1. Everything must relate to the essay topic.
Everything means no nebulous tangents that you think tells me how much you know.
No long stories or extended telling what the coherence theory is.
The way you use your ideas will explain if you know what it is.
2. The essay must be about the 'Knowledge Issues
It must be central to how you answer the question.
Ask yourself: What problems will I encounter when
trying to answer this question?
You need to use the statement 'Knowledge Issues' at least four times in
the essay.
Knowledge issues =
a. Difficulties finding, verifying, justifying information,
b. Limitations of how much we can know across different areas,
c. Biases in approach to knowledge,
d. Possible uncertainty/ incommensurability, implications.
3. Examples and ideas must link across different areas and ways .
But don't make specific reference to the areas or ways. Work it into your writing.
Eg. In ethics we see....or...let's look at language.... . (don't do this!!)
Your examples should be interesting/ original and exactly support the point
you are making.
Don't have examples which overgeneralize.
4. Counterclaims must be examined.
This is the biggest loss of marks every year. You must use the word "counterclaims" at least three times in the essay.
It is worth 25% of the essay and no one does it.
Counterclaims means that each major point you make must itself be examined.
Find an example of where the point you just made may be weak or limited.
You must do this for each major point you make. See number 11. below.
5. No citation of ToK notes allowed.
Use the original source in footnotes and bibliography.
Then put the website URL as the location (date when referenced)
6. Do not use dictionary definitions. Do not cite the dictionary. Do not use Wikipedia
7. Everything you say must be supported by an example. Two of these examples MUST be personal in nature, but not hypothetical or made up. Maybe make it an example which links across ways or areas of knowing....
8. Proof required from a citation. Use a footnote and put all sources
in a bibliography.
Four or five different sources would be good.
Do not cite a source more than twice.
Use good sources.
9. This example is overused and boring. Find a better example. See #3 above.
10. Factual inaccuracy or Overgeneralization.
Use words like 'suggest' or 'seems to prove' rather than 'proved' or 'all' or
'none'
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