visual arts extended essay samples

IB Visual Arts EE examples

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Visual Arts Extended Essay: The Complete Guide for IB Students

by  Antony W

May 8, 2023

An extended essay in visual arts allows you to conduct study in a particular area of visual arts that is of interest to you. The conclusion of the study should be a clear and structured piece of writing that tackles a topic or research question pertinent to the visual arts in an effective manner.  

The strongest EE in arts is the one that demonstrate a thoughtful selection of socially and culturally relevant topics, which frequently have a personal significance for the candidate in respect to his or her cultural identity, a potential university program, or present creative interests, such as studio work.

It is discouraged to rely solely on textbooks and the Internet, and no long essay in visual arts should rely solely on such sources.

You should only read your textbooks to the extent that they generate unique ideas, give models of disciplined, organized, and informed methods, and foster direct and personal engagement with the essay topic.

Choice of Arts Extended Essay Topic

When it comes to choosing a visual arts extended essay, we strongly recommend that you avoid themes that rely solely on summarizing generic secondary sources and those that are likely to result in an essay that is mostly narrative or descriptive in nature.

You must address a pertinent subject or research question and reach a specific, ideally individual, conclusion.

Choosing a topic that encompasses several areas of art history or a lengthy time span is likewise unlikely to result in a great essay. Restriction of the essay’s scope will help you to establish a clear focus and create opportunities for exhibiting in-depth comprehension and critical evaluation of your extended essay.

How Should You Treat Visual Arts Extended Essay Topic?

The topic you choose must have a clear and direct connection to visual arts. If the relationship is only tenuous, you risk introducing irrelevant material, which will confuse the investigation and undermine the case.

You should construct a research issue that is of personal interest and use a range of materials to support your claims, including textual analysis, the study of actual artworks or designed artifacts, and interviews with practitioners and subject-matter experts.

Questions that do not provide a systematic examination that exhibits critical creative analysis and in-depth comprehension are unlikely to be appropriate. In certain cases, it may become apparent early in the research process that there are insufficient sources to conduct such an examination. In such situations, consider a shift in emphasis.

In visual arts extended essays, the incorporation and discussion of pertinent visual reference material is of special relevance. However, such material must directly support and be relevant to the analysis/argument. It should be cleanly presented, appropriately acknowledged, and appear as near as feasible to the first reference in the body of the essay.

To stimulate personal investment in the extended essay, your work should include local and/or original sources wherever feasible. However, you may not have access to original materials in some circumstances. In such instances, high-quality replicas, movies, films, or photographs/Internet pictures are acceptable sources.

An argument should be well supported, with remarks and conclusions supported by evidence that is relevant and well-founded, as opposed to being based only on preconceived notions.

Visual Arts Extended Essay Topics Examples

Now that you know about the kind of topic you should choose for you visual arts extended essay, let’s consider some good and bad examples.

The worst example can be something like:

• The variation within human perception
• Architecture is functional art.
• Postmodernism
• Islamic architectural design

You want avoid these types of examples because they’re broad and therefore can’t fit within the scope of extended essay requirements .

You want to consider only the best topic for the project, particularly making sure you pick a subject that’s specific enough to form a research question that you can answer within the respective scope of the assignment.

Some of the best examples include but not limited to the following:

• What role did national themes have in the creative activity of Russian avant-garde artists associated with the Knave of Diamonds society?
• How did men and women’s clothes communicate National Socialist ideals?
• How does Yinka Shonibare’s work represent the evolving importance of African art in a global society?
• What are the origins of Romanesque architecture in Arles?
• Are there pop art elements in the design of Pakistani trucks?
• Titles for Protracted Essays
• Appropriateness of Picasso’s usage of the Mbangu mask in ‘Les Demoiselles d’Avignon’ in terms of cultural borrowing
• How does Ketna Patel’s work reflect the increasing influence of media culture on Asian cultures?
• How does Yinka Shonibare’s work represent the evolving significance of African art in a global society?
• How far did Andy Warhol’s “Death and Disaster” series develop his interest in morbidity?
• How Jesse Trevino’s cultural experiences influenced his artwork
• How would one identify the crucial balance between design and function for four pedestrian bridges of the 21st century?
• In what way does Damien Hirst’s art tackle the themes of Life and Death? (2013)
• To what degree has Federation Square’s design proven successful?
• When does photojournalism become an art form?
• How does Fra Angelico’s picture of The Annunciation represent him in Renaissance Florence?

Tips for Writing a Visual Arts Extended Essay

You are supposed to assess critically the sources you consulted while writing the essay by asking yourself the following questions:

• Which sources are essential to my ideas, beliefs, and assertions?
• Which sources are irrelevant to the analysis?

