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Guide to the TOK Essay

What’s covered:.

• What is Theory of Knowledge (TOK)?
• What is the Theory of Knowledge Essay?

How is the Theory of Knowledge Essay Scored?

How to structure your theory of knowledge essay.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB/IBDP) is a rigorous and rewarding internationally based educational program that offers courses in numerous studies, from humanities to chemistry. Students take part in a two-year curriculum that includes external examinations, internal assessments, research papers and community service hours. Essentially, students will have to do a bit of everything, especially with IB’s core, which is CAS, TOK, and the extended essay (EE). Understanding how TOK, IB’s flagship class, is assessed with its essay is important to success in the course overall. 

What is Theory Of Knowledge (TOK)?

Theory of Knowledge is IB’s way of introducing a more intuitive way of thinking into classrooms. TOK is at its surface as simple as it sounds: you essentially learn the “what” and “why” of how we learn and understand knowledge. In order to assess students of their skills in TOK, IB uses an essay and a presentation. The essay makes up 67% of your total TOK score, making it the most important task to focus on for getting a high score. 

What is the Theory Of Knowledge Essay?

The TOK essay is a 1600 word essay written about topics usually given to students from their teachers from a list of numerous options. It is an essay that promotes arguments and counterarguments for the topic at hand. Understanding your ways of knowing (WOKs) and areas of knowledge (AOKs) is extremely crucial before you even start choosing a topic to write on, as your essay will revolve around and structure itself based on these two concepts. Being able to demonstrate higher-level thinking and using examples to solidify the points you make in your essay is also important. Additionally, you’ll need to reference every source of information that you use, since that is something examiners look for as well.

As said earlier, 67% of your grade is from the essay, and your overall TOK score receives a letter grade using a calculated score out of thirty. Your essay score and presentation score are each out of ten. The grades for your TOK presentation and essay are determined by sending material to the board of IB, from which they designate a grader/examiner to read your essay and grade based on a rubric that determines the level of knowledge you exhibit in your writing.

The following formula should better explain how to find your TOK grade. 

(presentation score) + (essay score * 2) = overall score out of 30

The grade boundaries out of 30 that determine your letter grade can vary each year so checking in with your school for the most recent ones is the best course of action, but an example set would be like this:

Once you have a letter grade for IB, your extended essay, which is another part of the core, is also included into a larger grading schema to calculate your core score, which is three additional points required to complete and earn the diploma. The following table details this grade further:

Doing well in the core is important to passing IB and getting three points out of the total 45 attainable points. 

There’s a trick that most IB students use in writing the TOK essay, and it boils down to understanding four key components of learning:

• Content : Understanding knowledge issues
• Clarity : Structuring your essay in a legible and clear/easy to read manner
• Creativity : Using your personal ways of thinking and applications of knowledge specific to your understanding of the knowledge issue
• Critical Thinking : Using a counter argument for every argument you have to analyze your own claims constantly 

Dividing your actual essay into three main chunks helps, starting with an introduction. Your introduction should be where you state your knowledge question, the central point of your essay, and you should make use of jargon specific to the concept. As the basis of your essay, the introduction should be where you form claims and counterclaims that either support or challenge the knowledge question through heavy analysis and evaluation. 

The body of the essay follows the introduction, and it is where most of the conceptual analysis of your knowledge question takes place. Every argument and its counterargument should have a dedicated paragraph of its own, and make sure to not jump back and forth too much throughout the essay. to avoid creating messy transitions for the reader and potentially harming your score. Understanding the essay from the reader’s point of view is important, as it will help you better understand how to structure the body of your essay.

A conclusion in the TOK essay is mainly for finding closure among the numerous arguments that have been taking place thus far in the essay. Make sure to summarize but not repeat previous information entirely to refresh the reader. A conclusion should essentially loop back to the beginning of the essay, the knowledge question. The knowledge question’s answer should be the conclusion and the stopping point of the essay, and by now the answer you provide should be backed by paragraphs of supporting claims and counterclaims. If done right, concluding the essay can be how you earn most of your points. 

Start Early

Starting early is an obvious and effective advantage to students. Aside from TOK, let alone the presentation, IB has substantial work that requires focus and allocated time dedicated to it, such as external examinations and the extended essay. These tasks are equally as important as the TOK essay, so starting your outlining, drafting or even just planning early will set you up for success.

Send Your Drafts to Your Teacher

Your TOK teacher is a great resource for drafting essays and making edits to perfect your final product. Making use of time outside of the classroom to catch your teacher for a quick review of your essay could be a bigger advantage than you realize. Making use of an outside perspective is essential to forming a great essay. 

While your final IB grade isn’t as important as you’d think regarding college admissions, understanding how to pass TOK and using the lifelong practices you’ll learn in the class is even more important. TOK creates students who think outside conventional methods, making them excellent candidates in the eyes of college admissions offices. Taking TOK and showing proof of understanding it as well as capability of academic rigor is what colleges are looking for. For more information on how your chances of college admissions might look, use CollegeVine’s admissions calculator !

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

How To Write a ToK Essay IBDP – Step-By-Step Guide

• Created on October 3, 2019
• Blog , IBDP , Learning Tips

Let’s learn how to write a ToK Essay with Tutopiya. The IB ToK Essay contributes to the overall score of a student’s IB Diploma. The award of points for the IB ToK Essay is in conjunction with the extended essay. A maximum of three points is awarded according to a student’s combined performance in both the TOK and Extended Essay. 

Tutopiya will help and guide our IB Diploma students on the following:

• How to Start a ToK Essay
• Cover the ToK Essay Structure
• How to Write a ToK Essay Conclusion
• Analysis of a ToK Essay Example 

Choosing Your Essay Title 

Before you can dive into structuring or writing your essay, you will need to spend time to decide on a topic you wish to write on. For the IB ToK Essay, you are required to compare and contrast different ways of knowing through perception, language, reason, emotion with different areas of knowledge (AOK). 

