tok essay planning and progress form

TOK Essay PPF. Detailed Guide

Table of contents.

As a seasoned IB writer, I can’t stress enough the importance of the Theory of Knowledge essay and its companion, the Planning and Progress Form or TOK essay PPF. In this article, I’ll share my insights on mastering the TOK PPF, a crucial component of the IB curriculum. So, let’s dig into TKPPF, where thoughtful planning meets insightful writing.

Understanding TOK Planning and Progress Form

First, let’s clarify what the TOK Planning and Progress Form, or TOK PPF, entails. In my extensive experience guiding IB students, grasping the essence of TOK PPF can be challenging initially. The TOK PPF is a comprehensive document that strategically guides you through the planning, development, and reflection stages of your Theory of Knowledge essay. Think of it as a map guiding you in writing an insightful and well-structured essay.

The total maximum word count for the PPF is 500 words. Now, let’s break down the TOK essay Planning and Progress Form into its core components:

• Topic Selection . It is where you articulate your chosen essay title from the prescribed list. It’s crucial to pick a topic that resonates with you and where you can demonstrate deep critical thinking.
• Initial Thesis and Argument Outline . At this stage, you draft your initial thesis statement and outline the arguments you plan to explore. It’s a preliminary stage, so it’s perfectly fine if your ideas evolve.
• Progress Documentation . Here, you record the development of your essay. It includes how your understanding of the topic deepens, your arguments become more nuanced, and any challenges you encounter.
• Feedback Reflection . The TOK PPF requires you to reflect on the feedback you receive from your teachers or peers. In this critical phase, you evaluate and integrate this feedback into refining your essay.
• Final Reflection . It is where you reflect on your overall learning experience through the essay-writing process. You consider what you’ve learned, how your thinking has evolved, and how the process has shaped your understanding of knowledge.

Remember, the TOK PPF is a dynamic tool that facilitates engagement with your TOK essay. It encourages you to be reflective, critical, and thorough in your approach. From my experience, students who invest time and thought into their TOK PPF tend to produce more coherent, sophisticated, and insightful essays.

Components of the TOK Planning and Progress Form

Each part of the TOK Planning and Progress Form serves a unique and crucial purpose. Every piece is essential and contributes to the larger picture. It’s a reflective diary of your intellectual evolution throughout the essay-writing process. Let’s examine these components to understand how they contribute to your TOK essay’s success.

1. Essay Title and Initial Thoughts

At this stage, you jot down the chosen TOK essay title. You start by articulating your initial thoughts and interpretations of the topic. It’s a space to brainstorm and begin shaping your understanding of the question.

2. Thesis Development

Here, you’re expected to outline your preliminary thesis statement. It’s about putting down your central argument or the core idea you intend to explore in your essay. This section often undergoes evolution as your research and understanding deepen.

3. Research and Resources

This part involves documenting the resources and research materials you’re using. It’s crucial to keep track of the sources that are shaping your understanding and argument. This section helps organize your thoughts and ensure that your essay is well-supported by relevant evidence.

4. Progress and Development Tracking

In this segment, you detail how your essay is progressing. It involves noting down how your ideas are evolving, the changes being made to your initial thesis, and the new insights you’re gaining. This ongoing documentation is invaluable for reflecting on how your understanding of the topic has deepened.

5. Feedback Incorporation

Here, you reflect on the feedback received from your teachers or peers. It’s a critical component where you assess this feedback and deliberate on effectively integrating it into your essay. It’s about revising, critically evaluating different perspectives, and refining your argument.

6. Final Reflections and Conclusions

This final part allows you to step back and look at your path. It’s a space for introspection — what have you learned, how has your perspective on the topic changed, and how has the process impacted your approach to knowledge and learning?

