prescribed essay titles tok

• [email protected]

May 2024 TOK Essay Titles Guide. Short Descriptions & Writing Tips

Hello, IB scholars! As someone deeply immersed in the International Baccalaureate (IB) world for years, I’m thrilled to share my insights on the May 2024 TOK essay titles. Understanding these complex topics can be daunting, but fear not! I’m here to guide you through each one, offering my seasoned perspective on approaching them effectively.

What Are TOK Essay Prescribed Titles?

As an experienced IB writer and advisor, I’ve guided numerous students through the intricate world of the IB Theory of Knowledge essays. In my years of involvement, I’ve understood the essence of TOK essay titles and their significance in the IB curriculum.

TOK essay titles are a unique set of essay questions the IB organization releases annually. They are designed to challenge students to reflect critically on the nature of knowledge and how we come to know what we claim to know. So, each title poses a unique question that encourages deep thinking. As you contemplate your TOK essay, consider these key elements:

• Clarity of Understanding . Ensure you fully comprehend the nuances of the prescribed title.
• Select AOKs and WOKs . Choose relevant Areas of Knowledge and Ways of Knowing that align with the title.
• Real-Life Examples . Include practical situations to illustrate your arguments vividly.
• Critical Thinking . Analyze and evaluate your examples and arguments from multiple perspectives.
• Personal Insight . Reflect on your views and experiences concerning the title.

After choosing your focus, it’s time to structure your essay. A well-organized essay presents your ideas clearly and demonstrates your ability to think logically and coherently. Also, remember about word count . Start with an introduction outlining your understanding of the title and thesis. In the body, develop your arguments systematically, using your chosen AOKs and WOKs. Each paragraph should present a unique point supported by real-life examples and critical analysis.

Concluding your essay is just as important. An excellent conclusion summarizes your key points and reflects your argument’s broader implications. It’s a chance to leave a lasting impression on your reader, showing how your research contributes to a deeper understanding of knowledge.

May 2024 TOK Essay Titles: Detailed Breakdown

The May 2024 TOK essay titles cover intriguing and challenging topics that encourage critical thinking and deep analysis of knowledge:

• 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.

For a successful TOK essay, it’s essential to blend personal insights with academic viewpoints, create a clear and cohesive argument, and effectively address counterarguments. Remember, it is about presenting facts, researching, and reflecting on the nature of knowledge and key TOK concepts . Take this opportunity to engage critically and creatively with the topics. Now, I will guide you through each title and offer my perspective on addressing them.

🎓✍️ Get Top Marks on Your TOK Essay with Our Professional Writing Service! ✍️🎓 Are you struggling with your Theory of Knowledge essay? Look no further than our expert writing service! Our experienced writers have a deep understanding of the TOK criteria and have helped countless students achieve top grades on their essays. 🌟 We guarantee a unique and personalized approach to your TOK essay, and our writers are all human, ensuring that your essay will not be generated by a machine like CHAT-GPT. Additionally, our service is 100% confidential and risk-free, so you can trust us with your academic success. Don't let a poor TOK essay hold you back from achieving your full potential! Contact our team today and let us help you reach new heights in your academic journey. Get started with our TOK Essay Writing Service now! 💡📚🔝

You might be interested:

• How to Write a TOK Journal Assignment: The Complete Guide
• ToK Journal Writing Tips: A Comprehensive Guide
• TOK Exhibition Word Count: A Quick and Convenient Guide
• How to Write TOK Essay in One Week?
• AOKs in IB TOK: Mastering the Easiest and Hardest Areas
• Unpacking the Aims of a TOK Journal: A Guide to Enhance Your Thinking
• IB TOK Essay Structure in Detail
• How To Structure A Theory Of Knowledge Exhibition

1. Subjectivity in Arts and History

The debate over subjectivity’s role in arts versus history is fascinating. Often, we see a celebration of personal interpretation in the arts, whereas history demands objectivity. But should this be the case? Consider Arts and History as your Areas of Knowledge (AOKs) as you write this essay. For Ways of Knowing (WOKs), Emotion and Reason can provide deep insights. Real-life situations (RLSs) might include the analysis of a historical event or an art movement. My advice? Highlight the contrast in how subjectivity is perceived in these fields. Additionally, reflect on whether this difference is justified due to cultural bias.

2. Specialization vs. Generalization in Knowledge

Balancing the tension between specialization and generalization in knowledge production is a challenge. Mathematics is a perfect example of specialization, while Ethics can represent generalization. Logic and Intuition, as WOKs, play significant roles here. Consider using examples like mathematical theories for specialization and ethical dilemmas for generalization. To write a compelling essay, balance the two sides, providing arguments and examples from both Mathematics and another AOK of your choice.