For the research question, you can:

• Utilize primary and secondary sources to develop and evaluate diverse perspectives.
• Use these primary sources to explore and explain particular aspects of the visual arts, with emphasis on a particular aspect of the visual arts collecting and analyzing reproductions of artwork.

You must also exhibit an understanding of various topics associated with the studied work.

• Demonstrate a knowledge of the worth and limitations of the work you’re studying by analyzing its origin and function
• Show a continuous high level of creative comprehension by addressing the study subject comprehensively and effectively.

Relevant findings from this analysis must feature in your argument, not to mention that you should carefully support the arguments.  

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.

Extended Essay

• Mathematics
• Studies in language and literature
• World studies extended essay
• Visual arts
• Language Acquisition

Visual Arts: Sample A

Visual arts: sample b, visual arts: sample c.

• Last Updated: Oct 14, 2021 3:31 PM
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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 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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Current Unit: DEVELOPING YOUR EXHIBITION

Extended Essay

Visual arts and ee.

An extended essay in visual arts provides you with an opportunity to undertake research in an area of the visual arts of particular interest to you.

The outcome of the research should be a coherent and structured piece of writing (with appropriate illustrations) that effectively addresses a particular issue or research question, appropriate to the visual arts (broadly defined also to include architecture, design and contemporary forms of visual culture).

The research may be generated or inspired by your direct experience of artwork, craftwork or design, or interest in the work of a particular artist, style or period. This might be related to your own culture or another culture. Personal contact with artists, curators and so on is strongly encouraged, as is the use of local and/or primary sources.

The strongest EEs often show careful choice of socially and culturally interesting subjects, which often had a special meaning for the candidate either in relation to your own cultural identity, a future university program, or for a current artistic reason, e.g. your personal studio pursuits.

Whatever you choose your question needs to be narrowed down and strictly focused in order for the rest of the criteria - investigation, analysis, evaluation, a valid argument, and purposeful understanding of the question, to be treated effectively. Without a strong focused research question it is difficult to collect data and evaluate sources for comparison.

Absolute reliance on textbooks and the Internet is discouraged and no extended essay in visual arts should be based exclusively on such sources. Textbooks should be consulted only insofar as they may stimulate original ideas, provide models of disciplined, structured and informed approaches, and encourage direct and personal involvement with the essay topic.

Choice of topic

Topics that are entirely dependent on summarizing general secondary sources (such as universal art history textbooks, and encyclopedias), and topics that are likely to lead to an essay that is essentially narrative or descriptive in nature, should be avoided. Biographical studies of artists must address a relevant issue or research question and arrive at a particular, and preferably personal, conclusion. Choosing a topic that covers many aspects of art history and/or a long period of time is also unlikely to result in a successful essay. Restricting the scope of the essay will help to ensure a clear focus and will provide opportunities for demonstrating detailed understanding and critical analysis.

The following examples of titles for visual arts extended essays are intended as guidance only. The pairings illustrate that focused topics (indicated by the first title) should be encouraged rather than broad topics (indicated by the second title).

“How did Wassily Kandinsky use colour?” is better than “The Bauhaus”

“In what way did African art influence on the work of Henry Moore” is better than “20th-century British sculpture”

“What is the artistic significance of recent poles raised by the First Nations of Haida-Gwai?” is better than “The art of Native North American people”

It may help if you define the topic chosen for study in the form of a more specific research question, followed by a statement of intent that indicates which broad process is going to be used in answering the question. In this way, the approach to the topic chosen may be even further clarified. Some examples of this could include the following.

Topic Cultural influences on Pablo Picasso’s work

Research question Picasso: individual genius or cultural thief?

Approach An investigation of the extent to which selected images in Picasso’s work may have been appropriated from other cultural sources.

Topic The influence of Renaissance architecture in Montreal

Research question Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde, Montreal: a replica of St Peter’s, Rome?

Approach An original investigation into the stylistic similarities in the architecture of these two buildings.

Topic The impact of immigration on an artist’s work

Research question What is the impact of transcultural experience on the art of Gu Xiong?

Approach An investigation into the effects of migration on a selected artist’s work.

Treatment of the topic

It is essential that the topic chosen be clearly and directly related to visual arts. If the connection is only incidental, you risk introducing material that is of only marginal relevance, and will confuse the inquiry and weaken the argument. You should formulate a research question of personal interest and draw on a variety of sources to support your arguments, such as textual analysis, study of original artworks or designed artifacts, and interviews with practitioners or authorities on the subject. Research questions that do not allow a systematic investigation that demonstrates critical artistic analysis and detailed understanding are unlikely to be suitable. In some instances, it may become clear at an early stage in the research that too few sources are available to permit such an investigation. In such cases, a change of focus should be made.