1 – Selecting your prescribed title and knowledge question

Before you hastily decide on a title you wish to write, take some time to read each title carefully on the list and brainstorm ideas. 

Tip #1: Brainstorming

Get some initial ideas you have of each and every title/ question down on paper. Ask yourself some simple questions when brainstorming for each title. 

Am I confident to write an essay about this? Is the question asking what I am thinking? Do I understand the keywords or concepts in the title?

You may not be clear on what the title is asking you to do. Go through the title and highlight any keywords and concepts you are unsure about or may have missed out. 

Do you have a strong interest in the title? We recommend that you should at least be interested since you will be spending time and effort on researching this topic, pick something you are willing to research more about!

Can you relate anything to the title? Though the IB Tok Essay should be as objective as possible, you can always inject the essay with personality and character.

You can always do so by adding in ideas or topics you have learned or studied in class or even personal experiences. 

Tip #2: Understanding the question in your own words

The titles of these essay questions can sometimes be long and difficult to grasp when you first read them so before you write the IB ToK Essay, consider paraphrasing the question in your own words.

You may struggle to understand the keywords and concepts in the title, you may even be unsure about the perspective, comparison and contrast of the title. 

To help our IB students, we recommend breaking down the question/ title by first, understanding the keywords in the title. Then, put the title together and understand what they are asking. 

This way, you will be able to understand the title more in-depth than before and able to answer the title sufficiently. 

Structuring your Essay

1 – knowing the assessment criteria .

Overall Assessment 

2 – Theory of Knowledge Essay 

The rubrics require students to be able to understand the knowledge questions and their quality of analysis of knowledge questions. View the TOK Essay Mark Scheme here .

You will have to choose two Areas of Knowledge (AOK) to explore.

There are 8 different Areas of Knowledge are as follows:

• Mathematics
• Natural Sciences
• Humane Sciences
• Religious knowledge systems 
• Indigenous knowledge systems 

You can also use Ways of Knowledge (WOK) in your essay and the are as follows:

• Sense Perception
• Reason 
• Imagination

Analysis of a Sample Essay 

Question: “Doubt is the key to knowledge (Persian Proverb). To what extent is this true in two areas of knowledge?

Important Keywords in the Title 

“To what extent” 

When keywords like this appear, note that you need to present 2 different perspectives to the question, a for and against argument in your essay. 

Paragraph 1: Introduction 

You would provide an explanation and interpretation of the title and identify the key terms in the title. You would also need to state your thesis and explain or identify the areas of knowledge you will be exploring in your essay.

1 – Start the essay by saying something relatable or interesting

By doing that, you can capture the reader’s attention and make them want to read more by evoking a sense of curiosity to find out more about your essay. 

2 – Your Thesis/ Stand

You can also state your thesis (that is different from mainstream ideas – to capture the reader’s attention). You can make the decision to be a for or against stand in your essay. If you decided 

In your own words , give an interpretation of the title and show that you are able to identify the key terms of the question.

“The problem with doubt as the key to knowledge is that doubt isn’t a way of knowing. Doubt is an emotion we feel that motivates us to seek knowledge.” 

3 – Outline of the paragraph

Give the readers an idea of what you will be going through in your body paragraphs , a sentence that gives the readers a preview. Let the readers know which AOKs you will be exploring, making it easier for the examiner to know what to look for. 

“However this motivation can manifest itself differently in contrasting areas of knowledge like Mathematics and Religion.” 

Your introduction should not be too long, use around 150 to 200 words for your first paragraph would be sufficient. 

Paragraph 2: First Area of Knowledge. 

1 – begin your paragraph with a claim or topic sentence.

This helps you to outline your argument about the title. 

“Mathematics is an area of knowledge that is only concerned with reason.” 

2 – Explain and Elaborate

Now, give explain and elaborate on your topic sentence/ claim. 

“In a right-angled triangle a²+b²=c² and that’s it. There are no alternative answers or personal interpretations. An answer to a mathematical problem is either right or wrong. This is because the main way of knowing in math is reason and evidence is required for a mathematical statement to be true or false.” 

3 – Give an example with an explanation

This helps you to further elaborate and explore your topic sentence or claim.

The example you give should be personal, specific, precise and real.

This way you can make your claim believable and relatable in some sense. This also helps to evoke a sense of authenticity in your essay. 

“When we first learned about negative numbers in math class it made no sense to me. How could a bigger number have a lower value than a smaller one? It was illogical and it contradicted all the math I had learned before that day….. Either the previous mathematical information was wrong or the new information about negative numbers were wrong. But he explained the concept of a number line with a central point 0 and that they were both right.”

4 – Linking back

Remember to link back to your claim and the question after you are done exploring this example. 

“My doubt led to understanding and was the key to my knowledge.”

Paragraph 3: Counter

1 – state your counterclaim.

This paragraph would focus on counterclaim . You are supposed to discuss 2 different perspectives to your claim, a for and against. You are to argue against your claim above this paragraph.

“On the other hand, doubt in mathematics can be detrimental to education.”

2 – Give an Example and Explanation

Add in an example and explanation to support your counterclaim. 

“For example, after I do a question from the International Baccalaureate mathematics textbook I always look at the back in order to check if my answers are correct because it has answers in the back. If I do not have the book and I am in class then I ask my mathematics teacher for the correct answer. I do this when I am uncertain of my answer to a question and my doubt allows me to gain knowledge i.e. whether my answer is wrong or right. My doubt also helps me to assess how much of the mathematical concept I have understood by marking myself. However, this can be detrimental to progress because I started to become dependent on the answers at the back of the book or my mathematics teacher. Every time I do a question I feel like I have to verify my answer with an authoritative source which I have now come to understand leaves no room for exploration or the development of my own methods.”

