tok essay title 4 may 2023

IB ToK Essay Titles and Topics: May 2023

Here are links to ideas and suggestions relating to the the six May 2023 IB ToK Essay topics:

Topic 1. Is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
Topic 2. 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.
Topic 3. 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.
Topic 4. 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.
Topic 5. Are visual representations always helpful in the communication of knowledge? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics.
Topic 6. 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.

Title 1: Is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 1 include:

the distinction between necessary and sufficient requirements
the relation between replicability and objectivity
the relation between replicability and sharable perspectives

These thoughts, and others, will be developed here shortly: come back soon!

Title 2: 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.

Thoughts to consider with essay 2 include:

the relation between explicability and effability
the limits of language and expressibility
the relation between explanation, understanding and knowledge

Title 3: 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.

Thoughts to consider with essay 3 include:

can there be purely subjective knowledge?
can there be purely objective knowledge?
what is required to share another's perspective?

Title 4: 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.

Thoughts to consider with essay 4 include:

the varieties or types of power
is knowledge always inversely proportional to power
could one have power without any knowledge?

Title 5: Are visual representations always helpful in the communication of knowledge? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics.

Thoughts to consider with essay 5 include:

the relevance of truth to representation
the distinction between practical and theoretical knowledge
is written language a visual representation?

Title 6: 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.

Thoughts to consider with essay 6 include:

the difference between a method and a methodology
can any knowledge be unmethodically?
must a methodology be consciously deployed?
1. Is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Are visual representations always helpful in the communication of knowledge? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics.
6. 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.
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TOK DISCUSSIONS

Theory of knowledge prescribed titles

May 2023 examination session

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.

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.

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.

Are visual representations always helpful in the communication of knowledge? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics.

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.

May 2023 Title #1

Is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge?

Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

“Replicability” means the quality of being able to replicate in general. And specifically, it applies to scientific experiments that need to be replicated. In simple words, a scientific experiment must be able to be done multiple times, under the same conditions, and produce the same results every single time.

As you noticed, “scientific experiment” is constantly being used. And this is a hint for you to know that if you want to choose this title for your TOK essay, you will have The Natural and Human Sciences as your AOKs. The other three remaining AOKs can be somehow chosen but without any amazing results. In the Arts, replicating an artwork makes it “fake,” “unauthentic,” and “worthless.” And if you think of the scientific process of authenticating an artwork by performing a scientific test, well, then firstly, it is science and not art anymore; secondly, that would be a one-time process, nothing to be replicated. In History, no experiments can be done, due to the nonexistence of “material;” and in Mathematics, this is out of the question.

Now that you know what your AOKs are you can think about the rest. The main keyword is “replicability,” which we already explained. However, there is another one crucial to the discussion; “necessary.” The title question asks whether replicability is “necessary” or “complementary?” Can a scientist conclude the results of an experiment after one or two times, and is the experiment being able to be replicated only an “extra mile?” Or is this a vital feature of any scientific experiment that cannot be avoided?

You know how things go in a biology lab. The results come out every time. And you are eager to want to see the same results regardless of the process and conditions. This is called “confirmation bias,” one of the biggest enemies of scientists.

You should introduce “replicability,” talk about its necessity and discuss the obstacles in the way; biases, hard-to-replicate conditions, price or scarcity of materials, and many more.

Things to avoid:

The usages of natural sciences in the process of knowledge production, or authentication in arts and history.

Over explanation of the scientific experiment rather the reason for the necessity of replicability.

Long introduction and conclusion parts.

Briefly introduce a scientific experiment and how scientists replicate it. Bring a personal example from your biology or chemistry lab experience. Find two contrasting real-life examples; one that the scientist replicated the experiment many times and produced solid scientific knowledge, and one that the scientist rushed the experiment or was biased toward their hypothesis/prediction and as a result, produced insufficient knowledge, one in human sciences and one in natural sciences (or if you have time and motivation, two for each). And compare those experiments and conclude that replicability is “necessary” (crucial) in natural sciences, and necessary but harder to achieve in human sciences.

May 2022 Title #2

Artists “explain” through expression, and natural scientists “explain” through words, charts, diagrams, etc. What the title question actually asks is not whether something can be explained or not, but the methods of explanation.

In the theme of “knowledge and language,” we learn that all ways of communication can be considered language, which is also used to explain. Artists “explain” their feelings, emotions, concepts, social issues, and many more concepts in their artworks. Song lyrics, as a form of literature, explain what artists went through during a period of their life. A painting explains beauty, horror, dignity, or poverty. Installations mostly explain the perception of space, and performance art tries to picture a social phenomenon. All these are artists’ attempts to “explain” something that cannot (easily) be explained through words, charts, numbers, or in any other “scientific” way. Therefore, artists choose to “express” rather than “explain.”

On the other than, scientists who are not dealing with creativity, choose more direct and evidential ways of communication. They try to bring facts and put them in numeral, statistical, and visual representations to “explain” a phenomenon.

And sometimes, a concept cannot be explained in any way, like love, faith, and emotional pain. This is artists’ call for action in knowledge production. In your personal life, many times you tried to explain a situation by hand gesture instead of talking. In team sports and army missions, the team leader explains the tactics or situation by gestures, as they cannot communicate with words.

Another big difference between artists’ and scientists’ ways of communication is in the consumption of knowledge. Artworks are usually open to interpretation. The audience understands the art in different ways based on how they interpret the “explanation” of the artist. Contrary to that, the results of scientists’ works, which are scientific publications, are rarely open to interpretations, at least not by ordinary people.

Discussing the arts and the natural sciences instead of artists and scientists. (Do not discuss the areas of knowledge. Discuss the expert knowers in these AOKs, who are artists and scientists.)

Over explanation of the story behind an artwork or a scientific process. (Focus your discussion on how the artist or the scientist “explained” in expressive or evidential ways.)

Introduce the “explained” and “unexplainable.” Bring a personal example from your life when you expressed with (or without) words, and compare it with the time you wrote a long explanation for a physics question. Find one real-life example from the arts, where the artistic expression was their way of explaining. And then find a real-life example in science, where the scientist extensively explains a phenomenon or a solution to a problem. If you have time and enthusiasm, you can bring two RLEs for each area of knowledge. In the end, conclude, by comparing your RLEs, that artists tend to find the “unexplained” more important, and for scientists, “explainables” are more important.

May 2023 Title #3

The answer is, “of course, it does.” However, this is not enough for a TOK essay.

In the core theme of “knowledge and the knower,” we learn about filter bubbles as one of the drawbacks of the Internet. But, what are filter “bubbles?”

Nowadays, the majority of people acquire knowledge (or better say information) from social media and internet websites. Social media distribute knowledge based on their algorithms to their subscribers. However, this distribution is only based on what the subscriber “likes” or what they might like. Imagine offering a range of snacks to a group of kids. Each kid chooses one; candy, snack bar, dried fruits, gummy bears, or chips. You continue giving each kid only the type of candy that they initially chose. In this way, they stay unaware of other snacks, and each kid continues to “believe” that his/her type of snack exists. Kids live in their own “snack bubble.”

The same thing happens when social media algorithms filter the information (knowledge) that we consume and keep us unaware of other things that happen in the world. You should also know that these “bubbles” are not a new phenomenon. For millennia rulers, governments, and people themselves kept individuals in information/knowledge bubbles for a variety of purposes.

Within the area of knowledge of history, the knower remains unaware of events and perspectives outside their “bubble.” They may even develop a misunderstanding about the scope of their history and culture, concluding that their culture is the most important or dominant one.

In The Human Sciences, the same bubble is formed around the knowledge of economics, anthropology, and human behavior.

In The Natural Sciences, filter bubbles make the person believe that the entire world suffers or deals with a pandemic the same way as their country (or their bubble).

Within The Arts, a knower inside a bubble shares the same values for artistic beauty without knowing that there are varieties of other values among other nations or groups.

And in Mathematics, you may think that all the advancements in this area of knowledge were the results of “your” mathematicians.

Gender equality, gender identity, religion, and diversity are the most common and controversial issues these days. Filter bubbles force an individual to believe that “everyone” on earth shares the same values and perspectives on a topic as theirs, and whoever thinks otherwise is “wrong” and should be “corrected” or “silenced.”

Confirmation bias is the basis for designing these bubbles. When “acquisition of knowledge happens in “bubbles” where some information and voices” (perspectives) “are excluded,” the knower acquires “selective knowledge” that feeds their confirmation bias and continue to search for more information that they find appropriate.

This way of knowledge acquisition creates self-serving bias. The knower only accepts the knowledge in their favor and rejects any opposing view, as they feel entitled to their points of view.