3. Adoption of New Ideas in Knowledge Areas

Why are some knowledge areas slower to adopt new ideas? It is a question of cultural and academic inertia. Consider using Human Sciences and perhaps Natural Sciences AOK to research this. Imagination and Memory, as WOKs, are crucial in understanding this phenomenon. Use examples like breakthroughs in scientific research or new sociological theories as RLSs. Your essay should examine the resistance to new ideas and hypothesize why this occurs.

4. Knowledge Contextualization Challenges

One of the most underestimated aspects of knowledge is its context. Whether it’s Indigenous Knowledge Systems or Religious Knowledge Systems, the challenges of transferring knowledge to a different context are immense. Ways of Knowing, like Faith and Sense Perception, can be crucial in understanding these challenges. Use examples from different cultural contexts or religious texts to illustrate your points. Your essay should investigate these complexities and offer insights into how context shapes understanding.

5. The Role of Custodians in Knowledge

The question of whether we need custodians to safeguard knowledge is intriguing. Ethics and History can serve as your AOKs here, with Language and Emotion as WOKs. Consider using examples like ethical guidelines in research or preserving historical documents as RLSs. In your essay, debate the necessity of having custodians in knowledge, providing arguments for and against their role.

6. Evaluating Recent Evidence in Knowledge

Finally, the assumption that recent evidence is inherently more substantial is worth examining. Natural Sciences and Arts are suitable AOKs for this discussion. Use Reason and Perception as WOKs, and look at examples like the latest scientific findings or contemporary art trends as your RLSs. It’s essential to question the validity of new evidence compared to established knowledge. Your essay should balance this evaluation, presenting a nuanced view of how we perceive and value new information in different AOKs.

TOK Essay Titles: Common Mistakes to Avoid

With the May 2024 TOK essay titles announced, I want to share some common pitfalls to avoid, ensuring you can write a well-thought-out and engaging paper. Be sure to pay attention to these mistakes.

1. Misunderstanding the Title

A standard error involves failing to understand the essay title fully. Each TOK prompt is intricately designed to provoke deep thinking. Make sure you grasp the nuances of the question and understand its connection to the Areas of Knowledge and Ways of Knowing.

2. Lack of Personal Engagement

While TOK essays require academic rigor, they also demand personal reflection. Students often miss the opportunity to express their perspectives and experiences. Relate the title to your insights, ensuring your essay reflects your unique understanding.

3. Over-Reliance on One Area of Knowledge

Frequently, essays become unbalanced by focusing too heavily on a single AOK. Discussing multiple AOKs where applicable is crucial, showing a broad understanding of how the title applies across different areas.

4. Ignoring Counterarguments

A good TOK essay presents a balanced view. You must acknowledge and investigate counterarguments to strengthen your essay. Demonstrate your ability to consider different perspectives and their implications.

5. Inadequate Structure and Flow

Essays often lose marks due to poor organization. A well-structured TOK essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion makes your argument more persuasive and accessible.

6. Insufficient Evidence and Examples

TOK essay without concrete examples lacks depth. Use relevant real-life situations and examples to support your points, making your arguments more compelling.

7. Neglecting the Criteria

The IB provides specific criteria for TOK essays. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines and ensure your TOK essay aligns with them. Pay attention to aspects like knowledge questions, analysis, and implications.

8. Plagiarism and Inaccurate Citations

Originality is key in TOK essays. Avoid plagiarism by properly citing sources and presenting your analysis. TOK is about your interpretation of knowledge, not just repeating others’ ideas.

The Bottom Line

This guide aims to spark your interest and offer a direct path for tackling the TOK essay topics. A remarkable essay achieves its essence by balancing your perspectives with thoroughly researching the Areas of Knowledge and Ways of Knowing. I encourage you to incorporate real-world instances that substantiate your viewpoints.

Above all, take pleasure in the process of dissecting these intricate questions. The experience gained in engaging with TOK is as valuable as the result itself. Also, you can contact our IB TOK Essay Help Service specialists for guidance or assistance. We provide top-quality help in writing TOK essays so that you can focus on what’s essential — studying!

Nick Radlinsky

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

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

Theatre IA Topics: SL and HL Topic Ideas

Choosing the right topic for IA in the IB Theatre course is a crucial step that significantly influences your research process and overall learning experience. Whether in the Standard Level or Higher Level track, selecting your topic requires careful thought and consideration, aiming to balance personal interest with academic rigor. This guide offers a rich array of topic ideas and research questions to spark your creativity and intellectual curiosity in the vast world of theatre.

Music IA Topics for SL and HL Students

When selecting a topic for your IB Music Internal Assessment, both SL and HL students face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. As a seasoned IB educator with years of experience guiding students through this process, I’ve come to recognize the importance of choosing a topic that aligns with the IB criteria and resonates with your musical interests and strengths.

