tok exhibition essay rubric

TOK exhibition rubric

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The TOK exhibition rubric

After understanding the  basic requirements  of the exhibition, your next step is to grasp how it is evaluated and marked, which is outlined in the ‘assessment instrument’. Your TOK teacher will give you a copy of this, or you can find it online in the 2022 TOK Guide.

Our 3-minute explainer for the TOK exhibition provides an overview of the assessment task, and mentions the rubric. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up to date with all our TOK videos.

The TOK exhibition assessment strands

The overall assessment objective of the exhibition is to show how theory of knowledge manifests itself in the real world. In order to do this, the assessment ‘instrument’ looks for four different skills that you are expected to demonstrate in your exhibition.   Make sure you understand what each strand is, and that you are able to explain how you’ve included each one. To find out more about each aspect of the exhibition ( IA prompts ,  objects  and  commentary ), follow the links that take you to the other pages of the TOK exhibition.

1. Interlinking ideas

Your exhibition  commentary  should clearly explain the links between the  objects  you have chosen, and the  IA prompt , and explicit references are made to the selected IA prompt.

2. Justifying ideas

Your exhibition  commentary  should include a strong justification for why your have objects have been chosen for the practice exhibition. This should be done within the context of the  core theme , or one of the  optional themes .

3. Using evidence

All the points you make in your  commentary  should be well-supported by evidence. In other words, all of your ideas and opinions should be supported by real-life situations, or the ideas of key thinkers.

4. Identifying the real-world context

The exhibition clearly identifies three  objects  and their specific real-world context. These means choosing actual objects (or images of objects), rather than generic objects.

TOK exhibition pages

Learn about how the exhibition is marked, and the skills you are expected to demonstrate in order to succeed. Find out more here .

The TOK exhibition prompts

Find out about the IA prompts used to write your exhibition commentary, and tips on choosing the right one. Read more here .

The TOK exhibition objects

Find out what ‘exhibition objects’ are, how to choose effective ones, and linking them to a theme and prompt. Read more here .

The TOK exhibition commentary

Learn about the 950-word exhibition commentary, ways to link it to your IA prompt, and how to set it within a theme. Find out more here .

Putting on the exhibition

Get tips on how to set up a TOK exhibition, talking in public, and showing off your TOK knowledge to a public audience. Find out more here .

More support for the TOK exhibition

Make sure that your TOK teacher has given you access to all the documents and online material that support the exhibition. These include the TOK Subject Guide (for the 2022 syllabus) – where you’ll find the IA prompts, and the exhibition rubric – and the exemplar TOK exhibitions (found in ‘MyIB’, which is accessible to teachers).   Follow the links above to take you to the three different elements of the TOK exhibition; we’ve also created a page giving some tips on how to put on your exhibition if your school is running a public ‘exhibition day’ which you can visit  here . It suggests ways of presenting ideas to an audience.   If your school is a member of theoryofknowledge.net, we have designed a series of lessons on the exhibition, with a three practice exhibition tasks. These will familiarize you with the IA prompts, how to select effective objects, and the assessment rubric. If you are signed into the site, you can access these lessons  here .   You can also find out our thoughts on the TOK exhibition (and the TOK essay) in several webinars that we have delivered. The main one is the TOK Assessment 2022 webinar, but we also consider this form of assessment in our free webinars on the 2022 course. You can see these webinars on  this page  of the site.

FAQs about the exhibition rubric

Who marks the tok exhibition.

The exhibition commentary, and images of the three objects (along with references) is added to an exhibition file. This is marked internally by your TOK teacher, and uploaded to your IB dashboard, to be moderated externally. Your TOK teacher will explain this process in more detail.

Where can I view the complete TOK exhibition rubric?

You can read the whole rubric in the TOK subject guide, on page 47. Your TOK teacher will give you a copy of this.

What makes a TOK exhibition ‘very good’?

The rubric identifies three key characteristics of a very good (ie 9/10 out of 10) exhibition. These are: precise, lucid, convincing. The formative assessment tasks you do for the exhibition will help you understand what these means.

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IB TOK Essay Rubric. Grading Criteria

As someone deeply immersed in the IB curriculum, I’ve encountered difficulty writing Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essays more times than I can count. Today, I’m here to tell you about the IB TOK essay rubric and grading criteria, offering insights I’ve gathered over the years. Trust me, understanding these elements can transform your TOK essay from good to exceptional.

What Is IB Theory of Knowledge Essay?

The International Baccalaureate TOK essay is a critical element of the IB Diploma Programme that pushes students to ponder the nature and acquisition of knowledge. This task requires students to examine and articulate their understanding of how we come to know what we claim to know, engaging them in a deep reflection on knowledge itself, its sources, and its application in various contexts.

