tok essay titles november 2022

IB ToK Essay Titles and Topics: November 2022

Here are links to ideas and suggestions relating to the the six November 2022 IB ToK Essay topics:

• Topic 1. Within an area of knowledge is it more important to have credibility or power? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.
• Topic 2. If pushed too far, can open-mindedness itself become restrictive? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• Topic 3. Is it better to "have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned" (adapted from Richard Feynman)? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.
• Topic 4. Why do we seek indisputable evidence when it is so often unattainable? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• Topic 5. To what extent do you agree with the directive to "measure what is measurable and make measurable what is not so" (Galileo Galilei)? Answer with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.
• Topic 6. If the artist has freedom to interpret past events in ways that are denied to the historian, is this an asset or an obstacle to our understanding of the past? Discuss with reference to the arts and history.

Title 1: Within an area of knowledge is it more important to have credibility or power? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 1 include:

• the varieties of power
• the difference between being credible and being correct
• what is meant by "importance" here?

These thoughts, and others, will be developed here shortly: come back soon!

Title 2: If pushed too far, can open-mindedness itself become restrictive? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 2 include:

• the role of imagination in being open-minded
• what is meant by "restrictive" in this context?
• are there limits to what can be coherently questioned?

Title 3: Is it better to "have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned" (adapted from Richard Feynman)? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 3 include:

• is it possible, coherently, to frame a question that admits of no answer?
• what distinguishes plausible from implausible answers to questions?
• which sorts of true propositions can't rationally be doubted?

Title 4: Why do we seek indisputable evidence when it is so often unattainable? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 4 include:

• do we know any indisputable propositions?
• are proofs indisputable evidence?
• what is the difference between rational and irrational dispute?

Title 5: To what extent do you agree with the directive to "measure what is measurable and make measurable what is not so" (Galileo Galilei)? Answer with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.

Thoughts to consider with essay 5 include:

• what is the difference between being measurable in practice and in principle only?
• must we change something that is immeasurable, beyond recognition, in order to render it measurable?
• the difference between accuracy and precision in measurement

Title 6: If the artist has freedom to interpret past events in ways that are denied to the historian, is this an asset or an obstacle to our understanding of the past? Discuss with reference to the arts and history.

Thoughts to consider with essay 6 include:

• must all interpretations of past events be faithful to the facts?
• what makes an interpretation objective?
• if an interpretation is available to the artist, but not the historian, does this mean that it is ineffable?
• 1. Within an area of knowledge is it more important to have credibility or power? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.
• 2. If pushed too far, can open-mindedness itself become restrictive? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• 3. Is it better to "have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned" (adapted from Richard Feynman)? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.
• 4. Why do we seek indisputable evidence when it is so often unattainable? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• 5. To what extent do you agree with the directive to "measure what is measurable and make measurable what is not so" (Galileo Galilei)? Answer with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.
• 6. If the artist has freedom to interpret past events in ways that are denied to the historian, is this an asset or an obstacle to our understanding of the past? Discuss with reference to the arts and history.
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TOK DISCUSSIONS

Theory of knowledge prescribed titles

November 2022 examination session

Within an area of knowledge is it more important to have credibility or power? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.

If pushed too far, can open-mindedness itself become restrictive? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Is it better to "have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned" (adapted from Richard Feynman)? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.

Why do we seek indisputable evidence when it is so often unattainable? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

To what extent do you agree with the directive to "measure what is measurable and make measurable what is not so" (Galileo Galilei)? Answer with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.

If the artist has freedom to interpret past events in ways that are denied to the historian, is this an asset or an obstacle to our understanding of the past? Discuss with reference to the arts and history.

November 2022 Title #1

Within an area of knowledge is it more important to have credibility or power?

Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.

Within an Area of Knowledge, there are two groups who deal with knowledge: producers and consumers . The difference between credibility and power , is the same difference between "Let me explain to you how,” and “you just do as I say!"

There’s also another element in this title that needs to be addressed: importance . What makes anything important? Profitability, applicability, practicality, sustainability and many more. This aspect of this title is what makes it interesting, because you can personalize your essay and tell your own story. Importance is not a universal concept, what is utterly important for an individual or society, may not be important at all for the others.

Define credibility and power (within an AOK) first, and then define importance based on your own understanding of the concept. Teachers, administrators, parents and basically adults may ask you to "consume" knowledge, without any credibility to it and only on the basis of "they know better." This is exactly having power without credibility. Sometimes, you also come across people who give you invaluable advice, however their presentation is not very convincing, and it makes you not take them seriously. Bring an example from your own personal life.

One way or another, one should be convinced or ordered to accept something. In an Area of Knowledge, for knowledge to be convincing , it sometimes needs evidence and sometimes good presentation . In History , the way that the account is written should make it look credible, while in The Natural Sciences , knowledge surely needs evidence to be convincing. Knowledge in The Human Sciences becomes credible based on a mixture of evidence and presentation , and at times, it is only accepted through authority .

Still, the most important part of the discussion, which also makes it interesting, remains to be explained; importance . What makes knowledge important? In Mathematics , knowledge has to be accurate and correct, therefore we cannot accept something "just because" Einstein has said it. Although an ordinary person accepts mostly through authority, within an AOK this cannot happen, especially in AOKs like The Natural Sciences and Mathematics .

Find Real-Life examples that show (in your chosen AOK) how knowledge became important due to its power , being produced by a figure of authority , or its credibility , being presented well based on facts and evidence . Politicians can sometimes be very convincing , and sometimes only dictating . Both are equally important. Ask yourself, is it more important for a music teacher to be authoritative or expressive ? Is it more important to follow a famous economist on Twitter or watch YouTube videos that break down issues with the economy and explain them in detail? Is it more important to get vaccinated because doctors say, or because it makes sense? And what makes all these important? Is it profit, accuracy, convenience or just being right?

November 2022 Title #2

If pushed too far, can open-mindedness itself become restrictive?

Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

"Why don’t you accept whatever I say? I thought you were open-minded." "Why on earth should I even listen to these old fashioned, backward ideas? I’m an open-minded person."

