selecting a topic and writing your IB History Extended Essay.

What Is IB DP History Course?

The IB History course is a fascinating and multidimensional path through time that aims to engage students in the complexity of human history. In my perspective, the course’s strength is its comprehensive approach to comprehending the forces that have formed our world. It is more than merely knowing about the past. It is about understanding why these events happened, how they shaped the present, and how they may affect the future.

In addition, IB History encourages students to become historians. This involves learning skills valuable for historical research and other areas of life outside the classroom. Critical thinking is at the forefront of these skills, allowing students to analyze sources, weigh evidence, and draw informed conclusions about the past.

The Extended Essay, an essential part of the IB History course, shows the program’s emphasis on individual investigation and in-depth study. This task encourages students to conduct deep research on a historical topic that interests them. It’s a daunting task that requires students to apply the skills they’ve learned throughout the course: developing a research question, gathering and analyzing materials, and building a well-supported argument.

How to Choose a History Extended Essay Topic?

Finding a topic that resonates with you is crucial. Throughout the IB History course, there will undoubtedly have been moments that captured your imagination more than others. Was it the intrigue of Cold War diplomacy, the cultural revolutions of the 1960s, or perhaps the ancient civilizations of Egypt or Rome that fascinated you? Start there. Reflect on the lectures, readings, and discussions that sparked a desire to learn more.

However, passion alone isn’t enough. Your chosen topic must also align with the IB History curriculum and offer a rich field for investigation. Here are the key considerations:

• Your topic should reflect the themes, periods, and areas covered in the IB History course.
• Ensure there are ample primary and secondary sources available on your chosen topic. Reliable sources are essential for conducting thorough research.
• Your topic should allow you to formulate a specific research question. Avoid overly broad issues that cannot be covered effectively within the word limit.
• A good topic is well-defined and narrow enough to be manageable. Vague or overly broad issues can lead to superficial treatment of the subject matter.
• Consider the feasibility of your topic. Can it be thoroughly researched and addressed within the constraints of the Extended Essay format?

Lastly, strive for a topic that offers a fresh perspective or researches less commonly discussed aspects of history. Originality can make your essay stand out and demonstrate your creativity and analytical skills.

IB Extended Essay Topics: History

Here are 30 topic ideas, along with their respective research questions, to inspire your project:

• The Impact of the Cold War on Space Research . How did the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union drive the space race, and what were its most significant outcomes?
• Women’s Suffrage Movements in the Early 20th Century . To what extent did women’s suffrage movements in Britain and the United States share common strategies and ideologies, and how did they differ?
• The Role of Propaganda in Nazi Germany . How did Nazi propaganda aim to create a unified national identity, and what methods were most effective?
• Economic Consequences of the Treaty of Versailles . What were the long-term economic impacts of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany, and how did they contribute to the rise of National Socialism?
• Decolonization and Independence Movements in Africa . How did the process of decolonization in Algeria compare with that in Kenya, and what factors contributed to the differences?
• The Cuban Missile Crisis: A Nuclear Standoff . What critical decisions did the leaders of the United States and the Soviet Union make during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and how did these decisions prevent a nuclear war?
• The Cultural Revolution in China . What were the primary goals of the Cultural Revolution in China, and to what extent were they achieved?
• Impact of the Silk Road on Cultural Exchange . How did the Silk Road facilitate cultural exchange between East and West, and what were its most significant impacts on the civilizations it connected?
• The Fall of the Roman Republic . What were the causes of the fall of the Roman Republic, and how did the transition to empire affect Roman society?
• The Vietnam War and Its Impact on American Society . How did the Vietnam War influence American public opinion on foreign policy and military engagement?
• The Development of Atomic Energy and Its Global Implications . How did the development of atomic energy during and after World War II influence global politics and the onset of the nuclear age?
• British Colonial Rule in India . What were British colonial rule’s economic, social, and political impacts on India, and how did they contribute to the Indian independence movement?
• The Influence of the Renaissance on Modern Western Thought . How did the Renaissance influence modern Western thought in art, science, and philosophy?
• The Role of Cryptography in World War II . How did the use of cryptography by Allied forces contribute to the outcome of World War II, specifically focusing on the Enigma machine?
• The French Revolution and the Rise of Napoleon . How did the French Revolution pave the way for Napoleon’s rise to power, and what were the key reforms he implemented?
• The Global Impact of the Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918 . How did the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 affect global populations differently, and what were its long-term impacts on public health policies?
• The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and its Role in Sparking WWI . To what extent did the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand contribute to the outbreak of World War I, considering the complex web of alliances and tensions in Europe?
• The Influence of Social Media on the Arab Spring . How did social media act as a catalyst for political and social change during the Arab Spring, and what were its limitations?
• The Partition of India: Causes and Consequences . What were the primary causes of the Partition of India in 1947, and how have its consequences shaped the current political and social climates in India and Pakistan?
• The Impact of the Gold Rush on California’s Development . How did the California Gold Rush 1849 impact the state’s economic development, demographic changes, and social structures?
• The Salem Witch Trials: A Study of Fear and Social Paranoia . What factors contributed to the outbreak of the Salem witch trials, and what does this episode reveal about the social and psychological underpinnings of early American colonial society?
• The Role of the Ottoman Empire in World War I . What was the strategic significance of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, and how did its participation affect the outcome of the war?
• The Chornobyl Disaster: A Historical Analysis of its Causes and Effects . What caused the Chornobyl nuclear disaster, and what have been its long-term environmental and health effects?
• The Development and Impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade . How did the transatlantic slave trade develop, and how did it impact African societies and economies?
• The Cultural and Political Impact of the Beatles . How did the Beatles influence cultural and political attitudes in the 1960s, particularly regarding youth culture and anti-war movements?
• The Evolution of Espionage During the Cold War . How did espionage tactics evolve during the Cold War, and what impact did intelligence activities have on the relations between the Soviet Union and the United States?
• The Rise and Fall of the Aztec Empire . What factors led to the Aztec Empire’s rapid rise and subsequent fall, and how did the Spanish conquest alter the course of Mexican history?
• The Influence of the Enlightenment on the American and French Revolutions . To what extent did Enlightenment ideas influence the ideologies and outcomes of the American and French Revolutions?
• The Berlin Airlift: A Turning Point in the Cold War . How did the Berlin Airlift signify a turning point in the Cold War, and what does it reveal about the powers’ strategies and priorities?
• The Impact of Apartheid on South African Society . What were the social, economic, and political impacts of apartheid on South African society, and how are its effects still felt today?
• The Economic Policies of Mao Zedong . How did Mao Zedong’s economic policies impact China’s rural population during the Great Leap Forward?
• The Rise of Feminism in the 20th Century . What key factors propelled the second wave of feminism in the United States during the 1960s?
• The Disintegration of Yugoslavia . What were the primary causes of the disintegration of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, and what role did ethnic tensions play?
• British Policies and the American Revolution . How did British economic and political policies in the colonies contribute to the outbreak of the American Revolution?
• The Global Influence of the Portuguese Empire . How did Portuguese maritime findings impact global trade patterns in the 16th century?
• The French Resistance during World War II . How effective was the French Resistance in thwarting Nazi operations during World War II?
• The Impact of the Panama Canal on Global Trade . How did the construction of the Panama Canal in the early 20th century affect global trade and geopolitical strategies?
• The Role of the Media in the Vietnam War . How did media coverage in the United States influence public opinion and policy decisions during the Vietnam War?
• The Abolition of the Slave Trade in the British Empire . What economic and social factors led to the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire in 1807?
• The Influence of Nikola Tesla on Modern Electrical Engineering . How did Nikola Tesla’s inventions and theories contribute to the development of modern electrical engineering?
• The Cultural Impact of the Beatles Beyond Music . Beyond their musical contributions, how did the Beatles influence 1960s culture globally regarding fashion, lifestyle, and politics?
• The Effects of the Black Death on Medieval European Society . How did the Black Death alter the social and economic structures of medieval European societies?
• The Role of Women in World War I . How did women’s roles in the workforce and military change during World War I, and what were the long-term effects on gender roles?
• The Fall of the Berlin Wall and European Unification . What were the immediate and long-term impacts of the fall of the Berlin Wall on European political and economic unification?
• The Genocide in Rwanda: Causes and International Response . What were the leading causes of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, and how effective was the international community’s response?
• The Economic Reforms of Atatürk in Turkey . How did Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s economic reforms transform Turkey in the early 20th century, and what long-term impacts did they have on Turkish society?
• The Decolonization of the Caribbean . How did the process of decolonization unfold in the Caribbean, and what were the primary factors that influenced the different paths taken by these territories?
• The Manhattan Project and its Consequences . What were the scientific, ethical, and political implications of the Manhattan Project on the international stage during and after World War II?
• The Influence of the Spanish Inquisition on European Society . How did the Spanish Inquisition affect religious and cultural life in Spain, and what were its repercussions throughout Europe?
• The Rise and Impact of the Zulu Kingdom . How did the rise of the Zulu Kingdom under Shaka Zulu influence the regional dynamics in Southern Africa?
• The Witch Trials in Early Modern Europe . What factors contributed to the outbreak of witch trials in early modern Europe, and how did societal attitudes towards these trials change over time?
• The Formation and Impact of NATO in the Cold War . What role did NATO play in the Cold War dynamics, and how did it influence the policies of both Western and Eastern bloc countries?
• The Boxer Rebellion and Its Impact on Chinese Imperial Rule . How did the Boxer Rebellion influence the course of Chinese history and its relationships with Western powers at the turn of the 20th century?
• The Social Effects of the Industrial Revolution in Britain . How did the Industrial Revolution transform social structures and day-to-day life in Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries?
• The Impact of the Great Depression on American Foreign Policy . How did the Great Depression affect the United States’ foreign policy, particularly in terms of isolationism and interventionism?

It is also a good idea to consult with your teacher or advisor to refine your choices. Seek feedback from peers or mentors who can provide fresh perspectives on your work.

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Every part of the writing process, from selecting a fascinating topic to conducting comprehensive research and constructing a convincing argument, provides a chance to improve your historical knowledge and academic skills. Also, our experienced IB writers are always ready to help you with extended essays on any subject.

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IB History Extended Essay Topics

The Extended Essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, culminating in a 4,000-word paper. It’s an important component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and allows students to engage in an in-depth study of a topic that interests them. Aspiring IB History students must complete their EE to gain the full diploma.

