Question 1: What are the main features of Greek Architecture?

Educator feedback: This question is probably too broad. The title would most likely result in a descriptive
essay covering a very wide area if it is not narrowed down further.

The title could be improved by focusing on a specific time, style of architecture or building. As a result,
the focus becomes much narrower. An example of this might be: “To what extent is the Parthenon and
its decoration best understood as a celebration of the Greek victory over the Persians?”

This is a more specific question, encouraging a response which examines the political motivations for
building and decorating the Parthenon.

Question 2: How is the NHS addressing obesity in the UK?

Educator feedback: This question is too simple and the answer is easy to find. This means it is not likely
to result in any original conclusions.

Instead, the question could be made more narrow to consider a more specific factor that may
contribute to obesity and how this could be used to aid the NHS in its task to reduce obesity.

A way of doing this could be to ask: “What are the main environmental and behavioural factors that
contribute to obesity in the UK and how can these be modified by government intervention in order to
reverse trends?”

Question 3: Why I voted for Brexit.

Educator feedback: This question is biased as it rests on the assumption that Brexit is good. Clearly the
author is not detached from their subject matter and so will not be able to approach the topic
objectively.

Also, the title is not appropriate for the extended essay: all questions must be phrased as a question
with a question mark.

A more suitable question could be “What will be the major difficulties in re-determining British law post-
Brexit?”. However, it may be difficult to find the case studies and information needed to answer the
question fully.

Question 4: The impact of the video game “Fortnite” on the behaviour of 16-18 year olds in the UK.

Educator feedback: This is not posed as a question and so will not develop a critical argument from both
perspectives. It also assumes a link between behaviour and playing Fortnite. Therefore, the author
would need to be certain that this game did impact on behaviour.

Although the question has a narrow focus on the demographic of 16-18 year olds in the UK, there might
be problems in gathering enough data or accessing ongoing research in order to produce a persuasive
essay.
A better idea would be to look at a more specific behavioural issue, for example: “To what extent does
playing video games for more than three hours a day impact students’ performance at school”. This
question would allow an examination of both academic achievement and behaviour.

Question 5: Will the Internet be the main source of information in the year 3000?

Educator feedback: This question is hypothetical which means the answer will be largely speculative and
not backed-up by data or research.

A more effective question could analyse the impact of the internet in relation to a specific area. One
example might be: “What is the impact of the internet on teaching and learning in schools and how can
it be used to promote effective learning?”

Question 6: Is the common limpet population in Thornwick bay in decline due to pollution?

Educator feedback: This question is framed well as it is limited to a specific geographical area and a
particular limpet species.

However, it might be difficult to obtain relevant data as this question requires long-term monitoring of
the limpet population.

Instead, the question should be written to make sure the project is possible within the time limitations
and with the given resources or data available. An improved question might be: “Does the population
density of the common limpet vary between exposed and sheltered rocky shore habitats around
Thornwick?”. This is a more realistic investigation given the scope of the extended essay.