The pressures of TOK

Theory of Knowledge, more commonly known as TOK, is one of the three core elements of the IB curriculum. As TOK is a core component, a failing grade in the subject means that IB candidates cannot receive the diploma, regardless of any other results they may have received. What’s more, the subject does not have any defined syllabus. There is no TOK textbook that IB students can turn to for guidance. Consequently, a significant amount of pressure is felt by IB students around TOK.

The Exhibition and the Essay

IB Students are assessed in TOK by two pieces of coursework. The first is the TOK Exhibition. The TOK Exhibition is an internally assessed presentation that amounts to 33% of a student’s overall grade in the subject. For their Exhibition, students must select one prompt from a list of 35. Next, IB candidates must complete a 950 word essay, divided into three sections, that examines the relationship between their chosen prompt and three self-selected objects. The purpose of the Exhibition is to allow TOK learners the opportunity to explore the ways in which knowledge manifests itself in the world.

The second piece of coursework is the TOK Essay. This accounts for the majority of an IB student’s final grade (67%) and totals 1,600 words. Candidates select one topic from a group of six, as well as a number of ‘real world’ examples to bolster their argument. Moreover, IB students should include a variety of philosophical perspectives in their writings, as well as indications of original thinking.

Making choices and broadening horizons

For those completing their TOK Exhibition and Essay, wide reading is essential. Each year, countless IB candidates choose similar objects for the Exhibitions and similar real world examples for their Essay (the Stanford Prison Experiment and the Milgram Experiment are two old favourites). While a functional Exhibition and Essay can be crafted from well-worn examples, TOK students are unlikely to truly distinguish themselves. To make the most of both the Exhibition and Essay, taking time to explore a variety of possibilities is essential. IB students need to read widely and consider the road less travelled with regard to their choices.

BartyED and TOK

TOK can be one of the most challenging components of the International Baccalaureate. It is outside of the comfort zone of the majority of young learners, with even the most academically-minded students struggling to grasp the coursework. At BartyED, our team of experienced TOK tutor are here to help. The assistance of an expert TOK tutor can make all the difference in terms of developing and redrafting both the Exhibition and the Essay. If you or your child could benefit from a highly trained TOK tutor, reach out today by phone (+852 2882 1017) or email (enquiries@bartyed.com).