IB English B Extended Essay Topics

In the IB Diploma Programme, the English B Extended Essay presents an engaging challenge, inviting students to investigate their interests deeply. As an experienced IB writer, I’m keen to offer insights and assist in choosing the ideal topic for your essay. Combining creativity, strategic thought, and genuine interest is crucial when tackling this task.

What Is the English B Course in the IB Program?

As an IB writer and educator, I’ve guided many students through the IB Diploma Programme. A significant element of this curriculum is the English B course, an area where I’ve dedicated much of my expertise. Based on my experience, grasping the essence of English B is crucial for students hoping to succeed in the IB.

English B was developed for students who already have a basic grasp of English and want to improve their language skills. According to IB criteria, this course seeks to enhance students’ capacity to communicate effectively in a variety of circumstances while also respecting cultural subtleties. Based on my findings, English B goes over typical language study by immersing students in cultural studies, text analysis, and interactive communication, preparing them for global contacts.

The curriculum is structured to encourage linguistic improvement and cultural appreciation. Students engage with diverse texts, improving analytical skills and cultural awareness. From my point of view, the most successful students in English B are those who actively engage with the material, demonstrate curiosity about different cultures, and are willing to improve their communication skills.

Reflecting on my experience helping students with English B, I feel the course provides more than a language learning opportunity. It allows students to broaden their global viewpoint and improve intercultural understanding, both essential skills in today’s world. According to general IB criteria, achievement in English B is measured by language skills and students’ ability to manage cultural difficulties with sensitivity and understanding.

If you’re trying to decide between the two courses, check our detailed comparison of English A vs. English B.

English B Extended Essay: Areas for Research

Speaking of topics, let’s look at some areas I’ve found rich in content and engaging for students.

Literature and Cultural Studies

Analyzing the portrayal of cultural identities in English literature can be immensely rewarding. In addition, examining how English literary works are received and interpreted in non-English speaking countries offers fascinating insights into cultural exchange and adaptation.

Language and Society

The role of English in shaping global communication is a topic with vast potential. Considering the challenges and strategies of learning English as a second language can also provide a compelling narrative.

Media and Communication

With the rise of digital media, analyzing the representation of cultural values through English-language media offers a modern twist. The influence of social media on language evolution is another dynamic topic worth researching.

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English B Extended Essay Topics and Research Questions

Here are some topic ideas and related research questions that I’ve formulated based on my extensive experience with the IB curriculum:

