TOK Grade 11 DP commentary for objects [Autosaved].pptx

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1. TOK Grade 11 DP Writing Commentary for Objects

2. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Build a TOK Commentary for Objects In the TOK Exhibition, students select: One IA Prompt (from the official list of 35 prescribed prompts) Three objects that connect to that prompt in real-world contexts. Each object requires a commentary (950 words total) explaining how it links to the chosen prompt and what it shows about knowledge .

3. Structure of a Strong TOK Commentary You can think of your commentary in four main parts: Step I. Introduction (≈100–150 words) Identify the prompt you’re exploring. Briefly introduce the object (e.g., what it is, where it’s from, why it’s relevant). State your main idea: How does this object connect to the prompt about knowledge? Example: The chosen object, a vaccination card, connects to the prompt “What challenges are raised by the dissemination of knowledge?” because it represents how medical knowledge must be communicated and trusted by the public for it to be effective.

4. Step II . Description and Context of the Object (≈150 words) Describe what the object is (physical characteristics, origin, and context). Explain why it’s personally or culturally significant . Be clear about its real-world context , not just abstract meaning. Example: The vaccination card was issued during the COVID-19 pandemic and records an individual’s vaccination status. It became a globally recognized document that allowed travel, work, and participation in public life. Beyond a record, it symbolizes trust in medical institutions and global collaboration.

5. Step III. Connection to the Prompt (≈400–500 words) This is the core of your commentary . You need to show TOK thinking by exploring: How this object illustrates, supports, or challenges ideas about knowledge. Consider key TOK concepts : evidence, authority, interpretation, bias, reliability, perspective, etc. Use real-life examples or reasoning to explain your points. Include counterpoints or limitations.

6. Example: The vaccination card exemplifies how the dissemination of knowledge depends on trust. While scientists produced reliable data on vaccine safety, misinformation online challenged the acceptance of this knowledge. The card’s effectiveness as a symbol of safety was, therefore, dependent not only on the science behind it but also on the public’s interpretation and belief in that knowledge. This highlights that knowledge dissemination involves both the knowers (those who share) and the audience (those who receive). It also raises ethical questions about whether knowledge should be enforced or freely accepted.

7. Step IV. Conclusion (≈100–150 words) Sum up what this object reveals about the chosen prompt. Show insight — what general point about knowledge can we learn from this case? Example: Ultimately, the vaccination card reveals that the sharing of knowledge is not only about accuracy but also about trust, communication, and human behavior . It shows that even well-supported knowledge can face challenges when its dissemination depends on social and emotional factors.

8. Language Tips Use TOK terms naturally — “shared knowledge,” “personal knowledge,” “evidence,” “perspective,” “authority,” “bias,” “interpretation.” Be analytical, not descriptive — go beyond what the object is to what it reveals about knowledge. Avoid overgeneralizing — always connect back to your specific object.

9. Quick Checklist for Students Criterion What to Ask Yourself A. Identification of Objects Is my object clearly real and not hypothetical or digital-only? B. Justification of Relevance Have I clearly explained how it links to the prompt? C. Use of TOK Concepts Have I used TOK ideas (perspectives, evidence, bias, etc.) effectively? D. Coherence Does my commentary flow logically from introduction to conclusion? E. Insight Does it show a thoughtful understanding of how knowledge operates in the real world?