Arguments are clear, coherent and effectively supported by specific examples. The implications of arguments are considered.
There is clear awareness and evaluation of different points of view.
As you can see, the requirements for a TOK essay are fairly straightforward:
Lastly, to return to the topic of sub-knowledge questions, the opening sentence of the description in the rubric used to be worded as follows: “There is a sustained focus on knowledge questions connected to the prescribed title”. This has led to a great deal of confusion in students and teachers alike, and countless misguided attempts to extract an entirely new knowledge question from the original essay title. It was–and often still is–such a big problem that the IB examiners have reprinted the following paragraphs in their examiners’ reports every year since 2014:
In all […] cases, the task is to respond to the title exactly as it has been presented. Under no circumstances should the candidate immediately present a knowledge question (“my knowledge question is…”) such that it appears as if the title has been replaced by it. The essay task is not about “finding” a central knowledge question to which the rest of the essay is a response […]
In order to construct a successful response to the title, it will be necessary to establish at least tentative or partial or provisional answers to a number of related questions as the essay unfolds […]
What the examiners are referring to here is the fact that, over the course of answering a question, it often becomes necessary to discuss, clarify, and/or establish an opinion on certain smaller topics that then go on to form the foundations for the rest of the discussion. To use an extremely simplistic analogy, let us say that I wanted to find out the answer to the question, “Is this knife good?”. Before I could even begin to answer that question, it would first be necessary to answer the question of what I even meant by the word “good” in this context, and by what benchmarks I was measuring goodness. Good for slicing sushi? Good for playing baseball? Good in terms of quality of craftsmanship? Good in a moral sense? Only when I have established an answer to that question can I then begin to construct an argument to answer the original question of “Is this knife good?”
As the report says:
Ideally, such questions and the discussions that they inspire can be organized into a logical sequence such that they form the backbone of the essay – each contributing to the overall answer to the prescribed title. The content of each paragraph might constitute a response to one of these questions. Hence such knowledge questions can act as markers in the development of the argument and pave the way from title to conclusion. As described here, the identification or formulation of these questions can play a crucial role in the exploration and planning phases of the essay task, and when the final essay is constructed it may not be necessary or desirable to the flow of the arguments for the questions to be stated explicitly . A sequence of paragraphs each prefaced by “my next knowledge question is…” does not read well and is likely to appear disjointed.
So, in summary, knowledge questions are NOT “alternatives” to the title, and they are best thought of as aids to the exploring and planning processes such that they become woven into the analysis but not necessarily stated explicitly in the final essay.
Need help with the IB? Prep Zone Academy provides one-to-one tuition in a wide range of subjects at both the SL and HL levels. Our team of all-star trainers offers undivided attention throughout these sessions in addition to a fully personalized curriculum that is specifically tailored to meet your personal goals. Our trainers will work closely with you to help you achieve your goals, whether you wish to work on specific weaknesses or prepare for the upcoming assessment.
Additionally, parents will receive personalized feedback after every lesson, so they are always informed of what is being taught in class. Sign up for a trial lesson today to experience the Prep Zone’s difference!
For any urgent inquiries, contact us at +65 6812 9999 or Whatsapp us at +65 8305 1871
By submitting this form, I agree to Prep Zone Academy’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .
Comments are closed.
Privacy Policy & Terms of Use
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Prep Zone Academy is an MOE Registered Private School (200615000Z)
Office Hotline: +65 6812 9999 Email : [email protected]
15 Scotts Road, #07-05 Singapore 228218 Open daily | 10:00AM - 6:00PM Closed on weekday public holidays
Prep Zone Academy® has adopted the Tripartite Standard on Flexible Work Arrangements, and has committed to be a fair and progressive employer.
© 2024 Prep Zone Academy | IB Tuition. All Rights Reserved
This is the unofficial subreddit for all things concerning the International Baccalaureate, an academic credential accorded to secondary students from around the world after two vigorous years of study, culminating in challenging exams. This subreddit encourages questions, constructive feedback, and the sharing of knowledge and resources among IB students, alumni, and teachers. Note that the subreddit is not run by the International Baccalaureate.
I'm a DP2 student and going to give the M23 exam. What are some tips for writing a good TOK essay and getting an A? especially for the TOK title number 4 for 2023 exams.
By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .
You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.
Create your username and password.
Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.
Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password
An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account
An essay outline is a structured plan that organizes the main points and supporting details of an essay before writing. It guides the flow of ideas and ensures that each section of the essay is logically connected and coherent.
In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to build a strong essay outline. You'll discover how to define your thesis, arrange your main points, and structure your outline for clarity and effectiveness. If you're still having trouble putting your outline together after reading this, EssayService can provide expert help to make sure your essay is well-structured and persuasive!