Basically, whatever mindset that prevents the person from listening and considering others points of view, is restrictive and the opposite of being open-minded .

Unfortunately, these days, due to "Twitter cultures" many concepts are imposed onto societies and whoever doubts them or does not feel like following them will be labeled as "conservative," which is, while not necessarily a bad thing, is against open-mindedness.

We see everyday on social media that if one is not "supporting" a gay person, will be immediately attacked and labeled as "homophobic." Any comments against or even about "a certain woman" (and not entire female population) is considered "misogynistic." Open-mindedness brought the concept of diversity. Now, that it has been pushed too far, diversity has become a necessity , which restricts business owners to a certain number of employees from each race, nationality, sexual orientation and/or gender. Political correctness is another of the examples of pushing too far for open-mindedness.

All the above examples are social issues that can be discussed in the Introduction paragraph, and body of your essay, if you choose related real-life examples , mostly, within The Human Sciences . But how can you discuss open-mindedness and its possibility of becoming restrictive in other AOKs? In the same way as social issues.

In the Arts , when the artist has to stay far away from classicism to be considered progressive and open-minded , they have restricted themselves to the methods and tools of producing artistic knowledge which are "modern." When a scientist is forced to bring "modern" theories and base the entire scientific process on an approach which is not "conservative," open-mindedness has been pushed too far in that field and has become restrictive.

It is not wise to have a "no" approach to discussing this title. The way that you develop your arguments and conclude your discussion, can be a variety of agreeing with the title. Explain how open-mindedness itself becomes restrictive, in different degrees in different Areas of Knowledge . You can also argue that this "push" can create big contradictions .

The most important criterion of a TOK essay is showing "clear awareness and evaluation of different points of view" by the student. So, try to acknowledge all points of view on the title, those who accept and those who reject it, and in the end bring your own conclusion agreeing with what the title question implies.

November 2022 Title #3

Is it better to "have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned" (adapted from Richard Feynman)?

Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.

Well, Richard Feynman himself answered this title question: "I would rather have questions that can't be answered than answers that can't be questioned."

He was a scientist, and one of the greatest minds ever existed. Naturally, he didn’t want to have "answers" that can’t be questioned. But, what does it even mean? If there’s an answer then why can’t there be a question for it? In the second part of the quote, Feynman refers to "reasons" that believers of faith and believers of other doctrines without evidence bring for any phenomenon, or as we can call them "questions." With this brief explanation, you should know that if you choose to write your TOK essay under this title, you have to consider the following question: is it better to "have questions that can’t be answered than reasons without sufficient evidence.” If you look at it this way, most probably you know which one is better!

In an interview, Richard Feynman discussed "why" questions. When one "why" question is "answered," another "why" question rises. If a curious mind follows this trail, there will always be questions that can’t be answered (provisionally). However, if one stops you from going further and brings a "reason" such as "because God wants it this way," or "because this is against the law," or "because it hurts the feelings of some group," then you are faced with "answers" that can’t be questioned (further).

In History , there are countless unanswered questions, for now. It may be the case in astrophysics , or biology . In disciplines like psychology , there are only a few "fully answered" questions. It should also be considered that, some experts may consider a question answered, while others remain unsatisfied.

You surely can bring a couple of good real-life examples from your personal life for the Introduction paragraph, and move on to more viable scientific RLEs to discuss for your arguments .

Concluding this essay may be a bit tricky, because as a TOK student you should show "clear awareness and evaluation of different points of view," which seems absurd for this topic, however, you can state points of view of those who prefer unanswerable questions , to show that you are aware of such views, and then evaluate them based on reason , and in the end conclude why you prefer what you prefer.

November 2022 Title #4

Why do we seek indisputable evidence when it is so often unattainable?

Because “easily disputable” evidence is useless.

Practically, and logically, nothing is "indispuıtable" as either any claim , or evidence , can be disputed with (or without) reasoning . Many concepts are relative rather than absolute , and indisputability of an evidence is the same, to a certain degree.

In personal life, we seek indisputable evidence to prove our point . And in different areas of knowledge, experts seek indisputable evidence to be certain about the knowledge that they are producing.

There are two situations where evidence can be disputed: where evidence is not relevant, verifiable, actionable etc. and where the opposer disputes the evidence based on personal taste or any other irrational basis. These situations happen so often.

The keyword that is missing from the title and you should add and justify is "enough." We seek evidence that is indisputable enough , which means it is relevant, sufficient, verifiable and actionable enough.

You can choose any two areas of knowledge and bring contrasting RLEs, where one scientist tried to prove a theory without sufficient evidence and failed, while the other brought strong evidence and helped knowledge advance in that AOK, although their claim (and evidence) was heavily disputed by others.

In conclusion, while many may dispute our evidence, we do our best to find evidence that is as solid as possible to prove our points.

November 2022 Title #5

To what extent do you agree with the directive to "measure what is measurable and make measurable what is not so" (Galileo Galilei)?

Answer with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.

"Make measurable" is a directive that can be misinterpreted. Surely, Galileo Galilei didn’t imply deceiving by made up measurements , he suggested creating measuring methods and tools for what is not measurable, for now. Considering this clarification, there should only be one extent to this endeavor, and that is possibility . If something is impossible to be known , it is impossible to be measured , and this is where measuring stops.

Production of knowledge in The Natural Sciences is strongly based on measurement. In The Human Sciences , on the other hand, there are many variables and factors with clear visible outcomes that are very hard to be measured. Over the course of history, many have tried to develop methods and tools for measuring happiness , with little to on success, due to the fact that the concept of happiness itself is not absolutely defined. Many countries are considered as the happiest countries in the world, while having a high rate of suicide . For some, living in an economically secure society, and at the same time living in shoebox apartments constantly in darkness and cold , may not be the ideal conditions for happiness. Even in Mathematics there are non-measurable sets and in History almost nothing is measurable. In the Arts , knowledge is produced, is consumed and is transferred by other sensory methods and tools than measurement.

In conclusion , one would agree with the quote to the extent of possibility of measurement. If something can be known, then it can be measured or we should develop methods and tools for measuring it.

November 2022 Title #6

If the artist has freedom to interpret past events in ways that are denied to the historian, is this an asset or an obstacle to our understanding of the past?

