Theory of knowledge prescribed titles
November 2021 examination session
Instructions to candidates
Your theory of knowledge essay for examination must be submitted to your teacher for
authentication. It must be written on one of the six titles (questions) provided overleaf. You may
choose any title, but are recommended to consult with your teacher. Your essay will be marked
according to the assessment instrument published in the theory of knowledge guide. The focus
of your essay should be on knowledge questions. Where appropriate, refer to other parts of your
IB programme and to your experiences as a knower. Always justify your statements and provide
relevant examples to illustrate your arguments. Pay attention to the implications of your arguments,
and remember to consider what can be said against them. If you use external sources, cite them
according to a recognized convention.
Note that statements in quotations in these titles are not necessarily authentic: they present a real
point of view but may not be direct quotes. It is appropriate to analyse them but it is unnecessary,
even unwise, to spend time on researching a context for them.
Examiners mark essays against the title as set. Respond to the title exactly as given; do not alter it
in any way.
Your essay must have a maximum of 1600 words.
2 pages © International Baccalaureate Organization 2021
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1. Why is it so difficult to identify a clear line between accepted and disputed knowledge
within a discipline? Answer with reference to two disciplines, each taken from a different area
of knowledge.
2. “Knowledge gained through direct experience is powerful but problematic.” To what extent do you
agree with this statement?
3. “There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact” (Arthur Conan Doyle). Discuss this claim
with reference to two areas of knowledge.
4. “Areas of knowledge always rely on a systematic process of trial and error to aid the production
of knowledge.” Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.
5. “If all knowledge is provisional, when can we have confidence in what we claim to know?”
Answer with reference to two areas of knowledge.
6. “We are rarely completely certain, but we are frequently certain enough.” Discuss this statement
with reference to two areas of knowledge.
