Every TOK student asks the same question: Which prescribed title should I choose? The May 2026 prompts offer six different angles on knowledge, each with unique opportunities and challenges. While there isn’t one universally “easy” or “hard” title, some lend themselves more naturally to certain Areas of Knowledge (AOKs) and student strengths. This guide compares all six titles to help you decide which one might be easiest—or hardest—for you.
RevisionDojo specializes in helping IB students pick the right TOK title, plan their essays, and score high with examiner-ready analysis.
Quick Start: What Makes a Title Easy or Hard?
- Easier titles often connect to familiar AOKs (like sciences or history) and allow flexible examples.
- Harder titles may require abstract reasoning, niche examples, or careful definition of terms.
- The “best” title is the one that matches your strengths, not what seems simple on the surface.
Title Comparisons: Easy vs. Hard
Title 1: Observation as an Essential but Flawed Tool
Easier if: You’re confident in Natural Sciences or Arts examples.
Harder if: You struggle to balance “essential” vs. “flawed.”
Tip: Use examples like Fleming’s penicillin discovery (essential) and eyewitness testimony (flawed).
Full guide: Title 1 analysis.
Title 2: Doubt as Central to Knowledge
Easier if: You like critical thinking and examples from science or philosophy.
Harder if: You treat “doubt” only negatively, missing nuance.
Tip: Balance constructive doubt (scientific revolutions) with destructive doubt (conspiracy theories).
See more in Title 2 guide.
Title 3: Power of Knowledge Conveyance
Easier if: You enjoy exploring History, Politics, or Communication.
Harder if: You stay too general about “communication” without analysis.
Tip: Use specific cases, like Nazi propaganda or MLK’s speeches, to show conveyance affects power.
Full breakdown: Title 3 guide.
Title 4: Context in Understanding Knowledge
Easier if: You’re strong in Literature or Human Sciences.
Harder if: You don’t define “context” clearly or drift into vague arguments.
Tip: Anchor examples in cultural or historical settings, like Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.
See Title 4 guide.
Title 5: Pythagoras and “All Things Are Numbers”
Easier if: You enjoy Mathematics, Arts, or Philosophy.
Harder if: You interpret it too literally or struggle with abstract reasoning.
Tip: Explore both mathematical realities (Fibonacci sequence) and metaphorical ones (music, harmony).
Detailed analysis: Title 5 guide.
Title 6: Interpretation as a Tool in Knowledge
Easier if: You like History or Natural Sciences.
Harder if: You oversimplify interpretation as always good or always unreliable.
Tip: Compare valid interpretations (historical analysis) with risky ones (quantum mechanics speculation).
See more in Title 6 guide.
Overall Easiest & Hardest Titles
- Most approachable: Title 2 (Doubt) and Title 4 (Context) — broad, flexible, easy to apply to multiple AOKs.
- Most challenging: Title 5 (Numbers) — requires abstract thinking and careful argumentation.
That said, what’s “easy” for one student may be “hard” for another. Always choose based on your strengths and example bank.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Should I avoid the hardest TOK title?
Not necessarily. Harder titles often stand out because fewer students choose them. If you’re confident in abstract reasoning, Title 5 could give you a competitive edge.
2. Can I combine easier and harder AOKs in one essay?
Yes. For instance, in Title 6, you could combine History (relatively approachable) with Quantum Physics (abstract) for balance.
3. Is choosing the easiest title always best?
No. The easiest title might lead to generic essays if you don’t add depth. Examiners value originality and personal engagement more than convenience.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Title for You
The easiest TOK May 2026 title is the one that lets you showcase your strongest examples and analytical skills. The hardest is the one that feels unnatural or forces you into AOKs you don’t know well. Choose strategically, and you’ll set yourself up for success.
RevisionDojo helps you navigate every prescribed title with detailed analysis, examples, and strategies.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Still deciding? Explore our Complete Prescribed Titles Guide or dive into the Ultimate TOK May 2026 Essay Guide to see detailed comparisons and essay planning strategies.
Internal Links Used:
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/tok-may-2026-title-1-in-the-production-of-knowledge-does-it-matter-that-observation-is-an-essential-but-flawed-tool
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/tok-may-2026-title-2-to-what-extent-do-you-agree-that-doubt-is-central-to-the-pursuit-of-knowledge
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/tok-may-2026-title-3-is-the-power-of-knowledge-determined-by-the-way-in-which-the-knowledge-is-conveyed
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/tok-may-2026-title-4-in-the-acquisition-of-knowledge-can-we-only-understand-something-to-the-extent-that-we-understand-its-context
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/tok-may-2026-title-5-to-what-extent-do-you-agree-with-the-claim-that-all-things-are-numbers-pythagoras
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/tok-may-2026-title-6-to-what-extent-is-interpretation-a-reliable-tool-in-the-production-of-knowledge
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/tok-may-2026-essay-prescribed-titles-complete-guide-for-students
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/revisiondojo-ultimate-tok-may-2026-essay-guide-mastering-all-6-prompts
