Why the Tortoise Holds the Key to an A in ToK Essay
ToK Essay Mini Series #1 / 4.
If you've been following the ToKToday videos or blog for some time, you might have noticed a recurring character that frequents our posts - the tortoise. What does it represent and how can it help you secure an A in your ToK Essay? Let's explore.
This tortoise, an emblem of patience and perseverance, is inspired by Aesop's fable, 'The Hare and the Tortoise.' If you're not familiar with this tale, I have linked it here. The moral of the story is straightforward yet profound - slow and steady wins the race. It is far more effective to progress at a steady pace than to rush at the last moment.
This tortoise, an emblem of patience and perseverance, is inspired by Aesop's fable, 'The Hare and the Tortoise.' If you're not familiar with this tale, I encourage you to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with it (link in the description). The moral of the story is straightforward yet profound - slow and steady wins the race. It is far more effective to progress at a steady pace than to rush at the last moment.
ToK Learning: A Slow and Steady Process
This time-tested wisdom is particularly applicable to our learning journey in Theory of Knowledge (ToK). The concepts and ideas in ToK may be complex, but they are far from insurmountable. The trick is to give them the time they deserve. You need to construct an understanding of ToK knowledge gradually. After all, you cannot train for a marathon in a day, and likewise, a ToK Essay or Exhibition Commentary can't be written overnight - well, technically, it can, but it's unlikely to hit the high standards you're aiming for.
My Experience With Students Worldwide
Over the years, I've had the privilege of assisting students globally with their ToK Essays and Exhibitions. Most of them heeded my advice, starting their Essay or Exhibition weeks before the deadline. This allowed us ample time to build their comprehension of the concepts, refine the knowledge arguments they wanted to use, and find fitting real-world examples to illustrate those arguments.
However, a handful of students have reached out in the eleventh hour, requesting written feedback and a grade for their Essay or Exhibition Commentary. Quite often, their work, done in haste, doesn't match up to their expectations. A grade of 3-4/10 may come as a shock to those aiming for 9-10/10. They naturally want to know how they can improve. While I'm always eager to guide them towards achieving higher grades, doing so often entails significant structural changes to the essay and an in-depth understanding of ToK, which requires considerable time.
Be Like the Tortoise, Not the Hare
The bottom line? Emulate the tortoise. Run a slow, steady race over a few weeks, and you'll find yourself with a far superior essay than if you leave everything until the last minute.
Here are some top tips for creating an excellent ToK Essay or Exhibition Commentary:
Time Allocation: Start early. Months are better than weeks, and weeks are significantly better than just a few days.
Planning is Key: The essay requires substantial planning, reading, and critical thinking. These activities are vital for achieving top marks.
Professional Guidance: If you wish to work with me, the best time to start our collaboration is before you submit your draft to your teacher for feedback. While I am available at any stage, starting early allows us to make the most out of our time together.
Last-Minute Emergencies: Sometimes, life throws us off course. If you find yourself without an essay or Exhibition Commentary close to the submission deadline, don't panic. Contact me and we can quickly get a solid piece together that will ensure you pass ToK.
At ToKToday, we have a wealth of resources to support your ToK journey. This includes our popular eBook, "How to Write the ToK Essay in 6 Easy Steps" which provides valuable advice on essay structure, the use of ToK concepts, and argument construction.
Remember, to secure that coveted A in your ToK essay, heed the wisdom of the tortoise: slow and steady wins the race.