TOK Essay Scoring Criteria: applying the descriptors to your essay

Carolyn Henly--Theory of Knowledge Meadowbrook High School 4901 Cogbill Rd. Richmond, VA

Criterion A: Understanding Knowledge Issues 0 “Level 1 not achieved” 1-2 “very little”; “merely mentioned” 3-4 “rudimentary understanding”; “links attempted” 5-6 “relevant”; “demonstrates some understanding”; “some effective links” 7-8 “maintains focus”; “effective links” AND “some comparisons” 9-10 “maintains focus”; “effective links and comparisons”; “elaborated”; “sophisticated understanding”

Criterion B: Knower’s Perspective 0 “Level 1 not achieved” 1-2 “no”: independent thought, attempt to acknowledge other perspectives, appropriate examples 3-4 “very little” independent thought; perspectives mentioned but not explored; some appropriate examples 5-6 “some” independent thought; personal engagement; awareness of other perspectives. Examples are appropriate, but not varied 7-8 “adequate” independent thought; “thoughtful” personal engagement; other perspectives explored; examples effective and varied 9-10 “much” independent thought; “personal, reflective exploration”; “significant self-awareness”; Examples effective and varied.

Criterion C: Quality of Analysis of Knowledge Issues 0 “Level 1 not achieved” 1-2 “NO”: inquiry (description only); justification; counterclaims 3-4 “SOME”: inquiry w/description; justification; coherent arguments. Counterclaims implied. 5-6 “MOST”: knowledge issues explored; points justified; arguments coherent. Some counterclaims overtly considered. 7-8 “Insight,” “depth,” “detail”; “ALL” arguments coherent; points justified. Counterclaims are explored. Implications of the argument are identified. (New point) 9-10 “High degree of insight.” Arguments coherent and compelling. Counterclaims explored and evaluated. Implications and underlying assumptions identified.

No counterclaims…. = no score higher than:

Counterclaims not discussed = no score higher than:

Criterion D: Organization of Ideas 0 “Level 1 not achieved” 1-2 Lack of organization causes comprehension problems and/or there is much factual inaccuracy and/or sources are not appropriately acknowledged. 3-4 Difficult to understand in places and/or there are some factual inaccuracy and/or some sources are not appropriately acknowledged 5-6 Reasonably clear and easy to follow; factually accurate, AND adequately cited. Word limit has been met. 7-8 Organization is clear throughout. Facts are accurate. Sources are documented; most can be traced. Word limit met Information is used well to support points and organization contributes to clarity and effectiveness of argument. All sources thoroughly cited. Word limit met.

Word limit not met = no score higher than:

Pattern: Excellent GOOD ADEQUATE SOME NONE NOT EVEN NONE

Pattern: Sophistication & Originality Insightful thinking and explanations Deals with problems & strengths of Knowledge, but In obvious ways. Rudimentary attempt to engage in TOK style discussion. Mentions appropriate vocabulary, but essay in general is irrelevant to topic as assigned. Completely off topic; doesn’t even mention appropriate words or phrases.

Remember… Failure to meet word point costs you 6 points—a letter grade. Failure to address counter claims costs you 8 points—another letter grade! Failure to answer the question as asked is pretty nearly irrecoverable! Personal perspective means YOU and YOUR experience with knowledge! Justify, justify, justify!

Out of word count + no counterclaims Highest possible score = 26/40 (and that’s with a PERFECT score on everything else!!!!!)