extended essay world studies guide

World Studies Extended Essay

World studies was first proposed by the United World College of Mahindra in 2001 and was eventually set up as an extended essay pilot option in 2005. The development of the world studies extended essay pilot has been underpinned by extensive academic research and development. IB staff have worked closely with both teachers in the pilot schools and Harvard Graduate School of Education, Project Zero Interdisciplinary Studies Project, to develop this exciting extended essay option.

A world studies extended essay must focus on a topic of global significance. This encourages the student to reflect on the world today in relation to issues such as the global food crisis, climate change, terrorism, energy security, migration, global health, technology and cultural exchange.

The student should then explore how their chosen issue may be illustrated in a local context or contexts using specific examples of a small scale, local phenomenon; in this way the student is linking the local to the global.

As the approach is interdisciplinary explaining the topic through the lens of more than one discipline, students should develop a clear rationale for taking an interdisciplinary approach, selecting the IB disciplines through which they plan to explore the topic. The process of researching and writing the world studies extended essay develops international-mindedness and specifically the concept of global consciousness. This concept encompasses three distinct strands:

• global sensitivity - a sensitivity to local phenomena and experiences as expressions of developments on the planet
• global understanding - the capacity to think in flexible and informed ways about issues of global significance
• global self - a developing perception of self as a global actor and member of humanity, capable of making a positive contribution to the world.

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Extended Essay: World Studies EE's

• General Timeline
• Group 1: English Language and Literature
• Group 2: Language Acquisition
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies
• Group 4: Sciences
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: The Arts
• Interdisciplinary essays
• Brainstorming
• Pre-Writing
• Research Techniques
• The Research Question
• Paraphrasing, Summarising and Quotations
• Writing an EE Introduction
• Writing the main body of your EE
• Writing your EE Conclusion
• Six sub-categories for WSEE
• IB Interdisciplinary EE Assessment Guide
• Sources: Finding, Organising and Evaluating Them
• Conducting Interviews and Surveys
• Citing and Referencing
• Check-in Sessions
• First Formal Reflection
• Second Formal Reflection
• Final Reflection (Viva Voce)
• Researcher's Reflection Space (RRS) Examples
• Information for Supervisors
• How is the EE Graded?
• EE Online Resources
• Stavanger Public Library
• Exemplar Essays
• Extended Essay Presentations
• ISS High School Academic Honesty Policy

Everything you need to know about the WSEE

The chosen topic for the World Studies Extended Essay (WSEE) must address both a local and a global issue of significance, and invite an interdisciplinary approach, meaning that two approved IB subjects should be used as an interdisciplinary critical lens to answer the research question. The most successful topics reveal connections between specific and/or local places, people, phenomena or experiences, and the larger global framework in which they take place (IBO 2010). 

Interdisciplinary research

• Global issues often invite an interdisciplinary approach.
• Different individuals and groups bring different perspectives, areas of expertise, and interests to the same topic. 
• Spending time thinking about an issue and exploring a wide variety of sources will provide a deeper and richer research experience. 
• In a WSEE, crafting a research question does not begin with the subject, but with the issue. 

World Studies Extended Essays MUST fall within one of the following six categories:

• Science, technology and society
• Culture, language and identity
• Conflict, peace and security
• Equality and inequality
• Health and development
• Environmental and/or economic sustainability

Click here to learn more about the WSEE sub-categories. 

From the ib:, introduction to the world studies extended essay (wsee).

The WSEE invites students to conduct an in-depth,  interdisciplinary  investigation into an issue of contemporary global importance (maximum 4,000 words). 

Here are some examples of potential topics include:

Interdisciplinary approach

The perspective of just one subject may not be adequate to address complex issues like those in the list above. The WSEE therefore requires students to bring together aspects of different disciplines to illuminate their chosen topic. 

Students should use two Diploma Programme subjects. It is strongly recommended that students are undertaking a course of study in at least one of the subjects chosen for their essay.

Students are not expected to address the topic in its full complexity, but should aim to generate understandings that are new to them. 

The aims of the WSEE are to enable students to:

• frame and understand complex contemporary world problems for in-depth study
• gather and synthesize insights from two different disciplines to better understand the issue 
• develop global consciousness—a disposition to recognize and understand local and global relationships in dynamic interaction 
• view themselves as interpreters of and actors in an increasingly interconnected world.