Attribution bias is another byproduct of “bubbles.” Assumptions, judgments, and labeling are the results of such bias that make the person attributes a presumed characteristic to a member of a group based on their mere association with that group.

You can also study more about conformity bias, gender bias, and response bias (social-desirability bias) to have a better understating of the effects of bubbles on research in different areas of knowledge.

Focusing on knowledge production. (You may find several examples of bubbles and biases in research studies. However, these examples can be discussed under the production of knowledge and not knowledge acquisition.)

Over explanation of a bubble instead of how the bubble affects our acquisition of knowledge.

Taking a side in your discussion pro or against a point of view. (Your language for your arguments should be as neutral as possible and shows your awareness of different points of view.)

Introduce and explain bubbles and how they form during our acquisition of knowledge (mostly by social media). Continue to briefly explain how bubbles affect our knowledge acquisition and perspectives. Choose a discipline from human sciences, and natural sciences or arts. History and mathematics can also be chosen as AOKs; however, developing arguments in these areas of knowledge needs vast knowledge and interest to masterfully discuss your real-life examples. Find one RLE for each AOK (or two for each if you have time and interest) and discuss “how” bubbles affected the way the knowers acquired knowledge. Conclude your essay by comparing real-life examples and conclude that while “it matters” if we acquire knowledge inside bubbles, the effects and consequences are different (less or more severe) in different areas of knowledge.

May 2023 Title #4

“We know very little, and yet it is astonishing that we know so much, and still more astonishing that so little knowledge can give us so much power,” is the complete quote.

Bertrand Russel was astonished by the contradictory nature of human knowledge and the disproportionate power that our little knowledge brings us. The title question, however, is focused on astonishment. Therefore, I must warn you from the beginning not to think about assessing the “correctness” of Russell’s perspective on knowledge. You may have different points of view on knowledge, power, and their relationship. But, I suggest you keep them to yourself.

It might be a stupid question to ask from a generation that was born into technology, which is one of the main symbols of the power of knowledge. Is it astonishing to you? Can anything astonish you? What do you find astonishing when it comes to human achievements? This is the question that guides you write your TOK essay.

The Natural Sciences is already chosen as one of the AOKs, and the reason is obvious; no other area of knowledge demonstrates the power of human knowledge like this one. It also makes your job easier. Based on the assumption you are astonished by human sciences (and all its glory), you can find another area of knowledge that is less, or more, astonishing and compare it with the first one.

Writing a TOK essay on this prescribed title is less challenging but personal. Because different people are amazed by different things and to different degrees. And as you will explore whether this disproportionate power comes from little knowledge, and the fact that we know a lot, yet still very little astonishes you or not, you have the right only to talk on your behalf; not any group or the entire human race. Therefore, it is a personal matter.

Some may suggest describing the power of knowledge and different “good” and “bad” applications of such power. It is highly recommended that you stick to the fact that knowledge gives us power and only focus on the level of fascination with such power.

Analyzing the quote. (Just accept the quote as true and discuss whether you can relate to it.)

Discussing in general, on behalf of your generation, or the human race.

Discussing Bertrand Russell’s background or his philosophy. (Stick to the point.)

Over explanation of technical details of a real-life example.

Start by directly talking about your relation to the quote. Choose your approach in choosing the second AOK; more or less astonishing. Find one real-life example for each AOK (or two for each if you have time and interest) that you really find interesting and mesmerizes you about how humanity could achieve such power (advancements). Conclude, based on your preference, whether you find these advancements astonishing. If so, which area of knowledge has been more successful? And if you find all the power that knowledge gives you “normal,” then explain the reason.

May 2023 Title #5

Are visual representations always helpful in the communication of knowledge?

Discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics.

When you see the adverb “always” in a title question, you should know that’s the first keyword. And the closest explanatory word is most probably the second one.

You must focus your discussions on whether something is always helpful or not. Therefore, discussing that “something” takes you off the path and you won’t receive a high mark.

What are “visual representations?” In the human sciences and mathematics, as the title demands, visual representations are images, charts, diagrams, graphs, shapes, lines, etc. These representations complement the knowledge that is being communicated. Are they “always” helpful in the communication of knowledge? This is the questions you should explore.

You can find real-life examples that support the (always) usefulness of visual representations in these two areas of knowledge. Or contrasting RLEs that show they are “sometimes” (or most of the time) useful. You do not want to bring all evidence against the usefulness of visual representations in the communication of knowledge because that is not true.

Using these representations has different degrees of importance in different disciplines of human sciences (whichever you are interested in). In psychology, usually, brain illustrations are used to help the audience understand how the brain functions. In social sciences, charts and graphs are commonly used as visual representations for the results of statistics and surveys alongside diagrams.

In economics, visual representation is a crucial element in the communication of knowledge. You can find many more examples in other disciplines of human sciences. In mathematics, most of the time, mathematicians only communicate knowledge through numbers, especially in pure mathematics. However, in applied mathematics images and diagrams are often used. Remember, some branches of applied mathematics are cross-disciplinary and enter the realm of human sciences, like mathematical finance, probability, risk, and statistics.

Discussing visual representations in other areas of knowledge; history, the arts, and the natural sciences. (Focus your discussion only on the human sciences and mathematics.)

Over explaining the method of communication of knowledge instead of its usefulness.

Introduce your discussion by explaining/defining visual representation, focused on the demanded areas of knowledge. Find one RLE for each AOK (and two if you have time and interest for each) and explore the helpfulness of visual representations in the communication of knowledge. It is better for one of your RLEs to “prove” the helpfulness of these representations and the other to show that they are a necessity. If you intend to find four real-life examples (two for each AOK), you can use a combination of examples with or without visual representations to guide your discussion toward one area of knowledge. Conclude based on your chosen real-life examples, that visual representations are “always” helpful in one AOK and not “always” necessary in the other. Or it is “always” helpful in both areas of knowledge. This is your essay, after all, and you can decide on the degree of the helpfulness of these representations in the communication of knowledge in the AOKs of the human sciences and mathematics.

May 2023 Title #6

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.

Many would immediately jump into the comparison between “methodology” and “method.” Don’t do that!

One of the four elements of the TOK knowledge framework is “methods and tools.” The IB guide describes this element, “This element focuses on exploring the methods, tools and practices that we use to produce knowledge… as well as the methodologies employed by formal disciplines.” As you can see, methods and methodologies are covered by this element of the knowledge framework. It means that although there are differences between the method and the methodology that you should be aware of, and you must explore the methodologies of your real-life examples, not the methods, there is no need to explain the differences in your essay.

One of the areas of knowledge is already determined; history. A historian may interview a source as a “method” of gathering evidence. Whether the historian should interview or not is a “methodology.” Basically, in any area of knowledge, there are many methods and tools for research. Should the expert use these methods or not, or which combination of methods is better, is the methodology the expert uses to produce knowledge. Again, you do not need to explain this difference. You should only know the difference not to make a mistake and to focus your discussion on exploring the methodology used in any real-life example.

For this prescribed title, you can choose any of the other four AOKs alongside history. This is an advantage that students can choose (at least one AOK) based on their interests. Therefore, choose the area of knowledge you know well and have mastered discussing.

You intend to write your TOK essay. Which prescribed title should you choose? You can ask your TOK teacher to assign a title to you. You can brainstorm with your classmate to choose the easiest title. You can read the explanations and suggestions on the TOK website and forums. You can analyze each title yourself. Or you can choose a title randomly. These are different methods. Which methods you choose is your methodology. This is an oversimplified example for you to understand the difference between a method and methodology.

In the human sciences, surveys, interviews, analyzing past papers, observations (and many more) are research methods. Applied research, problem-oriented research, problem-solving research, qualitative research, etc., are the methodologies human scientists use. Each of these methodologies includes a combination of methods to reach the best results.

In the natural sciences, the scientific method is “the methodology;” however, scientists devise their methodologies mostly in the experiment stage of the scientific method. A scientist chooses how to perform an experiment. For example, in biology, experimental biology is opposed to theoretical biology; manipulate and observe the experiment or use mathematical modeling. There are several other methodologies that scientists use in natural sciences that you learn in your subject courses, or you can find out about them with some research.

In the arts, examining the techniques and tools that the artist use in comparison with the movement that they follow is an example of choosing different methodologies in knowledge production in arts.

In mathematics, mathematicians may choose different approaches to solve a problem; verbally, graphically, by example, etc.

Defining and comparing methods and methodologies.

Over explaining the methodology used in knowledge production. (Mention the methodology and explore “how” the usage of that methodology helped the expert produce knowledge.)

Focusing on the methods and tools, instead of the methodology.

Exploring cross-discipline studies between two (or more) areas of knowledge.