This essay is a philosophical research that encourages critical thinking and analysis across different areas of knowledge, including ethics, science, mathematics, and the arts. At the heart of the IB TOK essay are several key components that students must know:

• The essay prompts students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we come to know what we claim to know. It is an exercise in critical thinking and philosophy, where students examine the bases of knowledge and how it intersects with the world around them.
• Students choose from a list of prescribed titles the IB organization releases annually. These titles prompt discussions on various topics in knowledge, ethics, science, mathematics, human sciences, and more.
• There is a maximum TOK essay word count of 1,600 words. This strict limit requires students to articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely.
• The essay is assessed using criteria that evaluate students’ ability to identify and research knowledge issues, contrast TOK key concepts , demonstrate critical thinking, and organize their ideas coherently.
• Students are encouraged to start early, select a topic that interests them, and engage in extensive research and critical thinking. Collaboration with TOK teachers for guidance and feedback throughout the writing process is also crucial.
• Through the TOK essay, students develop skills in critical thinking, analysis, synthesis of information from various disciplines, and the ability to argue coherently and persuasively.

The TOK essay and the TOK exhibition contribute up to three points towards the total score of the IB Diploma. The performance in TOK is combined with the Extended Essay (EE) to determine the number of additional points awarded.

IB Theory of Knowledge Essay Rubric

As an IB writer and mentor, I’ve seen these guidelines as a checklist and a map for writing insightful, coherent works in the IB Theory of Knowledge . My goal here is to explain these criteria.

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Addressing the Knowledge Question (0-2 points)

A central component of the TOK essay is its focus on a knowledge question directly related to the chosen title. This question must be explicitly identified early in the essay as a foundation for your analysis and arguments. The clarity with which you state this question and the extent to which it informs the development of your essay is crucial for scoring in this category.

Grasping Knowledge Issues (0-2 points)

Your essay must profoundly comprehend the knowledge issues connected to your central knowledge question. It includes recognizing the diverse methods through which knowledge is obtained and acknowledging the potential limitations and biases influencing our perception of the world. A high score in this area reflects your ability to dig into these complexities and present them thoughtfully within your essay.

Critical Analysis and Evaluation (0-2 points)

A critical dissection and assessment of the knowledge question are imperative in your TOK essay. It involves using relevant examples and evidence to bolster your arguments alongside a meticulous examination of the various approaches to knowledge, highlighting their strengths and pitfalls. Additionally, it includes appraising the comparative worth of these different approaches and showcasing your ability to engage with the question at hand critically.

Incorporating AOKs and WOKs (0-2 points)

our essay must showcase an adept understanding of the multifaceted nature in which knowledge is acquired, highlighting the roles of empirical evidence, logical deduction, and personal experiences. Equally important is demonstrating a thorough grasp of the various Ways of Knowing (WOKs) — including reason, emotion, perception, and language — and articulating how these intersect and interact with the central knowledge question. A high score in this criterion indicates a comprehensive integration and consideration of AOKs and WOKs in your analysis.

Demonstrating Personal Engagement (0-2 points)

Your TOK essay should vividly reflect your connection and engagement with the knowledge question. It should show your awareness of how the arguments presented resonate with your experiences and perceptions and their broader implications for the world you inhabit. Achieving high marks in this area means successfully conveying how researching the knowledge question has influenced your understanding and perspective, integrating personal insight with academic analysis.

Coherence and Structure (0-2 points)

A well-written TOK essay is characterized by its organization and clarity, featuring a distinct introduction, body, and conclusion. The arrangement should be logical and enhance the essay’s central argument, ensuring a seamless flow of ideas from start to finish. High scores in this domain are awarded to essays demonstrating meticulous planning and an ability to guide the reader.

Clarity in Presentation (0-2 points)

Your TOK essay should be articulated clearly, concisely, and well-structured, paying close attention to the accuracy of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It is also essential to adhere to the proper referencing and citation style throughout the document. Essays that score well in this category prioritize readability and scholarly integrity, making it easy for the reader to follow and appreciate the depth of the analysis. So, follow the IB TOK essay structure in detail.

Innovative Approach and Creativity (0-2 points)

Your TOK essay should exhibit originality and inventiveness in addressing the knowledge question and selecting examples and evidence to bolster your arguments. High-scoring essays in this category are characterized by their creative insights and the ability to think outside the box, demonstrating a proactive approach to elucidating the knowledge question.

IB TOK Essay Grading Criteria Explained

The grading criteria for the TOK essay follow a holistic approach, considering all aspects of the rubric. Essays are marked on a scale, with each level reflecting a range of performance in the criteria mentioned above. Here are some insights:

• Excellent Performance . Essays in this category exhibit a deep understanding of knowledge issues, sophisticated analysis, and clear, coherent organization. They effectively incorporate multiple perspectives and are enriched with well-integrated examples.
• Good Performance . These essays demonstrate a good understanding and analysis of knowledge issues, though they may lack the depth or coherence of the top-tier essays. The organization is solid, and examples are used effectively, though perhaps with less sophistication.
• Satisfactory Performance . Here, essays adequately understand the knowledge issues but may struggle with in-depth analysis or coherent organization. Using examples and considering different perspectives is present but not fully developed.
• Basic Performance . Essays in this range have a basic grasp of the knowledge issues but significant weaknesses in analysis, organization, and examples. They may overlook essential perspectives or implications.