3 – Linking back

Link back to your prescribed title and your claim of this paragraph. 

“My doubt caused a loss of confidence in my mathematical abilities and dependence on authoritative sources.”

Now, follow this format and carry on writing for the next two body paragraphs, exploring on another Area of Knowledge, in this case, this student will have to write one more AOK on Religion and a counterclaim for it. 

Aim to write a maximum of 600 words for each Area of Knowledge (Paragraph 2 and 3, Paragraph 4 and 5). 

Paragraph 4: Second Area of Knowledge

• Topic Sentence
• Example + Explanation 

Paragraph 5: Counterclaim 

• Topic Sentence (Counterclaim)
• Example + Explanation
• Link to prescribed title and your initial claim of this Area of Knowledge 

Finally, write your ToK Essay conclusion in one paragraph totalling 200 to 250 words .

Paragraph 6: Your conclusion

Explain the different insights you have gained or have come out of this essay. 

“As illustrated by the example of dependence on authoritative sources in mathematics doubt can be detrimental and cause a loss of confidence. Similarly, doubting conjectures has also proven to be unfruitful. However, within mathematics individual doubt can lead to the acquisition of knowledge.” 

Implications and significance

Tell the readers why it is important to know that and how does it matter that they understand this when you write your IB ToK Essay.

Perspectives and Extension

If you can, try to input a very different perspective on your conclusion. Perhaps recognizing a different way of approaching the question, which could have resulted in different insights. 

You can mention the limitations of your essay saying there are one or two unresolved questions that this essay has revealed. It’s about showing the readers that the conversation is not over yet. And that, there is more to the question and more rooms that you can explore. 

“Furthermore, in areas like religion where we do not yet have the tools to prove it one way or the other simply doubting something by itself is a step towards acquiring knowledge because by suggesting that certain view is not absolute it makes room for new knowledge.”

A Quick Tip for writing a ToK Essay

Tip: try not to use dictionary definitions in your essay.

You want to show the examiners that you are writing a reflective essay, not a textbook definition heavy essay. Don’t rely too much on dictionary definitions to prove your argument or support a counterclaim. This will demonstrate that you did not engage with the topic and bypassed complexities around the topic. 

Instead of using standard answers or cliche examples, you can try to use your own personal experiences to make it original and insightful for your readers. Though the essay should be objective, your essay should still have a personality and character. 

Try Getting Expert’s Help

Tutopiya is a 1-1 Live Online Tutoring for all students aged 8 to 18 years old. Tutopiya offers the IB Diploma Program curriculum to all students, visit our IB curriculum page to find out more about the subjects we teach here. We also have a blog full of useful IB resources for our students, why not read another sample essay for IB TOK ?

Interested to try our online learning with our expert IB tutors? We provide FREE 60 minutes trial lesson to all new students. You can sign up or simply fill up a trial form application here to begin learning with Tutopiya! Come learn how to write a ToK essay with Tutopiya today!

About The Author

I am currently a full-time student studying at a local university in Singapore while freelancing as a writer. I enjoy writing and sharing useful education-related tips with my fellow studying peers. During my leisure time, I enjoy doing creative arts and volunteering work. I am passionate about sharing my experience as a student! ☺

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The ToK Essay

Are you looking for ToK Essay help ? TokToday resources to help you to write a top scoring ToK Essay:

Nov 24 Guidance Notes are published: Click here to purchase.

In it’s first year of publication the ToKToday e-book Write the ToK Essay in 6 Easy Steps has been used by hundreds of ToK students in many countries. Amongst the positive feedback that we received from many students includes this:

“ So glad I bought this book, it showed me what to do at every stage, I’d of been totally lost without it “

Agustin, June 23, Argentina

Loads of other ToK Essay Resources:

In addition to those above we have also have lots and lots of other resources to help you with your ToK Essay. These include:

Dedicated ToK Essay Video Playlist.

A dedicated ToK Essay video Playlist (incl. 66+ videos) looking beyond the prompts at issues such as how to structure the ToK Essay, examples of RLS to include in the essay, what the examiners are actually looking for, and the 3 most frequent mistakes that students make.

Detailed blog posts on The ToK Essay

Many blogposts on the ToK Essay dealing with a range of issues including:

• How to structure your ToK Essay.
• How to develop knowledge arguments to answer the prompt.
• Analysis of the Examiner’s Reports.
• How to write evaluations & implications of knowledge arguments.

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IB TOK Essay Rubric. Grading Criteria

As someone deeply immersed in the IB curriculum, I’ve encountered difficulty writing Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essays more times than I can count. Today, I’m here to tell you about the IB TOK essay rubric and grading criteria, offering insights I’ve gathered over the years. Trust me, understanding these elements can transform your TOK essay from good to exceptional.

What Is IB Theory of Knowledge Essay?

The International Baccalaureate TOK essay is a critical element of the IB Diploma Programme that pushes students to ponder the nature and acquisition of knowledge. This task requires students to examine and articulate their understanding of how we come to know what we claim to know, engaging them in a deep reflection on knowledge itself, its sources, and its application in various contexts.

This essay is a philosophical research that encourages critical thinking and analysis across different areas of knowledge, including ethics, science, mathematics, and the arts. At the heart of the IB TOK essay are several key components that students must know:

• The essay prompts students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we come to know what we claim to know. It is an exercise in critical thinking and philosophy, where students examine the bases of knowledge and how it intersects with the world around them.
• Students choose from a list of prescribed titles the IB organization releases annually. These titles prompt discussions on various topics in knowledge, ethics, science, mathematics, human sciences, and more.
• There is a maximum TOK essay word count of 1,600 words. This strict limit requires students to articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely.
• The essay is assessed using criteria that evaluate students’ ability to identify and research knowledge issues, contrast TOK key concepts , demonstrate critical thinking, and organize their ideas coherently.
• Students are encouraged to start early, select a topic that interests them, and engage in extensive research and critical thinking. Collaboration with TOK teachers for guidance and feedback throughout the writing process is also crucial.
• Through the TOK essay, students develop skills in critical thinking, analysis, synthesis of information from various disciplines, and the ability to argue coherently and persuasively.