When working on an EE, students need to follow very specific guidelines and formatting expectations. The essay should look professional, be free of errors, have a clear layout, and have a unique and interesting thesis statement. For IB History specifically, topics should relate to some historical event or time period.

Most EE topics require a large amount of research. Students are expected to use reliable and high-quality sources for information. Additionally, topics should not be too broad but also not too narrow—there needs to be enough material available to create a comprehensive essay.

It’s also important to keep in mind the weight of the essay in a student’s final grade. An EE typically includes a title page, table of contents, introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion, list of works cited, and any additional appendices. Getting started can seem daunting, but with clear goals and guidance, you can break the process into manageable parts.

• The Impact of World War I on the Russian Revolution: A Comparative Analysis of Pre- and Post-War Societal Changes
• The Rise and Fall of Apartheid in South Africa: Analyzing the Political and Economic Factors
• The Cuban Missile Crisis: Assessing the Role of Cold War Diplomacy in Averting Nuclear War
• The Spanish Inquisition: Exploring the Socio-Cultural and Religious Dynamics of Persecution
• The Fall of the Berlin Wall: The Interplay of Political and Cultural Factors in East and West Germany
• The Chinese Cultural Revolution: Assessing the Legacy of Mao Zedong’s Policies on Modern China
• The Influence of Ancient Greek Democracy on the Formation of the United States Constitution
• The Role of Women in the French Revolution: Analyzing the Contributions and Limitations of Female Activism
• The Armenian Genocide: Investigating the Origins, Perpetrators, and International Response
• The Impact of the Printing Press on the Protestant Reformation: A Study of the Spread of Ideas in 16th Century Europe
• The League of Nations: Evaluating the Successes and Failures in Preserving Global Peace and Security
• The Indian Independence Movement: A Comparative Study of the Strategies Employed by Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose
• The Influence of the Enlightenment on the American and French Revolutions: A Comparative Analysis
• The Iranian Revolution of 1979: Examining the Role of Religion and Nationalism in Shaping Political Change
• The Rwandan Genocide: Analyzing the International Community’s Response and its Implications for Future Conflict Resolution
• The Consequences of the Treaty of Versailles on Post-World War I European Stability
• The Great Depression: Investigating the Effects of Economic Policies on the Global Recovery
• The Role of Propaganda in Shaping Public Opinion During World War II: A Comparative Study of Nazi Germany and Allied Nations
• The Impact of European Colonialism on the Formation of Modern African Nation-States
• The Vietnam War: Analyzing the Domino Theory and its Influence on American Foreign Policy

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Brainstorming ib history topics.

When it comes to choosing an IB History Extended Essay topic, the sky is the limit. IB History offers a wide range of topics that span from ancient history to the contemporary world and beyond. To choose the best topic for your essay, it’s important to brainstorm several ideas and then narrow them down until you find your final topic. Here are some tips for brainstorming IB History topics for your essay.

1. Pick an Interesting Area

When selecting an area for your IB History topic, pick something that interests you. You will be researching this subject in depth, so it helps to pick something that catches your eye. Think about the topics that most pique your curiosity and consider these when narrowing down your choices.

2. Select a Time Period

Before you start brainstorming specific topics, it’s important to select a time period. This will help you to focus on topics within the scope of your essay. The IB History syllabus includes comprehensive studies of events, people, and societies from prehistory to the present day. Consider which time period you would like to focus on and use this to guide your research.

3. Brainstorm Ideas

Now that you have identified a broad area of research and a specific time period, it’s time to brainstorm some potential topics. Start by making a list of ideas and then narrow it down by considering which ones you think would make for compelling research. Consider topics related to events, people, or societies within the chosen time period. You can also look for potential connections between topics for added interest.

4. Research Specific Topics

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential topics, start researching each one. Try to find out as much information as you can about each topic, including background information and any relevant primary sources. This will help you decide which topic you would like to develop further and ultimately write your essay on.

5. Review the IB Assessment Criteria

Finally, before you make your final decision, take some time to review the IB Assessment Criteria. Understand what the components of the assessment are and make sure that your chosen topic is suitable. This will help ensure that you are on the right track early on and can dedicate more time to researching and writing the essay itself.

Developing Your Topic

Finding the right topic for your IB history extended essay is an important step. After brainstorming relevant and engaging topics, you’ll need to narrow your choices down to one final topic. This process can take some time and effort, but it’s well worth the effort. Here are a few tips for selecting the perfect topic:

• Think carefully about your passion and interests. Consider what topics you find the most interesting and engaging, and then research those topics more deeply. By selecting a topic that you have a real connection to, you are more likely to stay motivated and enjoy the writing process.
• Conduct a thorough research. Explore each of your suggested topics in greater depth. Gather as much information as possible and narrow your focus to a single topic.
• Identify an original angle. While it can be tempting to choose a broad or popular topic, try to choose something unique and specific that sets you apart from other students. Create a thesis statement that will ensure that your essay provides insight into the subject matter.

By using these guidelines and following the step-by-step process, you can select a topic for your IB history extended essay that you find interesting and engaging. When you have settled on a topic, you can begin conducting research and writing your essay.

Researching the Topic

Research is an essential part of writing your IB History Extended Essay. Gathering reliable sources that are relevant to your topic is the first step towards writing a successful essay.

There are a variety of sources you can use when researching your topic. Some good places to start include online databases, libraries, textbooks, and journals. It is important to use sources that are reliable and accurate, so be sure to double-check who the authors are and any associated credentials.

When researching, make sure to keep track of where you are gathering your information from. This will help you later when you are citing your sources in the essay. You should also take notes as you go along, as this will help you to remember which sources you used for each particular piece of information.

In addition to traditional sources, there are a number of other methods you can use to research your topic. Interviews, surveys, and field observations are just a few ways you can gather additional information. As always, make sure to record your sources and check for reliability.

As you do your research, be sure to pay attention to any opposing views or counterarguments. Understanding different perspectives can help you develop a more balanced and nuanced argument in your essay.

Finally, you should aim to draw connections between all your sources. Identifying patterns and themes can help you find evidence to support your thesis and provide an overall structure for your essay.

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Writing the Essay

Writing your extended essay on IB History is an exciting challenge, but it can be daunting. However, with some careful preparation and organization, you can craft a powerful, persuasive argument that will get you the grade you’re looking for.

Formulating an Argument

When writing an extended essay, it’s important to make sure that you’re arguing for a clear point of view. Start by doing research into your topic area and brainstorming ideas about what you want to say. Once you have done this, you can begin to form a thesis statement and outline the structure of your essay. Remember to keep it focused, so that you can make your point in a concise and compelling way.

Organizing Your Thoughts

Organizing your thoughts in advance is key when writing an extended essay. When you have multiple sources to consult and various points to consider, it can be easy to get sidetracked. To keep yourself on track, start by creating a timeline and a plan. Break the task down into manageable steps and set deadlines for each one. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t miss anything important.

Creating a Powerful Introduction, Body Sections and Conclusion

Now you’re ready to start writing. The introduction should set the stage for the rest of your essay, giving background and context and introducing the main points you will be discussing. The body sections should each make a compelling case for your argument, supported by facts and examples from your research. Finally, the conclusion should summarize the main points of your essay in a concise and effective manner.

Overall, if you take the time to plan and organize your essay before you begin writing, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. By taking this approach, you will be able to create a coherent and persuasive essay that will impress your reader.

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Failed your extended essay what to do, editing and revising your essay.

Writing an extended essay for IB History can be a challenge, especially when it comes to the editing and revising process. Fortunately, with some careful planning and organization, you can make this step of the process much easier.

The first step in the editing and revising process is proofreading. This involves making sure that your essay is free from any errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It’s important to take your time when doing this, as even the smallest mistake can detract from your overall grade. Once you’ve finished proofreading, the next step is to check for coherence. This involves ensuring that the ideas in your essay are logically connected and flow together. If your essay jumps around too much, it can be difficult for readers to follow your ideas.

Another useful tip is to consult with experts or mentors who may have experience writing essays in the same field. They can often provide valuable feedback and advice that can help you improve your essay. Additionally, it’s helpful to read your essay aloud, or have someone else read it out loud, as this can help you identify any awkward phrasing or unclear sentences.

Overall, editing and revising your extended essay for IB History can be daunting, but with some careful planning and organization, it doesn’t have to be! So take your time, proofread thoroughly, and don’t forget to consult with experts or mentors if you need feedback.

Writing an IB History Extended Essay doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right amount of preparation and research, you can craft an essay that will be well-received by your teachers and peers.

This guide has offered a comprehensive overview on how to go about writing a successful extended essay, from brainstorming topics to researching, writing and editing. Additionally, resources such as examples of excellent essays, common mistakes to avoid, and FAQs were provided to give readers a further understanding of the expectations of a successful Extended Essay.

Take the time to read through this guide and make sure you are inline with all the guidelines, as they are there to help you produce a high quality essay. Good luck!

• Last Edit 11 May 2023

Nick Radlinsky

Nick Radlinsky is a devoted educator, marketing specialist, and management expert with more than 15 years of experience in the education sector. After obtaining his business degree in 2016, Nick embarked on a quest to achieve his PhD, driven by his commitment to enhancing education for students worldwide. His vast experience, starting in 2008, has established him as a reputable authority in the field.

Nick's article, featured in Routledge's " Entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe: Development through Internationalization ," highlights his sharp insights and unwavering dedication to advancing the educational landscape. Inspired by his personal motto, "Make education better," Nick's mission is to streamline students' lives and foster efficient learning. His inventive ideas and leadership have contributed to the transformation of numerous educational experiences, distinguishing him as a true innovator in his field.

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When IB students start their Economics Internal Assessment (IA), it’s important for them to pick an interesting topic. For the school years 2024/2025, we will consider many different areas of economics, ranging from the rise of inflation to the changing nature of global trade.

In this article, we discuss the easiest and hardest extended essay subjects, providing insights to help you make an informed decision. From the creative freedom found in the Arts to the demanding nature of the Experimental Sciences, we break down into what makes a subject approachable or daunting.

In this article, I’ll consider the immediate steps you should take after receiving an EE score that didn’t meet your expectations. We’ll discuss how to analyze feedback effectively, manage your emotions, and consider whether a retake is the right choice for you. If a retake isn’t feasible, we’ll look at alternative paths that can still lead you to diploma success.

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Extended essay guides

The extended essay documentation you can find here:

- Top right - EE proposal form Word document

- Left - EE guide from the IB

- Right - Champittet Core document

- Below left - Core bonus points matrix

- Below right - EE Reflection form & guidelines

- Bottom left - World Studies EE requirements

- Bottom centre - EE  examiner rubric

- Bottom right - History EE examples

Reflections guidelines

World studies - global themes - examples, guidelines...

