Brainstorm IB Extended Essay topics and research questions
No topic yet? No research question? Start here. Criterion's brainstorming AI works like an IB supervisor — narrowing your subject, pressure-testing your RQ, and shaping your EE before you write a single word.
How brainstorming works
- Find an EE topic in your subject: Tell Criterion your subject and interests; it suggests viable, defensible Extended Essay angles aligned to the IB subject guide.
- Refine your research question: Turn a vague topic into a focused, analyzable RQ — narrow enough to answer in 4,000 words, broad enough to sustain real argument.
- Stress-test your methodology: Get pushback on whether your sources, data or approach can actually answer your RQ before you commit to it.
- Plan your EE outline: Build a chapter-by-chapter outline that maps directly to Criteria A–E so you write toward the markscheme from day one.
Frequently asked questions
- Can Criterion help me pick an Extended Essay topic?
- Yes. Brainstorming mode is designed for exactly this. Tell Criterion your subject and what interests you, and it will help you narrow down to several viable EE topics — then refine the strongest one into a defensible research question.
- Do I need a draft to use Criterion?
- No. Brainstorming mode requires no draft, no outline, not even a topic. You can start with just a subject or a vague idea.
- What makes a good EE research question?
- A good EE research question is narrow, analyzable, subject-appropriate, and answerable within 4,000 words using accessible sources or data.
- Will Criterion write my Extended Essay for me?
- No. Criterion's brainstorming mode asks questions and helps you think — it never writes or paraphrases your EE.