IB Diploma Programme Theory of Knowledge
How TOK is assessed
Every Diploma candidate takes TOK. There is no SL and HL and no exam: an essay and an exhibition.
The two tasks
TOK essay on a prescribed title 10 marks, two thirds of the TOK grade.
An essay of at most 1,600 words on one of six titles the IB issues for each session, focused on the areas of knowledge. Marked by IB examiners.
TOK exhibition 10 marks, one third of the TOK grade.
Three objects linked to one of 35 IA prompts, with a commentary of at most 950 words. Marked by your teacher and moderated by the IB.
Essay practiceExhibition practice
198 practice questions and tasks, with Mia's feedback on every essay and commentary. At least 100 teaching hours.
What each task is marked on
Both tasks are marked by global impression against one driving question, not by adding up criteria.
The TOK essay: a clear, coherent and critical exploration of the title
- Focus on the title. Keep a sustained focus on the title as it is set, using its own terms all the way through.
- Links to areas of knowledge. Explore the title through areas of knowledge, effectively and explicitly, as the title asks.
- Clear, coherent arguments. Make arguments that are clear, connected and build towards a conclusion.
- Specific examples. Support each argument with a specific, real example, explained rather than only named.
- Different points of view. Show awareness of different points of view and evaluate them, through counterclaims and their assessment.
- Implications considered. Consider what follows from your arguments: their implications and significance.
The TOK exhibition: showing how TOK appears in the world around us
- The object and its real-world context. Identify the specific object and its particular real-world context: where, when and whose, not a generic type.
- The link to the IA prompt. Explain clearly how the object links to the IA prompt you chose, using the prompt's own terms.
- Justification of the object. Justify why this object belongs in the exhibition: the particular contribution it makes.
- Evidence and references. Support your points with evidence from the object and explicit references to the prompt.
Essay titles here are written for practice; the IB sets six new titles each session. Each exhibition task uses one of the IB's IA prompts with an object we describe. Mia never gives a mark or a level.