IB extended essay - examiner mark scheme....

Grade A examples of previous extended essays in History

A literature review allows you to pause in the EE process and look around you and at the resources you have uncovered.  It should provide you with an opportunity to assess what you have and how it can help you answer your question.  The document below expands on what is required and how to go about completing it...

Welcome to the IB Diploma Programme - Y12 EE practice research paper

The Diploma Programme has 6 subjects and a Core programme

Each subject provides 7 possible points - 24 are needed to pass

Moreover. the Core programme needs to be passed

The Core is the EE (Extended essay of 4000 words); CAS (Creativity, Action, Service); and TOK (Theory of Knowledge)

The EE must be written and TOK coursework completed, both at a passing grade

The CAS portfolio must be planned, engaged with consistently + completed

The task you will have over the next 4 weeks is to practice skills for your EE

You will need to create a question concerning any topic of interest from the history course you have completed; or use one of the topics overleaf as a guide

The skills outlined underneath will provide introductory lessons about how to start, engage with and complete a research paper

The word count will be a minimum of 1500 words with drafts expected to be 2000

Your deadline will be the penultimate Friday of the year with all final drafts to be handed in by then

What is analysis?  How can structure make or break my essay?

It seems a slightly odd place to start your research paper introduction - why not start with a 'how to write an introduction' section after all?  However, the ability to understand what underpins the whole point of research is something that needs spelling out before we go anywhere near technical stuff like that...

Analysis, loosely speaking, is the technique that probably appears most in mark-schemes across the IB subjects (well, maybe most in Group 3) without ever really being explained anywhere in course content or accompanying literature.  It seems mystical - a magic formula that once recreated will allow your grades to soar up up and away - well that's not so far off the truth.

Analysis is the process by which you examine the point and evidence you have produced together in answer to a question.  This examination needs to establish what your point and evidence help you to answer about the question and how strong that answer is.  You need to consider therefore, what weaknesses your point and evidence possess in order to fully analyse any point of evidence you use in answer to any question.  This process should hopefully allow you to only use the strongest bits of evidence in the right way and therefore allow you to answer with insight.  Once your various points and pieces of evidence have been examined, analysis then consists of you combining your findings into one over-arching answer that answers the big question you've been set or you've devised yourself (such as with your EE).

Analysis however is difficult to conjure out of thin air - just as any magic formula needs a recipe, analysis needs structure in order for it to work properly, or indeed work at all.  Your big question needs sub-dividing into smaller questions, each of which will allow you to examine a different aspect of the big question.  These smaller questions allow you to focus your analysis even further and so allow your answers to become more detailed, more precise and ultimately, more successful as answers.  The correct structure therefore allows for better analysis and therefore a better final result.  Research papers therefore at their very core need effective analysis, which is only really allowed by an effective structure.

Your task is in pairs - each read one of the Word docs model history essays at the top .  Identify the structure (how is it signposted to the reader and what does it consist of)? and then try to identify the analysis (how does the essay arrive at its answers?)

What are references and when should I use them?

References and referencing...

They allow us to show where we have got our information from. 

Anything that is not your own original thinking or work needs referencing! 

If you don`t reference these ideas, this is plagiarism

The more references, the better!

It's much better to have too many references rather than too few

What do we need to reference?

Statistics – figures, graphs, images, pictures, photos etc

Quotes – speeches, passages from texts, interviews etc

Ideas from others , phrasing that isn't yours etc

DON`T just copy and paste paragraphs

Choose the most important part of the paragraph, the bit that sums up the idea

EITHER Quote it in speech marks & reference it

OR Paraphrase the rest of the idea – put it into your own words

Reference this as well

  4. Maps & graphs ,

  5. Diagrams. Pictures, Photographs, Posters

How do we reference?

Book reference – 1 author

      Surname, Initial ``Title" (Publisher; Year of publication) page number (p 1 page; pp more than 1 page – pp6-8)

  2.  Edited book reference – collection of different authors` work

     Surname, Initial ``Title of chapter" ; Surname, Initial "Title of book" (Publisher ; Year of pub.) pg no.

  3.  Newspaper/magazine article reference

      Surname, Initial "Title of article" (Name of newspaper, magazine ; City ; Date of issue) pg no.

  4.  Academic journal article reference

      Surname, Initial ``Title of article" (Name of academic jounal ; issue number ; date of pub) pg no.

  5.   Internet site article reference

      Surname, Initial " Title of article" ; URL address ; last date accessed

       ..these protocols are for the first time you reference the source in your text - thereafter, shorten to:

      Surname ``abbreviated title in italics` ` pg no.

       ..if you use the same source on the same page straight after, you can further shorten your reference to:

      Ibid, pg no.

How do I write an effective introduction?

Introductions are a necessary evil of essay writing - they fulfil vital roles and determine in many ways the success or otherwise of the whole piece

they are tricky to write - and can lead to a procrastination vortex where we end up writing, then rewriting, then rewriting them over and over and over whilst never really starting the proper essay.

So - how do we avoid this and how do we write a decent introduction?

The key introduction consists of 4 vital ingredients...which we will talk quickly about at the end of the exercise

- watch the clip above and see if you can identify what makes these film introductions great introductions

- get into a group and decide on 4 main ingredients these film introductions have

- add onto whiteboard under your names..

- then ask for the handout which reveals your 4 vital ingredients

- can you match up your film introductions to these vital ingredients?  Which films match up to each vital ingredient? (two ingredients have multiple film openings attached; two ingredients only have one attached)

How do I write an effective conclusion?  ( https://libguides.hull.ac.uk/essays/conclusions - last accessed 14/06/22)

Essay writing: conclusions ​.

'Conclusions are often overlooked, cursory and written last minute. If this sounds familiar then it's time to change and give your conclusions some much needed attention. Your conclusion is the whole point of your essay. All the other parts of the essay should have been leading your reader on an inevitable journey towards your conclusion. So make it count and finish your essay in style.

Know where you are going

Too many students focus their essays on content rather than argument. This means they pay too much attention to the main body without considering where it is leading. It can be a good idea to write a draft conclusion before you write your main body. It is a lot easier to plan a journey when you know your destination! 

It should only be a draft however, as quite often the writing process itself can help you develop your argument and you may feel your conclusion needs adapting accordingly.

What it should include

A great conclusion should include:

A clear link back to the question. This is usually the first thing you do in a conclusion and it shows that you have (hopefully) answered it.

A sentence or two that summarise(s) your main argument but in a bit more detail than you gave in your introduction.

A series of supporting sentences that basically reiterate the main point of each of your paragraphs but show how they relate to each other and lead you to the position you have taken. Constantly ask yourself "So what?" "Why should anyone care?" and answer these questions for each of the points you make in your conclusion.

A final sentence that states why your ideas are important to the wider subject area. Where the introduction goes from general to specific, the conclusion needs to go from specific back out to general.

What it should not include

Try to avoid including the following in your conclusion. Remember your conclusion should be entirely predictable. The reader wants no surprises.

Any new ideas. If an idea is worth including, put it in the main body. You do not need to include citations in your conclusion if you have already used them earlier and are just reiterating your point.

A change of style i.e. being more emotional or sentimental than the rest of the essay. Keep it straightforward, explanatory and clear.

Overused phrases like: “in conclusion”; “in summary”; “as shown in this essay”. Consign these to the rubbish bin!

Here are some alternatives, there are many more:

The x main points presented here emphasise the importance of...

The [i nsert something relevant ] outlined above indicate that ...

By showing the connections between x , y and z , it has been argued here that ...

Never end with someone else's words!  You don't need memorable quotes here (use the intro for that) - bowl the examiner over with your own final sentence which nails the question!!

Maximise marks

Remember, your conclusion is the last thing your reader (marker!) will read. Spending a little care on it will leave her/him absolutely sure that you have answered the question and you will definitely receive a higher mark than if your conclusion was a quickly written afterthought.

Your conclusion should be around 10% of your word count. There is never a situation where sacrificing words in your conclusion will benefit your essay.'

Final exercise

...return to the first workshop we did and access the two model essays - how effective are the conclusions? 

Which bits work and why?  Are there any sections that could be done better - how?

Make a note of how they answer the question, the judgement they arrive at as a result, and the impression that they leave the reader with... a sense of completion? underwhelmed? satisfied? feeling of unfinished business?

Make sure your final section in your draft maximises the potential within your written work......

Tips for Success: Approaching your IB History Extended Essay Topic

Economics, History & Theory of Knowledge

August 31st, 2017 Last updated: March 9th, 2022

In this blog, Anna outlines the initial steps to choosing an IB History Extended Essay topic and question as well as how to approach the planning process.

Step 1 – Choosing your Topic

• The topic chosen must focus on the human past (at least 10 years ago). If you choose to ignore this, you will lose many marks across several criteria.
• It does not need to be a topic you are studying in your course, but can be. However, your supervisor must accept it.
• Try to avoid an overlap with your History IA question.
• There is a heavy emphasis on the use of BOTH primary and secondary sources and a broad range of different types of sources.
• Like your History IA, it is important that you keep the scope of your EE narrow to stay within the 4000 word limit.

Students often choose History for their EE as it lends itself well to essay writing as well as offering interesting topics. However, that does not mean it is just a matter of writing anything. There is a requirement that you ‘critically analyse’. Therefore, you must avoid questions that lead to a narrative response.

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Step 2  –  Choosing your question

Types of questions that work are:.

• How successful…?
• How significant…?
• To what extent…?

Focused topics

• An examination of the economic reasons that led to the overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate in Japan.
• An evaluation of the success of denazification carried out in the US zone of Germany 1945–48.
• An examination of the extent to which the Holodomor in the Ukraine 1932–33 was a failure of Stalin’s policy of collectivisation.
• An examination of the extent to which the overthrow of Allende in 1973 was the result of external factors.

Too Broad topics

• The overthrow of the Tokugawa Shogunate in Japan.
• Denazification in Germany after the Second World War.
• The introduction of collectivisation in the Soviet Union.
• The coup against Allende 1973.

Don’t forget one of the key concepts should be addressed through your question:

• consequence
• significance
• perspectives

Step 3  –  Selecting and Using Sources

Not enough sources.

There should be enough sources to make the investigation meaningful, and if you find there are not enough, then you should change your direction.