The TOK essay and the TOK exhibition contribute up to three points towards the total score of the IB Diploma. The performance in TOK is combined with the Extended Essay (EE) to determine the number of additional points awarded.

You Might Also Like:

• November 2024 TOK Essay Titles
• TOK Exhibition Word Count
• TOK Essay Word Count
• How to Write TOK Essay in One Week
• IB TOK Essay Structure in Detail
• AOKs in IB TOK
• 12 TOK Key Concepts with Examples
• The Human Sciences AOK in TOK
• The Natural Sciences AOK and Its Significance in TOK

IB Theory of Knowledge Essay Rubric

As an IB writer and mentor, I’ve seen these guidelines as a checklist and a map for writing insightful, coherent works in the IB Theory of Knowledge . My goal here is to explain these criteria.

Addressing the Knowledge Question (0-2 points)

A central component of the TOK essay is its focus on a knowledge question directly related to the chosen title. This question must be explicitly identified early in the essay as a foundation for your analysis and arguments. The clarity with which you state this question and the extent to which it informs the development of your essay is crucial for scoring in this category.

Grasping Knowledge Issues (0-2 points)

Your essay must profoundly comprehend the knowledge issues connected to your central knowledge question. It includes recognizing the diverse methods through which knowledge is obtained and acknowledging the potential limitations and biases influencing our perception of the world. A high score in this area reflects your ability to dig into these complexities and present them thoughtfully within your essay.

Critical Analysis and Evaluation (0-2 points)

A critical dissection and assessment of the knowledge question are imperative in your TOK essay. It involves using relevant examples and evidence to bolster your arguments alongside a meticulous examination of the various approaches to knowledge, highlighting their strengths and pitfalls. Additionally, it includes appraising the comparative worth of these different approaches and showcasing your ability to engage with the question at hand critically.

Incorporating AOKs and WOKs (0-2 points)

our essay must showcase an adept understanding of the multifaceted nature in which knowledge is acquired, highlighting the roles of empirical evidence, logical deduction, and personal experiences. Equally important is demonstrating a thorough grasp of the various Ways of Knowing (WOKs) — including reason, emotion, perception, and language — and articulating how these intersect and interact with the central knowledge question. A high score in this criterion indicates a comprehensive integration and consideration of AOKs and WOKs in your analysis.

Demonstrating Personal Engagement (0-2 points)

Your TOK essay should vividly reflect your connection and engagement with the knowledge question. It should show your awareness of how the arguments presented resonate with your experiences and perceptions and their broader implications for the world you inhabit. Achieving high marks in this area means successfully conveying how researching the knowledge question has influenced your understanding and perspective, integrating personal insight with academic analysis.

Coherence and Structure (0-2 points)

A well-written TOK essay is characterized by its organization and clarity, featuring a distinct introduction, body, and conclusion. The arrangement should be logical and enhance the essay’s central argument, ensuring a seamless flow of ideas from start to finish. High scores in this domain are awarded to essays demonstrating meticulous planning and an ability to guide the reader.

Clarity in Presentation (0-2 points)

Your TOK essay should be articulated clearly, concisely, and well-structured, paying close attention to the accuracy of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It is also essential to adhere to the proper referencing and citation style throughout the document. Essays that score well in this category prioritize readability and scholarly integrity, making it easy for the reader to follow and appreciate the depth of the analysis. So, follow the IB TOK essay structure in detail.

Innovative Approach and Creativity (0-2 points)

Your TOK essay should exhibit originality and inventiveness in addressing the knowledge question and selecting examples and evidence to bolster your arguments. High-scoring essays in this category are characterized by their creative insights and the ability to think outside the box, demonstrating a proactive approach to elucidating the knowledge question.

Get Help With Your Paper

Ib tok essay grading criteria explained.

The grading criteria for the TOK essay follow a holistic approach, considering all aspects of the rubric. Essays are marked on a scale, with each level reflecting a range of performance in the criteria mentioned above. Here are some insights:

• Excellent Performance . Essays in this category exhibit a deep understanding of knowledge issues, sophisticated analysis, and clear, coherent organization. They effectively incorporate multiple perspectives and are enriched with well-integrated examples.
• Good Performance . These essays demonstrate a good understanding and analysis of knowledge issues, though they may lack the depth or coherence of the top-tier essays. The organization is solid, and examples are used effectively, though perhaps with less sophistication.
• Satisfactory Performance . Here, essays adequately understand the knowledge issues but may struggle with in-depth analysis or coherent organization. Using examples and considering different perspectives is present but not fully developed.
• Basic Performance . Essays in this range have a basic grasp of the knowledge issues but significant weaknesses in analysis, organization, and examples. They may overlook essential perspectives or implications.

From my experience, the key to excelling under these grading criteria lies in understanding what each criterion asks for and integrating these elements into a cohesive, compelling narrative. Crafting your essay with an awareness of these grading nuances can elevate your work from satisfactory to exceptional.

Passing Grade for the Theory of Knowledge Essay

The TOK essay and the TOK presentation form part of the core of the IB Diploma Programme, and students must pass both components to receive their diploma. The TOK essay and presentation are graded on a letter scale of A (excellent) to E (elementary), with D considered a passing grade. However, it’s important to remember that the final TOK grade is combined with the Extended Essay grade, which can significantly impact your overall diploma points.

You generally need to avoid receiving an E grade to pass the TOK component. The combined points for TOK and the EE can contribute up to 3 bonus points towards your diploma, depending on their combined quality. Scores are determined by a matrix that the IB updates periodically, so aiming for the highest possible grades in TOK and EE is crucial to maximizing your diploma points.

