How Do We Come to Know Things?
If you have heard about Theory of Knowledge or TOK, you might know that it is an essay that goes beyond memorising certain facts and dates. It takes intelligence and understanding. It is not surprising that the Theory of Knowledge is often called an integral part of education that helps to see how well the core methodology has been applied as one is planning to study the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
What is a TOK Essay?
In simple terms, a Theory of Knowledge essay is a piece of writing based on specific essay titles suggested by the International Baccalaureate (IB). It is usually limited to 1200-1600 words. It focuses on methodologies and various knowledge issues that go beyond classic analysis or argumentative writing. It brings up the questions among the lines of:
- What is knowledge?
- What does it mean to know something?
- Why do we believe that something is either right or wrong?
- How do we find out information?
- What theoretical aspects make us certain that we are not mistaken?
As a rule, about two-thirds of your final Theory of Knowledge essay score is determined by how well you cope with your essay writing. Since it is taught in numerous English schools, it also represents additional core requirements, namely Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay. It is also mandatory for all students enrolled in the IB program. Before you take this essay test, you should have at least 100 hours of instruction.
Correct TOK Essay Structure
If you are not sure about how to compose your TOK essay structure, take your time to learn the basics. It plays a vital role in your success and understanding of the instructions.
Introduction. It should have a hook that explains why the title is important. This is where you define your key terms and introduce Areas of Knowledge (AOK).
Body Parts. It must include at least two claims related to knowledge questions. As a rule, you will have two of them. Provide knowledge evidence.
Counterclaim Paragraph. It should have a balanced analysis of your opinion and the opposite opinions if your topic suggests it.
Conclusion. Of course, you must summarise your arguments by linking them to your Areas of Knowledge.
Do not forget to include some implications at the end by discussing what does this quest for knowledge means for your particular subject. Just focus on the structure and develop your ideas correctly.
Choose Topics Wisely & Popular Topics Examples
Regardless of what you would like to deal with for your TOK essay, you should follow this template:
- Choose an inspiring real-life situation.
- Create a reasonable knowledge question that is neither easy nor too challenging for perception.
- Do not ignore using TOK terminology and style throughout your essay.
- Avoid focusing on your real-life example to base your question knowledge area.
- Discuss things through the lens of several perspectives.
You should have a logical flow in your writing as you evaluate implications and focus on both long and short-term effects. So do not stress it too much and let your writing feel confident.
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Some popular TOK essay topics include:
- The definition of truth.
- The knowledge is produced as a collaborative effort.
- The harm caused by potential drugs and painkillers.
- The use of labels in society to differentiate each other.
- We are rarely sure of what we know, yet we are frequently quite sure as we act.
As you can see, the TOK essays can take various scopes. As Arthur Conan Doyle once said, there is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact, which is quite true when you learn how to write a TOK essay.
Step-by-Step TOK Essay Writing
Make sure that you do not cross the TOK essay word limit and follow this structure precisely, covering all the WOK aspects, including emotion, memory, sense perception, imagination, reason, intuition, faith, and the language.
Here is the step-by-step structure:
- Introduction Part (150-200 words).
- Paragraph 1 (300 words). It should provide at least two interesting claims about the prescribed title. Narrow things down and state your thesis. Provide your audience with a roadmap.
- Paragraph 2 (300 words). It should have a topic sentence claim with an outline of your argument that supports your thesis and the KQ (knowledge question). Provide an explanation with a clear example.
- Paragraph 3 (600 words). You should write about two body paragraphs that relate to your second AOK. However, this time you should argue against your claim presented. Provide an example and link things to a prescribed title.
- Paragraph 4 (200 words). Claim, explain, provide an example.
- Paragraph 5 (200 words). Provide a counter-claim, example, and link to a prescribed title (PT).
The body paragraphs 4 and 5 must have a conclusion style to them as you write.
- Paragraph 6 (200 words). It is your conclusion part where you explain what insights you have learned and what comes out of your claims. This is also where you present implications and significance. Ask yourself why something is important and why should we know something.
- Paragraph 7 (100 words). It is also known as "perspectives and extensions". If you have a different perspective on your final part, include it here.
Basically, this is all you have to know as you think of a TOK essay outline.
Different Areas of Knowledge in TOK Essays
Also known as the second part of the course, it is called the AOK or Areas of Knowledge. You can approach it as a knowledge tree where you have eight different branches as you brainstorm your PT. These are:
- Mathematics.
- Natural Sciences.
- Human Sciences.
- The Arts.
- History.
- Ethics.
- Religious knowledge systems.
- Indigenous knowledge systems.
Your task is to use your knowledge and the ways of knowing in each of these areas mentioned above. Just explain how do we know something and what counts as good evidence. For example, you might have an example applied to Mathematics, yet how else do we know something related to Mathematics? This pretty much sums up TOK essay format requirements.
TOK Essay Tips and Advice
Here are some vital aspects you must focus on as you compose your Theory of Knowledge essay:
- Understand the TOK Essay Structure.
- Discuss your PT (prescribed title) with your teacher.
- Choose your title carefully and keep an objective tone. It should show passion, personality, and clarity.
- Brainstorm your title in your own words.
- See what knowledge issues are available.
- Use your knower's perspective.
- Read the essay instructions twice.
- Identify the knowledge issue.
- Always cite every external source.
The most important thing is to study your prescribed title. Compare things, provide analysis, and explain how you know something and what lessons one can learn.
The Grading Matters
Speaking of the TOK grading system, the assessment is broken down into two parts where we have the essay itself (67% weighting of the final grade) and the presentation 33% weighting of the final grade. Essentially, using the Theory of Knowledge framework, you will master a plethora of new skills that you require for questioning the knowledge that you encounter. The TOK principles may seem challenging, yet they help to deliver all that it takes for an inquisitive mind to function.