Introduce your approach to writing your TOK essay and bring a personal example (of your methodology) in studying chemistry, biology, history, etc. Choose the second AOK. Find one RLE for each AOK (and two for each if you have time and interest). Mention the methodology that the expert used in producing knowledge in that example. Explore and explain how they reached the results based on their chosen methodology. Analyze the pros and cons of using that methodology. (If possible) Anticipate what would have happened if they had chosen a different methodology. Conclude your essay by comparing different methodologies in your examples, and express “to what extent” methodologies affect the knowledge that is produced. In some areas of knowledge, methodologies do not make a big difference in the produced knowledge, and in some AOKs different methodologies result in different (or contrasting) results.

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EXPLAINED: May 2024 TOK Essay Prescribed Titles

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TOK Essay Titles – May 2024 Examination Session

The titles for May 2024 are released! Here they are below:

Make sure to bookmark this page as I explain and provide examples for each of these titles in depth! UPDATE: Title 1, 2, 5 and 6 are now available. Stay tuned for more! For general guidance on how to write a good TOK essay, check out my TOK Essay advice collection .

Is subjectivity overly celebrated in the arts but unfairly condemned in history? Discuss with reference to the arts and history.

How can we reconcile the opposing demands for specialization and generalization in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.

Nothing is more exciting than fresh ideas, so why are areas of knowledge often so slow to adopt them? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.

Do we underestimate the challenges of taking knowledge out of its original context and transferring it to a different context? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Do we need custodians of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Are we too quick to assume that the most recent evidence is inevitably the strongest? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.

This title attempts to challenge students on the main school of thought that you learn over the TOK course. The gist of your TOK teaching on both of these AOKs probably boiled down to something like: everything is art and it’s just whatever the artist wants to create, while history is always biased because the winners always write all of history. However, this eliminates much of the nuance in each of these AOKs that are worth exploring. That’s what makes this prompt interesting.

Is subjectivity overly celebrated in the arts? I will be honest, I never thought we really ‘celebrated’ subjectivity. It just, was. Inherently, art is a subjective exercise – you can think about this point a little further. You will find some heated discussion on whether art is subjective or could it be objective on the internet and I won’t delve into that here, because it isn’t the point of this title. The key here is to focus on the EXTENT of subjectivity and is it to the detriment of the area of knowledge itself. Then, we have to consider, whose subjectivity are we talking about: is it the artist’s subjectivity, or the audience’s subjectivity. For example, the Mona Lisa wasn’t that well known when it was first painted. I’m sure the Da Vinci thought it was quite a nice piece, but it seems like we didn’t really celebrate his subjectivity. It wasn’t until a certain audience found it subjectively good, that we accepted it as one of the greatest pieces of art in the world! That is an example of how subjectivity is relevant in the dissemination of artistic knowledge. For a more modern example, what about your favourite YouTuber? Do they truly make what they want? NO! They are often beholden to sponsors, and you – the audience! What you want to see, is what they will make! So it is YOUR subjectivity that drives their decision to produce art, not necessarily purely their subjectivity. Subjectivity by definition is just a person’s opinions, emotions, thoughts. This connects well with the TOK concept of values. What VALUES and WHOSE values are determining what art is created (in a variety of contexts), how art is perceived, and how art changes in its reception over time? These are all good questions to ponder. For more unconventional examples about art, think about how museums choose what art to display, what constitutes good art for prizes like the Nobel Prize for Literature, or why some art is considered more expensive than others? Are there systematic ways to think about our subjectivity and how we apply it to art? Is it really overly celebrating subjectivity or simply a necessity to make sense of the abundance of artistic knowledge in a sea of information today?

History gets a bad rep in the TOK classroom. Students like to trash on History calling it biased and unreliable. In this prompt, I don’t want you to refute these claims, but just think about how they aren’t necessarily catastrophic as we might think. We aren’t denying that biases in history could be problematic. I would be suspicious too, if the only accounts of the Rohingya Genocide came from the Myanmar military. However, the word condemned in the title suggests that we might be too harsh on historians when they get things wrong. We should focus on how the historical method recovers itself from failures in biases from its sources. Yes, it might be biased, but is it better than no history? Furthermore, does subjectivity actually ADD value to the way we produce, and interpret historical knowledge? While I’m sure a completely objective, news story like report of what happened in 1886 would be a historian’s dream, that isn’t the case! No matter how objective we try to be, we colour the events we experience by our own opinions, feelings and emotions. But isn’t that history in itself? In an almost cliched way, history’s subjectivity tells us more about what happened in the past and their beliefs and values more than words could ever say.

In both the historical and artistic discussions, you should focus more on the methodologies of these AOKs and how they achieve their AOK’s purpose. Subjectivity manifests in different ways in these AOKs and their methodology reflects that. In the overt awareness of subjectivity in the Arts, its method to produce knowledge is characteristically defined by subjectivity. In History, the method is to identify the covert influences of subjectivity, then to produce the most truthful knowledge possible. You can see that the goals of these two are different, and hence they deal with subjectivity differently. Don’t fall in the trap of focusing your discussion too much on your examples, but generalise to the patterns of how subjectivity manifest in your AOKs and whether their treatment of it is problematic.

It is crucial, when writing the essay for this prompt, to clearly define in your introduction what specialisation and generalisation means. DO NOT use the dictionary definitions here – since this is a TOK Essay, you want to make a TOK version of specialisation and generalisation, in terms of how these two things differ in the production of knowledge. Clearly defining the two in this way will form a solid foundation for you to have a nuanced discussion on this process of reconciliation between the two. The prompt hints at the competing demands on knowledge of specialisation and generalisation – i.e. you might not be able to produce knowledge in the same way if you were aiming for specialisation versus generalisation. So, this provides a point of contrast for you to choose examples and frame your discussion. Remember, the idea of competing demands is an ASSUMPTION, not an argument posed by the question. You should focus on how your chosen examples demonstrate a way to balance the interests of both and reach a ‘middle-ground’ rather than arguing that specialisation or generalisation are compatible with each other. TLDR: Don’t challenge the assumption.

For the first AOK of Mathematics, you should have encountered many personal examples just from your study of IB Maths. Most of your learning has been on generalisation, and the application of such generalisations. For instance, you learn about Calculus, a general topic within Mathematics, and then apply it in various contexts. Mathematicians love generalisations – that Calculus you learned? Well, the definition of a derivative generalised for all functions could be summarised by the first principles of derivatives function that HL AA students learn. You would have less interaction with specialisation of Mathematical knowledge. In a broader sense, the specific components of mathematics, cannot be separated from the general. You can’t solve calculus problems without the fundamental theorem of calculus. However, you could argue that the fundamental theorem of calculus didn’t need calculus problems to exist. Thus, an interesting dilemma arises in Mathematics – the generalisation could be produced, without a particular need for specialisation, but specialisation often calls for generalisation to first exist.

Looking at the latest mathematics research, you will find that applied mathematics is most common. Rarely do you see people get excited by new discoveries of solutions to elliptical curves, but more do when you tell them a new mathematical model to improve our prediction of the weather. We may place greater value on specialisation of knowledge, because we could see its usefulness more immediately, but, the Area of Knowledge does not require such specialisation to produce knowledge. So, do we encourage people to produce knowledge with the goal of specialisation in mind, or do we tell them to produce whatever theoretical generalised mathematical knowledge they can? Look to how mathematics is applied to Quantitative Finance, Econometrics, and Actuarial Science. They specialise mathematical knowledge and provide for some of the most lucrative careers. Does that speak to our preference and demand for specialised knowledge? But then again, what of the interdependence between generalisation and specialisation? How do we balance the two and how does the methodologies of the AOK contribute to this balancing act?

For the second, complimentary AOK, you could have discussions with all of the AOKs. For the Sciences, you could present a similar argument about needing to have some general theories before you could specialise. The scientific method is essentially one big generalisation process – you take specific observations and you make inferences so that you can generalise about some natural process. However, the knowledge that produces need not be general, it can still be specific. If we take specialisation as the goal, then we could pose narrow hypotheses to test. If we take generalisation as the goal, then we might need multiple of these narrow hypotheses to form a full picture, testing each individual case. Thus, specialisation could lead to specialisation alone, but more often, generalisation is the result of many specialisations.

One last question you might want to consider and attempt to answer in your essay is, do you want to know something about everything or everything about something? The answer to that will depend on your AOK. While we want to know about everything on everything, that is simply not reality. So, what trade offs do we make in each AOK, and how does each AOK decide on what we need to know more on?