Film IA Topics: SL and HL Topic Ideas

Choosing a topic for your IB Film Internal Assessment (IA) can be exciting and daunting. Whether you’re enrolled in the Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL), the key is to select an option that not only intrigues you but also meets the criteria of the IB Film course. In this article, we dig into a variety of creative and thought-provoking ideas for both SL and HL Film IA topics.

IB Dance IA Topics: SL and HL Ideas

When it comes to the IB Dance Internal Assessment (IA), students face the exciting challenge of exploring a topic that resonates with their interests and meets the academic rigor of the IB curriculum. I’ve seen how choosing the right topic can set the stage for an enriching learning experience. In this article, I’m thrilled to share some engaging topic ideas for both SL and HL students aimed at sparking creativity and intellectual curiosity.

Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches IA Topics

Writing the Internal Assessment (IA) for IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches is a crucial step for any IB student, combining challenge and opportunity in equal measure. This article highlights the diverse and intriguing IA topics available to Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) students, helping them to use their mathematical skills in creative and meaningful ways.

Sports, Exercise and Health Science IA Topics

Writing your Internal Assessment in IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science marks an important stage in your education. This in-depth course offers a range of fascinating topics for your research, each of which provides an opportunity to combine scientific study with your enthusiasm for sport and health. A carefully chosen IA topic can make or break a student’s engagement and understanding of this broad subject.

© 2023  I Bstudenthelp.com. This website is owned and operated by Udeepi OU Harju maakond, Tallinn, Lasnamäe linnaosa, Sepapaja tn 6, 15551. Disclaimer : Services we provide are only to assist the buyer like a guideline to complete any kind of writing assignment. Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions Cookie Policy Revision Policy Refund Policy

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game New
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications

How to Write a TOK Essay

Last Updated: December 28, 2023

This article was co-authored by Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA . Stephanie Wong Ken is a writer based in Canada. Stephanie's writing has appeared in Joyland, Catapult, Pithead Chapel, Cosmonaut's Avenue, and other publications. She holds an MFA in Fiction and Creative Writing from Portland State University. This article has been viewed 250,675 times.

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

Choosing Your Essay Title

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

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

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

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

Structuring the Essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

Writing the Essay

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

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

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

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

Community Q&A

You Might Also Like

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

About This Article

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

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Sep 28, 2018

Did this article help you?

Dianna Riley

Jan 10, 2017

Roman Nahum

Jan 16, 2017

Apr 6, 2017

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

ToK Essay May 24

We have many resources designed to help you to write a great ToK Essay May 24. ToKToday resources have been used to great success by hundreds of students in the May and Nov 23 sessions, these resources have been updated specifically for the May 2024 titles, and in response to the latest ToK Examiners reports.

Resources available for each May 2024 ToK Essay Title:

Essay 1: Subjectivity in History & The Arts?

• Overview notes linked here and here
• Detailed Video linked here
• General overview video linked here
• Detailed Essay Guidance Notes linked here (Complete Guide) and Foundation Notes here.

Essay 2: Specialization & Generalization.

• Detailed video linked here
• The Complete Guide Notes Notes linked here and Foundation Notes here

Essay 3: Fresh Ideas

• General overview video linked her e
• The Complete Guide Notes linked here and Foundation Notes here

Essay 4: Challenges of Knowledge Transfer

• Overview video linked here

Essay 5: Custodians

• General overview video linked here .
• The Complete Guide Notes linked here and Foundation Notes linked here.

Essay 6: Recent Evidence = Strongest ?

• The Complete Guide Notes linked here.

Frequently Asked Questions re. ToK Essay Guidance Notes.

The IB own the copyright to the ToK Essay May 24 Titles, and they don’t allow people to repost them without written permission. We respect academic integrity, and the rights of IB. Therefore, I can only post ‘attenuated’ versions of the titles here. If you’re a student writing an essay for May 24 ensure that you get the exact title from your teacher rather than use my ‘version’ of the essay title .

More on ToK Essay May 24 Titles:

If you need help writing your ToK Essay see our student support pages here .

If you want to watch videos about the ToK Essay see our YouTube Channel here.

May 2022 TOK essay titles

TOK Home > Free TOK notes > TOK essay guidance > May 2022 TOK essay titles

M22 prescribed essay titles

The M22 TOK prescribed essay titles are now being written by Northern Hemisphere schools, for a mid-March deadline. Check out the M22 TOK essay webinar , which models what an initial unpacking session would look like. Below you’ll find the key words to pin down in the essay introduction, links to the  BQ framework , and other consideration points.

Prescribed title 1

The ideas you see here roughly correspond to the initial unpacking session you will have with your TOK teacher. You’ll then go on to have three face-to-face interactions with your teacher, in which you’ll discuss your progress in writing the essay , working through any difficulties and challenges you experience.

