TOK Essay criteria and checklist

Are you looking for tips on how to improve your TOK Essay? You are in the right place! Below you will find Clastify's guide on how to best meet the IB markscheme. Make sure to use our checklist to improve your chances of receiving a good grade! 

TOK Essay Criteria and Checklist

You can receive a total of 10 points for the Theory of Knowledge Essay, which is worth 2/3 of your TOK grade.

Criterion A: Does the student provide a clear, coherent, and critical exploration of the essay title? - 10 points
 

For a maximum of points:

• The title must be chosen from one of the prescribed titles. 

• The student begins by introducing the title and clarifying key terms relevant to the investigation, as shown in this exemplar. 

• Throughout the entire body, the essay maintains focus on the title and makes strong connections to the Areas of Knowledge. 

• The student thoroughly examines two Areas of Knowledge. Different viewpoints are presented and assessed with clarity - see this essay for reference. 

• The essay is critical and argumentative. 

• The arguments are logical and well-supported with concrete examples. Their implications are considered - this work can serve as a good example. 

• There are elements of evaluation throughout the essay. 

• The essay has a logical structure consisting of the introduction, main body (analysing 2 AOKs), and conclusion, as this exemplar. 

• The research is insightful and convincing. 

• There are in-text citations and the external sources are properly acknowledged - check out this essay to get a glimpse of the matter. 

• The work fits within the word limit. 

Check out our free TOK Essay exemplars

View all exemplars on Clastify

Grade received: A

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.

Grade received: A

Present knowledge is wholly dependent on past knowledge.

Grade received: A

“Given that every theory has its limitations, we need to retain a multiplicity of theories to understand the world.” - Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.

View hundreds of other TOK Essay exemplars on Clastify

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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.

Grade received: A

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

View hundreds of other TOK Essay exemplars on Clastify

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Grade received: A

Are visual representations always helpful in the communication of knowledge? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics.

Grade received: A

To what extent is the knowledge we produce determined by the methodologies we use? Discuss with reference to history and one area of knowledge.

Grade received: A

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.

Grade received: A

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.

Grade received: A

Present knowledge is wholly dependent on past knowledge.

Grade received: A

“Given that every theory has its limitations, we need to retain a multiplicity of theories to understand the world.” - Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.

View hundreds of other TOK Essay exemplars on Clastify

Click to view exemplars

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.

Grade received: A

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

View hundreds of other TOK Essay exemplars on Clastify

Click to view exemplars

Grade received: A

Are visual representations always helpful in the communication of knowledge? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics.

Grade received: A

To what extent is the knowledge we produce determined by the methodologies we use? Discuss with reference to history and one area of knowledge.

Grade received: A

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.

Grade received: A

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.

Grade received: A

Present knowledge is wholly dependent on past knowledge.

Grade received: A

“Given that every theory has its limitations, we need to retain a multiplicity of theories to understand the world.” - Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.

You are now one step closer to writing a perfect TOK essay! Remember to keep in mind all the above aspects while completing your work. If you are looking for more inspiration check out the variety of TOK essay exemplars available on Clastify. For more tips on the Theory of Knowledge and other subjects head to our blog.