IB Geography IA Topics: The Best Ideas

The Best Geography IA Topics You Can Consider

Here are 50 topic ideas for the Geography SL and HL Internal Assessment (IA), each with a potential research question.

Standard Level (SL) Geography IA Topics

These Geography IA topics with corresponding research questions, tailored to be approachable and relevant for SL IB students:

1. Urban Sprawl and Its Environmental Impact. How does urban sprawl affect biodiversity in a specific suburban area?
2. Sustainable Farming Practices in Rural Areas. How do sustainable farming practices impact soil health in a particular rural region?
3. Effects of Ecotourism on Local Ecosystems. How does ecotourism contribute to the conservation of a specific local ecosystem?
4. Local Impact of Rising Sea Levels. How do rising sea levels affect coastal erosion in a selected coastal town?
5. The Role of Green Spaces in Cities. How do urban green spaces influence air quality in a specific city?
6. Public Transport and Urban Development. How has the development of a new public transport system affected urban growth in a particular city?
7. Urban Air Quality and Public Health. What is the relationship between urban air quality and respiratory health issues in a specific urban area?
8. The Impact of Over-Tourism on Historic Cities. How does over-tourism affect the preservation and maintenance of historical sites in a selected city?
9. Managing Water Scarcity in Arid Environments. What strategies are being used to manage water scarcity in a specific arid region, and how effective are they?
10. Local Economic Effects of Globalization. What are the impacts of globalization on the employment landscape in a specific small town?
11. Wind Farms and Landscape Alterations. How do local wind farms alter the landscape and affect bird populations in a specific rural area?
12. Aging Populations in Developed Countries. What are the social and economic effects of an aging population in a specific developed urban area?
13. The Role of Technology in Rural Development. How has the introduction of internet connectivity changed economic opportunities in a specific rural region?
14. Impact of Organic Farming on Rural Economies. What is the economic impact of transitioning to organic farming in a particular agricultural community?
15. Community Resilience to Earthquakes. How prepared is a specific earthquake-prone community for a major seismic event?
16. Conservation Strategies in National Parks. What conservation strategies are used in a specific national park, and how effective are they?
17. Solar Power and Energy Independence in Remote Areas. How does the use of solar power contribute to energy independence in a particular remote village?
18. The Politics of Water Access in Arid Regions. What are the main political challenges surrounding water access in a specific arid region?
19. The Impact of Pollution on Freshwater Ecosystems. How is industrial pollution affecting freshwater ecosystems in a nearby river or lake?
20. Housing Affordability Challenges in Cities. What are the main barriers to housing affordability in a specific urban area?
21. The Economic Role of Ports in Regional Economies. How does a major port contribute to the local economy of a specific coastal city?
22. Language Preservation in Multicultural Societies. How is a specific minority language being preserved in a multicultural urban setting?
23. Impact of Remote Work on Urban Economies. What are the implications of the increasing trend of remote work for the economy of a specific city?
24. Role of NGOs in Environmental Conservation. How are NGOs contributing to environmental conservation efforts in a specific region?
25. Border Disputes and Their Impact on Local Communities. How do ongoing border disputes affect people’s lives in a specific border town?

These topics are suitable for SL, focusing on local or regional studies that can be investigated through fieldwork, interviews, and secondary research. They allow students to engage with geographical concepts in a manageable and impactful way.

Higher Level (HL) Geography IA Topics

For Higher Level (HL) in Geography, the research topics should demand a more in-depth analysis and might involve a broader, more complex perspective:

1. Globalization and Urban Economies. How has globalization influenced urban economic restructuring in major global cities?
2. Climate Change and Agricultural Practices. What adaptations are necessary in agricultural practices to combat the effects of climate change globally?
3. Transnational Corporations and Local Economies. What is the impact of transnational corporations on the economies of developing countries?
4. International Migration Trends. How do international migration trends affect urban demographics in major European cities?
5. Renewable Energy Policies in Different Countries. How do renewable energy policies vary across different countries, and how do they impact national energy security?
6. Socio-Economic Impacts of Natural Disasters. What are the long-term socio-economic impacts of major natural disasters on affected regions?
7. Global Water Scarcity and International Conflict. Could global water scarcity lead to international conflicts in the near future?
8. Sustainable Urban Planning in Megacities. How can sustainable urban planning be effectively implemented in megacities?
9. Deforestation and Global Climate Change. What is the role of deforestation in global climate change, and how can it be managed?
10. Global Impact of Rising Sea Levels. What are the global implications of rising sea levels for coastal populations?
11. International Trade and Environmental Sustainability. How does international trade impact environmental sustainability in developing countries?
12. Cultural Globalization and National Identity. How does cultural globalization affect the national identity of countries in the Middle East?
13. Impact of Global Tourism on Indigenous Communities. What are the implications of global tourism on indigenous communities in South America?
14. Urbanization and Food Security in Developing Countries. How does rapid urbanization in developing countries impact food security?
15. Global Health Issues and Geographic Distribution. What is the geographic distribution of major global health issues like HIV/AIDS or COVID-19?
16. The Geopolitics of Energy Resources. How do geopolitics influence the global distribution and control of energy resources?
17. Climate Change and Ocean Acidification. What are the global impacts of ocean acidification due to climate change?
18. Technological Advancements and Urban Transformation. How have technological advancements transformed urban living in the 21st century?
19. Effects of International Sanctions on Local Economies. What are the effects of international sanctions on the economies of countries like North Korea or Iran?
20. Global Patterns of Waste Management. How do global patterns of waste management differ, and what are their environmental impacts?
21. Impact of Climate Change on Global Biodiversity. What are the global impacts of climate change on biodiversity?
22. International Policies on Refugee Movements. How do international policies affect refugee movements and their integration into host countries?
23. Cybersecurity and Geopolitical Tensions. How do cybersecurity issues contribute to geopolitical tensions among major world powers?
24. Globalization and Gender Equality in the Workplace. How has globalization affected gender equality in the workplace in different cultures?
25. Sustainable Transportation Systems in Global Cities. What are the best practices for sustainable transportation systems in global cities?

These topics challenge IB students, requiring them to engage with complex global issues, integrate advanced geographical theories, and often consider multiple perspectives and scales of analysis.

Criteria for Choosing IB Geography IA Topic

Firstly, consider your interests. A topic that fascinates you will keep you motivated throughout the research process. However, this interest must be tempered with practical considerations. Ask yourself, “Do I have access to the necessary resources to conduct thorough research?” This could include data sources, fieldwork opportunities, and academic literature. Additionally, think about the scope of the topic. It should be neither too broad nor too narrow. A topic that’s too broad might lead to a superficial treatment of the subject, while one that’s too narrow might limit your analysis and discussion. Also, remember that you have to meet a specific word count.

As I know from guiding many students, aligning your topic with the Geography syllabus is critical. This alignment ensures that your IB Internal Assessment is relevant and demonstrates a clear understanding of the geographical concepts and themes outlined in the course.

The IB Geography syllabus covers many topics, from population and settlement to environmental geography and global change. Choosing an option that fits these themes ensures your IA meets the IB’s academic criteria and standards. Moreover, it allows you to showcase your knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, a key component in the IB grading rubric.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, choosing your IA topic is a balancing act between your interests, the practicality of the research, and the requirements of the IB Geography syllabus. Considering these factors carefully sets a solid foundation for a successful IA experience. Remember, a well-chosen topic makes the research process more enjoyable and enriches your learning and understanding of geographical issues. Also, if you need help, you can always contact our experts at IB IA Writing Service.