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How to Write a TOK Essay

Last Updated: December 28, 2023

This article was co-authored by Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA . Stephanie Wong Ken is a writer based in Canada. Stephanie's writing has appeared in Joyland, Catapult, Pithead Chapel, Cosmonaut's Avenue, and other publications. She holds an MFA in Fiction and Creative Writing from Portland State University. This article has been viewed 250,611 times.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Theory of Knowledge essay is a 1200–1600 word essay on prescribed topics or titles created by the IB. As the name suggests, your Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay should focus on knowledge issues (what is knowledge? why and how do we know things?) and link to other areas of knowledge as well. About two-thirds of your final TOK grade is determined by your score on your TOK essay.

Choosing Your Essay Title

Step 1 Understand the structure of a TOK essay.

  • Mathematics
  • Natural sciences
  • Human sciences
  • Religious knowledge systems
  • Indigenous knowledge systems

Step 2 Ask your teacher for the prescribed titles for the TOK essay.

  • “Compare the roles played by reason and imagination in at least two Areas of Knowledge.”
  • “When mathematicians, historians and scientists say that they have explained something, are they using the word ‘explain’ in the same way?”

Step 3 Select a title carefully.

  • Do you understand the keywords or concepts in the title? You may not be clear on what a title is asking you to do. Go through the title and highlight any words or concepts you are unsure about. Some titles will use keywords from TOK courses, such as “belief”, “knowledge” “truth”. You may want to check back on your class notes and consider what these words mean in the context of the title.
  • Do you have a strong interest in the title? The title should play to your interests and you should feel you can write about the title with care and diligence. For example, if you are skilled or interested in the arts, you may choose a title like “Compare the roles played by reason and imagination in at least two Areas of Knowledge” and pick the arts as one area of knowledge. Keep in mind, however, you should balance your passion for the title with an objective perspective.
  • Do you have something relevant to say about the title? It’s important that you relate the question to the ideas you have covered in your TOK course, as well as the topics you have studied in class, and your own personal experiences or thoughts. The essay should have an objective tone, but you will still need to inject it with personality, passion, and clarity.

Step 4 Put the title in your own words.

  • For example, in a title like: “When mathematicians, historians and scientists say that they have explained something, are they using the word ‘explain’ in the same way?”, you may rephrase it into two sentences. The title refers to three AOK: mathematics, history, and science. It is then asking you to compare and contrast the way these three AOK use explanation as a way of knowing about a topic or issue.
  • By breaking down the title into short sentences, you now have a clearer picture of what the title is asking you to do and how you might go about answering the title sufficiently.

Structuring the Essay

Step 1 Note the assessment criteria.

  • Understanding the knowledge issues: your essay must be focused on the knowledge issues, link and compare at least two knowledge issues, show relevancy between at least two knowledge issues, and demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the knowledge issues.
  • Knower’s perspective: your essay must demonstrate independent thinking, self-awareness, at least two different perspectives, and several supporting examples.
  • Analysis of the knowledge issues: your essay must show insight and depth, justify your main points, present arguments and counter-arguments, and explore any assumptions and implications of your topic.
  • Organization of ideas: your essay must be well structured, explain key concepts, be factually accurate, and cite references where applicable.

Step 2 Read the essay instructions.

  • You may also be asked “to what extent” or “in what way” a statement is justified. You will then need to present for and against arguments for the statement.
  • If you are asked a direct question, your essay should address to what extent or in what ways you are for and against an argument or position.

Step 3 Brainstorm ideas around the essay title.

  • Start by doing a general, open brainstorm. Write down everything that comes to mind when you think about the title without passing judgement on any of the ideas, or stopping to read over your brainstorm.
  • After five minutes of brainstorming, read over your notes. Identify ideas that relate to each other or that contradict each other. If you are evaluating or assessing a claim in the essay title, create a for column and an against column. Group your brainstorming ideas into either column. Create a third column for grey area ideas, or ambiguities, and place ideas in that column.
  • Note any examples of the ideas that you wrote down. For example, you may be addressing a title like: “When mathematicians, historians and scientists say that they have explained something, are they using the word ‘explain’ in the same way?” You may create a brainstorm for each area of knowledge (mathematics, history, science) in relation to the idea of explaining something. You may then use examples of “something” that can be explained in each AOK: a mathematical equation, a historical moment in a battle or a trial, and a scientific theory.

Step 4 Identify the knowledge issue in the essay title.

  • You should also identify the areas of knowledge you will be discussing in your essay. For example, for a title like: “Compare the roles played by reason and imagination in at least two Areas of Knowledge” you may choose two AOK: the arts and science. You may then compare and contrast the function of “reason” and “imagination” in the arts and in science.

Step 5 Create an outline.

  • Paragraph 1: Introduction. You would provide an explanation and interpretation of the title and identify the key terms in the title. You would also state your thesis and explain or identify a knowledge issue related to the title.
  • Paragraph 2: First Area of Knowledge. For example, the arts. Discuss how the arts answers the title and provide supporting examples. You should also note any counter-arguments against the title or any limitations of the supporting examples.
  • Paragraph 3: Second Area of Knowledge. For example, mathematics. Note how mathematics answers the title and provide supporting examples. You should also note any counter-arguments against the title or any limitations of the supporting examples.
  • Paragraph 4: Third Area of Knowledge (if applicable)
  • Paragraph 5: Conclusion. Summarize your main ideas and restate your thesis. Conclude by answering the title fully, taking into account the counter arguments and limitations of the areas of knowledge.
  • You may also decide to structure your essay based on a main argument and a main counter-argument. Your outline may contain four paragraphs total:
  • Paragraph 1: Introduction and explanation of the knowledge issue.
  • Paragraph 2: Main argument, with justification and one to two supporting examples.
  • Paragraph 3: Main counter-argument, with justification and one to two supporting examples.
  • Paragraph 4: Conclusion.

Step 6 Create a thesis...

  • Some students find it useful to draft their thesis statement once they have finished writing a first draft of the essay. By this point, you will likely have a better sense of the main arguments in the essay and be able to write a clear, concise thesis statement.
  • For example, you may need to create a thesis statement for this title: “Compare the roles played by reason and imagination in at least two Areas of Knowledge.” You have chosen two AOK: the arts and mathematics. Consider how reason and imagination function in the arts and in mathematics, as well as the different ways they function in each AOK. Your thesis may be: “Through reason and imagination play an important role in both mathematics and the arts, the imaginative thoughts of mathematicians must be provable, while the imaginative thoughts of artists need only be reasonable.” [5] X Research source

Writing the Essay

Step 1 Use your essay outline as a guide.

  • You may want to also refer back to your brainstorming notes to identify the supporting examples for your two areas of knowledge, or your main argument and your main counter-argument.

Step 2 Avoid using dictionary definitions in your essay.

  • For example, you may be discussing the use of reason and imagination in the arts. Rather than discuss a familiar artist, like Picasso, or a familiar example of imaginative thinking, like the Sistine Chapel, use supporting examples that feel original and insightful. Though the essay should be objective in nature, it should also feel reflective and personal. Using a supporting example that you feel passionate about, like Pollack’s kinetic movement paintings, or Rodin’s sculptures, will show you have taken the time to explore unique examples.

Step 3 Cite all external sources using MLA style citations.

  • Reference surprising or little known claims, but not well known facts or commonly held opinions. For example: “The sun is the center of the solar system” is a well known fact you will not need to cite. But “Rodin was a traditionally-schooled artist and had a craftsman-like approach to his work” will require a citation as it is maybe a little known fact.
  • Reference any sentences or sections where you are closely following someone else’s train of thought or argument, even in your own words.
  • Reference exact quotes, and use quotation marks.
  • Be consistent with your citations and the way you reference certain sources.

Step 4 Read your essay out loud.

  • As you read your essay out loud, make sure there are no vague or abstract sentences or terms. You want to ensure you use your 1600 word count in a clear and concise way. Every word will count in your TOK essay.
  • Confirm you have addressed knowledge issues in your essay. Your essay should answer the question “How do you know?” and assess the strengths and weaknesses of knowledge claims in at least two areas of knowledge. You should also use arguments and counter-arguments to support your thesis statement, as well as strong supporting examples.

Step 5 Correct any spelling or grammatical errors.

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  • ↑ http://www.dirk-solies.de/TOK/how%20to%20write%20a%20ToK%20essay%20cambridge.pdf
  • ↑ http://www.toktalk.net/2009/11/20/starting-and-planning-the-tok-essay/

About This Article

Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA

To write a TOK essay that compares several areas of knowledge, start with an introductory paragraph that explains your title and states your thesis. Then, write 2-3 main body paragraphs, discussing in each a single area of knowledge and how it relates to your title. Try to provide supporting examples in each case, and address any potential counter-arguments, as well. Finally, end your essay with a conclusion that summarizes your main ideas and restates your thesis. When you’re done, check to be sure that you’re within the 1,200-1,600 word limit for the essay. To learn from our English reviewer how to choose an essay title and create your thesis statement, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How To Write A ToK Essay - Updated 2023

Ace your ToK Essay with our expert tips & tricks! Get the latest and greatest techniques on "How To Write A ToK Essay" and impress the IB examiners.📝💡

How To Write A ToK Essay - Updated 2023

Table of content

Purpose of tok, assessment of tok, the game plan, execution of the gameplan, planning for tok essay, structure of tok essay, introduction, conclusions, bibliography.

How to write a TOK Essay? 

To answer that, you must familiarise yourself with what a TOK Essay is about.

Before you start reading this article,  Amanda  has some excellent TOK tips for you!

Theory of Knowledge is one of the most meta subjects that IB offers. Despite its complexity, TOK helps in providing a base for holistic learning and allows students to have a multidisciplinary experience. 

To understand TOK is to understand the essence of IB, a task that most people consider unattainable.

But not for you! 

Thank your lucky stars who made you land on Nail IB. How exactly will Nail IB help you? 

Well, nailing International Baccalaureate is something we will discuss later. 

Let's focus on cracking your TOK essay, shall we?

TOK demonstrates how students  can apply their knowledge  with  greater awareness  and  credibility .

Big words, huh? 

Now that we know that we cannot just slide through the Theory of Knowledge, let's understand how we can conquer this battle all guns blazing.

ToK essay’s primary objective is to answer the  why  behind our studies. 

It makes one aware of the real-life implications of their subjects. The students gain greater awareness of their personal and ideological assumptions and appreciate the diversity of different perspectives. It helps the students find their unique perception, a prerequisite for excelling in the IB TOK essays.

Before we dive into our gameplan, let’s overview the rules of the game.

There are two assessment tasks in the TOK: an essay and a presentation . While a presentation encourages students to explore a real-life situation through the lens of TOK, an essay is written on the basis of the various questions provided by the International Baccalaureate Organisation.

  • The presentation is to assess a student’s ability to apply TOK thinking to a real-life situation whereas IB TOK essay is more conceptual.
  • The essay is externally assessed by IB and must be on any one of the prescribed TOK essay titles issued by the IB for each examination session.
  • Word limit of a TOK essay is 1600 words ( excludes extended notes, footnotes, bibliography).

Now that we have unleashed the game, let’s move ahead towards the gameplan of acing both, your presentation and your essay.

One of the fundamental tasks of TOK is to examine different areas of knowledge and find out their similarities and differences.

The TOK essay requires the students to investigate two Areas of Knowledge (AOK)  and two Ways of Knowing   (WOK) . AOKs and WOKs are investigated via questions such as:

  • How do we know what we know? (WOK)
  • What counts as evidence for X? (AOK)
  • How do we judge which is the best model of Y? (WOK)
  • What does theory Z mean in the real world? (AOK + WOK)

The aforementioned are  Knowledge Questions  which help combine the Areas of Knowledge and the Ways of Knowing that they are using. This eliminates the superficial way of learning and makes an individual sensitive to the nature of the information.   Our acquisition of Knowledge can be broadly divided into Shared Knowledge and Personal Knowledge.

Shared knowledge: What WE know It is the product of more than one individual. Although individuals contribute to it, shared knowledge does not solely depend upon the contributions of a particular individual—there are possibilities for others to check and amend individual contributions and add to the body of knowledge that already exists.

Personal knowledge: What I know It is essentially dependent on the experiences of a particular individual. Also known as procedural knowledge, it is gained through experience, practice and personal involvement and is intimately bound up with the particular local circumstances of the individual such as biography, interests, values, and so on.

The best hack to ace TOK essay is to develop a habit of making connections between the construction of knowledge, its acquisition and its relevance in the real world. 

After that one needs to develop an interest in understanding the difference between diversity and cultural perspectives and personal assumptions.

One also needs to critically reflect on their own beliefs and assumptions, leading to more thoughtful, responsible and purposeful lives.

Yes, this is what you signed up for. It may sound a little intimidating but once you get the hang of it you will be able to see the matrix and understand this beautiful world a little better.

Understand that to provide the best version of your writing, it will take you more than one or two drafts. First and foremost, you need to pick your essay topic diligently. Try to choose an essay topic that best interests you. The topic should also allow you to explore the Areas of Knowledge towards which you are naturally inclined. Here are a few sample questions:

a) 'Ways of knowing are a check on our instinctive judgments.' To what extend do you agree with this statement?

b) With reference to two areas of knowledge discuss the way in which shared knowledge can shape their personal knowledge.

c) How can we know if knowledge is produced more through 'Passive Observation' or 'Active-Experiment' within the Human and Natural-sciences under a Mathematical-Perspective?

d) "The whole point of knowledge is to produce both meaning and purpose in our personal lives". Assess the validity of this statement.