With experienced advice from Papers Point IB Writing Service, you can maximize the potential of your TOK essay! 🌟 Find precise and individual guidance at Papers Point, and boost your TOK essay to IB perfection! 📚🎓

Topics to Read:

• How to Choose a Good TOK Essay Title
• How to Plan and Structure Your TOK Essay
• How to Research and Incorporate Real-Life Examples in Your TOK Essay
• How to Use the TOK Prescribed Titles Effectively
• How to Incorporate the Knowledge Questions into Your TOK Essay
• How to Use Counterarguments and Counterclaims in Your TOK Essay
• How to Use the TOK Assessment Criteria to Guide Your Writing
• How to Revise and Edit Your TOK Essay

TKPPF: How to Write Planning and Progress Form

Drawing from my extensive experience as an IB educator, I understand the complexities and nuances of the TOK course, mainly when writing an effective Planning and Progress Form. Writing a TOK PPF is not just a procedural step but an intellectual exercise requiring careful thought and reflection. Here, I’ll share a step-by-step guide on approaching this task, ensuring your PPF meets the IB criteria and reflects your learning path meaningfully.

1. Understand the Purpose and Requirements

Before you start, it’s crucial to understand the TOK PPF and why it’s essential. I believe the PPF captures your thought process and how it evolves. According to general IB criteria, the PPF is your opportunity to show how you have engaged with your TOK essay, reflecting on the challenges and changes in your understanding.

2. Choose Your TOK Essay Title Carefully

Choosing the TOK essay title is the first crucial step. In my opinion, it’s essential to select a title that interests you and one where you can demonstrate deep critical thinking. Reflect on the titles offered and pick one that resonates with your experiences and knowledge.

3. Document Initial Thoughts and Thesis

Once you have your title, begin by jotting down your initial thoughts. These early ideas may not be your final thesis, but they set the foundation for your essay. Be honest and open when documenting your initial perceptions and assumptions about the topic.

4. Detail the Research and Planning Process

An effective PPF should include a detailed account of your research and planning process. From my experience, this is where you show the depth of your investigation. List the resources you plan to use, outline your initial argument structure, and mention any further areas you intend to explore.

5. Reflect on Feedback and Its Integration

Feedback is a golden opportunity for growth. In the TOK PPF, reflect on any feedback from teachers or peers. Discuss how this feedback influenced your thinking and how you integrated it into your essay. Remember, it’s not just about what changes were made but why they were made.

6. Track Development and Changes

As your essay progresses, your ideas and arguments will evolve. Documenting this evolution is one of the most critical aspects of the PPF. Be clear about how your understanding of the topic has deepened or shifted and the reasons behind these changes.

7. Conclude Reflections

Finally, your PPF should conclude with a reflection on the overall process. From my experience, this is where you assess what you’ve learned and how your thinking has developed. It’s a chance to step back and see how the path of writing the TOK essay has contributed to your understanding of knowledge.

Analyzing Successful TOK PPF Examples

In my years working closely with IB students, I’ve observed various examples of TOK Planning and Progress Forms that have distinguished themselves through their insightful analysis and reflective quality.

Example 1. Incorporating Varied Viewpoints

In this PPF, a student tackled a TOK essay title about the relationship between personal experiences and shared knowledge.

Strong Points:

• The student did an excellent job in their research process, effectively including diverse viewpoints about the influence of shared knowledge on personal understanding.
• Their ability to incorporate suggestions was noteworthy. They received advice to add real-world examples demonstrating the impact of shared knowledge on personal beliefs, which they did successfully, enhancing their argument.
• Their final thoughts were introspective. They showed an enriched understanding of knowledge formation, marking a significant thought progression.

Initially, the essay leaned heavily on personal experiences, slightly neglecting the aspect of shared knowledge.

Example 2. Developing an Understanding of Knowledge

Another student began with a basic grasp of a TOK essay topic about the trustworthiness of historical knowledge, focusing mainly on conventional sources like textbooks.

• The PPF excellently detailed how the student’s understanding expanded to consider different forms of historical knowledge, such as oral traditions and physical artifacts.
• They acknowledged how class discussions prompted them to re-evaluate their thesis to include broader perspectives in historical analysis.
• Their concluding thoughts were particularly reflective. They expressed a newfound respect for the complexity of historical study and recognized the evolving nature of understanding history.

This example demonstrates that an effective TOK PPF isn’t just about showcasing a flawless essay but revealing the learning process.

