How do I find an ESS IA topic?

23 Jan How do I find an ESS IA topic?

Updated for IB ESS SL and HL: first assessment 2026.

A useful ESS IA topic starts with an environmental issue you can investigate using evidence. Choose a focused question that fits your time, available equipment or data, and the analysis you can explain independently.

What the current ESS IA requires

SL and HL use the same individual investigation: a report of up to 3,000 words, assessed out of 30 marks. It contributes 25% at SL and 20% at HL. The six criteria cover inquiry, strategy, method, data treatment, analysis and conclusion, and evaluation. Check the official IB ESS guide with your teacher.

Start with a question, then choose your method

Look at issues that interest you: water quality, urban heat, biodiversity, waste or transport. A local issue is often convenient, but your investigation does not have to be limited to your neighbourhood. Reliable secondary data can also provide a useful starting point.

Do not choose between a survey and an experiment simply because one seems easier. Ask which evidence would answer your question. A survey about attitudes does not directly measure an environmental impact; a price comparison alone does not demonstrate why people make a choice.

Turn a broad interest into a focused investigation

• Urban heat: compare measured surface temperatures at clearly defined shaded and exposed sites. Consider time of day, surface material and repeated measurements.
• Biodiversity: compare a defined ecological measure in two accessible habitats using a consistent sampling approach.
• Waste: investigate a clearly defined relationship using comparable records or carefully designed data collection. Check whether the records use consistent categories and dates.

These are starting points, not ready-made research questions. Specify what you will measure, where, when and how. Check feasibility and safety with your teacher before collecting data.

Include the strategy and perspectives

The strategy criterion asks you to examine a response to the issue and explain a tension between perspectives. For an urban-heat investigation, for example, planting trees could raise questions about cooling benefits, maintenance costs and the use of limited street space. Research the actual context rather than inventing stakeholder opinions.

Check feasibility before committing

1. Explain the environmental issue and why your question matters.
2. Check access to suitable data, equipment and permissions.
3. Try a small pilot or inspect a sample of your dataset.
4. Choose an analysis that answers the question and that you understand.
5. Identify likely limitations, bias and practical constraints.
6. Discuss your plan with your school teacher.

Get help refining your ESS IA topic

Explore online IB ESS tutoring for SL and HL with Marija Maletz or dedicated ESS IA guidance. Tutoring can help you assess feasibility and understand methods; your decisions, investigation and writing remain your own. Request a free 20-minute trial to discuss your needs.