IB Extended Essay Research Questions: How to Pick One That Works

Mistakes Students Commonly Make

Students often pick topics that are too broad, too vague or outside their knowledge. Some may choose trendy topics without checking if there is enough research material available. Others pick something they think will impress teachers but don’t actually enjoy making the process stressful.

Steps to Pick a Research Question That Works

1. Identify Your Interests- Start with subjects and topics you enjoy. If you like EVS, think about Dubai’s desalination plants or renewable energy projects. Passion keeps you motivated throughout the research
2. Understand Subject Requirements- Each IB subject has specific expectations. Sciences require experiments or data analysis, humanities focus on argument and interpretation, and mathematics leans on modelling or statistics. Aligning your topic with these requirements makes your essay stronger
3. Preliminary Research- Before committing, check what sources exist. Use journals, IB guides, or online databases. This ensures your topic is feasible and you can find enough data to support your argument
4. Narrow Your Focus- Avoid overly broad topics. For eg, “Climate change in UAE” is too big. A focused question like, “How has Dubai’s urban expansion impacted coastal biodiversity?” is manageable & researchable
5. Check Feasibility and Originality- Ensure you have access to data and resources, especially if you plan to collect primary data in UAE locations like Dubai or Sharjah. Your question should allow analysis, evaluation & critical thinking
6. Seek Expert Guidance- Discuss your topic ideas with teachers or tutors. Getting feedback early helps refine your question. For students seeking tailored support, NowClasses provides specialized IB Extended Essay Support in the UAE, offering guidance and resources specific to the UAE context

Why the Right Guidance Makes Your Extended Essay Easier

Choosing the right research question takes time, reflection & practical planning. By following these steps, UAE students can pick topics that are both interesting and achievable. For those in Dubai, JLT, or nearby areas like Dubai Silicon Oasis and JBR, IB extended Essay support in JLT at NowClasses offers hands-on guidance, helping students structure their research, refine questions, and access resources for a strong EE experience.

We also offer a flexible online learning platform, so whether you’re in the UAE or studying remotely, you always have expert guidance at hand.

With the right topic and the right support from us, the Extended Essay stops being a burden and turns into a rewarding project that you can actually enjoy.

FAQs

1. How do I choose a good IB Extended Essay research question?

A good research question is clear, focused & researchable. Start by picking a subject you enjoy. Then narrow it down to a specific area. Make sure you have access to enough data and resources to support your argument. For eg., instead of asking “How does climate change affect the UAE?” (too broad), you could ask “How has Dubai’s urban expansion affected coastal biodiversity?” (clear and manageable)

2. Can I write my IB Extended Essay on topics related to the UAE?
   

Yes, you can. In fact, many students in the UAE use local examples. You could research Dubai’s desalination plants, renewable energy projects, urban growth & even cultural topics. Just ensure your topic fits within your chosen IB subject guidelines & that you can access reliable sources or data

3. Where can I get help with my IB Extended Essay in the UAE ?
   

Students in Dubai, JLT, JBR & Silicon Oasis can get one-to-one support through NowClasses. We help refine research questions, build essay structure & guide you through the research process. We also offer a flexible online tutoring platform. So even if you are studying remotely, you’ll still get the right guidance and resources