From my experience, the key to excelling under these grading criteria lies in understanding what each criterion asks for and integrating these elements into a cohesive, compelling narrative. Crafting your essay with an awareness of these grading nuances can elevate your work from satisfactory to exceptional.

Passing Grade for the Theory of Knowledge Essay

The TOK essay and the TOK presentation form part of the core of the IB Diploma Programme, and students must pass both components to receive their diploma. The TOK essay and presentation are graded on a letter scale of A (excellent) to E (elementary), with D considered a passing grade. However, it’s important to remember that the final TOK grade is combined with the Extended Essay grade, which can significantly impact your overall diploma points.

You generally need to avoid receiving an E grade to pass the TOK component. The combined points for TOK and the EE can contribute up to 3 bonus points towards your diploma, depending on their combined quality. Scores are determined by a matrix that the IB updates periodically, so aiming for the highest possible grades in TOK and EE is crucial to maximizing your diploma points.

Remember, the specific criteria for passing can vary slightly with changes to the IB curriculum and assessment guides, so it’s always a good idea to consult the latest materials or speak with your TOK teacher for the most current information.

In summary, passing the TOK essay requires a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge issues, a critical and reflective approach to the essay question, and a commitment to articulate your thoughts clearly and coherently.

So, mastering the IB TOK essay rubric and grading criteria is a worthwhile path. It’s not just about securing high marks; it’s about developing a nuanced understanding of knowledge. As you prepare to tackle your TOK essay, carry with you the insights and strategies shared.

So, start early, seek feedback, and let your understanding of the rubric infuse every paragraph of your essay. With the right approach, the TOK essay expands your horizons of learning. Good luck, and remember, our experts are always by your side and can help you with the TOK essay .

Valerie Green

Valerie Green is a dedicated educator who spends her time helping high school and college students succeed. She writes articles and guides for various online education projects, providing students with the tools they need to excel in their studies. Friendly and approachable, she is committed to making a difference in the lives of students.

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TOK Exhibition

On this page: TOK Exhibit Prompts, TOK Exhibition Rubric, 

2023 Examples with Examiner Comments, and the 2023 TOK Subject Report

Exhibit Prompts

What counts as knowledge?

Are some types of knowledge more useful than others?

What features of knowledge have an impact on its reliability?

On what grounds might we doubt a claim?

What counts as good evidence for a claim?

How does the way that we organize or classify knowledge affect what we know?

What are the implications of having, or not having, knowledge?

To what extent is certainty attainable?

Are some types of knowledge less open to interpretation than others?

What challenges are raised by the dissemination and/or communication of knowledge?

Can new knowledge change established values or beliefs?

Is bias inevitable in the production of knowledge?

How can we know that current knowledge is an improvement upon past knowledge?

Does some knowledge belong only to particular communities of knowers?

What constraints are there on the pursuit of knowledge?

Should some knowledge not be sought on ethical grounds?

Why do we seek knowledge?

Are some things unknowable?

What counts as a good justification for a claim?

What is the relationship between personal experience and knowledge?

What is the relationship between knowledge and culture?

What role do experts play in influencing our consumption or acquisition of knowledge?

How important are material tools in the production or acquisition of knowledge?

How might the context in which knowledge is presented influence whether it is accepted or rejected?

How can we distinguish between knowledge, belief and opinion?

Does our knowledge depend on our interactions with other knowers?

Does all knowledge impose ethical obligations on those who know it?

To what extent is objectivity possible in the production or acquisition of knowledge?

Who owns knowledge?

What role does imagination play in producing knowledge about the world?

How can we judge when evidence is adequate?

What makes a good explanation?

How is current knowledge shaped by its historical development?

In what ways do our values affect our acquisition of knowledge?

In what ways do values affect the production of knowledge?

TOK Exhibition Rubric

TOK Example Exhibitions and Scores/Comments May 2023

TOK Subject Report May 2023

IB ToK Exhibition - The Definitive Guide

Ace your IB ToK Exhibition with the definitive guide of 2023! Nail IB and become a standout in your class. Read it now!

Table of content

Without further adieu, let’s dive in!

Hola Folks!

It’s been quite a roller coaster for students who have opted for the TOK (Theory Of Knowledge) Diploma Programme, with the new syllabus introduced in August 2020. TOK Exhibition is probably the most important addition. Replacing the previous Presentation Assessment, the TOK Exhibition explores how TOK manifests in our world.

The IB has introduced the TOK Exhibition to inspire students to relate the knowledge gained in the classroom to the world beyond. The Assessment Model has seen a massive change, but since TOK Essay is the same old, TOK Exhibition is what we’ll discuss in this guide!

This change in the TOK Diploma Programme structure is effective from August 2020 and will be first examined for the students taking the examination in May 2022. 

Changes/Modifications can easily haunt you without proper guidance. We at Nail IB are committed to serving premium content, helping you prepare, and updating you regularly. For premium content and notes, head to our specially curated treasure trove of  IB Resources!  To evaluate yourself, check out our  Question Bank  today!