Example 3. Addressing Obstacles and Learning from Them

This PPF stood out for its candidness in acknowledging the student’s obstacles.

• The student was honest in expressing the difficulties in focusing on their topic, which showed genuine engagement with the task.
• They highlighted how specific readings and discussions with their teacher helped refine their thesis to concentrate on linguistic relativity.
• Their final remarks discussed how tackling these hurdles enhanced their essay and bolstered their problem-solving and critical reasoning abilities.

They chose an essay topic related to the influence of language on knowledge but initially struggled to form a coherent thesis.

And there you have it, a detailed guide to mastering the TOK Essay PPF. By following these tips and insights, you’re well on your way to writing a thoughtful and impressive TOK essay and PPF. Good luck, and remember, you can always contact our experts at Papers Point Service if you need help with TOK PPF.

Valerie Green

Valerie Green is a dedicated educator who spends her time helping high school and college students succeed. She writes articles and guides for various online education projects, providing students with the tools they need to excel in their studies. Friendly and approachable, she is committed to making a difference in the lives of students.

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Overview: TOK Essay

The Theory of Knowledge Essay revolves around one of 6 Prescribed Titles given by the IBO. It has a 1,600 word limit and is marked out of 10. All essays are marked by external examiners, and it accounts for ⅔ of your final TOK grade.

The essay requires the completion of the TOK – Planning and Progress Form (TKPPF) . The TKPPF will not be marked, but is mandatory for you to complete it. It consists of 3 rows to log in your first, second, and third interaction with your TOK teacher. You will input reflections and comments, to be submitted alongside your final essay.

Important Terms to Address in a TOK Essay

Knowledge question (kq).

• The KQ will be the main focus of your essay, introduced at the beginning. An example would be, “To what extent is the development of present knowledge wholly dependent on past knowledge?” Ideally, the KQ would incorporate the main focus of your title, and it’s best to leave the question open-ended so as to better define your conclusion later in the essay. (Tip: Be especially careful in directing the flow of your essay so it best matches your prescribed title for highest potential marks!)
• An assertion that you make to answer your KQ.

Counter claim

• A separate assertion you make to introduce a different perspective to your claim (Personal Tip: Many students confuse the counterclaim as the binary opposite of the claim. While that may be true in some cases, some teachers recommend simply providing an alternate view using alternate justifications )
• Your body paragraphs will be made up of developments, which incorporates 2 chosen AOKs. Usually, the essay follows the general structure of:
• Introduction → AOK1 Claim → AOK1 Counterclaim → AOK2 Claim → AOK2 Counterclaim → Conclusion
• Structuring your paragraphs may also follow this general logical structure:
• Key Point (Claim/Counterclaim) → Example (RLS) → Explanation

Real Life Situation (RLS) and Personal Engagement

• To support each claim/counterclaim, you would need real-life situations (RLS) to develop/support them. Typically, the student takes an RLS from the chosen AOK for that development. For example, a student may claim, “The construction of present knowledge is dependent on the foundation of past knowledge in biology”, using the AOK of natural sciences. An RLS that may be applicable to this development would be the Singer-Nicolson Fluid Mosaic Model (describing the phospholipid bilayer of our cell membranes) that corrected the flaws of the preceding Davson-Danielli model. 
• To get the higher marks, many teachers recommend incorporating your personal experiences to further justify your developments. Examples would include your assignments as an IB student, your personal experience at home, etc.

Ways of Knowing (WOKs)

• The WOKs also have to be integrated in your essay as another essential TOK framework. They serve as guiding points to dissect your knowledge question and construct a good essay. Many teachers recommend picking 2-3 WOKs to use in supporting your developments.

Defining the Terms

• It is also important to clearly define the terminology in your essay, especially terms in the PT. Some words in the PT can have multiple meanings, therefore it is important to define the terms you are using to ensure that the examiner is on the same page as you are. 

Implications and Significance

• Typically written in the conclusion
• Answers the question, “Why is it important to know this?”
• You could also introduce a limitation (i.e. How could you have approached the PT differently? What more is there to explore?)

