I’ve been writing and advising on IB essays for years, and students often ask me: What is the hardest and easiest IB extended essay subject? To be honest, there isn’t a single solution that works for everyone. However, I can reliably break it down for you based on student feedback, IB grading patterns, and my own experience.
I’ll go over what makes specific subjects more difficult, others easier to understand, and how you may choose the best one for your extended essay.
What IB DP Subjects Are Available for the Extended Essay?
The IB has tight rules, so you can’t just write your EE on any topic. This is an important place to start. IB criteria say that your extended essay must be on one of the allowed DP subjects, and it’s best if it’s an option you’re already learning.
In my experience, there is a wide variety of subjects to choose from. Studies in language and literature, the sciences, individuals and societies, mathematics, and the arts are among the groups from which you might choose. Depending on your decision, you will need to adhere to specific standards, as each subject has its own EE guide.
So, let’s look at all the commonly available IB subjects for the extended essay:
- Studies in language and literature (e.g., English A, Literature and Performance).
- Language acquisition (e.g., Spanish B, French B, Classical Greek).
- Individuals and societies (e.g., History, Economics, Psychology, Business Management, Geography, Global Politics).
- Sciences group (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies, Computer Science).
- Mathematics (e.g., Mathematics AA or AI).
- The arts (e.g., Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Film, Theatre).
- World studies (interdisciplinary option combining two subjects).
Remember that not all schools offer all of the subjects to write an extended essay, so your selections may be restricted to what is available nearby. You still have a lot of options on this list to choose a subject that aligns with your goals, hobbies, and strong points. Asking your supervisor or EE coordinator early on can help you clarify your options if you’re unsure.
What Subject Is the Easiest to Get an A in the Extended Essay?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but in my experience, many students find it simpler to succeed in some subjects because they have better score averages, more approachable material, and clearer frameworks. However, writing proficiency, research abilities, and subject-matter expertise are all critical components of success.
Based on IB extended essay grades I’ve seen and student comments, these are some of the subjects where earning a top A grade is more likely.
Literature
IB students frequently think that Literature is a safer option since it lets you be creative and flexible. This subject is an obvious way to do well if you like to read books and write essays.
In addition, the texts you deal with will typically be ones you know, and the analysis will usually follow the same pattern. For students who do well in Language class, this is frequently one of the easiest IB extended essay subjects.
History
History extended essays are easier to write when they have a simple structure: introduction, argument, evidence, and a conclusion part. There are a lot of good sources online and even in your local library, and the best approach to get a high grade is to make a strong, focused argument.
Many IB students find History doable since it encourages systematic research and preparation.
Business Management
If you are analytical and appreciate real-world case studies, Business Management may be a practical and accessible option. The essay topics are often simple, the terminology is known, and you may use simple models such as SWOT or PEST analysis.
Based on my observations, students who strictly adhere to the IB framework tend to excel in this subject.
Visual Arts
This subject may be surprisingly simple for those with a creative background to score well on, particularly if you can articulate your artistic decisions and cite pertinent art theory. Even if it is subjective, the extended essay in Visual Arts permits individual insight, which is often rewarded by examiners when it is connected to solid research.
Which Is the Hardest Subject for Extended Essay Writing?
Students often ask me this, and I usually answer with my question: Are you picking it because you’re interested, or because you think it looks cool? As an IB writer, I’ve found that the hardest extended essay subjects are usually those that call for abstract thinking, technical accuracy, or original thought.
It’s not hard to do well in these subjects, but you need to be more dedicated, confident, and able to think independently. They can quickly become too much to handle if you’re not fully ready.
So, the hardest subjects for writing an extended essay are listed below:
- Math needs unique research and a deep understanding of the theories behind it. You will need to come up with a research question that requires real mathematics research, not just application.
- Philosophy is the study of deep, complex ideas and clear, rational arguments. You will have to think about big ideas like freedom, morals, and awareness, and break down the arguments of famous thinkers like Plato, Descartes, and Hume. Even college students would find that hard.
- In Physics, you need correct experimental data and technical analysis. You’ll have to gather information, keep mistakes to a minimum, and use scientific logic to explain everything. It could hurt your grade if your research method isn’t good or if your project is too broad.
- Economics requires a balance between theory, empirical work, and presenting a well-organized case. It’s hard to come up with a clear question, get good facts, and use economic ideas without making too many broad statements.
- World Studies combines a lot of different fields of study. You need to make clear connections between ideas from both subjects and meet the requirements of each. That’s why it can be hard to keep the essay’s structure together while changing points of view.
The hardest IB extended essay topic, in my view, isn’t just about difficulty; it’s also about how much creativity, clarity, and attention you can bring to the subject. If you’re ready for the task, it can be fun, but be sure you approach it with an open mind.
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How to Choose an Extended Essay Subject for You?
The best extended essays, in my opinion, are written by students who select a subject that is relevant to their interests, skills, and long-term objectives rather than just what they believe will impress colleges. Your subject will affect everything, from the research question you come up with to the way you write and even how inspired you are to keep going.
How, then, do you pick the right option? Here are some things to think about as you make your choice.
Select a Subject You Honestly Love
Despite its apparentness, this is often disregarded. Writing and researching on a subject you are interested in won’t seem like a chore. Your work demonstrates passion, and believe me, examiners can tell the difference. So, just ask yourself: what is the IB subject that I am most excited about?
Play to Your Strengths
Successful students, in my experience, often choose subjects in which they are already proficient. Literature or History EE may be the best subjects for you if you’re a talented writer. Economics or one of the sciences might be a better match for you if you have a high aptitude for data analysis. It’s okay to push yourself, but be sure to position yourself for success.
Evaluate the Available Resources
Make sure you’ll have access to what you need before committing. Among them:
- An extended essay supervisor who is both accessible and competent.
- Both primary and secondary sources are sufficient.
- Labs or tools, if necessary (for experiments or the sciences).
- Extended essay examples from the past in that subject.
- EE guide and rubric tailored to IB subjects.
Remember, even a fantastic topic might fail if you lack access to reliable materials.
Think About University or Career Plans
Are you going to college to study something similar after high school? Picking an extended essay subject that relates to the major you want to pursue can help your application and give you valuable skills right away. Just make sure you choose what you want, not what you think schools wish to.
Be Realistic About the Workload
Although all extended essays need work, specific subjects call for more abstract thought, lengthy experiments, or technical writing. Think about how much time you can really commit, particularly during hectic school periods. Select a subject that suits your goals as well as your timetable.
Final Thoughts
Don’t give up if you’re interested in a subject that is known to be hard, like math, physics, or philosophy. On the contrary, some of the best writings I’ve seen were written by students who chose tough topics and worked hard at them with precise planning and genuine interest. The bar is high, but you can do it if you’re really interested in your question and ready to stick with it.
It’s also tempting to pick a subject that you think will be easier, like English, Business, or History, just to avoid worry. But there is a catch: “easy” does not mean “automatic.” You still need a well-organized essay with a clear research question, strong points, and correct sources. More importantly, writing 4,000 words will be unbearable if the topic doesn’t truly interest you.
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