Students are encouraged to focus on just  one or two contexts  in some depth, for example: 

• The student examines two geographical case studies to explore whether religious beliefs affect attitudes towards HIV/AIDS in Oslo and Mombasa. 
• The student examines one or two events to evaluate relief efforts after natural disasters, and suggests ways to make these more responsive. 
• The student examines one or two interventions to investigate what determines the success or failure of sanctions imposed by the United Nations. 

Students can refer to other places and events beyond the primary context(s) when relevant to the argument. In fact, the IB encourages this as it displays global consciousness. However, a detailed contextualized study of these additional cases is impossible within the 4,000-word limit.

WSEE Examiners follow special guidelines that are specific to interdisciplinary essays.  Click  here  to view a pdf of the published IB page that outlines these specific guidelines.  

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• Last Updated: Apr 3, 2024 10:42 AM
• URL: https://isstavanger.libguides.com/c.php?g=695888

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IB World Study Extended Essay: Global Themes And Topics

by  Antony W

January 14, 2023

This is a complete guide to the IB World Extended Essay.

In this post, you’ll learn what World Study Extended Essay is, the right disciplinary approach to take, example topics, as well as how to write the essay. Our goal in this guide is to equip you with the knowledge necessary to get full marks in your World Study Extended Essay.

What is IB World Study Extended Essay?

The IB World History Extended Essay requires you to conduct a detailed investigation into an issue of global significance. The essay must be 4,000 words long and meet all the IB Extended Essay requirements .

World Study Extended Essay requires you to focus on one or two contexts, and you have to examine with great depth.

Since the interdisciplinary investigation addresses complex issues such as migration, global health crisis, global financial crisis, and infringement on human rights, you need to bring together aspects of a number of disciplines to address your topic.

Instructions given by the IB Program requires that you use two subjects in your WSEE investigation. Given the flexibility of the subject, you don’t have to address the topic in full complexity . Instead, aim to demonstrate knowledge that’s new to you.

A comprehensive World Study Extended Essay should be:

• Integrative: It should bring together forms of communication, concepts, and methods from two or more subjects.
• Purposeful: Your World Study Essay should either connect different disciplines to solve real world problems or help to address more complex issues in a new way.
• Grounded: The Extended Essay should demonstrate a clear rooting in disciplinary knowledge and understanding.

The Right Approach to World Study Extended Essay

Pick a theme from the six global themes in World Study Extended Essay and then find a topic that fits a general research area.

Select two of the most suitable disciplines, such as Biology and Economics. You will need these to explore your research topic.

Develop possible research questions and identify possible sources of relevant data. Your goal here is to determine if there are enough sources that allow you to explore the research your research question.

IB Extended Essay Example Topics

The following are some examples of potential topics that you can cover in your World Study Extended Essay:

• Worldwide financial crisis
• Global health concerns
• Disaster rehabilitation and relief
• Energy migration
• Infringement on human right
• Disadvantaged groups
• Civil unrest and protest

Global Themes in Word Study Extended Essay

There are six global themes in World Study Extended Essay.

• Conflict, peace, and security
• Culture, language, and identity
• Environmental and/or economic sustainability
• Equality and inequality
• Health and development
• Science, technology and society

How to Write a World Study Extended Essay

Before you start writing a World Study Extended Essay, make sure the topic you intend to investigate and the arguments you’ll present are of global significance. Issues such as energy security, cultural exchange, racism, malnutrition, and globalization are some of the most interesting topics linked to the six global themes in WSEE.

Step 1:  Choose a Topic and Develop Your Research Question  

The topic you choose to explore should be an issue you are passionate about in the context of World Study Extended Essay.

It can also be about an interesting subject you’ve read lately or a topic you’re willing to investigate extensively.

Research the topic. Look through a variety of sources to find as many ideas and scope for your research as possible. Share your ideas with your EE supervisor, and don’t hesitate to ask them for advice.

Using the topic you’ve selected, develop a relevant research question for your investigation. Don’t worry if you don’t get the best research question right away. Look at your topic, write as many draft research questions as possible, and then pick one that makes the most sense.

Regardless of how many times you tweak your research question, it must reflect the contexts of what you’ll be investigating. So it helps to make sure your RQ is not only specific but also straight to the point.

Step 2: Choose 2 IB Subjects

Depending on the topic you choose to explore in your interdisciplinary investigation, your supervisor expects you to choose two IB subjects with a close correlation.

