Should You Use Extended Essay Topics Found on the Internet?

You are not the only one who has searched for “IB extended essay topics” multiple times. Almost every IB student I’ve worked with has done it at least once. There are dozens of extended essay topics that are already on the Internet, and it’s easy to pick one and go. The big question, though, is whether or not using them is a good idea.

You can’t just say “yes” or “no.” I know this from my experience as an IB writer and teacher. How you do it matters. Different students get ideas from these topics, while others just copy them without thought. You take a chance there, not only in terms of grades but also in terms of quality and creativity.

Is It Necessary to Have a Unique Topic for the IB Extended Essay?

It’s understandable that this question arises frequently. Every year, many students around the world write extended essays. This can make you think that all the good ideas have already been used. But let me make something clear: the IB doesn’t expect your topic to be unique in a world sense. It does expect you to approach the subject in a way that shows how you think and how interested you are in researching and learning.

You don’t need to make something new. A topic that has already been written about is fine, especially if it’s in an extremely popular subject like English, History, or Psychology. Originality is important for the IB EE topic, but not in the sense of being completely new. It’s about how you frame your view, formulate your research question, and analyze the proof. For example, two students could write about the same historical event but present very different perspectives, sources, and arguments. That’s what the IB examiners want to see.

In my perspective, context or a personal connection is often the source of uniqueness. You’re ahead of the game if you can connect the topic to something important in your neighborhood, school, or culture, or if your research question reflects your personal interest. Therefore, no, your topic doesn’t have to be unique; it only has to be really yours.

The true difficulty with employing extended essay topics that are already available online is not to replicate them but to modify and rework the concept so that it matches your academic voice. Originality like that is what the IB appreciates.

Where Can You Find Good Extended Essay Topics?

Don’t worry if you still can’t think of a topic for your extended essay. You’re not the only one. Working with IB students has taught me that getting started is often the hardest part. The good news is that there are a lot of trustworthy places to find IB extended essay topics that will help you do original and unique research.

Let’s get one thing straight: you don’t have to come up with a crazy new idea. You do need an interesting question that is clear, focused, and can be researched. While you can find extended essay topics online, make sure you only use them as a jumping-off point.

Then, where should you really look? Here are some of the best places to get ideas for EE topics:

1. Our blog – We regularly publish lists of IB extended essay topics by subject. You’ll find both classic and unique ideas that align with IB assessment criteria.
2. Past IB EE examples and case studies – Check with your school’s IB coordinator or library for previous student essays (with permission).
3. EE subject reports – IB publishes examiner reports that often include examples of strong topics.
4. Your class notes and textbooks – These are great for identifying concepts you’re already familiar with.
5. Your EE supervisor – A quick chat can sometimes spark the perfect idea.

As long as you modify the topic and make it uniquely yours, there’s no shame in seeking advice online. In fact, many students start by looking at examples on our blog. Then, they make a topic their own by adding their own stories or information from their area.

Remember that you don’t need to find the “best” topic online; you just need to find one that fits you.

How to Improve Extended Essay Topics That Are Already on the Internet?

It can be smart to use extended essay topics that are already on the Internet, but only if you know how to make them better. I’ve seen students make the mistake of copying the topic word-for-word without changing it to fit their needs or the situation. That generally leads to low involvement, a bland analysis, and a bad grade. But you can make a common topic into something unique, focused, and genuinely amazing by making a few smart changes.

1. Cut Down on the Topic’s Scope

Cutting down on the scope is one of the best and easiest ways to make any extended essay topics better. There are numerous examples online that are too general to be useful in an IB setting. With broad issues, it’s harder to come up with a good research question, and you’re more likely to make assumptions that affect the essay.

I’ve seen that students who narrow their topic early on write better, more organized writings. Pick one point of view to go into more detail about instead of trying to cover everything.

Look at this example:

❌ How the Second World War changed Europe

This option is really too broad. What effect? In which nations? Socially, politically, or economically?

✔️ How did war advertising in France between 1940 and 1944 change public opinion?

That is now doable. It has a time limit and a location limit, allowing for precise analysis.

You can make almost any general topic better by mentioning a certain place, country, or a set amount of time. You can also add a subgroup, a demographic, or a specific cause or result.

Focusing like this not only helps you be original but also makes it easier to do research and organize your thoughts for the essay.

2. Include a Local or Personal Context

Making a connection between a general topic and your personal experiences, passions, or surroundings is another great method to make it more interesting. Examiners can detect when a topic is personally relevant since it makes your work seem more authentic.

For example:

❌ The efficiency of online education in classrooms

This topic lacks specificity and might be used anywhere in the world.

✅ How much has online education enhanced academic achievement in Warsaw public high schools since 2020?

Now, a local context is reflected in the topic. It is quantifiable and precise.

Adding this personal or regional information makes your IB EE topic more unique. Still, it also shows that you’re thinking critically about your surroundings, which is something the IB really values.

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3. Use a Different Research Method or Perspective

Sometimes, you only need to approach the issue from a fresh perspective or another research method; you don’t even need to modify the topic considerably. One student may use a psychological framework or historical comparison to study a topic, while another may use a political perspective.

The original topic may have been, for instance, “The influence of advertising on consumer behavior.” By asking, “How has neuromarketing influenced online consumer behavior among Gen Z users on TikTok since 2021?” you might improve it.

How “fresh” a topic seems may be entirely changed by using a new approach or perspective.

Here’s how to improve a typical extended essay topic:

• Alter the time frame (e.g., compare before and after the pandemic).
• Concentrate on a specific group (e.g., minority groups, seniors, and students in rural areas).
• Try using a theory that isn’t as common, like behavioral economics, instead of the usual consumer theory.
• Include a comparison aspect, such as contrasting two nations, educational institutions, or age groups.
• Use a local case study or source data to support your argument.

With these changes, essays on common topics become more personal and in-depth, which is exactly what the IB wants to see.

4. Talk to Your IB EE Supervisor

Finally, discuss the topic with your supervisor before committing to it. They can tell you whether your concept is too generic, too common, or just perfect since they have read hundreds of papers.

If you make these changes, you can be sure that the IB extended essay topics you find online will show your ideas and not just be copied from other websites. And that’s what it means to be original.

Final Thoughts

So, should you use extended essay topics that are already on the Internet? Yes, but only if you know how to use them right.

From what I’ve seen, it’s smart to use these EE topics as starting points and then change them to fit your style. Making copies of them without thinking? That’s not right. The IB cares about more than just writing, so you should choose a topic that feels authentic to you.

Do you need help picking out or shaping your topic for an extended essay? At BuyTOKEssay.com, we’ve helped many IB students write original essays that earned good grades. Just contact us if you need assistance with writing or would like feedback on your idea. A powerful topic is closer than you may believe, and you’re not alone. ☺️

Liliana Duman

Liliana Duman has a strong background in teaching English language, having graduated from Hacettepe University’s English Language Teaching Department in 2008. With over two decades of experience in the field, she has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share with her students. In addition to her bachelor’s degree, Liliana holds a master’s in Teaching Turkish as a Second Language and has previously worked at Başkent and Hacettepe University in Ankara. Currently, she is an EFL instructor at Sakarya University, teaching various skills, including methodology, speaking, reading, writing, and listening. In addition to her teaching, Liliana has also contributed to material development and testing efforts. As well as her work as a teacher, Liliana is an experienced private online ToK essay tutor, providing personal help for both IB ToK students and teachers in all aspects of IB ToK essays and exhibitions. She is dedicated to helping her students succeed and achieve their full potential. In her spare time, Liliana also writes articles for buytokessay.com, sharing her expertise and insights on ToK with a wider audience.