Possible approaches to the research question include:

• using primary and secondary sources in order to establish and appraise varying interpretations,
• analysing sources in order to explain changing views over time of particular happenings or developments,
• using source material for a case study or local history project, perhaps leading to a comparison of local and national developments,
• collecting and analysing oral and written data from family and other contacts to help explain past happenings, perhaps leading to a comparison of local and national developments,
• using all available sources to answer the question posed. [2]

Step 4  –  How to approach your essay

Once you have decided on your topic and designed your question, usually with the help of your Supervisor, you need to decide how you will tackle the investigation. Before diving straight in it is advisable to create a flexible flow chart – outlining your approach.

An example of this is below:      

Topic  – The Cuban Missile Crisis and Containment. 

Research question  – To what extent were the objectives of the United States of America’s Policy of Containment achieved in relation to Cuba between April 1961 and October 1962? 

Step 1  – General reading around the topic to provide myself with greater context and to select relevant sources. 

Step 2  – More detailed research on the policy of Containment and whether changes were applied from its origins, using when possible both primary and secondary resources. 

Step 3  – To research the Cuban Missile Crisis between April 1961 and 1962, using (when possible) both primary and secondary resources. 

Step 4  – An examination and evaluation of different interpretations needs to addressed. 

Step 5  – An evaluation as to whether the Policy of Containment in relation to Cuba between April 1961 and October 1962 was achieved, allowing a conclusion to be reached. 

Step 6   – Select and evaluate at least two main sources using the OPCVL approach, but this should be later integrated into the main essay. 

Step 7  – Select historical perspectives on the topic and be prepared to show why they have this opinion – again this should be integrated into the essay. 

Step 8  – Decide on subheadings, if required,  for the essay.   Don’t forget it essential that you record your research notes. See how to do this in my blog ‘ Tips for success: How to research your IB History IA ’, as the same process applies.  [1] https://ibpublishing.ibo.org/extendedessay/apps/dpapp/guide.html?doc=d_0_eeyyy_gui_1602_1_e&part=10&chapter=6&section=2 [2] https://ibpublishing.ibo.org/extendedessay/apps/dpapp/guide.html?doc=d_0_eeyyy_gui_1602_1_e&part=10&chapter=6&section=3

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With over 20 years teaching students across the secondary age range, Anna has many years successful experience teaching IB, A-Level, GCSE and IGCSE...

With over 20 years teaching students across the secondary age range, Anna has many years successful experience teaching IB, A-Level, GCSE and IGCSE History, Economics and TOK both within the U. K...

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• Nishit Kumar said on 18th Jun 2019 The DP history course is a world history course based on a comparative and multi-perspective approach to history. It involves the study of a variety of types of history, including political, economic, social and cultural, and provides a balance of structure and flexibility. Reply
• Owl Tutors replied on 18th Jun 2019 Dear Nishit Thank you for reading! Best wishes Owl Tutors Reply

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How to get full marks on source questions in history a-level: 4. using the provenance of the source to assess reliability.

In the penultimate post in this series, Andrew looks at how the provenance of the source (including its author, and the time and place in which it was produced) can be used to examine a source’s reliability.

Author Owl Tutors Read 9 minutes

How to get full marks on source questions in History A Level: 3. Using knowledge to assess the accuracy of a source

In the third post in this series, we will look at how to show A Level examiners that you can assess the accuracy of sources. People in the past did not always give an impression consistent with the facts available to us. Good historians will compare the information presented by any source to what they already know of the period.

Author Owl Tutors Read 6 minutes

How to get full marks on source questions in History A Level: 2. Using the content of the source (A grade)

This is the second post in a series that shows you how to approach source questions in History A Level, and hopefully also how exciting analysing primary source material can be. In this blog, Andrew sets out how to raise the quality of your answer to A* level by showing understanding of the source in context, and focusing on the question.

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How to get full marks on source questions in History A Level: 1. Using the content of the source (C grade)

Source questions are often the aspect of A-Level History that students find most difficult, but can also be one of the most exciting aspects of the course. Every source provides a window into the ideas, emotions, and thought processes of past human beings. Andrew covers the basics of writing about the information drawn from the source.

Tips for success: How to write Section 3 of your IB History IA

Having successfully written Sections 1 and 2 of your History IA, it is now time to reflect and write Section 3. In this blog, Anna will walk you through the necessary steps to help you gain full marks for this section.

Author Owl Tutors Read 3 minutes

Tips for success: How to research your IB History IA

Once you have chosen the topic and question of your History IA, it's time to get researching! In this blog, Anna sets out some top tips on how best to research and record notes. Research in itself is a vitally important skill assessed throughout the IB Diploma - getting this right can mean the difference between a History IA's success and failure.

Author Anna Read 3 minutes

7 Tips for Choosing a Successful IB History IA Topic and Question

Choosing the right History topic and question for YOU can make the difference between success and failure. Below are 7 steps to help you choose an appropriate topic and question.

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History Extended Essay: Definition, Outline, Assessment Criteria

by  Antony W

June 9, 2024

History Extended Essay is an assignment that gives you the opportunity to conduct in-depth research in an area of your interest – and of local, regional, and global significance.

Your research should clearly demonstrate a structured essay that addresses your research question in-depth.

The research question should encourage investigation that leads to in-depth analysis and critical commentary.

Rather than focusing on the “how” or “what” type of questions, focus on the “how successful” or “how significant” questions because they get you involved in comprehensive analysis of the issue you want to investigate.

Writing an extended essay in history isn’t hard, but it can be challenging if you struggle with history topic selection , extensive research, and writing.

That’s why we’re here to help.

Don’t let your IB History Extended Essay give you sleepless nights or wait until the last minute. Hire our team of IB experts to help you write and score an A in the subject. 

• Get 100% unique history EE written on any topic and completed on time.
• Take advantage of our 25% off discount on your first order if you’re new to Help for Assessment

However, if you have the time to write your History EE and you need a complete guide to help you through the process, keep reading. 

What is IB History Extended Essay? 

What is IB History Extended Essay?

An IB History Extended Essay is a 4,000-word long essay that offers a more in-depth exploration of a topic of your interest with an emphasis on primary sources.

The Extended Essay in History requires thorough, independent research of the topic.

As you work on the essay, you’ll develop and sharpen your research, analytical, and communication skills.

By the time you complete this assignment, you’ll not only have a clear idea of the kind of research professors will expect you to do in university but also develop the capacity to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize knowledge.

How to Write a History Extended Essay Based on the Assessment Criteria

The following assessment criteria will help you to write a comprehensive, A-level Extended Essay in History:

1. Focus and Method (6 Points)

Your research issue must be historical, confined to a specific period, country, people, or events that took place 10 or more years ago.

Make the research question specific and straightforward to allow in-depth analysis and wide enough for the word limit.

To get an A, ensure your history essay topic is accurate, properly focused, and clearly stated. Your research methodology must be exhaustive, effective, and credible. 

2. Knowledge and Understanding (5-6 Points)

Demonstrate that you understand the research question you selected in the wider historical context.

Also, you should show a proper use of relevant historical terms and concepts and, while you’re at it, stick to the ten-year rule.

To get a 6, show in your History Extended Essay an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the selected topic. Then, use the methods learned in the coursework and textbooks to explore the topic effectively. 

3. Critical Thinking (12 Points)

To get 12 points for critical thinking, your History Extended Essay should demonstrate a crucial engagement with the past .

Don’t quote what you read from other sources.

Instead, go as far as to explore and analyze the sources to come up with a compelling argument supported by analysis of the research material followed by consistent conclusions.

Examiners are interested in your analytical skills, not your ability to describe historical events. Once you’ve identified your position relative to your sources, draw convincing arguments for or against it.

Follow that by giving an analysis of the evidence, making sure you explain how reliable and/or accurate you think the evidence is.

Overall, your essay must have: 

• A reasoned argument developed from your research
• A critical evaluation of your research
• A structure and coherent argument where minor inconsistencies don’t hinder the main argument or invalidate the conclusion
• A conclusion consistent with the material analyzed

4. Presentation (4 Points)

Presentation evaluates how well you’ve structured your essay in relation to the acceptable academic standards.  

• Include section structure with a logical arrangement and the required formatting.
• Use charts, graphs, tables, and related figures ONLY where you feel they illustrate points more clearly, and make sure you name and explain them well.
• Acknowledge figures, calculations, text, and any other element used directly from a source.

Because your intention is score good marks for presentation, your History Extended Essay should have a clear layout that supports and simplifies the reading and evaluation of the work.

5. Engagement (6 Points)

Engagement evaluates how well you interact with the research process.

To score a six, you need to demonstrate a high level of engagement with clear insights so that your supervisor can clearly see your thoughts and decision-making process.

To do this, give clear evidence for your conclusions without making assumptions.

The best way to explain personal engagement is y being critical with your own methods and conclusion, even to the extent where you show where you think you should have done better.

If you can describe the challenges you face and the solutions you adopted, you’ll score a six.

Your reflections also count as far as engagement is concerned.

If anything, you need to make sure they communicate a high degree of intellectual and personal engagement with the research question developed during the initial stages.

Lastly, ensure you us your own voice to show authenticity, a creative approach, and an intellectual initiative.

History Extended Essay Format/Outline

What remains now is to write your essay.

But first, since organization counts towards the total points for presentation, we need to outline the essay in an acceptable extended essay format.

Here’s one example.

You should note that the title page, table of contents, bibliography, appendix, and the various figures do not count towards the word count.

However, figures with a lot of words will be added. Also, anything past 4000 words will not be read or graded.

We already have a full article on how to choose a history EE essay which you can check out here on our blog's article section. You will also find lots of sample topics to help you get started.

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.

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

Table of Contents

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

What is the EE?

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

Tips on Getting Started

1. pick a subject and topic:.

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

2. Design a research question:

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

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

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

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

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

3. Finding sources:

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

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

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

Tips on Organizing your Sources

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

2. Visit a library.

3. Structure your reading to avoid re-reading:

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

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

Tips on Writing the Essay

A formal essay follows the model below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Extended Essay Writers

How to Write a History Extended Essay for IB Success?

Luke MacQuoid

Having been through the IB program’s roller coaster, I’ve picked up a thing or two about writing the ideal History extended essay. Now, let me share my experience to guide you on this academic task.

IB History Extended Essay: Assessment Criteria & Word Count

First and foremost, let’s talk about the word count. The maximum limit for an IB extended essay is 4,000 words . However, this does not include the abstract, footnotes, bibliography, or appendices. Sticking to this limit is crucial; any essay exceeding this will be penalized in the assessment. It taught me an invaluable lesson in brevity and precision, ensuring every word served a purpose.