Great things take time. It took me more than a couple of weeks to finalize this TOK essay guide. It is completely okay if the first few drafts may not look pleasing or award-winning to you. You will require sharpening your perspective towards the topic each time you polish your draft. Your writing journey from a dull draft to a masterpiece will be a whole process that you will have to be patient with. Have faith in yourself and proceed stepwise.

You need to consider the opinions of others who have devoted hours of research and a lifetime of dedicated studying the topic that surrounds your writing. Unravelling the realms of your mind palace is so Sherlock but let’s not deny the fact that at times, Watson is the one whose expertise helps Sherlock through pretty difficult times. I mean even Batman needs a Robin. In support of my awesome sauce examples, the point I am trying to make is that  finding support for our claims and counterclaims through research is a good thing .

Use real-life examples to support your claims and counterclaims. These examples need to be documented researched examples like studies, experiments, articles, presentations by well-known people, etc. Examples that stem from your diploma subjects are highly encouraged, but those will need to be supported by research as well.   

It is suggested that you choose a title, stick to it, tackle it and not be afraid. Do not change your mind unless there is a good reason. Also, try choosing Areas of knowledge that you truly enjoy. You know slaying a known devil is much easier than an unknown one. Allot a TIMELINE to your essay. Start with creating an outline of your essay. This will help you to track your progress and accomplish your goals

You can use tools like  Trello  to organize your ideas and plan your TOK essay.

Areas of Knowledge (AOKs): TOK distinguishes between eight areas of knowledge. They are mathematics, the natural sciences, the human sciences, the arts, history, ethics, religious knowledge systems, and indigenous knowledge systems. It is suggested that students study and explore six of these eight.

Ways of knowing (WOKs): TOK identifies eight specific WOKs- language, sense perception, emotion, reason, imagination, faith, intuition, and memory. It is suggested that studying four of these eight in-depth would be appropriate. WOKs underlie the methodology of the areas of knowledge and provide a basis for personal knowledge.

Moving ahead, let us discuss the structure of your TOK essay.

Your essay will consist of 4 broad segregations

Before breaking down further on the pillars, keep the following in mind

  • Please note what the TOK essay title is asking you. (Read it a couple of times. We highly recommend that you brainstorm ideas with your TOK coordinator)
  • Make sure you understand the command term and the question it is asking.
  • What kind of knowledge is being elicited?
  • When choosing your areas of knowledge (AoK) and ways of knowing (WoK) make sure that you are able to draw contrasts and comparisons, that is, you are able to find evidence that supports as well as challenges your claims.
  • Identify key terms in your TOK essay title. Make sure you define them. Your essay will gravitate around them. Key terms/words in your titles are your essay anchors. Your response should be built around them.
  • Your writing skills come in handy while you work on your IB TOK essay. Like any other essay make sure you have proper thesis statements and topic sentences to guide the evaluator through your work.
  • Respect the TOK essay title. Rephrasing the topic is not encouraged . Your main job is to address the title.

Introduce your topic accurately and state your thesis statement for the essay carefully.  A thesis statement is like a teaser to your entire essay wherein you define your key terms and introduce your interpretation of the question. Make sure that you do not reword the prescribed title in your thesis. Instead, it needs to, as the word says, INTRODUCE your readers to what your essay is about. A strong introduction allows the reader to deduce what knowledge question(s) you are trying to answer.

So, in a nutshell

  • Write interesting things about the given TOK essay title .
  • Define key terms
  • Narrow in on the particularly interesting aspect
  • State your thesis statement . This will be your short answer to your given title if you don't know how to write a killer thesis statement check out this blog from SparkNotes .
  • State your Roadmap. This will help the readers in understanding the direction of your essay.

The body can be mainly divided into 3 segments.

Body (1st Segment)

  • AoK Claim:  Here you investigate your first Area of Knowledge and draw parallels between your AoK and the question. This is done by stating your claim. Claims can be general in nature and need not reference a particular area of knowledge. They help you shape your essay and investigate the question further. 
  • Evidence: Example of a real-life situation, describe thoroughly and accurately, which supports your stated claim. (AoK)
  • Counter-Claim: State your counter-claim: like claims, those can be general and need not reference a particular area of knowledge. Counterclaim helps you show the other side the coin and gives your essay a holistic nature. 
  • Evidence: A referenced real-life situation/example. Describe thoroughly and accurately, show how this supports your counterclaim (AoK ).
  • Don’t forget to weave in your WoKs:  You need to take into account the source of your knowledge. Here you can also investigate if your nature of acquiring the knowledge has, in any way, affected it. It is good practice to question if your knowledge would be different had it been acquired through a different source/method
  • Mini-conclusion: Here you analyze your examples in reference to your claims and counterclaims. You must connect to your thesis statement and the prescribed title. How does your proposed argument, in this particular part of the body, connect to the prescribed title and the knowledge questions you are trying to answer?

Body (2): Follow the above process for your second AOK.

  • Use this part of your essay to compare and contrast your varying AoKs. You need to connect them to your thesis and your prescribed title clearly showing how your arguments respond to the PT.

Your conclusion section will make your essay come together. It is the glue that will make your essay stick together. Herein, you need to

  • Reiterate your thesis (initial response).
  • Use your mini conclusions to write a final conclusion.
  • Tell the reader what the significance is for knowing what we know in this particular PT.
  • Discuss implications as well.
  • Offer another perspective, how will the perspective of a different person affect the claims/counterclaims you make in the essay?
  • Don’t forget to make the end strong.

We recommend all the ib students use the  citation machine  (It's FREE) to organize or generate a bibliography for your TOK essay. Please go through this extensive guide provided by the IB before you start working on your citations.

If you are still struggling heaps with your TOK essay feel free to subscribe to our tok notes bundles or get access to more than 500+ IBDP notes and past papers here .

Nail IB is your virtual companion that helps you hustle through your diploma and provide you with the right resources at the right time. To know more about acing IB, click  here .

I hope this article will become the foundation for figuring out how to write a TOK Essay.

Remember to have faith in yourself.

I hope you NAIL your TOK essay!

Quoting the great Napolean Hill

"Whatever the mind of a man can conceive and believe, it can achieve."

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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 !

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TOK - Theory of Knowledge: Researching & referencing for the TOK Essay

  • Introduction
  • General TOK resources
  • Personal and shared knowledge
  • Sense Perception
  • Imagination
  • Natural sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Human Sciences
  • Indigenous knowledge systems
  • Religious knowledge systems
  • Paraphrasing and quoting
  • Researching & referencing for the TOK Essay
  • Acknowledging sources in a TOK presentation
  • Areas of Knowledge
  • Fiction that prompts TOK thinking

Researching for the TOK essay

As well as the print and online resources specifically mentioned on this libguide, we recommend you use subscription databases, which are authoritative and reliable sources of information. The College subscribes to a number of these databases, and they are available via the Reference Sites page/tab on the College Portal. In particular, the following databases might be useful:

tok essay sources

Referencing for the TOK Essay

It is possible to complete a TOK essay without the need for references. However, if you refer to specific facts or opinions, views and theories of individuals, you need to reference in the usual manner, following IB Academic Honesty principles. 

In other words, it is no different to the referencing you would have done for your Extended Essay submission. 

You may use any major referencing style you and your teacher wish, but you must follow it consistently. 

Remember that if you've made an account with EasyBib directly through the Google, that is the free version, and the only style of referencing available to you is MLA. You may wish you look at the College libguide on EasyBib and join the subscription version of EasyBib, which gives you extra functionality, including choice of reference styles - APA, Harvard, Chicago, etc. 

You don't have to use EasyBib. There are other libguides to help you with aspects of referencing and citation. Simply go to  http://research.uwcsea.edu.sg/  and select the Research and Information Literacy tab. Here you will find a selection of helpful libguides about aspects of research and referencing. Additionally, you can ask the Librarian for help.

For your convenience, these links provide further information on major referencing styles:

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A beginners guide to acing the TOK essay

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A Beginners Guide to Acing the TOK Essay

Here is a complete guide to help you understand – and ace – the TOK essay.

TOK – The Theory of Knowledge Essay

The Theory of Knowledge is a theoretical knowledge based essay.

Students are required to demonstrate their ability to compare and contrast eight areas of knowledge.

The knowledge issue in the title of the essay you’ll be asked to write often relates to one or two of the eight areas.

It will likely be the examination of possible conflicts or problems between them.

This is expressed through reasoning, language, and perception.

What is the IB Diploma?

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is an internally based educational program. It is a rigorous and rewarding course that covers multiple areas of study from humanities to sciences.

Students partake in a two year curriculum that includes internal assessments, research essays, community service hours, and external examinations. This ensures that the programme is well-rounded. TOK is part of the core of IB , which also includes CAS and the Extended Essay .

Why the Paper is Important

The TOK essay is part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma. It is compulsory for all students.

It assessed four key areas, including:

Understanding

Connecting two relevant topics in a way that shows a deep understanding of these knowledge areas.

Perspective

Students show their independent thinking by exploring at least two different perspectives with supporting examples for each.

Demonstrating depth and insight by presenting arguments with justifications, as well as showing the implications of each.

A well structured essay that is factually accurate, well explained, and referenced.

Since this is such an important part of attaining your IB diploma, it is important that you begin early. Utilise all of the time you can to create a strong essay. This will not only help you pass the course well, but it can also be used as part of your portfolio.

pushkin, page, text

How to Structure the TOK

If you’re new to TOK, don’t worry! These tips will help you write this knowledge-based essay .

When you’re showing your understanding of the topic in your essay, make sure that you’re covering all of the important aspects that you’re being tested on.

That is to say, you need to:

  • Show your ability to identify relevant resources.
  • Make sound arguments.
  • Understand the topic in-depth.
  • Use creative connections in your thinking and structure to link the topics.
  • Show your critical thinking skills through your ability to analyze claims.

Steps to Writing the TOK Essay

1. analyze the prescribed title.

The first step is to fully understand the theory of knowledge questions being asked.

The topic will include terms that will guide you in comparing and contrasting accordingly.

2. Choose the title

Choose a title that allows you to explore your interests.

It is also important to ensure that there is enough information to work with for to unpack the topic in the essay.

3. Study the brief

There are four criteria that the IB uses to score the TOK essay. Have a look at the grading criteria to familiarise yourself with what is expected of you.

4. Begin researching

Since the TOK is reflective, you need to unpack the topic thoughtfully before writing it.

Begin by brainstorming ideas and researching the topic.

5. Create the outline of the essay

Once you have the information and are ready to write, you can outline the essay.

The structure normally consists of at least five sections and a limit of around 1200 – 1600 words in total.

6. Write the body of the essay

Once you have outlined the structure, write the essay. Be sure to compare the topics and demonstrate your research.

You’ll need to explain each argument and counter argument in full to show you’ve unpacked the topic sufficiently.

Tackle each argument in its own paragraph and be sure to link them as you make your case.

Be sure to use words that show you’re comparing and contrasting topics, like “where as,” and “compared to.”

7. Write the conclusion of the essay

The conclusion is another critical part of your TOK essay. This is what brings closure to the topic.

It should leave the reader feeling that you’ve covered the topic comprehensively.

The conclusion needs to wrap up the topic and reiterate your stance.

The conclusion should not include any new information. It should instead be a strong and convincing finale.

It will also need to tie in with the introduction, which we’ll discuss next.

8. Writing the introduction

The introduction is an important part of the essay.

This should explain what the paper is about in a way that captures the reader’s interest.

It should include a brief explanation of the essay and importantly, the reason that this essay is of value to the topic.

It is often best to write the introduction last as you’ll be more familiar and comfortable with the topic.

9. Cite your sources

It is essential that you reference your sources throughout the essay and include a reference list at the end.

10. Proofread the essay

Ensure you leave enough time to edit the essay with fresh eyes and proofread it once more before submitting it.

correcting, proof, paper

Writing your Research Papers at Lanterna

The TOK paper is an exciting challenge for students. By exploring topics in depth, they can showcase their ability to unpack a topic and master the life skill of critical thinking.

With the right steps and sufficient preparation, you’ll be able to ace your essay with Lanterna.

If you need more help or guidance with TOK , reach out to your instructor or connect with a tutor from Lanterna .

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But first, what is the TOK presentation and what does it actually involve? The presentation is one of two compulsory TOK assignments. The TOK presentation is meant to test your understanding of  TOK concepts in relation to a real-life situation. The real-life scenario can be based on a situation in your local community or an issue […]

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The TOK Exhibition

If you’ve been in an IB school for awhile, you probably remember hearing older students talking about their Theory of Knowledge presentations. You may have even watched some of them. These presentations formed the ‘internal assessment’ section of TOK, with the TOK essay as the ‘external assessment’.  The IBO recently changed the structure of the […]

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When you hear the word “argument”, you might tend to think of an aggressive shouting match, just to get your point across to somebody – the Latin root of the word actually translates as “to enlighten, make bright”. Argumentation, therefore, is much more than merely getting your point across. And, it’s central to writing all […]

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TOK - Essay: MLA9

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MLA9 gives you options for in-text citations; Parentetical citations or Parenthetical citations with Footnotes and / or Endnotes.

Parethetical Citations

You can use parenthetical citation after a quote or paraphrase, and before the period at the end of the sentence. Begin with the shortest piece of information that directs to reader to the Reference in your Works Cited List:

  • Author’s last name
  • “Title or Description”

You would then include the location within the source:

  • Page number
  • Paragraph or chapter number
  • Act, scene and line number for plays with numbered lines
  • Time range or timestamp for audiovisual sources

If there are no numbered divisions, there is no need to include the location in the in-text citation.

