What Are Knowledge Questions?

Part 2 of 8

March 13, 2026

This is part two of our eight-part series where Sofia and I are breaking down the Eight Essential Elements of the Theory of Knowledge course for all IB teachers.

As we continue this series, Sofia and I are co-authoring these newsletters to help all of us better understand what Theory of Knowledge actually is, what the coursework looks like, and what the expectations are for students. 

But more importantly, so that you can feel informed about how to integrate Theory of Knowledge into your classrooms, which is an explicit expectation of the IB. If you missed part one, you can read it here.

This series is based on our upcoming Theory of Knowledge New Teacher Workshop coming up July 23rd and 24th via Zoom. If you would like to join us for that workshop, we would love to host you.

Okay, this week, we are going to take a look at Knowledge Questions.

It is crucial as IB teachers, independent of what subject group we teach, that we have a clear grasp of what we mean by “knowledge”, so remember these three key components we discussed in Part 1: 

  1. Knowledge is a deep and thorough understanding of something. Whether it is practically or theoretically. It might be helpful to think about it this way: It is about a practical or cognitive skill.
  2. Knowledge is reliant on updated and trustworthy evidence. That is what separates knowledge from beliefs, opinions, generalizations, assumptions, and unsubstantiated claims. 
  3. Knowledge is not fixed. It changes, updates, and shifts! Knowledge is complex and multidimensional. There are so many factors that define it, enhance it, constrain it, and protect it – just to mention some.


So with that fresh in our minds, we can focus on what a Knowledge Question actually is. 

What are Knowledge Questions?

In simple terms, it could be said that Knowledge Questions are what hold the Theory of Knowledge course (TOK) together – its fascia.  They are the connective tissue that makes sure the coursework in TOK does not go wild and lose its focus. 

This is why there is no real content, sequence, or instructional manual as to how to teach TOK and how to approach it with students. The process of how to discuss these questions is to be examined later, but first, it is critical to identify and understand the nature of these questions and their role in TOK, so that we can implement them in our own IB course.

Here are the three critical elements that make these distinctive, sometimes intimidating, Knowledge Questions are:

Knowledge Questions are About Knowledge (not content) - It seems so obvious, you would think. However, it is very useful to consider this when either teaching TOK, alluding to TOK, or trying to make connections to TOK in your classroom. If you look at the three Knowledge Questions provided below, you will notice that they do not allude to any area of study, any specific content, or even define time/space. 

So, keep this in mind in your teaching. Deep analytical or evaluative questions in your course do not necessarily mean it is a TOK Knowledge Question. In fact, it is suggested that students use your course content to support and ground their discussions in TOK class. 

In sum, Knowledge Questions are about knowledge, not course-specific content. Which is great, because as an IB teacher, just keep teaching what you are teaching, because everything you teach is an powerful resource for TOK. 

Knowledge Questions are Contestable – Contestable meaning debatable, and therefore, there is not one answer to any of these questions. This unique feature of Knowledge Questions is what makes them, at times, intimidating and impenetrable. 

As hard as it might seem, you just need to dive into the deep waters of exploration and swim in the getting lost – but you will find the light and breathe. The constant mental exercise that TOK demands is frustrating but it’s also what makes it fascinating! It’s what the IB wants us to do – shape flexible, strong, powerful, risk-taking, curious, sensible and open-minded humans. It’s mental or sometimes even physical fitness! 

In sum, Knowledge Questions don’t have categorical answers, don’t always aim at a yes/no answer, and definitely do not have a prescribed approach – you must consider, become aware, and recognize something about knowledge. 

Knowledge Questions Draw on the TOK Concepts – This last component of Knowledge Questions is a bit more specific to the course and its details and we will break these down in Part 6. 

However, as teachers and adults, as we say all the time, trust your adult mind. You’ll be able to grasp this with no problem. The TOK course syllabus provides twelve TOK Concepts that basically lead the way through the deep waters leading to the light. 

Think of them as little golden nuggets that help structure any discussion about knowledge. 

Remember the fascia? These concepts are the powerful knots that make this fascia incredibly sturdy! 

So, if you have a minute, pick one question from the list below and think about how you could ignite a discussion with any of the TOK concepts. Then repeat it with another question. See what happens.  Maybe the same TOK Concept can be applied to both questions, yet the discussion is different.   

The TOK Concepts are: 

Truth - Evidence - Responsibility - Justification - Values - Culture - Explanation - Objectivity - Perspective - Interpretation - Certainty - Power. 

Examples of Knowledge Questions: 

  • What constraints are there on the pursuit of knowledge? 
  • Does some knowledge belong only to a particular community of knowers? 
  • What is the relationship between knowledge and culture? 


So how can we integrate this into our classrooms?

So if you are looking for integration to TOK in your IB classroom, discussing Knowledge Questions are great because they invite students to step back from the content and reflect on how knowledge itself is produced, pursued, communicated, acquired, preserved, applied, or even lost.

If you frame a discussion in your classrooms around questions about evidence, interpretation, certainty, or perspective, then you are already bringing Theory of Knowledge into our teaching. Which is kinda cool and actually not that difficult. 

In this sense, understanding Knowledge Questions is one of the most practical ways we can begin integrating Theory of Knowledge confidently into our classroom, regardless of the course we teach.

We hope part two helped clarify the central role that Knowledge Questions play in shaping the course.

If you are preparing to teach Theory of Knowledge next year, or simply want to feel more confident about how it all fits together, we would love to host you for our Theory of Knowledge New Teacher Workshop on July 23rd and 24th via Zoom. Our goal is simple, to help you feel prepared and supported from day one. You can find enrollment information here.

In two weeks, we will continue the series with a look at the Five Themes and how they provide structure and coherence to the course.

Have a great weekend.

Brad and Sofia




Opportunities to Empower IB Teachers and Students... 

If your school would like a tailored training on the updated Extended Essay guidelines, we’d love to help—onsite at your campus or live online—just send me an email at [email protected] and we’ll work together to make it happen. 

Effectively Supervising the New Extended Essay - April 28th, 2026 - A special Asia–Pacific time zone session of this workshop for educators across the region.  This focused and practical workshop is designed to help teachers confidently navigate the updated Extended Essay framework for the Class of 2027. Together, we’ll explore what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how to effectively guide students through both the Subject-Focused and Interdisciplinary pathways.  Spots are still available.

Theory of Knowledge New Teacher Workshop - July 23rd & 24th, 2026 - Designed for teachers new to Theory of Knowledge, this two-day training co-taught by Brad Cartwright and Sofía Elizalde offers a clear, practical roadmap for teaching TOK with confidence. Together, we will explore the core components of the IB Diploma Programme, the purpose and structure of the TOK course, key assessment criteria, the TOK Exhibition, the TOK Essay, and classroom strategies that support thoughtful discussion, meaningful reflection, and strong student writing. An Early Bird Discount is available--use coupon code EARLYBIRDTOK at checkout. 

IB Economics New Teacher Training - July 25th & 26th, 2026 - Designed specifically for teachers new to IB Economics, this two-day teacher training program will give you a practical roadmap to begin your IB Economics teaching career feeling confident, prepared, and calm.




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