Before we take you through this guide’s contents, we will briefly outline the critical changes the DP Theory of Knowledge(TOK) course has seen, introduced only last August. 

• The new core theme on “knowledge and the knower.” Students will be encouraged to think of themselves as today’s knowers and strongly link to the IB learner profile. 
• Optional Themes- “knowledge and technology” and “knowledge and politics” introduced.
• Ethics is a critical requirement for every part of the course.
• TOK Exhibition replaces the previous presentation IA with a different task and moderation process. This new assessment instrument aims at showing how TOK manifests in the real world. 

You must know that the two Assessment tasks for TOK are

• Theory of Knowledge Exhibition
• Theory of Knowledge Essay on a title prescribed by the IB

The IB prescribes the Assessment objectives to be as follows:(these will guide you to get a hands-on idea about what the IB expects of your TOK Assessments)

• To demonstrate TOK thinking through the critical examination of knowledge questions.
• To identify and explore links between knowledge questions and the world around us.
• To identify and explore connections between knowledge questions and areas of knowledge.
• To develop relevant, clear and coherent arguments.
• To use examples and evidence effectively to support a discussion. 
• To demonstrate awareness and evaluation of different points of view.
• To consider the implications of opinions and conclusions.

Before moving on, we recommend you check out our  IB TOK Essay Guide , which makes for 2/3rd (67%) of your IB Assessment grade.  This  guide will help you understand the subject’s fundamental concepts and eventually produce a top-notch IB TOK Essay.

And for the IB TOK Exhibition, continue reading!

First and foremost, you need to understand what the newly added TOK Exhibition is. Weighing 33% of your total TOK grade, the TOK Exhibition requires you to  create an exhibition of three objects with accompanying commentaries to highlight your engagement with the concepts you have learnt  in the class. You’re supposed to carry out the Exhibition individually and ensure the objects you choose don’t overlap with someone else’s at your school. The TOK Exhibition is marked internally and then perhaps externally moderated. 

Now is the time to briefly list the differences between the previous IB TOK Presentation and the newly added- IB TOK Exhibition. These differences will help you get a clear and coherent idea about precisely what has changed and how you can nail your TOK Assessment! 

The entire process that goes into completing your TOK exhibition includes

• Preparing the file of work of your Exhibition (noun) - Students need to produce a single file comprising the content of their TOK exhibition.
• Exhibition(verb) of your work

The document you prepare for the work you have done is marked internally and externally moderated. Your work's Exhibition (verb) is a part of the assessment but doesn't get graded. Your TOK Exhibition file should include

• A clear title that indicates the IA prompt selected,
• Images of the three objects used.
• A typed commentary includes identifying the objects, their real-world relation, their relevance to the Exhibition and their link with the IA prompt selected.
• Relevant citations and references.

The Exhibition of your work is not a part of the formal assessment, and there is a great deal of flexibility in how your teacher chooses to go ahead with the Exhibition. A few ideas, as listed by the IB, are

• A classroom Exhibition,
• A virtual Exhibition,
• A school held an Exhibition open for all parents and other school members.

Let's break it down into points to understand what the TOK Exhibition covers .

• The Exhibition is not assessed; only your work folder needs to be submitted for grading. 
• The IA Prompt you choose
• Images of the three objects you pick,
• Typed Commentary.
• The IB strictly permits up to 950 words for your document(not including citations, references, bibliographies, footnotes etc.).
• Excellent (9-10) -  Convincing, Lucid, Precise
• Sound (7-8) -  Focused, Relevant, Coherent\
• Satisfactory (5-6) -  Adequate, Competent, Acceptable
• Primary (3-4) -  Simplistic, Limited, Underdeveloped
• Rudimentary (1-2) -  Ineffective, Descriptive, Coherent
• The Exhibition will take place in the first year of TOK teaching, i.e., the first year of the diploma.

Let us elaborate a little more on how you are supposed to pick an IA prompt, choose three relevant objects, and go about the commentary and other essential pointers. 

• What counts as knowledge? 
• Are some types of knowledge more useful than others?
• What features of knowledge have an impact on its reliability? 
• On what grounds might we doubt a claim? 
• What counts as good evidence for a claim? 
• How does the way that we organise or classify knowledge affect what we know? 
• What are the implications of having, or not having, knowledge?
• To what extent is certainty attainable?
• Are some types of knowledge less open to interpretation than others? 
• What challenges are raised by the dissemination and/or communication of knowledge?
• Can new knowledge change establish values or beliefs?
• Is bias inevitable in the production of knowledge?
• How can we know that current knowledge is an improvement upon past knowledge?
• Does some knowledge belong only to particular communities of knowers?
• What constraints are there on the pursuit of knowledge?
• Should some knowledge not be sought on ethical grounds?
• Why do we seek knowledge?
• Are some things unknowable?
• What counts as a good justification for a claim?
• What is the relationship between personal experience and knowledge?
• What is the relationship between knowledge and culture?
• What role do experts play in influencing our consumption or acquisition of knowledge?
• How important are material tools in the production or acquisition of knowledge?
• How might the context in which knowledge is presented influence whether it is accepted or rejected?
• How can we distinguish between knowledge, belief and opinion?
• Does our knowledge depend on our interactions with other knowers?
• Does all knowledge impose ethical obligations on those who know it?
• To what extent is objectivity possible in the production or acquisition of knowledge?
• Who owns knowledge?
• What role does imagination play in producing knowledge about the world?
• How can we judge when evidence is adequate?
• What makes a good explanation?
• How is current knowledge shaped by its historical development?
• In what ways do our values affect our acquisition of knowledge?
• In what ways do values affect the production of knowledge? 