Regarding assessment criteria, the IB History extended essay is evaluated based on specific benchmarks. These include:

• Focus/Method (6 points) . It assesses the clarity of your research question, the scope of your study, and the method deployed for the research.
• Knowledge and Understanding (6 points) . Here, the emphasis is on your grasp of the chosen topic and its context. 
• Critical Thinking (12 points) . It’s a very hefty one. It evaluates the analysis, discussion, and evaluation of the essay.
• Presentation (4 points) . While content is king, presentation is equally crucial. It assesses the structure, layout, and formal elements of the essay.
• Engagement (6 points) . It reflects your engagement with the topic and how well you’ve reflected on the research process.

The IB History extended essay is not just an academic task; it’s a rite of passage for every IB student. It teaches discipline, research acumen, analytical prowess, and, most importantly, the art of presenting complex ideas in an accessible manner.

Importance of Picking the Right Extended Essay History Topics

Selecting a topic isn’t just about ticking off a checklist. It’s about laying the groundwork for an essay you’ll be invested in for months. The right topic is akin to a guiding star, keeping your research and writing focused. It’s not an overstatement to say that half the battle is won when choosing a topic that aligns well with the IB criteria and your interests.

Tips for Choosing Engaging Extended Essay Topics in History

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, some general pointers have stood the test of time. Remember that the topic should have sufficient resources available for research, yet it shouldn’t be so broad that it becomes overwhelming.

From what I’ve seen and experienced, topics rooted in a specific event, person, or period often yield the most compelling essays. For instance, instead of attempting to cover the entirety of World War II, you might focus on a particular campaign or a leader’s strategic decisions.

Furthermore, topics that challenge popular narratives or introduce fresh perspectives can be enriching. Not only do they offer a chance to showcase your analytical skills, but they also highlight your ability to think critically.

Lastly, always be open to feedback. Discuss your potential topics with teachers, peers, or mentors. An outsider’s perspective often clarifies or introduces angles you hadn’t considered. And if you want to find some actual History extended essay topics , follow this link to another article in our blog.

Structuring Your IB History Extended Essay

Now, onto the nitty-gritty – the structure. An organized essay is like a well-oiled machine. Each section plays a pivotal role. Start with a compelling introduction, follow it up with solid arguments, and conclude in a manner that leaves an impression. Here’s a guide on how to structure your IB History extended essay to maximize clarity and coherence.

1. Introduction: Setting the Stage

Your introduction should be clear and captivating. Begin with a brief overview of the topic to give readers a context. Follow this with your research question, setting the tone for the investigation. It’s also a good place to briefly hint at the significance or relevance of your topic in a broader historical context. Remember, the introduction is your first impression; make it count!

2. Research Question or Hypothesis

Clearly state the question you intend to answer or the hypothesis you aim to test. It provides direction and purpose to your essay.

3. Background or Historical Context

Before getting into the core arguments, provide readers with a brief background of the period, event, or phenomenon you’re examining. This foundation ensures that readers, regardless of their prior knowledge, understand the backdrop against which your research unfolds.

4. Body: The Heart of Your Essay

Each paragraph should present a distinct argument or point substantiated with evidence. Start each section with a clear topic sentence, followed by evidence and your analysis. Ensure that the evidence you present directly supports your arguments.

5. Conclusion: Tying It All Together

Reiterate the significance of your research question and concisely summarize your main arguments. Discuss the implications of your findings and hint at areas for future research. The conclusion should leave the reader with a sense of closure and completeness.

6. Bibliography or Works Cited

Always list all the sources you consulted. Adhere to a specific citation style (like MLA, APA, or Chicago) as guided by your instructor. This section is crucial for academic integrity and to acknowledge the works of scholars and researchers you’ve referenced.

7. Appendices

If you have additional data, charts, or images that supplement your essay but might disrupt its flow, include them in the appendices.

How to Write History Extended Essay: Research and Sources

At the heart of every compelling History extended essay lies a foundation of robust research. The right blend of primary and secondary sources can enrich your narrative, offering your arguments diverse perspectives and concrete evidence. However, not all sources are created equal. In my time grappling with historical essays, I learned that the credibility of your sources could make or break your work:

• Primary sources – like letters, diaries, treaties, artifacts, or contemporary records – offer firsthand accounts of the events. They’re the raw materials, providing a direct window into the past. While they are invaluable, it’s essential to approach them with a critical lens, considering the context in which they were produced and potential biases they might carry.
• Secondary sources , such as books, academic papers, and historians’ interpretations, provide a step back. They offer analyses, building upon primary sources and prior research. These are great for understanding the broader context and seeing where your research fits into the larger historical discourse.

However, a word of caution! In the digital age, while access to information has become more accessible, so has the proliferation of inaccurate or biased content. Constantly evaluate the reliability of your sources. Who’s the author? What’s their background? Is the publication reputable? Cross-referencing facts with multiple reliable sources is an excellent habit to cultivate.

Organizing Your Research Effectively

Research for an extended essay isn’t done in a day or two; it’s a prolonged process, and without a system, it’s easy to lose track or get overwhelmed. So, start with a research log. Whenever you find a potential source, jot down its details and key points or quotes you might want to reference. It saves time later and ensures you keep track of valuable information.

Need help with your IB extended essay?

From research and analysis to structuring and editing, our skilled mentors will be by your side, helping you craft an exceptional extended essay that not only meets the wordcount and stringent IB criteria but also reflects your passion for selected IB group .

Another helpful tactic is categorizing sources based on themes or arguments they’ll support in your essay. It can be done using physical index cards, digital tools like Evernote, or simple spreadsheets. Color coding can also be a visually effective method to differentiate between primary and secondary sources or historical themes.

Remember to refine and prune your sources constantly. Only some things you come across will make the final cut. As your essay evolves, specific sources might become redundant or less relevant. It’s okay to let them go.

Lastly, back up your research. There’s nothing worse than losing weeks of work to a technical glitch. Regularly save your work on cloud storage, external drives, or printed copies.

Writing IB History EE with Clarity and Precision

Historical writing is a dance between fact and narrative.

Here are some techniques that have stood me in good stead:

• Thesis Statement . Every History extended essay should have a clear thesis or central argument.
• Topic Sentences . Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence. It directs the paragraph and makes your essay more navigable for readers.
• Concrete Evidence . Always back up your claims with evidence from reliable sources. Quoting primary sources lends authenticity to your arguments.
• Different Sentence Structures . While clarity is critical, variety keeps the reader engaged. Mix short, impactful sentences with longer, more descriptive ones.
• Consistent Tense . In historical writing, it’s easy to jumble past and present tenses. Decide on a tense (usually past for historical events) and stick to it.
• Active Voice . While passive voice isn’t incorrect, active voice makes your writing more dynamic and direct.
• Transition Phrases . These are the bridges between your ideas, ensuring a smooth flow. Phrases like “furthermore,” “however,” or “in contrast” guide the reader through your arguments.
• Personal Insight . While working within the boundaries of historical facts, feel free to offer your interpretations or insights, especially if you can back them up with evidence.

And, of course, as I’ve come to value deeply over the years, proofread, proofread, and proofread some more. It isn’t just about catching typos but refining arguments, improving flow, and ensuring clarity.

History Extended Essay Examples: Learning from the Best

Examining stellar History extended essay examples is one of the best ways to understand what works. They offer a practical insight into structure, content, and presentation. Reading a well-crafted essay can sometimes spark ideas or approaches you hadn’t previously considered.

While samples are invaluable, remember to maintain your unique voice. The individual touch, rigorous research, and clarity will make your IB History EE stand out.

In wrapping up, always reflect upon your path in writing a History extended essay. From my experience, the process often offers as much learning as the content itself.

There’s a world of resources out there for the keen IB student. Be it books, online databases, or writing tools, always rely on reputable sources. Your essay reflects your hard work; ensure you give it the best. You can always contact us if you need help writing an extended essay .

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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Writing An Extended Essay: History Topics You Can Explore

As always, just like in several other forms of writing, the toughest part is getting started with your extended essay. This may seem a great challenge. However, starting the work early on is a great advantage as this may provide you with lots of perks as you go through the entire writing process. Indeed, please be guided that this kind of paper refers to a research-based paper that must be written in a formal approach. The subject matter is chosen by the student; however, this must link in some way to one of the International Baccalaureate curricular areas.

Please be advised that a good research query must be able to satisfy the following factors or considerations:

• Is it the proper scope?

Needless to say, the query has to be one that is certainly answerable with a four thousand word count limit. So, this only means to imply that as a writer, you are to ask one comparably simple query. Perhaps, you might be thinking that a four thousand word count is so lengthy, but, the truth is you will eventually find this a short one especially after a long period of vast research and writing. This is the reason why it is highly advised to only make your query as concise or short as possible.

• Can you see clearly which course concepts you are going to utilize?

Consider if you’re able to point out the many and different course concepts which you could utilize to examine and determine your query. Take into account that it is impossible for you to discuss the query utilizing ideas or concepts from the course that it is not suitable or relevant. Your main objective should be to fully demonstrate how much you understand the concepts taught in class.

• Would you obtain the data?

It is fundamental to consider if you would absolutely have access to the secondary data you will need so you can correctly respond to your question and would you be able to execute the main research that is necessary? More than that, take note that this is a tricky one mainly because it is something that you will not often be able to respond to at once. Be that as it may, you really have to answer it very soon.

• Will this subject matter help you?

It is of course very crucial to consider if the research you perform shall assist you get into your chosen university program.

On the other hand, here are some of the history topics you can consider for an extended essay:

• What were the remarkable consequences of the First Gulf War?
• The Lack of Success of the German V-Weapon Program of the Year 1943 to 1945.
• How and why were Medieval Cathedrals constructed?
• The Suez Crisis and the Middle East from Eisenhower
• What are the Considerable Effects of the Industrial Revolution?

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Exam Strategy for IB History (HL/SL)

Jun 10, 2021 | IB subjects

1. Study Tips and Features for IB History

1.1 syllabus.

For IB History, both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) will follow the same syllabus. However, your school will decide which topics you are going to study within the syllabus. One of the key characteristics of this course is that some topics might only have a short span of 50 years, which allows you to conduct an in-depth analysis of the topic like a professional historian. For HL students, there will be an additional HL regional option compared to SL.

History HL (Higher Level)

1.2 overview of history hl.