The inclusion and discussion of appropriate visual reference material is of particular importance in visual arts extended essays. Such material must, however, be directly supportive of, and relevant to, the analysis/argument. It should be neatly presented, properly acknowledged, and should appear in the body of the essay, as close as possible to the first reference.

In order to promote personal involvement in the extended essay, the use of local and/or primary sources should be encouraged wherever possible. However, it is appreciated that, in certain situations, you may not necessarily have access to primary sources. In such situations, reproductions, videos, films or photographs/Internet images of a high quality are considered acceptable sources. An argument should be well substantiated, with comments and conclusions supported by evidence that is relevant and well-founded, not based simply on your preconceptions.

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Examples of good EE titles

• What part did national motifs play in the creative work of Russian avant-garde artists of the Knave of Diamonds society?
• Should the old neon signs of Warsaw be moved to a new Museum of Modern Art?
• In what ways did men’s and women’s fashion convey the ideals of National Socialism?
• How does the work of Yinka Shonibare illustrate the changing role of African art in a global society?
• Le Corbusier: Chapel at Ronchamp. How does Le Corbusier use both cubist and organic architecture to create aesthetic and functional harmony?
• What were the origins of the Romanesque in Arles?
• Are there influences of pop art in the decorations on Pakistani trucks?

The following examples are more appropriate for the Comparative Study rather than an EE topic

• The Orient in the works of three orientalist artists and their diverging perspectives – Jean-Auguste Dominique Ingres, Jean-Leon Gerome, Osman Hamdi Bey.
• A comparison of the marriage of high art and fashion in the designs of Sonia Delaunay and Yves St-Laurent.

Examples of weak EE Titles

• The Variation within perception amongst human beings.
• Architecture: Art with a purpose.
• Salvador Dali. (in fact any purely biographical study of a very famous artist - what more can you say that has been written already in countless books)
• Postmodernism.
• Islamic architecture.

Writing the EE

You are expected to evaluate critically the resources consulted during the process of writing the essay by asking yourself the following questions.

• Which sources are vital to the support of my ideas, opinions and assertions?
• Which sources do not contribute to the analysis?

Many different approaches to the research question can be appropriate, for instance:

• use of primary sources (artwork and artists) and secondary sources (material about the visual arts) in order to establish and appraise varying interpretations
• analysing sources (primary and secondary) in order to explore and explain particular aspects of the visual arts
• using primary source material for an analysis, with emphasis on a particular aspect of visual arts
• collecting and analysing reproductions of artwork, possibly leading to a comparison of similar or different images.

You should also demonstrate awareness of other issues surrounding the art studied.

• Do I show an awareness of the value and limitations of the art I am studying through analysing its origin and purpose?
• Do I show a consistently good artistic understanding in setting the research question into context and addressing it fully and effectively?

Relevant outcomes of this analysis should be integrated into the your argument.

• The argument should also be well substantiated:
• With what evidence do I support my comments and conclusions?
• Is this evidence relevant and well founded, and not based simply on my preconceptions?

Extended Essay Titles

Borrowing culture: the appropriateness of Picasso's use of the Mbangu mask in 'Les Demoiselles d'Avignon' (2008)

Can Luc Tuymans be classified as a political painter?

How does the work of Ketna Patel illustrate the growing impact of media culture on Asian cultures? (2014)

How does the work of Yinka Shonibare illustrate the changing role of African art in a Global Society? (2008)

How far Andy Warhol's interest in morbidity explored in his "Death and Disaster' series? (2014)

How the cultural aspects of Jesse Trevino's life impacted his artwork (Part1, Part2) (2008)

How would one determine the essential balance between form and function in the cases of four 21st century pedestrian bridges? (2014)

The influence on the Casa Batllo (1904-6) by the architect Antoni Gaudi (Part1, Part2, Part3, Part4) (2011)

Is the distortion of Francis Bacon and Jenny Saville's artwork gender related? (Part1, Part2, Part3) (2011)

To what extent has Damien Hirst explored the themes of Life and Death in his work? (2013)

To what extent has the design of Federation Square been a success?

To what extent have Jungian theories of the unconscious archetypes, influenced Rotho's 'The Omen of the Eagle, 1942' and 'No. 18, 1948,' and in what ways are they expressed? (2012)

To what extent was Toulouse-Lautrec's lithograph 'Dican Japonais' influenced by the culture of Montmartre and technical developments of 'Belle-Epoque'? (2013)

When does photojournalism transcend into art? (Part1, Part2, Part3) (2011)

How does Fra Angelico present himself within Renaissance Florence though his depiction of The Annunciation? ( 2017)

How to Choose an EE Topic (Visual Arts)

Choosing the EE Subject

It’s important to:

• Choose a subject you are willing to dedicate many hours to, and
• Understand what an EE in that subject is like. For example, science EEs look like longer science IAs and involve a lot of lab work, whereas English EEs are similar to long Written Task 2s and involve a lot of reading and analysis.

