The introduction is the most important part of your TOK May 2026 essay—it sets the tone, frames the knowledge question, and tells examiners what to expect. A weak introduction risks losing examiner confidence early, while a strong one positions your essay for top marks. This guide gives you clear strategies and sample introductions for all six prescribed titles.
RevisionDojo helps IB students write examiner-ready TOK essays, starting with powerful introductions.
Quick Start Checklist for TOK Introductions
A strong TOK essay introduction should:
- Define key terms in the prescribed title.
- Identify the main knowledge question (KQ).
- State your position or thesis clearly.
- Outline your approach (AOKs, examples, counterclaims).
Introduction Examples for the May 2026 Titles
Title 1: Observation as an Essential but Flawed Tool
Prompt: “In the production of knowledge, does it matter that observation is an essential but flawed tool?”
Sample introduction:
“Observation sits at the core of both scientific discovery and artistic expression, yet it is never free from error. While observation enables breakthroughs such as Fleming’s discovery of penicillin, it also produces flawed eyewitness testimony in law. This essay will explore the extent to which flawed observation matters by comparing its role in the Natural Sciences and the Arts.”
See full breakdown in our Title 1 guide.
Title 2: Doubt as Central to Knowledge
Prompt: “To what extent do you agree that doubt is central to the pursuit of knowledge?”
Sample introduction:
“Doubt can act as the spark that ignites inquiry or the barrier that halts progress. In the Natural Sciences, doubt has driven revolutions such as Einstein’s rejection of Newtonian physics, while in History, skepticism of dominant narratives often deepens understanding. This essay will evaluate whether doubt is truly central—or whether it risks undermining knowledge itself.”
Detailed analysis: Title 2 guide.
Title 3: Power of Knowledge Conveyance
Prompt: “Is the power of knowledge determined by the way in which the knowledge is conveyed?”
Sample introduction:
“Knowledge does not exist in isolation—it requires communication to have impact. From the use of propaganda in Nazi Germany to the precision of mathematical notation, the way knowledge is conveyed can amplify or diminish its authority. This essay will explore how far the power of knowledge depends on its mode of communication, focusing on History and Mathematics.”
More in: Title 3 guide.
Title 4: Context in Understanding Knowledge
Prompt: “In the acquisition of knowledge, can we only understand something to the extent that we understand its context?”
Sample introduction:
“Knowledge rarely exists without context. Literature becomes richer when read within its cultural background, and psychological studies require ethical context to be fully understood. Yet some knowledge, such as mathematical truths, seems less dependent on context. This essay will evaluate whether context always determines understanding by comparing Literature and Human Sciences.”
See: Title 4 guide.
Title 5: Pythagoras and “All Things Are Numbers”
Prompt: “To what extent do you agree with the claim that ‘all things are numbers’ (Pythagoras)?”
Sample introduction:
“Pythagoras’ claim that ‘all things are numbers’ raises questions about whether reality can be fully captured through mathematics. From the golden ratio in architecture to the Fibonacci sequence in nature, numbers reveal underlying patterns, but not all experiences can be quantified. This essay will evaluate the extent to which mathematics explains reality by exploring Mathematics and the Arts.”
Full breakdown: Title 5 guide.
Title 6: Interpretation as a Tool in Knowledge
Prompt: “To what extent is interpretation a reliable tool in the production of knowledge?”
Sample introduction:
“Interpretation allows us to make sense of evidence, whether analyzing historical documents or explaining quantum mechanics. Yet interpretation is never neutral—it risks distorting meaning and creating bias. This essay will assess the reliability of interpretation by comparing History and the Natural Sciences.”
See: Title 6 guide.
Tips for Writing Your Own Introduction
- Start with a provocative statement or question.
- Keep it short—150 to 200 words max.
- Avoid clichés like “Since the beginning of time…”
- Always end your introduction with a clear roadmap for your essay.
For full essay structure, see our Step-by-Step Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long should my TOK essay introduction be?
About 150–200 words. Long introductions risk repetition; short ones may lack clarity.
2. Do I need to define every term in the title?
Yes, but keep it concise. Define only the terms central to your argument.
3. Should my introduction include real-life examples?
Only briefly. Save detailed examples for your body paragraphs; the intro should focus on framing.
Conclusion: Start Strong to Score High
A strong introduction is your first chance to impress the examiner. By defining terms, framing the knowledge question, and outlining your approach, you’ll set up an essay that feels confident, structured, and examiner-ready.
RevisionDojo helps you master introductions and every stage of the TOK May 2026 essay.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Want full essay support? Explore our Ultimate May 2026 Essay Guide or use our Planning Templates to map out your essay from start to finish.
Internal Links Used:
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/tok-may-2026-title-1-in-the-production-of-knowledge-does-it-matter-that-observation-is-an-essential-but-flawed-tool
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/tok-may-2026-title-2-to-what-extent-do-you-agree-that-doubt-is-central-to-the-pursuit-of-knowledge
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/tok-may-2026-title-3-is-the-power-of-knowledge-determined-by-the-way-in-which-the-knowledge-is-conveyed
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/tok-may-2026-title-4-in-the-acquisition-of-knowledge-can-we-only-understand-something-to-the-extent-that-we-understand-its-context
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/tok-may-2026-title-5-to-what-extent-do-you-agree-with-the-claim-that-all-things-are-numbers-pythagoras
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/tok-may-2026-title-6-to-what-extent-is-interpretation-a-reliable-tool-in-the-production-of-knowledge
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/structuring-your-tok-may-2026-essay-a-step-by-step-guide
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/tok-essay-planning-templates-for-may-2026-titles
- https://www.revisiondojo.com/blog/revisiondojo-ultimate-tok-may-2026-essay-guide-mastering-all-6-prompts