If you use a signal phrase, mentioning the author or title (whichever best directs the reader to the reference in your Works Cited List) within your sentence, you only need to note the location in parentheses at the end of the sentence, before the period.

NOTE  – There is NO PUNCTUATION between the Author/Title and the location.

Citation in prose (Signal phrase):

Houston refers to the Roman practice of placing dots between words as being a “brief dalliance” (162).

Parenthetical citation:

“Roman writing had never much cared to separate words” (Houston 162).

Reference in the Works Cited List:

Houston, Keith. The Book :  A Cover-To-Cover Exploration of the Most    Powerful Object of our time.  W.W. Norton & Company, 2016. p 162.

Citation in prose (signal phrase):

Symonds and Havens claim that “The history of books has its roots in bibliography and librarianship…” among other things.

There is some discussion that the history of books is a “new subject” (Symonds and Havens).

Symonds, Matthew, and Earl Havens. “What is the History of Books?”  archeologyofbooks.org , 2016, Accessed 29 Nov. 2021. archaeologyofreading.org/historiography/

Footnotes & Endnotes

Footnotes or endnotes can be used to direct the reader to  additional sources or add extra information or comments  that would interrupt the flow of your text.  Footnotes and Endnotes DO NOT replace parenthetical in-text citations! Full references are still found in the Works Cited List at the end of your essay.  Purposes for using Footnotes and Endnotes include:

  • To cite a lengthy string of sources
  • To explain an unusual documentation practice
  • To flag editions and translations used
  • To amplify, explain or justify
  • To provide more examples or counter-examples
  • To identify or comment on allusions
  • Personal references or authors who appear as et. al.

Note numbers are generally placed AFTER any punctuation marks and take the form of superscript numbers – 1,2,3 etc. preferably at the end of a sentence. ¹

If necessary, more than one note can be placed in a sentence. Place the note in the “least distracting unambiguous spot” (MLA Handbook 291), ² always after a punctuation mark, except for dashes, where the superscript number comes before the dash. ³

______________________________________________________________________

1 See MLA Handbook 287; (“MLA Endnotes and Footnotes / Purdue Writing Lab”) and McCombes.

2 Notes can be made for sentences that already contain an in-text citation.

3 Discussion on this point can be found in multiple sources including MLA Handbook, McCombes and Purdue

Works Cited List

McCombes, Shona. “MLA Footnotes and Endnotes.”  Scribbr , 23 Aug. 2019, Accessed 16 Dec, 2021, www.scribbr.com/mla/footnotes-and-endnotes/.

MLA Handbook . The Modern Language Association Of America, 2021, pp. 287–91.

Purdue Writing Lab. “MLA Endnotes and Footnotes // Purdue Writing Lab.”  Purdue Writing Lab , 2018, Accessed 21 Mar. 2022, owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_endnotes_and_footnotes.html.

References Example: Book

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Reference Example: Journal found online

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Reference Example: Video (e.g. YouTube)

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Reference Example: Classes / Tutorials / Seminars

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Table example (also labeled as a Figure with full citation)

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Fig 2.  Streefkerk, Raimo, and Jack Caulfield. “MLA Format for Tables.” Scribbr , 29 July 2021, Accessed 17 May 2022, www.scribbr.com/mla/formatting/.

References Example: Website

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References Example: Website, no author and no date

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Reference Examples: Personal Interview

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Figure Example: Image with full reference in the Works Cited List

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Fig 1. Chen Rong

Chen Rong, et al. Nine Dragons . https://jstor.org/stable/community.15623280. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston;Boston, Massachusetts, USA;Francis Gardner Curtis Fund;17.1697;http://www.mfa.org/. Accessed 17 May 2022.

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Images, Graphs & Tables

When using images, graphs, and tables to illustrate your argument, you still need to cite and reference each item. Place the illustrations as close as possible to the relevant parts of your text and then refer to the captions below each image or graph, or above each table. Do not include illustrations that you do not refer to in your text.

Captions begin with the Figure Number (Fig. 1), then provide enough detail to refer the reader to a Works Cited list entry (e.g. the title or description, whichever is first in your Works Cited List). Your in-text citation would then include; (Author’s Surname, Figure number).

If you are the creator or author of the item, you do not need to include your name – it is assumed that you created the item unless otherwise indicated. 

Images and Graphs

When creating captions for images or graphs, you have 2 options.

1. After the Figure number, include only enough information to refer the reader to your Works Cited List (Author or Title / Description).

2. Include the full bibliographic information as part of the caption. Use this method if you are not including a Works Cited List at the end of your work. For example, if you do not include a Works Cited List at the end of a Slide Presentation.

Tables are labeled Table , assigned a number and then on the next line, given a capitalized title above the Table .

Captions and notes are then placed below the table. The caption would include enough bibliographic information to indicate where the table's information came from. Any notes can be used to give more information about the source(s) of the information and are denoted using lowercase letters and indentation. Use dividing lines as needed to differentiate between the table information and your text.

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Example essays

As part of theory of knowledge (TOK), each student chooses one essay title from six issued by International Baccalaureate®(IB). 

The titles change in each examination session. 

Upcoming and past questions include: 

  • “To what extent are areas of knowledge shaped by their past? Consider with reference to two areas of knowledge.”
  •  “'There is no reason why we cannot link facts and theories across disciplines and create a common groundwork of explanation.' To what extent do you agree with this statement?”
  • “There is no such thing as a neutral question. Evaluate this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge.”
  • “'The task of history is the discovering of the constant and universal principles of human nature.' To what extent are history and one other area of knowledge successful in this task?”

Further guidance on the TOK essay and exhibition can be found in the IB’s Programme Resource Centre (PRC) .

Materials in the PRC are only available to existing IB World Schools. These materials are free.

There are a number of resources on TOK in the IB Store , which are available to everyone.

Find out how to become an IB World School .

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Alo Beauty Low-Key Has the Best Dry Shampoo

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The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay is an important component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program. It challenges students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we come to know what we know. By following these 15 steps, you can craft an effective and well-structured TOK essay.

1. Understand the assignment: Familiarize yourself with the TOK essay’s purpose and requirements before you begin writing. Read through the assessment criteria offered by your teacher or IB coordinator.

2. Choose a title : Select a prescribed title from the list provided by the IB. Pick one that interests you or that you have thoughts about already, as this will make researching and organizing your ideas easier.

3. Prepare for research: Compile a list of potential sources and areas to explore in relation to your chosen title. Use prior knowledge, class notes or external resources as starting points.

4. Gather evidence: Conduct research using reputable sources such as journal articles, books, and websites. Be sure to evaluate each source for credibility and relevance to your topic.

5. Develop your Knowledge Questions (KQs) : KQs are central to a successful TOK essay. These open-ended questions help you explore different perspectives on the nature of knowledge in relation to your chosen title.

6. Create an outline : Sketch out a rough structure for your essay, listing the main arguments, counterarguments, and supporting evidence in a logical order.

7. Craft an engaging introduction: Grab your readers’ attention by explaining the importance of your topic and providing context for your discussion.

8. Develop your thesis statement: This is a clear and concise statement that conveys your main argument in response to the title question.

9. Build your body paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one point or argument supported by relevant evidence, examples or real-life situations.

10. Analyze alternative perspectives: Identify and explore alternative views that challenge or contradict your central argument. This demonstrates your ability to think critically and engage in open-minded inquiry.

11. Challenge your assumptions : Recognize the limitations of your own perspective and the potential biases influencing your ideas. Addressing these uncertainties strengthens the depth of your TOK essay.

12. Write a conclusion: Summarize the main points of your essay, restate your thesis, and reflect on the implications of your findings as they relate to the broader TOK themes.

13. Proofread and edit : Review your essay for coherence, grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation errors. Make revisions as necessary to ensure clarity and overall quality.

14. Seek feedback : Share your essay with teachers or peers to gain valuable feedback that can help you refine and polish your work.

15.Write a bibliography: Ensure that you’ve accurately cited all sources used throughout the essay, adhering to a consistent citation style (e.g., MLA or APA).

By following these 15 steps, you’ll be well-prepared to craft an engaging and thought-provoking TOK essay, demonstrating not only an understanding of the topic at hand but also showcasing exceptional critical thinking skills. Dive into your chosen title with confidence and curiosity!

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IB TOK Essay Structure in Detail

Theory of Knowledge is an interdisciplinary field of study that focuses on understanding the different ways of knowing and how our knowledge is acquired, developed and used. It involves exploring the connections between different disciplines, such as the sciences, humanities, mathematics, and the arts, and recognizing the complexities of real-world problems and issues. Through TOK, students are able to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them, as well as develop their critical thinking skills.

TOK helps people understand the links between different disciplines, allowing them to see a broader perspective on the world. By equipping students with the tools to think critically, TOK prepares them for meaningful dialogue about complex issues. Additionally, it serves as a valuable way for students to assess and evaluate their own knowledge and beliefs, as well as question and challenge the knowledge of others. In essence, TOK encourages exploration of the different ways of knowing and understanding the world.

For teachers, understanding the importance of TOK can help to create more effective learning environments. By introducing and discussing different theories and perspectives, teachers can provoke deeper exploration and thought, which can help to ground students’ understanding and open up new sources of knowledge. Moreover, introducing TOK in the classroom can develop students’ ability to think critically, allowing them to form logical arguments and see the connection between different areas of knowledge.

To sum up, Theory of Knowledge is an interdisciplinary field of study that encourages exploration of the different ways of knowing and understanding the world. It provides students with the skills to think critically and examine the complexities of real-world issues. Additionally, it is a useful tool for teachers to help develop students’ abilities to think critically and explore different perspectives. Now, let’s take a closer look at the TOK essay structure.

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IB TOK Essay Structure in Detail

Outline of the TOK Essay Structure

The International Baccalaureate Theory of Knowledge essay is a 750 to 1600 word requirement on the student’s knowledge of the world, and how they analyze and evaluate it. The TOK essay structure is designed to help students express their ideas in an organized, concise and effective way.

The TOK essay has a distinct structure that should be followed throughout the paper. The basic structure includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each of these parts should be a separate section within the outline and should include specific points.

The introduction should clearly define the topic and provide an overview of the essay’s purpose. It should also introduce the three Are of Knowledge (AOKs) that are relevant to this essay and describe how they will be connected in the essay.

Following the introduction, each body paragraph should contain an argument, evidence to support it and then a conclusion that ties back to the main argument. Body paragraphs should cover each AOK mentioned in the introduction, with the arguments relating to each AOK. In addition, body paragraphs should state how each AOK is related to each other.

Finally, the conclusion should summarize all of the arguments made in the body of the essay and suggest ways to further explore the topics presented. This should be done with a focus on how these areas of knowledge intersect to create a more holistic understanding of the world.

By following this structure, students can ensure that their TOK essay is well organized and effectively communicates their ideas. Additionally, it will help students stay on track with the essay’s requirements and ensure that their essay meets the grading criteria.

Overview of the Grading Criteria for TOK Essays

The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay is one of the most important components in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, and it carries a significant chunk of the overall score. Writing a compelling TOK essay requires much more than simply understanding the topics and reading about them. If you’re hoping to get an excellent grade, it’s crucial to understand how your work will be assessed.

Knowledge Questions and their Relevance

The key part of any TOK essay is the knowledge questions – these need to be answered directly with a clear focus and relevance to the question. A well-structured essay will address the question from various points of view and as far as possible. It should also provide appropriate examples and evidence for your points, any counterclaims or alternative viewpoints and your own knowledge experiences.

Organization and Structure

The essay should be logically organized and structured with clearly defined sections. Every section needs to have a purpose and its own independent set of arguments. It should also include citations and sources where appropriate, as well as personal knowledge experiences. The overall essay should be written in an academic style, consistent with the rest of the TOK curriculum.

Reasoning and Argumentation

Make sure you use complex reasoning to develop a strong argument that supports your main point in the essay. To do this effectively, you’ll need to reference other sources, research documents and your own personal experiences. Your essay should also discuss the validity and reliability of the sources used, and whether they are relevant to the particular knowledge issue being discussed.

Grammar and Language

Finally, the essay should be written using a formal language, grammar and punctuation. When writing the essay, it’s important to keep in mind that TOK is designed to be studied from an international perspective. Grammatical accuracy, clarity and consistency in language will help to make sure your points come across effectively, and allow you to get the best score.

Understanding the grading criteria that are used to assess TOK essays is crucial if you want to earn a high grade. Make sure you pay close attention to each of the criteria discussed here and ensure your essay covers them all. This will help you get the most out of your TOK essay and ensure you reach the grade you deserve.

Step-by-step Guide to Writing a TOK Essay

Writing a Theory of Knowledge essay can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By breaking the essay writing process down into small, manageable steps, you can make it easier and less stressful. This step-by-step guide shows how to use the Areas of Knowledge (AOKs) to write an effective TOK essay.

Step One: Brainstorm

The best way to start your TOK essay is to brainstorm ideas. Take some time to think about your experiences and create a list of potential topics that could be developed into an essay. Don’t worry if the ideas don’t relate directly to the question – this is just for brainstorming purposes.

Step Two: Research

Once you have an idea of what kind of essay you are going to write, it is time to do some research. Look into the different AOKs and try to pinpoint which ones are relevant to your topic. This should give you a basic knowledge of the topic and the various perspectives that need to be considered in the essay.

Step Three: Outline

Now that you have researched the topic, it is time to create an outline. Make sure to include the main points you want to cover in the essay, as well as any counterarguments that may be presented. Also, include any evidence or examples that will support your argument. The outline should be as detailed as possible to ensure that you stay on track when writing the essay.