An essay begins with an introduction, which is followed by one or more body paragraphs that expand on the points introduced. It ends with a conclusion that restates the thesis and summarizes the main ideas from the body paragraphs.
Introduction
The introduction of an essay introduces the topic and engages the reader from the start. It usually starts with a hook—a statement or question that grabs attention. After the hook, some background information is given to provide context for the topic.
The introduction ends with a thesis statement, which clearly presents the main argument or purpose of the essay. This section not only introduces the topic but also outlines what the essay will cover, setting the tone for what follows.
Avoid these pitfalls:
The body of the essay is where your main ideas and arguments take shape. Each paragraph should open with a topic sentence that clearly states the main point. This is followed by supporting details like evidence, examples, and analysis that back up the topic sentence.
Smooth transitions between paragraphs are key to maintaining a logical flow throughout the essay. Together, the body paragraphs build and support the thesis by adding depth and detail to your argument.
Remember these tips for effective body paragraphs:
The conclusion of an essay wraps up the argument and reinforces the thesis. It usually starts by restating the thesis and reflecting on the discussion and evidence presented in the body paragraphs. A brief summary of the main points follows, highlighting the key arguments made throughout the essay.
The conclusion should close with a final thought or call to action, leaving the reader with something to think about or a sense of closure. The aim is to make a lasting impression that emphasizes the importance of the essay's conclusions.
Remember these tips:
Now, let's dive into the heart of this article and show you how to write an essay outline in just four smart steps:
Your thesis should present a specific point of view or a central idea that your essay will support or explore. Here's how to identify your thesis:
Once you have your thesis, identify the main points that support it. These points should be logical, relevant, and comprehensive.
The best way to organize your main points when writing an essay outline depends on the specific topic and purpose of your essay. Experiment with different arrangements to find the one that works best for you. Here are some strategies for organizing your main points:
Use this when | Example | |
---|---|---|
Chronological Order | Your essay is about a sequence of events or a process. | An essay about the history of the French Revolution could be organized chronologically, starting with the causes and ending with the aftermath. |
Spatial Order | Your essay is describing a physical space or object. | An essay about the architecture of the Colosseum could be organized spatially, moving from the exterior to the interior. |
Order of Importance | Your main points vary in significance. | An essay arguing for stricter gun control laws might begin with the most compelling argument and end with the least compelling. |
Compare and Contrast Order | Your essay examines similarities and differences between two or more things. | An essay comparing the philosophies of Plato and Aristotle could be organized by alternating between points of similarity and difference. |
When working on your essay outline, remember to choose supporting details that are relevant, specific, and convincing. The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your arguments will be. Consider these tips for developing supporting details for each one.
Once you've developed supporting details for each main point, you're ready to create a draft outline. This outline will serve as a roadmap for your essay, guiding you through the writing process.
Here's a basic outline template:
Body Paragraph 1
Body Paragraph 2
Body Paragraph 3
Remember to:
Now that you have an understanding of the basic structure of an essay outline let's explore some specific examples tailored to different essay genres. Remember, these are just templates, and you should feel free to adapt each essay outline example to fit your unique needs and writing style.
I. Introduction
II. Body Paragraph 1
III. Body Paragraph 2
IV. Body Paragraph 3
V. Counterargument
VI. Conclusion
V. Conclusion
As we sum up this article, let's recap the main steps for writing an outline:
To ensure your writing is well-structured and effective, rely on EssayService, which is here to help with any type of essay.
She was flawless! first time using a website like this, I've ordered article review and i totally adored it! grammar punctuation, content - everything was on point
This writer is my go to, because whenever I need someone who I can trust my task to - I hire Joy. She wrote almost every paper for me for the last 2 years
Term paper done up to a highest standard, no revisions, perfect communication. 10s across the board!!!!!!!
I send him instructions and that's it. my paper was done 10 hours later, no stupid questions, he nailed it.
Sometimes I wonder if Michael is secretly a professor because he literally knows everything. HE DID SO WELL THAT MY PROF SHOWED MY PAPER AS AN EXAMPLE. unbelievable, many thanks
Stay in touch
COMMENTS
1. Understand the prompt: Before diving into the creation of your thesis, it is crucial to fully grasp the prompt or essay question. Take the time to analyze the wording and identify the key concepts and ideas being presented. This will give you a solid foundation from which to build your thesis. 2.
Paragraph 1. - Say one or two interesting things about the prescribed title question. This shows us, right away that you know what the question is asking. - Define one or two of the key terms in the title. Get definitions for all of the main words in your title. You don't need to include all of them in your essay, but it's useful to see how ...
Once you've grasped the essay rubric, and chosen your title, you can start planning and structuring your TOK essay. You base this around the 3 interactions with your teacher, which are one-on-one meetings discussing your progress, and receiving feedback. As well as the interactions, you can also ask your teacher specific questions about your ...
