Are you looking to start writing your ESS IA but need some inspiration? Clastify is here to help you get started with writing your IA! In this guide, we will give you some tips to keep in mind when writing your ESS IA, based on our history of candidates with high-scoring IAs. The following structure is just a suggestion but you should keep in mind that many students have had high-scoring IAs even with slightly modified formats.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</h2><h2 style="text-align:center;">ESS IA Format and Structure</h2>&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Title page:</h3><ol><li>Write Environmental Systems and Societies as the heading.</li><li>State the research question of your investigation.&nbsp;</li><li>Include the word count and the session for which you will submit the IA.</li><li>A good example can be found <a href="/ia/ess/64a6dcb9701b5600139b415c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li></ol>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Introduction:</h3><ol><li>State the main environmental issue being studied and its importance - what is the organism/compound/concept being studied (eg: heavy metal pollution, global warming, etc.)? What are its impacts?</li><li>State the personal or global significance of the topic - what made you choose this and why is it an important topic to investigate?&nbsp;</li><li>Briefly introduce the method used in the experiment and state why this is the most appropriate method to use for the experiment (for example, why were plants given acidic water to simulate acid rain's effects on plants).</li><li>A good example can be found <a href="/ia/ess/64ac026ff66fe2001384b0c2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.&nbsp;</li></ol>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Research question:</h3><ol><li>State the main research question of the experiment including the independent and dependent variables.&nbsp;</li><li>Make sure to include units for the independent and dependent variables (if applicable).&nbsp;</li><li>An example research question should look like this: "To what extent does proximity to a factory affect how much industrial waste seeps into a river?"</li><li>A good example can be found <a href="/ia/ess/64b99c94c0741a00129deca3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ol>&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Background information/context:</h3><ol><li>Describe the main topic in more depth. If studying an organism, provide background information as to why you have chosen that particular organism - what makes it suitable for the study?</li><li>If you are conducting a demographic study (eg: how age affects recycling) explain why you have chosen the respective age groups for the study. Include the sampling locations as well as why these were chosen (eg: was it more urban, suburban, rural, etc).</li><li>Explain the main scientific background behind the environmental issue (eg: why is global warming or acid rain occurring?).</li><li>All the background information included should be directly focused on the research question.&nbsp;</li><li>Include relevant diagrams if applicable. Don't forget to provide a figure caption and cite the source of the diagram.</li><li>Include in-text citations throughout the background information section.</li><li>A good example can be found <a href="/ia/ess/65343e153b4af19e6ca0e448" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> and <a href="/ia/ess/64a6fbf6701b5600139b42f1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ol>&nbsp;<pre><code class="language-plaintext">CAROUSEL</code></pre>&nbsp;<h3>Hypothesis:</h3><ol><li>Include a hypothesis for the experiment.</li><li>This should state what you expect the outcome of the experiment to be based on your existing knowledge.&nbsp;</li><li>A good example can be found <a href="/ia/ess/64ac026ff66fe2001384b0c2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ol>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Variables:</h3><ol><li>Include the independent variable and units.</li><li>Include the dependent variable along with its units, if applicable. Include how the dependent variable will be measured.</li><li>Add a table of control variables, including how each variable is controlled and why it is controlled.&nbsp;</li><li>A good example can be found <a href="/ia/ess/64a6dcb9701b5600139b415c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ol>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Equipment:</h3><ol><li>Create a list of all the apparatus and equipment used in the experiment.</li><li>Ensure to include uncertainties for all relevant instruments if used (eg: pipettes, beakers, weighing balances, etc).</li><li>Include the concentrations of all standard solutions used (eg: 2 M ethanol).</li><li>If you are doing a survey, you do not need to include an equipment section.</li><li>A good example of this can be found <a href="/ia/ess/64a6fbf6701b5600139b42f1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> and <a href="/ia/ess/64ac026ff66fe2001384b0c2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ol>&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Method:</h3><ol><li>Write down each step of the method exactly as it was performed.</li><li>Use a narrative tone when writing the method and not a first-person tone. For example, you should write "Prepare a solution of ....." rather than writing "I prepared a solution of......".</li><li>If you conducted a survey, include how the questions were structured.</li><li>A good example of this can be found <a href="/ia/ess/64a6dcb9701b5600139b415c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> and <a href="/ia/ess/64ac026ff66fe2001384b0c2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ol>&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Results:</h3><ol><li>Include a table of the data collected from the experiment. Include a number and caption for the table and ensure the data is centred in the cells.&nbsp;</li><li>Add a section for qualitative data if applicable.</li><li>Include a sample equation and calculation showing how the data is processed. Do this for each type of calculation used (eg: calculating averages, calculating standard deviation, etc).</li><li>Place the rest of the processed data in a new processed data table. Include a number and caption for the table and ensure the data is centred in the cells.&nbsp;</li><li>Include graphs of the processed data versus the independent variable. Include a graph title, axis titles and units, and provide a figure caption for the graph. &nbsp;</li><li>Below each graph write a few paragraphs outlining the data shown by each graph - what is the main takeaway? Use numerical values from the graph when writing this part. State the implications of these findings.</li><li>A good example can be found <a href="/ia/ess/64a6dcb9701b5600139b415c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a> and <a href="/ia/ess/64a6fbf6701b5600139b42f1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ol>&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Conclusion:</h3><ol><li>State the aim of the experiment to refresh the reader's memory.</li><li>Discuss the trends in the graph and how they correspond to the research question.&nbsp;</li><li>Discuss the extent to which the research question was answered - was it answered fully or only partially?&nbsp;</li><li>State whether the hypothesis was supported or rejected.</li><li>Discuss the R^2 value of the graph (if the data is linear) and how it describes the strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.&nbsp;</li><li>Describe if there are any anomalies in the data, and give reasons as to why these may have occurred.</li><li>A good example can be found <a href="/ia/ess/64a6fbf6701b5600139b42f1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ol><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Evaluation:</h3><ol><li>Critically evaluate the results of the experiment and how they could be improved.</li><li>Include a table of the strengths and weaknesses of the experiment, as well as how to improve this in future.&nbsp;</li><li>A good example can be found <a href="/ia/ess/64a6fbf6701b5600139b42f1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ol>&nbsp;<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Application:</h3><ol><li>Provide a solution to the main environmental issue (eg: how can global warming be slowed down?).</li><li>Evaluate the proposed solution - what are the relative benefits and challenges?</li><li>A good example can be found <a href="/ia/ess/64ac026ff66fe2001384b0c2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ol><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>References:</h3><ol><li>Include a full list of all the references used in the IA.&nbsp;</li><li>Ensure the bibliography is in the same citation style used in the introduction and background information section.&nbsp;</li><li>A good example can be found <a href="/ia/ess/64a6dcb9701b5600139b415c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.</li></ol>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope this guide helps guide you in properly formatting and structuring your ESS IA! If you want to read some exemplary IAs before you start writing, we've got you covered too! Simply head to the <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify</a> website, where you will be able to find numerous <a href="/ia/ess" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ESS</a> IA ideas and examples, so you can look for the ones that are the most relevant to your topic. Good luck!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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A comprehensive guide on formatting and structuring an IB ESS Internal Assessment. Explore different approaches and use this as your roadmap throughout the IA writing process.