Overall Tips

Though some TOK concepts may seem quite abstract, you need to communicate your ideas clearly to the examiner. Thus, it is important to plan in detail and regularly consult with your teacher. The Extended Essay is usually externally marked, so I found it really beneficial to look at past sample essays that had high scores (typically 8/10 and above). However, most TOK essays are different due to varying RLSs, AOKs, and writing style, thus a sample essay may not reflect the ideal essay according to your prescribed title. Good luck! 🙂

Here is my overview of Theory of Knowledge.

Here’s my overview of the TOK Presentation.

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hello! im a may 2022 candidate, and i was wondering whether tok reflections are mandatory. my teachers havent explained anything about them and i cant find information online. i already have the essay done and im scared i wont get the diploma just because we werent told about them. thanks!

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EE Tips for Completing the Reflections (RPPF Form)

Travis Dixon November 26, 2020 Extended Essay

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Giving students an empty space and saying, “reflect” can be really challenging. This is why I like to give a few possible ideas of what they could write about. These are explained below. 

The RPPF (Reflections on Planning and Progress Form) is where EE students write their three reflections: First, Interim and Final (after the viva voce). The maximum word count for all three reflections combined is 500 words and should be recorded on the most recent version of the RPPF Form.

Your school’s IB Coordinator can help you with the RPPF if you need it.

The RPPF is a chance for EE students to show one or more of the following:

• Intellectual, creative, personal, and/or developmental growth,
• How actively engaged they are in the learning process ,
• What they have learned about how to learn and research and/or how they have grown as a learner,
• critical thinking,
• decision-making,
• general research,
• referencing and citations,
• specific research methodology,
• time management.
• EE Supervisor Tips: The Viva Voce
• How to write the perfect EE question
• 3 Examples of how to write excellent EE questions

The following suggestions have been created using information from the EE guide (pg. 55) to help students write their reflections.

First Reflection

This should be completed after your initial reflection session with your supervisor. 

Possible topics to discuss in this section of the RPPF include (but are not limited to) your thoughts on:

• Your initial topic exploration,
• The topic you have chosen and why,
• Possible sources and methods,
• What you might hope to learn or achieve from studying this topic,
• Possible ideas of how you might answer your question and/or research the answer,
• Questions or challenges faced so far,
• Anything else you feel could show your engagement, learning, growth or initiative.

Remember that the total word count for all three reflections is 500 words. This means about 140-170 words is perfect for each reflection.

Interim Reflection

This should be completed after your interim reflection session with your supervisor. 

• The research so far, including reactions to specific things you’ve learned or discovered,
• How your research (including your research question) changed or developed,
• Things you’ve learned about the topic and/or research process,
• Progress in the timeline for completing the essay,
• Possible outlines of arguments being made in response to your RQ,
• Challenges encountered and strategies used to overcome them,

Final Reflection

This should be completed after your viva voce (final) reflection session with your supervisor. 

• The personal significance of the work to you as a student,
• What you have learned about the topic,
• What you have learned about learning and/or how you have “grown” as a learner,
• New questions you have about your topic,

If you have questions post them to our Facebook group for IB Psych Students or our Facebook group for IB Psych Teachers .

Travis Dixon is an IB Psychology teacher, author, workshop leader, examiner and IA moderator.

What is IB Extended Essay RPPF?

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• Writing Metier

The extended essay is one of the mandatory requirements of the IB. Another document that also needs to be submitted with the extended essay is RPPF or the reflections on planning and progress form. Many students find this extremely confusing. Students can find themselves thinking in all directions when asked to ‘reflect.’ It seems like they are told to do something that is completely out of scope.

The best part about a reflection form is that it allows students to think in a certain direction, which is again very important to help them go through what was required of them and what they have done by far. 

Like with IB TOK essay PPF , to some students, EE RPPF seems very challenging because it requires thorough research to be done. Like with TK PPD , it also requires students to be fully vigilant with what they are going, delving into the details of everything that is required from that end. 

In this guide, you will find out more about IB extended essay RPP form and how you can work your way through it. 