Step Four: Writing

Now that you have completed your research and created an outline, it’s time to start writing. Remember to remain focused on your main argument and use evidence from your research to support your claims. Be sure to explain how each AOK applies to the essay, and how they interact with each other. Consider how the different perspectives can be combined to form a complex argument.

Step Five: Proofreading and Editing

Once you have completed the essay, it is important to proofread and edit. Check for grammar and spelling mistakes, and make sure your argument is well structured and logically consistent. Also, make sure to address any counterarguments that you outlined in the essay. Finally, consider adding any new information or ideas that you discovered during the writing process.

By following these steps and using the AOKs as a guide, you can be sure to craft a high-quality TOK essay that meets the assessment criteria. With the right amount of effort and dedication, you can succeed in writing an effective TOK essay.

Using Personal Knowledge Experiences in TOK Essays

A student’s individual experiences are just as important as the facts and theories presented in an essay. Personal knowledge experiences help to bring life to the paper and make it stand out from the rest. For example, if you are writing about the concept of truth and objectivity, your personal experience may help to provide insight into how different perspectives could be interpreted.

When using personal knowledge experiences in your TOK essay , it is important to consider how these experiences could contribute positively to your argument. Ask yourself questions like ‘how has this experience informed my viewpoint?’. By reflecting on your experiences, you can demonstrate your understanding of the TOK essay question and explain why your view is important.

In addition to reflecting on relevant prior experiences, you should also think about any current research or experiences you can draw upon. If there is an opportunity to conduct interviews or visit a local museum, these activities can be used to support your argument.

It is important to remember that the personal knowledge experiences you choose should not take away from the overall structure of the paper. These experiences should be used to reinforce the points you have made and to supplement your argument. Make sure to check your essay for any grammatical errors or typos and ensure that your points are backed up by logical reasoning.

Ultimately, using personal knowledge experiences in your TOK essay can help to differentiate it from other papers. It is a great way to demonstrate your understanding of the subject and your ability to present evidence to support your views.

Tips on Thinking Critically for TOK Essays

Writing a successful Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay requires the ability to think critically and develop strong arguments. Critical thinking can be difficult and complex, so here are some tips to help:

  • Gather evidence: Any successful argument needs evidence and facts to back it up. Research your topic thoroughly and make sure you have solid evidence to support your argument.
  • Analyze evidence: Consider the source of the evidence and evaluate it objectively. Does this information support or contradict your argument?
  • Be creative: Think outside the box when constructing your argument. Analyze different perspectives and viewpoints to gain a deeper understanding of your topic.
  • Think logically: Once you have gathered all your evidence, it’s time to build an argument. Structure your argument in a logical way, leading from one point to another.
  • Question assumptions: It is important to be open-minded and question any assumptions you may have about the topic. Reflect and challenge ideas to create an argument with diverse points of view.
  • Anticipate counterclaims: Not all readers will agree with your argument, so be prepared to address objections or counterarguments. Showing how you thoughtfully considered the other perspective demonstrates critical thinking skills.

By following these tips, you will be able to submit a high quality TOK essay with a carefully crafted argument. Remember that clear and logical thinking is essential for a successful essay.

Creating a TOK Essay Outline

Creating an outline for a Theory of Knowledge essay can be challenging, but it will help you make sure your essay is structured clearly and logically. An outline allows you to break down your essay into sections that are easy to understand and follow. This helps to ensure that your essay takes a clear path from the introduction to the conclusion.

When creating your TOK essay outline, there are a few key steps you should take to ensure you are producing an effective outline. The first step is to brainstorm what topics and ideas you want to include in your essay. Once you have identified the topics you want to include in your essay, it is important to determine how they fit together and how you want to present them. This helps you to come up with a basic structure for your essay.

Once you have a structure in place, you should move on to developing more specific subtopics. These topics will form the basis of the main body of your essay, and help you to further develop each point you’re making. This is a crucial step in creating a TOK essay outline, as it helps to ensure that all of your ideas are clearly expressed and logically organized.

The final step in creating your TOK essay outline is to develop an effective thesis statement. This statement will serve as the main focus of your essay, and should encapsulate the main point that you are trying to make. Once you have developed a thesis statement, you will be able to start putting together the outline of your essay in a logical and organized manner.

Creating a TOK essay outline is a great way to ensure your essay is well-structured and logically organized. Following the steps outlined above will help you create an effective outline that ensures your essay is organized in a clear, logical manner.

Using Language Effectively to Support Claims in a TOK Essay

Recapping your key ideas, using strong vocabulary, making connections, making assumptions explicit, summarizing your argument, introduction to tok essay assessment criteria.

Writing a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay can be a challenging task for students. It requires careful thought, research, and organization – not only of the facts and arguments but also of the assessment criteria.

In TOK essays, students are assessed on their ability to think analytically and critically. The International Baccalaureate (IB) has developed a set of criteria that are used to evaluate each TOK essay. It’s important for students to have a good understanding of each of these criteria so they know what to focus on when writing their essay.

The Criteria

The TOK essay assessment criteria are split into two categories: C & P (communicate and present) and A & R (argument and reason).

  • Communication and Presentation (C&P): This criterion evaluates a student’s ability to communicate their ideas effectively and demonstrate a clear understanding of the topic. Points awarded for this criteria are based on how well the essay is structured, use of evidence, clarity of language, and strength of argument.
  • Argument and Reasoning (A&R): This criterion assesses a student’s ability to apply logic and rational thinking to their essay. Points awarded for this criterion depend on the student’s capacity to use evidence to support their argument, make well-thought-out conclusions, and reference counterclaims (where relevant).

Advice For Meeting These Criteria

When writing your TOK essay, it is important to follow the criteria carefully and make sure that you address all of the points. Here are some tips to help you do this:

  • Read the question correctly and make sure you understand what it is asking. Analyze the keywords and think about how you can use them in your essay.
  • Research relevant AOKs (Areas of Knowledge) and create an outline to plan your essay. Make sure all of your arguments are supported by logical reasoning, evidence, and examples.
  • If relevant, think of counterclaims and provide effective refutations to them.
  • Write your essay using clear language and organizing your thoughts in a way that is easy to read and understand.
  • Proofread your essay several times and make sure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes.
  • Write a strong conclusion that ties together all of your arguments and summarizes your main points.

By following these steps, you should be able to create an essay that meets the TOK essay assessment criteria and earns you the grade you deserve!

The Role of Counterclaims in a TOK Essay

When attempting to answer a TOK essay question, it is essential that you consider various counterarguments and opposing viewpoints. These counterclaims can help in developing a TOK essay that is well-reasoned, logical and backed up with evidence. Looking at counterclaims can also help to create a balanced argument and give your TOK essay added depth.

Including counterclaims in your TOK essay can help you to assess the strengths and weaknesses of an argument. Through considering opposing points of view, you can develop ideas that are less biased and more convincing. For example, if you are discussing the impact of technology on modern life, perhaps you could argue that technology has had both positive and negative implications for society. This can add an interesting layer to your essay and make it stand out from the crowd.

When introducing counterclaims into your TOK essay, it is important to make sure that your arguments remain impartial. Rather than simply stating that one point of view is wrong, it is better to present both sides of the argument and discuss their merits or drawbacks. It is also a good idea to use evidence or personal experiences to back up your argument.

When addressing counterclaims, be sure to include any opposing opinions on the topic, as well as potential solutions should a conflict arise. For example, if you are discussing a particular ethical dilemma, it is important to present both sides of the argument and explore any potential solutions or proposed compromises.

All in all, considering counterclaims and their potential implications is a vital part of constructing an effective TOK essay. Through engaging with opposing viewpoints and exploring possible solutions, you can produce an argument that is thought-provoking, balanced and convincing.

Summary of key points for crafting a high-scoring TOK essay

To craft a high-scoring Theory of Knowledge essay that is structurally sound, there are a few key points to consider. To begin with, it is important to have an in-depth understanding of the TOK essay structure, as well as its grading criteria. Once you understand the structure and criteria for a TOK essay, you must ensure that your essay includes the appropriate Areas of Knowledge. You should use personal knowledge experiences to answer TOK essay questions and make sure that you think critically when forming arguments.

It is also necessary to form a clear TOK essay outline, as this allows the essay to be structured properly. This means that, when writing the actual essay, it is important to use language effectively to support claims and arguments and also to include counterclaims. Finally, it is essential to meet the TOK assessment criteria set out by the instructor, as these criteria will be used to determine your grade.

In summary, to craft a high-scoring TOK essay that is structurally sound, it is important to understand the TOK essay structure, the grading criteria, and how to use the AOKs within the essay structure. Additionally, using personal knowledge experiences, thinking critically and creating a clear outline can help to ensure that the essay is written correctly. Furthermore, the essay should use correct language, include counterclaims, and meet all assessment criteria.

Nick Radlinsky

Nick Radlinsky

Nick Radlinsky is a devoted educator, marketing specialist, and management expert with more than 15 years of experience in the education sector. After obtaining his business degree in 2016, Nick embarked on a quest to achieve his PhD, driven by his commitment to enhancing education for students worldwide. His vast experience, starting in 2008, has established him as a reputable authority in the field.

Nick's article, featured in Routledge's " Entrepreneurship in Central and Eastern Europe: Development through Internationalization ," highlights his sharp insights and unwavering dedication to advancing the educational landscape. Inspired by his personal motto, "Make education better," Nick's mission is to streamline students' lives and foster efficient learning. His inventive ideas and leadership have contributed to the transformation of numerous educational experiences, distinguishing him as a true innovator in his field.

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How to Structure the TOK Essay?

TOK essay structure

Luke MacQuoid

Hello, fellow IB students! Fear not if you’re struggling with the IB Theory of Knowledge essay. I’m here to guide you through writing a stellar work. Having been in your shoes and now a seasoned IB writer, I understand how daunting this task can feel. But let’s break it down together. In this article, I’ll share insights on how to structure the TOK essay, a skill I’ve honed over years of experience.

Fundamentals of TOK Essay Structure

Let’s dig into the TOK essay structure, an essential aspect of successful IB essay writing. In my view, understanding the basic structure is like having a guide for your academic paper. So, a typical TOK essay includes three main parts.

The introduction is where you set the stage. It’s about introducing your topic and presenting your thesis statement — your central argument or standpoint. A strong introduction captures the reader’s attention and clearly outlines what you will discuss.

The body of your essay is where the discussion takes place. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of your thesis. Here’s a simple breakdown:

  • Point . Start with a clear point that relates to your thesis.
  • Explanation . Elaborate on this point. Why is it relevant? How does it relate to the TOK concepts ?
  • Example . Provide examples to support your point. It could be real-life situations, specific knowledge claims, or references to areas of knowledge.
  • Analysis . Analyze your example; don’t just describe it. How does it support your argument? What implications does it have for knowledge?

In the conclusion, you’re wrapping up your essay. Restate your thesis in a new light, considering the arguments and examples you’ve presented. It’s your final chance to make an impact on your reader, so make it count by summarizing your main points and leaving them with a final thought or question to ponder.

Remember, while the structure is like a skeleton, how you articulate your arguments, provide evidence, and engage with TOK concepts breathes life into your essay. Keep your writing clear, coherent, and focused on your thesis throughout.

How to Choose the Right Title for Your TOK Essay?

Selecting the appropriate title for your TOK essay is a significant step. From my extensive experience writing and mentoring in the IB program, I can tell you that your chosen title sets the tone for your essay. It’s not just a label; it’s the guiding star of your argument.

When faced with the list of prescribed titles from the IB, take your time to reflect on each one thoroughly. Which of these titles sparks your curiosity or challenges your thinking? The right title should resonate with your interests and knowledge. Here’s why this is crucial:

  • Personal Engagement . A title that genuinely interests you will inspire deeper thought and more passionate writing. Your connection to the topic will shine through in your essay, making it more compelling.
  • Scope for Exploration . Consider how the title allows for the exploration of TOK concepts. A good title should offer enough breadth to discuss various perspectives and areas of knowledge yet be specific enough to allow for in-depth analysis.
  • Connect with Areas of Knowledge . Consider how the titles relate to different areas of knowledge (AOKs) and ways of knowing (WOKs). Choose a title that allows you to draw on the AoKs and WOKs you are most familiar with or find most intriguing.
  • Formulate Your Argument . A well-chosen title will help you formulate a clear and concise thesis statement and meet a TOK essay word count . It should offer a clear path to build your arguments upon.

The title of your TOK essay is more than just a starting point; it’s the framework upon which your entire argument is built. Take the time to choose wisely, and ensure it’s a title you can engage deeply and critically. This careful consideration at the beginning significantly affects the ease of writing and the quality of your final essay.

Writing a Captivating Introduction for Your TOK Essay

Writing an introduction for your TOK essay is like setting the stage. It’s your first impression on your reader and, more importantly, the examiner. Having guided many students through this process, I’ve learned that the introduction is not just about stating facts; it’s about engaging, intriguing, and presenting your stance. Your introduction should serve several key purposes.

Present Your Thesis Statement

It is the cornerstone of your essay. Your thesis statement should clearly state your perspective or argument to the TOK title. It must be concise yet powerful, giving the reader a clear sense of your viewpoint and how you intend to research it.

Interpret the Essay Title

Before digging into your argument, you must show you’ve thought deeply about the title. Explain the title and hint at the angles you will research. It sets the context for your argument and shows the examiner that you’re addressing the title directly.