Say you choose to explore an issue on maternal malnutrition . In such a case, Biology and Economics would be the most suitable subjects to choose. Biology is a good fit because it’s a subject that allows you to explore nutrition and its impact on the development of the fetus. Economics, on the other hand, allows you to examine whether the lack of enough funding contributes to maternal malnutrition.

Look at the topic and the research question you selected in the first step and use them to select the most appropriate IB subjects. The subject you choose must be in the IB curriculum. Again, you can pick a topic from SL (Standard Level) or HL (Higher Level) in IB.

If you feel confused about what subjects would be suitable for your topic, don’t hesitate to consult your supervisor.

Step 3: Research the Topic

This is an important step in your World Study Extended Essay investigation. Because you’ll use the internet for your research, get information from reliable and trustworthy sources such as government websites, university repositories, research articles, and academic journals.

Look for relevant books from the local libraries for additional information. Many of these books have references in the bibliographies of many college and university papers, so they can be useful for your Extended Essay.

If your school allows, you can ask your supervisor to look into the sources you have selected and advice you whether they would be suitable for your interdisciplinary investigation.

Step 4: Write Your World Study Extended Essay

Writing your World Study Extended Essay shouldn’t be hard if you have done your research well.

Just like other types of Extended Essays , your WSEE should have an introduction, a body section, and a conclusion.

In the introduction, explain you chose to investigate the topic and state why you have a strong conviction that it’s the best topic to explore. State your research question, mention the scope of the essay in relation to the two subjects (picked in step 2), and explain how the subjects will help you answer the research question.

Follow this with an abstract. The word limit is 300, so you don’t have the space to include irrelevant information in the document. The information you include should be clear, concise, and direct to the point.

Write the body section of the essay well. Here, provide as much relevant information as possible to answer your research question. Write a strong conclusion, which should tie everything you have written in the body section.

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.

DP World Studies Extended Essay: Introduction

• Introduction
• Getting Started
• Global Themes
• Interdisciplinary Research
• What Makes Up a "Discipline"?
• Evaluating the Insights of Academic Disciplines
• Multiple Forms of Integration
• Evaluating Your Essay
• Common Stumbling Blocks
• Examples of Globally Conscious Students
• World Studies Exemplars
• List of IB Subjects
• Examiner Reports

World Studies EE Overview

The world studies extended essay (wsee).

The World Studies Extended Essay (WSEE) has to meet all the presentation requirements of the IB Extended Essay , including having a maximum length of 4,000 words.  

See the Extended Essay guide for more details.  WSEE documents are in the box to the right.

Examples of potential topics include:

Interdisciplinary Approach

The IB recommends that you use two IB Diploma Programme subjects, one of which you must be studying. 

You're not expected to address the topic in its full complexity, but you should aim to generate understandings that are new to you.

It would be very easy for you to rely on common-sense understanding of a global issue or more informal insights. However, the academic nature of the EE requires you to understand a global issue through disciplinary lenses.

• An examination of two geographical case studies exploring whether religious beliefs affect attitudes towards HIV/AIDS in Oslo and Mombasa. 
• An examination of one or two events evaluating relief efforts after natural disasters, with suggestions of ways to make these more responsive. 
• An examination of one or two interventions investigating what determines the success or failure of sanctions imposed by the United Nations. 

You can refer to other places and events beyond the primary context(s) when relevant to the argument.  This can demonstrate global consciousness in your writing. However, a really detailed study of these additional cases would not be possible given the 4,000-word limit.

WSEE Documents

• IB EE Subject Guide - World Studies, 2018
• Making Meaningful Connections Use this worksheet to help you think about your research plans: the concepts or methods your will be using, the global topic you're focusing on, and the academic disciplines you will be using.
• Sample Prompts for the WSEE RRS What should you write in your RRS? Use these questions and prompts to help you think through the various stages of the research for your WSEE: your initial ideas, your thoughts and reflections during the process, and your conclusions.
• RRS Example B - World Studies

RPPF (Researcher's Planning and Progress Form) examples:

• RPPF Example 5 - World Studies
• RPPF Example 7 - World Studies

IB Extended Essay Guide

Check the Extended Essay guide for specific guidance on completing the various steps in the research and writing process of the EE, and  these documents:

• Next: Getting Started >>
• Last Updated: Nov 22, 2023 11:14 AM
• URL: https://aism-mz.libguides.com/worldstudies

Gr. 11-12 Extended Essay

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

World Studies EE Overview

Recommended databases, website sources.