For IB History, there is a huge difference between the HL course and the SL course. Although the skills required for both courses are somehow similar, the HL course dives into a deeper analysis of the topics provided. In addition to the SL requirements, HL students are expected to gain a deeper understanding of their own roles and responsibilities in the current society through examining historical events. It is also important to think about how historical events have affected the world that we are living in today, as well as how we should fully utilise the knowledge of these historical events to improve our future. Therefore, unlike SL students, HL students will have to develop the skill to critically explore how each event affects the nature of humans.

1.3 Study Tips

• You should always fully understand the truth of the historical events and form your opinions about why the event is significant and how it has influenced other events .
• Try to look at one event from a variety of perspectives and practice this skill thoroughly.
• Don’t forget to cite the sources correctly whenever you are completing an assignment such as the Internal Assessment (IA).

History SL (Standard Level)

1.4 overview of history sl.

In IB History, you will be learning the historical truths and develop the ability to analyse the historical events. You will also learn to understand how different perspectives lead to different interpretations as it is an exploratory subject that fosters a sense of inquiry. One of the most important skills will be the ability to analyse and interpret historical sources. Additionally, there is a need to explore an event from multiple perspectives by thinking critically.

1.5 Study Tips

• Make sure you read the historical records throughly to fully understand everything.
• Don’t try to cram everything in the end as you won’t have enough time to learn the material!
• Don’t just skim through the topics. Make sure that you are comfortable with all the topics that you have learned before going into a new one.

2. Assessment Model for IB History

Studying for IB History requires dedication and could be time consuming. It is important to master the exam techniques for each paper in order to gain a higher score. Always seek for help from your teachers or peers when you are stuck or unsure about a topic so that you can study efficiently without wasting your time!

3. Advices and Tips for Improving Your Score

3.1 advices and study tips for history.

• Develop you essay writing skills

For IB History, you will be expected to write tons of essays . Knowing how to structure your essay questions inside and out will be one of the most important things that you should remember. Make sure that you are answering the question and provide accurate historical facts.

2. Critical analysis is more important than solely memorising the facts

Memorising all the information you have is not going to help you in IB History. Having the ability to analyse the information that you have learned is more important than simply knowing the historical events. Make sure you know how to use the knowledge you have on the historical events, and use them to form your own opinions and interpretations.

3. Share your notes and sources with your classmates

You will be exposed to a large sum of sources and notes during the IB History course. The most important thing here is to share these resources with your classmates and discuss your opinions with them. By doing this, you can gain a wider perspective of a certain event and it is certainly a good chance for you to explore the topic further. Other than your classmates, you should also go to your teachers for additional advices and aim for the highest scores!

3.2 Strategies for Each Paper

Paper 1 (Source Based Paper) :

This paper is a source-based examination paper. The paper will contain four sources for each prescribed subject. Sources will be primary or a mixture of primary and secondary, and may be written, pictorial or diagrammatic. You will be asked to answer all four questions from the prescribed subject and some questions will be answered using only evidence from one or more of the sources.

Since there is only an hour for you to complete the exam, you will have to formulate a strategy before the exam in order to answer all the questions thoroughly. Timing yourself while doing a past paper is a good way to practice writing the essays in time. Also, be familiar with the criteria so that you know what components will let you score high. Completing the past papers while having the criteria in your mind will help you write an effective and persuasive essay.

Paper 2 (Essay Paper):

This paper is an essay-based paper. However, there are more things that you have to consider when doing this paper. Here are 3 tips for you to score high in this exam!

• Have a rich and accurate understanding of the world history topics that you have chosen

It is always good to be knowledgeable about a topic. The more information you have, the more successful you will be at crafting a persuasive argument . On the other hand, if you can’t accurately present the historical events in paper 2, you won’t be able to secure a high score on this paper. As mentioned before, don’t try to cram all the information at once right before the exam. Instead, read the sources and historical records regularly in order to fain an accurate understanding of everything.

2. Implement case studies into your essay

As mentioned above, it is important to fully utilise the knowledge that you have learned in this essay. Therefore, use case studies to back up your point and support your argument. Treat the historical events like a story so that it will be easier for you to memorise the events. Also, by doing this, it will allow you to implement the events into your essay smoothly.

3. Develop your skills for critical analysis

Simply stating the historical facts and giving out simple opinions is not the aim the IB History course. The biggest aim of this course is to be able to critically analyse historical events from a variety of perspectives . It requires you to evaluate opinions of different historians in your own responses. However, being able to evaluate from different perspectives without going too far off the road is a lot more difficult than you think . Therefore, you should practice the past papers regularly and write logical essays with effective arguments that are backed up by accurate historical information. When you’re practicing, don’t forget to ask for advice from your peers and your teachers!

4. History IA (Internal Assessment) & EE (Extended Essay)

4.1 history ia (internal assessment) advices.

You will be required to complete a Historical Investigation for your IA and this applies to both SL and HL students. You are allowed to choose a topic of your choice. It is important to score as high as possible in this component as the score you get in this adds up to your final grade.

• Do a broad research and use different types of sources to conduct your analysis

The aim of this is to conduct a research by interpreting and comparing historical events from multiple perspectives. Therefore, your topic should be based on something that is controversial . Some examples may include topics such as “The Meaning of the Atomic Bombings in Japan” or “The Pros and Cons of the Stalin Administration.” As you can see, these topics allows you to expand your discussions automatically. When stating your own opinions, it is important to conduct research on the topic. In addition, primary and secondary sources play a huge role in backing up your arguments. Hence, in order to score high in your IA, you must thoroughly analyse the sources whilst constructing your arguments and opinions.

2. Use the criteria to write your IA

Before you start writing your IA, you should always look at the criteria first. This way, you will have a better understanding of what you will need to include in your IA and what you don’t need. If you follow the criteria, you will be able to demonstrate your topic in a more effective way, which allows you to obtain a high score. Keep in mind that no matter how good your IA is, if it doesn’t follow the criteria, it will not get a high score so be careful.

3. Always ask for advice from teachers

The IB History IA is thought to be difficult as students are required to summarise sources while crafting an argument with personal opinions at the same time. Depending on the topic, some students may get overly emotional. Therefore, it is important to check whether your investigation is heading into the right direction and whether the argument is understandable. Always ask for advice from your peers and your teacher . Don’t be shy!

4.2 History EE Advice and Tips

The IB History Extended Essay (EE) requires the student to choose a topic of their choice and conduct an investigation on it. It is said that the EE is somehow similar to the IA. However, the EE requires a higher level of research skills, writing skills, analytical skills and creativity. Choose a topic or area that you like so that you can enjoy the process. In order to craft an effective EE, you will have to demonstrate the sources for the topic, evaluate them, and conduct several investigations on them. If you choose to do the EE on history, you will be expected to evaluate events from multiple perspectives , which may take a long time for you to finish writing the essay. However, it is a good opportunity for you to look into the connection between the historical events in the past and the current events in the modern society. Therefore, it is totally worth a try to challenge yourself !

Things that you should be careful about the EE

• Choose a supervisor who is knowledgeable in the subject area of your EE. Your supervisor is the person who is going to monitor your progress and give you advice. Therefore, you should schedule meetings with your supervisor regularly to make sure you are on track.
• When writing the History EE, you will have to conduct a massive research on the topic. Choose a topic that you are interested in so that you can enjoy the process.
• Go through different historical records and historical accounts from historians as you will have to understand the topic from different perspectives.
• Last but not least, don’t forget to cite your sources correctly!

5. Curriculum and Criteria for IB History

Please click here (IBO homepage) for further information on the curriculum and criteria.

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Tips for the Special Subject Extended Essay

        one general rule I follow is that whatever you have written you should be able to halve while improving the quality of the writing

Daniel completed his  BA History and Politics  at  Magdalen College  in 2023. He is a disabled student and the first in his immediate family to go to university. Daniel is a Trustee of  Potential Plus UK , a Founding Ambassador and Expert Panel Member for  Zero Gravity , a  Sutton Trust Alumni Leadership Board Member  and a History Faculty Ambassador. Before coming to university, Daniel studied at a non-selective state school, and was a participant on the  UNIQ ,  Sutton Trust , and  Social Mobility Foundation  APP Reach programmes, as well as being part of the inaugural  Opportunity Oxford  cohort. Daniel is passionate about outreach and social mobility and ensuring all students have the best opportunity to succeed.

The Special Subject Extended Essay at 6,000 words is likely to be one of the longest essays you write in your university career. It is quite different to most other assessments in being focused on primary source material. I want to give a few tips from my experience that you may find helpful

Start early

Give the paper a look as soon as it is released, to give you the maximum time to plan. That way you won’t be rushing at the end of term to get started. This also gives you time to ponder the question so you can give it your best shot.

Choose the question you can answer best

It may sound obvious, but it’s always worth choosing a question where you can put your best foot forward. This may be a different question to the one you find easiest or the topic you are most passionate about, but you want to ensure you can answer the exact question asked of you. Some questions give far more room than others to show your skills, so do watch out for this.

It is worth giving the mark scheme a review first, and understanding exactly what the tutors are looking for; that way you can assess the questions effectively to see what gives you the best chance to shine. You can then refer to it throughout the process, from planning to writing and redrafting.

Read all the sources on the reading list, and some of the secondary reading

The reading list is a key resource to use, so read all the sources on the list so you know exactly what material your tutor is expecting you to bring in. You may not use every source as they may not help you answer the question, but at least you have the maximum range to choose from. You may also choose to bring in additional sources, but that is your choice – often there is plenty on the reading list as it is to answer the question.

I chose to look at all the secondary reading on the reading list for my question, however that may not be necessary as after a while you tend to find similar information or arguments are communicated – this is often a sign you have read enough to have a good understanding of the historiographical debate which the question may be touching on.

The most crucial stage in this whole process is planning. The essay length means this plan needs to be more detailed than others, running through what you want to say in each paragraph and the evidence you are using as well as your overall answer to the question in 1-3 sentences.

You want a logical structure – each point building out on the previous to outline your framework in an easy-to-read way, each paragraph deliberately situated to link to what was said before and after. You don’t want your writing to lose momentum mid-way through, so the plan needs to be as detailed for the start as the end.

You may find it helpful to sketch out how many words you want to allocate to each paragraph to ensure you are communicating concisely while only including the most important points. You need to start with the basics, as if the tutor marking the essay has never read the sources before. You need to analyse what is contained within the sources to build out the frameworks you may use or criticise.