I knew I wanted to write a Visual Arts EE because I loved learning about art history. I’d previously enjoyed analysing artworks for an academic competition, so I wanted to take that interest further through my IB work.

Brainstorming Ideas

For a Visual Arts EE, you can write about virtually any topic using any approach. This intimidated me because I had NO clue what to write about. So, I looked at what sort of questions have been addressed in past essays. I’ve compiled a few popular approaches here for you: 

I began by researching various movements in art history, followed by looking into art from different countries and cultures. Then I dove into specific aspects of artwork such as lighting and lines. Finally, I researched artists I liked. This last step was the most important to me because it was what I found most interesting.

Narrowing Down your List

I circled my favourite topics and looked for connections between them. For example, I liked Edward Hopper’s artwork, which relies heavily on lighting and coincides with my fascination for American history and art. One of the questions I came up with was: “How does the use of lighting in Edward Hopper’s work evoke emotion in his audience?” Through making further connections, I shortlisted three other subjects I was eager to study—colour in Munch and Hopper’s paintings, sensuality and controversy of the Vienna Secession, and emotions in post-Chinese Cultural Revolution art. 

Selecting the Final Question

My supervisor urged me to choose a question that was both challenging and personally fulfilling. Though I found the Hopper question interesting, I was familiar with Hopper’s work and could answer it before even writing the EE. Upon reflection, I realized I wanted to use an artistic lens to explore an aspect of my Chinese background I’ve never learned about before. Thus, my final question was: “How have contemporary Chinese artists’ responses to the Cultural Revolution evolved from 1976 to the present day?”

In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed the Extended Essay process from start to finish, especially the synthesis of academic research and first-hand data collection (I surveyed 300 people and interviewed a gallery owner!). My findings also helped inform my IB Visual Arts pieces.

The brainstorming process might seem overwhelming because there are just so many topics to choose from! Create mind maps, discuss your ideas with others, and only shortlist topics that you really like—you’ll soon find that you have a direction. And remember, it’s okay to change your question later on!

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Extended Essay Examples: Visual Arts

• Introduction
• Design Tech
• Sports Exercise & Health Science
• Theatre Arts
• Visual Arts
• Mortality and the Sublime: A Study of Caspar David Friedrich’s Romantic landscapes
• A study of the influence of main early 20th century art movements on the work of Tamara de Lempicka.
• Exploring main concepts in Anish Kapoor’s art-making
• Sustainability’s influence on architectural forms
• Ai Weiwei: fighting censorship and art
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Gr. 11-12 Extended Essay

• Reflections
• Choose a Subject
• Choose a Topic
• Draft a Research Question
• Develop Your Search Strategy
• Computer Science
• Visual Arts

Visual Arts EE Overview

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• Introduction
• Academic Integrity
• Common Questions
• For Supervisors
• EE Examples
• Visual Arts EE: Workflow and Expectations
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Example essays

The International Baccalaureate® (IB)  programme resource centre,  a key resource for educators at IB World Schools, includes several examples of  extended essay titles .

These highlight the diverse range of topics covered by International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) students during their extended essays.

Some examples are:

• “An analysis of costume as a source for understanding the inner life of the character”
• “A study of malnourished children in Indonesia and the extent of their recovery after a period of supervised improved nutrition.”
• “Doing  versus  being: language and reality in the Mimamsa school of Indian philosophy.” 
• “The effects of sugar-free chewing gum on the pH of saliva in the mouth after a meal.”
• “To what extent has the fall in the exchange rate of the US dollar affected the tourist industry in Carmel, California?”
•  “What level of data compression in music files is acceptable to the human ear?”

Also available in the programma resource centre , the Diploma Programme Assessment Procedures has guidance on choosing a subject for the extended essay.

The PRC is only available to existing IB World Schools.

You can also purchase examples of essays in the IB Store . These essays fulfil the requirements for an ‘A’ grade in the extended essay.

If your school is not one already, learn how to become an IB World School  in order to implement the DP.

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Extended Essay Writers

Visual Arts Extended Essay Topics: Exploring the World of Art

Luke MacQuoid

Visual Arts is a fascinating and diverse field that encompasses various forms of art, including painting, sculpture, architecture, and photography, among others. Writing an extended essay on Visual Arts offers an opportunity to delve deeper into the creative world of art, its history, and its impact on society. Therefore, selecting the right Visual Arts extended essay topic is essential for a successful paper. 

