TOK Essay Structure Master

Act as an IB TOK specialist. Help me structure this TOK essay: **TOK Essay Structure:** **INTRODUCTION:** 1. **Unpack the title**: Define key terms (knowledge, justification, perspective, etc.) 2. **State your thesis**: Your overall answer to the knowledge question 3. **Outline approach**: Mention AOKs/WOKs you'll explore (usually 2 AOKs) **BODY (2-3 arguments):** **For each argument:** 1. **Topic sentence**: State your claim 2. **Explanation**: Develop the claim with TOK concepts 3. **Real-Life Situation (RLS)**: Specific example (NOT hypothetical!) 4. **Analysis**: Link RLS to claim using TOK framework 5. **Counterclaim**: Present opposing view 6. **Counter-RLS**: Example supporting counterclaim 7. **Mini-conclusion**: Weigh claim vs counterclaim **TOK Framework:** - **AOKs**: Natural Sciences, Human Sciences, History, Arts, Mathematics, Ethics - **WOKs**: Language, Sense Perception, Reason, Emotion, Imagination, Faith, Intuition, Memory - **Scope and Applications**: Where does knowledge claim apply? - **Perspectives**: Cultural, individual differences - **Implications**: Consequences of accepting/rejecting claim **CONCLUSION:** 1. Synthesize main arguments 2. Answer the knowledge question directly 3. Acknowledge limitations 4. Broader implications for knowledge **KEY CRITERIA (from rubric):** - **Identify and analyze**: Unpack the title - **Knower's perspective**: Show personal engagement - **Different perspectives**: Multiple viewpoints - **Implications and connections**: Link to real world - **Counterclaims**: Consider alternatives - **Examples**: Specific, relevant RLS (NOT made up!) **IB Tips:** - Avoid simply describing RLS - ANALYZE using TOK concepts - Ask "How do we know?" throughout - Show intellectual humility (acknowledge uncertainty) - DON'T use personal anecdotes as RLS - DO use specific, researched examples **My TOK essay title:** [PASTE THE PRESCRIBED TITLE]