Crafting a Research Question for Your IB English A Extended Essay

One of the most critical aspects of writing an IB English A Extended Essay is formulating an effective research question. This question forms the foundation of your essay, guiding your research and analysis. Here are detailed steps to help you craft a strong and focused research question:

Step 1: Explore Your Interests

Begin by delving into your personal interests. Immersing yourself in a variety of literary works—novels, plays, poetry, or essays—is an excellent starting point. As you read, take detailed notes on themes, characters, and stylistic elements that capture your attention. This exploration will help you identify broader themes that can serve as the basis for your research question.

Step 2: Review the Criteria

To ensure your research question meets the standards of the IB Extended Essay, familiarize yourself with the evaluation criteria. Your question should be

Step 3: Narrow Your Focus

Once you have a set of themes or ideas, narrow your focus by selecting one or more specific texts or authors. This will provide a clearer direction and enable you to conduct more focused research. Additionally, consider the historical, cultural, or social context of the texts you choose. This context can enrich your analysis and provide a broader perspective on your chosen theme.

Step 4: Formulate Questions

Start by posing open-ended questions that spark curiosity. For example:

How does [author] use [literary device] to convey [theme]? In what ways does [character] represent [concept] in [text]? What role does [setting] play in the development of [theme] in [work]?

These questions encourage critical thinking and allow for in-depth analysis, which is crucial for a successful Extended Essay.

Step 5: Refine Your Question

To refine your question, ensure it is specific enough to be answered within the word limit, approximately 4000 words. Be wary of broad questions that may be too general and difficult to explore in depth. Your question should also allow for critical analysis and interpretation rather than being limited to summarizing the content.

Step 6: Seek Feedback

Discuss your ideas with your supervisor or peers. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your question. Feedback is essential to ensure your question is clear, focused, and meets the criteria of the IB Extended Essay.

Examples of Good Research Questions

Here are some examples of strong research questions that meet the criteria of the IB Extended Essay:

How does the use of symbolism in [specific text] enhance the theme of [specific theme]? In what ways does [character] challenge societal norms in [work]? How does [author] portray the concept of [theme] through the lens of [specific literary technique]?

These questions not only meet the IB criteria but also provide a clear direction for your research and analysis.

Conclusion

Once you have a question that you are passionate about and that fulfills the criteria of the IB Extended Essay, you can begin your research and analysis. Remember, your research question can evolve as you delve deeper into your chosen text, so remain open to adjustments during the writing process. Good luck!