This TOK title looks nice but pokes a giant philosophical bear. “Should knowledge be pursued for its own sake?” is a question about meaning, the point of knowledge, and whether all knowledge needs to be useful. This TOK essay prompt gives you a great chance to think critically about why people learn, and it lets you compare cold, abstract fields like math with more human-centered fields like the arts or natural sciences.
First, let’s be clear: knowing is different from understanding. In fact, this TOK essay prompt is all about that difference. If you’re reading this, you’re probably already knee-deep in notes, plans that aren’t quite finished, and a rising mental crisis over what it means to “understand.”
If the title of this TOK essay makes you wonder, “Why do I need to think about artists and historians right now?” you’re not the only one. This kind of question usually stops students in their tracks.
Today, I’m finally ready to break down the November TOK essay prompts. for the year 2025 I know TOK can feel like a tough sh*t, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, it all makes sense. To start of, I’ll list the N25 TOK prompts. After that, I’ll give you a quick …
Data collection is often the most challenging part when students first plan their science EE. Trust me; you’re not the only one who feels that way. It’s one of the trickiest parts of the essay but also the most important. You should think and act like a real scientist in science extended essays.
One of the biggest mistakes I see IB students make is assuming that data analysis only belongs in the sciences. That’s just not true. In fact, data analysis in extended essays can (and should) be used in every subject—just in different ways.
You’ve probably heard terms like extended essay and MYP Personal Project used often if you’re enrolled in the IB curriculum. You may also wonder how these components relate to your academic career.
Using graphs, charts, and tables in your EE will enhance the quality and clarity of your analysis in addition to providing visual appeal. Having helped with hundreds of students on their IB Extended Essays, I can attest that the right use of graphics may greatly improve your writing.
With so many sources available, how do you keep track of what’s useful? From my experience as an IB writer, one of the best tools for managing research effectively is an annotated bibliography. It’s a structured way to engage with the material and refine your argument.
Selecting the right sources is one of the most important steps in EE research, yet many IB students struggle with finding the right balance between primary sources and secondary sources. From my experience, using both effectively can make the difference between a strong, well-supported argument and an essay that lacks depth.
