IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) SL Theory of Knowledge Example

Clear, sustained line of argument: the essay maintains a focused thesis and returns to it consistently, rather than drifting into a descriptive overview.

Effective use of examples: the historical and human sciences examples are relevant, specific, and generally well integrated into the argument.

Good awareness of contrasting perspectives: the student does not treat interpretation as simply good or bad, but explores both its value and its limits.

Coherent structure: the essay develops logically, with a conclusion that links back to the central claim and the prescribed title.

Some claims are asserted more strongly than they are demonstrated: in a few places, the essay moves from an example to a broad conclusion too quickly.

Reliability is not always unpacked precisely enough: the essay sometimes blurs interpretation, depth, certainty, prediction, and justification.

Evaluation could go deeper: rival interpretations and the implications of unresolved disagreement are mentioned, but not examined in enough depth to reach the highest band.

Several examples would benefit from tighter TOK analysis: the relevance of the example is clear, but the mechanism linking it to the claim needs more explanation.