The Significance of Structure in a ToK Essay: Lessons from an Octopus, a Skyscraper, and a Snowflake
ToK Essay Mini Series 2/4
Today, let's delve into an important, yet often overlooked aspect of your ToK journey: the structure in ToK essay.
To illustrate, let's take three intriguing examples: an octopus, a skyscraper, and a snowflake. What do they have in common? They all possess unique structures that define their purpose.
Echoing the thoughts of Barthes and Lacan: Structure matters!
Understanding the Importance of Structure in a ToK Essay
The question, “What structure am I supposed to use for my ToK Essay?” is one I frequently hear from my students. My answer: there is no universally correct structure. However, to achieve a high score, you need to integrate key components identified in the marking scheme. These are:
Areas of Knowledge (& therefore elements of The Knowledge Framework).
Knowledge Arguments.
The Implications of Knowledge Arguments.
Evaluation of Knowledge Arguments.
Potential Structures for a ToK Essay
Knowing these four requirements, we can start considering the potential structures for a ToK essay. A straightforward and often-used structure is shown here.
This common structure in a ToK essay is clear, easy to follow, and sufficient for scoring 9/10. Yet, you might want to develop a different structure to better present your arguments or to serve the function/purpose of the knowledge arguments in your essay. That's perfectly fine.
Planning and Choosing the Right Structure
I recommend starting with the basic structure outlined above. As your plan evolves, it will become clear whether a different structure might better serve your argument. In my e-book, "How to Write the ToK Essay in 6 Easy Steps," I explore the strengths and drawbacks of six different essay structures, complete with examples.
Planning: The Heart of a High-Scoring ToK Essay
Let's now turn our attention to the significance of planning. It's essential to all assignments in your Diploma Programme, but it's probably most crucial in the ToK essay.
You need to spend considerable time pondering the prompt, drafting knowledge arguments, and researching real-life examples to illustrate those arguments. This process is planning, and it's what makes writing the ToK Essay enjoyable. I generally advise spending 80% of your time planning and 20% writing. The essay is only 1600 words long; with a clear plan and robust understanding of the prompt, you can pen those words in 4 hours or less.
Structure Isn't Only for ToK
Although this post wasn't about the philosophy of structuralism, it's very pertinent to Theory of Knowledge. You can check back a couple of weeks to see the posts about Structuralism
For more help or advice with ToK, we have an array of resources available at ToKToday.com, including coaching and written feedback. Last year many students also used the ebook, “How to Write the ToK Essay in 6 Easy Steps,” it is brimming with advice on things like the essay structure, use of ToK concepts, and arguments.
Thank you for reading, and best of luck with your ToK learning. Remember, in your journey of ToK, much like in the world of the octopus, the skyscraper, and the snowflake, structure matters!
Stay ToKTastic!
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