What is an Extended essay planning form 

The RPPF is a form in which students are required to write three reflections. This is a total of 500 words that they have to write, in which they have to slowly work their way through writing what they have understood here. The main idea is to write about what they found out in this and what they thought of the whole process. Another idea here is for the examiner to gauge the direction in which the student is thinking.

The whole extended essay aims to teach students how to research and write an analysis. This can only be done well when they slowly analyze and understand things in the best way possible. In this form, they are required to share their responses about what they think, and that is the most important when it comes to an understanding the student’s thought process behind what they are doing. 

In this form, students are expected to be able to show their intellectual and personal growth. They are expected to talk about how actively they are engaged in the whole process and what they have learnt through it. they are expected to show how they have grown as learners and what skills they have learned here. These skills include critical thinking skills, decision making skills, general research skills, referencing skills and time management skills as well.

On the whole, it gauges the students’ way of doing things in the best way possible. The idea is to understand how well the student is working their way through things. 

To guide you even more, here is some further information to help you. 

First Reflection 

This section needs to be around 140 to 170 words in total. In this reflection, you need to talk about how you came to choosing your topic. The first part of the extended essay is to choose a topic that you think you can work on. You need to take the examiner through the whole process so that they understand what went behind all of that. Then you also have to give reasons for what you did and why. After that, you have to give more information about the possible sources and methods that you used.

Furthermore, you also have to talk about what you expect to learn or achieve from this topic. Sharing ideas about how you think you should explore the topic further is also one of the most important things here. This helps the examiner understand the kind of road map that you had in your mind after you selected this topic. You can also touch upon any challenges that you faced throughout. Anything else that you can talk about that highlights how engaged you were through the whole process would also be idea to add here. 

Interim Reflection 

This is the section that you should complete after the first reflection is done. This can also be around 150 words in total. Here, you touch upon the research that you have already done. You also need to touch upon what you have already learned here and why that is important.

Apart from that, you also talk about some new things that you have discovered through this process. If you have slightly tweaked your research question also here, then you should also mention that in the best way possible.

You can also touch upon the progress in the timeline and how well you are doing on this by far. Then you also touch upon any arguments that you think are very important here. If there are any challenges that you have faced here, then you also talk about those. If there is anything that you feel will help you show how engaged you are through the process, then you can also highlight that here. 

Final Reflection 

This is the last part of the reflection that you have to work on. This can again be of around 150 words. Here, you have to talk about the personal relevance that this topic has to you. When you do that, it helps you learn so much about the topic, and also helps the examiner learn more about who you are and how this has helped you further.

It shows the examiner how you can grow as a learner and how working on this topic has further allowed you to do just that. If there is anything else that you think can add value to this section, then you can add that as well.

Remember that the idea is to show the examiner how involved you are in the whole process. So you must make sure that you do that. This is most integral to help you get done with things in the best way. 

FAQ’s about EE RPPF

Here are a few of the common questions that many people ask about this. 

Is the EE RPPS marked?

While this is not marked, you have to make sure that you do your best here to show the full engagement that you have here as a student. This is crucial to help the examiner understand the approach you had right when you started.  

How do I submit my EE RPPF?

You need to submit this form along with the extended essay on the portal. This is an imperative part so you must make sure that you do it diligently. Online, you will find several IB RPPF examples to help you through this. So make sure that you go through most things thoroughly to understand this well. 

What is extended essay RPPF word limit?

The word limit for the reflections on planning and progress form (RPPF) is typically around 400-500 words. Some schools say that it has a strict word limit of 500 words, and supervisors will not even check your RPPF in case you are above the limit. However, it’s always best to check with your school or supervisor for their specific guidelines , as they may vary.

If you can show how you worked your way through things correctly, then you will definitely be able to do a good job on this. 

Example of EE RPPF

Below, you will find an example of how to fill an extended essay RPPF:

Ready to work on your reflections on planning and progress form?

Many students find this part extremely difficult even after they have the right know how of how to do it. We at the Writing Metier are here to help you with the IB RPPF.