You might be able to appreciate how long it takes ideas to actually be implemented in reality by looking at the recent Nobel Prize winners for Economic Sciences. The winner of the 2017 prize was Richard H. Thaler, for his contributions to behavioural economics. He explored the impacts of limited rationality, social preferences and the lack of individual self-control on economic decision making on an individual and market level. He started these findings from the 1980s, but it is only recently, in the 2022 revision of the IB syllabus that Economics students learn about the field of Behavioural economics in any detail! So why is it so?

To some extent, it is hard to criticise things for moving slowly. After all, new discoveries like behavioural economics represents a fundamental paradigm shift towards the way research is conducted in the particular AOK. Often times, fresh ideas are left to “ferment” so that their truthfulness can be tested with time. Nothing is more embarrassing than going down a rabbit hole only to find that your assumptions turned out to be monumentally incorrect. Even if we are making a big shift in light of new ideas towards the way we produce knowledge, doing so takes time! For many years and still now, we rely on strong assumptions of rationality to make economic models function. While the psychology of such behaviours are well researched, applying them to an Economic setting may not be. That is to say, it is important to consider how these new ideas arise, and what effect it has on existing knowledge, and the way we produce future knowledge. New ideas is simply new knowledge, but with the added implication that it has some effect on the existing knowledge within an AOK. It could potentially change how we view current knowledge, or how we conduct research given a particular discovery.

In the AOK of the human sciences, which broadly follows the scientific method, you could drawn some inspiration from the philosopher Thomas Kuhn’s view of scientific progress. He argues that within a period of “normal science” where we make incremental progress under the assumption of an overarching model, but there comes a point where we notice accumulation of imperfections with such a model that leads to new paradigms – new ideas, that fundamentally change how we do science. Then we undergo a sort of scientific revolution, where there are debates and decisions made over what sort of model we need to follow, until everyone eventually accepts the new paradigm and returns to a normal science period so that continual small improvements are made to knowledge, until another paradigm shift happens again. While you are not expected to demonstrate such strong philosophy knowledge within the TOK Essay, it is helpful to consider how each AOK handles such ‘revolutions’. For instance, it is harder to irrefutably find falsities in human sciences given the difficulty in replicability and corroborative studies compared to natural sciences.

As for complimentary AOKs, any would suit here, as each AOK has a very different way to handle new ideas. Many factors influence the way new ideas is accepted. For this title, we need to take the assumption that their acceptance is slow, not argue with it. Instead, you should consider what factors influence this slowness, and how different AOKs have different factors in mind when deciding how to accept new ideas. This relates to the nature of the AOK (what is its purpose) and the methodology guiding knowledge production in them.

Have you ever said something that sounds very weird out of context? That might have just been something silly with no real consequences, but in the realm of knowledge, we need to be careful about the consequences of knowledge taken out of their original context. This article highlights how the context of medical treatment matters a lot! As you can imagine, something that works in one field, doesn’t always apply in a straightforward manner to another. This is why there are whole research teams dedicated to what we call “translational research”. That is, trying to “translate” what you get from something like a lab setting, into actual products, like life-saving medications.

The obvious links to AOKs here are the Natural and Human Sciences. For Natural Sciences, we often start off knowledge production in a lab setting, or in a controlled environment. However, the application of such knowledge is rarely as controlled! So an interesting point to consider is how natural scientists have to account for the fact that their findings won’t ever be used in as perfect a setting as their research. Sure, you might have developed bullet proof wood , but how is that going to work in practically when it comes to mass manufacturing it for the army or the police? This is one of the biggest challenges that natural scientists face. It’s not that we aren’t trying to produce exciting knowledge, but that the application of such knowledge in a practical and appreciable context is often very difficult. Something like the mRNA technology (which recently was awarded a Nobel) took a long time to be developed into actual vaccines. The question then is, do we underestimate this process? Often it depends on the goal of the scientist. If the knowledge producer set out with an idea to commercialise in mind, then they would often consider the practical implications of findings. However, people studying theoretical physics for example, would struggle to immediately find very accessible real life implications. That doesn’t mean the knowledge is worthless, but certainly, the challenges are there.

What about non-scientific disciplines? Recently, I went to an art exhibition that trend Van Gough’s paintings into a 3D digital display. There was a Banksy exhibition that took the original murals he painted on the street, into this museum environment. Does changing the context of how art work is shown, and the manipulation of artistic knowledge change its meaning? What is the goal of transforming art into a different context? There are many reasons. Sometimes, it is to create satire (have a look at the parodies of the Mona Lisa), bringing old art onto a new audience (like VR exhibitions of Da Vinci), or simply making it more accessible to people (by making art works digitally available). The producers of these adapted forms of knowledge take great care in considering how this impacts the meaning of the art in its changed form. When artwork is so subjective, the context of art is often required to understand the artist’s meaning and intention, to ‘interpret’ works accordingly. At the same time, as we know art is quite subjective, is a ‘correct interpretation’ always required? If we are to remain artistic purists, then many of the joys of art could be lost! Imagine if you were admonished for listening to Taylor Swift through Spotify on your AirPods because it isn’t the original uncompressed music file with all the details, and you aren’t listening to it on the exact set of thousand dollar speakers it was created with? It would be ludicrous to assume that artistic knowledge is always going to be disseminated in the same context. Thus, this must be a consideration of artists. Is this consideration more or less difficult for different types of art? How is this consideration different to science considering there is no ‘right’ answer to interpreting art?

When thinking about this title, we aren’t arguing whether it is difficult. I think we all agree it is. However, it is about whether we underestimate just how difficult it is! Center your focus on how each AOK’s methodology highlights the consideration of being able to change contexts, and whether that affects the interpretation of the knowledge in question.

The term ‘custodians of knowledge’ is not something TOK students have likely heard of before, but this concept is relatively simple to understand. If you think positively about it, it could be protectors of knowledge, people who preserve knowledge, keeping it for generations to come – for example, some people might consider the Indigenous Peoples’ in Australia to be custodians of their unique cultural knowledge and what they call dreamtime stories. In this way, they keep culture alive, even if most people nowadays speak English and don’t readily tell their history. However, thought about negatively, it could also mean “gatekeepers’ (pardon the Gen Z language) of knowledge. The idealogical “protection” of knowledge could also be seen as a way to prevent some forms of knowledge from becoming knowledge in the first place. Talk to any university academic, and they will tell you how many times their research papers have been rejected. That’s why there is a bias towards statistically significant results, while research that showed that nothing significant has happened doesn’t often get published. Thus, these two contrasts provide for interesting discussion, particularly when considering how each AOK has different forms of custodians of knowledge and how they “gatekeep” or “protect” knowledge in different ways.

Take the AOK of the arts as an example. The career of artists are laughed upon because it is so hard to “break in” to the fine world of art. Many artists aren’t acclaimed until they are long dead. Perhaps most famously, the Mona Lisa wasn’t very well known until several hundred years after it was made. Thus, artists are often at the mercy of custodians of artistic knowledge like art curators and critics, who decide what merits acknowledgement as knowledge. After all, knowledge is only knowledge when there is consensus it is. And if the big wigs in the art industry doesn’t think it’s worth a mention, your art, however brilliant it seems to you, would not reach the consensus required to be considered knowledge. Of course, there are debates on the necessity of custodians in such a subjective AOK. After all, there were many times I questioned how some “artworks” even made it into the modern art museum when it’s literally splashes of paint on a canvas. I digress. However, there is something to be said about maintaining some form of standard to art. We judge whether some art is good or bad, but not in a very rigorous way. Custodians of knowledge supposedly have a framework to make such judgement in a way which preserves the nature of the AOK, and the knowledge within it. Therefore, discussion about the necessity of the custodians should focus on how they contribute to the purpose of the AOK, and whether it is compatible with the nature and methodologies of the AOK.

To further illustrate what I mean, you could see that Natural Sciences might present a stronger argument to the necessity of such custodians. We implicitly “trust” science, for better or for worse, because we know that there is a level of credibility imbued by the scientific method. It is the custodians’ role to maintain the standard of adherence to the scientific method that keeps this credibility alive. This is why, when flat earthers argue that they can’t see the curvature of the earth from the horizon, that it doesn’t get published in a scientific journal as fact! This is why, when research emerges that denies the existence of climate change, custodians have a responsibility to retract such research . However, at the same time, it also places much pressure on producers of such knowledge to create something worthy in the eyes of custodians. You might have heard of the data manipulation scandal that forced Stanford’s president to resign. Thus, custodians do appear quite important in this AOK, when we value the truthfulness of knowledge so much, but that isn’t without its consequences.

I recommend picking two contrasting AOKs that value much different things when writing the essay. While comparison is not a requirement for the essay, it gives you a more nuanced understanding of the question and thus a more reflective piece. For instance, we have just demonstrated that art is relatively subjective, while the sciences are less so. Thus, this influences the role which custodians need to play in each AOK.