Outline Your Approach

Give the reader a map of your essay. What aspects will you cover? How will you approach them? It doesn’t mean listing every point you’ll make but giving a general idea of the structure and flow of your argument.

Engage the Reader

The introduction is also about capturing the reader’s interest. Start with an intriguing statement, a thought-provoking question, or a compelling quote. It can be a great way to draw the reader into your discussion.

Connect to TOK Concepts

Briefly indicate how your essay will engage with key TOK concepts. It could include the areas of knowledge you will focus on or the ways of knowing that will be most significant in your analysis.

IB TOK essay structure

Structuring the Body of Your TOK Essay

This part of the TOK essay is where you develop your ideas, present evidence, and conduct a thorough analysis. Here’s a comprehensive guide to writing the body of your TOK essay.

Paragraph Organization

Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence related to your thesis. This sentence should introduce the paragraph’s main idea, clearly linking your argument. Each section must focus on a single main idea to maintain clarity and coherence.

Develop Ideas

After introducing the main idea, it’s time to develop it. It involves explaining your point in more detail, relating it to TOK concepts, and showing how it supports your thesis. Be sure to include your insights and understanding. Your engagement with the topic is what brings your essay to life.

Use Evidence

Each point you make should be supported by evidence. It could be real-life situations, historical examples, science, literature, or personal experiences. What’s important is that your examples are relevant and help to substantiate your argument.

Critical Analysis

Don’t just present evidence; analyze it. Discuss its implications, strengths, and weaknesses. How does it support your point? What does it say about knowledge? This analysis demonstrates your critical thinking skills and depth of understanding.

Ensure that your paragraphs are interconnected. The end of each paragraph should naturally lead to the beginning of the next. This can be achieved through transition sentences summarizing one point and hinting at the next or directly linking the concepts discussed in consecutive paragraphs.

Reflect on Counterarguments

In your body paragraphs, it’s also effective to consider counterarguments or alternative perspectives. It shows the breadth of your understanding and strengthens your argument by demonstrating that you have considered and rebutted opposing views.

How to Add Real-Life Examples to Your TOK Essay?

When selecting examples, ensure they directly illuminate the point you’re making. The beauty of TOK is its interdisciplinary nature, so draw various areas like history, science, current events, or even personal experiences. This variety demonstrates your broad understanding of knowledge across different fields.

However, it’s not just about listing examples. The art lies in how you link them to TOK concepts. Each example should be a tool to explore these concepts, shedding light on your argument. It’s essential to analyze your examples, discussing their implications and relevance to the essay question. This approach shows critical thinking and a deep engagement with the material.

Also, consider the limitations of your examples. Acknowledging potential biases or missing perspectives reflects your ability to evaluate knowledge claims from multiple angles critically. Smoothly integrating these examples into your essay improves its flow and coherence, making your arguments more compelling. Remember, effective use of real-life examples can turn a good TOK essay into a great one.

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Need help with your IB TOK essay?

From research and analysis to structuring and editing, our skilled mentors will be by your side, helping you write an exceptional TOK essay that meets the word count and stringent IB criteria.

Making Conclusion for Your TOK Essay

The conclusion of your TOK essay is much more than just a summary. It’s your final opportunity to make an impact. Drawing from my extensive experience in IB writing and mentoring, I can give some key elements to include.

Synthesize Key Points

Your conclusion should summarize the main points you’ve made. It isn’t about listing each point again but about drawing connections between them to reinforce how they collectively support your thesis. Show the reader how the pieces fit together.

Address the Implications

Discuss the broader implications of your argument. What does your analysis suggest about the nature of knowledge? How does it contribute to our understanding of the TOK themes? It’s your chance to demonstrate the significance of your discussion beyond the confines of the essay.

Reflect on AOKs and WOKs

Briefly reflect on how your essay engages with different areas of knowledge and ways of knowing. How have these contributed to your understanding of the topic? This reflection shows your ability to think about knowledge holistically and interconnectedly.

Leave Thought-Provoking Idea

End your essay with a thought-provoking idea or question. It could be related to a gap in the current understanding, a future direction for research , or a philosophical question that emerged from your discussion. The goal is to leave the reader thinking deeply about the topic even after reading.

The Bottom Line

And there you have it! A guide on how to structure the TOK essay. Remember, this is your opportunity to showcase your critical thinking skills. With a clear structure and a bit of creativity, you’re well on your way to success. Best of luck, and remember that our experts are always ready to help you with TOK essay writing.

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Luke MacQuoid has extensive experience teaching English as a foreign language in Japan, having worked with students of all ages for over 12 years. Currently, he is teaching at the tertiary level. Luke holds a BA from the University of Sussex and an MA in TESOL from Lancaster University, both located in England. As well to his work as an IB Examiner and Master Tutor, Luke also enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with others through writing articles for various websites, including extendedessaywriters.com blog

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The TOK Essay Process

Developing a successful TOK essay is important and very challenging. The TOK essay makes up a significant part of the overall mark for TOK. Additionally, the bonus points available can make an important difference in your overall IB results. Every point counts.

The TOK essay process is an excellent way to develop open-ended and creative analytical skills. The Extended Essay is similar in some respects but the EE is more narrowly focused and doesn’t have the scope of the TOK essay.

Keep in mind the following outline of the TOK essay process is not exhaustive nor is it the only way to go through the essay process.

  • Work extremely hard on any school assignments you are given in your first-year TOK class. You may not immediately realize it, but these assessments are designed to build the skills and knowledge you will need on the TOK essay.
  • Carefully read the TOK essay guidelines and assessment instrument.
  • Read, analyze and annotate sample TOK essays. You should start with sample essays that have been written for the same TOK curriculum that you are in. You can also use TOK essays from previous cohorts but be a bit careful when using TOK essays from a older curriculum. Some of the requirements will have changed.
  • Read, analyze, and annotate past Prescribed Titles and past TOK essays.
  • You must have a good grasp of both before you start working on your essay. Try to find multiple sample essays on the same Prescribed Title; this will help you grasp the very different ways you can approach a Prescribed Title.
  • When the IB releases your Prescribed Titles your TOK coordinator / teacher will pass them on to you. Prescribed Titles change for every cohort. Start analyzing the prescribed titles as soon as possible.
  • FIRST INTERACTION (TK/PPF PDF FORM) Around this point in the process you will have your FIRST INTERACTION . Fill in the relevant details on the TK/PPF PDF FORM . This form will be submitted to the IB at the end of the process along with the final essay. There is more information about the form here: https://toktips.com/the-tok-essay-planning-and-progress-form-tk-ppf/
  • Look at each of the Prescribed Titles for your cohort and identify the key words. Consider the different meanings / interpretations that the key words can have. Also think about the significance of each word in a particular AOK. For example, the word “theory” has a specific meaning in science but it doesn’t mean the same thing in the arts.
  • Search for underlying Knowledge Questions that are connected to the Prescribed Titles. These knowledge questions aren’t really “created” by students or teachers. These knowledge questions are found in the prescribed titles by analyzing them closely.
  • After you have done some analysis and brainstorming for all of the prescribed titles pick the one prescribed title you will base your essay on.
  • Check the TOK essay assessment instrument carefully and repeatedly. Ensure that as you work your way through the essay development process your ideas and your writing addresses the terms in the assessment instrument.
  • Over time you will develop the Knowledge Questions and arguments that are the key to your essay. As you make changes to them check the Prescribed Title. Your Knowledge Questions and arguments need to be linked directly to the Prescribed Title.
  • Make sure you have strong arguments and strong evidence to support them.
  • Keep track of your sources. You will need to acknowledge them in the final essay (i.e. with in-text citations and a works cited page). You should make sure you do this in your first draft – don’t wait too late.
  • Look for specific examples (SEs) that you can use in your essay. A good specific example is one that you can connect directly to key terms in the Prescribed Title.
  • Once you decide on SEs have another look at the key terms in the Prescribed Title and how they fit. Make sure you have a well-rounded set of SEs.
  • There are a number of specific examples that are used over and over again by students every cohort – Galileo, Einstein, Darwin, etc. You may want to avoid these. Your TOK marker would prefer to read something unique and interesting and not yet another TOK essay on Darwin & science vs. Religion.
  • TOK markers complain often about the fact that TOK students do not make enough use of personal SEs in their essay. Search for SEs that you have a personal connection to and have solid connections to the Prescribed Title you have chosen.
  • Examine the specific examples you are considering using for your essay and make note of which AOKs there are in which SEs. Then take a look at the different aspects of the Knowledge Framework and use it to deepen your understanding of the role knowledge plays in your SEs.
  • Examine the Different Points of View (DPOVs) in your SEs. You need to address different points of view in your essay to be successful. It’s not good enough just to mention them. You have to look at the DPOVs in detail and think about precisely what the person or group’s DPOV is, where it comes from, how their DPOV compares / contrast with others, etc. Of course the most important thing is that your investigation of different points of view is linked directly to the prescribed title.
  • Continue to develop well-rounded arguments that are directly linked to the prescribed title.
  • Take another careful look at past sample TOK essays and the TOK essay assessment instrument.
  • Put together a rough outline of your essay.
  • SECOND INTERACTION : Around this point in the process you will have your SECOND INTERACTION . Fill in the relevant details on the (TK/PPF PDF FORM) .
  • Remember what you have learned in your other classes about how to write effective essays. Apply your knowledge of essay writing to your TOK essay. A good TOK essay must also be a good essay.
  • One area where a TOK essay may not follow typical essay guidelines is the use of the first person. You can use “I” in a TOK essay if you are discussing a personal Real Life Example or your own Different Perspective. This is the exception though, not the rule.
  • Ideally you should have more ideas than you will need in your essay. It’s much better to have to cut a few weaker parts than to be forced to keep everything because you don’t have enough.
  • Make sure your RLEs are clear to a TOK marker. This is especially true if you are discussing a RLE that isn’t common knowledge. A brief explanation is usually enough. Don’t spend to much space explaining – save your word count for deeper discussion and analysis.
  • Consider the implications of your arguments and included them in your essay. According to the TOK essay assessment instrument the implications only need to be “considered” – they do not need to be discussed in great depth. Implications are usually placed near the end of the essay.
  • If possible, write an early first draft before your school’s deadline for the first draft. This will give you the chance to edit it, make changes, and have the best possible first draft submitted for feedback. Make sure the first draft you submit to your teacher follows the assessment guidelines and make sure you cite your sources.
  • THIRD INTERACTION : At this point in the process you will have your THIRD INTERACTION . Fill in the relevant details on the (TK/PPF PDF FORM) .
  • Your TOK teacher will only be able to give you somewhat limited feedback on your first draft because of the guidelines stated in the subject guide. After the first draft the guidelines are even stricter.
  • You want to make the most of the feedback you get on your first draft. Examine the comments carefully and start making changes as soon as you can.
  • The deadline between the first draft and the final essay may be quite long depending on the school and you will be working independently a fair bit of the time. Give yourself firm deadlines and stick to them.
  • When you get close to the final deadline for the TOK essay carefully check that you have followed IB and school guidelines. In particular, go through your essay EXTREMELY CAREFULLY and make sure you have properly cited all of your sources.
  • Ensure that you have filled in all of the relevant sections of the TK/PPF PDF.
  • Submit your final TOK essay and TK/PPF PDF according to the instructions given to you by your TOK teacher / TOK coordinator.
  • Your TOK teacher / TOK coordinator / DP coordinator will process your submission and it is submitted to the IB for marking.

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How to Write a Good TOK Essay | Steps &#038; Tips

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  • Writing Metier

If you’re wondering how to write a TOK essay, then there are a few things that you need to keep in mind for it. What is a TOK essay? A TOK essay is also known as a theory of knowledge essay. It is usually written when doing an IB diploma. The essay is a comparative one that discusses problems using various different sources of knowledge.

You need to be extremely creative to come up with examples from real life as well as different areas of interest. You must be able to write engaging content and you must also be able to present it in a very coherent and naturally flowing way. You must first do your research to come up with content that is very engaging. To present your argument clearly, you must write a well-structured TOK essay and you must also be able to support your arguments with valid evidence.

Attention all IB students! If you’re hoping to earn top marks in your Theory of Knowledge class, you’ll need to put in the effort to complete the Personal Portfolio of Development (PPD) and Personal Portfolio of Experiences (PPF) forms. While it may not be the most thrilling task, it’s a great opportunity to demonstrate your critical thinking skills and show that you’re more than just a surface-level learner. Plus, no matter what is your IB learner profile , it’ll give you a legitimate reason to put off all your other homework for a while. So go ahead and get started on those forms – your future self (and your TOK supevisor) will thank you.

So, for now, it has become transparent, we know what this TOK essay is and how it tastes. Let’s get deeper into the requirements.

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General TOK essay Requirements

You must begin with a clear introduction. This is where you establish the mode of contact between the audience and the writer. Here, you must be able to state what you are going to write about. This is in fact the most important part of the essay because you can write your opinion here and can also capture the reader to keep going on.

Then you come to the body of the essay, where you put forth your main arguments. Like planning time for your CUEGIS essay , you should ideally spend more time planning this part, with the main idea being that you put forth your comments in a very well-structured way. Consider your audience and then ideally plan what you are going to write about. When transitioning from one paragraph to the other, make sure that you write in such a way that your ideas automatically flow coherently.

When writing the conclusion of the essay, you are supposed to give the audience closure in terms of being able to summarize all that you have talked about. Here you need to give the audience a full idea of what you tried to explain to them. Your arguments need to be backed up and they also need to be flowing in the right manner. Make sure that you sound convincing when you try to sum up what you were saying.

