In this blog, Anna outlines the initial steps to choosing an IB History Extended Essay topic and question as well as how to approach the planning process.
Students often choose History for their EE as it lends itself well to essay writing as well as offering interesting topics. However, that does not mean it is just a matter of writing anything. There is a requirement that you ‘critically analyse’. Therefore, you must avoid questions that lead to a narrative response.
There should be enough sources to make the investigation meaningful, and if you find there are not enough, then you should change your direction.
Possible approaches to the research question include:
Once you have decided on your topic and designed your question, usually with the help of your Supervisor, you need to decide how you will tackle the investigation. Before diving straight in it is advisable to create a flexible flow chart – outlining your approach.
Topic – The Cuban Missile Crisis and Containment.
Research question – To what extent were the objectives of the United States of America’s Policy of Containment achieved in relation to Cuba between April 1961 and October 1962?
Step 1 – General reading around the topic to provide myself with greater context and to select relevant sources.
Step 2 – More detailed research on the policy of Containment and whether changes were applied from its origins, using when possible both primary and secondary resources.
Step 3 – To research the Cuban Missile Crisis between April 1961 and 1962, using (when possible) both primary and secondary resources.
Step 4 – An examination and evaluation of different interpretations needs to addressed.
Step 5 – An evaluation as to whether the Policy of Containment in relation to Cuba between April 1961 and October 1962 was achieved, allowing a conclusion to be reached.
Step 6 – Select and evaluate at least two main sources using the OPCVL approach, but this should be later integrated into the main essay.
Step 7 – Select historical perspectives on the topic and be prepared to show why they have this opinion – again this should be integrated into the essay.
Step 8 – Decide on subheadings, if required, for the essay. Don’t forget it essential that you record your research notes. See how to do this in my blog ‘Tips for success: How to research your IB History IA’, as the same process applies. [1]https://ibpublishing.ibo.org/extendedessay/apps/dpapp/guide.html?doc=d_0_eeyyy_gui_1602_1_e&part=10&chapter=6§ion=2[2]https://ibpublishing.ibo.org/extendedessay/apps/dpapp/guide.html?doc=d_0_eeyyy_gui_1602_1_e&part=10&chapter=6§ion=3
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