The TOK prescribed title essay is a central component (worth 67% of final grade) of the IB TOK course, challenging students to engage critically with a chosen title. It encourages exploration of knowledge questions (KQ) and concepts through the lens of Areas of Knowledge (AoKs). Understanding its purpose, structure, and assessment criteria is crucial for writing a focused and well-argued essay.
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Purpose: To answer a prescribed title (PT) by analyzing knowledge questions using AoKs, concepts, and examples.
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Scope: The essay is not about personal opinion; it’s a critical engagement with how knowledge is created, validated, and communicated.
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Word Count Limit: 1600
Assessment Criteria
Does the student provide a clear, coherent and critical exploration of the essay title?
Excellent 9-10 | Good 7-8 | Satisfactory 6-6 | Basic 3-4 | Rudimentary 1-2 | 0 |
The discussion has a sustained focus on the title and is linked effectively to areas of knowledge.
Arguments are clear, coherent and effectively supported by specific examples. The implications of arguments are considered.
There is clear awareness and evaluation of different points of view. | The discussion is focused on the title and is linked effectively to areas of knowledge.
Arguments are clear, coherent and supported by examples.
There is awareness and some evaluation of different points of view. | The discussion is focused on the title and is developed with some links to areas of knowledge.
Arguments are offered and are supported by examples.
There is some awareness of different points of view. | The essay is connected to the title and makes superficial or limited links to areas of knowledge.
The discussion is largely descriptive. Limited arguments are offered but they are unclear and are not supported by effective examples. | The discussion is weakly connected to the title.
While there may be links to the areas of knowledge, any relevant points are descriptive or consist only of unsupported assertions. | The essay does not reach the standard described by the other levels or is not a response to one of the prescribed titles for the correct assessment session. |
Possible characteristics
Insightful
Convincing
Accomplished
Lucid | Pertinent Relevant Analytical Organized | Acceptable Mainstream Adequate Competent | Underdeveloped
Basic
Superficial Limited | Ineffective
Descriptive Incoherent Formless |