Yes, a well-chosen topic is key to crafting a successful Visual Arts extended essay. To ensure that you create an engaging and informative essay, consider selecting a topic that resonates with you personally. 

Your passion for the topic will show in your writing and make the research process more enjoyable. However, ensuring that the topic and research question is feasible, and not too general , and can be thoroughly researched within the word count limit is essential. 

To do this, narrow your focus to a specific question or issue that can be analyzed in depth. By selecting a specific and focused topic, you’ll be able to craft a clear and well-supported argument in your essay. And this is one of the most important parts of the IB EE rubric .

List of Visual Arts IB Extended essay topics

Below are some intriguing Visual Arts extended essay topics that can help you kickstart your research:

The Significance of Color in Contemporary Art: An Analysis of the Work of Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko.

With this topic, the student can begin by researching the use of color in art, its significance, and its impact on the viewer. The student can then choose specific works of Henri Matisse and Mark Rothko that use color in interesting ways and analyze the color schemes, techniques, and meanings behind them. 

The essay can also explore the similarities and differences between the two artists’ approaches to color and the influence of their work on contemporary art.

Examining the Importance of Context in the Interpretation of Contemporary Art: A Case Study of Banksy’s Graffiti.

To approach this topic, the student can begin by researching the concept of context in art and its role in shaping meaning. The student can then analyze Banksy’s graffiti, specifically focusing on one or more pieces that are known to have created controversy or sparked public discourse. 

Such an extended essay can explore how the context in which the graffiti was created, the location, and the message conveyed by the artwork affect its interpretation and reception.

How Have Women Artists Contributed to the Development of Art Movements in the 20th Century?

With this topic, the student can begin by researching the history of women artists and their struggles for recognition in the male-dominated art world. 

The IB student can then choose one or more women artists who played a significant role in the development of a particular art movement, such as Frida Kahlo in Surrealism or Mary Cassatt in Impressionism. 

The essay can analyze the artist’s work, their impact on the art movement, and the challenges they faced as a woman in the art world.

A Comparative Analysis of the Relationship between Art and Society in Renaissance Europe and Modern America.

To approach this topic, the student can begin by researching the historical and cultural contexts of Renaissance Europe and modern America and how art reflects and responds to the social and political changes of the time . 

Moreover, the student can then choose specific works from both periods that illustrate the relationship between art and society, such as Michelangelo’s David and Shepard Fairey’s Hope poster. 

This IB EE can compare and contrast the works’ meanings, techniques, and the social and cultural contexts that shaped them.

An Exploration of the Intersection of Technology and Art: The Emergence of Digital Art in the 21st Century.

Working on this topic, the student can begin by researching the history of digital art, its emergence as a new art form, and the impact of technology on artistic expression. 

Following this topic, the student can then analyze specific examples of digital art, such as Cory Arcangel’s Photoshop gradient demonstrations or Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s interactive installations, and explore the ways in which technology has influenced the creation, reception, and interpretation of these works.

The Role of Art in Documenting Historical Events: An Analysis of Goya’s The Third of May 1808 and Picasso’s Guernica.

To approach this topic, the student can begin by researching the role of art in documenting historical events and the ways in which artists use their work to respond to social and political issues. 

The student can then analyze specific works of Goya and Picasso that depict significant historical events, such as The Third of May 1808 and Guernica. 

The essay can explore the ways in which these works convey meaning, the social and political contexts in which they were created, and the ways in which they have influenced art and society.

The Significance of Architecture in Shaping Urban Environments: A Case Study of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

With this topic, the student can begin by researching the significance of architecture in shaping urban environments and the ways in which buildings can impact their surroundings. The student can then analyze the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao as a case study, exploring its design, construction, and impact on the city of Bilbao. 

IB EE can also explore the ways in which the museum’s architecture reflects its function as an art museum and its relationship to the artworks displayed within it.

The Impact of the Avant-Garde Movement on Contemporary Art Practices.

To approach this topic, the student can begin by researching the history of the Avant-Garde movement and its influence on contemporary art practices. The student can then analyze specific works of contemporary artists who the Avant-Garde movement, such as Yayoi Kusama or Marina Abramovic have influenced. 

This extended essay can explore the ways in which these artists have incorporated Avant-Garde concepts and techniques into their work and the impact of this influence on contemporary art practices.

The Influence of African Art on European Modernism: An Analysis of the Work of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.

To approach this topic, the student can begin by researching the influence of African art on European modernism and the ways in which European artists incorporated African aesthetics into their work. An IB student can then analyze specific works of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse that show the influence of African art, such as Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and Matisse’s Blue Nude. 

