Top Mistakes Teachers See in TOK May 2026 Essays

When it comes to the TOK May 2026 essay, teachers often notice patterns in where students go wrong. These mistakes cost valuable marks—not because students lack ideas, but because their writing doesn’t meet IB expectations. By understanding the pitfalls teachers consistently see, you can avoid them and build a stronger essay.

RevisionDojo gathers insights from TOK teachers and examiners to help students avoid errors and write examiner-ready essays.

Quick Start: Why Teacher Insights Matter

Teachers review hundreds of TOK essays each year.
They see common pitfalls across students, regardless of school or country.
Their feedback often highlights issues students don’t notice themselves.

Mistake 1: Misinterpreting the Prescribed Title

Many students rewrite the title into a question they want to answer instead of what IB is actually asking.

Fix: Break down key terms. For example, in Title 4: Context, define “context” clearly before analyzing.

Mistake 2: Overusing Descriptive Examples

Teachers note that essays often describe examples without analyzing their significance.

Fix: Always explain how the example supports or challenges the knowledge claim. In Title 1: Observation, don’t just describe Fleming’s penicillin discovery—explain how it shows both the power and flaws of observation.

Mistake 3: Neglecting Counterclaims

Students often present strong arguments but fail to balance them with alternative perspectives.

Fix: For every claim, add a counterclaim. In Title 6: Interpretation, show both the value of interpretation and the risk of distortion.

Mistake 4: Using Vague TOK Vocabulary

Some students sprinkle in terms like “perspective” or “knowledge claim” without showing understanding.

Fix: Define TOK terms when you use them. Teachers want clarity, not jargon.

Mistake 5: Poor Essay Structure

Teachers report that many essays lack a clear introduction, organized body, or conclusion.

Fix: Use a structured framework—intro, 2–3 body sections with claims and counterclaims, and a conclusion. See our Step-by-Step Essay Guide.

Mistake 6: Weak or Generic Conclusions

Conclusions often repeat earlier points instead of answering the prescribed title with final insights.

Fix: End by reflecting on implications for knowledge. In Title 5: Numbers, you might conclude that while numbers capture patterns, they cannot fully represent lived experience.

Mistake 7: Not Linking to the TOK Rubric

Teachers emphasize that some essays fail because they don’t align with how examiners grade.

Fix: Regularly check your essay against the TOK rubric: Are you engaging with knowledge questions? Are you showing balance? See our Grading Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do teachers mark TOK essays before submission?
Yes, most schools require teachers to give feedback. However, IB rules mean they can only provide limited written comments, so students must self-correct effectively.

2. What’s the most common mistake teachers highlight?
Neglecting counterclaims and balance. TOK is about exploring multiple perspectives, not proving one side correct.

3. Can I still score well if my essay has one weak example?
Yes, if the rest of the essay is strong. But weak or vague examples across the essay will drag your grade down significantly.

Conclusion: Learn From Teacher Insights

Teachers know where TOK essays often fail, and their insights can guide you away from common pitfalls. By avoiding misinterpretation, weak examples, and structural flaws, you’ll create an essay that stands out to examiners.

RevisionDojo provides strategies that help students avoid these errors and aim for top marks.

RevisionDojo Call to Action

Want to avoid the pitfalls teachers warn about? Explore our Common Mistakes Guide and Ultimate Essay Guide for examiner-ready strategies.

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