The framework to answering this title for many students will follow a similar structure: an example of when novel evidence was accepted and had groundbreaking impacts, and another example where such evidence was problematic and disputed. Repeat this for the second AOK you choose and you’ll have 4 contrasting examples. This is not the only way to approach this title, but is my personal preference considering the structure I suggest to most students that ensures firstly, you will pass the basic criteria of a TOK Essay, and secondly, you will have a strong foundation to succeed. However, since everyone will have a similar style and collection of examples, it is even more important for this title, that you tease out the meaning and the effect on each area of knowledge, and knowledge in general, that your examples represent.

To demonstrate what I mean, let’s focus on two natural sciences examples. First, consider the case of “Cold Fusion”, a theory that you could supposedly have nuclear fusion at room temperature, discovered and subsequently debunked in 1989. A contrasting example, could be recent Nobel Prize winner of Medicine and Physiology, for the research on mRNA vaccines. Immediately, it is obvious that one shows where recent evidence isn’t the strongest, while the latter shows that it could be. But the focus should be on are we TOO QUICK in assuming so, not whether we should or not. Well, what are the reactions and timelines for each example? While Cold Fusion was met with excitement from the general public for the potential it holds for energy production, I wouldn’t say we ‘assumed’ it to be strong. Looking at the news reports from that time, you can see that there was great anticipation about the discovery, leading to lots of sudden funding and interest to investigate it and replicate it. As for mRNA, that discovery took a long time! First the technology, and the getting it to not appear foreign to the human body was very tricky. Even after it was discovered, we waited quite a while, with many people’s first experience with mRNA to be their COVID 19 vaccine. What you need to draw from these two examples is the methodological similarities and differences which reflect the NATURE of Science, and thus, the purpose of science. You see in both how there is an emphasis on replication which corroborates or falsifies, and only after doing so for a long time do we accept it to be true, otherwise it is debunked. So yes, there are moments where Natural Sciences provides strong compelling evidence that ends up false, there are many hurdles with in the methodology of the Natural Science that prevents us from being TOO QUICK to assume it to be true.

For this prompt, it is too easy to fall into the debate of why something was true or why something was false and tricked the population. This is not the point of the essay. You should avoid talking about the specifics of your examples at length. You need to demonstrate how your examples reflect the wider methodologies of the Natural Sciences (and similarly, for your second AOK) that either encourages or discourages our assumptions that novel evidence is always best. As you can see from my examples above, I focused on how such assumption does not happen too quickly because there are many ways we verify scientific knowledge to be true. I don’t discuss the specifics of the actual science behind Cold Fusion or mRNA as that isn’t required. You are better off focusing on the methodologies behind the AOKs themselves and answering the question.

Some interesting complements to the Natural Science AOK could be History (particularly focusing on revisionism and how historical events could be interpreted differently over time), Mathematics (how could the methodologies differ and are there ‘mistakes’ in Maths), or even Human Sciences (replication is a bit more difficult with that!).

Theory of knowledge

Theory of knowledge (TOK) is assessed through an exhibition and a 1,600 word essay.

It asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know.

TOK is part of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, and is mandatory for all students.

Learn more about theory of knowledge . You can also find examples of TOK essay titles and read about how the IB sets deadlines for TOK .

You may also be interested in the other components of the DP core: creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay .

Learn more about TOK in a DP workshop for teachers .

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THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE 2023

A comprehensive guide.

THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE

Tok curriculum.

Discover the TOK curriculum and its components, including knowledge questions, areas of knowledge, and ways of knowing.

TOK Essay Tips

Learn essential tips and techniques for writing an impressive TOK essay that effectively addresses knowledge issues and receives high marks.

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Get guidance on how to deliver an engaging TOK presentation that effectively communicates.

TOK Resources

Resources to explore TOK concepts and expand your knowledge: books, articles, and websites.

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TOK ESSAY TITLES 2024

Tok essay title 1 may 2024.

Is subjectivity overly celebrated in the arts but unfairly condemned in history? Discuss with reference to the arts and history.

TOK ESSAY TITLE 2 MAY 2024

How can we reconcile the opposing demands for specialization and generalization in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.

TOK ESSAY TITLE 3 MAY 2024

Nothing is more exciting than fresh ideas, so why are areas of knowledge often so slow to adopt them? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.

TOK ESSAY TITLE 4 MAY 2024

Do we underestimate the challenges of taking knowledge out of its original context and transferring it to a different context? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

TOK ESSAY TITLE 5 MAY 2024

Do we need custodians of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

TOK ESSAY TITLE 6 MAY 2024

Are we too quick to assume that the most recent evidence is inevitably the strongest? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.

Choose from three different TOK course structures

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Our resources aim to assist students in exploring and comprehending the most significant current events while understanding how TOK concepts manifest in the real world. Our exclusive monthly TOK newsletter, Investigating Issues, along with the 12 Key Concepts, will aid you and your entire DP faculty in developing critical thinking skills and connecting learning to news issues, debates, and controversies. Subscribe to our complimentary newsletter here to stay updated.

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Our assessment packs, available in both English and Spanish, are specifically designed for student use. They provide a clear understanding of the assessment criteria for the TOK essay and exhibition, assisting students in creating exceptional final assessment products. With the TOK assessment lessons, teachers can effectively target and enhance the necessary skills, enabling students to approach the assessment tasks with confidence and achieve success.

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What distinguishes us from other sites and textbooks for TOK is our commitment to catering to ALL faculty members. Our resources are designed with this in mind. The Integration Tool facilitates seamless connections between subjects and TOK concepts, while incorporating real-world events. Mini-lessons offer concise and ready-to-use classroom materials, and Knowledge Heroes empower teachers to draw inspiration from influential figures across various academic disciplines.

Prepare your pre-DP students for TOK

Thinking for Yourself

Middle Year Newsletter

We provide two pre-DP courses, namely “Thinking for Yourself” and “Worldviews,” which aim to foster critical thinking, stimulate debates, and introduce students to the concepts they will encounter in TOK. Additionally, our middle years newsletter assists students in going beyond surface-level understanding by encouraging them to delve deeper into the latest events and real-world issues.

Get trained-up for TOK

Our training programs in TOK and critical thinking are tailored to meet the needs of both specialized teachers and regular faculty members. We have collaborated with schools worldwide, assisting them in incorporating engaging, relevant, and effective TOK and critical thinking practices throughout their curriculum. Additionally, we provide free and premium webinars on TOK, along with a comprehensive collection of videos available on our YouTube channel for you to explore.

Explore the course

The Core Theme

Optional Theme

Areas of Knowledge

Explore our extensive range of free course materials covering every aspect of the TOK course. Delve into the core theme, “knowledge & the knower,” as well as the optional themes like indigenous societies, language, politics, religion, and technology. Additionally, explore the various areas of knowledge such as the arts, history, human sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences. As a faculty member of our site, you’ll have exclusive access to our exploration point documents, providing in-depth insights into each component of TOK.

Download free samples

Classroom Ready TOK Lessons

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Gain access to a wide array of free sample materials that showcase our approach and the type of resources available to site members for delivering the TOK course. Explore our comprehensive selection of classroom-ready lessons, organized into three distinct courses. Take a look at our TOK-world resources, designed to empower students to take ownership of their TOK journey. Additionally, discover how our real-world resources establish meaningful connections between learning and current events and issues. Download these samples to get a firsthand experience of our offerings.

Testimonials

Rahul kapoor.

Studying TOK has been an enlightening journey. It has challenged my perspectives, sharpened my critical thinking skills, and expanded my understanding of knowledge. I highly recommend this course to all IB students.

United States

Emily johnson.

TOK has been an incredibly thought-provoking course for me. It has pushed me to question everything and explore different ways of knowing. This course has truly transformed the way I approach learning and understanding the world.

María Santos

Studying TOK has opened my mind to the diverse ways in which knowledge is constructed and evaluated. It has challenged my preconceived notions and deepened my appreciation for the complexity of knowledge.

Ishita Sharma

TOK has made me realise the power of questioning and the importance of having an open mind. It has encouraged me to explore different viewpoints and engage in meaningful discussions.

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Learn more from, frequently asked questions.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is an interdisciplinary course offered as part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. It delves into the nature of knowledge, how it is acquired, and the ways in which it is justified. TOK fosters critical thinking, reflection, and exploration of different ways of knowing and areas of knowledge.

TOK offers invaluable skills for intellectual and personal growth. It enhances critical thinking, nurtures an appreciation for diverse perspectives, and encourages curiosity. By engaging with TOK, students develop abilities that are highly beneficial for higher education, such as analyzing arguments, evaluating evidence, and constructing well-reasoned viewpoints.