Secondary reading is playing a secondary role. Used to illuminate theory versus reality if the question allows you to or enriching details contained in the sources. The sources should be doing most of the talking, and analysis starts from the exact words and phrases used in the text. Where appropriate, you may use a framework or argument from a secondary reading to apply to the primary sources as the Extended Essay is still a piece of analytical historical writing. This is no means a requirement but can help to provide structure to a long piece of writing.

The plan submission is the only time your tutor can provide input into your Extended Essay., It is therefore worth making the most of this opportunity by providing lots of detail. There can be no second attempts or reviews of what you have written after this.

It is likely you will need to meet your tutor before the end of 8th week of Michaelmas having only received the question a few weeks before, so it can be helpful to get ahead on the classes and tutorials taking place around it for the gobbets (I have written another blog on how I approached these).

A tip I didn’t employ but some people may find useful is to write out the entire essay having produced a mini-plan, then put together a detailed plan from that. You can see what paragraphs work, which ones don’t, and how many words you need to communicate your points. Your detailed plan can then be reviewed by your tutor to give you feedback, which you can then apply to the essay you have already written. No piece of writing is perfect first time and often goes through many reworks before it is right. Doing this may help to focus your efforts on exactly where improvements need to be made. As with everything though, remember the History degree is composed of 7 assessments, so while maximising the mark in coursework components can give a boost if you find exams more challenging you don’t want to increase one mark at the expense of many others.

Writing and Redrafting

Don’t leave writing until the last second – you ideally want a break between writing your draft and reviewing it and editing it. Depending on how you write and if you struggle from writer’s block, you may find it helpful to write a sketch essay before reworking that into a real draft. I find sketch essays helpful, it is where you try to get all your arguments on paper within 1-2 writing sessions so you have it to work with. If you get stuck on something just keep writing past it. The purpose is not to produce a perfect essay but to see what areas you may need to read more on or rework. It can be far easier to work like this than aiming for a final essay first time, as the pressure to get it right can override your creativity and fluent writing abilities.

Initially when writing don’t worry about the word count, as you want to give room for all your ideas to be expressed fully before cutting down. If you struggle with conciseness, one general rule I follow is that whatever you have written you should be able to halve while improving the quality of the writing. Longer does not mean better, and detail needs to be balanced with the need for breadth. You want to take your reader from where they are, to where you want them to be. That doesn’t mean treating them condescendingly and you also don’t want to be a broken record. You want your writing to be enjoyable.

I always keep a copy of every draft I complete. If I cut paragraphs I always keep them saved on a separate document in case they come in useful later. I remember when doing my A level History coursework I removed a paragraph as it didn not fit with my argument. The week before the deadline I re-added it as it fitted with how my writing had developed. Ever since then I have kept a copy of each revision, as there may be hidden gems that really come in handy a little bit down the line as your writing develops.

With long pieces of writing, the basic structural devices really come into their own. The use of connectives, and opening and closing sentences of each paragraph summarising what is contained within them become so useful for producing a coherent body of writing. A good piece of writing is like a spiral, starting from a small point and slowly rotating outwards in terms of depth (moving further up and down away from the point) and breadth (moving further left and right away from the point), taking the reader on that guided path. It should feel it was written in one sitting even though it wasn’t, and of course the usual spelling and grammar should be tidied up to make it as readable as possible.

If you are struggling with time management, it is worth setting realistic goals for each day or week (however you prefer). Whatever goals you set should contain some buffer, not every day will be the same productively, and you want to work sustainably. There is no point writing 2,000 words in one day if they are low quality or you then can’t work the next day due to tiredness. Better to work at a stable pace and make continual progress towards your goal. Try to set a goal to finish 1-2 weeks early to allow for overruns in the run up to submission.

There is no right time to submit; I have always stood by giving the final draft a read for errors on the morning of the submission date, and sending it in 1-2 hours before the close of the window in case of technical errors (backing up to cloud based storage regularly is super useful if the worst does happen – your Oxford account comes with 1TB of free storage on Office 365). Others like to send it in 1-2 weeks early or when it is ready – whatever you do, make sure you have a schedule with buffer as you don’t want to lose easy marks for having submitted it late without permission from the Proctors.

With your Extended Essay, something to factor in is balancing time spent on it with time spent on your thesis . By the morning of Friday of 8th week of Hilary term, a History thesis has to be written and submitted. There is no holiday time to rescue the timeline if term gets busy, and the sources and secondary reading are potentially not so easy to find or consult. The thesis is also double the word count, so ample time needs to be factored in for writing it. Every week you spend on your Extended Essay is one not spent on your thesis, revising your other papers, or resting. You need to consider everything that you need to achieve and where your energies should be most concentrated to prioritise effectively.

While this blog may be one-third of the length of the Extended Essay, I hope it has been helpful in running through the stages of the process and my advice for each stage. The Extended Essay is a good warm up for the thesis, and really puts your structure skills to the test. For those who particularly benefit from coursework, it is also a great opportunity to potentially bag some safety marks before going into exam season. Follow these steps, and fingers crossed you have set yourself up for success.

• Written Essays

How to write source-based history essays

The biggest assessment task you will be required to complete is a written research essay which develops an argument and uses a range of sources.

All types of assessment tasks will need you to use essay-writing skills in some form, but their fundamental structure and purpose remains the same.

Therefore, learning how to write essays well is central to achieving high marks in History.

What is an 'essay'?

A History essay is a structured argument that provides historical evidence to substantiate its points. 

To achieve the correct structure for your argument, it is crucial to understand the separate parts that make up a written essay. 

If you understand how each part works and fits into the overall essay, you are well on the way to creating a great assessment piece.

Most essays will require you to write:

• 1 Introduction Paragraph
• 3 Body Paragraphs
• 1 Concluding Paragraph

Explanations for how to structure and write each of these paragraphs can be found below, along with examples of each: 

Essay paragraph writing advice

How to write an Introductory Paragraph

This page explains the purpose of an introduction, how to structure one and provides examples for you to read.

How to write Body Paragraphs

This page explains the purpose of body paragraphs, how to structure them and provides examples for you to read.

How to write a Conclusion

This page explains the purpose of conclusions, how to structure them and provides examples for you to read.

More essay resources

What do you need help with, download ready-to-use digital learning resources.

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110 Original History Essay Questions: Examples and Topics

When looking for history essay topics, people often think about the world-famous military and political events. However, there is so much more to history than battles and international affairs. Plenty of small but engaging incidents are hiding in plain sight, and yet, people usually miss them.

What are those intriguing aspects?

In this article, our team has prepared a list of interesting history essay questions with examples. They are all about unusual events and historical viewpoints. To help with your academic writing, we divided the article into subheadings. Here, you’ll find topics according to your essay type.

• Top History Topics
• 🔍 Extended Essay
• ✒️ Historiographical Essay
• 📌 Persuasive Essay
• ⚙️ Technology Topics
• 🎶 Music Topics
• 🌄 American History
• 🏰 European History
• 🔥 5 In-Class Essay Tips

🤩 Top 15 History Essay Topics

• Julius Caesar.
• Middle Ages.
• World Wars.
• Holy Inquisition.
• US Independence.
• 20 th Century.
• Bronze Age.
• Thomas Edison.
• Slave Trade.
• Russian Revolution.

💁 Topics for Various Essay Types

There are many types of essays for an academic assignment. It may be a simple short essay or a long structured essay. Each one has its format and rules. Here, we are going to talk about essays that you might have questions about.

🔎 History Extended Essay Topics

An extended essay (EE) is an obligatory part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). For an IB diploma, a student should do extensive research. It should be finished with a 4000-word paper.

The extended essay provides practice for undergraduate research. Besides, it gives a chance to explore a topic of personal interest. You may check out some examples in a free essays database to get a reference of how they actually look like. Here, we dive into history EE topics.

• Oldest human settlements according to archeological sources.
• The suffrage movement in the United States of the early XXth century.
• How Dior’s bar suit revolutionized women’s fashion.
• History of Chemistry in Europe during the Age of Enlightenment.
• Psychology essay: evolution of treatment for various mental disorders. Psychological methods and medicine.
• Development of black rights following the US Civil War.

• History of physics: from Antiquity to modern times.
• Principles of medieval economics: a historical analysis. Analyze the financial structure in medieval Europe and the Middle East.
• How did industrialization affect global climate change?
• Expansion of traffic jams in China. The root of a problem and China’s solution.
• The effects of capitalism on Caribbean republics. Study the history of capitalism in the Caribbean. What were the effects of plantation produce on their economy?
• The use of sun reflection in the military. A historical analysis of the utilization.
• Analysis of Victorian literature and culture by Carolyn Williams.
• Biology in warfare. The use of biological weapons from Antiquity to modern times.
• A study of malnourishment in African societies. Explore the historical roots of malnutrition in Africa. How did it affect their societies?
• Research question: why Western countries have dominated the world in modern history?
• Otto Skorzeny. How did Nazi Germany’s most effective agent become Mossad’s advisor? Dive in the biography of Otto Skorzeny. Analyze his character and post-war activity.
• The history of visual arts in Christianity. How did religion shape the art of Western civilization?
• Six-Day War of 1967. Examine the strategies of Israel and The United Arab States.
• Imperial Japan in the late period of WWII. Its non-standard means of warfare.

📝 Historiographical Essay Topics

Now, let’s look into another type of essay—a historiographical essay. It analyzes and evaluates how scholars interpret a historical topic. Usually, the essay is problem-centered. So, compare the viewpoints of two or more historians on the same event.

Here you will find good topics for historiographical essays:

• The Soviet internment camps of the Stalin Era.
• What is the classification of a “historical fact?”
• The fate of Japanese Americans during WWII.
• Mongolian aid to the Soviet Union during World War II.
• An analysis of the main areas of historical research.
• What defined a nation’s sovereignty in the XIXth century?
• The activity of Pamela Parsons in the 70s.
• “The Life of the Prophet” by Ibn Hisham.
• The history of Earth: from its formation to modern times. Make detailed research on the history of Earth. Talk about major geophysical and chemical processes. What did impact the Earth’s formation and evolution?
• An argumentative essay. How substantial was the Allies’ aid of “Land Lease” to the USSR in WWII?
• Things to know when studying cultural heritage.
• Processes of detecting historical excavation sites.

📌 History Persuasive Essay Topics

A persuasive essay is a piece of academic writing where you list two or more points of view on a subject. In such a paper, you use facts and logic to support your perspective.

• An argumentative essay on American involvement in WWI. How crucial was it in defeating the German Empire and its allies? Analyze the impact of America’s contribution to WWI.

