I believe the World Religions Extended Essay subject is one of the best in Group 3, despite often being overlooked. This subject gives you a lot of freedom while still having a clear structure, whether you’re interested in ancient traditions, ethical dilemmas, or modern faith practices.
Most importantly, the World Religions EE subject teaches students how to approach different religions with respect.
What Is the World Religions Extended Essay Subject?
The IB World Religions Extended Essay is in Group 3, which is Individuals and Societies. Don’t get this subject mixed up with theology, personal reflection, or teaching about religion, though. Instead, it’s a very serious academic study of religious texts, rituals, beliefs, and systems.
The focus is on objective research, rather than personal opinion. Just like you would in IB History or Anthropology, you should use academic research methods to look into religious topics.
In my opinion, students do best when they write their essays as either comparisons or themes. You might look at how two religions see suffering or how a specific religious practice strengthens identification in a certain culture. The quality of your research, organization, and presentation of your thesis is more important than your level of expertise in theology.
Your essay should be based on academic sources, as required by IB guidelines. Some of these are:
- Primary religious texts (e.g., the Quran, Torah, Bhagavad Gita).
- Scholarly books and peer-reviewed journal articles.
- Credible case studies.
- Interviews with religious leaders or practitioners.
- Cultural artifacts (such as architecture, clothing, or symbols) that carry religious meaning.
The purpose of taking the World Religions EE subject is to understand a religion’s worldview academically, rather than to agree or disagree with it.
I’ve found that the best essays maintain a neutral tone, even when discussing sensitive or controversial topics. In fact, many students are surprised by how interesting this type of structured research can be.
Who Should Choose the World Religions EE Subject?
It’s okay that not every subject is right for everyone. The best students for the World Religions Extended Essay subject are those who are reflective, thoughtful, and open to analyzing cultural ideas and perspectives.
You’re Genuinely Interested in Religious Studies
This is a good subject to think about if you’re the type of student who has always wondered, “Why do people believe what they believe?” From my own experience, being interested and caring are more critical than possessing extensive knowledge of religion. The most important thing is that you can think critically about traditions that aren’t your own. Students who do well in this subject are the ones who are open-minded and can think clearly about what they are learning.
You Want to Study Humanities or Social Sciences
The World Religions EE subject is often a good choice for students who wish to pursue careers in Anthropology, Theology, History, or International Relations. Why? Because it shows that you can think critically, understand other cultures, and do research, which are all skills that humanities departments value.
I’ve seen students do well in college interviews and personal statements by talking about their World Religions EE. In fact, some admissions teachers have told me that essays in this subject are more interesting and unique than most essays in History or English.
You’ve Taken the IB World Religions Course
Writing your EE on the same subject can seem like a natural progression if your school offers the IB World Religions course and you liked it. You already know a lot about the main ideas, terms, and thinkers, which gives you a good head start. You might even turn a topic or idea you talked about in class into a full-length Extended Essay.
However, don’t worry if you didn’t take the course; you can still perform very well if you work hard and conduct thorough research.
Is the World Religions Extended Essay Subject Hard?
This is the question I get asked most often. And to be honest, it depends on how you approach the topic, how well you prepare, and how you think about it. With many other Group 3 subjects, the World Religions Extended Essay subject can be as easy or as hard as you want it to be.
It Depends on Your Preparation
This subject is completely doable if you know how to write long essays, read difficult academic articles, and figure out what cultural or philosophical ideas mean.
From what I’ve seen, many students actually like it more than EEs that focus on science or math because it gives them more freedom.
Also, students who do well tend to do these things early on:
- They begin developing ideas for their topic weeks in advance.
- They frequently consult with their supervisor and pay close attention to what they say.
- They set aside time to read scholarly articles or religious texts.
- They practice writing analytically, avoiding comments that are based on their personal opinions.
- They go over more than one draft and make sure it is clear, has good structure, and mixes primary and secondary sources.
Even so, you shouldn’t take it lightly. You still have to carefully follow the IB guidelines, come up with a clear and unique research question, and stick to academic depth throughout the whole process.
Common Challenges in World Religions EE
From what I’ve seen, staying neutral is the hardest part. It’s very easy to get into an opinion or emotional argument, especially if you have a personal connection to the practice you’re writing about. But balance is one of the most important things that the IB World Religions Extended Essay requires from you. Your job is not to teach or convince, but to look into things.
Sources are another usual problem. Some students choose interesting but hard-to-find information about topics and then struggle to find reputable academic sources. This aspect is especially important when working with indigenous religions, new religious groups, or localized traditions that lack extensive research written in English.
What Successful Essays Typically Include?
There are three main things that all of the best writings I’ve seen have in common:
- A research question that is clear and narrow. Don’t ask too many general or spiritual questions that you can’t answer in 4,000 words.
- Strong primary and secondary sources. Academic journal papers, sacred texts, fieldwork (if needed), and books that other experts have reviewed.
- A steady, thoughtful voice. Your tone should always be academic, never personal or emotional.
One great essay, for instance, looked at how Tibetan Buddhism and Eastern Orthodox Christianity organize end-of-life rituals. The student made the research question very clear, used scholarly sources from both traditions, and examined what each ritual meant symbolically without emphasizing one over the other.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid in a World Religions Extended Essay
I’ve seen a lot of students make the mistake of writing their essays like they are personal stories. It’s usually not a good idea to include your own views or personal experiences because it can make you less objective. The IB World Religions Extended Essay is not a place for personal stories or trying to convince others of your point of view. It is a place for serious research.
Also, many students don’t realize how important reliable sources are. Always try to get your work published in academic, religious, or peer-reviewed publications.
Below is a summary of common mistakes you should avoid to stay on the right track:
Personal or devotional language. Writing from a faith-based perspective, such as “I believe this teaching is true” or “This ritual is beautiful,” will likely cost you marks.
Choosing a topic you don’t understand. Avoid choosing a religion or concept just because it seems mysterious or dramatic.
Weak sources. If your bibliography consists mostly of random websites, news articles, or quotes from social media, your EE will not meet the standard IB requires.
Being overly broad in your research question. You need to be specific, focused, and researchable within the 4,000-word limit.
Failing to maintain analytical distance. Don’t let your tone slip into advocacy or criticism. Whether you agree with a belief or not is irrelevant—the goal is understanding, not judgment.
Another tip: be cautious when handling sensitive or controversial topics. It’s okay to analyze subjects like gender roles, sexuality, or politics within religion—but you must approach them with sensitivity and a solid academic foundation. If your tone becomes argumentative or one-sided, it can undermine the entire essay.
Should You Choose World Religions Extended Essay Subject?
Yes, this subject might be an excellent fit for you if you are intellectually curious, open to many points of view, and like working with abstract ideas. The World Religions Extended Essay subject lets you be creative, follow your interests, and get really involved in your studies. It’s one of the most satisfying subjects to write about, in my opinion, because it makes you think, feel, and reflect at once.
And hey, don’t worry if you start to feel stuck or hesitant at any time. Many students ask IBWritingService.com for help. An honest second opinion can make a big difference when you’re coming up with a question, going over a draft, or just getting ideas for topics.
