How do you write the best one you can?

You need to choose the title that speaks to you. Consider key issues such as:

- you, as a knower - certainty and reliability of

knowledge in an AOK - truth - validity - context, culture, gender etc..

TOK essays tend to fit into 4 basic or broad categories:

1. Titles that focus on a TOK-related term (or two), asking for evaluation across AOKs and WOKs.

“When mathematicians, historians and scientists say that they have explained something, are they using the word ‘explain’ in the same way?” Explain. (just kidding Mr. H) (Title 1 2006-7)

• 2. Titles that focus on an area of knowledge (or maybe two) and require comparison or contrast btwn AOKs or across WOKs, generally looking at a TOK-related term (or two).

“ It is often claimed that scientific results must be replicable. Is this possible or desirable in other areas of knowledge?” (Title 2, 2006-7)

3. Titles that focus upon a way of knowing (or maybe two), and require comparison with other WOKs or across AOKs, generally looking at a TOK-related term (or maybe two).

“Some people say that religious beliefs can be neither justified nor refuted by reason … to what extent is faith a legitimate basis for knowledge claims …? (Title 7, 2006-7)

4. Titles that focus on an example, quote or general statement, to be explored by reference to AOKs and /or WOKs and /or TOK-related terms.

“ There are many different authorities, including academics, politicians, global orgs and companies, who make knowledge claims. As an experienced TOK student, what criteria do you use to distinguish btwn knowledge, opinion and propaganda?” (Title 1, 2005-6)

When choosing a title consider:

1. What does the title want you to do? 2. Do any of the titles link strongly to matters that

your class covered in depth and detail? 3. Do any of the titles suit your style of learning? 4. Would any of the titles allow you to focus on the

WOKS that you prefer to use to gain knowledge? 5. For any of the titles, could you draw on your

extended essay research, or your CAS activities? 6. Would any of the titles allow you to focus on

activities and projects that interest you outside school?

1. How will you use key terms – will you need to explain your interpretation of them?

2. What is the KI for your essay? How will you word it?

3. How will you ensure you achieve the tasks demanded by the action terms?

4. What exactly does the title mean?

5. What ambiguity might the title contain?

6. If there are any assumptions in the title will you agree, demur or question them?

1. In what ways may disagreement aid the pursuit of knowledge in the natural and human sciences?

2. “Only seeing general patterns can give us knowledge. Only seeing particular

examples can give us understanding.” To what extent do you agree with these assertions?

3. “The possession of knowledge carries an ethical responsibility.” Evaluate this claim.

4. The traditional TOK diagram indicates four ways of knowing. Propose the inclusion of a fifth way of knowing selected from intuition, memory or imagination and explore the knowledge issues it may raise in two areas of knowledge.

5. ‘That which can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.” (Christopher Hitchens). Do you agree?

6. Can we know when to trust our emotions in the pursuit of knowledge? Consider history and one other area of knowledge.

So you think you have the right title?

Produce a 100 – 200 word written explanation of your chosen title for a seven (7) year old child. Ensure the meaning of the title in maintained.

Now in groups of 3, explain your chosen title to someone who has a very limited understanding of English. Use any other form of communication other than sophisticated language. Ensure the meaning of the title in maintained.

Explain your chosen title in words of only one (1) syllable. Ensure the meaning of the title in maintained.

Why did you do these strange things?

Unpacking the title is the most critical facet of the essay. Once successfully achieved, everything else is just research!

Understanding of KI assesses to what extend your essay shows that you understand the KI/s directly related to the essay title.

Show your understanding through your own expression and perspectives.

Use the Introduction to show the marker your understanding – they’ll be looking for it.

Show Breadth (compare and contrast) and Depth (explore and analyse).

Knower’s Perspective is central to your whole understanding of TOK and critical to your essay.

1. Think for yourself – don’t follow peers, teachers or text-books. An original approach is gold!

2. Link your own life experience as a learner to the KIs. 3. Be aware of how your pov has been shaped and

manipulated. Your ability to analyse yourself adds originality.

4. Consider how there may be multiple perspectives and approaches to the KIs.

5. Support with authentic examples. 6. Convince the marker that only you could have

written this essay. Use ‘I’ judiciously.

Quality of analysis of KIs looks at your ability to explore with depth, detail and insight.

1. What is your major claim? 2. How are your arguments joined together? 3. How have you presented &/or developed

counter claims? 4. Does your essay flow? Have you sign-posted

with transitions – markers don’t like surprises! If it’s not in the introduction – it’s not in the essay!

5. Have you identified implications and assumptions made in your essay?

Organisation of ideas – does it make sense?

1. Answer only the question? Don’t blab, don’t stray.

2. Is your essay connected and relevant? 3. Have you explained key terms?

4. Does your introduction offer a clear approach to your essay?

5. Does your conclusion ‘answer’ the title? If it introduces new material – change it!

6. Have you been factual? 7. Have you referenced EVERYTHING?

Read the examples given to you. Don’t copy them. Every marker has already read them. Find 3 examples for your essay from sources other than a text book or newspaper. Try to use the widest variety of examples that you can.