An extended essay in English B is a research paper that is typically between 4,000 and 6,000 words in length. It is an in-depth and independent study of a specific topic that is chosen by the student, and it is a requirement for students who are pursuing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
One of the key components of an extended essay is the research question. This is the central question that the essay aims to answer, and it should be focused, specific, and relevant to the topic that the student has chosen to explore. The research question should be formulated in a way that allows the student to delve deeply into the topic and to draw conclusions based on their research.
There are several steps that a student should follow when developing a research question for their extended essay in English B. First, they should identify a topic that interests them and that is related to the subject of English B. This might include a specific literary work, a cultural phenomenon, or a linguistic issue.
Next, the student should conduct some preliminary research on their topic to get a better understanding of the key issues and debates surrounding it. This will help them to narrow down their focus and to identify specific areas that they would like to explore further.
Once the student has a good grasp of their topic, they can begin to formulate their research question. This should be a clear and concise statement that encapsulates the main focus of their essay. It should be specific enough to guide their research, but broad enough to allow for flexibility and creativity in their analysis.
Examples of potential research questions for an extended essay in English B might include:
- How does the portrayal of gender roles in Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" reflect the societal norms of the time period in which it was written?
- How has the portrayal of race and ethnicity in contemporary young adult literature changed over the past decade?
- How has the use of figurative language in modern poetry evolved over the past century, and what can this tell us about the changing cultural and social values of each time period?
Ultimately, the research question is the driving force behind an extended essay, and it should be carefully considered and refined in order to guide the student's research and analysis. By choosing a focused and relevant research question, a student can ensure that their extended essay is both engaging and meaningful.
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