Insights emerging from the TOK grade descriptors(Oct 2021)

1 The essay title can yield multiple knowledge questions. One should interpret the TOK title as a whole and come up with a range of knowledge questions in order to make the exploration thorough and effective. The range of KQ’s can be incorporated in the range of arguments formulated to explore the title.?

2 Clear and coherent analysis : Clarity of expression, meaningful connections between succeeding paragraphs, flow in the essay, one paragraph should stick to one argument and the counterargument should be explored in the next paragraph.?

3 sustained focus on the title as well as on questions of knowledge and knowing (How do we know?)

4 Meaningful links between the KQs and the AOK should be drawn. It should not be a forced link and should be explained well.?

5 Arguments/points should be developed to its full potential in the course of exploring the title through two different AOK’s. Suitable examples should be drawn from the chosen AOK’s to illustrate an explanation or to support an argument.?

6 Similarly, the implication of an argument should be considered. This can be woven with the need to include different points of view/perspectives.

7 The assumptions in the title should be discussed explicitly. The assumption can be used in formulating knowledge questions/arguments as explained in point 1.???

8 “Evaluation” of different points of view is missing from the grade descriptor while it's there in the assessment instrument.?