This scripted 90-minute IB DP Theory of Knowledge (TOK) lesson focuses on essay structure and argument. It is designed for Year 2 assessment preparation and helps students understand how a TOK essay paragraph works, how arguments are built across the essay, and how to move beyond description into clearer critical analysis.

The lesson begins with a broken paragraph diagnosis task. Students identify what is missing from a weak TOK paragraph, including a factual claim instead of a knowledge claim, a vague example, a weak implication, and an ineffective counterclaim. This gives them a practical starting point before they begin writing their own paragraphs.

A central part of the lesson is the distinction between a claim and a knowledge claim. Students practise identifying the difference and then work through a model TOK paragraph built from six moves: knowledge claim, AOK link, specific example, implication, counterclaim, and response. This helps make the structure of a stronger TOK paragraph more visible and repeatable.

The lesson also includes a counterclaim stress-test, where students compare stronger and weaker counterclaims and then write one for their own thesis. This is followed by an essay outline sprint, where they build a short outline including two AOK-based claims, examples, implications, and responses.

A final section uses rubric-referenced peer critique and a one-paragraph draft so that students can test their ideas against the TOK essay criteria and practise writing one complete paragraph in full.

The resource includes a full teacher walkthrough, paragraph diagnosis task, knowledge claim practice, counterclaim ranking activity, essay outline template, peer critique sheet, and one-paragraph draft task. It is useful for TOK teachers supporting essay writing and for students who need practical guidance on structuring arguments more clearly and critically.