When students first hear about the World Studies Extended Essay, they are often interested and a little scared. From what I’ve seen as an IB writer, this is one of the most interesting and difficult subjects you can choose in the Diploma Programme.
The IB World Studies EE is different from other essays because it asks you to link at least two subjects and show how they can be used to solve a global issue. That sounds like a big goal, right? No doubt about it, but it’s also one of the best academic projects you’ll ever do.
What Is the World Studies Extended Essay Subject?
I think that the World Studies Extended Essay subject is one of the most creative choices in the IB program. You should recognize right away that this is quite different from any other EE.
The IB says that a World Studies Extended Essay must be about a topic of global significance, like migration, climate change, global health, technology, or cultural exchange.
Then, you need to explain how that global problem is connected to a local one. This might be anything simple that highlights how the global affects actual life. In my experience, that criterion is what makes an essay deep and powerful.
Now, let’s compare the World Studies Extended Essay to the typical single-subject Extended Essay.
| World Studies Extended Essay | Single‐Subject Extended Essay | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Global issue + local context | Topic within one discipline |
| Your goal | Connect global and local, develop global consciousness | Deep research within one subject’s scope |
| Skills you need | Mixing perspectives, comparing methods, and linking ideas | Going in-depth with one subject’s methods and theories |
| What examiners want | Clear balance between subjects, strong global + local link, real-world relevance | Strong analysis within one subject |
In addition, the IB wants this subject to help students develop “global consciousness.” There are three threads of it:
- Global sensitivity – seeing how something that happens in your own community connects to much bigger worldwide trends.
- Global understanding – look at global issues from different perspectives and understand how they affect people in real life.
- Global self – you must realize that you’re part of the global picture too, and that even small actions can have a positive impact.
Also, because the method is cross-disciplinary, you need to choose at least two IB disciplines and explain how they help you understand the problem in a way that one subject alone could not.
Who Should Select the World Studies Extended Essay Subject?
It’s always hard to choose a subject for your Extended Essay, and I know that World Studies isn’t right for everyone. Some students do really well with it, while others find it too much.
But how do you know if this subject is right for you? Let’s break it down.
- ✅ You Love Making Connections
If you’re the type of student who enjoys linking ideas across different classes, the World Studies Extended Essay subject will feel natural to you.
For example, maybe you’re curious about how climate change affects economics, or how psychology connects to politics. In my opinion, students who like “connecting the dots” usually perform really well here.
- ✅ You’re Interested in Global Issues
The IB World Studies EE is built around topics of global significance.
So if you’re passionate about things like sustainability, cultural identity, technology, or human rights, this subject is calling your name. From my experience, those who genuinely care about global challenges find the motivation to keep going even when the research gets tough.
- ✅ You Have Strong Research and Organization Skills
Let’s be honest: managing two subjects isn’t easy. You’ll have more sources to read, more theories to understand, and possibly two supervisors to keep up with. That means this subject works best for students who are organized and can plan ahead.
If you’re comfortable structuring a bigger project, the World Studies Extended Essay can be a perfect option for you.
- ✅ You Want to Stand Out in College Applications
In my opinion, another reason to pick the World Studies Extended Essay subject is how impressive it looks on applications.
Universities appreciate students who show they can think across disciplines and handle complex issues.
And if you’re aiming for fields like international relations, global health, or sustainability studies, this essay will really make you stand out.
Don’t let the stress of the IB curriculum hold you back.
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Is the World Studies Extended Essay Hard?
It depends. From what I’ve seen, this subject can be one of the most beneficial ones in the IB, but it can also be hard at times. It’s not just the amount of work that’s difficult; it’s also how well you can handle doing two things at once.
To begin, balance is a problem. You have to focus on one subject for a standard Extended Essay, but for the IB World Studies EE, you have to mix at least two.
So you’ll need to know how to do research in both areas and understand the theories, ideas, and tools used in each. Although I find this exciting, it can also be too much to handle if you don’t plan your time well.
It can also be hard to narrow down your research question. Taking on too much can be problematic because world issues are frequently enormous. The essay stops being analytical and starts being detailed when it doesn’t have a clear topic and research question.
To give you an idea, the World Studies Extended Essay subject has the following parts that students typically find most difficult:
- Not giving one of the two IB subjects too much weight.
- When talking about global challenges, it’s better to be analytical than descriptive.
- Locating sufficient reliable sources from both subject areas.
- Handling comments from one or two superiors.
- Keeping a clear connection between the global problem and the local situation.
I wouldn’t say the essay is “too hard” even with these problems. In fact, a lot of students like the freedom it gives them.
The work will feel more meaningful and the process will go more smoothly if you are enthusiastic about the topic. It isn’t easy, but it can be done if you have the right attitude and plan ahead.
Should You Pick the World Studies Extended Essay?
It’s never simple to choose an Extended Essay subject, and the World Studies Extended Essay might be particularly difficult. Some students adore the multidisciplinary approach, while others find it overwhelming, in my experience.
And before you make a choice, here are some things to consider.
Do You Like Mixing Subjects Together❓
If combining ideas from two classes sounds fun, you’ll probably enjoy this EE.
Think of it like creating your own mash-up: maybe Geography + Economics, or Psychology + Global Politics. But if the thought of keeping up with more than one subject makes you sigh, then a single-subject essay might be the safer (and saner) option.
Do Global Issues Actually Interest You❓
The IB World Studies EE is all about global challenges: climate change, migration, cultural identity, technology, and sustainability.
If these topics already grab your attention in the news or in class discussions, you’ll have plenty of motivation. If not, writing 4,000 words on something you don’t care about will feel like pulling teeth.
Are You Good at Staying Organized❓
This subject means double the research and sometimes double the supervisors.
From what I’ve seen, students who make a plan early and stick to it handle the workload just fine. But if you’re the type who procrastinates until the last minute, juggling two disciplines can get messy really fast.
Does It Match Your Future Plans❓
One more thing to think about is your next step after IB. If you’re leaning toward careers or university studies in international relations, environmental science, global health, or anything cross-disciplinary, this essay will look amazing on applications. It shows you can handle complexity and connect ideas in ways that matter.
How IB Writing Service Can Help You?
For real, it can feel like a lot of work to write the World Studies Extended Essay. You must strike a balance between two subjects, research a global problem, and use a local example to connect them all.
From what I’ve seen, this is where a lot of students start to feel stressed. You don’t have to do it all by yourself, which is good news. That’s where our IB Writing Service can be handy.
Here are some of the most common ways we assist:
- Coming up with good essay topics for World Studies.
- Going over and improving your research question.
- Giving you feedback on drafts to help you stay on target.
- Advising on structure, format, and meeting IB assessment standards.
- Helping you balance points of view from many subjects.
- Offering custom-written World Studies Extended Essays created by professional IB writers.
We’re not just familiar with the IB system—we live it. Experienced IB writers on our team who know exactly what is needed for the World Studies Extended Essay subject.
Final Thoughts
So, who should actually pick the World Studies Extended Essay subject? In my opinion, it’s perfect for students who enjoy complexity, global issues, and interdisciplinary thinking.
However, it’s not the best choice for everyone. If you prefer clear boundaries and want a simpler research path, then a single-subject EE might be better. But if you’re up for a challenge that can truly stretch your abilities, the IB World Studies EE will be an experience you’ll never forget.
