Get an A in TOK

Many IB students find Theory of Knowledge (TOK) daunting due to its philosophical nature. However, in this post, we'll guide you on how to achieve an A with the right strategies. 

Get an A in TOK

Understand the core concepts

TOK is all about questioning how we acquire knowledge and the reliability of different ways of knowing. To excel, you must develop a strong understanding of:  

• Areas of Knowledge (AOKs): These include subjects like history, natural sciences, human sciences, mathematics, the arts, and ethics. Each has its own unique way of constructing knowledge.  
• Ways of Knowing (WOKs): These include perception, reason, emotion, and language, among others. Understanding how these interact within different AOKs is crucial.

For a more in-depth understanding, be sure to explore our blog, where we provide a comprehensive breakdown of Areas of Knowledge and Ways of Knowing. 

Engage and interact in class

TOK is taught in an interactive way, with lessons focused on discussions where students are encouraged to share their views. Taking part in these discussions helps you understand TOK concepts better and exposes you to different arguments, interpretations, and approaches. Being actively involved in these conversations makes it easier to remember what you’ve learned, since talking through different perspectives helps you absorb the ideas more than just listening. You also get a wider range of examples from classmates, which you can later use in your TOK exhibition and essay. Engaging in discussions also boosts your critical thinking skills, helping you evaluate different viewpoints – an important skill for writing a strong TOK essay. With the foundation you build in class, you won’t have to start from scratch when working on your TOK Essay and Exhibition, as you’ll already have a variety of ideas and perspectives to use.

Develop a critical mindset

TOK is all about critically evaluating knowledge, and there are a few ways to strengthen your analytical skills. First, question everything – don’t just accept information at face value, but ask yourself how we know what we claim to know. Second, consider multiple perspectives – engage with different viewpoints to understand the full scope of an issue. Recognize biases, both your own and others', as they can shape how information is presented and interpreted. Third, evaluate the sources of information – are they credible, reliable, and unbiased?

Stay updated on current events

Staying updated on current events is a crucial part of building a strong TOK foundation. By keeping track of the latest developments in politics, science, or culture, you'll be able to reference real-world examples that are relevant in your TOK essay. Additionally, current events provide rich material for selecting objects for your TOK exhibition. 

Check out our free TOK exemplars

View all exemplars on Clastify

Grade received: A

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND CULTURE?

Grade received: A

What is the relationship between personal experience and knowledge?

Grade received: A

Theory of Knowledge : TOK Exhibition Written Commentary. ‘Can new knowledge change established values or beliefs

View hundreds of other TOK exemplars on Clastify

Click to view exemplars

Grade received: A

What is the relationship between personal experience and knowledge? (Knowledge and Knower)

Grade received: A

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.

Grade received: A

TOK Essay: 5. “How can we distinguish between good and bad interpretations? Discuss with reference to the arts and one other area of knowledge”

Grade received: A

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.

View hundreds of other TOK exemplars on Clastify

Click to view exemplars

Grade received: A

How can we distinguish between knowledge, belief and opinion?

Grade received: A

Is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Grade received: A

Does some knowledge belong only to particular communities of knowers?

Grade received: A

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND CULTURE?

Grade received: A

What is the relationship between personal experience and knowledge?

Grade received: A

Theory of Knowledge : TOK Exhibition Written Commentary. ‘Can new knowledge change established values or beliefs

View hundreds of other TOK exemplars on Clastify

Click to view exemplars

Grade received: A

What is the relationship between personal experience and knowledge? (Knowledge and Knower)

Grade received: A

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.

Grade received: A

TOK Essay: 5. “How can we distinguish between good and bad interpretations? Discuss with reference to the arts and one other area of knowledge”

Grade received: A

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.

View hundreds of other TOK exemplars on Clastify

Click to view exemplars

Grade received: A

How can we distinguish between knowledge, belief and opinion?

Grade received: A

Is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Grade received: A

Does some knowledge belong only to particular communities of knowers?

Grade received: A

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND CULTURE?

Grade received: A

What is the relationship between personal experience and knowledge?

Grade received: A

Theory of Knowledge : TOK Exhibition Written Commentary. ‘Can new knowledge change established values or beliefs

Ace your TOK Essay

The TOK essay is worth 67% of your final grade, making it the most significant component of your assessment. Here’s how to ace it:  

• Choose your prompt wisely: The IB provides a set of prescribed prompts. Pick one that resonates with your strengths and interests.  
• Develop a clear thesis: Your essay should present a strong central argument, supported by well-explained examples and counterarguments.  
• Use real-life examples: Strong examples from different AOKs will demonstrate your ability to apply TOK concepts to real-world scenarios.  
• Maintain a balanced perspective: Acknowledge counterclaims and opposing viewpoints to show depth in your analysis.  
• Structure matters: Stick to a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs (each addressing different perspectives), and a strong conclusion.

For more in-depth advice, make sure to check out our How to get an A in TOK Essay post.

Write a strong Exhibition 

The TOK Exhibition, which makes up 33% of your final grade, is designed to assess how TOK concepts apply to the real world. To do well:  

• Choose an engaging prompt: Select one of the provided IA prompts that you can effectively explore with compelling real-world objects.  
• Select strong objects: Your three objects should clearly relate to the knowledge question you’re addressing.
• Provide thoughtful justifications: Clearly explain how each object connects to the chosen prompt and supports your argument.  
• Keep it concise and coherent: Your commentary should be clear, analytical, and directly linked to TOK concepts.

Seek feedback

Make sure to also ask your teacher for feedback on your TOK Essay and Exhibition. Ask questions and try to clarify any doubts you have. 

We understand that not all teachers have the time to provide detailed, constructive feedback on every essay. That's where our TOK Essay and Exhibition Review Service can make a difference. At Clastify, our team of experienced markers offers personalised, in-depth feedback, pinpointing key areas for improvement. With their guidance, you'll be able to refine your essay and maximize your score, ensuring your work stands out.

We hope you found this post helpful! For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of IA, EE and TOK exemplars available at Clastify and other guides available on our blog.