TOK Essay: Formatting For Success
It's time to submit your Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay. You're confident that the content is excellent; now, make sure that formatting doesn't get in the way of that top mark.
The IB has set clear guidelines for the TOK Essay's submission, and nothing irks examiners more than blatant disregard for these fundamental rules. The last thing you want is to annoy your examiner.
Let's dive into the exact formatting requirements – and a few additional choices to enhance your already excellent work.
Formatting and Referencing
Did you know that MLA and APA dictate both the referencing method and the format of an essay? Consistency in referencing isn't enough; consider how your essay appears on the page.
Most IB World Schools adopt a standard referencing method. For this article, I'll use my school's standard: MLA.
General MLA Formatting Guide
The paper size must be either A4 or 8.5 x 11-inch standard size.
Double-space the whole essay, including the works cited page. This is explicitly stated in the TOK guide and past examiner reports. If examiners emphasize this, it's crucial to comply.
Use 12-point font, as clearly stated by the IB in the guide and examiner reports.
Choose a legible, professional font, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
Leave only one space after periods or other punctuation marks.
Set document margins to 2.54cm or 1 inch on all sides.
Indent the first line of each paragraph by 1.27cm or ½ inch, using the "tab" key rather than spacing five times.
Avoid white space between paragraphs. This isn't a blog or business letter; it's an academic essay. For reference, look at novels from your Language A class. Notice the consistent spacing and indentations at the start of each paragraph – that's proper MLA formatting.
Include a header with page numbers in the upper right-hand corner.
For more MLA formatting details, refer to Purdue University's Online Writing Lab.
MLA Citation
Although the TOK essay isn't primarily a research paper, it probably includes information specific sources. These might be theories or references for your real-life situations. These must be acknowledged to avoid malpractice.
Ensure clear credit for sources used.
Indicate in-text references for both quotations and paraphrased material.
Include a works cited page, adhering to MLA rules:
Double-space the page.
Use hanging indentations.
Alphabetize sources by the first letter of the citation.
MLA Page One Formatting
Generally, MLA doesn't require a title page.
Place the selected title at the top, exactly as IB published.
Avoid changes, abbreviations, all-caps, or altered capitalization.
Center the title in the same 12-point font as the rest of the essay.
Refrain from bolding, italicizing, underlining, or using a different font size.
Exclude personal information like your name, school, teacher, or candidate number.
If you feel that a title page is a must, stick to the title (as described), "TOK Essay," and your word count, centered in 12-point font. Never include images on the title page.
Word Count
The TOK essay's maximum length is 1,600 words, including the main essay and quotations, but not acknowledgments, references, or the bibliography/works cited page.
Examiners will stop at 1,600 words if exceeded, basing assessments only on this portion.
Indicate the word count when uploading and optionally at the essay's end before the works cited page (in parentheses).
Important Additional Notes
Non-textual elements like maps and charts are unnecessary in a TOK essay. They're likely a waste of time or a distraction for the examiner.
Make sure you never include the following information anywhere in your essay or on a title page:
your name,
your school’s name and/or location,
your teacher’s name, and
your candidate number.
Did you know that the first four digits of your candidate number are actually you’re school’s code? That’s why you should never include it on your IB submission. The last thing you want is for your examiner to accidentally be biased by someone else’s work from your school.
Final Checklist
Keep under 1,600 words.
Use a 12-point, clear, professional font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
Double-space the text.
Properly acknowledge all sources in a standard style (MLA, APA, Chicago).
Maintain margins of 2.54cm/1 inch on all sides.
Indent each paragraph.
Conclusion
You might think this formatting makes your essay look “ugly”, but remember: aesthetic opinions on essay formatting are irrelevant in this context. The IB and the academic world have established standards. To engage with this sphere, you must conform to these standards. This isn't the battle to choose.
Follow the formatting guidelines. Think of it as a first impression: We "eat with our eyes first," and the same applies to essay marking. The IB and your examiner have specific aesthetic preferences and expectations. Your formatting choices send a message about your dedication and effort. Are you an IB candidate who takes pride in their work or are you an IB candidate who can’t be bothered? Which student will you prove yourself to be?