TOK is assessed through an externally moderated essay and an oral presentation. The TOK essay requires students to critically analyze a prescribed title or develop a self-chosen title related to TOK. The oral presentation provides an opportunity for students to explore a real-life situation from a TOK perspective and engage in a thoughtful discussion.

TOK equips students with critical thinking skills that can be applied to everyday life. It enables individuals to navigate complex issues, evaluate sources of information, and make informed decisions. The skills and perspectives cultivated in TOK are highly transferable, benefiting students in university studies, career paths, and active engagement with the world.

Absolutely! TOK emphasizes the importance of effective communication in conveying ideas and arguments. It encourages students to express themselves clearly, develop coherent arguments, and support them with evidence. Through the oral presentation component and essay writing, TOK hones students’ communication skills, enabling them to articulate their thoughts with precision and clarity.

May 2023 TOK Essay Prompts + SAMPLES and Suggestions

Table of contents

Writing Metier

Every year, students anxiously wait for the IB to announce the TOK essay topics. So this year is not an exception; IBO has also announced 2023 May titles for IB TOK essay. The TOK essay can be quite a challenging one to write for most students. Therefore it’s extremely important to select a TOK essay topic that suits you better.

UPD! November 2023 TOK essay prompts released!

Most students struggle with the idea of writing a TOK essay since it can indeed be very tough owing to its different structure. Most students plan for days on end so that they can see just the proper structure in mind, with suitable examples so that they can give their best to what they are doing.

Btw… ⏩ We can write a ToK essay for you ⏪

To be able to score well, you need to plan accordingly. The idea is to make sure to do a great job and that can only happen when you know what exactly is expected of you and how you get through that. To better understand the TOK essay and have ample considerations, here is the list of TOK essay titles for May 2023 explained by professional IB writers.

You can get a few ideas from here about how you’re supposed to work on these. With these ideas, you are sure to do a sound job with your TOK essay . Furthermore, you will find links for 2 different May 2023 TOK essay samples that were written by our IB experts. Feel free to use them for inspiration.

TOK essay titles and questions for May 2023

Below you will find an updated list of TOK essay prompts for the May 2023. We have also added some suggestions from our expert TOK essay writers for your ease. Enjoy reading 😉

Is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

In this essay, it is important to focus on the world’s replicability. Next, the distinction between necessary and sufficient requirements need to be made. After that, the focus should be on how objectivity is related to replicability. You can give examples of several experiments that have been done and whether or not they have been replicated.

In line with your thought process, you can further work towards explaining that in further detail and making your point much clearer this way. Based on the examples you give, you can also talk about the different ways of knowing, which can help you explain this in a much better way, in line with the requirements of IB.

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.

With this title, you can see that there are two areas of knowledge already given. This means that you don’t have a free hand to choose topics yourself. You essentially have to differentiate between what can be explained and what cannot. Some things are easier to explain, whereas others aren’t. Using examples from art and natural sciences, you can offer your explanation here.

The examples you choose need to be as such that it makes it much easier for you to make that distinction. Once you do that, select your ways of knowing as well so that you can comply with the IB requirements .

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.

In this essay, the main focus is on bubbles. The idea is to explore what bubbles mean in this context. We can see that “bubbles” here refers to knowledge that is subjective in all ways. The idea is to explore whether or not knowledge can be subjective in all ways or whether it can be objective as well. This is important to understand in all contexts first. Subjective and objective knowledge can be explored using different areas of knowledge.

However, the areas of knowledge should be selected based on the fact that it should be very easy to make that switch and understand how these two differ in context. Additionally, you can also shed light on what is required to share another person’s perspective on the situation. It is only once you know you can make that distinction as clear as ever.

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.

In this essay, the main focus has to be on this quote given. The idea is to see how knowledge can give us power. We have always heard how knowledge can make us powerful. Here, the idea is to see how that can happen using several different examples.

One area of knowledge is already given. The other area of knowledge is up to your choice. So based on that, you need to choose examples that will help you understand this better. You can talk about how these two areas of knowledge have allowed us to make the most of our lives, which is how we have become so powerful.

Below you will find a May 2023 TOK essay sample completed by our IB experts at WritingMetier.com

TOK essay example - APA - Do you agree that it is “astonishing that so little knowledge can give us so much power” (Bertrand Russell)

Are visual representations always helpful in the communication of knowledge? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics.

Here, the main focus needs to be on visual representation and how they represent the truth in most situations. The idea is to see what these visual representations are and how they allow for the communication of knowledge to happen in the best way possible. You also have to make the distinction between practical and theoretical knowledge here.

As you can see, two areas of knowledge are already given here: human sciences and mathematics. So you have to make use of these only and use relevant examples to explain this.

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.

The main keyword here that you need to focus on is methodologies. You have to speak about what methodologies are and how they allow you to understand things in the best possible way. You need to use history as one area of knowledge, and you can choose the other area of knowledge yourself.

The idea is to help you understand this in the best way possible so that you can make a clear point about how the methodologies employed helped you get to this conclusion.

And again, sharing an example of an APA format IB TOK essay on title #6 that can be used as a guide. Yes, it’s also written by one of our expert IB TOK writers, and if you want, you can get assistance from these writers no matter the urgency of your task.

TOK essay SAMPLE - To what extent is the knowledge we produce determined by the methodologies we use?

If you might have missed some of the previous TOK essay titles with samples or topics for previous years, below I’m sharing the links.

The year 2022:

November 2022 TOK essay prompts
May 2022 ToK essay titles

Previous years’ prompts:

November 2021 ToK Essay titles
May 2021 Theory of Knowledge essay prompts

Choose IB TOK essay topic wisely, my friend 😉

With these suggestions and explanations for each May 2023 TOK essay topic, you can write a good TOK essay! If you are facing tough deadlines and want someone to lend you a hand – WritingMetier.com is here to help.

You can always buy a custom TOK essay that will be written under your instructions and following one of the May 2023 prompts. Not forgetting about the latest changes in the IB criteria.

We can guarantee this because we have been in the IB writing services business for 4+ years now and have already completed hundreds of different IB papers. Order your essay now and get a 5% discount.

Free topic suggestions

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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.

IB ToK Essay Prompts for November 2022

Every year, students who started IBDP are waiting for IB to share the list of specific prescribed titles for Theory of Knowledge essays. Like in all the previous years, IB opened a list of six topics for TOK essays for the next semester.

ToK Essay Titles November 2021 | Explained + SAMPLES

In this article, we will be talking about the six Theory of knowledge essay topics students enrolled in the IB diploma need to be aware of. Just like every year, this TOK November’s topics vary in different elements, and in this article, we will share descriptions about each topic which the students need to keep in their minds when selecting the essay topic for their diplomas.

30 Different TOK Presentation Topic Ideas to Succeed in IB

Given that the TOK essay's structure and the presentation are unlike others, students can find it challenging to proceed with it. You can only do well on the TOK presentation if you have an excellent idea.

AOK and WOK in TOK Essays | Detailed Guide

Areas of knowledge and ways of knowing are two essential concepts that you need first to understand before you begin working on these. To find out more about areas of knowledge and ways of knowing, continue reading!

How to Write a Good TOK Essay | Steps & Tips

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. 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.

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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.📝💡

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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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.

All TOK Essay Examples

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”, 如果我们是在排除某些信息和声音的“信息同温层”里获取知识，这有关系吗请参考两个知识领域展开你的应答。, 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., êtes-vous d'accord qu'il est "étonnant que si peu de connaissance puissent nous donner autant de pouvoir" (bertrand russell) - discutez cette question en faisant référence aux sciences naturelles et à un autre domaine de la connaissance, est-il important que notre acquisition des connaissances se fasse dans des « bulles » où certaines informations et certaines voix sont exclues discutez cette question en faisant référence à 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..

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ToK Essay Prompts Demystified: Interpreting and Tackling 2023's Questions

Navigating the complex web of ToK essay prompts can feel like trying to decipher an ancient manuscript – it's challenging, yet deeply rewarding. Every year, the IB presents students with fresh, thought-provoking questions that aren’t just about showcasing your knowledge but also your ability to reason, reflect, and engage in intellectual play.

Now, 2023's prompts have landed, and you might be wondering: "How do I even begin to approach these?" Relax. It's normal to feel overwhelmed. However, understanding your prompt is the first (and perhaps most crucial) step towards crafting an essay that stands out. A well-interpreted prompt can be the foundation of a stellar essay, and that's what we're diving into today.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer vision of what these questions are really asking and how you can tackle them with confidence and creativity. Ready? Let’s demystify these prompts together!