The TOK Exhibition Instrument says that an exhibition that does not reflect one of the prescribed prompts will be awarded a zero. 

You are then expected to base the Exhibition on your IA prompt.

This brings us to the next step: selecting three relevant objects or images of things that mean something to you

• Ensure that the chosen item has a real-world context.
• Links among the three things must also be given.
• All three selected items should link to the prompt chosen. 
• IB encourages students to base their Exhibition on one of the TOK themes- core or optional. 

A few essential pointers to note while selecting the three objects

• Though there can be many options to pick your objects from, it is best to narrow them down by basing your Exhibition on the core or optional themes. 
• The objects you pick should be of personal interest to you and should portray their value to you. For example, a regular cricket bat won't hold much significance, but it has much more importance and buy when it belongs to you. 
• Objects can be both physical and digital. However, IB recommends using digital things such as a picture of a famous artist's painting since it is impossible to produce it physically. 
• IB permits using objects created by the student, but these objects must have an older relevance and should not be made for the Exhibition's sole purpose. The TOK Exhibition objects' purpose is to relate the theory studied in the classroom to what we see daily.
• A basketball is used by the student during their physical education lessons.
• A news article from the popular website Buzzfeed
• The student's extended essay (EE).
• Identification of the objects or the objects' images is necessary, and proper referencing must be done. If the thing is your creation, identify and acknowledge it.

The third very important part of your file work is the typed commentary. Let us understand what it is

• You have to write a short commentary on the objects you have chosen, clearly identifying them, justifying why you included them in the Exhibition of the selected prompt and specifying their real-world context. 
• The 950 words you must include in your document include the typed commentaries for each of the three objects you chose. 
• All the while drafting your document, ensure you follow the assessment rubric as prescribed by the IB. The only surefire way to write a paper that gets a top score follows all the points included in the title.

The best guidance comes from the course teacher; therefore, you are advised to seek your TOK teacher's support, i.e. planning your Exhibition while you are working on it. Verbal and written advice should be sought from the teacher, but taking assistance from them to edit your draft is strictly prohibited. Your TOK teacher will provide you with the TOK Subject Guide and the MyIB repository examples for TOK Exhibition. 

And that's that!

We hope these little points will help you explore further the vast realms of the Theory of Knowledge Course. It might seem confusing with the changes the DP Course has seen, but you will surpass your expectations with the proper guidance and support! On this note, we wish you all the very best for your IB TOK Exhibition :)

Want some A-quality guidance? Look no further; at Nail IB, we have assembled premium content for you to ace your IBs, and you might want to check out our resources for a smooth IB experience. Click  here  for top-notch IB resources or to assess how your prep is going! 

We hope this guide helped clear all your doubts regarding the new TOK Exhibition and gave you the headstart you needed!

IB Resources you will love!

55234 + free ib flashcards, 136 + free ia samples, 3962 + ib videos by experts, 20099 + ib sample practice questions, ib resources for 30 + subjects.

US IB Theory of Knowledge: TOK Exhibition

• Knowledge Framework in TOK
• TOK & The Learner Profile Attributes
• The Learner Profile Attributes Quiz
• Areas of Knowledge
• Optional Themes
• Knowledge Questions
• TOK Exhibition
• TOK Exhibition Prompts
• TOK Exhibition Rubric
• Ways of Knowing (Pre 2022)
• Recommended Reading
• RSS News Feeds

Exhibition Explained (New for the Class of 2022)

Your TOK exhibition is worth 35% of the grade. It is assessed internally, that is by your own teachers, but moderated externally by IB examiners. The “exhibition”, understood as both a noun and a verb, aims to assess how you can apply TOK concepts to the real world by requiring that you bring to presence, bring out of “hiding” and to “hold out”, ex-hibit, evidence of your ability to discourse on the subject matter that you have been studying and questioning in the course. Your discussion requires that you use representational thinking (thinking in images) and inductive reasoning to move from the particular images or objects you have chosen, establish their relation to one another through analogy or metaphor, and then proceed to the general principles and key concepts contained in the prompt that you have chosen to demonstrate your knowledge of those principles and concepts. Your first step is to ensure that you understand what principles and key concepts are involved in the prompt you have chosen.

Your Exhibition is a rendering that is handed over to others i.e. it is public. You have to complete the exhibition individually (no more groups) and make sure no one in your TOK class or school uses the same objects or images in their exhibition. In short, your TOK exhibition is a “holding forth” by you demonstrating how you understand some of the key TOK terms and how you are able to apply them to the “real world”. You are required to choose one prompt from the list below, and it must be exactly from this list and you cannot change the wording. You will then find three objects or images of objects that relate to this prompt and develop your interpretation accordingly.