Make sure you pin down…

• I ndependent of culture

relates to…

• Perspectives (BQ4) – think about how knowledge is subject to interpretation, and whether that interpretation is culturally-driven.
• Creativity (BQ5) – think about the development of knowledge, and the role culture plays in this.

BEAR IN MIND…

• Knowledge itself will require a definition
• Can knowledge be produced without a cultural background?
• Mathematics – the assumption is that this is independent from culture – is that true?
• See culture in our key concept resource

Prescribed title 2

Make sure you pin down….

• World of difference

RELATES TO…

• Foundations (BQ1) – think about the nature of truth, role of facts, etc. – and come up with your own definitions of these.
• Spin (BQ3) – facts can be used to mislead us, by presenting half-truths (“A truth that’s told with bad intent / Beats all the lies you can invent.”- Blake)
• Angelou’s full quote also refers to ‘facts can obscure the truth’ – tricky to decide whether to include this section of the quote
• Ensure it establishes (or refutes) world of difference – not just difference
• A broad question in terms of which AOKs you can select
• See truth in our key concept resource

Prescribed title 3

• Solid justification  
• More highly
• Values (BQ2) – this could be one of the bases for this essay, that highly regarded knowledge is synonymous with knowledge that helps us to improve our values
• Perspectives (BQ4) – perhaps highly regarded knowledge is that which is the most objective (and therefore least vulnerable to interpretation)?
• Experts (BQ6) – think about how do we regard knowledge with more discernment
• What does ‘solid’ justification mean (as opposed to just plain old ‘justification’)?
• Regarding something highly is vague – needs pinning down very clearly
• The purpose of knowledge needs to be considered
• See justification in our key concept resource

Prescribed title 4

• Telling of stories
• Spin (BQ3) – think about communicating ideas via means that aren’t always factually-based.
• Creativity (BQ5) – think about how we create knowledge via our imagination.
• What does ‘give knowledge meaning’ mean – and how does this happen via ‘telling stories’?
• The most prescriptive of the PTs
• There is a lot of cross-over between history and the human sciences – it could be harder to craft a contrasting essay. 
• It could also turn into a descriptive essay (it’s not “to what extent to historians and human scientists…”)
• ‘Telling stories’ really needs to be nailed down.

Prescribed title 5

• Good  
• Interpretations
• Perspectives (BQ4) – think about how our perspectives lead us to make different interpretations. When does this strengthen our claims (perhaps personal experiences)? When does this detract from our claims (perhaps when we seek to confirm our biases)?
• Experts (BQ6) – think about how experts make discerning judgements on the world – in terms of humility, evidence, an agenda that doesn’t seek to be served, etc.
• There is quite a lot for students to do with this essay – interpretations within the arts will probably be evaluated in a completely different way to other AOKs
• See interpretation in our key concept resource

Prescribed title 6

• Ethical grounds  
• Boundaries of acceptable investigation
• Values (BQ2) – clear links with this BQ. Think about how and who should decide on the ethical boundaries of knowledge?
• Creativity (BQ5) – this is about creating new knowledge, so it also links to this BQ
• “If we conclude”… but if we don’t? 
• Who is the ‘we’? Not a bad thing – this is a great way of including a consideration of perspectives in this essay. The experts? The authorities? Ordinary knowers? Etc.

M22 essay webinar $24.99 / $49.99

This webinar discusses the M22 titles, and how to begin writing the TOK essay. We look at the key words of the titles, link them to the course, and run over possible approaches. This is a great starting point for writing the essay, and works similarly to the initial unpacking session that teachers run with their students.

• Group ticket – $49.99
• Individual ticket – $24.99

November 2024 TOK Essay Prescribed Titles (Detailed Explanations and Examples)

What happened to this post? HackIB has been acquired by MyIBTutor . All content is now available on the MyIBTutor Blog with more exciting IB content to come! Click here to see it for yourself!

The November 2024 session Theory of Knowledge essay prescribed titles are out now! Here they are:

• Does our responsibility to acquire knowledge vary according to the area of knowledge? Discuss with reference to history and one other area of knowledge.
• In the production of knowledge, is ingenuity always needed but never enough? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.
• How might it benefit an area of knowledge to sever ties with its past? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• To what extent do you agree that there is no significant difference between hypothesis and speculation? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.
• In the production of knowledge, are we too quick to dismiss anomalies? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• In the pursuit of knowledge, what is gained by the artist adopting the lens of the scientist and the scientist adopting the lens of the artist? Discuss with reference to the arts and the natural sciences.

Check out detailed explanations and examples here, the minute they are available!

Share this:

One response to “november 2024 tok essay prescribed titles (detailed explanations and examples)”.

[…] Looking for November 2024 Session TOK Essay titles? Click here. […]

Leave a comment Cancel reply

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

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? 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.

Privacy Overview