• Introduction
• Academic Integrity
• Common Questions
• For Supervisors
• EE Examples
• Introduction to the World Studies EE
• World Studies Extended Essays Guidance
• World Studies EE: Workflow and Expectations
• Intro to World Studies EE

World Studies EE examples

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• Last Updated: Feb 21, 2024 10:03 AM
• URL: https://yorkschool.libguides.com/extendedessay

Extended Essay: World Studies

• Research help
• World Studies

WSEE Themes

The WSEE is organized across six global themes. You choose one of these under which to register your essay.  The themes are:

Conflict, peace, and security Culture, language, and identity Environment and/or economic sustainability Equality and inequality Health and development Science, technology and society

Conflict, peace, and security

Culture, language, and identity, equality and inequality, health and development, science, technology, and society, environment and/or economic development, wsee resources.

• Connections This worksheet guides you to make meaningful connections...applicable for the WESS and from the IB
• WSEE IB Report A description of what to do and not to do
• << Previous: Criteria
• Last Updated: Oct 9, 2023 8:55 AM
• URL: https://aisj-jhb.libguides.com/extendedessay

OGC Extended Essay: World Studies

• Computer Science
• Design Technology
• Global Politics
• Language Acquisition
• Mathematics
• Sports Science

World Studies

• Notes & Outlines
• Works Cited Page
• In-Text Citations
• Reflections
• Supervisor Info
• Library This link opens in a new window

• Requirements

Research Questions

• Past Papers

Writing an EE in World Studies: READ CAREFULLY!

The World Studies paper examines a Global Issue in a LOCAL Context through the lens of TWO Subject areas .

This essay is very different from all other options, so read over the resources below VERY carefully and consult your teachers early and often.

Specific Requirements for a World Studies EE

The Subject-Specific Guidance page  for your chosen subject is THE KEY to ensuring your paper meets the requirements. Print, highlight, and annotate this page and pin it above your desk!

• Choose two of your DP Subjects that can both connect to one of THESE THEMES
• Subject-Specific Guidance

Use the Command Terms  common in the two SUBJECTS as much as possible

The Subject Reports  give an overview of what EXAMINERS have said  about makes a successful paper in the subject. It's smart to read these over to know what the examiners are  looking  for.

World Studies  subject report 2018

World studies  subject report 2021.

See the Focused Topics below:

A Step-by-Step Guide  to writing a World Studies EE (Print & Pin)

Review the questions below

• Which ones will be most successful?
• What ideas do the questions spark for you?

Sample World Studies Research Questions

Physics & Geography

• To What Extent is the Design of the Standard Houses that Gawak Kalinga Builds Able to Withstand the Seismic Hazards Present in Manila?

Economics & Music

• To what extent is electronic music’s economy expanding?

Psychology & Geography

• How do the combined effects of Socioeconomic Status and Diabetes increase prevalences of Alzheimer’s Disease in different regions within China (PRC)?

History & Economics

• To what extent did the LGBTQ community contribute to making attractive neighborhoods in the US and why are they pushed to leave them now?

History & Literature

• What aspects of the anti-vaccination movement, and “The Crucible” relate to mass hysteria during the Salem Witch Trials?

Economics & Politics

• To what extent has the political decision to host the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro affected Brazils’ economy and the financial welfare of its citizens?

Biology & Economics

• How does mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) ecotourism support and strengthen local economies while ensuring the mountain gorillas’ health and survival?

Past Papers: Why Read Them?

• See  common structures, methodologies, use of command terms  and other subject-specific vocabulary
• Notice the difference  between successful papers AND papers that were less successful
• Read the  examiner comments  on scored papers and their reflections to note what worked and what didn't
• 12 World Studies papers, scored with reflection s, via the IBO

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

• UN Sustainable Development Goals: Click the goal you want to learn more about. See examples of the "Goals in Action"
• UN SDG's knowledge platform Learn about the progress and targets for each goal
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Extended Essay 专题论文: World Studies EE

