“I don’t even know where to start!!”
I’ve heard many, many students say this. After more than 20 years helping students through IB Theory of Knowledge, I can tell you that if you’ve been wondering this, you’re not alone.
I get it, and it’s a completely normal reaction - the ToK essay doesn’t really follow a format or have objectives like essays you’ve been taught to write in other classes.
But the ToK essay is a different kind of challenge, and you need a different kind of approach to take it on.
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You’ve been a very successful student, and you have high expectations for your work. Your strong academic skills actually set you up for some common roadblocks:
Roadblock #1: Overthinking
“This looks simple. I must be missing something really important about it.”
The ToK prescribed titles look really straight-forward, and IB students are usually expecting questions to be excruciatingly challenging. They overthink, over-analyze, and over-complicate their understanding of the question.
The ToK essay itself has its own rhythm and tone, unique compared to other essays you write in the IB program, but it is not a “boss-level threat”.
Roadblock #2: Dissertation Mode
I need to show complete understanding of the areas of knowledge.”
In most essays you have done, you demonstrated a thorough understanding of a subject. But the Theory of Knowledge essay is not an assessment of depth of subject knowledge - it is to show that you can go beyond ‘the right answer’! Show them that you can explore perspectives, evidence, and how knowledge is built.
Roadblock #3: Counterclaim strawman
“I want to make sure that my claims are the ‘right’ answer”
Many students approach the ToK essay like a debate, writing strong claims and weaker counterclaims meant to fall apart.
But a great ToK essay isn’t about winning an argument. It’s about showing how two well-reasoned perspectives can coexist in tension, and that you can think critically about both.
Roadblock #4: Example perfectionism
“I want to have the perfect example for this claim.”
Students often avoid clichés (good instinct!) but then overcompensate by hunting for grand or profound examples that only loosely connect.
In ToK, a simple, well-connected example beats an impressive but irrelevant one every time. It’s about clarity and relevance, not scale.
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Ready to approach the essay with confidence and clarity?
Book your free 15-minute strategy call and let’s get your essay moving.
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Priority bookings for Alberta IB students
For the duration of the Alberta teachers’ strike, students at IB schools in Edmonton, Calgary or other locations in the province will be given priority placement for booking sessions.
Sessions are held online and flexibly timed to fit around school and family schedules.