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Sample Questions
The following are taken from https://ibtokessaytutor.com/.
2016 – “The knower’s perspective is essential in the pursuit of knowledge.” To what extent do you agree?
Thoughts to consider with essay 3 include:
- the distinction between theoretical and practical knowledge
- the difference between subjective and objective knowledge
- the essentially perspectival nature of knowing what an experience is like
2015 – “The whole point of knowledge is to produce both meaning and purpose in our personal lives.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Thoughts to consider with essay 6 include:
- the distinction between practical and theoretical knowledge
- the many purposes of theoretical knowledge
- is meaning in our personal lives discovered or created?
2014 – “That which is accepted as knowledge today is sometimes discarded tomorrow.” Consider knowledge issues raised by this statement in two areas of knowledge.
Thoughts to consider with essay 4 include:
- the distinction between knowledge and claims to knowledge
- the distinction between knowing and being certain
- the testing and refutation of knowledge claims
2013 – “That which can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.” (Christopher Hitchens). Do you agree?
Thoughts to consider with essay 5 include:
- the nature of self-evident truths
- the concept of rational justification of assertions and dismissals
- the distinction between refutation and dismissal
2012 – Can we have beliefs or knowledge which are independent of our culture?
Thoughts to consider with essay 1 include:
- the difference between belief and knowledge
- two distinct ways of specifying beliefs and knowledge
- three distinct conceptions of independence
2012 – “It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts” (Arthur Conan Doyle). Consider the extent to which this statement may be true in two or more areas of knowledge.
Thoughts to consider with essay 2 include:
- two conceptions of the fit between data and theory
- assumptions concerning the independence of data and theory
- the philosophy of science and of theoretical knowledge
Essay Rubric
Grade 11 Summative Assessment
Be wary of using the words proof or proven. Is there ever a consensus for it?
Avoid dictionary definitions
Focus on ‘knowledge’, it is advisable to use the word several times in the essay.
Incorporate TOK terminology where you can. TOK.net Teacher website
Introduction
- State the two Knowledge Questions (KQ’s) in the introduction.
- Explain how you are going to answer them by defining the key terms (do not use a dictionary to do this, use your own words).
- Explain which Areas of Knowledge (AOKs) you have chosen to answer the KQ’s and why.
Paragraph 1 – Answer the first KQ
- Explain the RLS you have chosen.
- How does the RLS link to AOK 1?
- What are the different perspectives? Why?
Paragraph 2
- How does the RLS link to AOK 2?
- What are the different perspectives? Why?
Paragraph 3 – Answer the second KQ
- How does the RLS link to AOK 1?
- What are the different perspectives? Why?
Paragraph 4
- How does the RLS link to AOK 2?
- What are the different perspectives? Why?
Paragraph 5 – Conclusion
- Are there any similarities or differences in the answers and/ or perspectives to the two KQ’s?
- Ensure you use ‘knowledge’ in the conclusion.