It is very important that your exhibition is based on one of the prescribed prompts. If not, you will get a 0. You also create a document with the title of your IA prompt, images of the three objects, and you will also provide a commentary on each object that identifies each object and its specific real-world context. The comment should also justify the inclusion of the object in the exhibition and explain its links to the IA prompt (i.e. why these three objects or images from an almost infinite possibility?). Finally, you should also include appropriate citations and references. Perhaps the greatest challenge you will face is that the total word count for this document is 950 words (excluding references).

The purpose for this writing on these prompts is to provoke thought regarding our understanding of what the key concepts contained in the prompts might mean. Our interpretations of things may be complex requiring very specialized language from various areas of knowledge or it may be simple and be provided by what we might call “sound common sense”. It may be useful to you to determine which prompts belong to the same sub-group in terms of their main theme. Whatever prompt you choose, it is important for you to develop your arguments so that they are clear to your listeners and readers. In your analysis of your chosen prompt, you need to determine whether or not it is a “first-order question” and therefore a description or explanation, or whether or not it is a “second order question” and therefore involves the nature of knowledge, the type of knowledge involved, and how we know. The intention of this writing is to provoke thought on your part so that you are mindful of your choices and, hopefully, gain greater knowledge of who you are so that you will be able to make more aware judgements in the future about academic and ethical questions.

PROMPTS Each of the prompts are discussed in detail on the mytok blog.  Chick HERE to see all thirty-five prompts.

The TOK Exhibition

TOK Exhibition Video Explanation

The TOK Exhibition: practical details

Below we outline the practical details of the exhibition. We go into more detail about these aspects on the different pages for the TOK exhibition; follow the links to take you to them. Your teacher will obviously go through all of these points, particularly on the process of assessing your final exhibition.   • The TOK exhibition is an individual task • It represents one third of the overall mark for TOK   It is assessed internally, with a selection of exhibition files from each year group sent off to be moderated by the IB • You choose one  IA prompt  to explore, from a list of 35 options. These remain the same for every exam session • Three  objects  are also selected for the exhibition • The aim of the exhibition is to demonstrate the relationship between the objects and the IA prompt in a 950-word  commentary • There is a  single criterion for marking , and three characteristics of an excellent essay (convincing, precise, and lucid) • The context of the exhibition should be based on the  core theme , or one of the  optional themes • 8 hours of teaching/planning/writing is required for the exhibition task • Ideally, your exhibition should form the basis of a  public event , to showcase TOK to the rest of the learning community • The exhibition is done at the end of the first year of the DP

(https://theoryofknowledge.net/tok-exhibition/) 

Frequently Asked Questions about the TOK Exhibition

How is the TOK exhibition marked?   The exhibition commentary, and images of the three objects (along with references) is added to an exhibition file. This is marked internally by your TOK teacher, and uploaded to your IB dashboard, to be moderated externally. Your TOK teacher will explain this process in more detail.   Where can I find out more about TOK exhibition rubric?   Read our guidance on the rubric for the exhibition  here . You can read the official rubric in the TOK subject guide, on page 47. Your TOK teacher will give you a copy of this.   What are the IA prompts for the TOK exhibition, and how to I choose one?   This page  discusses the IA prompts. Your choice of a prompt should be driven by what you find interesting and engaging, and align to the experiences you’ve had inside and outside the TOK classroom. It should also allow you to explore either the  core theme , or one of the  optional themes .   What do you mean by exhibition ‘objects’?   Find out more about the exhibition objects  here . These allow you both to demonstrate the way TOK manifests itself in the real world, and link your experiences as a knower to the TOK course.   How do I write my exhibition commentary?   We discuss the commentary  here . In a nutshell, the commentary relates your objects to the IA prompt you’ve chosen, and shows how TOK is relevant to both the world around us, and to you personally.

(https://theoryofknowledge.net/tok-exhibition/)

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IB TOK Exhibition examples

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Theory of Knowledge: TOK Exhibition (Internal Assessment)

• Knowledge Framework in TOK
• TOK & The Learner Profile Attributes
• Areas of Knowledge
• Knowledge Questions (as of Class of 2022)
• TOK Essay (External Assessment)
• TOK Exhibition (Internal Assessment)
• TOK Exhibition Rubric (as of Class of 2022)
• RSS News Feeds
• Oxford 2020 TOK Textbook

Exhibition Explained (Internal Assessment)

Your TOK exhibition is worth 35% of the grade. It is assessed internally, that is by your own teachers, but moderated externally by IB examiners. The “exhibition”, understood as both a noun and a verb, aims to assess how you can apply TOK concepts to the real world by requiring that you bring to presence, bring out of “hiding” and to “hold out”, ex-hibit, evidence of your ability to discourse on the subject matter that you have been studying and questioning in the course. Your discussion requires that you use representational thinking (thinking in images) and inductive reasoning to move from the particular images or objects you have chosen, establish their relation to one another through analogy or metaphor, and then proceed to the general principles and key concepts contained in the prompt that you have chosen to demonstrate your knowledge of those principles and concepts. Your first step is to ensure that you understand what principles and key concepts are involved in the prompt you have chosen.