The essay can explore the ways in which African art influenced these artists’ techniques and aesthetics and the impact of this influence on modern art.

An Exploration of the Concept of Beauty in Contemporary Art: An Analysis of the Work of Jeff Koons and Takashi Murakami.

The student can begin by researching the concept of beauty in art and its evolving meaning in contemporary art. One can then analyze specific works of Jeff Koons and Takashi Murakami that explore the concept of beauty, such as Koons’ Balloon Dog and Murakami’s Superflat. 

The essay can explore the ways in which these artists challenge traditional notions of beauty and the impact of this challenge on contemporary art.

Each of the Visual Arts extended essay topics listed above requires thorough research and analysis of specific artworks, artists, or movements. To successfully approach each Visual Arts idea, an IB student should begin by conducting preliminary research on the topic and then choosing specific artworks or artists to analyze. 

The student should then carefully analyze the works, explore their meanings and impact, and relate them to the larger context of art and society. With dedication and focus, an IB student can produce a compelling and informative Visual Arts extended essay.

Ready to select an appropriate topic for your VA extended essay?

When selecting a Visual Arts extended essay topic, it is important to choose a topic that you are passionate about and interested in exploring further. A topic that resonates with you will make it easier to research and write about, and your passion will be evident in your writing, making it more engaging for your readers.

Need help with your IB EE?

You can also use our extended essay writers team’s services if you need assistance selecting a topic . Furthermore, we can also help you write your extended essay from scratch or edit your draft following the IB criteria.

Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that your topic is feasible and has enough information available for research. The best way to ensure this is to conduct preliminary research on your EE topic before finalizing it. 

This will help you determine whether there is enough information available and whether the research will be manageable within the given word count .

All our team at ExtendedEssayWriters wishes you to construct a research question of your dream and complete a good IB extended essay following the structure and general IB criteria. With good topic you can be almost 100% sure that you will not fail your IB 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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IB essay examples written by graduated students

Visual Arts Extended Essay scored B

I got a high B for my extended essay on Visual Arts in 2021 May. The topic was “Between 1983 to 2020, to what extent did Karl Lagerfeld give Chanel a new style?” It well includes in-text citations, good references, and careful exploration of the contents.

[Table of contents]

[Sample excerpts]

I. Introduction

As I have a big interest in fashion, Karl Lagerfeld, the creative director of Chanel who died a while ago, remained impressively in my memory. When he died, I could see famous people from various fashion professions and many of the celebrities expressed their sorrow and a big respect for designs in his lifetime.

Clothes are indispensable to people and should always be developed and created for our convenience. That is why I think it is very important to further explore and investigate how Karl Lagerfeld contributed to this important factor. While I was searching about Karl Lagerfeld, I found one interesting thing. That was he made a big change to Chanel in terms of design and the brand’s identity. Before Karl Lagerfeld joined the company, Chanel was experiencing a period of stagnation. But as Karl Lagerfeld worked in Chanel as a creative director, he saved the brand image as a fashion house. So, I am going to deal with the theme “To what extent did Karl Lagerfeld give Chanel a new style?”

In the main body, I’m planning to explore the history of the company before Karl Lagerfeld will be briefly investigated to make it comparable and to ascertain the extent to which Karl Lagerfeld had no change to Chanel between his lifetime and death. Also, Karl Lagerfeld before Chanel will be investigated to establish his development and credentials. In this essay, I am going to use various sources including video and book, but mainly trustable fashion articles from vogue, harper bazaar for getting socially reliable fashion material related to Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel…

• Total number of pages : 19 pages
• Topic : Between 1983 to 2020, to what extent did Karl Lagerfeld give Chanel a new style?
• Subject : EE (Extended Essay) – Visual Arts
• The file is in PDF format.

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• Published: 2022-04-19
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Extended Essay: The Arts: Visual Arts

• Step 1 - Choosing a Subject
• Step 2 - Choosing a Topic
• Step 3 - Draft a Research Question
• Step 4 - Finding Sources
• Step 5 - Evaluating Information
• Step 6 - Bibliography & Citation
• Step 7 - Organizing Information
• The Arts: Visual Arts
• Individuals & Societies: Business Management
• Individuals & Societies: History
• Individuals & Societies: Psychology
• Language Acquisition
• Language and Literature
• Sciences: Biology
• Sciences: Sports, Exercise, and Health Sciences
• Interdisciplinary Papers: World Studies
• Assessment Criteria

Extended Essays in the Arts

Extended Essays in the Visual Arts

Choosing a Topic

The visual arts are here broadly defined also to include architecture, design and contemporary forms of visual culture. The outcome of a student's research should be a coherent piece of writing that effectively addresses a particular research question appropriate to the visual arts, and including any relevant images or illustrations.