Like with other IB assignments for example Internal Assessment , when you are done with the essay, it is imperative that you proofread it to check for any errors or contextual mistakes. This is in fact something that is very important to ensure that you are headed in the right direction and that you are summing up your arguments effectively. A g ood TOK essay is one where the writer ideally explains his point of view and also backs it up with evidence to show what he was talking about.

Theory of knowledge Essay Structure

Below you will find an infographic made by our team at WritingMetier.com that will briefly describe the structure of a TOK essay and an approximate number of words for each section.

tok essay structure writingmetier.com infographic

The first thing that you need to do is to choose your title. This is in fact something that is the most important. You must choose a title that you like and that you have enough evidence on. This is important to ensure that you are able to work on it and have enough material to form an entire argument. Next, you need to choose your areas of knowledge. You need to pick two areas of knowledge that you have the most evidence on and check the main concepts of the TOK . Then you need to give arguments and counterarguments on these areas of knowledge that you choose. Ideally, you should be giving examples to support your claims as well.

TOK essay word count

The essay length should be around 1600 words. You might also ask, what is the minimum length of a TOK essay? The minimum word count is 1200 words, and the most you can go up to is 1600 words.

Introduction

The first paragraph is the introduction where you define the key terms of your topic and you also give a roadmap. Here, you talk about what all you will be discussing here. The idea is to give the reader a fair idea about what you will be hinting at in this essay. The introductory paragraph can be anywhere between 100 to 150 words.

First Development

Next, you can move on to the first development. Here, you explore the first area of knowledge that you have picked and state your claim. Once that is done, you give a topic sentence about what you will include here. Then you give an example here that supports your claim. You explain this example well to show what you meant when you talked about this. You should relate this to the title and see how the two are related to each other.

In the paragraph after that, you can talk about a counterclaim. This is where you counter your own argument by giving an example against what you just said. You also need to make sure that you have enough evidence for this and that you explain all of that well for the reader to be able to ideally understand what you have said. Once you’re done with that, you have to sum up all that you have said here. This is important for you to grab the reader’s attention and make sure that they understood well. In total, these two body paragraphs of the first development section must be around 600 words. This word count is enough for you to be able to explain your point to the reader ideally. You also have to include a work of knowledge here where you can explain how to come to this conclusion or what helped you form this argument ideally.

Second Development

You can then move on to your second development where you touch upon the other area of knowledge. You have to do the same thing here that you did for the first area of knowledge. Here, you have to first talk about your claim, then give evidence about that and then also explain how this example supports your claim. Then you have to give a counterargument doing the exact same thing again. This can again be around 600 words where you can develop your claim and your counterclaim.

Then after that, you can finally write your conclusion where you sum up all of the main points and also make your way back to the knowledge question with which you started off initially. You also talk about the implications and the significance of the arguments that you made. This is something important to ensure that you are working in the right direction. You also shed light on your perspective of the entire situation after which you end your essay. How much you score on your essay depends entirely on how well you have written it and how you have been able to support your points and your arguments. The idea is to ensure that you write with clarity in a way to engage the reader and to make sure that they also understand the point that you are trying to put across to them.

Steps to Write a TOK Essay

If you haven’t written a TOK essay before and are confused about how to write a good one , then here are a few steps that can help you do so. The idea is for you to be able to support your points clearly. That is what affects your chance of scoring well.

Step 1: Title Selection

The first step is for you to look at all the titles and understand what each of them asks you to do. When you choose a title, make sure to understand what all you will have to write in each of them. Remember that you need to write an entire essay on this title, so you need to make sure that the one you choose is the best one and that you can draw comparisons and contrasts in that essay. You need to be clear about what examples you will put in those and how you will write on that. This is one of the most important steps to writing a good essay. You need to be able to support your arguments and you need to be able to make the reader understand what you are trying to.

You can find an article with a list of IB TOK essay titles from the current and previous years:

  • 2023 May TOK Prompts
  • November 2022 Prescribed TOK essay prompts
  • May 2022 TOK essay titles
  • November 2021 ToK Essay titles
  • May 2021 Theory of Knowledge essay prompts

Pick a topic wisely based on the information that is available on it. You shouldn’t just go for a title that you think is simple, but rather one that you are familiar with, and one on which you have information to write. The list is long, so make sure that you spend the most time on this. Understand what each of them requires you to do and then begin writing on it. Once you select the title, write it down in your own words so that you can understand it well. When you break it down into shorter sentences, you will surely be able to work on it well.

Step 2: Understand the Grading Criteria

The main reason why you are writing this essay is that you want to score well. So make sure that you understand the grading criteria. At first, when you read the grading criteria, it might seem confusing to you. But in actuality, it is extremely simple. You just have to give arguments and counterarguments based on the title that you have chosen, as well as the areas of knowledge. There are mainly four areas based on which you are assessed. These are:

Knowledge issues: you need to be well versed with the knowledge issues that you are talking about. You should have at least two knowledge issues, and should ideally also be able to support your point of view on those issues.

Knower’s perspective: you need to also demonstrate enough thinking capability so that you can support your examples well and can convince the reader about what you are saying. For this, you need to be well versed with the topic and you need to have ideas that you can support.

Analyzing knowledge issues: You shouldn’t only be aware of what you are talking about, but should also be able to back your knowledge claims up. You need to be able to justify the key points and should be able to make your ideas work in such a way that they flow very naturally.

Organization of ideas: you need to structure your essay in such a way that your ideas are well structured. You also need to explain all key points in the right way and also add references so that you can show the authenticity of your work as well.

Step 3: Brainstorm

Once you have come up with the right ideas, you need to brainstorm and analyze them so that you know how to form your arguments. Understand the key terms so that you can provide arguments for and against, just as you require. If your essay asks a direct question, then understand how you need to form your argument for that. In the same way, if your essay asks you something indirectly, then first you need to understand what is being said.

Make sure that you put all your ideas and examples down on paper so that you know exactly what is being said and how you need to frame it. Gather all the relevant evidence so you know how to come forth with it and present it clearly. Go over your notes to fully be aware of what you are saying.

Step 4: Create an Outline

Once you have all of your ideas written down, you need to create an outline. Make points about what goes into each paragraph. This way, you will know exactly what you are going to be writing about in your essay. This is mainly the planning stage of the essay and is very important for you so that you can jot down what you want to talk about and then write it correctly. You need to make your thesis statement here as well so that you clearly tell the reader about your stance and what you are going to be talking about over here.

Step 5: Begin Writing

Once you have gone through the planning stage, you need to write your essay. Make sure that you stick to the word count, which should be anywhere between 1200 to 1600 words. Go through your notes and then begin writing, so that you know what you are writing about and so that you don’t go wrong at any point in time.

Using these five steps, you can get just the essay that you want. Even if you are a beginner and are new to writing TOK essays, you will easily be able to do so with these few steps.

If you do not have enough skills or time to do it on your own, you can always buy TOK essays from reliable services like Writing Metier. In such a way you will get assistance from IB experts that can cover any topic for your IB ToK essay.

Tips To Write a Good TOK Essay

If you want to write a passable TOK essay, here are a few tips using which you can write just the type of theory of knowledge essay that you want.

And now let’s talk seriously – a list of tips from expert TOK essay writers from Writing Metier:

  • You need to be very well connected with your areas of knowledge. When you are familiar with your areas of knowledge, you can give the right examples and you can make sure that you write in a way that suits your readers too. When you are familiar with the areas of knowledge, you can write your claims and counterclaims very well too.
  • You also need to make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terminology. When writing a TOK essay, it is important that you understand what you are writing about first so that you can explain the terms better and also be able to come up with operational definitions of what is being talked about. It is crucial that you don’t use definitions from the dictionary. This only makes things harder for you.
  • It is also important that you put aside your personal biases and preferences, which tend to play a huge part when you are writing about something like this. They tend to distort your entire view of the situation and can be really hazardous when writing theory of knowledge essays. You need to be able to look at things from several different perspectives and then apply them in the right way. Do not forget to select the right RLSs and of course connect them with the selected AOKs and WOKs . This is very important for you to be able to write a good TOK essay. You need to be able to analyze things in different ways.
  • When looking for information, make sure that you get the right information. It is ideal that you search for information using several different sources. Not only does that help you cross verify the information, but also helps to make sure that the information that you are getting is supported enough. The best way to do this is to use several different places to look for information. This includes web sources, books, journal articles, and so on.
  • It is always a great idea to learn from what other people have been doing. To write a great TOK essay and to score well on it too, you need to look at essays that have been done by previous students to get a fair idea on how they have been writing. That can really help you understand what has been done and how they have formed their arguments to put forth their point of view. This is one of the most important things for you to do.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to write a good TOK essay. Meanwhile, check another article for those of you searching for tips in writing an IB extended essay .

Final Thoughts

Now that you know all about TOK essays and how they are written, you should be able to write a really great one. Make sure to keep these tips in mind so that you can write just the type of essay that you want and won’t fail your TOK essay . Keep in mind the formatting guidelines and the marking criteria to be able to write a great essay.

Having said that, writing is not easy for everyone. If you still think that writing a TOK essay is something hard, then you can get in touch with us at the Writing Metier and we will be happy to help. We have several writers who are experts at TOK essays. They can write your essay for you and can help you score well as well. Our writers are very hardworking, competent and disciplined and have written numerous essays like these in the past.

Once you hand over your work to our writers, you will not have anything to worry about. All you have to do is place your order with us and give us a deadline for your TOK essay . You also need to tell us if you have any specific instructions that you want the writer to follow and we will make sure that you get your task duly done. Our writers are professionals who are experts in the field of writing.

So if you want to score well on your TOK essay , you should get in touch with us and we will make sure to give you just what you want. When you decide to place an order with us, be assured that you will get your order right at the deadline. We offer plagiarism-free content. Our goal is to make sure that our clients are very satisfied with what we do. Not just that, but we also offer revisions. If you think that there is something that needs to be done again or that something wasn’t done the way that you wanted to, then you can let us know and we will get your order revised for you.

⏩  Get help with your TOK essay from expert writers âȘ

All you have to do is to head over to our website and place your order with us. We will make sure that we give you exactly what you are looking for. Once you place your order with us, your worry is ours and we will make sure that we give your task to a writer who is specialized in this. You can then easily score very well.

Our writers make sure to proofread and check for grammatical errors too. since we have our customers’ best interests as our top priority, we make sure that clients are very satisfied. We go the extra mile to make sure you are happy with what we give you. So what are you waiting for then? Head over to our website and place your order with us. We assure you that you will be delighted with your work!

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Vasy kafidoff.

Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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ToKToday

ToK Essay Guidance Notes: FAQs

Daniel Trump

  • October 19, 2023
  • Uncategorized

I’ve been getting lots of questions about the ToKToday Essay Guidance notes , so I thought that it might be useful to put them together into a Frequently Asked Questions Blog / video. The video version of this blog can be found here.

At the end of this blog I will give you a joke about Essay #5 May 24 (Custodians).

FAQ #1: Are the notes cheating ?

Advice to use ToK Essay Guidance Notes selectively

No, the notes are not cheating, they are not a ready prepared written essay. They are more like a mini textbook for each essay title. The notes explain different approaches and different ideas that could come up in the essay. You can’t just copy and paste the notes, they wouldn’t make much sense like that. Think of them as being a textbook just like your ToK textbook from Oxford or pearson, you can even cite the notes in your bibliography. the notes should be used as a way to design and frame your knowledge arguments. You can even use the suggested real life examples from the notes. The important issue is that you’re going to have to pick and choose selectively from the notes just like you would from a textbook. As such they’re not cheating because you are having to reconstruct and synthesize ideas, as you would from any other secondary source.

FAQ #2: Will I get flagged for plagiarism if I use the notes ?

Advice not to copy and paste from ToK Essay Guidance notes

At the beginning of the notes I warn against copying and pasting the notes. I recommend that you rewrite the ideas in your own words, just like you would from a textbook. The notes are just a mini-textbook that has been written specifically for a single essay question. The notes are 8000-11000 words long, far too long to be copied & pasted into a 1600 word ToK Essay. If you rewrite the sections of notes that you choose in your own words you won’t get flagged for plagiarism. By using the notes you are merely reading ideas, reconstituting and synthesising those ideas into your own thoughts and knowledge arguments.

FAQ3: Can I use your knowledge arguments, but my own Real life examples ?

I get asked this question quite often. Of course you can use the Knowledge Arguments from the ToKToday notes, and use your own real life examples. You can use as little or as much of the ToKToday notes as you wish. The important thing is that you ensure that your real life examples demonstrate the knowledge argument that you are developing. 

FAQ #4: Are the ToK Essay Questions harder this year ?

It’s a matter of some debate, lots of ToK teachers have been discussing this across the networks and the forums. I made a video a few weeks ago: why some ToK Essay questions are easier than others. You can check that out for a more detailed analysis.

Personally I think that not having any quotes in the essay questions makes them a bit easier, students are less likely to be distracted from the knowledge argument by the quote . Secondly I think that essay titles 1 & 5 are are fairly straightforward. You don’t get more straightforward than Essay #5. Essays 3 & 4 are fairly normal in terms of difficulty. They’re the middle of the roaders that we get every year. Essay 2 may at first seem hard, but actually isn’t as hard as it first seems when you start to dig into it and think about it. Essay 6 I think is a tricky one, it has at least 3 propositional clauses in it, that’s a lot to deal with ! However, these are just my opinions, and you may have a very different understanding of the essay titles – and that’s why ToK is beautiful.

If you have questions about the ToK Essay Guidance Notes, or anything else, don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]. Alternatively use the FB Messenger Button on this page.