The ABCs of ToK Essay Prompts

Understanding ToK essay prompts isn't just about reading the words. It's about delving deep into their meaning, intent, and the broader context they inhabit. Think of each prompt as a puzzle. At first glance, it might seem daunting, but each piece holds a clue to the bigger picture.

Why These Questions? The Intent Behind the Prompt

Every ToK essay prompt is meticulously crafted. The questions are designed to push you to reflect, reason, and develop an individual perspective on knowledge and how it interacts with the world. Remember, it's not just about answering the question but also about showcasing how you think and perceive the world of knowledge.

The Layers of a Prompt: Surface and Depth

On the surface, a ToK essay question may seem straightforward. But scratch a little deeper, and you'll uncover layers of meaning. Each prompt comes with its set of nuances, undertones, and subtleties. It's your job to unearth these layers, interpret them, and mold your essay around your unique understanding.

Flexing Your Interpretative Muscles

Interpreting a ToK prompt isn't much different from analyzing a poem or a piece of art. There's no singular 'correct' way to approach it. Multiple interpretations can coexist, and your perspective is just as valid as any other, provided it's well-reasoned and backed by thoughtful reflection. Remember, the IB isn't looking for a 'right answer' but rather, they want to witness the journey of your thought process.

2023's ToK Essay Prompts: A Closer Look

Alright, champions of knowledge! The much-awaited 2023 ToK essay questions are here. Let's unpack these thought-provoking challenges that await your intellectual prowess:

The Role of Replicability : Is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge? Dive into the depths of this question, referencing two areas of knowledge and unveiling the significance of reproducibility in our understanding of the world.

Artists vs. Natural Scientists : For artists and natural scientists, which is more crucial: what can be explained or what cannot be? Delve into the contrasting yet intertwined worlds of arts and the natural sciences. How do explanation and mystery influence these fields?

Knowledge in Bubbles : Does it matter if our acquisition of knowledge happens in "bubbles" where some information and voices are excluded? Explore the implications and consequences of receiving knowledge in isolated silos. What do we gain, and what might we be missing out on?

The Paradox of Power : Do you agree with Bertrand Russell's assertion that it is "astonishing that so little knowledge can give us so much power"? Dive into the dynamic realm of the natural sciences and another area of knowledge to reflect upon the immense power that even a sliver of understanding can bestow upon us.

The Visual Aid Dilemma : Are visual representations always helpful in the communication of knowledge? Challenge or defend the use of visuals in the expansive territories of the human sciences and mathematics. How do visuals shape, aid, or potentially hinder our understanding?

Methodologies and Outcomes : To what extent is the knowledge we produce determined by the methodologies we use? Take a journey through history and another area of knowledge to discern the profound influence of methodologies on our comprehension of the past and the world around us.

Phew! Talk about a brainstorming marathon! Remember, while these prompts may initially seem dense, each one is a golden opportunity to showcase your unique perspective on knowledge. The journey might be challenging, but the rewards – oh, they're worth every ounce of effort.

Delving Deeper into Select Prompts

While all of the 2023 ToK essay prompts are a treasure trove of intellectual exploration, let's zoom in and dissect a few of them a bit more, shall we? This deep dive will provide a clearer understanding, perhaps sparking that ‘aha’ moment for your own essay.

The Role of Replicability in Knowledge Production

Overview : This topic challenges us to reflect on the importance of replicability in research and knowledge generation. But why is it significant? Think of scientific experiments. If a result can be consistently replicated, it bolsters its credibility.

Possible Angle : Contrast the natural sciences, where replicability is often a cornerstone, with another area of knowledge where it might not hold as much weight. For instance, in the arts, is a replicated piece as valuable as an original?

Knowledge in Bubbles - A Double-Edged Sword?

Overview : The modern age, with its vast array of information platforms, often sees us in echo chambers, where we hear opinions and facts that align with our own views. But what's the consequence of such selective knowledge acquisition?

Possible Angle : Evaluate the pros and cons. For instance, while these bubbles can strengthen community ties and provide tailored knowledge, are they also breeding grounds for misinformation or limiting broader understanding?

The Paradox of Power in Knowledge

Overview : Bertrand Russell's assertion highlights a profound observation – sometimes, even a little knowledge can yield immense power. But is this always a good thing?

Possible Angle : Reflect on historical instances where limited knowledge led to significant consequences, both positive and negative. Additionally, ponder on the ethical implications when wielding such power.

Remember, these prompts are meant to stimulate your thinking, not restrict it. Let your creativity flow. Dive deep, challenge assumptions, and most importantly, enjoy the intellectual journey. If at any point you find yourself hitting a roadblock, revisit our previous guide on mastering the ToK essay for some inspiration and direction.

General Strategies for Approaching ToK Essay Prompts

Alright, young scholars, having taken a closer look at a few of the prompts, it’s time to arm you with some universal strategies to tackle any ToK essay topic. Whether you’re addressing the role of replicability or diving into knowledge bubbles, these strategies are your trusted companions:

Begin with an Open Mind : Before taking a stance, allow yourself to explore both sides of the argument. This not only provides depth to your essay but showcases your ability to evaluate diverse perspectives.

Connect to Real-Life Situations : Anecdotes and real-world examples make your essay relatable and tangible. They serve as evidence of your claims and breathe life into abstract ideas.

Interlink Areas of Knowledge (AoK) : While the prompt may specify certain AoKs, don’t be afraid to draw connections to others if relevant. This showcases your holistic understanding and makes for an enriched argument.

Mind the WoKs (Ways of Knowing) : Whether it’s perception, emotion, reason, or language, remember that WoKs can offer unique angles and insights into your essay topic. Weave them in where appropriate.

Engage with Counterclaims : A well-rounded essay isn't just about asserting your perspective but recognizing and addressing counterarguments. This not only strengthens your position but exhibits critical thinking.

Stay Structured : While the ToK essay encourages deep thinking, remember that clarity is crucial. Use a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Organize your thoughts systematically to guide the reader seamlessly through your arguments.

Personalize Your Insights : Remember, the ToK essay is a reflection of your intellectual journey. While you'll rely on experts and sources, don’t forget to interject with your personal insights, experiences, and reflections.

Revisit and Revise : First drafts are called 'first' for a reason. Once you've penned down your initial thoughts, take a break, return with fresh eyes, and refine your essay. This iterative process can be a game-changer in elevating the quality of your piece.

Now, with these strategies in hand, you're better equipped to face the ToK essay head-on. Remember, it's as much about the journey of exploration as it is about the final piece. Enjoy the process, relish the challenges, and if ever in doubt, our earlier guide is just a click away for some quick wisdom.

Final Tips for Tackling the ToK Essay Head-On

Alright, we've traversed the vast landscape of ToK essay prompts, delved deep into some of them, discussed strategies, and even looked into multimedia resources. But before you embark on your essay-writing journey, here are a few last-minute nuggets of wisdom to carry with you:

Stay Original : While it's great to gather insights and understand the general perspective on topics, always ensure your voice shines through. Adjudicators value originality and authenticity.

Seek Feedback : It's always a good idea to have someone else, be it a peer, teacher, or mentor, take a look at your essay. They might offer a perspective or insight that you hadn't considered.

Stay Within the Word Limit : It might seem challenging, but condensing your thoughts and being concise is key. Straying far from the word limit might make your essay seem unfocused.

Relax and Trust Yourself: Believe in your capabilities. Remember, this essay is as much about the journey of exploration as it is about the end product.

The Theory of Knowledge essay can indeed seem like a mammoth task. With multiple layers of interpretation and areas of knowledge to consider, the process can be daunting. But with the right strategies, resources, and mindset, it's a challenge you can certainly overcome.

And hey, if ever the waters seem too rough, remember you're not alone. Whether you need to go back to the basics with writing ToK essay or require hands-on assistance, there's always help at hand with IB writing service .

Last edit at Aug 15 2023

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With over a decade in the educational realm, Henrik has guided countless IB students towards academic excellence. Combining a deep understanding of the IB curriculum with practical strategies, Henrik is committed to making challenging subjects approachable and essays memorable.

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May 2023 TOK essay prescribed title #2 – key terms

Published by author on september 23, 2022 september 23, 2022.

Once you get the set of prescribed titles for your cohort, the first step is going through each one and analyzing the key terms.

2. 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.

“ Artists and natural scientist ” – Note that the AOKs mentions “artists and natural scientists” and not “the arts and the natural sciences.” This is a small but important distinction. Make sure your essay specifically discusses people – i.e. actual artists and scientists.

“ which is more important ” – Make sure that your essay clearly answers this question. Your investigation of different AOKs and different specific examples throughout your answer may lead to multiple answers to the question which is perfectly fine. Your essay does not have to have one definitive answer to this question – in fact an essay that has one definitive answer to this question is likely flawed.

