IB Extended Essay: Developing a Strong Research Question - EE Lesson 3

IB Extended Essay: Developing a Strong Research Question - EE Lesson 3 - First Assessment 2027

Help your IB students move from vague ideas to focused, analytical research questions with this structured and practical Extended Essay Lesson 3 PowerPoint.

This lesson is designed to develop one of the most critical skills in the EE process: writing a clear, focused, arguable research question that meets IB standards for analysis, scope, and feasibility.

Aligned with expectations for first assessment 2027, this resource guides students through identifying weak questions, refining ideas, and ensuring their proposed research is realistic within 4,000 words.

Lesson Focus:

• Students will learn to:

• Write focused, analytical research questions

• Avoid descriptive, vague, or overly broad questions

• Understand appropriate scope and feasibility

• Apply the “Goldilocks Test” to evaluate their ideas

• Refine weak questions into strong, viable EE research questions

What’s Included:

• This PowerPoint lesson includes:

• Clear learning goals

• Starter activity: Which Question Works?

• Explicit teaching on what makes a strong EE research question

• Guided practice: Converting weak questions into strong ones

• Scope and feasibility guidance

• “Research Question Clinic” activity

• Plenary: The Goldilocks Test

• Homework task to consolidate learning

• Worksheet Subject proposal

Why This Resource Is Valuable:

• Prevents common EE mistakes early
• Reduces overly broad or purely descriptive questions
• Encourages analytical thinking
• Builds confidence before supervisor meetings
• Saves teachers time when reviewing initial proposals

This lesson is ideal for delivery before students formally submit their research question to supervisors.

Lesson Length:

• Approximately 50–60 minutes

Perfect for:

• IB Diploma Programme schools

• EE coordinators and supervisors

• Whole cohort EE skills lessons

• Students preparing to formalise their research question