The knowledge questions below are some basic knowledge questions derived from each prescribed title. Consider these basic knowledge questions the starting point for developing knowledge questions for a TOK essay.

Many of the knowledge questions on this page are quite broad and can be rephrased in a more focused way later on in the essay development process.  Make sure you look extensively at past sample TOK essays to get a better idea of what kinds of TOK questions are suitable.  

More knowledge questions that are closer to essay-ready knowledge questions will be posted at a later date.

4. “Statistics conceal as much as they reveal.” Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.

  • To what extent do statistics have a negative impact on the acquisition of knowledge?
  • To what extent do statistics have a negative impact on the sharing of knowledge?
  • To what extent do statistics have a positive impact on the acquisition of knowledge?
  • To what extent do statistics have a positive impact on the acquisition of knowledge?
  • What role does ______ (WOK) play in the use of statistics to conceal knowledge?
  • What role does ______ (WOK) play in the use of statistics to reveal knowledge?