The research may be generated or inspired by the student’s direct experiences of creating visual artworks, or by their interest in the work of a particular artist, style or period. This might be related to the student’s own cultural context or another cultural context.

Personal contact with artists, curators and other active participants in the visual arts is encouraged, as is the use of local and primary sources.

Students can choose an extended essay topic related to an area of their visual arts course, but students can also choose to explore other areas of the subject. Crucially, the topic must reflect their particular interest and enthusiasm within the visual arts.

Approaches to Research

It is vital that the methodology of the EE is tailored to the research question and allows for an in-depth exploration. Many different approaches to the research question can be appropriate. Students will often use a combination of primary and secondary research to answer their research questions.

Visual Arts Sources

Even students doing primary research will still need to reference secondary sources. These may include established artistic interpretations or criticisms, biographical and/or historical information.

Writing the Essay

Beyond individual interpretations, students should also demonstrate awareness of other issues surrounding the artworks they study such as:

• Considering the origin and purpose of an artwork to discuss its value and limitations
• Contextualizing the research question to demonstrate good artistic understanding 

Relevant outcomes of this analysis should be integrated into a well-substantiated argument.

• Using primary or secondary evidence to justify the argument
• Ensuring that cited evidence is relevant, well founded, and not simply based on preconceptions

The emphasis of the EE should always be on written analysis, interpretation, evaluation and the construction and development of a sound argument.

Visual Reference Material

It is required that students include visual references to any artworks they discuss, provided it is relevant to the analysis or argument. Images should be appropriately presented and acknowledged and should appear in the body of the essay, as close as possible to the first reference.

In order to promote personal involvement in the EE, the use of local and primary sources should be encouraged wherever possible. (i.e. a picture of the artwork taken by the student themself). In the case where students do not have access to the artwork they may rely on high-quality reproductions or images.

Students are expected to evaluate critically the resources consulted during the process of writing the EE by asking themselves the following questions:

• Which sources are vital to the support of my ideas, opinions and assertions?
• Which sources do not contribute to the analysis?

Assessed Student Work

• Marina Abramovic and her audience: An investigation into her diverse techniques to connect with her public.
• To what extent did Japanese aesthetics and fashion have an influence on contemporary Danish fashion?
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Extended Essay Support Site

Visual art - klee.

Study the assessment criteria for the Extended Essay before reading the example essay and RPPF that have been provided below. How would you apply the assessment criteria ? How many marks would you award the essay for Criteria A-D and the RPPF for Criterion E? Discuss your comments and marks with a colleague or classmate, before revealing the examiner's comments and marks below.

When writing about Visual Arts

There are a few points worth considering when writing an EE in Visual Arts. Take these into consideration when reading the following essay: 

• Be careful not to summarise secondary sources (i.e. history books on art).
• Focus on applying theories and ideas on art to particular artists.
• Avoid writing a biography on an artist.
• There should be evidence of critical analysis of primary sources (i.e. artwork).
• Try to come to a personal conclusion that is based on an orginial argument. 

An RPPF with examiner comments is also on this site here . In fact the RPPF that is annotated is the one from this essay. In brief, it is a rather mediocre RPPF , which could have scored much better with a few key changes. Learn from this student's mistakes, so that you do not have to make them on your RPPF . 

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Extended Essay Essentials

• Individuals and Societies
• Interdisciplinary
• Mathematics

Contact Your Librarian

Trish Pearson

she/her/hers

[email protected]

What's in this guide?

In this guide, you will find essential documents for writing the EE in the following subjects

Visual Arts

Essential documents include Subject Specific Guidelines and Sample Essays for each course.

Introduction to the EE in Arts

From the Guide:

An extended essay (EE) in the arts gives students an opportunity to undertake an in-depth investigation into a topic within an arts subject of particular interest to them.

The EE must demonstrate in-depth understanding of the subject matter studied. This should be shown in the form of:

• a coherent analysis and interpretation of their chosen area in relation to a posed research question
• the testing and validation of the research and consideration of its effect on the practice of the investigated area of the arts
• development and exploration of its effect on the practice of the investigated area of the arts
• development and exploration in a disciplined and imaginative way of an area of study specifically appropriate to the curriculum area chosen
• a link to a practical dimension.

The research outcome should always include a link with a practical dimension. Where relevant and possible, students may wish to consult practitioners and professionals, such as performers, directors, researchers, writers, designers, painters, sculptors, composers or critics; or they may wish to visit theatres, galleries, museums and arts centres.