Discuss with reference to the arts and history.

So you have your two AOKs, and this is a good thing. Or is it?

If you choose to write your TOK essay under this title, you should know that you won’t have much freedom, contrary to the artist in question!

History and the Arts are both areas of knowledge with the least consensus among their experts. However, there are concepts and issues that most of the expert knowers of these AOKs agree upon.

The keyword that should be defined and explained in this title is "understanding" and to be more precise "understanding of the past." Surely, understanding "of" the past does not mean fully understanding the past. It means knowing about past events and having some degrees of understanding about their reasons and outcomes. Therefore, depicting past events in an artistic way, although rejected by "the historian," can assist learning about the past, while it may not give us the full picture.

A movie about The Holocaust raises awareness about this part of history, and even if it is misleading, according to the historian, it still raises the first question in the path of understanding of the past.

To be honest, this title has many ambiguities that make it a very bad, and surely limiting option for a TOK essay. If you intend to argue based on a certain artwork which was denied by a certain historian, in each AOK, then you cannot reach a conclusion that shows your "clear awareness and evaluation of different points of view." The only way to get an A by writing under this title, is to find (at least)  two Real-Life Examples , which means two artworks which were heavily criticized by some certain historians due to their inaccuracies in picturing the past events, and then you have to find experts who found these artworks misleading , therefore obstacles , also experts who found these artworks thought-provoking , therefore assets , and then compare and contrast these points of view. There may be easier ways than this to write a successful TOK essay.

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Choosing a TOK essay title

TOK Home > Free TOK notes > TOK essay guidance > Choosing a TOK essay title

Once you’ve understood the basics of the essay, and have grasped the essay rubric , you can think about which title to choose. These are published in March and September every year, according to whether you are a Southern or Northern hemisphere school.

Here are a few consideration points that you can bear in mind when you read through the six prescribed titles (PTs), and decide which one to take on.

STEP 2: Choose a TOK essay title

1. have you properly considered your choice.

Be open-minded about the titles, and listen carefully to the opinions of others during the initial class discussion about the PTs. You may feel a strong reaction for or against certain titles, but don’t act on this yet. Wait until you have fully processed and understood what each essay is looking for, then make your choice.

2. How does your title relate to the TOK course structure?

Our way of structuring the course is via the Big Questions . These are designed to align with the TOK essay, so if you have followed this way of studying the TOK course, it’s your first way of linking the PTs to the course. Which BQ unit did you most enjoy? Which thinkers and ideas appeared in that unit? A measure of a title’s suitability is the ease with which you can link it to the course structure you have followed.

3. Does your title link to an AOK that you’ve enjoyed exploring?

As you consider the titles, you should be thinking about how they link to the areas of knowledge, and which AOKs might work as the context of your essay. Inevitably, you will have enjoyed, and had more success, with some AOKs than others, so your title should link naturally to these – if it doesn’t, then perhaps you need to rethink your choice.

4. How does your title relate to the key concepts?

The key concepts are 12 ideas of particular significance to the TOK course, and you should use them as much as you can in your TOK essay. Does the title you have chosen include a reference (either explicitly, or implicitly) to a key concept? Does it allow you to discuss a key concept that has resonated with you, or which enables you to draw on personal experiences? Try as much as possible to choose a title that allows you to mention and discuss one or more key concepts.

5. Can you find ways to challenge your title?

One characteristic of a top-level essay is that it offers a challenge to the statement or question within the title. Is the title you are considering based on an assumption that you could dispute? Is it based on a concept or idea that you could take issue with? This is a great way of showing that you have a critical approach to knowledge, and don’t just toe the line.

6. Can you relate the title to your own experiences?

Another consideration point is whether the title allows you to draw on your own experiences – either inside school, or outside it – as a knower. Can you draw on the process of writing your EE? CAS projects? Your other DP subjects? From books you’ve read, art galleries you’ve visited, thinkers you’ve encountered? All this works very well in a TOK essay.

7. Can you easily explore the title in a real-world context?

As well as your own experiences, what about events and issues on a local, national, or global level? Think about interesting real-life situations that you have read about or watched, via articles, documentaries, and podcasts. These will help when you start writing and justifying your ideas.

8. Can you think of key thinkers whose ideas might help you explore your title?

Adding the ideas of a key thinker adds authority and clarity to your essay, and enables you to consider the question via a different perspective. It also encourages you to offer an evaluative discussion. If you can link your title to the work of one or more key thinkers, this is a great indication that you’ve chosen wisely.

If you can answer ‘yes’ to all of the above questions, then you are definitely on the right pathway – and it’s time to move onto Step 3 !

A four-step guide to the TOK essay

Click on the buttons below to take you to the four steps of creating a great TOK essay. Don’t forget that we have plenty of videos on this and other aspects of the course, and members of the site have access to a huge amount of other resources to help you master the course and assessment tasks.

Check out our three-minute explainer video on the TOK essay here . The video goes over the basics of the TOK essay, such as how it’s assessed, the word count and other practical details, terms such as ‘perspectives’ and ‘implications’, and the role of real-world examples in justifying claims and arguments.

You’ll find more videos on this and other aspects of TOK here , and you can dive into much more depth via our free and premium webinars, here .

Watch our essay & exhibition webinars

Click on the images below to access these premium webinars on how to create the essay and exhibition. Access more webinars here , and watch our videos on the assessment tasks on this page .

FAQs about the TOK essay

How do i choose my tok essay title.

You choose your essay from six prescribed essay titles, that are released at the beginning of your second DP year. We give a few tips on how to choose a PT that will work for you here . But briefly, choose one that links to your pre-existing knowledge, and that you find personally engaging.

What will I be writing about in my TOK essay?

You’ll be answering your prescribed title, within the context of two areas of knowledge, considering how different perspectives might affect our response to the question, and what the implications of your arguments are.

Can I use ChatGPT to write my essay?

You can use ChatGPT to help you gather materials for your essay, but you should definitely not be using it to write the essay. Be very careful with ChatGPT. It bases its answers on online material, and much of this is inaccurate or out-of-date. For example, depending on what you ask it, it may tell you that you have to explore multiple areas of knowledge (rather than the two stipulated by the titles), and that you have to identify a separate knowledge question to the title (which is absolutely not the case).

