ToK Essay: Can you use more than 2 AoK?

[ibaus781]

The ToK essay question I chose says to "explore this question with reference to two areas of knowledge.” Would I lose points if I used 3 areas or would it be okay?

[kw0573]

Don't think of it like direct mark deduction. When examiners want two AoKs, you should expect the complexity they are looking for in a 1600-word essay. You can mention other AoKs to support your argument, but it should be quite clear throughout the essay which two AoKs you focus on. 

[IB_taking_over]

Not inherently, unless they changed the regulations from May 2016. However, I might offer a word of caution as more than two AOKs might end up being superfisical. Also, if the question specifies just do what the question asks. 

[Guest]

Of course you can use more than 2 AOKs, however, considering the word limit they stated (1600 words right?), it is very difficult to go into depth of the knowledge question with three AOKs since you are limiting the depth of your essay. I suggest you should just stick to two and you'll be fine. 

[MINDPADS]

Structure of the Essay

 

·      IB prescribes 1400-1600 word limit.  Between the limits of above 1200 and below 1600 words, let us work with a desirable range of 1450-1550 words.

·      Pick an ideal 3 AOK ‘Areas of knowledge’, 3 WOK ‘Ways of knowing’, and in no case any less than 2 of each. If the essay specifically requires only 2 AOK, then use 3-WOK to attain depth of the argument.

·      The very essential ‘Introduction’ and ‘ conclusion’ for the Essay will take up 150-200 words each, so the main body will have minimum of 1000-1200 words.

·      Each claim /argument has to be balanced with a counter claim / counter argument.

·      So, with 3 AOK, 3 WOK, and for each claim and counterclaim, you will need 6-7 paragraphs of 150-200 words each.

·      It is your essay and you can always have 8-9 paragraphs. Just try to avoid very large and very small paragraphs.

 Hope this helps.

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