TOK Essay = Argumentative Essay

The Theory of Knowledge Essay can seem like a slippery and intimidating task.  But in reality, once its terms and structure are clarified, it is not difficult to brainstorm, outline, and write a TOK Essay.   Let's look at the IBO's instructions, then define some terms and present suggestions for structure.  Lastly, we'll review the IBO assessment criteria.

IBO Instructions

These are the instructions for the TOK Essay:

Your theory of knowledge essay for examination must be submitted to your teacher for authentication. It must be written on one of the six titles (questions) provided below. You may choose any title, but are recommended to consult with your teacher. Your essay will be marked according to the assessment criteria published in the Theory of Knowledge guide. Remember to centre your essay on knowledge issues and, where appropriate, refer to other parts of your IB programme and to your experiences as a knower. Always justify your statements and provide relevant examples to illustrate your arguments. Pay attention to the implications of your arguments, and remember to consider what can be said against them. If you use external sources, cite them according to a recognized convention.
Note that statements in quotations in these titles are not necessarily authentic: they present a real point of view but may not have been spoken or written by an actual person. It is appropriate to analyse them but it is unnecessary, even unwise, to spend time on researching a context for them.
Examiners mark essays against the title as set. Respond to the title exactly as given; do not alter it in any way.
Your essay must be between 1200 and 1600 words in length.

Comment:  The instructions are clear in stipulating that the student must address one of the assigned titles and write a paper whose personal point of view is well-reasoned and justified with evidence and examples.  There should also be consideration of the implications of your position and what can be said against it.  All of these stipulations are characteristics of the argumentative essay.  Let's look at three basic terms, how they apply in the TOK context, and then proceed with an overview of the structure of an argumentative essay.

Basic Terms

There are three basic terms to understand: claim, issue, and argument.

1. A claim is a statement expressing an opinion or belief that is true or false:  Paris is the most beautiful city in the world.
2. An issue phrases the claim as a question to be examined:  Is Paris the most beautiful city in the world?
3. An argument will examine the issue taking into account evidence and counterarguments.
1. Is Paris is most beautiful city in the world?  I define beauty as.... and I think Paris is the most beautiful because....(evidence:  examples, statistics, personal experience)
2. On the other hand, one can argue that Paris has significant flaws...for example.......(evidence: examples, statistics, personal experience)   
3. Nonetheless, the municipal government is seeking to address these shortcomings and so....  

TOK Essay: Examines a Knowledge Issue

As the IBO instructions make clear, the TOK Essay is an argumentative essay examining a knowledge issue suggested by the six titles published by the IBO. A knowledge issue is a question about the nature of knowledge.   Some examples of knowledge issues:

1. Does one learn more about human behavior from literature or from psychology?
2. Does intuition have a role to play in making ethical decisions?
3. Can one speak of beauty in mathematics?
4. Does art have an ethical dimension?

What you must first do, then, is read the TOK titles, which will be published later in the year, and then brainstorm for knowledge issues and how you can treat one in a personal manner.  We will explore in class different ways of brainstorming, such as concept mapping.  Once you have reflected on the knowedge issue, referring to your TOK notes as necessary, you should write an outline of your paper.  This brings us to structure.

Basic Structure

Let's look at the basic structure of the argumentative essay.  The argumentative essay will present an issue, select a thesis (a point of view) and then argue its validity and truth, taking into account  significant objections.   Like most academic essays, the TOK Essay will have an introduction, body, and conclusion:

• Introduction:  Here present your knowledge issue without simply restating the title given by the IBO.  You can phrase this as an open question.  State your thesis (point of view).  At times, depending on your issue, you may have to define terms.  In any case, the introduction should not be lengthy.   Avoid sweeping statements, solemn appeals to eternal verities, etc. 
• Body:  Here make your argument.  The structure of the argument can vary according to your issue and thesis.  I will outline three possible forms, but there are more.  Also, keep in mind that your issue, the number of premises you have, and personal treatment will determine the number of paragraphs. 
• Form 1: 
• Paragraph 1:  Main Argument (Premise supported by evidence: examples, statistics, personal experience). 
• Paragraph 2: Strongest Objection (Premise supported by evidence: examples, statistics, personal experience).
• Paragraph 3:  Reply to Strongest Objection (Premise supported evidence: [examples, statistics, personal experience).
• Form 2 (compare and contrast in block method)
• Paragraph 1:  Likenesses (Compare, using evidence: examples, statistics, personal experience)
• Paragraph 2:  Differences (Contrast, using evidence: examples, statistics, personal experience)
• Paragraph 3:  Summarize
• Form 3 (compare and contrast in point by point method)
• Paragraph 1:  Point 1 compare/contrast, using evidence: examples, statistics, personal experience
• Paragraph 2:  Point 2 compare/contrast, using evidence: examples, statistics, personal experience
• Paragraph 3:  Point 3 compare/contrast, using evidence: examples, statistics, personal experience
• Conclusion:  Conclusions bring your findings together.  You can summarize cogently, but a good conclusion will have more pizzazz than a dry point by point summary.  Make it interesting and make it clear to the reader why your issue is important.

Nota Bene

The TOK Essay is not difficult to brainstorm, outline, and write.  Keep in mind the IBO titles are divergent questions, which means that there is not one correct answer.  This does not mean that anything goes, but that you must make a well-reasoned and informed argument for your thesis. 

IB Assessment Criteria

During class I will distribute the criteria for assessment and we will examine and discuss them in detail.  The essay is marked out of 40 points.  There are four criteria:

1. Understanding knowledge issues (10 points)
2. Knower's perspective (10 points)
3. Quality of analysis of knowledge issues (10 points)
4. Organization (10 points)

The final TOK grade consists of the externally assessed essay (40 points) and the internally assessed presentation (20 points).  This gives a score out of 60 points, which is then placed within grade boundaries determined by the IBO and a letter grade is assigned. 

The TOK letter grade is then linked in a matrix to the letter grade assessed for the Extended Essay.  A number of points is then attributed (0-3 possible points).