1. The Impact of Globalization on English Slang. How has globalization influenced the development and spread of English slang in non-English speaking countries?
2. English as a Lingua Franca in Business Communication. To what extent does using English as a lingua franca in multinational corporations affect internal communication and cultural identity?
3. The Role of English in Global Advertising. How do global brands adapt English-language slogans for local markets without losing their original appeal?
4. The Evolution of English in the Digital Age. In what ways has social media changed the grammar and vocabulary of English among teenagers in a specific non-English speaking country?
5. Cultural Identity Through English Literature. How do English-language novels depict the cultural identity of a minority group?
6. Language Acquisition: Challenges Faced by Second-Language Learners of English. What are the major challenges faced by high school students in (Country) in learning English as a second language, and how do these challenges compare to those faced by students in a different non-English speaking country?
7. The Influence of English Music on Language Learning. How does exposure to English-language music affect vocabulary acquisition and pronunciation in non-native speakers?
8. Bilingual Education: The Effectiveness of English B Programs. Are students in bilingual education programs more proficient in English than those in traditional foreign language programs?
9. English in Cinema: Dubbing versus Subtitling. How does the choice between dubbing and subtitling English-language movies affect the English comprehension skills of viewers in a specific country?
10. The Political Power of English as a Second Language. How has proficiency in English influenced political participation and activism among the youth in non-English speaking countries?
11. Code-Switching Between English and Native Languages. What factors influence the prevalence of code-switching between English and the native language in daily communication within bilingual communities?
12. Comparative Study of English Textbooks Across Countries. How do English language textbooks in different non-English speaking countries address cultural content, and how does this impact students’ cultural understanding?
13. The Role of English in International Diplomacy. How critical is English proficiency for diplomats from non-English speaking countries in influencing international negotiations?
14. Social Media and English Language Evolution. What role does social media play in evolving English language expressions among non-native speakers?
15. The Portrayal of Non-English Speaking Cultures in English B Literature. How accurately do English B literary texts represent the cultures of non-English speaking countries, and what implications does this have for cross-cultural understanding?
16. English and Global Tourism. How has English become the lingua franca of global tourism, and what impact does this have on the cultural experiences of travelers in non-English speaking destinations?
17. The Environmental Discourse in English Media. How do English-language newspapers across different countries frame environmental issues, and how does this influence public perception?
18. Fashion Industry and English Influence. In what ways has the global fashion industry’s reliance on English affected the branding and identity of non-English speaking designers and brands?
19. English in International Education. How does studying in English impact non-native speakers’ academic and social lives in international universities?
20. The Influence of English on Local Languages. What are the effects of English dominance on the vocabulary and grammar of a local language in a bilingual society?
21. Migration Narratives in English Literature. How do English-language novels portray the experiences of immigrants from non-English speaking countries, and what insights do they offer into the challenges of assimilation?
22. English as a Tool for Empowerment in Developing Countries. Can proficiency in English serve as a tool for social and economic empowerment in developing countries? A comparative study between two regions.
23. The Ethics of English-Language Dominance in Scientific Research. What are the implications of the dominance of English in scientific research for non-English speaking researchers and the global dissemination of knowledge?
24. English in the World of eSports. How has English shaped communication and community building in the global eSports scene?
25. The Role of English in International Human Rights Law. How does the use of English in international human rights law affect its interpretation and implementation in non-English speaking countries?
26. English in Culinary Arts. How has the English language influenced culinary terminology and gastronomy in non-English speaking cultures?
27. The Psychological Impact of Learning English as a Second Language. What psychological benefits and challenges do students face when learning English as a second language, particularly regarding identity and self-expression?
28. English and the Global Film Industry. How does the global dominance of English affect the production, distribution, and reception of films from non-English speaking countries?
29. Digital Platforms and the Spread of English Learning. How effective are online platforms in teaching English to non-native speakers compared to traditional classroom settings?
30. The Future of English: Predicting Changes in Usage and Influence. Based on current trends, how is the usage of English expected to evolve in the next decade, and what will be its impact on global communication?
31. Social Justice Movements and English as a Communication Tool. How has English been used as a tool for mobilization and communication in social justice movements across non-English speaking countries?
32. The Role of English in Global Health Campaigns. How does the use of English in global health campaigns affect their accessibility and effectiveness in reaching non-English speaking populations?
33. English and International Art Markets. To what extent has the dominance of English in the international art market influenced the visibility and valuation of artists from non-English speaking backgrounds?
34. The Impact of English on Traditional Ceremonies and Rituals. How has incorporating English affected the authenticity and transmission of cultural ceremonies and rituals in communities transitioning towards bilingualism?
35. English in Space Research and International Collaboration. How has English facilitated or hindered international collaboration in space research projects, and what implications does this have for global scientific communities?
36. Multilingualism in English-speaking Countries. How does multilingualism influence English language usage in public and private spheres in predominantly English-speaking countries?
37. English in the Tech Industry. How has English shaped the global tech industry’s communication standards and practices?
38. Advertising and Language Simplification. How do English-language advertisements simplify language to appeal to a global audience, and what is the impact on consumer understanding?
39. English in International NGOs. How does the use of English in NGOs affect their operations and outreach in non-English speaking regions?
40. Literature as a Reflection of English Integration. How does contemporary literature from non-English speaking countries reflect the integration of English?
41. English’s Impact on Indigenous Languages. What are the effects of the growing dominance of English on indigenous languages and cultures?
42. Comparative Analysis of English Education Models. How do different educational models for teaching English impact language proficiency outcomes?
43. English and Global News Media. How does English as the primary language of global news media influence the framing of international news?
44. Humor Across Cultures in English Media. How is humor translated and adapted in English media for different cultural audiences?
45. Corporate Training Programs in English. How effective are corporate training programs conducted in English in non-English speaking countries?
46. Language Policy and English. How do language policies in multilingual countries influence the status and usage of English?
47. English in Aviation. How critical is English for safety and communication in international aviation?
48. Fashion Blogs and English. What role does English play in the international reach of fashion blogs?
49. English and International Conferences. How does English facilitate or limit participation and understanding in international academic conferences?
50. The Role of English in Global Branding. How does English influence brand identity and consumer perception on a global scale?

Learn how to effectively use Extended Essay Topics you find online for your IB project.

Effective brainstorming is essential from the moment you decide on a topic. Consider the areas of the English B curriculum that pique your interest. Make a list of all prospective research areas, whether it’s literature, language acquisition, or the role of English in global communication. Additionally, talking with your supervisor might bring essential guidance and insights you may have yet to consider.

Conclusion

Remember that picking topics for your English B Extended Essay is more than an academic task. It’s an opportunity to conduct advanced research on a topic of interest to you. In my experience, the most successful essays reflect the writer’s real passion and excitement for their topic. So, go ahead and choose a topic that intrigues you. In addition, if you need help with an extended essay, you can always turn to our IB writers.