1: Select a title from the IB list. 4. Organize your ideas and plan argument.
2. Read the instructions and the marking criteria. 5. Write the essay.
3. Gather your ideas. 6. Hand it in.
STEP 3
GATHER YOUR IDEAS.

(a) Now look back to the title you have chosen and start to identify the problems of knowledge which it raises. Are you clear in your mind what a “problem of knowledge” is? If not, re-read the explanation: “The phrase ‘problems of knowledge’ refers to possible uncertainties, biases in approach to knowledge or limitations of knowledge, and the methods of verification and justification appropriate to the different areas of knowledge.” Remember that a “problem of knowledge” is not really a problem at all in the everyday sense of the word – not unless you expect knowledge to be simple and certain. (And then the problem may not be in the knowledge but in your expectations!) Do not treat an area of knowledge as somehow inferior if there are numerous difficulties which it faces in trying to gain knowledge.

What are the problems of knowledge that I can see in the title I’ve chosen? What are the issues I should discuss?
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(b) Think about how the problems of knowledge raised by your title are relevant to different Areas of Knowledge and Ways of Knowing. Do all cultures see these problems in the same way? What comparisons can you draw, what general conclusions do you reach, and what arguments can be made against those conclusions? What are the implications of your main points? Can you find examples to illustrate your points? Counter- examples? Note down your ideas quickly, without trying yet to structure them. Write until your mind runs dry. It will.

What Ways of Knowing and Areas of Knowledge are relevant? Which ones are the best to discuss here?

Think broadly, drawing the comparisons and links between Ways and Areas. Try drawing lines between parts of the ToK Diagram and think of connections that your title suggests. Think about the people who are doing the knowing, and about different cultural views.
(c) Now enrich your immediate ideas by going back over notes from your ToK course to remind yourself of class discussions and material which are relevant to your title. Gather examples to illustrate your points from notes and texts from your other IB courses, the newspaper, people you know, your own experience, or any other sources relevant. Remember, though, that the ToK essay is not a research paper. You will not find your response to the title in a book; books and other sources give you only the raw material which you must shape into your own response.

GIVE IT PERSONAL THOUGHT.
(d) If time allows, you may want to live with your ideas floating in your mind for a week or so at this point, gathering more as thoughts hit you in class, your CAS activities, or elsewhere.This step of gathering ideas is often challenging – and extremely enjoyable. It is a chance to engage your own mind in considering the central ToK question: “How do I know?” If you find ideas at all interesting or like to reflect on what beliefs or knowledge your life experience and education have given you, you will probably find this stage of the essay personally stimulating. Moreover, you will be given credit in your essay for pulling together the relevant ideas in a way which reflects your own thinking and draws illustrations of ideas not only from public facts and explanations but also from your own life experience.

NEXT: STEP FOUR, ORGANIZING AND PLANNING