Introduction to TOK

Which is LEAST an aim of TOK? Pg 1 Aims

• Reflect and value asking the central question: "How do we know that?"

• Be exposed to ambiguity, uncertainty and questions with many possible answers

• Be critically aware of their perspectives, beliefs and assumptions

• Study academic content in science, maths, economics and history

• Consider values, responsibility and ethical concerns in seeking and sharing of knowledge

Answer explanation

TOK explores how we know academic disciplines rather than just their specific content. It encourages students to reflect on the scope, perspectives, methods and tools, and ethics of the disciplines, asking open questions like, “What counts as knowledge?” or “Are some types of knowledge more useful/open to interpretation than others?”

TOK promotes a holistic inquiry into interdisciplinary connections eg how methods in science compare and contrast with history, human sciences, maths or arts.

TOK encourages you to critically analyze beliefs and assumptions, whereas standard academic subjects looks more at their facts and concepts.

TOK is about understanding the complexities of knowledge and how they shape our understanding of the world. This reflective and critical approach makes it integral to the IBDP.

Which is LEAST an aim of TOK? Pg 1 Aims

• Help students be aware of their and other points of view.

• Help students critique what they think is true

• Help students become open-minded, which is IB Learner Profile attribute.

• Help students connect, compare and appreciate more their different academic subjects.

• Take a break, because IB syllabus, sports, EE and CAS are very siong.

Answer explanation

TOK is not a break, although there is no WA or written exam.

The concepts and case studies covered are relevant to the IA and essay in Year 2.

You are expected to do critical thinking and reflection throughout the lesson.

Which is not 1 of the 5 AOKs in the current TOK syllabus? AOKs Pg 1

• Natural Sciences

• Human Sciences

• Arts

• Sports

• History

Answer explanation

You may

a) explore knowledge in sports for your Exhibition IA

b) not explore knowledge in sports for your essay in DP2

Which statement is false? Assessment DP1 Pg 1 and Assessment DP2 Pg 3

• The TOK IA requires 3 objects.

• The TOK IA and essay are both individual work.

• The TOK IA can use AOKs.

• The TOK IA can use optional themes.

• The TOK essay can use optional themes.

Answer explanation

Each essay question in DP2 will ask you to choose any or specified 2 AOKs from the 5.

Which statement is not 1 of the 35 IA prompts? Pg 2

• What is the relationship between knowledge and culture?

• What is the relationship between knowledge and experience?

• Can new knowledge change established values or beliefs?

• What counts as good justification for a claim?

• What counts as knowledge?

Answer explanation

Prompt 20 is "What is the relationship between personal experience and knowledge?"

Which statement is UNTRUE? Assessment DP1 Pg 1, Assessment DP2 Pg 3

• The TOK Exhibition is max 950 words.

• The TOK Essay is max 1600 words.

• The TOK Exhibition is marked by IB.

• The TOK essay is marked by IB.

• The TOK Exhibition may be moderated by IB.

Answer explanation

Like other IAs, the TOK Exhibition is marked internally. IB then randomly selects some for moderation.

Like your EE, the TOK essay is marked externally.

Which statement is false? TOK / EE Grade Matrix at Pg 4

• TOK A, EE B --> 3 bonus points

• TOK B, EE C --> 2 bonus points

• TOK D, EE C --> 1 bonus point

• TOK E, EE D --> no diploma

• TOK C, EE C --> 1 bonus point.

Answer explanation

you won't get a diploma if you fail TOK

Look at the 6 essay titles on Pg 4. Which statement is UNTRUE?

• Some allow you to choose AOKs, others specify AOKs you must use.

• Each essay title requires you to use 2 AOKs.

• All the titles require a balanced, critical answer, given the command term "discuss"

• All the titles are phrased as a question before the command term is given.

• All the other options are true.

Match these core TOK concepts Open Core Concepts link from Core Theme Pg 1

• Responsibility

• Ensuring that knowledge is used wisely for everyone's good.

• Values

• Without personal feelings or perspectives.

• Objectivity

• What is considered important or right, that should guide behaviour & choices.

• Perspective

• VIewpoint from which an individual internalises, interprets and evaluates

• Culture

• Beliefs, customs, traditions, ethics of a community of knowers

Match these core TOK concepts

• Certainty

• Description of a claim, to help people understand

• Evidence

• Data offered to support another claim

• Justification

• Meaning or significance concluded from data or observation

• Interpretation

• Explanation that seeks to convince a claim

• Explanation

• Confidence in a claim beyond doubt.