• Slavery played one of the key roles in Ancient Rome’s rise to power. Discuss the structure of slavery in Ancient Rome. Provide evidence for/against this argument.
• Festivals in India are an essential part of the nation’s identity. Analyze the role of local and national Indian festivals. Did they form identities of different cultural groups?
• Why did the Soviet Union lose the Cold War? Could it be because of its involvement in Afghanistan? Explore the impact of the Soviet-Afghan War on countries of the Warsaw Pact.
• Psychedelic substances allow people to think more creatively. Discuss the effects of different drugs on the human mind. Examine notable cases and experiments with drug testing.
• The presentation of the American Revolution in movies. Research a few pieces of cinematography about the American Revolution. Analyze their historical accuracy.
• Bipolar disorder essay and Vincent Van Gogh. Analyze activity and medical records of Vincent Van Gogh. Give arguments for/against the aforementioned idea.

• Florentine art history. How did the noble patronage of artists contribute to Florentine art? To prove your perspective, examine several famous art patrons of Florence.

⚙ History of Technology Essay Topics

Technology has been the cornerstone of powerful civilizations that moved the world forward. Advancement of technology is a curious phenomenon. It moved at a faster pace with every century of the last millennium.

Here, we will take a look at thought-provoking topics on the history of technology. Besides, you’ll see a few history essay questions on technology.

• Advancement of farming technology in the Bronze Age.
• Technological advancements of Ancient Rome. Discuss Roman technological inventions. How did they impact the world for many centuries?
• Structure of a Roman road. Explain the structure of a Roman road. Discuss how the road system connected the Empire. Did it help to spread Christianity?
• The history of genetically modified food: corporation profits and risks.
• The history of sanitation in Paris. A tale of revolutionary engineering solutions.
• Evolution of heart surgeries.
• The scientific contribution of Dr. Ivan Pavlov to physiology.
• Avicenna (Ibn Sina) and the history of medieval medicine. Talk about Avicenna’s contribution to medicine. How accurate were his thoughts on it?

• The trebuchet: the deadliest siege weapon of Medieval Europe.
• The history of limb surgery: from pirates to modern medicine.
• Japanese experiments on humans during WWII. Did they provide humanity with valuable data on the human organism?
• Naval technology throughout human history. Research military and civic solutions of naval engineering during various periods. Consider Antiquity, Middle Ages, Age of Discovery, Age of Enlightenment, etc.
• Rapid European scientific advancement of the Age of Enlightenment. Why did the advancement of science and technology in Europe increase in the 18-19th centuries?
• History of blimps: strengths and weaknesses.
• First computers of WWII. Study the first computer systems of WWII. Explain their technical capabilities and flaws.
• How did the new technology make WWI so high with casualties?
• The science of an atomic bomb: a case study.
• How online social media impacted global society in the 2010s?
• How China introduced new types of censorship with the creation of the Internet.
• Compare college education of the XIXth century and modern times.
• The city of Tenochtitlan. The technological marvel of the Aztecs.

🎶 Music History Essay Topics

Music is one of the most effective examples of human genius. People have made music to express their emotions to each other. Thus, the history of music is extensive and rich in detail. Exploring it can be just as fascinating as listening to music.

Below, you’ll find the best ideas on the history of music to talk about:

• Jazz, New Orleans, and the Roaring Twenties: a musical phenomenon. Discuss the genre’s origins and technical aspects.
• The music of the Antiquity of the Mediterranean region. From Egypt and Greece to Rome.
• The use of music in Ancient Rome.

• Techniques a style of Mozart and Beethoven. A critical analysis.
• Studio 54 – a story of disco, glamour, and exclusivity.
• The history of organum and organ music.
• Advancement of music technology in the early XXth century.
• Baroque music and its famous composers. Analyze the technical details behind baroque music. Give examples of its notable composers.
• Music theater as the main source of musical innovation of the late classical era.
• Detailed analysis of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Examine the composer’s final symphony. Explore Beethoven’s health complications during the last years of his life.
• Religion and music: how Christianity employed the vocal skills of monks. Research the history and characteristics of the Gregorian chant.
• The golden era of classical music of the XVIIth-XIXth centuries in Germany and Austria.
• The musical experiments by Andy Warhol.
• The musical instruments of the Renaissance and modern times. What are the similarities and differences?
• Musical instruments and chants of Bronze Age Mesopotamia.
• Bohemian Rhapsody: a musical analysis. Discuss the story behind the creation of Queen’s famous song.
• Lively music and deadly drugs. How did narcotics become a part of the music industry in the 60s and 70s?
• The history of the club culture of New York. Discuss the history of clubs in New York. How did the advocates for gay rights start the new idea of clubbing?
• The emergence of hip-hop and rap in Uptown Brooklyn and the Bronx. Analyze how the new genre started commenting on the reality of streets and black rights.
• The history of Woodstock – America’s most iconic music festival.

👍 Good History Essay Questions

Writing an essay about countries should be divided into European and American theaters. Each region has a history rich in events and personalities.

Below, there are great European and US history essay questions for your paper:

🌄 American History Essay Questions

• How did medics deal with casualties during the US Civil War? Talk about the organization of medical staff on both sides of the war. Analyze the treatment methods applied to wounded soldiers.
• What factors contributed to the victory in the American Revolution?
• US economy and culture of the 1920s. How did it develop?
• How did civil rights develop during the Reconstruction era?

• Why was slavery so popular in the southern states? Analyze the economy of the southern states in America. Explain why slavery has such deep roots there.
• Why did the United States emerge as a superpower after WWII?
• Who were the main benefactors of the US economy in the early 20th century?

🏘 European History Essay Questions

• The Renaissance essay. Why and how did naturalistic beauty become the main element of art?
• What are the key ideas in Robin Briggs’s historical research on witchcraft?
• The Modern European history question. How did the Mafia operate in Italy? Analyze the roots of Italian Mafia, its organizational structure. What were its spheres of influence?
• Which scientific innovations were discovered in the late XIXth and early XXth century Europe?
• Tudor history: what caused the English Reformation?
• How did colonization transform the economies of European empires?
• Which economic and political benefits were introduced at the creation of the European Union? Elaborate on the history of the EU. Analyze its economic and political aspects.

🔥 5 Tips for Writing an Essay in Class

For whatever reason, you need to write an in-class essay. It could be an exam or an ordinary assignment. It doesn’t matter as the goal remains the same. You have to compose a coherent paper in a short amount of time under supervision.

What is the best way to handle working under such pressure? By following our tips:

1. Practice beforehand

Any sort of training makes a person comfortable with the upcoming task. Practice writing an essay so that you memorize the format. Keep in mind how to outline the paper and some useful words for transitions. Even when you’re unfamiliar with the topic, you’ll still know where to begin without thinking.

2. Forget to panic

Students can lose time by bracing themselves. By staring on the blank page with the essay question can help no one. The sooner you start the task, the better. Don’t let your brain panic!

3. Plan before you write

Starting the essay right away may be tempting and promising, but that’s how you make mistakes. Reread and analyze the given question, notice the keywords. Make sure you’re answering what’s asked, not more or less. Come up with a thesis statement and make an outline.

Properly organizing your paper saves your time and reduces stress. It ensures that you addressed every issue. Plus, it shows whether you connected every argument to the thesis statement. Besides, putting topic sentences and transitions in the outline makes them less repetitive in the essay.

4. Keep in mind your writing speed

Remember the first tip? This one comes naturally from practicing. The more you write, the better you understand your pace. Learn how much time you need to complete each part of the essay writing. Try not to exceed the estimated time for an outline, an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

5. Proofread

Writing in a rush, you may forget about your spelling and punctuation. Save some time for rereading your paper thoroughly. Pay attention to logical reasoning and grammar errors. Add sentences if necessary. Your paper may look messy as long as you do so to improve your writing and ensure the perfect flow.

Thank you for taking some time to read this article. We hope that it will help you in your academic studies. If this article proved to be informative to you, leave a comment below. Share it with others who might need some guidance in their studies.

🔗 References

• How To Write a Good History Essay: Robert Pearce for History Today
• Elements of an Effective History Exam Essay: Mark Brilliant, Department of History, Program in American Studies, University of California, Berkeley
• UChicago Supplemental Essay Questions: College Admissions, University of Chicago
• Tips for Writing Essay Exams: Writing Center, University of Washington
• Popular Application Essay Topics: The Princeton Review
• Historiographical Essays: Center for Writing and Speaking, Campbell Hall
• Persuasion Essays: Sheldon Smith for Eapfoundation.com
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Opinion David French

Neil Gorsuch Has a Few Thoughts About America Today

Credit... Matt Eich for The New York Times

Supported by

By David French

Opinion Columnist

• Aug. 4, 2024

On July 31, I met with Justice Neil Gorsuch in his chambers at the Supreme Court for a wide-ranging interview about his new book, “ Over Ruled : The Human Toll of Too Much Law.” His co-author, Janie Nitze, a former clerk of his, was present for the interview as well.

I didn’t get to ask every question I wanted to, but our conversation covered a lot of ground, including Gorsuch’s indictment of the regulatory state, his approach to evaluating agency expertise, the problem of mass incarceration and coercive plea bargaining, his jurisprudence holding the United States accountable for its obligations to Native Americans and his definition of originalism and the role of history in understanding the Constitution.

What follows has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

David French : So I want to start by talking about the book. It takes direct aim at the proliferation of rules, regulations and statutes that govern our lives. But I’m really intrigued by the emphasis on the human toll. Critics of the regulatory state often emphasize the economic toll of dense regulations and rules. They’ll tell you if we can smooth out the Federal Register, we could save X billions of dollars, for example. But its defenders will say, “Well, wait a minute. These regulations might create economic inefficiencies, but they actually protect people.” Your book says that’s not necessarily the case. What is the human toll?

Neil Gorsuch : Well, that’s sort of a question about why I wrote the book, David, I think. And the answer is, I’ve been a judge for about 18 years now. And I just have seen so many cases in which ordinary, hard-working, decent Americans, trying to do their best and intending no harm to anyone, just get caught up in a wall of rules or laws that they didn’t know existed.

And having sat through those cases, I wanted to know more about how that came to be, why, and more about them.

So really, the book’s a book of stories about them, of a fisherman in Florida, about monks in Louisiana, about hair braiders in Texas. And they’re cases I’ve seen or some of my colleagues have told me about, and it is not an attack at all on law or regulation. For goodness’ sake, I’m a lawyer and a judge. And some law is absolutely necessary, in order to protect our liberties and our safety.

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