Your Exhibition is a rendering that is handed over to others i.e. it is public. You have to complete the exhibition individually (no more groups) and make sure no one in your TOK class or school uses the same objects or images in their exhibition. In short, your TOK exhibition is a “holding forth” by you demonstrating how you understand some of the key TOK terms and how you are able to apply them to the “real world”. You are required to choose one prompt from the list below, and it must be exactly from this list and you cannot change the wording. You will then find three objects or images of objects that relate to this prompt and develop your interpretation accordingly.

It is very important that your exhibition is based on one of the prescribed prompts. If not, you will get a 0. You also create a document with the title of your IA prompt, images of the three objects, and you will also provide a commentary on each object that identifies each object and its specific real-world context. The comment should also justify the inclusion of the object in the exhibition and explain its links to the IA prompt (i.e. why these three objects or images from an almost infinite possibility?). Finally, you should also include appropriate citations and references. Perhaps the greatest challenge you will face is that the total word count for this document is 950 words (excluding references).

The purpose for this writing on these prompts is to provoke thought regarding our understanding of what the key concepts contained in the prompts might mean. Our interpretations of things may be complex requiring very specialized language from various areas of knowledge or it may be simple and be provided by what we might call “sound common sense”. It may be useful to you to determine which prompts belong to the same sub-group in terms of their main theme. Whatever prompt you choose, it is important for you to develop your arguments so that they are clear to your listeners and readers. In your analysis of your chosen prompt, you need to determine whether or not it is a “first-order question” and therefore a description or explanation, or whether or not it is a “second order question” and therefore involves the nature of knowledge, the type of knowledge involved, and how we know. The intention of this writing is to provoke thought on your part so that you are mindful of your choices and, hopefully, gain greater knowledge of who you are so that you will be able to make more aware judgements in the future about academic and ethical questions.

PROMPTS Each of the prompts are discussed in detail on the mytok blog.  Chick HERE to see all thirty-five prompts.

The TOK Exhibition: practical details

Below we outline the practical details of the exhibition. We go into more detail about these aspects on the different pages for the TOK exhibition; follow the links to take you to them. Your teacher will obviously go through all of these points, particularly on the process of assessing your final exhibition.   • The TOK exhibition is an individual task • It represents one third of the overall mark for TOK   It is assessed internally, with a selection of exhibition files from each year group sent off to be moderated by the IB • You choose one  IA prompt  to explore, from a list of 35 options. These remain the same for every exam session • Three  objects  are also selected for the exhibition • The aim of the exhibition is to demonstrate the relationship between the objects and the IA prompt in a 950-word  commentary • There is a  single criterion for marking , and three characteristics of an excellent essay (convincing, precise, and lucid) • The context of the exhibition should be based on the  core theme , or one of the  optional themes • 8 hours of teaching/planning/writing is required for the exhibition task • Ideally, your exhibition should form the basis of a  public event , to showcase TOK to the rest of the learning community • The exhibition is done at the end of the first year of the DP

(https://theoryofknowledge.net/tok-exhibition/) 

Frequently Asked Questions about the TOK Exhibition

How is the TOK exhibition marked?   The exhibition commentary, and images of the three objects (along with references) is added to an exhibition file. This is marked internally by your TOK teacher, and uploaded to your IB dashboard, to be moderated externally. Your TOK teacher will explain this process in more detail.   Where can I find out more about TOK exhibition rubric?   Read our guidance on the rubric for the exhibition  here . You can read the official rubric in the TOK subject guide, on page 47. Your TOK teacher will give you a copy of this.   What are the IA prompts for the TOK exhibition, and how to I choose one?   This page  discusses the IA prompts. Your choice of a prompt should be driven by what you find interesting and engaging, and align to the experiences you’ve had inside and outside the TOK classroom. It should also allow you to explore either the  core theme , or one of the  optional themes .   What do you mean by exhibition ‘objects’?   Find out more about the exhibition objects  here . These allow you both to demonstrate the way TOK manifests itself in the real world, and link your experiences as a knower to the TOK course.   How do I write my exhibition commentary?   We discuss the commentary  here . In a nutshell, the commentary relates your objects to the IA prompt you’ve chosen, and shows how TOK is relevant to both the world around us, and to you personally.

(https://theoryofknowledge.net/tok-exhibition/)

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TOK Exhibition Commentary: A Complete Guide for IB Students

by  Antony W

January 9, 2024

This guide will teach you how to write a TOK Exhibition commentary step-by-step.

We’ll cover everything you need to know to get the full marks, from choosing an IA prompt and objects to structuring the commentary and some important tips to help you handle the assignment.

A Theory of Knowledge Exhibition is a two-part assignment.

