Understanding Knowledge Questions and Their Role in TOK
Knowledge Questions (KQs) are at the core of TOK. They aren’t about facts but about how we know—requiring students to question methods, biases, and the scope of knowledge itself.
Learn more in:
👉 Examples and Tips for Writing IB TOK Knowledge Questions
Why Real-World Context Matters
Strong KQs are grounded in Real-Life Situations (RLS). Real events make abstract thinking tangible.
For example:
- RLS: Climate change skepticism
- KQ: “To what extent does emotion affect the acceptance of scientific knowledge?”
More on real-world links here:
👉 Theory of Knowledge in IBDP: What It Is and Why It Matters
Mapping AOKs and WOKs to Real Life
Each KQ should connect to:
- At least two AOKs (e.g. Ethics, Natural Sciences)
- Relevant WOKs (e.g. Reason, Language, Emotion)
RevisionDojo explains how to make these connections clearly in:
👉 Step-by-Step Guide to Effective TOK Essay Strategies
Real-Life Examples and KQ Links
Example 1:
- RLS: Media bias in reporting global conflicts
- KQ: “How does language influence our perception of truth in journalism?”
- AOKs/WOKs: Human Sciences + Language
Example 2:
- RLS: Public response to AI-generated art
- KQ: “Can machines produce knowledge in the arts?”
- AOKs/WOKs: The Arts + Reason/Emotion
Need more inspiration?
👉 How to Tackle the IB TOK Essay and Presentation
Avoiding Common Mistakes
❌ Making the KQ too vague or philosophical
❌ Failing to show how the real-life situation links to the knowledge issue
❌ Ignoring counterclaims or AOK/WOK depth
Learn what examiners look for:
👉 IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Requirements Explained
RevisionDojo Tools to Master KQ Connections
RevisionDojo supports students with:
- AI tools to help generate context-rich knowledge questions
- Blog examples mapping real events to TOK concepts
- Complete essay and exhibition strategy guides
Start here:
👉 RevisionDojo TOK Blog Hub
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I turn a real event into a knowledge question?
A: Identify the “why” or “how” behind the issue, then frame it through a TOK lens.
Q2: Should I use current events or personal stories?
A: Both are valid—current events work well in essays, personal stories suit exhibitions.
Q3: Can a KQ connect to more than one AOK?
A: Absolutely. Strong analysis often requires exploring multiple knowledge frameworks.
Q4: Is every KQ supposed to link to WOKs?
A: Yes. WOKs like reason, emotion, and language show how knowledge is developed or distorted.
Q5: How much should I write about the real-life example?
A: Enough to explain context, but most of your writing should focus on TOK analysis.
Q6: Where can I find more RLS-KQ samples?
A: Check out:
👉 TOK Exhibition Prompts Guide
Conclusion & Call to Action
Linking Knowledge Questions to the real world transforms your TOK work from theoretical to meaningful. It demonstrates how knowledge affects—and is affected by—the world around us.
🚀 Ready to build compelling KQs and connect them to real life? Explore blog posts, use Jojo AI tools, and unlock expert insights at RevisionDojo.
👉 Visit RevisionDojo and Start Linking Knowledge to the World