For a longer general overview of an arts-related EE, see The arts: An introduction . This document contains information on:

• Topic Selection
• Literature Review
• The Research Question
• Research Methods
• A Framework for the EE in Arts

• Film Subject Specific Guidelines - A short guide on how to write the Film EE
• Score Reports - See what students did (and did not do well) in these short reports from the chief examiner.
• Sample Papers - Read sample EE papers provided by IB and see how they scored.
• Film Subject Specific Guidelines
• 2018 Film Score Report
• 2021 Film Score Report

• Music Subject Specific Guidelines - A short guide on how to write the Music EE
• Sample Papers  - Read sample EE papers provided by the IB and see how they scored.
• Music Subject Specific Guidelines
• 2018 Music Score Report
• 2021 Music Score Report

• Film Subject Specific Guidelines  - A short guide on how to write the Theatre EE
• Score Reports  - See what students did (and did not do) well in these short reports from the chief examiner.
• Sample Papers  - Read sample EE papers provided by IB and see how they scored.
• Theatre Subject Specific Guidelines
• 2018 Theater Score Report
• 2021 Theater Score Report

• Visual Arts Subject Specific Guidelines  - A short guide on how to write the Visual Arts EE
• Sample Papers  - Read sample EE papers provided by IB and see how they scored
• Visual Arts Subject Specific Guidelines
• 2018 Visual Arts Score Reports
• 2021 Visual Arts Score Report
• << Previous: Home
• Next: Individuals and Societies >>
• Last Updated: Mar 26, 2024 1:52 PM
• URL: https://uwcchina.libguides.com/extendedessayessentials

IB Extended Essay: Past Essays

• Research Questions
• Past Essays
• Notes & Outlines
• Works Cited Page
• In-Text Citations
• Assessment Criteria
• Reflections
• Supervisor Info
• Net Valley Library This link opens in a new window

Check these CAREFULLY to be sure your topic fits with IB expectations!

• Language & literature (language A)
• Language acquisition (language B)
• Mathematics
• Visual Arts
• World Studies

Business Management

English a & b ee examples.

• English A EE Example
• English A EE Example 1
• English A EE Example 2
• English A EE Example 3
• English B EE Example
• English B EE Example 1
• English B EE Example 2
• English B EE Example 3
• English B EE Example 4
• English B EE Example 5
• English B EE Example 6

Philosophy EE Examples

• Philosophy Example 1
• Philosophy Example 2
• Philosophy Example 3
• Philosophy Example 4

Economics EE Examples

• Econ Example 1
• Econ Example 2
• Econ Example 3
• Econ Example 4
• Econ Example 5
• Econ Example 6
• Econ Example 7
• Econ Example 8

Review Past Papers

• From the IB:  papers from other students and how they scored
• Renaissance Library Past Essays :  Links to all subject area examples

Music EE Examples

• Music EE Example 1
• Music EE Example 2
• Music EE Example 3
• Music EE Example 4

Psychology EE Examples

• Psych EE Example 1
• Psych EE Example 2
• Psych EE Example 3

Chinese EE Examples

• Chinese EE Example 1
• Chinese EE Example 2
• Chinese EE Example 3
• Chinese A EE Cat 1
• Chinese A EE Cat 2
• Chinese A EE Cat 3
• Chinese B EE Example 1
• Chinese B EE Example 2
• Chinese B Example 3
• Business EE Example 1
• Business EE Example 2
• Business EE Example 3

Visual Arts EE Examples

• Visual Arts EE Example 1
• Visual Arts EE Example 2
• Visual Arts EE Example 3
• Visual Arts EE Example 4

Film EE Examples

• Film Example 1
• Film Example 2

Chemistry EE Examples

• Chemistry EE Example

Biology EE Examples

• Biology EE Example
• Biology EE Example 1
• Biology EE Example 2
• Biology EE Example 3

Physics EE Examples

• Physics EE Example
• Physics EE Example 1
• Physics EE Example 2
• Physics EE Example 3
• Physics EE Example 4
• Physics EE Example 5

Math EE Examples

• Math EE Example 1
• Math EE Example 2
• Math EE Example 3
• Math EE Example 4
• Math EE Example 5
• Math EE Example 6

World Studies EE Examples

• World Studies Example 1
• World Studies Example 2
• World Studies Example 3
• World Studies Example 4
• World Studies Example 5
• World Studies Example 6
• World Studies Example 7
• World Studies Example 8
• World Studies Example 9
• World Studies Example 10
• World Studies Example 11
• World Studies Example 12
• World Studies Example 13
• World Studies Example 14
• World Studies Example 15
• World Studies Example 16
• World Studies Example 17
• World Studies Example 18
• << Previous: Research Questions
• Next: Notes & Outlines >>
• Last Updated: Mar 28, 2024 3:00 PM
• URL: https://sis-cn.libguides.com/ExtendedEssay