How much help should I expect from my teacher?

Your teacher should run through the PTs when they are first released, and then meet you for three interactions, during which you’ll discuss your progress. They are allowed to give you one set of written feedback. But you can consult them at other times with specific questions.

Do I need to use real-world examples in my TOK essay?

Yes, real-life examples help illustrate your points and make your arguments more tangible. They can be drawn from personal experiences, historical events, scientific discoveries, etc.

Should I include my personal opinion in the TOK essay?

While the TOK essay is not about your personal opinion per se, it’s important to reflect on your perspective and how it shapes the way you understand the title. However, you should avoid using the essay as a platform for rants or unsubstantiated claims.

Is it necessary to include counter-arguments in my TOK essay?

Yes, including counter-arguments shows a deeper understanding of the complexity of the topic and demonstrates your critical thinking skills. It also enables you to consider different perspectives, and evaluate the implications of arguments.

Should I include the 12 key concepts in my essay?

Yes, as much as you can, draw on the key concepts such as justification, evidence, perspective, bias, certainty, and objectivity within your arguments linking them to the title, and to the real-world examples you draw on.

How do I ensure that my TOK essay reflects my own original thinking, and avoids plagiarism?

Clearly attribute ideas and sources that are not your own, and strive to present original insights and interpretations supported by evidence and reasoning. See our point above on using ChatGPT – never view this as more than a tool to help you gather material for your essay, rather than a tool to write it for you.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when writing a TOK essay?

Avoid oversimplifying complex issues, relying solely on personal opinion without justification, neglecting counter-arguments, veering off the question, and failing to include a consideration of different perspectives.

How long do I have to write my essay?

You’ll have 6 months from the time the prescribed titles are released, to the deadline date for uploading your essay to the IB. However, most schools will set their own deadline for completing the essay, so that everyone has plenty of time to complete your PPF, and upload it on time. Follow what your school tells you about this.

How important is the TOK essay PPF?

The PPF (‘Planning and Progress Form’) is the document that you fill in to outline your discussions during the three essay. Although this is not directly assessed, it is an important part of demonstrating that you have approached the TOK essay in an ethical way, which is now particularly important in the era of ChatGPT.

What are some effective strategies for revising and editing my TOK essay to improve clarity and coherence?

Take breaks between revisions, seek feedback from peers or teachers, and carefully proofread for grammar, punctuation, and coherence.

Should I include references or a bibliography in my TOK essay?

While not required, referencing sources appropriately adds credibility to your essay; use footnotes or endnotes for citations.

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IB ToK Essay Prompts for November 2022

Table of contents

• Writing Metier

Every year, students who started IBDP are waiting for IB to share the list of specific prescribed titles for Theory of Knowledge essays. Like in all the previous years, IB opened a list of six topics for TOK essays  for the next semester.  In the year 2022, November TOK essay titles will be as below.

UPD! November 2023 TOK Essay Prompts

Writing a ToK essay often makes a lot of students nervous. They wait for the list of titles anxiously every year to begin planning how they are going to work on it. For most, it can be very overwhelming. The first and the most important thing is to finalize what topic you will work on. For this, you need first to analyze each topic and understand what it requires.

⏩ Order Originally Written TOK essay ⏪

Once you are done with that, you can begin working. For a good grade, you need to plan adequately before time, and you need to brainstorm so that you can come up with the best work.

Here is the list of Tok essay titles for November 2022. Each topic is explained by our IB experts for your ease. If you are ready to write a 1600 words TOK essay, take a look at these, along with the guidelines given to make your selection and begin working.

ToK Essay topics and titles: November 2022

1. within an area of knowledge is it more important to have credibility or power discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge. + sample.

In this essay, you need to first break the two key terms down, which are credibility and power. Credibility can be a result of reputation, publication, research projects, and a few other important things. However, power can result from the same factors or others too. So it would be best if you gave examples based on your operational definitions of power and credibility, only after which you can come to a conclusion. You can consider the example of a leader who has power but not credibility, or credibility but not power, or even both. Then you can come to a conclusion based on that.

2. If pushed too far, can open-mindedness itself become restrictive? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Here, the two key terms are “ open-mindedness ” and “pushed too far.” While “open-mindedness” can be fairly easy to explain, “pushed too far” is highly subjective. So before you begin, you need to clearly state what “pushed too far” means for you. Then, you can give relevant examples in the cultural and social context, where you talk about how open-mindedness can become restrictive. An example can be a leader who abolishes certain rules for his people, but then the freedom that they get automatically curbs them since it harms their own selves. In the same way, you can give examples of instances where open-mindedness has done more harm than good.

3. Is it better to “have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned” (adapted from Richard Feynman)? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.

For this title, you can break the essay down into two parts, where you talk about questions that cannot be answered and answers that cannot be questioned. However, the degree of subjectivity is very high here. What one researcher may think is a question that cannot be answered might have very valid answers for it by another researcher. You can compare and contrast those situations by using subjective areas of knowledge like art. An area of knowledge where you can find answers that can’t be questioned is religion. So using examples from areas of knowledge like these, you can make your point.

4. Why do we seek indisputable evidence when it is so often unattainable? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge. + SAMPLE

Here, you need to shed light on ‘indisputable evidence.’ You can see that most things in the world have people giving different opinions on it. The disputes are based on people’s personal beliefs and that is what makes them argue with each other. You can make the argument here about whether or not it is possible to have indisputable evidence in different fields of knowledge. Then you can compare and contrast examples from various fields to make your understanding much clearer.

5. To what extent do you agree with the directive to “measure what is measurable and make measurable what is not so” (Galileo Galilei)? Answer with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.

Initially, this might seem confusing to most, but the basic idea is to understand the difference between being measurable in practice and in principle. When you talk about being measurable, you must also take into account things are beyond recognition so that you could render those as measurable too. In this essay, you can focus on the difference between accuracy and precision to make your point clearer by giving specific examples.