“ what can be explained ” – Consider the ways knowledge is explained in different AOKs. In the study of history, for example, arguments must be supported by evidence similar to other AOKs. However, history does not have formulas or experiments like in mathematics or the sciences that can be re-tested by others. Also, point of view plays a much larger role in determining what can be explained in some AOKs than others.

“ what cannot be explained ” – There are things that at a certain point of time cannot be explained and this uncertainty drives research. From another point of view, things cannot be explained fully in the arts such as a personal interpretation of a piece of literature or a sculptor’s intentions. These things that cannot be (fully) explained often drive discussion and analysis in the arts and lead to the development of artistic knowledge.

May 2023 TOK essay #2 should only discuss the AOK(s) mentioned in the prescribed title.

May 2023 tok essay prescribed title #3 specific example – indigenous people of northern japan.

Article: “Japan’s forgotten indigenous people” http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20200519-japans-forgotten-indigenous-people In the Japanese school curriculum (set by the central government in Tokyo) there is very little time and space spent on the Ainu, an indigenous group that has almost Read more…

May 2023 TOK essay prescribed title #1 specific example – Japanese myth on the birth of Japan.

The extract below is a translated Japanese creation myth in an ancient text named Kojiki. The original text is written in an type of writing that the vast majority of modern Japanese people cannot read. Read more…

May 2023 TOK essay prescribed title #4 specific example – photo of an execution during the Vietnam War.

Eddie Adams’ iconic Vietnam War photo: What happened next https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-42864421 Consider the different aspects where is there “a little knowledge” regarding the photo and the actual incident. Then look into the larger question that is Read more…

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TOK Essay Title #4 (May 2023)
Wigner's Math Miracles. Alhambra & Symmetry. This prompt takes a lot of thinking. While you might interpret the relationship between knowledge and power as a bad thing, it's also a good thing -- think about how much we are able to do in space, despite not knowing that much about it. This is a dark horse for my favorite Theory of Knowledge Essay ...
The May 2023 TOK Essay Titles
Here you'll find the Theory of Knowledge Essay prescribed titles for the May 2023 session.. The video analysis of these titles is also available already in the member's area.--which you can watch using a free trial!(Just click the "subscribe" tab at the top of this page.Once you're signed up and signed in, the video link will work for you).
Tok Essay Title 4
Title 4 of the May 2023 TOK essay prompt adds a humorous touch, reminding us of the adage that "a little knowledge can be dangerous.". The question posed is whether one is surprised by the observation that having a small amount of knowledge can often lead to a sense of power or authority over that knowledge. It is quite common to encounter ...
May 2023 TOK essay prescribed title #4
The May 2021 prescribed titles, for example, included this note: "It is appropriate to analyse [quotations in prescribed titles] but it is unnecessary, even unwise, to spend time on researching a context for them.". May 2023 TOK essay #4 should only discuss the AOK (s) mentioned in the prescribed title. Once you get the set of prescribed ...
May 2023 TOK essay prescribed titles
May 2023 TOK essay prescribed titles. The prescribed titles for the May 2023 TOK essay have been released. Check with your TOK coordinator / teacher for the official document. Resources for the May 2023 TOK essay prescribed titles will be published shortly. Is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge?
IB ToK Essay Titles and Topics: May 2023
These thoughts, and others, will be developed here shortly: come back soon! If you'd like to discuss topic 3 of the May 2023 ToK essay titles, then I'd be delighted to receive your email; I'll send you details of my services and fees: Title 4: Do you agree that it is "astonishing that so little knowledge can give us so much power" (Bertrand ...
TOK ESSAY May 2023 Title Breakdown & Tips! [WITH FREE ...
Here are the tips, ideas, and pieced of evidence for the May 2023 Theory of Knowledge Essay! Boost your International Baccalaureate score by getting an A on ...
PDF Theory of knowledge prescribed titles
May 2023 examination session Theory of knowledge prescribed titles Instructions to candidates • Your theory of knowledge essay must be written on one of the six essay titles (questions) provided overleaf. These essay titles take the form of knowledge questions that are focused on the areas of knowledge.
TOK Essay Titles May 2023
Title 4 of the May 2023 TOK essay prompts introduces a humorous aspect, reminiscent of the saying "little knowledge may be dangerous." The question raises whether one is surprised by the observation that possessing limited knowledge can give individuals a sense of power or authority over that knowledge. It highlights the common phenomenon ...
TOK
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 a...
May 2023 TOK Essay Titles
Discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics. 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. May 2023 Title #1. Is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
Category: May 2023 Prescribed Title #4
May 2023 TOK essay prescribed title #4 - key terms Once you get the set of prescribed titles for your cohort, the first step is going through each one and analyzing the key terms. 4.
EXPLAINED: May 2024 TOK Essay Prescribed Titles
The titles for May 2024 are released! Here they are below: Make sure to bookmark this page as I explain and provide examples for each of these titles in depth! UPDATE: Title 1, 2, 5 and 6 are now available. Stay tuned for more! For general guidance on how to write a good TOK essay, check out my TOK Essay advice collection.
Theory of knowledge
Learn more about theory of knowledge. You can also find examples of TOK essay titles and read about how the IB sets deadlines for TOK. You may also be interested in the other components of the DP core: creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay. Learn more about TOK in a DP workshop for teachers.
2023 ESSAY TITLE 4: POWER
TOK Talk · 19 Title 4 Power. In this episode, I met with Dr. PS and Janka Steinkamp (both IB English teachers to talk about Essay Title 4: Do you agree that it is "astonishing that so little knowledge can give us so much power" ... May 2023 February 2023 December 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 June 2022 May 2022
First thoughts on ToK Essay 4 -6 May 24
I got together with experienced ToK teacher, and ToK guru, Gareth Stevens to get an overview of the main themes and concepts in ToK Essay 4-6 May 24. These videos are not the detailed TokToday Essay Breakdown videos for each title, they will be published at the beginning of October. The blog post & videos for Essays 1-3 can be found here.
The May 2024 TOK Essay Titles
Below are the Theory of Knowledge Essay prescribed titles for the May 2024 session.. The video analysis of these titles is available in the member's area--which you can watch using a free trial.(Just click the "subscribe" tab at the top of this page).Click here to watch it now (just login first).. Our just updated TOK Essay Video Course (11 helpful videos) is ready for you as well.
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THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE 2023 A Comprehensive Guide CONTACT US THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE TOK Curriculum Discover the TOK curriculum and its components, including knowledge questions, areas of knowledge, and ways of knowing. TOK Essay Tips Learn essential tips and techniques for writing an impressive TOK essay that effectively addresses knowledge issues and receives high marks.
May 2023 TOK Essay Prescribed Titles + SAMPLES & Suggestions
May 2023 TOK Essay Prompts + SAMPLES and Suggestions. Vasy Kafidoff. September 3rd, 2023. IB Topics. Every year, students anxiously wait for the IB to announce the TOK essay topics. So this year is not an exception; IBO has also announced 2023 May titles for IB TOK essay. The TOK essay can be quite a challenging one to write for most students.
How To Write A ToK Essay
Introduction. 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.
IB TOK Essay examples
High scoring IB Theory of Knowledge Essay examples. See what past students did and make your TOK Essay perfect by learning from examiner commented examples! Exemplars. Review. Login. JOIN FOR FREE. ... May 2025 May 2024 November 2023 May 2023 November 2022 May 2022 November 2021 May 2021 November 2020 May 2020 Other. Apply.
2023 ToK Essay Prompts: Tips & Deep Dive Insights
Engage with Counterclaims: A well-rounded essay isn't just about asserting your perspective but recognizing and addressing counterarguments. This not only strengthens your position but exhibits critical thinking. Stay Structured: While the ToK essay encourages deep thinking, remember that clarity is crucial.
May 2023 TOK essay prescribed title #2
May 2023 TOK essay #2 should only discuss the AOK (s) mentioned in the prescribed title. Categories: TOK essay May 2023 Prescribed Title #2 May 2023 Prescribed Titles. Once you get the set of prescribed titles for your cohort, the first step is going through each one and analyzing the key terms. 2. For artists and natural….

IB ToK Essay Titles and Topics: May 2023

Title 1: Is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Title 2: 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.

Title 3: 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.

Title 4: 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.

Title 5: Are visual representations always helpful in the communication of knowledge? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics.

Title 6: 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.

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EXPLAINED: May 2024 TOK Essay Prescribed Titles

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THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE 2023

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May 2023 TOK Essay Prompts + SAMPLES and Suggestions

TOK essay titles and questions for May 2023

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.

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.

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.

Are visual representations always helpful in the communication of knowledge? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics.

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.

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