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 ...
The TOK essay is a 1600 word essay written about topics usually given to students from their teachers from a list of numerous options. It is an essay that promotes arguments and counterarguments for the topic at hand. Understanding your ways of knowing (WOKs) and areas of knowledge (AOKs) is extremely crucial before you even start choosing a ...
10 TOK essay starting points. 1 The TOK essay is an individual task. 2 It represents two thirds of the overall mark for TOK. 3 It is externally marked. 4 You choose your title from a list of six prescribed titles, which change every exam session. 5 The word count for the essay is 1600 words.
Tip #2: Understanding the question in your own words. The titles of these essay questions can sometimes be long and difficult to grasp when you first read them so before you write the IB ToK Essay, consider paraphrasing the question in your own words. You may struggle to understand the keywords and concepts in the title, you may even be unsure ...
Guide students through this page of TOK Essay essentials before plunging into the planning and writing process using the TOK Essay strategy. ... and rubric. RITE OF PASSAGE. The student-friendly Exhibition, undertaken during the first year of the course, is good preparation for the TOK Essay which, like the Extended Essay, is a culminating rite ...
These titles prompt discussions on various topics in knowledge, ethics, science, mathematics, human sciences, and more. There is a maximum TOK essay word count of 1,600 words. This strict limit requires students to articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely. The essay is assessed using criteria that evaluate students' ability to identify ...
Writing the Essay. 1. Use your essay outline as a guide. Focus on expanding each section of your outline, keeping in mind the 1200-1600 word limit for the essay. Your introduction and your conclusion should be the shortest paragraphs in your essay, and the body paragraphs should be the longer sections of your essay.
Writing a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay can be a challenging task for students. It requires careful thought, research, and organization - not only of the facts and arguments but also of the assessment criteria. ... It is also a good idea to use evidence or personal experiences to back up your argument. When addressing counterclaims, be sure ...
A strong conclusion. In your final conclusion, draw together the insights of your mini-conclusions and again try to say something really interesting here if you can. If your claims and counterclaims are solid and you make mini-conclusions as you go through, are solid, your final conclusion should be clear and well supported.
This part of the TOK essay is where you develop your ideas, present evidence, and conduct a thorough analysis. Here's a comprehensive guide to writing the body of your TOK essay. Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence related to your thesis. This sentence should introduce the paragraph's main idea, clearly linking your argument.
But here is a guide to help students write a TOK essay that will guarantee them a good TOK grade. 1. Understand the Title. You need to know what the title is all about. This means that you have to read the question and understand it. Get to know what the title requires of you and what keywords to use.
Compare two opposing ideas about how natural science might relate to your knowledge question. 8. Use specific and qualified language. Rather than writing that "all science always provides useful insights," instead say that, " chemistry often provides useful insights.". Words like often or sometimes (instead of always), might or could ...
Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge. TOK Essay B. 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!
Steps to Writing the TOK Essay. 1. Analyze the prescribed title. The first step is to fully understand the theory of knowledge questions being asked. The topic will include terms that will guide you in comparing and contrasting accordingly. 2. Choose the title. Choose a title that allows you to explore your interests.
Writing & uploading the TOK essay. After you have grasped the essay rubric, chosen your title, and have a clear plan and structure, you can start writing your TOK essay. You'll be doing this alongside the three interactions, so keep these in mind as you proceed. Read the points below to get some advice on how to write your essay, and avoid ...
Key Takeaways. Read the essay prompt carefully to understand what the assignment requires. Choose a prescribed title. Select two of the most appropriate areas of knowledge. Develop an outline relevant to the Theory of Knowledge essay. Write the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Proofread your work.
WITH FREE DOWNLOADS! Let me show you how to write the TOK Essay! The Theory of Knowledge essay is one of the hardest essays in the IB (International Baccalau...
The TOK Essay is the second of two assessments for TOK.There will be a set of Prescribed Titles issued by the IB for each examination season. Students are required to produce an essay of a maximum of 1600 words in response to one of those titles.
Don't be afraid to toss out sections of your essay that lack structure or strength. In my opinion, the word count of the TOK essay is pretty low, so make sure that all of your words really count. Make sure they drive your argument home. In the world of exam marking, there's nothing more satisfying than awarding a top mark to a very ...
Write (or better-yet paste) the prompt you chose at the top of the document, in bold and centred. Make sure it is exactly the same as it is written in the guide and include the prompt number with it. ( Here is the list .) It is also recommended to include the word count, just after or under the title. For example: "1.
An essay outline is a structured plan that organizes the main points and supporting details of an essay before writing. It guides the flow of ideas and ensures that each section of the essay is logically connected and coherent. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to build a strong essay outline. You'll discover how to define your ...