6. If the artist has freedom to interpret past events in ways that are denied to the historian, is this an asset or an obstacle to our understanding of the past? Discuss with reference to the arts and history.

In this essay, you must focus on past events and the ways that people choose to interpret them. Given that there are many different ways in which these events can be interpreted, you need to focus on how this aids understanding and helps us distinguish between different things.

We wish you good luck as you start off with your ToK essay writing. Know that you can do it! Be careful with deadlines and may the force be with you, my friend 😉

Meanwhile, if you are interested, you can check a list of previous TOK essay topics with samples.

The year 2023:

• 2023  May TOK essay prompts

The year 2022:

• May 2022 ToK essay titles

Previous years’ prompts:

• November 2021 ToK Essay titles
• May 2021 Theory of Knowledge essay prompts

Also, you might be interested in a great list of IB TOK presentation topic ideas that will be interesting both for you and your supervisor. Furthermore, we have shared a list of IB TOK exhibition IA prompts for the years 2022/2023 . Have a read and start working on your presentation.

Hope all the suggestions for each topic from our expert TOK essay writers will help you complete the TOK essay.  You can also use one of the ToK essay samples for the November 2022 titles that follow all the latest IB TOK criteria. They can be used as an excellent guide to writing a TOK essay. 

If TOK essay writing seems overwhelming to you, and you do not want to write a good TOK essay on your own, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We have professionals in our team who have years of experience in writing ToK essays. We can work with you and help you achieve what you want. All you need to do is get in touch with us for your work, and the rest is on us!

I wish you good luck with writing a ToK essay for the year 2022. Now the most important is to select the right topic for you. Should you need some assistance writing a ToK essay. You can always contact my team 😉

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November 2022 TOK essay prescribed title #5 – key words and phrases

Published by author on march 31, 2022 march 31, 2022.

5. To what extent do you agree with the directive to “measure what is measurable and make measurable what is not so” (Galileo Galilei)? Answer with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.

November TOK prescribed title #5 starts with “To what extent do you agree…” This means that you should strongly consider both sides of the “directive.”  It is perfectly fine to write a TOK essay on #5 where in some areas you agree and some you disagree with the “directive.”  In fact, if you make solid in-depth arguments on both sides you may show a better understanding than if you were to write a one-sided essay.

The phrase “ measure what is measurable and make measurable what is not so ” presumes that measurement is a key element in the production and acquisition of knowledge.  Since November 2022 TOK essay prescribed title #5 starts with “ To what extent ” you do not have to agree with the prescribed title. 

There are other areas that can be vastly improved with measurement and improvements in measurement methodology.  The analysis and interpretation of a measurement is also a key factor in ensuring that the measurement is productive.

Some AOKs rely heavily on measurements and the data from the measurements can indicate whether a line of research, a medicine, or a building site is valid or not.  Other AOKs may use different kinds of measurements for different purposes.  Within each AOK there are also vastly different ways that measurements are taken and used. 

Measurement is important but it does does not guarantee accuracy or validity.  Measurements can be performed incorrectly, and even accurate measurements can be misinterpreted or misused. 

If you choose November 2022 TOK essay prescribed title #5 make sure that you look carefully for a solid set of specific examples that have in-depth links to both sides of the measurement debate.

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US IB Theory of Knowledge: TOK Essay

• Knowledge Framework in TOK
• TOK & The Learner Profile Attributes
• The Learner Profile Attributes Quiz
• Areas of Knowledge
• Optional Themes
• Knowledge Questions
• TOK Exhibition
• TOK Exhibition Prompts
• TOK Exhibition Rubric
• Ways of Knowing (Pre 2022)
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TOK Prescribed Titles

The International Baccalaureate Organization releases six TOK essay titles, twice a year for submission either in May or November. So you need to know which cohort you're submitting with. The essay titles for submission in May are released in the previous September. The essay titles for submission in November are released the previous March.

• May 2022 topics
• November 2021 topics
• May 2021 topics
• November 2020 topics
• May 2020 topics
• November 2019 topics
• May 2019 topics
• November 2018 topics
• May 2018 topics
• November 2017 topics

"A" example Essays

• Reason vs Emotion in Ethics
• Breaking Conventions
• Context is All
• Moral Wisdom
• Valuable Knowledge
• Experience & Culture

Essay Guidelines

The word count is 1600 words. This includes quotations. You have to write down the number of words when you submit the essay. The examiner will not read past 1600 words. References, maps/charts/illustrations and bibliographies are not included in the word count. You can choose any standard referencing system, but be consistent with the one you chose.

Assessment Criteria: Markscheme from the TOK Guide (as of Class of 2022)

TOK Essay Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that students and teachers frequently ask about the TOK essay. Read through these questions and the answers to check that you are doing the right thing.

What’s the most important thing to bear in mind?

The first thing is to BE CLEAR! Most students do not even manage to communicate their ideas clearly to the examiner. Regardless of whether or not your answer is stunningly original or crammed with a variety of interesting examples, if it is clear then you will already have a massive head start over the majority of other students from elsewhere in the world. That is why it is absolutely vital to plan in detail – if you have a clear plan you will write a clear essay. If you start the essay without a clear plan then the chances are you will not do very well.

The second thing is to remain focused on the question. It is really easy to lose focus and when you do your score will instantly drop. A slight switch from discussing ‘what we believe is true’ to ‘what is true’ might be enough to make most of your answer irrelevant to the question that you have been asked so you have to be really, really careful here. Always ask yourself whether you are correctly focused on the question.

If my answer is not completely different to everyone else’s will I lose?

Most good essays will offer well balanced, plausible and convincing answer to the knowledge question that has been asked. Clearly there is not an infinite variety of plausible and convincing answers to any question and so you should not expect your answer to be completely different to everyone else’s and nor should you strive to make it bizarrely and outlandishly strange in an attempt to seem original. A good answer will usually point out that x is true in some case cases because of a certain set of reasons, while it is less true in other cases and pretty much completely untrue elsewhere. Students who take very extreme positions tend not to do so well in TOK because, unlike in English where you can usually find some evidence to back up even the most unusual reading, TOK is meant to be firmly grounded in the real world and so, for instance, it is not really that plausible to argue that we can never know anything because that just doesn't fit with how we live our daily lives. Similarly, answers which are overly simply probably won't do that well because most things in TOK just aren’t that clear cut. For example students who claim that Art is completely subjective and that we can never know whether one painting is better than another have trouble when accounting for how the IB award some students Level 7s in art while failing others.

