TOK Introduction, Implications and Conclusions

Match the necessary elements of a TOK Intro

• Definition of terms

• Briefly justify chosen AOKs or significance of required AOKs if enough words, otherwise just state

• Brief commentary on title

• Overall balanced, nuanced answer to title, for both or each AOK, consistent with body paras

• Introduction of AOKs

• What key words mean, aligned with points and arguments for both AOKs, or defined separately for each AOK, without repeating what is already in the body paras, and hence done after body paras and conclusion.

• Thesis

• Why the question is significant, including to a given AOK

Which statements are true about definitions in a TOK essay intro?

• They should be carefully crafted to align with points and arguments with the help of sources.

• They should apply to both AOKs, otherwise they may be defined separately for each AOK.

• They should be clear and succinct, not lengthy, since they would be further discussed in body paras.

• There should be reference to reliable sources to ensure that key terms in the essay are not dangerously misunderstood.

Which statement about the use of examples in a TOK essay is the LEAST accurate?

• Examples should be relevant and support the argument.

• Examples can be hypothetical if they are well-explained.

• Examples should be specific.

• Examples should be cited from credible sources.

• Examples should be used to illustrate key points. and not have unnecessary details in descriptive or expository style.

Which statement is the LEAST true?

• Arguments should show deep AOK-specific understanding of TOK elements of scope, perspectives, methods & tools, or ethics.

• Examples should illustrate arguments but not narrate unnecessary details and not be written descriptively.

• The example cannot be hypothetical, therefore the example should contain specific details and citations.

• The same example for an argument cannot be extended for the corresponding counterargument, even if the details used are different and relevant.

• 1 example can be personal eg on Science or Economics IAs, but must be intelligent and credible, and cannot be for all examples in the essay.

What are implications?

-awareness of wider, broader, but connected significance of arguments

-significance if considered in a different context. 

-be identified as political, ethical, social or practical. They can even be what those in power should do or mind. 

-need to be relevant to title/issue.

-go beyond title and example

Which statement about implications is the LEAST true?

• Implications are wider significance of arguments.

• Implications can be how the argument applies in a different context

• Implications must link back to the title.

• Implications must be in the conclusion. They cannot be integrated into evaluation of points of view.

• Implications can be ethical, social, political or practical

Match the possible implication to its title.

• conventions limit or expand our ability

• Emotional insights have been typically undermined by sole focus on analytical objectivity, although emotions are not as detrimental to knowledge production as conventionally assumed.

• temporarily set aside prior knowledge

• the difficulty of setting aside prior knowledge even temporarily shows how important it is to get foundational knowledge correct, or they will hinder pursuit of accurate further knowledge

• empathy for historian/human scientist

• Knowledge is a cycle and a spectrum, not an end-point.

• relationship btw knowing & understanding

• Established methodologies are perceived to be but not always truly good.

What should the TOK essay conclusion LEAST do? .

• Further compare and contrast the 2 AOKs as linked to the title.

• Bring out implications.

• Expand thesis to make powerful but relevant ending statements

• Bring in new points which cannot be developed into arguments and examples.

Reorder the following in ascending order of things to be done to cut words down to 1600 limit. (1 is the FIRST thing to do, 5 is the LAST)

• Unnecessary long phrasing eg changing "On the other hand" to "Conversely"

• Shortening intro eg taking out statements of intent. Combining overlapping ideas in 2 sentences into 1 concise sentence.

• Repetition and long-windedness that do not enhance arguments and show a lack of confidence

• Integrating arguments and counterarguments into 1 paragraph with immediate evaluation

• Taking away unnecessary details from examples and only keeping key illustrative parts

What should I LEAST do if my essay is only 1560 words?

• Nothing, cos I did not exceed the word limit

• Relevantly beef up arguments to 1600 words

• Add more relevant details to the examples so there is more complete information.

• Find more evaluations and implications to squeeze into my body paras and conclusions.

• See if topic sentences and links can be strengthened so my essay is at least 1595 words.

Answer explanation

Are you very confident that this essay is the best you can do already, and anything you add is counterproductive?

If so, you can do nothing.