Theory of Knowledge is a subject that is very crucial to the Diploma Programme, since failing TOK can restrict you from obtaining your IB Diploma. Let’s say you need to write your TOK Essay, and you have no ideas on your prompts, don’t you worry! Here we have some tips and insights that will put you at an advantage when taking on the TOK Essay!
During the first year of the Diploma Programme, Theory of Knowledge is presented as a subject that broadens your view on the world, and the way you look at certain information. Theory of Knowledge in DP1 is focused on getting the concepts and content familiar with the students, and helping them apply questions while analyzing sources, creating a great stepping stone to approaching Theory of Knowledge in DP2.
Theory of Knowledge in DP2 is more focused on developing students into exploring new ideas, becoming risk-takers, and open-minded individuals. The exploration of all the disciplines is very crucial in DP2. Lastly, the Theory of Knowledge essay is introduced. The essay is a way for students to develop their ideas using the six prompts they are given every year. Here are the descriptions of the essay from the DP2’s: “The essay is very structured, it has a great framework and great guidance on deadlines and tasks.” And, “The essay process is very fast after your idea is developed.” Some tips from the DP2’s on writing the essay are:
- Talk about your idea.
- Once you speak about it, you get more engaged, having participation during class is very important, since you explore more perspectives and become more open-minded.
- Have a brainstorm, spit out ideas, then narrow down to the best ideas, since it will help you create an argument for your essay.
- Create your argument using one of the 6 prompts, and make sure you have sufficient ideas and evidence to back up your argument.
- After creating your argument, the more you talk about your idea, the more everything starts to make sense, and the ideas start developing.
- Helpful to talk to DP1’s to explain your ideas.
- Do not stress, the subject should be approached with the right mindset to make it more fun.
To conclude, Theory of Knowledge is not a subject that you should ignore, since it shapes the future of your development and your perception of the world. The essay is also necessary since it causes you to use your knowledge to create an argument for one of the prompts, giving you a more open-minded view of the world.
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