Ok, you’ve read this far so you deserve the Joke about Essay #5:

Q:Why did the teacher marry the janitor? A: Because he swept her off her feet!

This is about essay #5 because in some parts of America the janitor is called the Custodian (Custodians of knowledge). However, in the UK the janitor is called the caretaker.., ok enough

Stay ToKtastic my friends !

Daniel, Lisbon, Oct 23

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TOK essay guidance

TOK Home > Free TOK notes > TOK essay guidance

tok essay sources

You write your TOK essay on your choice of six prescribed titles, which are released at the beginning of DP2, and you have approximately 6 months to complete it.

Learn about the basic details of the TOK essay on this page. After you’ve grasped these, move onto our four-step guide to the essay: 1 Understanding the rubric , 2 Choosing a title , 3 Planning and structuring , 4 Writing and uploading .

10 TOK essay starting points

  • 1 The TOK essay is an individual task
  • 2 It represents two thirds of the overall mark for TOK
  • 3 It is externally marked
  • 4 You choose your title from a list of six prescribed titles, which change every exam session
  • 5 The word count for the essay is 1600 words
  • 6 You’ll meet your teacher for 3 interactions to discuss your essay
  • 7 Key areas that are assessed include the clarity of arguments, level of effectiveness of examples, and the focus on the title
  • 8 You’ll fill in a Planning and Progress Form (PPF), which you submit with your essay (although this is not assessed)
  • 9 The context of the essay is explicitly about the five  areas of knowledge
  • 10 There is a single criterion for marking, and four characteristics of an excellent essay (insightful, convincing, accomplished, and lucid)

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.

tok essay sources

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 .

tok essay sources

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.

tok essay sources

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IB TOK Essay examples

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

Not sure what to search for? You can always look through our example Internal Assessments below for inspiration.

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Filter exemplars, to what extent is the knowledge we produce determined by the methodologies we use discuss with reference to history and one area 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., want to get full marks for your tok essay allow us to review it for you 🎯, is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge., for artists and natural scientists, which is more important: what can be explained or what cannot be explained discuss with reference to the arts and the natural sciences., are visual representations always helpful in the communication of knowledge discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics., fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by ib examiners. upgrade now 🚀, tok essay: 5. “how can we distinguish between good and bad interpretations discuss with reference to the arts and one other area of knowledge”, ćŠ‚æžœæˆ‘ä»Źæ˜ŻćœšæŽ’é™€æŸäș›äżĄæŻć’ŒćŁ°éŸłçš„â€œäżĄæŻćŒæž©ć±‚â€é‡ŒèŽ·ć–çŸ„èŻ†ïŒŒèż™æœ‰ć…łçł»ć—èŻ·ć‚è€ƒäž€äžȘçŸ„èŻ†éą†ćŸŸć±•ćŒ€äœ çš„ćș”答。, does it matter if our knowledge acquisition happens in "bubbles" where some information and voices are excluded discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge., is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge, do you agree that it is “astonishing that so little knowledge can give us so much power” (bertrand russell) discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area 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., to what extent is the knowledge weproduce determined by the methodologieswe use, for artists and natural scientists, which is more important: what can be explained or what cannot be explained discuss with reference to the arts and natural science., ĂȘtes-vous d'accord qu'il est "Ă©tonnant que si peu de connaissance puissent nous donner autant de pouvoir" (bertrand russell) - discutez cette question en faisant rĂ©fĂ©rence aux sciences naturelles et Ă  un autre domaine de la connaissance, est-il important que notre acquisition des connaissances se fasse dans des « bulles » oĂč certaines informations et certaines voix sont exclues discutez cette question en faisant rĂ©fĂ©rence Ă  deux domaines de la connaissance., to what extent is the knowledge we produce determined by the methodologies we use discuss with reference to history and one other area of knowledge., is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge discuss with reference to two area of knowledge, are visual representations always helpful in communicating knowledge discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics., are visual representations always useful in communication of knowledge discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics., for artists and natural scientists which is more important: what can be explained or what cannot be explained, do you agree that it is "astonishing that so little knowledge can give us so much power" (bertrand russell) discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge., is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge, is replication necessary in the production of knowledge discuss with reference to two aoks..

Watch CBS News

TikTok bill that could lead to ban faces uphill climb in the Senate

By Caitlin Yilek

Edited By Stefan Becket

Updated on: March 14, 2024 / 4:04 AM EDT / CBS News

Washington — A bill that could lead to a ban of TikTok in the U.S. sailed through the House with rapid speed on Wednesday, but is facing headwinds in the slower-moving Senate, where previous efforts to restrict the popular app have stalled. 

The House on Wednesday overwhelmingly passed the bill , known as the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, in a vote of 352 to 65. The legislation would require TikTok's parent company, the Beijing-based ByteDance, to sell TikTok within six months to maintain access to U.S. web-hosting services and app stores. 

The bipartisan legislation quickly gained momentum in the House, unanimously advancing out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee last week. But the bill has also faced a flood of backlash from TikTok's American users , as well as criticism from lawmakers who say it runs afoul of the First Amendment. 

Legislators on both sides of the aisle have long warned of the risks TikTok poses to national security, saying the Chinese government could use the short-form video app to spy on Americans, spread misinformation or sow division. 

"The problem is not TikTok or the videos," Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said Monday during a hearing on worldwide threats. "The problem is the algorithm that powers it is controlled by a company in China that must do whatever the Chinese Communist Party tells them to do." 

Opponents of the bill say it could impose limits on free speech by taking away a platform that millions of Americans use to express themselves and get information, while also negatively impacting businesses and creators whose livelihoods rely on it. 

The White House wants the Senate to move quickly on the legislation. 

"We will look to the Senate to take swift action," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, adding that the administration wants the bill to be "on the strongest possible legal footing."

China weighed in on Thursday, according to Agence France-Presse, which quoted a spokesperson for Beijing's commerce ministry as saying, "The U.S. should truly respect the principles of a market economy and fair competition (and) stop unjustly suppressing foreign companies."

The spokesperson added that China would "take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests."

And AFP reports that a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said, "When someone sees a good thing another person has and tries to take it for themself, this is entirely the logic of a bandit."

The TikTok bill in the Senate

Despite broad agreement about the risks, senators don't appear to be in a rush to send the House TikTok bill to President Biden, who has vowed to sign it . 

Sen. Kevin Cramer, a Republican from North Dakota, said he would vote for the legislation but predicted that the Senate is unlikely to take action soon.

"It's hard for me to imagine that it'll be real fast. We don't do things fast. We're designed not to do things fast, so I would think months," he told reporters when asked about the timeline in the upper chamber.

Sen. Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, denounced the "hysteria" around TikTok and said the bill is "inconsistent" with the First Amendment. His opposition means the Senate will have to spend valuable floor time on it. 

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has been noncommittal about bringing it up for a vote. In a one-line statement after its passage in the House, the New York Democrat said the Senate "will review the legislation when it comes over from the House." Schumer also said this week he would consult with relevant committee leaders "to see what their views would be." 

In a major endorsement after the House vote, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the bill now has his support. He expressed concern earlier this week about singling out ByteDance and TikTok. 

Warner and Rubio, who discussed the issue on "Face the Nation" over the weekend, said in a statement Wednesday that they were "encouraged by today's strong bipartisan vote in the House of Representatives, and look forward to working together to get this bill passed through the Senate and signed into law." 

Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Washington Democrat, could determine its fate as the chair of the Senate Commerce Committee. A bipartisan bill known as the RESTRICT Act, which would have given Commerce Department authority to ban or restrict technology coming from U.S. adversaries, has been stuck in the mud since its referral to the committee last year. 

A statement from Cantwell on Wednesday suggested the House bill could end up going the same route. 

"I will be talking to my Senate and House colleagues to try to find a path forward that is constitutional and protects civil liberties," she said. 

Sen. Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat, said Tuesday he was concerned about the bill's constitutionality and hadn't reached a decision about whether TikTok should be banned.

"I think it's time for them to make a clear break with China in terms of the ownership and management of this company," said Durbin, who leads the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

Overall, the Senate's reaction to the House bill has been mixed. 

Sen. John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, wants a classified briefing on the issue before making a decision, saying Wednesday, "I'm not there yet." 

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, said "requiring divestment is absolutely well-merited." 

"The Chinese are collecting information, doing surveillance and making use of TikTok for their national security purposes, and we ought to resist it in a way that the House bill does," he said Tuesday. 

On Monday, Sen. John Cornyn said he was "not sure that this is the answer," but called TikTok "a serious national security problem." A spokesperson for the Texas Republican said Wednesday that some of his concerns were resolved with the version going to the Senate. 

Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri said Tuesday he would "absolutely" support it, but was doubtful it would get a floor vote. 

"I hope it'll get a vote on the Senate floor," he said. "But, as I have long predicted, it sounds to me now like it's not going to." 

A TikTok spokesperson said after the House vote that the company was "hopeful that the Senate will consider the facts, listen to their constituents, and realize the impact on the economy, 7 million small businesses, and the 170 million Americans who use our service." 

In a video Wednesday night, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said the company will be "exercising our legal rights" and encouraged users to contact their senators "to protect your constitutional rights" and "make your voices heard." 

Alan He, Alejandro Alvarez and Sara Cook contributed reporting. 

  • United States Senate

Caitlin Yilek is a politics reporter at cbsnews.com and is based in Washington, D.C. She previously worked for the Washington Examiner and The Hill, and was a member of the 2022 Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellowship with the National Press Foundation.

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House Passes Bill to Force TikTok Sale From Chinese Owner or Ban the App

The legislation received wide bipartisan support, with both Republicans and Democrats showing an eagerness to appear tough on China.

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United States House Passes Bill That Could Ban TikTok

If the tiktok bill were to become law, it would likely deepen a cold war between the united states and china over the control of important technologies..

“Two-thirds being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended — the bill is passed.” “This is a common sense measure to protect our national security.” “TikTok said its data is not accessible to China-based ByteDance employees. False. China-based employees routinely access this data, even unbeknownst to employees of TikTok U.S.A.”

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By Sapna Maheshwari ,  David McCabe and Annie Karni

The House on Wednesday passed a bill with broad bipartisan support that would force TikTok’s Chinese owner to either sell the hugely popular video app or have it banned in the United States.

The move escalates a showdown between Beijing and Washington over the control of a wide range of technologies that could affect national security, free speech and the social media industry.

Republican leaders fast-tracked the bill through the House with limited debate, and it passed on a lopsided vote of 352 to 65, reflecting widespread backing for legislation that would take direct aim at China in an election year.

The action came despite TikTok’s efforts to mobilize its 170 million U.S. users against the measure, and amid the Biden administration’s push to persuade lawmakers that Chinese ownership of the platform poses grave national security risks to the United States, including the ability to meddle in elections.

The result was a bipartisan coalition behind the measure that included Republicans, who defied former President Donald J. Trump in supporting it, and Democrats, who also fell in line behind a bill that President Biden has said he would sign.

The bill faces a difficult road to passage in the Senate, where Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the majority leader, has been noncommittal about bringing it to the floor for a vote and where some lawmakers have vowed to fight it. And even if it passes the Senate and becomes law, it is likely to face legal challenges.

But Wednesday’s vote was the first time a measure that could widely ban TikTok for consumers was approved by a full chamber of Congress. The app has been under threat since 2020, with lawmakers increasingly arguing that Beijing’s relationship with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, raises national security risks. The bill is aimed at getting ByteDance to sell TikTok to non-Chinese owners within six months. The president would sign off on the sale if it resolved national security concerns. If that sale did not happen, the app would be banned.

Representative Mike Gallagher, the Wisconsin Republican who is among the lawmakers leading the bill, said on the floor before the vote that it “forces TikTok to break up with the Chinese Communist Party.”

“This is a common-sense measure to protect our national security,” he said.

Mike Gallagher, in a dark suit, gestures while speaking to a group reporters holding microphones outside the Capitol.

Alex Haurek, a spokesman for TikTok, said in a statement that the House “process was secret and the bill was jammed through for one reason: It’s a ban.”

“We are hopeful that the Senate will consider the facts, listen to their constituents, and realize the impact on the economy — seven million small businesses — and the 170 million Americans who use our service,” he added.

On Wednesday, before the House vote, Beijing condemned the push by U.S. lawmakers and rejected the notion that TikTok was a danger to the United States. At a daily press briefing, Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for China’s foreign ministry, accused Washington of “resorting to hegemonic moves when one could not succeed in fair competition.”

If the bill were to become law, it would likely deepen a cold war between the United States and China over the control of many important technologies, including solar panels, electric vehicles and semiconductors.

Mr. Biden has announced limitations on how U.S. financial firms can invest in Chinese companies and restricted the sale of Americans’ sensitive data like location and health information to data brokers that could sell it to China. Platforms like Facebook and YouTube are blocked in China, and Beijing said last year that it would oppose a sale of TikTok.

TikTok has said that it has gone to great lengths to protect U.S. user data and provide third-party oversight of the platform, and that no government can influence the company’s recommendation model. It has also said there is no proof that Beijing has used TikTok to obtain U.S. user data or to influence Americans’ views, two of the concerns lawmakers have cited.

In an unusually aggressive move for a technology company, TikTok urged users to call their representatives last week to protest the bill, saying, “This legislation has a predetermined outcome: a total ban of TikTok in the United States.”

TikTok has spent more than $1 billion on an extensive plan known as Project Texas that aims to handle sensitive U.S. user data separately from the rest of the company’s operations. That plan has for several years been under review by a panel known as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS.