Remember, the specific criteria for passing can vary slightly with changes to the IB curriculum and assessment guides, so it’s always a good idea to consult the latest materials or speak with your TOK teacher for the most current information.

In summary, passing the TOK essay requires a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge issues, a critical and reflective approach to the essay question, and a commitment to articulate your thoughts clearly and coherently.

So, mastering the IB TOK essay rubric and grading criteria is a worthwhile path. It’s not just about securing high marks; it’s about developing a nuanced understanding of knowledge. As you prepare to tackle your TOK essay, carry with you the insights and strategies shared.

So, start early, seek feedback, and let your understanding of the rubric infuse every paragraph of your essay. With the right approach, the TOK essay expands your horizons of learning. Good luck, and remember, our experts are always by your side and can  help you with the TOK essay .

Valerie Green

Valerie Green is a dedicated educator who spends her time helping high school and college students succeed. She writes articles and guides for various online education projects, providing students with the tools they need to excel in their studies. Friendly and approachable, she is committed to making a difference in the lives of students.

IB Paper 1 Writing Guide

As an experienced IB writer, I’ve compiled this complete guide to help you feel strong as you take on this critical part of the IB Diploma Programme. This article details the methods and skills you need to ace Paper 1, from understanding how the test is set up and choosing the right texts.

IB Economics IA Article Suggestions 2024/2025

When IB students start their Economics Internal Assessment (IA), it’s important for them to pick an interesting topic. For the school years 2024/2025, we will consider many different areas of economics, ranging from the rise of inflation to the changing nature of global trade.

What Are the Easiest and Hardest Extended Essay Subjects?

In this article, we discuss the easiest and hardest extended essay subjects, providing insights to help you make an informed decision. From the creative freedom found in the Arts to the demanding nature of the Experimental Sciences, we break down into what makes a subject approachable or daunting.

Failed Your Extended Essay? What to Do?

In this article, I’ll consider the immediate steps you should take after receiving an EE score that didn’t meet your expectations. We’ll discuss how to analyze feedback effectively, manage your emotions, and consider whether a retake is the right choice for you. If a retake isn’t feasible, we’ll look at alternative paths that can still lead you to diploma success.

What to Do If You Fail Your TOK Essay?

Failing your TOK essay can be disheartening, but it’s not the end of your IB path. As a seasoned IB writer, I understand the intricacies of the TOK essay and the common pitfalls students face. In this article, I’ll guide you through practical steps to reassess, revise, and rebound from a failing grade.

What to Do if You Don’t Pass Your IB IA and How to Succeed Next Time

Overcoming the challenges of failing an IB Internal Assessment can be daunting, but it’s not the end of your academic path. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the immediate actions to take if you don’t pass your IA, including analyzing feedback and consulting with your teachers. We’ll discuss opportunities for resubmission, the strategies for improving your work, and long-term tactics to prevent similar setbacks.

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IB TOK Exhibition examples

Type a search phrase to find the most relevant TOK Exhibition examples for you

Not sure what to search for? You can always look through our example Theory of Knowledge coursework below for inspiration.

All TOK Exhibition Examples

Filter exemplars, what role does imagination play in producing knowledge about the world, what is the relationship between personal experience and knowledge, want to get full marks for your tok exhibition allow us to review it for you 🎯, on what grounds might we doubt a claim, how can we distinguish between knowledge, belief and opinion, should some knowledge not be sought on ethical grounds, fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by ib examiners. upgrade now 🚀, how can we know that current knowledge is an improvement upon past knowledge, is bias inevitable in the production of knowledge, does some knowledge belong only to particular communities of knowers, what is the relationship between personal experience and knowledge, how important are material tools in the production or acquisition of knowledge, what challenges are raised by the dissemination and/or communication of knowledge, who owns knowledge, what is the relationship between knowledge and culture, what constraints are there on the pursuit of knowledge, what counts as a good justification for a claim, prompt: to what extent is certainty attainable , how is current knowledge shaped by its historical development, can new knowledge change established values or beliefs, does our knowledge depend on our interactions with other knowers, does all knowledge impose ethical obligations of the knower, what counts as good evidence for a claim, what is the relationship between knowledge and culture, “what role does imagination play in producing knowledge about the world“, how might the context in which knowledge is presented influence whether it is accepted or rejected, what challenges are raised by the dissemination and/or communication of knowledge, what role do experts play in influencing our consumption or acquisition of knowledge, 8. to what extent is certainty attainable, are some things unknowable, are some things unknowable, are some types of knowledge more useful than others, what is the relationship between personal experience and knowledge (knowledge and knower).

I deconstructed 10/10 TOK Essay and Exhibition examples to see what makes them so good!

Deconstructing a 10/10 TOK Essay: Introduction

Many TOK students have no idea how to get a 10/10 on their TOK Essay. The criteria seems so opaque and vague that it is hard for many to grasp what the IB expects from a good TOK essay. Luckily, the IB has some marked examples. By deconstructing them, we can see what we need…

Deconstructing a 10/10 TOK Essay: Body Paragraphs

The best way to learn how to write a great TOK Essay is by looking at the excellent examples of essays. We will continue to look at the 10/10 Essay that we are working with from when we deconstructed a 10/10 Introduction. This is an official example from the IB which scored a 10/10 Download…

Deconstructing a 10/10 TOK Essay: Conclusion

The best way to learn how to write a great TOK Essay is by looking at the excellent examples of essays. For the final part, we will finish looking at the conclusion of a 10/10 TOK Essay. We will continue to use the official example TOK Essay from the IB which scored 10/10 that we…

TOK Exhibition

Deconstructing a 10/10 TOK Exhibition: How to score full marks!