So in this sense your essay might be balanced in the same way as someone else’s but the difference between your essay and everyone else’s should be in exactly how you strike that balance, exactly which discriminations you make and the kinds of evidence that you use to persuade me that your answer is correct. The more convincing your position: the better you will do.

How many examples do I need?

In terms of number of examples there is no set answer. However, in a 1600 word essay you should try to have about 4-6 main body points with one clear example that is central to each one. The best marks will not go to those students who have lots of examples but those who choose examples that support their point really well and then go on to consider the counterclaims against this position (possibly using the same example or a different one) and then respond to this counterclaim (again using the same example or a different one - however three examples in paragraph might be getting a bit too much).

How important is it to talk about myself?

It is important to demonstrate personal engagement, indeed the highest marks will really only be awarded to essays that create a sense that the writer has really engaged and got to grips with the question that they have chosen to answer. However, there are a number of different ways to do this. Using the personal pronoun ‘I’ and talking about something that has happened to you is one way to do this but it will not score highly unless it is a strong example that convincingly supports the point you are trying to make. For example, you will are unlikely to get any points for a personal example about your summer holiday or your Mum’s noodle soup unless it clearly and convincingly supports your answer to the question.

Other ways to demonstrate personal engagement and independent thought are by offering personal definitions of key words and researching original examples that you have come up with yourself rather than the obvious example or the one that everyone else in your class is using because that is the one that the teacher gave you.

Ultimately the best way to demonstrate your personal engagement with the question is through your tone of voice and the sense that you have really ‘got’ what this question is asking and honestly offered your own answer to it. However, this can be hard to identify for an examiner so it is probably best if you try to cover all of the different methods mentioned above in order to come across as a student who is thinking for themselves and relating this question to experiences in their own education.

Should I offer definitions of all the words in my title?

Obviously not – beginning your essay with a list of personal definitions does not make for a very engaging start.   However, there may be some terms in your question title that it is important to define and so you might need to start by doing this. In these case it is best to offer a   brief   personal definition (avoid Dictionary.com!), but be careful with going into any more detail than that. Otherwise the best way to show that you understand what the words in the title mean is to continually link back to the key words from the question throughout your essay. Just like in an English essay you would usually do this at the beginning or end of a paragraph but the best students will be able to make the link clear throughout.

One handy trick to bear in mind when thinking about definitions is that, considering different definitions of key words can actually be a good way of incorporating different perspectives into your essay. For example, if your essay question asks you whether progress is equally possible in the sciences and the arts then how you answer that question might depend on how you define progress and a good structure for the essay might be to start by considering one definition of progress (i.e. progress from one perspective) and then go on to contrast this with the answer that we get if we consider a different definition of progress from another perspective.

Is it a good idea to argue that it’s impossible to know anything at all?

Generally no … TOK examiners tend to be quite dismissive of essays that argue either that we can’t know anything at all or that you can have your ‘truth’ and I can have my ‘truth’ and that these truths are both true. The first of these approaches is often called ‘lazy scepticism’ and the second ‘easy relativism’ and you can see that the names imply that these are not particularly impressive positions to adopt. This is not to say that it’s impossible to be sceptical about knowledge and argue that there are problems with it because clearly there are. It’s also not to say that it’s impossible to argue that in some situations the ‘truth’ might actually be different for different people. However, by and large TOK is looking at how we can know things despite the problems we face when acquiring with knowledge or in spite of the different opinions that exist. TOK is in many ways a pragmatic and realistic subject that is trying to move away from creating the impression that we just can't know anything at all. As such, the best essays will admit that the acquisition of knowledge may not be straight-forward, but will go on to consider how we can overcome these obstacles in the successful pursuit of knowledge.

Do I have to cover every AOK and WOK in my essay?

No, you won’t have enough space. However, you should start by considering all of the   AOKs   and   WOKs   when you begin planning your essay and then narrow it down to the 2 or 3   AOKs   or   WOKs   where you can say the most interesting things. Make it clear that this narrowing down is a conscious decision that you have made and you can even briefly explain the reasons why you have made the choice that you have, if you think that it is relevant. Remember that the highest marks will go to the students who explore a few really key ideas in depth rather than those who try to cover everything. Remember also that the best and most original ideas are not necessarily going to be the ones that spring to mind first so try to use   AOKs   or   WOKs   that not everyone else is using – as long as they work.

So how do I know which   AOKs   or   WOKs   would be good ones to pick?

In general, it can be good to compare an AOK where a statement 'x' really applies well and contrast that with one where it doesn't or doesn't seem to. So for example 'All knowledge is subjective' seems to fit well with The Arts and Ethics, but less with Maths and Science so if you just talk about The Arts and Ethics then you are just going to have an essay that keeps saying ... and this is also true in Ethics, and we can see another example of subjectivity in the Arts, etc. It would be much better to say that this is true in the arts because of xyz reasons and not true in Maths because of   abc   reasons.

If you are really confident with TOK you might try inverting an obvious stereotype about an AOK and seeing if you can find examples where that isn’t true. For example, most students’ first reactions are that the Arts are a subjective subject whereas Maths is a subject which contains objective, universal truths. While there is some   truth to this stereotype   it is not true all the time and the best students will be able to explore where that stereotype breaks down and why it breaks down.   For example, while judgement in art is subjective, some truths – e.g. that this picture was painted by   Da   Vinci - are empirical and so we can have objective agreement about them. Additionally, even the subjective truths aren't allowed to be absolutely anything - even my Mum doesn't think that my Primary School paintings are as good as   Da   Vinci's. This kind of subtlety is what marks out the best answers.

In addition, do not make sweeping statements about aspects or areas of knowledge that imply that what you are saying is always and absolutely true without exception. Instead, phrase things in a way that acknowledges the limitations of your own knowledge and experience: for example ‘Accepting for the moment the premise that … then we can say …’

Do I have to use TOK words like ‘Areas of Knowledge’ in my essay?

