1. 6 steps to a really good TOK essay Modified from Eileen Dombrowski

2. Step one Choose a title from the list

3. Do not instantly seize upon a title that sounds appealing and plunge into it headlong. Which one allows you to demonstrate best your understanding of ToK issues and your own critical skills?

4. What are the key words or concepts? Are you clear about what they mean? Give these words some thought. Check your notes to clarify.

5. What are the key words or concepts? Are you clear about what they mean? Give these words some thought. Check your notes to clarify. Put the title into your own words to make sure you understand what is being asked.

6. Step two Read the Instructions and the Assessment Criteria

7. Read the general instructions for the essay. AND read the essay title you've chosen: what are the key words? Read the assessment criteria – focus on the top band!

8. Step three Gather your ideas

9. Read your title and start to identify the knowledge issues it raises. Which Areas of Knowledge and Ways of Knowing are relevant here? Give it some personal thought

10. Step four Organise your ideas

11. Put your notes in related groups and then start to put them into some sort of order. E.g. Introduction Argument/counter argument strengths/weakness comparisons of AOK Examples Conclusion There is no set formula but it must fulfill the criteria

12. Step five Write the essay!

13. Keep your notes in front of you. Keep it relevant. Do not use clichéd examples. Do not use dictionary definitions. Make sure you understand what you have written. Check your facts. Identify your sources. Read it out loud.

14. Step six Hand it in and celebrate!