A TOK essay lives or dies by the examples you chose to use. I've written extensively about how to plan out and choose your examples for the essay. The question is, how can you make sure your essay stands out? Chances are, the examples you find online, someone else would've found it as well. But some examples are way too common, and too overused that it doesn't demonstrate your engagement with the subject. I will provide some examples of overused TOK Essay examples that the IB themselves have mentioned in the May 2016 subject guide. Even though it is for the old syllabus, this is still relevant as the TOK essay assessment has not changed much since the old guide. Many of these examples have obvious links to many of the prescribed titles in the May 2023 session, but choosing these examples are unwise. So check that your own examples do not fall into the 'overused' category. Note that this list is not exhaustive as well, and you do have to use your judgement to make sure it is as unique, and relevant as possible.
The rule of thumb
Before we get into the list, one quick way to find out if your example is overused will be by how you found the example. If you googled something along the lines of "TOK essay examples" or "AOK History examples", you will get examples that are incredibly generic, and something that thousands of IB students worldwide are using at the same time. Examiners will easily pick up on this lazy example usage and you are unlikely to score very highly.
When searching for examples, the best way to make sure it is unique is to find something which you are personally connected to. Everyone has a unique life experience, and by basing your examples off them, you will ensure your TOK Essay is not only personal, but unique and reflective as well. It really demonstrates your own understanding and connection with the subject. As I mentioned in the planning for TOK Essay article, it is the best way to start looking at examples. If you are from a mixed Japanese and Chinese background, you might consider looking at historical events that incorporate the two, or art made by a Japanese and Chinese artist, etc. Essentially, the examples that you find should have no mention of 'TOK' anywhere, but through your understanding of the world, and your background, you can link these examples to TOK. If you are making these links to TOK originally on your own, you can ensure you will have a unique essay.
Overused examples
Note that these examples are not exhaustive and this list will grow over time as students find more and more cliched examples. Some of the comments made in the subject guide is also really interesting. You can have a think about whether it applies to your own essay as well.
Conclusion
Having unique examples is key to a great TOK Essay. Double checking your examples are personally connected to you, and not part of the list is a good starting point. Ultimately, when you choose examples that speak to you, you can truly understand TOK's impact in your life, and write about it authoritatively in the essay. For more help on the TOK Essay, check out our other TOK resources!
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