We’re often bombarded by a plethora of content that informs us to ‘do this’ and ‘do that’. What’s worse is being inoculated with the same approach under an additional subject on top of a six-subject heavy workload.

Theory of Knowledge. Sounds interesting, whacky, nebulous, but how exactly am I supposed to be assessed on a subject like that?

It’s somewhat a branch of epistemology within the academic branch of philosophy, and a prerequisite to pass the IB which makes the life of students seemingly harder.

For those that are new towards the IB system, TOK is assessed based on two components.

1. Presentation (33%)

2. Essay (67%)

Both components are graded upon a mark out of 10, and your essay score is doubled which gives a total maximum point out of 30. Assuming you scored 8 for your presentation and 8 for your essay, your total TOK score would be 24/30.

Truth is, though TOK might seem like an insurmountable task to many, I urge you to reconsider your preconceived notions about the subject. Rather than approach it with a level of disgust and disdain, let the despise for a somewhat-philosophical subject, not confuse you but interest you.

It’s perfectly normal to feel confused and directionless at the start, but once you get your argument planned out, you’ll feel the greatest sense of satisfaction ever.

So let me tell you five killer-hacks on making your TOK life easier for you!

1. Map out your arguments/train of thought.

Another tip I have for you guys is to pen down your arguments in a flow chart!

This will help you guys to discover the links between your arguments, while finding relevant real life situations to prove them. More importantly, it should help you seek clarity whether your real life example actually fits into the postulated argument. There should always be a ‘clear, direct’ link between your RLS(Real life scenario) and KC (knowledge claim), thereby making it convincing to your marker.

Apart from achieving a convincing train of thought, it helps you map down the points you are about to bring in your presentation or essay! This makes you clearer on the points you are attempting to deliver, ensuring that you go straight to the point.

An example to map it out would be starting with an overarching idea. From there, you develop into a knowledge claim, followed by evidence that supports it.

Eg. Big Idea: Technology automates the way knowledge is obtained.

Evidence: Data machines can help analyse loads of data which derive assumptions and knowledge about its targeted demographics. (Ask yourself: Is there any link between my evidence and idea?)

2. Follow the K.I.S.S Rule

Keep. It. Simple. Stupid.

A lesson I learnt from my IB days that maybe, doing too much of something can actually backfire and cause more harm than good to your work. Oftentimes, students assume TOK to be a subject which is extremely philosophical that requires complex school of thought. Truth is, it’s just a subject that teaches you to understand how to craft and convince people of your arguments.

The best way to score in your TOK presentations and essays are by summarising your overarching knowledge claim in simple, coherent sentences.

For instance, which one sounds clearer to you.

“Reasoning is an objective way of knowing.”

OR “The rationality of reasoning influences us to make hasty generalisations, while creating a formulated framework to come up with the objective truth.

For your presentation, which one do you think can deliver its message better to your marker? Understand that as a teacher, I wouldn’t want to bore myself with complex theories and sentences all day. It’s better clarity of your postulated arguments, and how well you think (limitations of arguments, implications of arguments etc.) that makes me impressed by your work.

Although TOK seems complicated, your answers don’t need to be complex. However, remember to be refined in your arguments.

3. Hack: You don’t need to read the whole textbook!

IB students are busy students with a multitude of assignments and deadlines. In the interest of time, it may not be wise to focus on reading the whole textbook. The pitfall many IB students face within the field of TOK is trying to do too many things at once. Think about it. You’re given a TOK textbook worth over 500 pages which may not help you in your final 1,600-word essay. So, why bother? Rather, focus on pertinent points within your reading material that are applicable within your presentation and essay.

How about the rest of the textbook? You don’t need to use it.

This is the biggest confusion many students have. The reality of TOK is to seek clarity and postulate an argument that makes sense. I always repeat to my friends that “TOK is trying to make sense of something that doesn’t make sense.” So don’t let yourself run into confusion, but step out of that ‘confusing zone’, and seek clarity within your answers.

I vividly remember doing my presentation on TOK which was exploring ‘memory’ as a ‘Way of Knowing’. Instead of making our explanations ‘TOK-centric’, my partner and I eventually veered off course as we read too many psychology papers on the way memory worked! Instead of focusing on ‘memory as a mediator to obtain knowledge’, we missed the essence of TOK which was crafting an argument that was well reasoned, digestible, and comprehensible. Therefore, I advise many students to just focus on two contrasting aspects in TOK, such as using “the Arts” and “the Natural Sciences” in your essays. Avoid going into the ‘deep’ topics like Ethics or History as it can become thoroughly confusing for you.

Most importantly, be confident in your arguments and stick close to them. Always ask yourself, does this make sense? Can the reader comprehend what I’m trying to say? Is it succinct? Is there an overarching ‘big idea’?

These skills are much more important than what could be found in the textbook. Prioritise your time well and you will find yourself more relaxed.

4. Proofread

Check, check, check, check your work.

This may not be application to TOK presentations other than your slides/videos/images you are using, but more for your essays. I cannot emphasise how many students overlook this, finding themselves ending up with grammar, spelling and citation mistakes.

It’ll leave a bad impression on your marker, definitely affecting how he or she feels about your essay.

Another reason why I strongly advise getting someone else to read your work is because it’s all about delivery! Even though your essay may be comprehensible to you, TOK is often a subject with various arguments. As a result, sometimes the reader may not understand the point you are trying to bring across. Essentially, the most vital skill you’ll ever develop in the IB is clarity in writing within the demands of the workload.

Apart from content, it’s also about delivery that makes or breaks your essay. If your friend or family member can understand your essay, and is able to explain it back to you, you’ve scored a killer essay for sure! However, do take their words with precaution as having too much feedback may lead to confusion as well. In essence, see if someone can understand it, check for your blindspots, and ultimately reduce the chances of you making mistakes!

5. Bring in TOK terms whenever possible

Even though you are required to bring real-life events into your TOK assignments, do make them TOK-centric by bringing in TOK terms such as “way of knowing”, “area of knowing” etc. These make it seem as if you understand your content well, and are able to pull links between the TOK world and the reality.

During your essay or presentation, you should throw in TOK terms wherever appropriate, and ideally, these terms should be relevant to your work. While doing so, break your real life situation down in a method which incorporates TOK terms, thereby demonstrating you are aware of the requirements of the subject.

In your TOK textbook, there’s usually a glossary of terms at the back. Use that page and it’ll come in handy for sure. Instead of describing Art as a medium of work, a phrase like “area of knowing that represents the artist’s personal knowledge” will be more effective.

Final Words

Though TOK may seem like a daunting task to many, it’s actually really fulfilling once you’ve found your way! It’s all about ideation, planning, and crafting an argument which is convincing and aware of its limitations. These demonstrate to your marker that you have the ability to think effectively and analytically.

TOK really isn’t about content, trust me (scored 27/30 overall), but it’s about finding two contrasting arguments and discovering a framework that is convincing, and relevant.

So don’t focus too much on whether you understand what’s going in class, but stay curious, to question everything, and finding a direction amidst all the confusion!

We hope you enjoyed the article but more importantly that it helps you in your TOK journey. Feel free to contact us via ibloungesg@gmail.com if you have any other questions. We also run a tuition service that promotes the #ibforib whereby internationally top-scoring graduates help guide their juniors through the treacherous journey.