Yes you do as this will demonstrate a good understanding of the course but be wary of just throwing them in everywhere: judicious and correct use of TOK terminology is better than going over the top. The words that should come up more frequently are the key words from the question to show that you are remaining focused on the question and not getting distracted by anything else.

Do I have to include any Philosophy or Philosophical words?

No   - the IB have made it clear that TOK is not a philosophy course, instead it is meant to be grounded in the real world and your own experiences as a student. As such you should try to avoid including complex philosophical points unless you really understand them and they really are fully relevant to the essay, even then it is often to put these points into your own words rather than quote philosophers because TOK is about you thinking for yourself rather than quoting someone else’s thoughts.

Do I have to research the quotations in the question title?

It is a good idea to know where the quotation came from, who said it and why but you wouldn’t necessarily include any of this in your essay. In fact, the quotation may not really be relevant at all to the essay question as they are sometimes just used to give you a flavor of   the what   the essay is about. For example in the ‘What I Tell You Three Times is True’ question – the number ‘three’ and the fact that this comes from Lewis Carroll are not necessarily as important as the point about repetition and so detailed research into the works of Lewis Carroll will not really help you with this question.

Can I use quotations from famous people to back up my argument?

Students often like starting essays, concluding essays or supporting points with quotations from famous people like Oscar Wilde or Albert Einstein. The fact that these people are experts tends to lend an air of credibility to your argument. However, the opinion of someone like Oscar Wilde is only going to be relevant in certain, very specific circumstances, for example, if you are exploring esthetics (the theory about what makes beautiful things beautiful) then it might be worth considering Oscar Wilde’s perspective on this topic as he was an artist… but you have to remember that his view is only one perspective and just because Wilde said it, it doesn’t mean that he has the best or most convincing theory about beauty. You should also remember that, outside of the topic of esthetics, it might not be a such good idea to quote Oscar Wilde at all: his opinions on how to live a good life, for example, can be sharply witty and sound quite appealing ... but we need to remember that he did die penniless and alone in Paris so is he really someone that we want to listen to?

Similarly, Einstein is a hugely important figure in the history of science and it might be worthwhile quoting him if you were exploring the forces that drive or inspire genius. However, again you should bear in mind that Einstein’s personal statement about what inspires him is not necessarily something that is going to be true of all thinkers. On top of that you should remember that it has been almost 100 years since the publication of Einstein’s last great work, the General Theory of Relativity, so if you are looking for an up to date comment on the nature of scientific knowledge then it might be best to look elsewhere.

In general the rule with quotations is that you should only quote from someone when they are an expert in the relevant field and even then you have to bear in mind that their opinion is nothing more than that, an opinion. Just like your opinions have to be backed up with evidence and proof, so do the opinions of experts… just because Einstein said it, it doesn’t mean it’s true until you show me the proof. One danger you should also be aware of if you quote too much is that the expert’s voice can come to replace your own and so you should only quote opinions sparingly. One additional way to prevent the expert’s voice from dominating your essay is to use quotations from them in your counterclaims; if you go on to disagree with the expert then that’s usually a clear indication that you are thinking for yourself.

Finally, be careful where you get your quotation from. ‘Brainyquote.com’ might be a repository of thousands of fantastic and completely accurate quotations but it doesn’t create a great impression of your ability to select reliable sources so try to find the original source for your quotation and quote that!

Do I need to include different perspectives in my essay?

Definitely, although remember that ‘different perspectives’ can mean a range of different things. One nice way to include different perspectives is by considering the question from the ‘perspective’ of the different   AOKs . So, for example, you might answer the question from the perspective of the sciences and then compare this with the perspective of the arts – this is a particularly nice trick because it also enables you to draw in some comparisons between the   AOKs   at the same time. However, there are other perspectives that you considering and exploring different cultural, political, philosophical, historical and intellectual perspectives or different schools of thought within an AOK can lead to a more interesting and more convincing essay.

Do I have to distinguish between ‘personal’ and ‘shared’ knowledge in my essay?

It’s definitely a good idea to consider these ideas in your planning but, as with anything, you should only really include them if they are relevant to your essay. One effective way to include these different kinds of knowledge in your essay is to treat them as different perspectives on the same issue. For example, if you are looking at whether it is possible to make progress in the arts then the answer might be quite different depending on whether I am talking about progress at a personal level (clearly I can get better at drawing) or at a shared / communal level because it’s not entirely clear what it would mean for art overall to get ‘better’. This links nicely with the previous point as a way of considering different perspectives on the same issue and can be a good way of killing two birds with one stone.

From www.mrhoyestokwebsite.com

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Unpacking the 2024 November TOK Titles: A Comprehensive IB Solved Guide

The November 2024 IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Essay Titles are out!

Let's be honest – tackling the TOK essay can be a daunting task. With so many ideas, concepts and topics at our disposal and a myriad of ideas swirling around, it's easy to feel overwhelmed at the outset.

That's where we come in.

In this article, we'll delve into each title and offer some strategic advice on how to approach them.

General Tips to Unpacking a Title

When we first encounter a prompt, we want to think in terms of perspectives and counter-perspectives (formerly known as claims and counterclaims). This framework allows for a structured essay, exploring the title through the lens of two chosen Areas of Knowledge (AOKs) and weaving in different arguments. While the ultimate conclusion you draw may often reside somewhere between these extremes or on a conditional basis (e.g. perspective 1 is correct in certain circumstances, while perspective 2 is a better approach in other), starting with opposing arguments can facilitate the development of a more nuanced exploration and argument.

So let's get to it – here is everything you need to know about the November 2024 TOK Essay titles:

Title 1:  Does our responsibility to acquire knowledge vary according to the area of knowledge? Discuss with reference to history and one other area of knowledge.

Recommended AOKs: History (Mandatory) and Natural Sciences/The Arts/Human Sciences

This title prompts an assessment of whether we have different levels of responsibility to acquire knowledge across different AOKs. While you are open to argue against the title directly, suggesting that the responsibility is the same across AOKs, this would be unwise. It would be better to reflect on each AOK and perhaps present one perspective in support of the responsibility and one perspective against it, drawing a conclusion on which argument is stronger in each AOK.