The TOK Exhibition is a new assessment in the revised TOK syllabus for first examination in 2022. Since it is a new format, there is quite a bit of confusion on how to do well on it. The best way to learn is to look at what the IB considers to be a 10/10 full…

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ToK Essay: How to Choose and Explain Real-Life Examples

Finding the right real-life examples for the TOK essay can be difficult and time-consuming. Searching the web mindlessly often leads to no avail! I will share some of my experiences, both the good and bad, to help you easily find the right examples for your essay.

From the top band of the TOK mark scheme: ‘arguments… effectively supported by specific examples.’ – this shows that examples are an important element in the essay! They show the marker that the claims you make are not just theoretically true, but have real-world applications, allowing you to appreciate the interconnectedness between what you learn and the world we live in.

Real-life examples/situations (RLS) are examples that you can find in the real world to support your claims. Generally, you would be using a few key ideas from the RLS to show how your chosen claim is valid. 

A. Choosing a real-life example

You want to find an RLS which well… exemplifies the point that you are making. Certain key ideas in the RLS need to be relevant and of course, fit in with your point. Avoid having an RLS which only mildly covers your claim, where you end up having to ‘force-fit’ them into your essay.

A.1 Searching the web

When you google: ‘History RLS’, the results you are going to get will be from the many TOK websites out there. Most of them are filled with basic examples, probably not relevant to your point. Similarly, there are many over-used and general real-life examples that you should avoid. What you should do instead is to go back to your point and look for key ideas the example should have. For one of my claims on the AOK (area of knowledge) of History, I already had an idea about the type of RLS that I wanted to include and in my case: one with conflicting historical accounts, in which neither could be rejected. Thus I went to google looking for historical events. It took me quite a while but only once I put ‘various narratives’ into the search engine did I finally get somewhere. 

My advice: have an idea about the key points you need in the RLS, then look for specific types of examples rather than just any RLS in the AOK so that it will be more relevant and applicable to support that claim.

A.2 Using examples from your own academic subjects

You take so many subjects other than TOK in the IBDP, do not let all that knowledge go to waste during TOK. Using things you have learnt from other DP subjects is a quick way to find an RLS. Additionally, using your IA or EE experiences as RLSs is possible. Personally, I used the uncertainty results in my Physics IA and Schrodinger’s atomic model (from the HL Physics syllabus) to explain my points. I saved time researching and found it easy to incorporate them into the essay since I already had a good understanding of these RLSs.

My advice: look through your academic work, to see if there are any RLSs you can use for your arguments. Using your own projects as RLSs can even add an element of originality to your essay!

B. Explaining your real-life examples

Firstly, ensure that you fully understand your RLS. Do not choose an RLS that is too complicated and make sure ample research is done. You do not want to be in a situation where you selectively bring in points and ignore others. Very rarely, the worst-case-scenario would be that your examiner is well versed with your topic, and manages to point out flaws in your arguments. 

Next, give a brief overview of the RLS. 1 or 2 sentences would suffice to prevent you from wasting words. Get a friend who has not heard about your RLS to read it. If they can understand the gist of it without being confused, you have done a good job. Adding images can also aid in the marker’s understanding of the RLS. I included an image of Schrodinger’s model to give a visual of the density cloud of electrons. It was difficult to explain this in words, so a visual worked well for me.

After this, link key ideas in your RLS to TOK concepts and your claim. Your RLS should be evidence supporting your claim. It should help the examiner understand that your claim is credible and supported.

Final advice: Keep a log of all the used sources and the dates that you have accessed them in a separate document. Personally, I added an additional column with a brief summary of the points I was using from each source. As such, while doing references, I would know where I had used a source and have all the information necessary.

I hope that you have a better idea about how to search and explain appropriate real-life examples in your essay. It may not be easy finding RLSs, but it’s okay! All students go through it! Just take your time finding examples that are most appropriate and interesting to you!

You may also like…

• Elena’s Overview of the TOK Essay .
• Vansh’s Overview of the TOK Exhibition .

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TOK Essay Examples

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Is Replicability Necessary In The Production Of Knowledge? Discuss With Reference To Two Areas Of Knowledge.

Discover The Secrets Of Knowledge With This Sample IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay Discussing Two Areas Of Knowledge. Enhance Your Understanding And Critical Thinking Skills.

To What Extent Is The Knowledge We Produce Determined By The Methodologies We Use Discuss With Reference Tohistory And One Other Area Of Knowledge.

Unlock Insightful Perspectives In Our Sample Theory Of Knowledge Essay - Discover How Methodologies Shape Knowledge Through Compelling Analysis Of History And More.

The Impact Of Knowledge Bubbles Exclusion And Influence In History & Human Sciences

Discover How Knowledge Bubbles Shape History And Human Sciences, Exploring Exclusion And Influence In This Insightful IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay Sample.

Labels Are A Necessity In The Organization Of Knowledge, But They Also Constrain Our Understanding. Discuss This Statement With Refer- Ence To Two Areas Of Knowledge.

Explore how labels organize and limit knowledge in this insightful IB essay. Delve into two areas of knowledge to uncover their impact on understanding. Engage deeply with this thought-provoking discussion

Replicability In Knowledge Production Natural Sciences Vs. The Arts

Unlock The Secrets Of Replicability In Knowledge: How Natural Sciences And The Arts Differ In Their Approach.

¿Es Problemático Que Muy A Menudo El Conocimiento Este Conformado Por Los Valores De Quienes Lo Producen? Discuta Esta Pregunta Haciendo Referencia A Dos Áreas De Conocimiento.

Explore the Essay: ¿Es Problemático Que Muy a Menudo El Conocimiento Este Conformado Por Los Valores De Quienes Lo Producen? Delve into two areas of knowledge in this thought-provoking discussion."

¿Por Qué Buscamos Pruebas Irrefutables Cuando Tan A Menudo Son Inalcanzables? Discuta Esta Pregunta Haciendo Referencia A Dos Áreas De Conocimiento.

