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Structure For TOK Essay

This document provides guidance on structuring a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay, including understanding the key question, developing arguments with examples, and concluding powerfully. The essay should focus on two Areas of Knowledge (AOK) or Ways of Knowing (WOK) and their connection to the prescribed title. Body paragraphs should each present an argument supported by 2-3 examples, and compare/contrast the AOK/WOK. The conclusion restates the main arguments and implications without repeating the introduction.

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123 views2 pages

Structure For TOK Essay

This document provides guidance on structuring a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay, including understanding the key question, developing arguments with examples, and concluding powerfully. The essay should focus on two Areas of Knowledge (AOK) or Ways of Knowing (WOK) and their connection to the prescribed title. Body paragraphs should each present an argument supported by 2-3 examples, and compare/contrast the AOK/WOK. The conclusion restates the main arguments and implications without repeating the introduction.

Uploaded by

feiofh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Structure for TOK Essay

Lecture notes:

- Remember to only stick to a maximum of 2 AOK


-

Understand the KQ

- Knowledge questions are relevant to the Prescribed Prompt (PT)


- The student stays on track throughout the essay, focusing on knowledge (descriptions
are minimal)
- Students shows depth of understanding by highlighting the features of individuals
AOK or WOK and how its knowledge relates to the PT
- Student shows breadth of understanding by making comparisons between AOK
and/or WOK, showing how they connect and are relevant to the PT
Students shows an awareness of self as a knower and demonstrates how others’
perspectives may differ (Knower Profile)

Quality analysis of the KQ

- Arguments are supported with examples


- Justifications of main points are clear
- Arguments are compelling and coherent (justified, no bold statements)
- Counterclaims are explored (this shows other perspectives too)
- Implications are presented – why is this PT important

Write succinctly

- Write what you mean, don’t infer e.g don’t leave the examiner to guess how the
example supports your argument
- Don’t use over-flowery language
- Do not write even ONE word over 1600 (you’ll lose 1 mark automatically of 10). Aim
for 1540 – 1590
- Do not try and write about too many AOK and WOK – your essay will lack depth. It’s
not a checklist

Strengthen the intro

- Show that you understand the PT (Prescribed title) – rewrite it in your own words,
unpack the key elements you will explore
- Clarify key ideas within TOK terms – ideas/concepts, not words (avoid dictionary
definitions where a TOK definition exists)
- Give brief overview of how you will tackle the essay – which AOK will you compare
- Introduce claims, AOK, comparing/contrasting
Develop Ideas in body paragraphs

- Begin each body paragraph with your argument in relation to the PT


- Give an example to support your argument. Explain it sufficiently, but don’t become
over descriptive
- Examples need to be referenced
- 2-3 examples per AOK or WOK is idea (Total of 4-6 in whole essay)
- Then conclude with why this example proves your argument (in relation to the PT).
This is important ~ state clearly how and why this example supports your argument
- The best counterclaims are presented with the contrast of another AOK or WOK. This
can become a separate body paragraph
- Use the knowledge framework to help you compare and contrast
- Ensure you are adding new ideas in each body paragraph

WOW the conclusion

- Restate your original argument from the introduction (be careful you haven’t changed
your mind during the essay) and summarise your main arguments
- State why this essay was important and discuss ~ what are the implications? You can
state the implications of the essay at any point throughout the essay
- DON’T rush the CONLUSION & DON’T repeat the INTRODUCTION

Finally

- Don’t write about too many AOK and WOK – its not an essay to write about
everything you have studied in TOK
- PLEASE read through your essay and check punctuation and grammar ~ even get a
friend to read through for you
- Bibliography ~ use one referencing and be consistent. Include dates access for
websites.
- Structure ~ there is no single set structure
- The essay is compelling, lucid and insightful

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