Grade Boundaries
Knowledge Questions
Presentation
From an examiner
‘One issue that props up with a whole lot of presentations is that it remains connected to the RLS even in the body of the presentation. The claims and counterclaims all seem to be connected to the RLS. This is detrimental to ToK analysis and makes it a simple presentation not a ToK one. We need to stress to our students that once the KQ has been extracted the RLS it should not be referred to all even in the slightest way, except at the end when the conclusion is being connected or linked to the RLS. Also, look around for other relevant RLSs to compare, contrast, show perspectives, and give the analysis some depth.’
2020 Essay Titles
1. “Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not” (Pablo Picasso). Explore this distinction with reference to two areas of knowledge.
2. “There is a sharp line between describing something and offering an explanation of it.” To what extent do you agree with this claim?
3. Does it matter that your personal circumstances influence how seriously your knowledge is taken?
4. “The role of analogy is to aid understanding rather than to provide justification.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?
5. “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.
6. “Present knowledge is wholly dependent on past knowledge.” Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.
Key Points
- Break down the meaning of the words in the title. Which are the focus of the question?
- Try to use an AOK which you feel more confident with.
- Make sure you use words such as truth, fact, accuracy and common sense carefully.
- Ensure you include an analysis of perspectives.
- Which knowledge is used to develop perspectives? But which knowledge do we not use, and why do we not use it?
- Have you developed a KQ and answered it? Is it close to the essay title?
- As with the presentation, have you included Claims V Counterclaims?
- Avoid simple dictionary definitions, aim for a brief discussion using TOK terminology and/or reference to concepts learned through the course.
- Avoid rewriting the essay title – you are likely to go off in the wrong direction.
- Include discussions of the validity of truth, sources, evidence etc.
- Have you explicitly linked your examples to the KQ?
- What are the limits of your own understanding?
Introduction
- What are the key terms in the title? Clarify the intent or meaning in the title.
- State your perspective of the title.
- Give your general thoughts on the topic.
- Generate a KQ to begin discussion.
- What is the KQ and AoK/WoK?
Identify the important words in the title. For example, ‘There are only two ways in which humankind can produce knowledge, through passive observation or through active experiment.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? The words to focus upon here are: ‘only two’ and ‘produce knowledge’. Perhaps ‘passive observation’ and ‘active experiment’ too.