Writing the TOK Essay

Match the necessary elements of a TOK Intro

• Thesis

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

• Brief commentary on title

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

• 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.

• Definition of terms

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

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.

• They may be taken wholesale from online dictionary and AI.

Answer explanation

Dictionary definitions are often too simplistic and may not pertain to definitions

a) required by the title

b) for a specific AOK

c) for your arguments and counterarguments

Your definitions must align with your arguments and the title yet still be consistent with accepted definitions.

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.

• 1, but not all, examples can be from personal experiences in IB, CAS & EE, but must be contextualised for external examiner & sufficiently analytical to illustrate your arguments, not just described.

• 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.

Answer explanation

Examples must be REAL and SPECIFIC.

Do not give more than 1 eg from your personal experience in IB & CAS.

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.

• Specific evaluation of arguments & counterarguments is very important, must give sufficient thinking and words.

Answer explanation

you can use the same example to illustrate both your argument and counterargument, if the example applies.

this can be part of evaluating your counterargument against your argument, as illustrated by your example.

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

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)

• Integrating arguments and counterarguments into 1 paragraph with immediate evaluation

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

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

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

• 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.

Match the following

• Yes, paraphrase and verify on Internet.

• I can ask AI for definitions of the terms but must ensure they pertain to the title, to my AOKs, and to TOK

• Ensure AI doesn't define generally

• I can ask AI to evaluate my understanding of the title and whether my argument is valid.

• No, AI brainstorms but YOU write outline

• I can ask AI to write an outline of my essay.

• Yes, don't just ask AI for arguments

• I can ask AI to edit my answer for better expression, clarity and grammar

• No, your text becomes AI-written.

• I can ask AI for counterarguments and evaluation of my arguments

Match for Title 1

• Human sciences

• They are products of their environment. Their background and purposes affect their objectivity and introduce bias. This is because they select and interpret evidence, and also need to take perspectives on facts to make knowledge meaningful.

• Artist

• They are ethically responsible to ensure their objectivity and professionalism, and not be influenced by cultural beliefs. However, the political context, sources of funding and regulation, and cultural-religious background can still influence a scientist's stand. After science has been constantly peer reviewed and its reliability established, students study scientific facts and the method by which the scientist established them.

• Historian

• Human sciences have a lot more

• Scientist

• Their context, experiences and worldview determine their intentions. Artists may also have unique styles, techniques and preferences. Hence, understanding creator informs one's interpretation of their work, and improves meaningful appreciation, although the work should still be evaluated according to its own merit and each audience is entitled to his own response.