Writing Metier has experienced writers on board who can help you get done with this in the best way. All you need to do is get in touch with us on our website and order an essay RPPF.

We will make sure to give you the best possible work! 

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Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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TOK essay guidance

TOK Home > Free TOK notes > TOK essay guidance

You write your TOK essay on your choice of six prescribed titles, which are released at the beginning of DP2, and you have approximately 6 months to complete it.

Learn about the basic details of the TOK essay on this page. After you’ve grasped these, move onto our four-step guide to the essay: 1 Understanding the rubric , 2 Choosing a title , 3 Planning and structuring , 4 Writing and uploading .

10 TOK essay starting points

• 1 The TOK essay is an individual task
• 2 It represents two thirds of the overall mark for TOK
• 3 It is externally marked
• 4 You choose your title from a list of six prescribed titles, which change every exam session
• 5 The word count for the essay is 1600 words
• 6 You’ll meet your teacher for 3 interactions to discuss your essay
• 7 Key areas that are assessed include the clarity of arguments, level of effectiveness of examples, and the focus on the title
• 8 You’ll fill in a Planning and Progress Form (PPF), which you submit with your essay (although this is not assessed)
• 9 The context of the essay is explicitly about the five  areas of knowledge
• 10 There is a single criterion for marking, and four characteristics of an excellent essay (insightful, convincing, accomplished, and lucid)

A four-step guide to the TOK essay

Click on the buttons below to take you to the four steps of creating a great TOK essay. Don’t forget that we have plenty of videos on this and other aspects of the course, and members of the site have access to a huge amount of other resources to help you master the course and assessment tasks.

Check out our three-minute explainer video on the TOK essay here . The video goes over the basics of the TOK essay, such as how it’s assessed, the word count and other practical details, terms such as ‘perspectives’ and ‘implications’, and the role of real-world examples in justifying claims and arguments.

You’ll find more videos on this and other aspects of TOK here , and you can dive into much more depth via our free and premium webinars, here .

Watch our essay & exhibition webinars

Click on the images below to access these premium webinars on how to create the essay and exhibition. Access more webinars here , and watch our videos on the assessment tasks on this page .

FAQs about the TOK essay

How do i choose my tok essay title.

You choose your essay from six prescribed essay titles, that are released at the beginning of your second DP year. We give a few tips on how to choose a PT that will work for you here . But briefly, choose one that links to your pre-existing knowledge, and that you find personally engaging.

What will I be writing about in my TOK essay?

You’ll be answering your prescribed title, within the context of two areas of knowledge, considering how different perspectives might affect our response to the question, and what the implications of your arguments are.

Can I use ChatGPT to write my essay?

You can use ChatGPT to help you gather materials for your essay, but you should definitely not be using it to write the essay. Be very careful with ChatGPT. It bases its answers on online material, and much of this is inaccurate or out-of-date. For example, depending on what you ask it, it may tell you that you have to explore multiple areas of knowledge (rather than the two stipulated by the titles), and that you have to identify a separate knowledge question to the title (which is absolutely not the case).

How much help should I expect from my teacher?

Your teacher should run through the PTs when they are first released, and then meet you for three interactions, during which you’ll discuss your progress. They are allowed to give you one set of written feedback. But you can consult them at other times with specific questions.

Do I need to use real-world examples in my TOK essay?

Yes, real-life examples help illustrate your points and make your arguments more tangible. They can be drawn from personal experiences, historical events, scientific discoveries, etc.

Should I include my personal opinion in the TOK essay?

While the TOK essay is not about your personal opinion per se, it’s important to reflect on your perspective and how it shapes the way you understand the title. However, you should avoid using the essay as a platform for rants or unsubstantiated claims.

Is it necessary to include counter-arguments in my TOK essay?

Yes, including counter-arguments shows a deeper understanding of the complexity of the topic and demonstrates your critical thinking skills. It also enables you to consider different perspectives, and evaluate the implications of arguments.

Should I include the 12 key concepts in my essay?

Yes, as much as you can, draw on the key concepts such as justification, evidence, perspective, bias, certainty, and objectivity within your arguments linking them to the title, and to the real-world examples you draw on.

