1. Understanding the Prescribed Title (PT)

• Did you fully understand the PT?

  • Have you broken down key terms in the PT?

  • Have you identified hidden assumptions in the PT?

  • Have you formulated Knowledge Questions (KQs) related to the PT?

• Does your essay respond directly to the PT?

  • Every argument must connect to the PT.

  • Avoid reinterpreting the question—stick to what it actually asks.

• Have you chosen the best Areas of Knowledge (AOKs) for analysis?

  • Do your AOKs provide contrasting perspectives?

  • Are your AOKs relevant to the PT?

  • Do your AOKs allow for strong real-world examples?

 

2. Introduction (Approximately 150-200 words)

• Did you engage the reader?

  • Does your introduction start with a thought-provoking idea, real-world example, or question?

• Did you define key terms from the PT?

  • Have you provided contextual definitions instead of generic dictionary definitions?

• Is your thesis clear?

  • Have you clearly stated your stance or line of argument?

  • Does your thesis address the PT directly?

• Did you outline your structure?

  • Have you briefly introduced your AOKs and how they will support your argument?

 

3. Body Paragraphs (Approximately 1200 words total)

Each AOK should be covered in two paragraphs:

• Paragraph 1: Claim (How this AOK supports a specific perspective on the PT)

• Paragraph 2: Counterclaim (A contrasting perspective within the same AOK)

AOK 1 Analysis

• Claim Paragraph (Approximately 300 words)

  • Have you made a clear claim related to the PT?

  • Have you used a specific real-world example?

  • Have you explained why this example is relevant?

  • Have you included TOK concepts such as ways of knowing, justification, and certainty?

• Counterclaim Paragraph (Approximately 300 words)

  • Have you provided a contrasting viewpoint to challenge your claim?

  • Have you supported the counterclaim with a real-world example?

  • Have you explained the implications of this challenge?

AOK 2 Analysis

• Claim Paragraph (Approximately 300 words)

  • Does this AOK provide a different perspective on the PT?

  • Have you included real-world evidence?

  • Have you clearly linked it to TOK themes such as the reliability of knowledge, bias, and ethics?

• Counterclaim Paragraph (Approximately 300 words)

  • Have you critically examined a weakness or alternative perspective?

  • Have you presented a balanced argument rather than just one-sided reasoning?

 

4. Conclusion (Approximately 250 words)

• Have you summarized your main insights?

  • Does your conclusion clearly restate your findings without repeating word-for-word?

• Did you answer the PT?

  • Have you given a final verdict on whether the claim or counterclaim is stronger?

• Have you considered limitations?

  • Have you acknowledged any weaknesses in your argument?

  • Have you suggested how other perspectives might challenge your conclusion?

• Did you leave the reader with a thought-provoking idea?

  • Have you included a final reflection or open-ended question?

 

5. Use of TOK Concepts and Vocabulary

• Are you using TOK terminology effectively?

  • Have you naturally included key TOK terms such as ways of knowing, knowledge questions, justification, bias, and certainty?

• Did you avoid overusing jargon?

  • Have you ensured that every TOK term is clearly explained rather than just name-dropped?

• Have you addressed different perspectives?

  • Have you considered alternative viewpoints within each AOK?

• Did you analyze rather than just describe?

  • Have you explained how knowledge is constructed rather than just stating facts?

 

6. Quality of Real-World Examples

• Are your examples specific and relevant?

  • Have you used real-world examples from credible sources such as history, science, personal experiences, and current events?

  • Have you avoided hypothetical or vague examples?

• Have you analyzed each example?

  • Have you explained why your example supports your argument?

  • Have you considered any counterexamples or limitations?

• Are your examples diverse?

  • Have you used examples from different disciplines, cultures, or perspectives?

 

7. Writing Style and Organization

• Is your essay well-structured?

  • Does your argument flow logically from introduction to claims, counterclaims, and conclusion?

  • Are your paragraphs clearly structured with topic sentences and transitions?

• Is your writing clear and concise?

  • Have you eliminated wordiness and repetition?

  • Are your sentences grammatically correct?

  • Have you avoided informal language?

• Have you used proper citations (if required)?

  • Have you credited all sources using a consistent citation style such as MLA or APA?

 

8. Final Editing Checklist

• Have you checked for grammar and spelling mistakes?

• Have you met the word count (1200-1600 words)?

• Have you asked your TOK teacher to review your essay?

• Have you ensured every paragraph is directly relevant to the PT?