1. TOK ESSAY The title sets the scope of the question. Your job is to find the knowledge issues within that scope. Then, decide what AoK and WoK to include:  A minimum of 3  A maximum of 6 Breadth and links are essential

2. TOK ESSAY Beware of talking only about Ways of Knowing, without reference to Areas of Knowledge – resulting in an essay that is too abstract. Stick with the terminology given in the title. Clarify and define, do not alter or adapt.

3. TOK ESSAY Intuition can be considered a WoK. Religion can be considered a WoK or an AoK.  The TOK diagram is not the limitation.  You must justify your position. Be careful about being dogmatic about “justified true belief” as the definition of knowledge.  E.g., How does JTB apply to the Arts?

4. TOK ESSAY First and most important step in planning and writing the essay: decide what stance you take! Give examples/illustrations:  Your DP courses (the best type of example)  Personal experience  TOK course  Hypothetical examples: BE CAREFUL!

5. TOK ESSAY Examine counterclaims: this is essential! Examine implications of your position. Answer the SO WHAT question. Why is this question and your conclusion important?

6. TOK ESSAY Voice of the knower: Make sure that your voice comes through! If possible, avoid hypothetical examples! Don’t let the examples become the essay.

7. TOK ESSAY The reader should not have to do the work in “unpacking” the essay. The writer has to do the work:  Connecting examples to the knowledge issues  Implications: Answering the “so what” question

8. TOK ESSAY Citation  Remember that “common knowledge” is cultural. Assume an international examiner. Especially with “popular culture” references. Don’t spend time criticizing the title! Don’t spend time on the cited quotation.

9. TOK ESSAY A checklist:  What are the knowledge issues?  What stance will you take?  What AoK and WoK will you address?  What are the examples?  Deal with any counterclaims.  Note any implications.

10. TOK ESSAY: The Process