TOK

Top Real-Life Examples for the May 2026 TOK Essay Titles

••7 min read

One of the biggest challenges in the TOK May 2026 essay is finding strong real-life examples that support your analysis. Examiners expect you to go beyond theory and show how knowledge issues play out in practice. This guide gives you a ready-to-use set of examples for each prescribed title so you can write with confidence.

RevisionDojo specializes in guiding IB students to high-scoring TOK essays. Let’s break down which examples work best for each of the six prompts.

Quick Start: What Makes a Good TOK Example?

Before diving into the titles, keep these criteria in mind:

  • Relevance – Directly connects to the knowledge question.
  • Specificity – Avoid vague references; use concrete studies, events, or works.
  • Balance – Include examples that support and challenge your claim.
  • Cross-disciplinary potential – Show links across Areas of Knowledge (AOKs).

Real-Life Examples for Each May 2026 Title

Title 1: Observation as an Essential but Flawed Tool

Prompt: “In the production of knowledge, does it matter that observation is an essential but flawed tool?”

Examples:

  • Natural Sciences: The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming (observation leading to breakthrough).
  • Arts: Abstract expressionist painting (interpretation depends on perception of the observer).
  • Psychology: Loftus’ research on eyewitness testimony (fallibility of human observation).

For deeper analysis, see our TOK May 2026 Title 1 guide.

Title 2: Doubt as Central to Knowledge

Prompt: “To what extent do you agree that doubt is central to the pursuit of knowledge?”

Examples:

  • Natural Sciences: Einstein doubting Newtonian physics, leading to the theory of relativity.
  • History: Revisionist historians questioning Cold War narratives.
  • Philosophy: Descartes’ methodic doubt as the foundation of modern philosophy.

Explore more in our TOK May 2026 Title 2 guide.

Title 3: Power of Knowledge Conveyance

Prompt: “Is the power of knowledge determined by the way in which the knowledge is conveyed?”

Examples:

  • History: Nazi propaganda shaping public perception in 1930s Germany.
  • Mathematics: Use of mathematical notation—without clear symbols, abstract ideas cannot spread.
  • Politics: Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech (conveyance amplifying impact).

See a full breakdown in our TOK May 2026 Title 3 guide.

Title 4: Context in Understanding Knowledge

Prompt: “In the acquisition of knowledge, can we only understand something to the extent that we understand its context?”

Examples:

  • Literature: Understanding Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart within Nigerian colonial history.
  • Human Sciences: Interpreting Milgram’s obedience experiments in the context of post-WWII ethics.
  • History: Meaning of the U.S. Constitution changing when applied in modern contexts.

Detailed insights in our TOK May 2026 Title 4 guide.

Title 5: Pythagoras and “All Things Are Numbers”

Prompt: “To what extent do you agree with the claim that ‘all things are numbers’ (Pythagoras)?”

Examples:

  • Mathematics: The Fibonacci sequence in nature (e.g., sunflower spirals).
  • Music: Pythagorean tuning and mathematical harmony.
  • Architecture: The use of the golden ratio in design.

See more examples in our TOK May 2026 Title 5 guide.

Title 6: Interpretation as a Tool in Knowledge

Prompt: “To what extent is interpretation a reliable tool in the production of knowledge?”

Examples:

  • History: Different interpretations of the French Revolution by Marxist vs. conservative historians.
  • Natural Sciences: Quantum mechanics—interpretations like Copenhagen vs. Many Worlds.
  • Arts: Shakespeare’s Hamlet interpreted differently across time and cultures.

See the detailed analysis in our TOK May 2026 Title 6 guide.

How to Use These Examples Effectively

  • Use two to three strong examples per body paragraph.
  • Always explain how the example supports your claim.
  • Don’t overload your essay with examples—analysis matters more.
  • Include a counterexample to show balance.

For a full essay framework, check out our Ultimate TOK May 2026 Essay Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I reuse these TOK examples across multiple titles?
Yes, but tailor your analysis. For instance, Einstein’s relativity could illustrate both doubt (Title 2) and observation (Title 1), but your explanation must adapt to the prompt.

2. Do I need examples from all AOKs?
No, but using at least two Areas of Knowledge makes your essay stronger. Balance is key—don’t only rely on science, history, or art.

3. Will using popular examples lower my grade?
Not if your analysis is original. Examiners care more about how you interpret and evaluate the example than whether it’s commonly known.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best TOK Examples

Your essay will stand out if your examples are specific, well-explained, and directly linked to the knowledge question. The best TOK May 2026 title examples are those that not only illustrate the claim but also highlight its limitations.

With RevisionDojo’s guidance, you’ll be able to confidently integrate real-life cases into your TOK essay and aim for a top score.

RevisionDojo Call to Action

Need help structuring your TOK essay around these examples? Explore our Complete Guide to the May 2026 Prescribed Titles for full strategies, breakdowns, and planning tips. RevisionDojo is the best place for IB students aiming for excellence.

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