• STEP 1. Start Early and RRS
• Identify Keywords and Terms
• Background Reading
• Refine and Narrow the Topic
• Question Starters
• Command terms & key concepts for the subjects
• STEP 4. First Formal Reflection Session
• STEP 5. Outline and Methods
• STEP 6. EE Café & First Draft
• Assessment Criteria
• How to create and edit sources
• How to use Quick Cite
• How to create Notecards
• How to Create In-text Citations
• How to Export Source Citations
• How to share a Project with Your Teacher
• Getting Started
• Subject-specific Rules and Considerations
• World Studies Global Themes
• Interdisciplinary Study
• Disciplinary Lenses
• Making Meaningful Connections
• Nurturing Global Consciousness
• WSEE Learning Demands and Expectations
• Common Problems
• Resources for Supervisors

Introduction

To get started, it's important to understand that the world studies extended essay (WSEE) invites students to conduct an in-depth,  interdisciplinary  investigation into an issue of contemporary global importance in a maximum of 4,000 words. 

Why write a WSEE?

Writing an interdisciplinary extended essay (EE) gives students an opportunity to undertake an in-depth and independent investigation into a topic of their choice that considers the relationship between subjects and allows for meaningful connections to be made in relation to their chosen area of research. 

The aims of the WSEE are to enable students to:

• frame and understand complex contemporary world problems for in-depth study
• gather and synthesize insights from two different disciplines to better understand the issue
• develop global consciousness —a disposition to recognize and understand local and global relationships in dynamic interaction
• view themselves as interpreters of and actors in an increasingly interconnected world.

In line with the  IB’s mission , the world studies EE seeks to advance students’ emerging global consciousness . This comprises:

• a sensitivity to local phenomena as manifestations of broader developments on the planet
• the capacity to think in flexible and informed ways in understanding issues of global significance
• a developing perception of the student’s own identity (self) as a global actor and member of humanity , capable of making a positive contribution to the world.

This WSEE guide is adapt from IBO World studies extended essay guidance .  

Examples of potential topics include:

The most critical stage in preparing for the EE is the formulation of a logical and coherent rationale for selecting a particular topic for the extended essay—it should be a topic that offers enough scope to provide material for a substantial essay, and it should allow for the development of ideas around the topic and research question that examine existing views and argue against them. 

Interdisciplinary approach

The perspective of just one subject may not be adequate to address complex issues like these. The WSEE therefore requires students to bring together aspects of different disciplines to illuminate their chosen topic.

Students should use two Diploma Programme subjects. It is strongly recommended that students are undertaking a course of study in at least one of the subjects chosen for their essay.

Students are not expected to address the topic in its full complexity, but should aim to generate understandings that are new to them.

Students are encouraged to focus on just  one or two contexts  in some depth, for example:

• The student examines two geographical case studies to explore whether religious beliefs affect attitudes towards HIV/AIDS in Oslo and Mombasa.
• The student examines one or two events to evaluate relief efforts after natural disasters, and suggests ways to make these more responsive.
• The student examines one or two interventions to investigate what determines the success or failure of sanctions imposed by the United Nations.

Students can refer to other places and events beyond the primary context(s) when relevant to the argument. In fact, the IB encourages this as it displays global consciousness. However, a detailed contextualized study of these additional cases is impossible within the 4,000-word limit.

Quick Links

• Interdisciplinary learning—from the what and why, to the how (part 1)

• Interdisciplinary learning—from the what and why, to the how (part 2)
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• Next: Getting Started >>
• Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024 2:53 PM
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US - Extended Essay Guide: World Studies

• Class of '25 EE Deadline Calendar
• 2024 EE Deadline Calendar
• Examples of Extended Essays
• Computer Science
• Design Technology
• Global Politics
• Studies in Lang. and Lit. (Group 1)
• Studies in Lang. and Lit. (Group 2)
• Mathematics
• Sports, Exercise, and Health Science
• World Studies
• Print and eBooks
• Web Resources
• Searching Tips
• Referencing and citing
• Notetaking Advice
• Tools and Strategies to Narrow Your Topic
• Supervisor Support

