How to write a Theory of Knowledge essay for International Baccalaureate.

1. How to write a TOK essay?
http://www.tok-essay.com

2. Why you need a good TOK grade?
 International Baccalaureate (IB) Theory of Knowledge
essay is a 1200 - 1600 word essay on one of the
prescribed topics set by the IB.
 Your Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay should focus on
knowledge issues (knowledge questions) and link to
different ways of knowing and areas of Knowledge.
 About 2/3 of your final TOK grade is determined by the
grade you get for your TOK Essay.

3. Step 1: Get the essay titles
 Ask your teacher to give you the prescribed essay
topics.
 There is a separate set of topics for May and November
candidates. Makes sure you get the right topics.

4. Step 2: Choose the right title
 Choose the topic that you know most about. Evaluate
the suitability of the title by thinking how you could link
it to what you have studied.
 For example if your TOK essay title is mostly about
History but you have not studied History you may want
to consider choosing another title.

5. Step 3: Identify assumptions
 Note the assumptions of the essay title. All questions
contain some assumptions.
 For example one of the past titles was phrased "Discuss
the claim that some areas of knowledge are discovered
and others are invented". You should note that the title
assumes that areas of knowledge are either discovered
or invented. Why could they not be both?
 Challenging the assumptions of the essay title enables
you to write an essay that focuses more on knowledge
issues.

6. Step 4: Brainstorm and research
 Brainstorm and research. Come up with your initial
argument (i.e. what is your answer to the question and
why), note down relevant personal experiences you
could use to support your argument.
 Do research in the library and online to find out more
examples to support your argument. Note that many IB
textbooks contain sections about Theory of Knowledge.
These sections may contain useful ideas for your essay.

7. Step 5: Use an essay template
 Consider using an essay template. Essay templates can
provide you ideas and guidance about the structure and
formatting of your TOK essay.
 You can download TOK essay templates or your teacher
may have a template for you.

8. Step 6: Write a draft essay
 Write the first draft with referencing. Stay focused on
the topic and add in-text referencing or footnotes as
you go along. This final edit will be much easier if you
proceed like this.
 Provide detailed examples to support your argument.
Avoid generalisations and vagueness. Remember to
explore some counter arguments and stay focused on
knowledge issues (knowledge questions).

9. Step 7: Evaluate your essay
 Evaluate your draft essay. Read your essay against the
assessment criteria and note which areas you could
improve. Your teacher may also provide you with
feedback about your essay.
 Remember that feedback should always be based on the
IB TOK essay assessment criteria.

10. Step 8: Write the final essay
 Write the final copy. Improve your essay so that it
meets the assessment criteria better.
 Make sure your referencing is correct and your essay is
not below 1200 words or over 1600 words.

11. Step 9: Hand in our essay
 Hand in your essay to your teacher. The should give an
electronic copy of your essay to your teacher.
 Ask your teacher or the IB coordinator to tell you what
specific file format you should use.

12. Tips
 Add title, your name, candidate number and word count on
cover page.
 Always add an in-text reference or footnote if you quote
someone or use someone else's ideas.
 Add a bibliography in alphabetical order.
 Try to express ideas in your own words as much as possible.
 Make regular backup copies of you work.
 If you get stuck you may post a question to Facebook
discussion page

13. TOK essay support
 http://www.tok-essay.com (templates)
 http://www.ibtokessay.com (samples)
 http://www.facebook.com/tokessay (advice)