The May 2025 TOK essay titles are thought-provoking, put your analytical abilities to the test, and develop a comprehensive grasp of knowledge. Choosing the correct title and approaching it strategically leads you to success.
In this post, I will dissect each title, provide advice on essay structure, and give thoughts based on my experience.
TOK Essay Titles for May 25
TOK essays are essential to the IB Diploma since they assess your ability to examine knowledge problems critically. Working on such academic papers helps you to demonstrate your capacity to interact with complex concepts. The May 2025 TOK prompts are varied and thought-provoking, so you must be clear and focused.
In my experience, one of the most frequent errors students make is choosing a title based entirely on its first appeal without examining how well it corresponds with their abilities and interests. Selecting the proper title is more than simply personal taste; it’s about finding one that will enable you to present the most fabulous ideas.
Here’s a list of the six prescribed TOK titles for May 2025:
- Do historians and human scientists have an ethical obligation to follow the directive: “Do not ignore contradictory evidence”? Discuss with reference to history and the human sciences.
- Is our most revered knowledge more fragile than we assume it to be? Discuss with reference to the arts and one other area of knowledge.
- How can we reconcile the relentless drive to pursue knowledge with the finite resources we have available? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.
- Do the ever-improving tools of an area of knowledge always result in improved knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
- To what extent do you agree with the claim “All models are wrong, but some are useful” (attributed to George Box)? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.
- Does acquiring knowledge destroy our sense of wonder? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
Each prompt has distinct obstacles and possibilities, and it is critical to understand the topic’s intricacies. For example, the first title may appeal to students who prefer to investigate ethical issues and historical studies, while Title 6 may appeal to individuals with a philosophical or artistic bent.
I’ll discuss each title in more detail below, giving ideas, examples, and tips to help you write a good essay. By the end of this piece, you’ll have a clear plan for how to take on your chosen TOK title confidently.
Title 1. Do historians and human scientists have an ethical obligation to follow the directive: “Do not ignore contradictory evidence”?
Discuss with reference to history and the human sciences.
This title is one of the most thought-provoking I’ve seen. It tests the ethical responsibilities of those working in history and the human sciences. “Contradictory evidence” makes you consider how to handle data that doesn’t agree with each other and whether ignoring it hurts the quality of knowledge.
Potential Knowledge Questions
As you plan your essay, think about knowledge questions like:
- What ethical responsibilities do historians and human scientists have?
- Can ignoring evidence lead to biased or incomplete conclusions?
From what I’ve seen, asking these questions early on builds a strong base.
Approaches to Writing
Clear out the meanings of important words like “ethical obligation” and “contradictory evidence” in the beginning. Use cases from both fields, like historical revisionism and psychology studies, to support your claims. Discuss the pros and cons of looking at contradictory information to keep your case fair.
Title 2. Is our most revered knowledge more fragile than we assume it to be?
Discuss with reference to the arts and one other area of knowledge.
Most of the time, “revered knowledge” refers to basic facts or ideas that most people agree on. The weakness of such knowledge in the arts and another AOK is prompted by this title, which prompts you to do so.
Suggested Areas of Knowledge
Regarding the arts, consider how views change over time. For example, consider how changing national beliefs can affect the importance of works of art. Pair this with another AOK, like the natural sciences, where quantum mechanics has replaced even well-known ideas like Newtonian physics.
How to Support Your Argument
From what I’ve seen, using real-life examples to back up your points makes your case stronger. Talking about times when revered knowledge was questioned could show how fragile it is. You can keep your essay interesting and well-balanced by moving from one AOK to another.
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Title 3. How can we reconcile the relentless drive to pursue knowledge with the finite resources we have available?
Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.
This TOK title is very pertinent in today’s reality. The “relentless drive” to acquire knowledge represents humanity’s unquenchable curiosity, yet “finite resources” emphasize limits such as time, financing, and ethical considerations.
Suggested AOKs
Concentrate on the natural sciences, where progress typically necessitates considerable resources. Combine this with another AOK, such as ethics, to investigate the trade-offs involved. For example, consider how financing limits force medical research to favor some illnesses over others.
Structure Your Essay
Introduce the tension between ambition and pragmatism and provide examples to demonstrate this struggle. Blending theoretical discussions with actual instances ensures your TOK essay is well-structured and approachable.
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Title 4. Do the ever-improving tools of an area of knowledge always result in improved knowledge?
Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
This title invites you to assess the link between tools and knowledge. To ensure clarity, define “improving tools” and “improved knowledge” early on.
Relevant Case Studies
In the natural sciences, developments in equipment such as telescopes and microscopes have certainly increased our comprehension. Also, consider counterexamples, such as technologies that induce biases or complicate analysis. Combine this with another AOK, such as history, where technologies like AI may help and hamper historical interpretation.
Write a Balanced Argument
This title requires a sophisticated approach. You must acquire knowledge of upgraded tools’ obvious advantages while analyzing their limitations. Highlighting all viewpoints will demonstrate your critical thinking abilities.
Title 5. To what extent do you agree with the claim “all models are wrong, but some are useful”?
Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.
This title is credited to George Box, who discussed the limits of models in capturing reality. If you choose this option, define “models” and research their use in mathematics and other AOKs, such as natural sciences.
Suggested AOKs
Consider how mathematical models reduce complicated reality to make predictions. For example, statistical models are often approximations yet remain essential. On the other hand, the natural sciences use models to make complicated things easier to understand and help make predictions. Examples include the Bohr model of the atom and the greenhouse effect in climate science.
Strategies for Writing
According to standard IB criteria, essays that examine models’ strengths and limitations in many circumstances tend to do better. Use examples to demonstrate both the practical value and the inherent errors of models.
Title 6. Does acquiring knowledge destroy our sense of wonder?
Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
This title investigates whether understanding decreases or increases curiosity. Define “sense of wonder” and how it affects knowledge acquisition.
Recommended AOKs
The natural sciences provide a good foundation for this conversation. Consider how comprehending black holes or the complexities of quantum physics may alter our vision of the cosmos.
Combining this with the arts, where knowledge of methods, history, or symbolism may frequently improve enjoyment. For example, understanding the background of Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” might strengthen our emotional attachment to the artwork rather than diminishing its beauty.
Build a Compelling Argument
Based on my experience, this title leaves plenty of potential for innovation and detailed analysis. Use real-world examples to demonstrate both views. For example, understanding the scientific mechanics behind a rainbow may lessen its magical allure while increasing our awe for the intricacy of natural events. Also, write a strong conclusion.
Final Tips for Success
Spend some time planning your essay, write more than one draft, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Just as important is proofreading—small mistakes can take away from your main point and make your thoughts less powerful. I’ve found that a well-edited essay shows that you worked hard and can pay attention to the details.
Here are all the steps to writing a strong essay on May 2025 TOK titles:
- Find your title. Choose a prompt that aligns with your abilities. Each title provides a unique chance to demonstrate your comprehension and critical thinking abilities.
- Define key terms clearly. Break down the title’s main principles to ensure you understand what is asked.
- Plan thoroughly. Before writing, outline your major claims, examples, and counterarguments.
- Draft and revise. Writing many revisions allows you to polish your thoughts and enhance the overall quality of your essay.
- Proofread carefully. Check for minor flaws that might distract from your thesis, and edit your work for clarity and consistency.
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