Discover Why We Seek Irrefutable Proofs Despite Their Elusiveness. Explore This IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay Referencing Two Areas Of Knowledge. Dive In Now.

Are Visual Representations Always Helpful In The Communication Of Knowledge? Discuss With Reference To The Human Sciences And Mathematics.

Discover How To Work Best With The 4 Different Types Of Learners In This Comprehensive IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay Sample. Enhance Your Teamwork Skills Today!

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Are Visual Representations Always Helpful In The Communication Of Knowledge?

Discover How Visual Representations Impact Knowledge Communication In This Insightful IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay.

For Artists & Natural Scientists Which Is More Important What Can Be Explained Or What Cannot Be Explained?

Discover How Artists And Natural Scientists Balance The Explainable And The Unexplainable In This Insightful IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay.

If We Conclude That There Is Some Knowledge We Should Not Pursue On Ethical Grounds, How Can We Determine The Boundaries Of Acceptable Investigation Within An Area Of Knowledge? Discuss With Reference To Two Areas Of Knowledge.

Explore The Ethical Boundaries Of Knowledge With This Insightful IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay On Determining Acceptable Investigations In Two Areas Of Knowledge.

Does It Matter If Our Acquisition Of Knowledge Happens In "Bubbles" Where Some Information And Voices Are Excluded? Discuss With Reference To Two Areas Of Knowledge.

Explore How Knowledge Acquisition In "Bubbles" Affects Understanding In Our Sample IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay. Dive Into Two Areas Of Knowledge And Start Learning Today.

If The Artist Has Freedom To Interpret Past Events In Ways That Are Denied To The Historian Is This An Asset Or An Obstacle To Our Understanding Of The Past? Discuss With Reference To The Arts And History.

Explore How Artistic Freedom Interprets History Differently Than Historians. Understand If This Perspective Is An Asset Or An Obstacle To Our Past Knowledge.

Do Good Explanations Have To Be True?

Discover A Thought-Provoking IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay: "Do Good Explanations Have To Be True?" Explore Insightful Arguments And Enhance Your Understanding.

Faced With A Vast Amount Of Information How Do We Select What Is Significant For The Acquisition Of Knowledge? Discuss With Reference To The Natural Sciences And One Other Area Of Knowledge.

Discover How To Select Significant Information For Knowledge Acquisition In Natural Sciences And More With This Insightful IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay.

Within An Area Of Knowledge Is It More Important To Have Credibility Or Power? Discuss With Reference To The Natural Sciences And One Other Area Of Knowledge.

Unlock the power of knowledge! Explore the debate on credibility versus power within diverse realms, including the natural sciences. Discover insights that shape perspectives. Dive deeper into understanding.

Explore A Thought-Provoking Sample Essay On The Necessity Of Replicability In Knowledge Production, Focusing On Two Key Areas Of Knowledge. Perfect For IB Theory Of Knowledge.

Is It Always The Case That “The World Isn’t Just The Way It Is It Is How We Understand It - & In Understanding Something We Bring Something To It” (Adapted From Life Of Pi By Yann Martel)? Discuss With Reference To History & The Natural Sciences.

Unlock The Secrets Of Perception With Our IB TOK Essay On How Our Understanding Shapes Reality In History And Natural Sciences.

Are Visual Representations Always Helpful In The Communication Of Knowledge? Discuss With Reference To The Human Sciences & Mathematics

Discover Insightful Perspectives On Visual Representations In Communicating Knowledge. Explore Human Sciences And Mathematics In This Compelling IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay.

¿Importa Que Nuestra Adquisición De Conocimiento Suceda En Burbujas En Las Que Cierta Información Y Ciertas Voces Están Excluidas? Discuta Esta Pregunta Haciendo Referencia A Dos Areas De Conocimiento.

Discover A Thought-Provoking IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay On Knowledge Acquisition In Exclusive Information Bubbles Across Two Knowledge Areas.

Discuss This Statement With Reference To Two Areas Of Knowledge

Discover Insights On Knowledge Through This Sample IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay. Explore Key Ideas On Two Areas Of Knowledge. Boost Your Understanding And Performance.

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Writing & uploading the TOK essay

TOK Home > Free TOK notes > TOK essay guidance > Writing & uploading the TOK essay

After you have grasped the essay rubric , chosen your title , and have a clear plan and structure , you can start writing your TOK essay. You’ll be doing this alongside the three interactions, so keep these in mind as you proceed.

Read the points below to get some advice on how to write your essay, and avoid common mistakes made by students.

STEP 4: Write and upload your TOK essay

Get started.

The most important part of writing your essay is getting started. You can procrastinate for ages, thinking about whether you’ve chosen the right title, which areas of knowledge to explore the question in, key thinker and ides to draw on, and so on. Obviously you need to choose the right title, and have an effective plan, but this means nothing until you have put your thoughts down on paper. You will find that many of your uncertainties start to resolve themselves when you start writing.

The introduction is all important

Your introduction should begin with a ‘hook’ to engage the reader, offer your interpretation of the key words or ideas from the title (don’t just copy a definition out of a dictionary – give your take on what the title means), outline the scope of the essay. Get your introduction right, and you will have set up the foundations for a great essay. If you rush it, or not view it with the importance it really requires, you’ll struggle to develop clear ideas in the main body of the essay.

Follow a clear essay plan

By two, you should have formulated a clear essay plan. This means knowing which  AOKs  you are using as the context of the essay, the arguments and counterarguments you’ll be presenting, the real-life examples you’ll be drawing on to justify discussion points, how you’ll indicate the implications of your arguments, and the way in which you’ll challenge assumptions in the question. Agree with your teacher on this plan, and let them know if you are deviating significantly from it.

