Ask how we know—not only what we know.
TOK helps you notice how evidence, interpretation, values, language and perspective shape knowledge across your subjects and beyond school.
Move from opinion to a justified, qualified claim.
TOK is less about memorising definitions and more about examining how a claim is produced and evaluated. Strong responses make a clear claim, use specific real-world examples, consider alternative perspectives and explain the limits of the conclusion.
Interrogate the claim
- What counts as evidence here?
- Who has authority—and why?
- Which assumptions are hidden?
- What could change this conclusion?
Specific beats generic
- Use a real object, event, method or knowledge practice
- Explain the example rather than name-dropping it
- Connect every example back to the knowledge question
- Avoid invented or overly broad evidence
Two tasks, two different lenses.
The details and prescribed prompts can change. Always work from the materials and deadlines provided by your TOK teacher.
Knowledge in the world
Select concrete objects and use them to explore how a chosen TOK prompt appears in a specific real-world context. The object-to-prompt connection needs to be explicit and justified.
Sustained analysis
Respond to one prescribed title through carefully selected areas of knowledge. Develop an argument, examine counterclaims and use precise examples to support the analysis.