Two of the lawmakers behind the bill, Mr. Gallagher and Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Illinois Democrat, said last week that lawmakers were acting because CFIUS “hasn’t solved the problem.”

It’s very unusual for a bill to garner broad bipartisan support but at the same time divide both parties. President Biden has said he would sign the bill into law, but top House leaders like Representative Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, the No. 2 Democrat in the House, voted against the bill. Mr. Trump said he opposed the bill, but many of his most stalwart allies in the House, like Representative Elise Stefanik of New York, the No. 4 Republican in the House, voted for it.

The vote came down to something of a free-for-all, with unusual alliances in support of and opposed to the bill. Representative Nancy Pelosi, Democrat of California and the former house speaker, sat in the chamber nodding along with hard-right Republicans like Representative Dan Crenshaw, Republican of Texas, as they outlined their support for the bill. At one point, she got up and crossed over to the Republican side of the aisle to confer with Representative Chip Roy, a hard-right Republican of Texas, who had vocally supported the bill on the floor.

Several Republicans and Democrats expressed their opposition to the bill based on free speech concerns and TikTok’s popularity in the United States. Some legal experts have said that if the bill were to become law, it would probably face First Amendment scrutiny in the courts.

Representative Maxwell Frost, a Democrat of Florida, said on Tuesday that “not only am I no, but I’m a hell no.” He said the legislation was an infringement of First Amendment rights. “I hear from students all the time that get their information, the truth of what has happened in this country, from content creators on TikTok.” He said he was concerned about Americans’ data, but “this bill does not fix that problem.”

There wasn’t any legislation last year in the aftermath of a fiery hearing with Shou Chew, TikTok’s chief executive, despite bipartisan support to regulate the app. But concern among lawmakers has grown even more in recent months, with many of them saying that TikTok’s content recommendations could be used for misinformation, a concern that has escalated in the United States since the Israel-Hamas war began.

“It was a lot of things in the interim, including Oct. 7, including the fact that the Osama bin Laden ‘Letter to America’ went viral on TikTok and the platform continued to show dramatic differences in content relative to other social media platforms,” Mr. Krishnamoorthi said in an interview.

There’s also a chance that even if the bill is signed and survives court challenges, it could crumble under a new administration. Mr. Trump, who tried to ban TikTok or force its sale in 2020, publicly reversed his position on the app over the past week. In a television appearance on Monday, Mr. Trump said that the app was a national security threat, but that banning it would help Facebook, a platform the former president criticized.

“There are a lot of young kids on TikTok who will go crazy without it,” he said.

Mr. Trump’s administration had threatened to remove TikTok from American app stores if ByteDance did not sell its share in the app. ByteDance even seemed ready to sell a stake in the app to Walmart and Oracle, where executives were close to Mr. Trump.

That plan went awry in federal court. Multiple judges stopped Mr. Trump’s proposed ban from taking effect.

Mr. Biden’s administration has tried turning to a legislative solution. The White House provided “technical assistance” to Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Krishnamoorthi as they wrote their bill, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, said at a briefing last week. When the bill was introduced, a National Security Council spokesman quickly called the legislation “an important and welcome step to address” the threat of technology that imperils Americans’ sensitive data.

The administration has repeatedly sent national security officials to Capitol Hill to privately make the case for the legislation and offer dire warnings on the risks of TikTok’s current ownership. The White House briefed lawmakers before the 50 to 0 committee vote last week that advanced the bill to the full House.

On Tuesday, officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Justice Department spoke with lawmakers in a classified briefing about national security concerns tied to TikTok.

Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Krishnamoorthi had previously sponsored a bill aimed at banning TikTok. The latest bill has been viewed as something of a last stand against the company for Mr. Gallagher, who recently said he would not run for a fifth term because “the framers intended citizens to serve in Congress for a season and then return to their private lives.”

Sapna Maheshwari reports on TikTok, technology and emerging media companies. She has been a business reporter for more than a decade. Contact her at [email protected] . More about Sapna Maheshwari

David McCabe covers tech policy. He joined The Times from Axios in 2019. More about David McCabe

Annie Karni is a congressional correspondent for The Times. She writes features and profiles, with a recent focus on House Republican leadership. More about Annie Karni

TikTok Under Scrutiny

The popular video app, which is owned by the chinese company bytedance, is under pressure amid concerns over the handling of users’ data..

Efforts to Ban TikTok: Over the last year, lawmakers in the United States, Canada and Europe have escalated efforts to restrict access to the app, citing security threats. Here is what to know .

In the United States: The House passed a bill  with broad bipartisan support that would force TikTok’s Chinese owner to sell its hugely popular video app  or be banned in the United States. The move escalates a showdown between Beijing and Washington  over the control of technologies that could affect national security, free speech and the social media industry.

How TikTok Shares User Data: Internal documents show how TikTok employees have regularly posted user information , including the driver’s licenses of American users, on a messaging and collaboration tool called Lark.

First U.S. Ban: In November, a federal judge blocked Montana’s statewide ban of TikTok  from taking effect, at least temporarily preventing the nation’s first such prohibition on the app.

The Stakes: Even as U.S. officials are focused on the dangers of TikTok, many users disagree with those concerns. We spoke with nine young Americans  about how a ban would change their lives.

IMAGES

  1. Tok Essay Example sample, Bookwormlab

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  2. TOK ESSAY INSTRUCTIONS

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  3. six steps to writing a good tok essay

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  4. Steps to Write IB TOK Essay Made Easy. Draft A Powerful Essay in 3

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COMMENTS

  1. How to Write a TOK Essay: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

    Download Article. 1. Use your essay outline as a guide. Focus on expanding each section of your outline, keeping in mind the 1200-1600 word limit for the essay. Your introduction and your conclusion should be the shortest paragraphs in your essay, and the body paragraphs should be the longer sections of your essay.

  2. TOK Essay essentials

    Guide students through this page of TOK Essay essentials before plunging into the planning and writing process using the TOK Essay strategy. ... Sources must be acknowledged. 4. Maximum word count is 1600* words. *The word count includes the main body of the essay including quotations. It does not include the title or references (whether given ...

  3. How To Write A ToK Essay

    There are two assessment tasks in the TOK: an essay and a presentation. While a presentation encourages students to explore a real-life situation through the lens of TOK, an essay is written on the basis of the various questions provided by the International Baccalaureate Organisation. The presentation is to assess a student's ability to ...

  4. Guide to the TOK 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 ...

  5. Researching & referencing for the TOK Essay

    Researching & referencing for the TOK Essay; Acknowledging sources in a TOK presentation; Mr McAuley's recommendations Toggle Dropdown. Areas of Knowledge ; ... It is possible to complete a TOK essay without the need for references. However, if you refer to specific facts or opinions, views and theories of individuals, you need to reference in ...

  6. Planning and structuring the TOK essay

    Once you've grasped the essay rubric, and chosen your title, you can start planning and structuring your TOK essay. You base this around the 3 interactions with your teacher, which are one-on-one meetings discussing your progress, and receiving feedback. As well as the interactions, you can also ask your teacher specific questions about your ...

  7. A Beginners Guide to Acing the TOK Essay

    Steps to Writing the TOK Essay. 1. Analyze the prescribed title. The first step is to fully understand the theory of knowledge questions being asked. The topic will include terms that will guide you in comparing and contrasting accordingly. 2. Choose the title. Choose a title that allows you to explore your interests.

  8. How to Structure a Theory of Knowledge Essay

    Paragraph 1. - Say one or two interesting things about the prescribed title question. This shows us, right away that you know what the question is asking. - Define one or two of the key terms in the title. Get definitions for all of the main words in your title. You don't need to include all of them in your essay, but it's useful to see how ...

  9. MLA9

    Footnotes or endnotes can be used to direct the reader to additional sources or add extra information or comments that would interrupt the flow of your text. Footnotes and Endnotes DO NOT replace parenthetical in-text citations! Full references are still found in the Works Cited List at the end of your essay.

  10. PDF The TOK Essay: An In-Depth Guide

    The following guide will provide you with an overview of what examiners look for in a TOK essay before breaking down the steps you need to take to complete yours to a high standard. Your essay will be marked by an external IB examiner and given a score out of 10. These 10 points are divided into 5 levels, ranging from 'excellent' to 'rudimentary'.

  11. Example essays

    Further guidance on the TOK essay and exhibition can be found in the IB's Programme Resource Centre (PRC). Materials in the PRC are only available to existing IB World Schools. These materials are free. There are a number of resources on TOK in the IB Store, which are available to everyone. Find out how to become an IB World School.

  12. How to Write a TOK Essay: 15 Steps

    4. Gather evidence: Conduct research using reputable sources such as journal articles, books, and websites. Be sure to evaluate each source for credibility and relevance to your topic. 5. Develop your Knowledge Questions (KQs): KQs are central to a successful TOK essay. These open-ended questions help you explore different perspectives on the ...

  13. IB TOK Essay Structure in Detail

    A well-structured TOK essay should be composed of four parts: an introduction, the body, a conclusion and a bibliography. In the introduction, you should define TOK and explain how it forms part of the IB curriculum. The body should include arguments and justifications with evidence from multiple AOKs.

  14. Mastering ToK Essay Structure: A Comprehensive Guide

    The International Baccalaureate (IB) doesn't prescribe a single structure for the ToK Essay. They require that you " provide a clear, coherent and critical exploration of the essay title " (IB ToK Essay Assessment Instrument, 2020) Achieving this requires a well-thought-out structure that fosters clarity, coherence, and critical exploration.

  15. TOK Essay Structure: A Guide for IB Students

    Making Conclusion for Your TOK Essay. The conclusion of your TOK essay is much more than just a summary. It's your final opportunity to make an impact. Drawing from my extensive experience in IB writing and mentoring, I can give some key elements to include. Synthesize Key Points. Your conclusion should summarize the main points you've made.

  16. The TOK Essay Process

    The TOK essay makes up a significant part of the overall mark for TOK. Additionally, the bonus points available can make an important difference in your overall IB results. Every point counts. The TOK essay process is an excellent way to develop open-ended and creative analytical skills. The Extended Essay is similar in some respects but the EE ...

  17. How to Write a GOOD TOK Essay?

    A TOK essay is also known as a theory of knowledge essay. It is usually written when doing an IB diploma. The essay is a comparative one that discusses problems using various different sources of knowledge.

  18. PDF IB-Required Assessments Guidelines for the TOK Essay & Presentation

    1) Make your introduction clear; lay out a roadmap of wear you plan to take the reader in your argument. Sometimes, restating the title (especially if it is short) in the introduction focuses the readers thinking, so consider do this. 2) Include a counter-argument in the opening paragraph specifically, and ideally, consider counter-arguments ...

  19. Get an A on Your ToK Essay: A Comprehensive Guide

    The final step to achieving an 'A' on your ToK Essay is treating your draft deadline as if it were your final deadline. Submit a fully finished, well-developed draft, allowing your teacher to provide you with comprehensive and useful feedback. By following these six steps, and crafting a robust, appropriate, and knowledge-focused argument ...

  20. ToK Essay Guidance Notes: FAQs

    The notes are 8000-11000 words long, far too long to be copied & pasted into a 1600 word ToK Essay. If you rewrite the sections of notes that you choose in your own words you won't get flagged for plagiarism. By using the notes you are merely reading ideas, reconstituting and synthesising those ideas into your own thoughts and knowledge ...

  21. TOK External Assessment

    The TOK essay is not primarily a research paper but it is expected that specific sources will be used and these must be acknowledged in a bibliography or works cited list. The bibliography or works cited should include only those works (such as books, journals, magazines and online sources) used by the student. There needs to be a clear ...

  22. TOK essay guidance

    1 The TOK essay is an individual task. 2 It represents two thirds of the overall mark for TOK. 3 It is externally marked. 4 You choose your title from a list of six prescribed titles, which change every exam session. 5 The word count for the essay is 1600 words. 6 You'll meet your teacher for 3 interactions to discuss your essay.

  23. IB TOK Essay examples

    TOK Essay C. For artists and natural scientists, which is more important: what can be explained or what cannot be explained? Discuss with reference to the arts and the natural sciences. TOK Essay A. Fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by IB examiners. Upgrade now 🚀.

  24. Opinion

    Ms. Angwin is a contributing Opinion writer and an investigative journalist. America is politically polarized. But there is an issue on which both sides agree: We need more privacy, and TikTok ...

  25. Why the House voted to effectively ban TikTok and what it could mean

    Many of the roughly 170 million Americans who use the app have raised concerns that banning TikTok could mean doing away with a platform that represents much more than a platform where young ...

  26. What to Know About the TikTok Bill That the House Passed

    The House passed a bill with broad bipartisan support that would force TikTok's Chinese owner to sell its hugely popular video app or be banned in the United States. The move escalates a ...

  27. Opinion

    Trump's TikTok flip-flop demonstrates the point with extraordinary precision. Biden has said he'd sign the TikTok bill. Trump now opposes it. On yet another confrontation between American ...

  28. TikTok bill that could lead to ban faces uphill climb in the Senate

    TikTok is a "national security issue," Sens. Mark Warner and Marco Rubio say 18:33. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Washington Democrat, could determine its fate as the chair of the Senate Commerce Committee.

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    This vision has been the international consensus and the only accepted way forward to lasting peace and stability, yet its implementation remains long overdue. The incoming Palestinian government ...

  30. U.S. House Passes Bill That Could Ban TikTok

    Kenny Holston/The New York Times. The House on Wednesday passed a bill with broad bipartisan support that would force TikTok's Chinese owner to either sell the hugely popular video app or have ...