ESS IA Format and Structure

Have you got your ESS IA deadline approaching soon and are unsure what to choose as your topic? Do not worry, this post is here to help you through that process! In this text, we will provide you with numerous ESS IA ideas with examples to help you start the writing process. Our goal is to guide you in meeting the IB criteria and ensure you stay on track throughout your IA writing process. No matter what aspect of ESS you are interested in, the suggestions below are sure to have something that suits your needs!&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:center;">ESS IA Ideas</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;<ol><li><a href="/ia/ess/64ad7fcae3b31a00131a04aa" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Impact of Mass Rapid Transit:</a> In this topic, you could analyze the extent to which people of different age groups are aware of the impacts of Mass Rapid Transit towards carbon footprint.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/62c670fcb6479f0013a5092b" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Disposal of medication:</a> Looking at this topic, you could investigate how household income influences the level of awareness, in terms of knowledge and practice, on the way people dispose of unused medication.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/62f0f3042a89a40013e70a30" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Heavy metals in soil:</a> Through this analysis, you could investigate how proximity to roads impacts the heavy metal concentrations found in soils in a country.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/62a73752e115f10013807c60" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Climate change and gender:</a> Within this topic, you could explore the extent to which gender can affect a person’s view of the existence of climate and the threat it poses to humanity.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/64a6fbf6701b5600139b42f1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Environmental value systems:</a> In this exploration, you could look at how the age of a person affects their environmental value system.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/65343e153b4af19e6ca0e448" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rising sea levels:</a> Through this analysis, you could explore how rising sea levels due to climate change could affect local animal populations.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/651d7c68198b5abcc13fde68" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Water quality:</a> Looking at this topic, you could investigate how distance from a major tourist hotspot affects the water quality levels in nearby bodies of water.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/64a7d711701b5600139b5083" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Effects of urbanization:</a> In this exploration, you could look at the extent to which rapid urbanization in a city has affected pH, dissolved oxygen content, and concentration of nitrates in nearby natural lakes.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/64a6dcb9701b5600139b415c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Waste generation:</a> Through this topic, you could look at the extent to which socio-economic factors affect the generation of waste in a city.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/64b99c94c0741a00129deca3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Disposal of food waste:</a> Within this analysis, you could explore how the age of a person could impact the frequency and environmental impact of food waste disposal methods used.&nbsp;</li></ol>&nbsp;<pre><code class="language-plaintext">CAROUSEL</code></pre>&nbsp;<ol start="11"><li><a href="/ia/ess/64b445053770b40012855b9e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cattle production: </a>In this topic, you could look at the impact of cattle farming in a rainforest region and the loss of tree cover over a period of time.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/64aad701f66fe20013844f20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Water pollution:</a> Looking at this topic, you could analyze how the pH and hence water pollution levels change as the distance from which samples are collected gets further from urban centres.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/64ad8006e3b31a00131a04ad" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Income and environmental awareness:</a> Through this topic, you could look at how different levels of income among residents of a city affect their awareness of the effects of using detergent on water pollution.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/64b697323770b400128614a7" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fertility rates:</a> In this exploration, you could investigate the relationship between GDP per capita and total fertility rates within a country.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/64b7a5d83770b40012864f2c" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Impacts of human activity:</a> Within this analysis, you could explore the impacts of the intensity of human activity and land use on plant biodiversity across different uses of land in a city.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/64ac1859f66fe2001384b389" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Refugees and HDI:</a> Looking at this topic, you could investigate the relationship between the Human Development Index and the number of internally displaced climate refugees in a country.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/64b400863770b40012855356" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ecological footprint and gender:</a> In this exploration, you could analyze the extent to which gender affects a person’s ecological footprint in a country.