World Studies Overview

• World Studies: Subject Specific Guidance An EE in world studies gives students the opportunity to undertake an interdisciplinary study of an issue of contemporary global significance. “Interdisciplinary” in this context refers to research that draws on the methods, concepts and theories of two Diploma Programme subjects. It is strongly recommended that students are undertaking a course of study in at least one of the subjects chosen for their essay. “Contemporary” in this context refers to events that took place during the student’s lifetime. Students are required to identify an issue of global importance identify a local manifestation of the issue of global importance develop a clear rationale for taking an interdisciplinary approach and use the conceptual framework and vocabulary of two Diploma Programme subjects. This provides an opportunity for students to conduct independent interdisciplinary research (not necessarily primary research) that draws on Diploma Programme subjects and integrates them to produce a coherent and insightful analysis of the global issue they choose to investigate. It should be noted that law and education are not Diploma Programme subjects. World studies EEs are registered in one of six areas of study: these are not the same as the Diploma Programme subjects. They are: Conflict, peace and security Culture, language and identity Environmental and/or economic sustainability Equality and inequality Health and development Science, technology and society. The interdisciplinary essay is designed to provide students with the opportunity to: engage in, and pursue, a systematic process of research appropriate to the topic—a process that is informed by knowledge, concepts, theories, perspectives and methods from two chosen subjects develop research and communication skills—including the ability to communicate with readers who have a background in more than one subject or discipline develop the skills of creative and critical thinking—particularly those skills involved in integrating concepts, theories, perspectives, findings or examples from different subjects to develop new insights or understandings experience the excitement of intellectual discovery—including insights into how different subjects complement or challenge one another when used to address the same topic or issue. Furthermore, in line with the IB’s mission, the world studies EE seeks to advance students’ emerging global consciousness. This comprises: a sensitivity to local phenomena as manifestations of broader developments on the planet the capacity to think in flexible and informed ways in understanding issues of global significance a developing perception of the student’s own identity (self) as a global actor and member of humanity, capable of making a positive contribution to the world
• World Studies: Subject Specific Guide
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World Studies Extended Essay: Interdisciplinary Research

• Introduction
• Getting Started
• Global Themes
• Interdisciplinary Research
• What Makes Up a "Discipline"?
• Evaluating the Insights of Academic Disciplines
• Multiple Forms of Integration
• Evaluating Your Essay
• Common Stumbling Blocks
• Examples of Globally Conscious Students

What Is Interdisciplinary Research?

What is  interdisciplinary research?   It means you are using discipline-specific ways of knowing—established knowledge claims, methods, approaches to inquiry and forms of communication—to give you a new understanding.

When you are doing independent interdisciplinary research for your WSEE, you are:

• exploring problems, ideas and issues from the perspective of two IB subject areas
• building the inquiry skills you will need to be able to conduct careful and detailed research
• showing initiative in applying your academic skills to recognize, frame and approach complex problems of global significance.

The WSEE Process

• identify a topic of personal, local* and global significance
• frame a researchable question
• identify the sources of expertise and disciplinary perspectives to further your understanding of the topic
• gather relevant information, ideas and tools in such disciplines
• define a research approach or method
• synthesize the different perspectives to advance your own interpretation or explanation of, or solution to, the problem your are studying
• write the essay and reflect on your work, its significance, limitations and possibilities.

* Local is defined in its widest sense to mean specific examples or case studies and does not necessarily imply that the focus must be geographically local to you.

WSEE Documents

WSEE Subject Guide and worksheets

• IB EE Subject Guide - World Studies, 2018
• Making Meaningful Connections Use this worksheet to help you think about your research plans: the concepts or methods your will be using, the global topic you're focusing on, and the academic disciplines you will be using.

RRS (Researcher's Reflection Space)

• Sample Prompts for the WSEE RRS What should you write in your RRS? Use these questions and prompts to help you think through the various stages of the research for your WSEE: your initial ideas, your thoughts and reflections during the process, and your conclusions.
• RRS Example B - World Studies

RPPF (Researcher's Planning and Progress Form) examples:

• RPPF Example 5 - World Studies
• RPPF Example 7 - World Studies

IB Extended Essay Guide & Timeline

Check the Extended Essay guide for specific guidance on completing the various steps in the research and writing process of the EE, and  these documents:

• << Previous: Interdisciplinary Study
• Next: Examples >>
• Last Updated: Sep 19, 2022 9:16 AM
• URL: https://libguides.westsoundacademy.org/wsee

Extended Essay: World Studies

• Before You Start
• Business Management
• Language and Literature
• Visual Arts
• World Studies
• Developing a Research Question
• Structure of the Extended Essay
• Writing the Essay
• Citations/Sources/Academic Honesty
• Timelines and Materials
• Example Research Questions
• Supervisors

World Studies Overview

Many topics are potentially suitable for a world studies EE. The chosen topic must:

• address an issue of global significance
• invite an interdisciplinary approach.

