IBDP Core - TOK, EE, and CAS Mastery

Front

TOK Core Theme: Knowledge and the Knower

Back

This mandatory theme explores the 'who' of knowledge. It examines how a knower's perspective (shaped by culture, gender, education, and biases) affects the production and acquisition of knowledge. It asks students to reflect on their own identity as knowers and how they interact with communities of knowers.

Front

The Role of 'Perspective' in TOK

Back

Perspective refers to the specific point of view from which knowledge is constructed. In TOK, acknowledging perspective is crucial because it reveals that knowledge is rarely neutral or objective. Analyzing perspective helps students understand bias, evaluate conflicting knowledge claims, and appreciate the diversity of thought in different Areas of Knowledge.

Front

TOK Assessment: The Exhibition

Back

The TOK Exhibition is an internal assessment where students choose one of 35 IA prompts and select three objects to explore how TOK manifests in the real world. It requires a 950-word commentary. Unlike the essay, it connects abstract TOK concepts to specific physical objects, demonstrating understanding of knowledge in everyday contexts.

Front

TOK Assessment: The Essay

Back

The TOK Essay is an external assessment where students respond to one of six prescribed titles released by the IB. It requires a 1,600-word argumentative essay focusing on comparison and contrast between two Areas of Knowledge (AOKs). Success relies on evaluating knowledge claims, using compelling examples, and maintaining a clear, coherent argument.

Front

Knowledge Questions (KQs) vs. First-Order Questions

Back

First-order questions are subject-specific questions within a discipline (e.g., 'What caused World War I?'). Knowledge Questions (KQs) are second-order questions about the nature of knowledge itself (e.g., 'To what extent can historical explanations be objective?'). KQs are open, general, and contestable, forming the core of TOK inquiry.