Writing the first draft of your TOK May 2026 essay is only half the journey. The real improvement comes during revision and editing. Many students lose marks not because their ideas are weak, but because their essays are unclear, repetitive, or poorly polished. This guide gives you a step-by-step method to revise and edit your essay into an examiner-ready piece of writing.
RevisionDojo helps IB students go beyond drafting to produce essays that are structured, balanced, and polished for top scores.
Quick Start: Difference Between Revising and Editing
- Revising: Improving ideas, arguments, and structure.
- Editing: Fixing grammar, word choice, and formatting.
- Both matter: A well-edited but poorly argued essay won’t score high, and a brilliant essay full of errors risks losing examiner confidence.
Step 1: Revisit the Prescribed Title
- Ask: Am I answering the question directly?
- Re-check definitions of key terms.
- Make sure each body paragraph links clearly back to the title.
See our Complete Titles Guide for detailed breakdowns.
Step 2: Check Claims and Counterclaims
- Do you have balance between claims and counterclaims?
- Have you evaluated which is stronger instead of leaving them open-ended?
- Are your examples analyzed, not just described?
For counterclaim help, see our Best Counterclaims Guide.
Step 3: Evaluate Structure and Flow
- Does your essay follow a logical order (intro → body → conclusion)?
- Do paragraphs transition smoothly?
- Does your conclusion reflect on implications for knowledge, not just summarize?
For structure strategies, see our Step-by-Step Essay Guide.
Step 4: Cut Redundancies and Weaknesses
- Remove repetitive phrases like “This shows that…” or “It is important to note that…”
- Replace vague examples with specific real-life cases.
- Trim word count if over 1,600 words—examiners stop reading at the limit.
See: Word Count Guide.
Step 5: Edit for Language and Style
- Check grammar and spelling carefully.
- Use TOK vocabulary precisely—don’t overuse jargon.
- Keep sentences clear and concise.
Step 6: Final Checklist Before Submission
- Word count: 1,200–1,600 words.
- Minimum two AOKs with depth.
- At least two perspectives balanced.
- Every paragraph links back to prescribed title.
For grading insights, see our How Examiners Grade Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many drafts should I write?
Most successful students write 2–3 drafts. The first draft develops ideas, the second revises structure, and the final polish ensures clarity.
2. Should I ask my teacher to review my essay?
Yes, but IB rules limit feedback. Teachers can give general advice, but the responsibility for revision is yours.
3. What’s the most common mistake in revision?
Students focus only on grammar and ignore argument structure. Revising ideas is more important than fixing commas.
Conclusion: Polished Essays Earn Higher Marks
The best TOK May 2026 essays go through multiple rounds of revision and editing. By refining claims, balancing counterclaims, improving structure, and polishing style, you’ll present examiners with a clear, well-argued essay.
RevisionDojo gives students the tools to move from rough draft to polished, examiner-ready final submission.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Want to revise like a pro? Use our Word Count Guide to stay within limits, or check our Ultimate Essay Guide for end-to-end strategies.
Internal Links Used:
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/tok-may-2026-essay-prescribed-titles-complete-guide-for-students
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/best-counterclaims-for-the-may-2026-tok-essay-titles
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/structuring-your-tok-may-2026-essay-a-step-by-step-guide
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/tok-may-2026-essay-word-count-how-long-should-it-be
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/how-examiners-grade-the-tok-may-2026-essay
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/revisiondojo-ultimate-tok-may-2026-essay-guide-mastering-all-6-prompts