Justify each point you make

Each of the discussion points you make should be supported by a real-life example. These can come from your own experiences as a knower (inside, and outside of the school), or from events, issues, and topics you’ve read about or encountered from the news and other media sources.

Don’t jump straight into your examples

A common mistake made by students is to move straight onto real-life examples without offering a proper discussion about knowledge. Discuss your own take on the question, perhaps referring to a key thinker or theory, before relating this to a real-life situation.

Consider counterarguments

You need to offer a consideration of different points of view, and the way to do this is via counterarguments. For each of your claims or arguments, you should offer a counterclaim or counterargument, weighing up how the issue could be considered from another point of view. Make sure you evaluate these counterarguments, and don’t just mention them.

Find your own voice

Make sure that you offer your own opinions, give your own interpretation of the title, and offer your own experiences to support your arguments. This will demonstrate your skills as a critical thinker, and distinguish your essay from those that rely on generic and cliched discussions.

Make full use of the interactions

In order to develop your ideas, and ensure that you’re on the right track with your essay, make sure you make full use of the with your teacher. It’s during these one-to-one sessions that you can discuss your arguments, evaluate your examples, and consider which key thinkers and concepts work in your essay.

Don’t neglect the non-assessed elements

 Make sure that you format your essay in the right way, offer a decent bibliography, hit the word limit (without going over it), and follow all the other protocols for submitting your TOK essay. This will present a great impression to examiners, and show that you are ready and willing to follow the IB requirements for the assessment task.

A four-step guide to the TOK essay

Click on the buttons below to take you to the four steps of creating a great TOK essay. Don’t forget that we have plenty of videos on this and other aspects of the course, and members of the site have access to a huge amount of other resources to help you master the course and assessment tasks.

Check out our three-minute explainer video on the TOK essay here . The video goes over the basics of the TOK essay, such as how it’s assessed, the word count and other practical details, terms such as ‘perspectives’ and ‘implications’, and the role of real-world examples in justifying claims and arguments.

You’ll find more videos on this and other aspects of TOK here , and you can dive into much more depth via our free and premium webinars, here .

Watch our essay & exhibition webinars

Click on the images below to access these premium webinars on how to create the essay and exhibition. Access more webinars here , and watch our videos on the assessment tasks on this page .

FAQs about the TOK essay

How do i choose my tok essay title.

You choose your essay from six prescribed essay titles, that are released at the beginning of your second DP year. We give a few tips on how to choose a PT that will work for you here . But briefly, choose one that links to your pre-existing knowledge, and that you find personally engaging.

What will I be writing about in my TOK essay?

You’ll be answering your prescribed title, within the context of two areas of knowledge, considering how different perspectives might affect our response to the question, and what the implications of your arguments are.

Can I use ChatGPT to write my essay?

You can use ChatGPT to help you gather materials for your essay, but you should definitely not be using it to write the essay. Be very careful with ChatGPT. It bases its answers on online material, and much of this is inaccurate or out-of-date. For example, depending on what you ask it, it may tell you that you have to explore multiple areas of knowledge (rather than the two stipulated by the titles), and that you have to identify a separate knowledge question to the title (which is absolutely not the case).

How much help should I expect from my teacher?

Your teacher should run through the PTs when they are first released, and then meet you for three interactions, during which you’ll discuss your progress. They are allowed to give you one set of written feedback. But you can consult them at other times with specific questions.

Do I need to use real-world examples in my TOK essay?

Yes, real-life examples help illustrate your points and make your arguments more tangible. They can be drawn from personal experiences, historical events, scientific discoveries, etc.

Should I include my personal opinion in the TOK essay?

While the TOK essay is not about your personal opinion per se, it’s important to reflect on your perspective and how it shapes the way you understand the title. However, you should avoid using the essay as a platform for rants or unsubstantiated claims.

Is it necessary to include counter-arguments in my TOK essay?

Yes, including counter-arguments shows a deeper understanding of the complexity of the topic and demonstrates your critical thinking skills. It also enables you to consider different perspectives, and evaluate the implications of arguments.

Should I include the 12 key concepts in my essay?

Yes, as much as you can, draw on the key concepts such as justification, evidence, perspective, bias, certainty, and objectivity within your arguments linking them to the title, and to the real-world examples you draw on.

How do I ensure that my TOK essay reflects my own original thinking, and avoids plagiarism?

Clearly attribute ideas and sources that are not your own, and strive to present original insights and interpretations supported by evidence and reasoning. See our point above on using ChatGPT – never view this as more than a tool to help you gather material for your essay, rather than a tool to write it for you.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when writing a TOK essay?

Avoid oversimplifying complex issues, relying solely on personal opinion without justification, neglecting counter-arguments, veering off the question, and failing to include a consideration of different perspectives.

How long do I have to write my essay?

You’ll have 6 months from the time the prescribed titles are released, to the deadline date for uploading your essay to the IB. However, most schools will set their own deadline for completing the essay, so that everyone has plenty of time to complete your PPF, and upload it on time. Follow what your school tells you about this.

How important is the TOK essay PPF?

The PPF (‘Planning and Progress Form’) is the document that you fill in to outline your discussions during the three essay. Although this is not directly assessed, it is an important part of demonstrating that you have approached the TOK essay in an ethical way, which is now particularly important in the era of ChatGPT.

What are some effective strategies for revising and editing my TOK essay to improve clarity and coherence?

Take breaks between revisions, seek feedback from peers or teachers, and carefully proofread for grammar, punctuation, and coherence.

Should I include references or a bibliography in my TOK essay?

While not required, referencing sources appropriately adds credibility to your essay; use footnotes or endnotes for citations.

Subscribe to the free TOK newsletter!

Subscribe to our free newsletter, and collect fantastic examples that will help you to understand the key ideas of TOK, support your essay and exhibition discussions, and help you to become an authentic critical thinker .

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By Shivani Gonzalez

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