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/64ac026ff66fe2001384b0c2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Plant growth in acid rain:</a> Through this analysis, you could explore how the pH of acid rain could affect the growth of plants, by measuring the height that the plant grows in a certain period of time when exposed to different levels of acidity.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/62dc787d5dddd600131f9857" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Renewable Energy Sources Act:</a> Within this topic, you could look at how the adoption of the Renewable Energy Sources Act in a country has affected its CO₂, CO, SO₂, PM₁₀ and NOₓ emissions.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/62f11d9a2a89a40013e70aab" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Species diversity of plants:</a> In this investigation, you could analyze how the type of succession an area has experienced can affect the species diversity of plants that grow there, as evaluated using Simpson's Diversity Index.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/62f5468fbf877e00137146a8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tobacco and seed germination:</a> Looking at this topic, you could investigate how the number of cigarettes in tobacco water affects the germination of tomato seeds.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/63ecb8111bbbd2001457d1db" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Recycling of paper:</a> In this analysis, you could explore how students in primary and secondary school divisions consume and recycle paper.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/640f3455fdd53a0013cb89f8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Acidity of water and plant growth: </a>Within this exploration, you could look at how the acidity of water measured by pH affects the growth of plants, as measured by plant height and health.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/64174805e1d155001366474e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">GDP and carbon emissions:</a> Through this analysis, you could explore how a country's annual GDP can affect its carbon emission levels.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/6337d67ed77add00134daf03" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Agri-environmental measures:</a> In this topic, you can investigate the extent to which agri-environmental measures are implemented in a country's agricultural practices.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/639acdb4b3f4ce0013dffc07" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Meat and methane emissions:</a> Looking at this topic, you could explore how a country's meat consumption causes an increase in methane emissions, which contributes to climate change.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/6181f1f0a296080013457897" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dissolved oxygen content:</a> In this exploration, you can investigate how different levels of water salinity affect the dissolved oxygen content in a sample of water.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/5ff43ab574e8fd1e7ae28b2e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Intensive grazing: </a>Through this topic, you could study the effects of intensive grazing on soil productivity in a region.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/6205214c59dfc50013182e65" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spread of diseases:</a> Within this analysis, you could look at the extent of correlation between a country's population density and the rate at which diseases spread throughout the country.&nbsp;</li><li><a href="/ia/ess/63cc5860f6d0f000120bfe38" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Level of eutrophication:</a> Looking at this topic, you could determine the most eutrophic lagoon in a country by measuring the net growth of plants irrigated with water from different eutrophic sources.&nbsp;</li></ol>&nbsp;For more IA ideas and a deeper insight into how to structure your IAs, head to the <a href="/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Clastify</a> website where you will be able to find numerous <a href="/ia/ess" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ESS</a> IA topics as well as exemplar IAs that you can refer to during your writing process!

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A comprehensive list of 30 Environmental Systems and Societies ESS IA internal assessment topic ideas along with explanations and examples. See what can be done and use this as inspiration for your own topic. 

ESS IA Topic Ideas + Examples

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A comprehensive guide to ESS IA word count and page limit. Read to better meet the assessment criteria. 

ESS IA word count and page limit 

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A comprehensive guide to ESS IA criteria along with a checklist. See whether your work meets them!

ESS IA Criteria and Checklist

Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) is an interdisciplinary course that examines the interactions between environmental systems and human societies. Students explore ecological principles, sustainability, and global environmental challenges, developing critical thinking skills through practical investigations and research. The course encourages a holistic understanding of environmental issues from both scientific and socio-cultural perspectives.

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20,994 students

4.2 average grade

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ESS IA Criteria and Checklist

ESS IA Format and Structure

ESS IA Topic Ideas + Examples

ESS IA word count and page limit

ESS IA Criteria and Checklist

ESS IA Format and Structure

ESS IA Topic Ideas + Examples

ESS IA word count and page limit

ESS IA Criteria and Checklist

20,994 students

4.2 average grade

Difficulty

Grade distribution