How do I ensure that my TOK essay reflects my own original thinking, and avoids plagiarism?

Clearly attribute ideas and sources that are not your own, and strive to present original insights and interpretations supported by evidence and reasoning. See our point above on using ChatGPT – never view this as more than a tool to help you gather material for your essay, rather than a tool to write it for you.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when writing a TOK essay?

Avoid oversimplifying complex issues, relying solely on personal opinion without justification, neglecting counter-arguments, veering off the question, and failing to include a consideration of different perspectives.

How long do I have to write my essay?

You’ll have 6 months from the time the prescribed titles are released, to the deadline date for uploading your essay to the IB. However, most schools will set their own deadline for completing the essay, so that everyone has plenty of time to complete your PPF, and upload it on time. Follow what your school tells you about this.

How important is the TOK essay PPF?

The PPF (‘Planning and Progress Form’) is the document that you fill in to outline your discussions during the three essay. Although this is not directly assessed, it is an important part of demonstrating that you have approached the TOK essay in an ethical way, which is now particularly important in the era of ChatGPT.

What are some effective strategies for revising and editing my TOK essay to improve clarity and coherence?

Take breaks between revisions, seek feedback from peers or teachers, and carefully proofread for grammar, punctuation, and coherence.

Should I include references or a bibliography in my TOK essay?

While not required, referencing sources appropriately adds credibility to your essay; use footnotes or endnotes for citations.

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The TOK Presentation TK/PPD form

The TOK Presentation is an Internal Assessment . That means TOK teachers will give each student (or each group) a mark for the presentation and will put the mark and comments on the last page of the TK/PPD form. After a school’s marks are submitted TOK markers will re-mark a random batch of a school’s TK/PPD forms. If the scores that the IB markers give aren’t consistent with the teacher’s marks, the cohort’s presentation marks could be moderated up or down.

Except in very rare cases the IB will not see recordings of a presentation. In the vast majority of cases, the TOK markers’ scores are based solely on what they see on the TK/PPD form. It is therefore extremely important to spend as much time as possible filling in the form carefully.

The first page of the TK/PPD form is somewhat like an introduction to your presentation. You make to make things clear to the marker but you want to avoid lengthy description / discussion. The candidate section of the form has a maximum of 500 words . If you can be concise on page 1 you will have more words on page 2.

If you look at sample TOK presentation TK/PPD forms provided by the IB you will see that some students write in complete sentences while others write in point form. Complete sentences can be a bit easier to understand but they do take up extra words. Keep in mind that the IB makes its expectations clear on page 65 of the guide. It states that the TOK presentation TK/PPD form “should be presented in skeleton or bullet point form.”

Look carefully at how sample TK/PPD forms address (or fail to address) the TOK Presentation Assessment Instrument. You need to ensure that your TOK presentation TK/PPD form has clear links to the terms and phrases in the TOK Presentation Assessment Instrument. For example, the 9-10 band states that the presentation has a “investigation of different perspectives” (pg 64). That mean in your TK/PPD form you need to make these different perspectives clear to the marker. Since you only have 500 words for the whole document you will not be able to discuss the different perspectives in depth. You do, however, need to put them into the form and include a brief explanation.

You will also notice on the last page where some teachers make in-depth comments while others are quite brief. Students have no control over what a teacher will write on their comments. However, in the early stages of the TOK presentation process, it is extremely important for students to take teacher feedback seriously. The teacher’s comments on the last page of the TOK presentation TK/PPD form can help to clarify things for the marker. However, the teacher’s comments cannot really “fix” problems that exists in the student section of the TK/PPD form.

The presentation can be done individually, in a pair, or in a group of three. If you are working with someone else you must put your own Candidate personal code on the top of your TK/PPD form but the rest of the form will be the same for everyone in the group. Everyone in a group receives the same mark for their presentation.

Make sure to only use Adobe Reader to fill in the form. There may be problems if you try and use other software programs. If you use another program it may look okay on your screen but there could still be problems when the marker tries to look at during the marking process.

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