The most successful topics reveal connections between specific or local places, people, phenomena or experiences and the larger global framework in which they take place.

Topics must invite a critical examination of the issue in light of relevant theories, methods and arguments in two subjects.

When choosing a topic, students should remember that it must encourage analysis and evaluation rather than description, unsupported generalizations and value judgments.

Students must also ensure that they can meet the various  assessment criteria  within the 4,000-word limit. They should avoid topics that are too broad in scope to permit an in-depth study within the word limit. A limited topic thoroughly researched and with a clear focus is preferable to a broad topic that can only be examined superficially.

• World Studies Subject Guide

Resources for World Studies

• Examiner's Report for World Studies

Exemplar Papers in World Studies

• World Studies A
• Graded score for World Studies A
• World Studies B
• Graded score for World Studies B
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• Last Updated: Nov 18, 2020 8:01 AM
• URL: https://vhs-victorschools.libguides.com/extendedessay

Extended Essay: World Studies

• Introduction to the EE
• Step 1 - Choose a subject

World Studies

• Step 3 - The Researchers Reflection Space
• Identify Sources
• Tools for Note Taking
• Video Guides
• Step 5 - Creating Research Questions
• Step 6 - Outlines and Plans
• Step 7 - Citing
• Criteria E - 3 Reflections
• Know Your Criteria
• Criteria D - Check your Formatting
• 4000 words final hand in

This is not for the faint hearted. To embark on a World Studies extended essay means you have to really focus across two or more subject areas. It is very easy to do this badly, but if you succeed it is a very worthy assignment. Note also that it is a new area so it is something that you will have to do a lot of reading around yourself to make sure you are on track. if you have any doubts, turn back now.

If you choose to move forward - start by doing the following:

1. Read from the IBO.

Examples -  Go into and reading the exemplars in  this folder.

There have been a large number of examples added to the  ib website  recently., examiners comments are also very very useful: , world studies  subject report 2018, world studies subject report 2021, very useful document:  step by step guide to a world studies ee (source isb), how to fill in a proposal for a world studies essay.

Task 1. Look at the example above - You will practice reverse engineering a World Studies EE first doing  these tasks  and looking at some examples of EEs in World Studies.

Task 2: Look at some more examples of EE's that have been done in the past in World Studies

Task 3: Look again at the themes and examples - write a list of possible themes and wider topics you would want to look at.

Task 4: Do some reading and refine what you might want to do.

Task 5: Now put forward proposals - choose a range if you want

Presentation

New examples 2021.

There have been a large number of examples added to the IB website recently.

Look at them - even if they have a lower grade - look at why they might have got this.. Was it due to the choice of topic/ research question?

video resources

Video Resources

Both provided by ISB - Thanks

• << Previous: Group 6
• Next: Step 3 - The Researchers Reflection Space >>
• Last Updated: Mar 10, 2024 10:40 PM
• URL: https://cis.libguides.com/extendedessay

HS IB Extended Essay Guide: World Studies Extended Essay

• Getting Started
• Research Questions
• References & Citations
• Reflection (RPPF)
• World Studies Extended Essay
• Science EE Info
• Past Essays
• Supervisor Info
• Citing Images, Tables, & Graphs

What is the World Studies EE?

An EE in world studies gives students the opportunity to undertake an interdisciplinary study of an issue of contemporary global significance.

Students are required to

• identify an issue of global importance
• identify a local manifestation of the issue of global importance
• register the paper in one of six areas of study
• develop a clear rationale for taking an interdisciplinary approach and use the conceptual framework and vocabulary of two Diploma Programme subjects.

Source: IBO.org

Additional Resources

• Other EE options: World studies Blog post about the world studies option for the EE. Written for students!
• IBO.org: World Studies Subject Specific Guidance
• Quick Guide to the World Studies EE

Youtube: World Studies EE

Interdisciplinary Approach

• The perspective of just one subject may not be adequate to address complex issues like these. The WSEE therefore requires students to bring together aspects of different disciplines to illuminate their chosen topic.
• Students should use two Diploma Programme subjects. It is strongly recommended that students are undertaking a course of study in at least one of the subjects chosen for their essay.
• Students are not expected to address the topic in its full complexity, but should aim to generate understandings that are new to them.

