How to Write an Excellent TOK Essay

If you are an IB student, you probably know the challenge involved in writing a TOK essay that conforms to the format and fetches high marks. With the following guidelines, you can save your valuable time and focus on the content.

TOK stands for Theory of Knowledge. A TOK essay talks about how we come to know things. While discussing the chosen topic for the essay, one has to present two sides of an argument, known as a claim and a counter-claim, with evidences supporting each side. It is imperative that the evidence supports the claim/counter-claim.

Steps to write a TOK Essay:

• Choose your topic and KQ
• The first step is choosing your topic from the given list and a valid Knowledge Question (KQ). Think over the topic and make a few notes in relation to your understanding on the topic.
• Choose 2 AOKs and 1 WOK for the chosen topic

Here is the AOK list for your reference:

•          Mathematics
•          Human sciences
•          Natural Sciences
•          the Arts
•          Ethics
•          Indigenous Knowledge Systems
•          Religious Knowledge Systems
•          History

And the WOK list:

•          Emotion
•          Faith
•          Sense perception
•          Reason
•          Imagination
•          Intuition
•          Language
•          Memory

The TOK essay basically comprises two body parts, each part elaborating on one of the chosen AOKs. Each AOK in turn should discuss a claim and a counter-claim. (The recommended method is to explore 2 AOKs for the two main body parts and use the WOKs to provide added insights into the discussion.)

3    

           Structure your essay

A.      Introduction paragraph (150- 200 words)

·         Begin the essay with an interesting sentence related to the topic. This could be a quote or a fact.

·         Provide definitions for two or three terms in the topic.

·         Provide your initial answer to the knowledge question.

·         Write a preview on the essay. For instance, introduce the AOKs and WOKs and the main claims that will be debated.

B.      Paragraph 2 (300 words)

AOK 1: State the claim and explain it using a real life example

C.      Paragraph 3 (300 words)

·         Argue the claim by presenting a counter-claim and explain it using a real life example.

·         You may begin by using words like ‘However’, ‘On the contrary‘ etc.

·         End the discussion by summing up and linking to the title.

D.      Paragraph 4 (300 words)

AOK 2: State the claim and explain it using a real life example

E.       Paragraph 5 (300 words)

·         Argue the claim by presenting a counter-claim and explain it using a real life example.

·         End the discussion by summing up and linking to the title.

F.       Paragraph 6 and 7 (200 words)

·         Discuss insights (one of the WOKs can be used for this purpose)

·         State a conclusion by weighing both sides of the argument

·         Mention the importance of understanding the topic

·         Explore the essay from a different perspective to give fresh insights

·         If relevant, mention any unresolved issue that got evident after the discussion

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