READ THIS WEBSITE! (Especially the Essays section, but the entire thing is useful.)
1) Use the Outline Documents:
Document 1 Document 2These will GREATLY help your essay structure.
2) Your introduction should CLEARLY state your position on the matter. Be aware that TOK topics are almost always 'vague', meaning they are never simply 'yes or no'. Papers that take an extreme position in either direction don't tend to do as well. What you need to do is show that it's "Yes, but..." or "No, but..." and then show both sides.
3) Make it "SEXCI"! Use the following method to structure each of your body paragraphs:
S = statement or knowledge claim
E = example or evidence to support the claim
eX = explanation of how the example/evidence is relevant or supports the claim
C = counter-argument (which follows the ‘statement – example – explanation’ procedure above)
I = implication (So what? If we accept all this, what follows? What connections can we make with the other ideas about knowledge? What is the Knowledge Issue?)
You'll notice that the first three points basically follow the same format as a 'normal' essay (ie English paper). When you get to the
C and the
I, we get to the TOK stuff.
Here are a couple of essays that have been graded. Take a look at the comments the teachers gave. 4) General hints and tips:
1.
Using cliched examples - please avoid flat earth theory; heliocentric theory; long descriptions of the evolution of atomic theory (we're grateful that while the Second World War is still mentioned, this and the holocaust is being used to a lesser degree).
2.
Personal examples - many studetns are beginning to see the sense of using their experience of the IB or personal lives as part of their exploration of the KIs linked to a question. Do this sparingly but with focus.
3.
Structure - often students write long rambling introductions. There's no need - write 10-12 lines making sure that you articulate your intentions clearly and precisely.
3.
Definitions - by all means use a dictionary to clarify the meaning of words in your own minds, but avoid giving these definitons verbatim in your essays.
5.
Citations and bibliography - not essential since you're not writing a research essay, but if you use specific source material learn how to use and present citations and a bibligraphy in the correct way.
6.
Implications - many essays could earn higher grades by developing the implications of an argument or point - asking the question 'so what?' or 'what wider consequences does this line of thinking suggest?' at the end of a paragraph. Challenge yourselves to highlight the social, politcal, economic, ethical...implications of your ideas.
7.
Exploration not description - this means providing both sides of an issue you're looking at; the arguments and counter arguments. Too many students simply settle for a brief narrative of events or examples.
8.
Evidence and proof - learn the distinction between these and reflect on how 'evidence' is crucial when thinking about methodology in different AoKs.
9.
Real life examples - you'll be used to using these when constructing your presentations, but there's no reason why you can't build them into your essays too.
10. Language - the vocabulary you use reflects the quality of your thinking. A sophisticated and articulate mind will be signalled by the elegance and flexibility of the language with which you write. You can only find the words to say what you want by reading widely.Here's another site with more hints and tips. READ THEM!