Sample Questions

Sample WS EE Papers

• WS EE Example: conflict, peace & security
• WS EE Example: equality and inequality

World Studies Themes

World studies EEs are registered in one of six areas of study: these are not the same as the Diploma Programme subjects. They are:

• Conflict, peace and security
• Culture, language and identity
• Environmental and/or economic sustainability
• Equality and inequality
• Health and development
• Science, technology and society
• << Previous: Reflection (RPPF)
• Next: Science EE Info >>
• Last Updated: Feb 26, 2024 11:05 AM
• URL: https://seoulforeign.libguides.com/EE

Extended Essay: Interdisciplinary Papers: World Studies

• 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

Choosing a Topic

Choosing a Topic in World Studies

Topics in World Studies must be interdisciplinary. They must be of "global significance," but also have a localized focus or case study, and they must be approachable through two distinct subject areas. 

Students will need to register their papers in one of the six "areas of study" or themes. (These are not subject areas.) Students' issues of global significance should be related somehow to one of these areas. Whatever issue students choose, they will then have to relate that topic to two different subject areas. Students will use the knowledge and methods from these two different areas to break down the complexity of the issue, and analyze it in the specific context of a location of their choosing.

Approaches to Research

Because World Studies essays are interdisciplinary in nature, students will most likely draw on methods from the different subject areas they are using. Depending on the topic and the location of the focus, students may need to look for primary data in secondary sources. Like in other subjects, this is acceptable as long as students apply the data in an original way.

Students can refer to the research and source guidance in other subjects that may be helpful in their process.

Integrating Subject Areas

A successful World Studies essay must be interdisciplinary. This means that students must integrate two subject areas in the context of one paper topic. There are multiple ways of doing this.

Assessed Student Work

• How effective is beehive fencing in minimizing elephant crop-raiding in the Mwakoma village of Eastern Tsavo?
• How and to what extent did the Iraq invasion and occupation between the years 2003 and 2005 impact the rise of radical Islamic terrorism?
• << Previous: Sciences: Sports, Exercise, and Health Sciences
• Next: Assessment Criteria >>
• Last Updated: Dec 10, 2022 12:51 PM
• URL: https://k497.libguides.com/extendedessay

Extended Essay

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

World studies: Sample A

World studies: sample b, world studies: sample c.

• Last Updated: Oct 14, 2021 3:31 PM
• URL: https://keystoneacademy-cn.libguides.com/extended-essay

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

• Environmental Systems & Societies

Literature & Performance

World studies.

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

Introduction to the EE in Interdisciplinary Essays

From the Guide:

An interdisciplinary extended essay (EE) gives students an opportunity to undertake an in-depth and independent investigation into a topic of their choice that considers the relationship between subjects and allows for meaningful connections to be made in relation to their chosen area of research. 

For example, in literature and performance, students focus on the nature of the relationships that occur between a chosen text and its adaptation for performance; in world studies an issue of contemporary global significance is explored through the lenses of two subjects; and in environmental systems and societies the interaction and integration of natural environmental systems and human societies are explored.

Students undertaking one of these options must demonstrate a solid understanding of their area of research, taking a fully integrated approach. This examination must be shown in the form of:

• a coherently written and structured essay that effectively addresses an area of research, taking an interdisciplinary approach
• bringing together concepts, methods and approaches from across different subjects
• the development and exploration of an area of study specifically appropriate to the interdisciplinary choice.

The most critical stage in preparing for the EE is the formulation of a logical and coherent rationale for selecting a particular topic for the extended essay, a topic that offers enough scope to provide material for a substantial essay, and the development of ideas around the topic and research question that examine existing views and argue against them.

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

• Topic Selection
• Literature Review
• The Research Question
• Research Methods
• A Framework for the Interdisciplinary EEs

Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS)

• ESS Subject Specific Guidelines - A short guide on how to write the ESS 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.
• ESS Subject Specific Guidelines
• 2021 ESS Score Report
• 2018 ESS Score Report

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

• World Studies Subject Specific Guidelines  - A short guide on how to write the World Studies 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.
• World Studies Subject Specific Guidelines
• 2018 World Studies Score Report
• << Previous: Individuals and Societies
• Next: Languages >>
• Last Updated: Mar 26, 2024 1:52 PM
• URL: https://uwcchina.libguides.com/extendedessayessentials