The first part is the presentation aspect of the project, which your teacher doesn’t grade.

The second part is the commentary, which is what counts in your final grades.

Do you need help with your TOK Exhibition commentary? Our TOK experts are here to help you get the work completed fast. 

What is a TOK Exhibition Commentary?

A TOK Exhibition Commentary is a 950-word assignment worth 33% of your final TOK grades.

Do not confuse the exhibition with presentation . Unlike the presentation ,  which you can do in a group of up to five students, the exhibition is an individual project, which you should do on your own.

In writing a TOK exhibition commentary, you’ll have to choose an IA prompt the 35 prescribed titles, select 3 real-world objects, or images of the objects, and then use them to answer the prompt.

6 Steps to Writing a TOK Exhibition Commentary

1. choose an ia prompt .

The first step is to choose an IA prompt from the 35 prescribed titles.

Link the prompt to either the core theme or optional themes and to the format of the course designed by your teacher.

2. Choose Three Objects 

Choose three objects , which you’ll use to demonstrate how the Theory of Knowledge manifests itself in the world around us within the context of the IA prompt.

Your objects should not only be independent of those of your fellow students, they should also have you personal interest attached to them.

3. Plan Your Project 

While you aren’t allowed to discuss your projects with your fellow students, you can get sufficient guidance from your teacher and plan your project.

Discuss the prompt you’ve selected and why.

Talk about your objectives and the links you have to them as knowers, the context of your exhibition, and how you intend to demonstrate the manifestation of TOK in the world around you.

4. Write Your First Draft 

Write the first draft of your commentary.

The 950-word commentary should mention the three objects picked in step two and identify their real-world contexts.

Your explanation should show the link between the objects and the IA prompt, include reasonable evidence for the points you’ve made, and show the justification for the inclusion of each object in the commentary.

5. Submit the TOK Exhibition File 

Submit your exhibition file, which should include the following:

• A title, as appearing on the IA prompt
• Objects, or image of object
• Your commentary
• Sources, references, and citations

6. Do a TOK Exhibition Presentation 

This is not part of the assessment and your teacher won’t award you marks for it.

But it’s a great way to promote the TOK to your learning community.

How to Structure (or Outline) a TOK Exhibition Commentary

Start with the title.

The title of your TOK Exhibition is the IA prompt you selected from the 35 prescribed TOK titles.

Write the title exactly as it is, and make sure it includes the prompt number you picked.

Write Your Introduction (30 Words)

While a TOK Exhibition commentary doesn’t require an introduction, including one can help to frame your exploration.

It doesn’t have to be long; usually, 30 words are enough. 

If you choose to include this section in your commentary, make sure you state what you understand the prompt to mean and why it’s such a good IA prompt from the prescribed questions.

Work on Your First Object (290 Words)

Include the image of your first object immediately after the introduction.

It should take about a quarter of the page and placed on the center of the page.

Under the image, include a description of what the object is and mention its real-life context.

If you’re talking about an object that you don’t use yourself, such as a tweet from a famous personality, mention the real-world context that the object exists in.

Make it clear to the reader that the object in question is real, you know about it, and you have actually used it to a certain capacity.

You should link the real-world context of your object to the IA prompt included in the title.

In particular, you should explain why, and in what way, your object answers the prompt question.

Show how the real world context of your first object is a good example of what you’re trying to achieve.

Finally, there should be clear links between the IA prompt in the title and the object, with a very clear explanation for these links.

Work on Your Second Object (290 Words)

Work on your second object the exact same way you do your first object. Include the image about a quarter in size on the center of the page.

Not only should you describe what your object is, you should also describe its real-world concepts and develop your explanation.

In addition to linking your explanation of the object to the context of the IA prompt, you should make sure the point you make isn’t the same as the one you’ve made in your first object.

Work on Your Third Object (290 Words)

Here, you’ll show the image of your third object.

Again, it’s should take a quarter of the page and centered. Under the image, explain what the object is, its real-world context, and a clear explanation.

Make sure the explanation you give easily links back to the  IA prompt you selected from the prescribed titles.

Also, the points you make about the prompt shouldn’t be anything you have made with the first and the second object.

Write a Conclusion (50 Words)

The conclusion is where you tie everything together, so it shouldn’t be as hard to write.

Describe what your objects show as the answer to the Internal Assessment Prompt from the selected prescribed titles.

Use the objects you picked for the prompt question to show your readers, or teacher, how the Theory  of Knowledge manifests itself in the real world around you.

TOK Exhibition Commentary Tips

The following are some important tips that will help you write a good Theory of Knowledge Exhibition commentary.

1. Make Sure Your Images are Unique

The objects, or images of objects, you include in the Theory of Knowledge Exhibition commentary should be unique and independent to you.

Therefore, you shouldn’t discuss your project with another student.

Also, don’t download images from the internet; capture them yourself instead.

2. Remember, Objects Can’t Be Generic 

Your exhibition objects shouldn’t be generic. Instead, they must belong within a given place and time.

Also, the image can be physical or digital, provided it creates bridge between your commentary and the IA prompt selected.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.