Also consider the difference between the acquisition and production of knowledge – perhaps we have a broader responsibility to produce new knowledge in some areas of knowledge but not necessarily to acquire it as individual knowers.

Some perspectives you may consider:

Perspective: We have a responsibility to acquire knowledge to ensure that we construct an accurate record of the past. It is our responsibility to know our History and learn from the past.

Counter-Perspective: Historical knowledge is limited by subjectivity and collective memory, hence it is not essential to acquire knowledge of our past to build a successful future.

Perspective: We have a responsibility to acquire artistic knowledge to understand cultures and societies.

Counter-Perspective: The acquisition of knowledge in the Arts is for aesthetic purposes and enjoyment, not the fulfilment of a responsibility.

Natural Sciences/Human Sciences

Perspective: We have a responsibility to acquire new scientific knowledge for the continual development of mankind.

Counter-Perspective: Understanding how the world/humans work is not necessary knowledge for knowers to acquire.

Title 2:  In the production of knowledge, is ingenuity always needed but never enough? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.

Recommended AOKs: Mathematics (Mandatory) and Natural Sciences/The Arts/Human Sciences

This is a super interesting title – ensure you define 'ingenuity' from the outset. The essay almost structures itself – your first paragraph in each AOK can consider how/whether ingenuity is 'always needed', exploring how this plays out in each AOK, while the second paragraph can explore whether or not it is 'never enough'.

Some ideas you may consider:

Paradigm Shifts – To revolutionise an AOK, often ingenuity is needed to enact a paradigm shift (a new way of thinking which changes the entire knowledge structure of an AOK) and to ensure progress.

Creativity – Creative thinking is important not only for AOKs such as the Arts, but even in Mathematics and the Sciences. Discovering innovative ways of devising experiments or utilising clever analogies to explain incredibly complex concepts is integral to these AOKs.

Structure – Ingenuity is only valuable within a framework for knowledge production, whether this be an artistic process or the scientific method.

Title 3:  How might it benefit an area of knowledge to sever ties with its past? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Recommended AOKs: History, Natural Sciences, The Arts and Human Sciences

The 'How' of this title restricts the scope to discussing different 'benefits' rather than a standard 'perspective-counter' analysis. It will also be important to define exactly what 'severing ties' involves – does this mean completely ignoring all past knowledge or simply becoming less attached to existing ways of thinking?

Some ideas for this title:

Fresh Ideas and Paradigm Shifts – By severing ties, you open up the possibility of acquiring knowledge which can overhaul an entire AOK, drastically accelerating progress.

Bias – By severing past ties, knowers can free themselves of the biases of their predecessors.

Innovation – Since existing frameworks of thinking often lead to similar conclusions, you can expand the possibilities of new knowledge by severing past ties.

However, you may interestingly conclude that these benefits are only reaped when ties to the past are severed to an extent, as it may be detrimental to an AOK to entirely negate past knowledge.

Title 4:  To what extent do you agree that there is no significant difference between hypothesis and speculation? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and one other area of knowledge.

Recommended AOKs: Human Sciences and History/Natural Sciences

This prompt is very focused on your definitions. I would suggest defining these terms distinctly and precisely from the outset. The primary question which this title is asking is whether hypotheses are mere "speculation" or "guesses", or if there is a significant difference.

Also, if selecting the Human and Natural Sciences, please ensure that your perspectives aren't repetitious and highlight the differences between these AOKs.

Development – Speculation and hypothesis differ in the fact that the development of a hypothesis generally requires significant prior research and an understanding of existing knowledge

Experimentation – Hypotheses are developed purposefully and then empirical experimentation are conducted to provide evidence either in support or against them

Emotion – Speculation tends to come from 'feelings' or 'impressions', whereas the development of a hypothesis is far more methodical

Title 5:  In the production of knowledge, are we too quick to dismiss anomalies? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Recommended AOKs: Human Sciences/History/Natural Sciences

This title allows you to reflect on whether or not we dismiss 'anomalies' (a key term to be defined) too quickly when producing knowledge.

Paradigm Shift – Anomalies are often the prompt for a paradigm shift in the sciences, causing us to challenge existing beliefs and ideas

Exceptions – Often rather than investigating anomalies further and considering an overhaul of existing knowledge, anomalies are dismissed as 'exceptions' to the rule, rather than a justification to question the rule itself

Generalisation – There is often a focus on generating 'general' rules and theories which can lead anomalies to be dismissed (think of the Human Sciences – how often do we produce a rule about human behaviour but ignore those who behave contrary to the rule)

Title 6:  In the pursuit of knowledge, what is gained by the artist adopting the lens of the scientist and the scientist adopting the lens of the artist? Discuss with reference to the arts and the natural sciences.

Recommended AOKs: The Arts and the Natural Sciences

This title requires you to define the 'lens' of each of these AOKs from the outset. It will be better to define them quite opposingly – the scientist is more methodical, experimental and structured, whilst the artist is more free-flowing and creative. You will then be able to take these attributes and argue which elements would be better across the two disciplines.

Creativity – Scientists can benefit from the creativity of artists when developing innovative ways of experimenting, presenting results and constructing abstract theories

Structure – Artists can often benefit from a methodical approach to constructing art, particularly when aiming to convey a specific message or purpose through their art

Flexibility – Artists are often quite flexible when constructing an artwork, always willing to change and adapt to their free-flowing thoughts, an attribute which is highly beneficial for scientists who at times may become rigid in their thinking and fixed to pre-existing scientific beliefs.

And that's it - our comprehensive guide to the 2024 November TOK Titles! If you're still racking your brain as to how to begin the writing process for your TOK essay, why not check out our post on The Complete IB TOK Essay Guide . Or check out one of our Grade A Exemplar TOK Essays ! Or better yet, if you are looking for some more personal assistance with your IB TOK Essay, click below to reach out to us and we can work with you through the entire writing process, from title selection to the best structure for success!

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Unpacking the 2023 November TOK Titles: A Comprehensive IB Solved Guide