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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.

This article provides essential insights and strategies for understanding the assessment process and helping you write essays that meet and exceed the rigorous standards of the IB curriculum. Whether you’re striving for clarity of argument, effective integration of knowledge, or personal engagement, our tips will help you achieve a higher score.

IB Internal Assessment Rubric and Grading Criteria

The IB IA rubric is carefully structured to assess students’ understanding, skills and application of subject matter in a nuanced and comprehensive manner. Each subject rubric, whether for sciences such as Biology and Chemistry, humanities such as History and Psychology, or Mathematics, emphasizes a unique set of criteria tailored to assess specific competencies and skills.

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Theatre IA Topics: SL and HL Topic Ideas

Choosing the right topic for IA in the IB Theatre course is a crucial step that significantly influences your research process and overall learning experience. Whether in the Standard Level or Higher Level track, selecting your topic requires careful thought and consideration, aiming to balance personal interest with academic rigor. This guide offers a rich array of topic ideas and research questions to spark your creativity and intellectual curiosity in the vast world of theatre.

Music IA Topics for SL and HL Students

When selecting a topic for your IB Music Internal Assessment, both SL and HL students face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. As a seasoned IB educator with years of experience guiding students through this process, I’ve come to recognize the importance of choosing a topic that aligns with the IB criteria and resonates with your musical interests and strengths.

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Guide to the TOK Essay

What’s covered:.

• What is Theory of Knowledge (TOK)?
• What is the Theory of Knowledge Essay?

How is the Theory of Knowledge Essay Scored?

How to structure your theory of knowledge essay.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB/IBDP) is a rigorous and rewarding internationally based educational program that offers courses in numerous studies, from humanities to chemistry. Students take part in a two-year curriculum that includes external examinations, internal assessments, research papers and community service hours. Essentially, students will have to do a bit of everything, especially with IB’s core, which is CAS, TOK, and the extended essay (EE). Understanding how TOK, IB’s flagship class, is assessed with its essay is important to success in the course overall. 

What is Theory Of Knowledge (TOK)?

Theory of Knowledge is IB’s way of introducing a more intuitive way of thinking into classrooms. TOK is at its surface as simple as it sounds: you essentially learn the “what” and “why” of how we learn and understand knowledge. In order to assess students of their skills in TOK, IB uses an essay and a presentation. The essay makes up 67% of your total TOK score, making it the most important task to focus on for getting a high score. 

What is the Theory Of Knowledge Essay?

The TOK essay is a 1600 word essay written about topics usually given to students from their teachers from a list of numerous options. It is an essay that promotes arguments and counterarguments for the topic at hand. Understanding your ways of knowing (WOKs) and areas of knowledge (AOKs) is extremely crucial before you even start choosing a topic to write on, as your essay will revolve around and structure itself based on these two concepts. Being able to demonstrate higher-level thinking and using examples to solidify the points you make in your essay is also important. Additionally, you’ll need to reference every source of information that you use, since that is something examiners look for as well.

As said earlier, 67% of your grade is from the essay, and your overall TOK score receives a letter grade using a calculated score out of thirty. Your essay score and presentation score are each out of ten. The grades for your TOK presentation and essay are determined by sending material to the board of IB, from which they designate a grader/examiner to read your essay and grade based on a rubric that determines the level of knowledge you exhibit in your writing.

The following formula should better explain how to find your TOK grade. 

(presentation score) + (essay score * 2) = overall score out of 30

The grade boundaries out of 30 that determine your letter grade can vary each year so checking in with your school for the most recent ones is the best course of action, but an example set would be like this:

Once you have a letter grade for IB, your extended essay, which is another part of the core, is also included into a larger grading schema to calculate your core score, which is three additional points required to complete and earn the diploma. The following table details this grade further:

Doing well in the core is important to passing IB and getting three points out of the total 45 attainable points. 

There’s a trick that most IB students use in writing the TOK essay, and it boils down to understanding four key components of learning:

• Content : Understanding knowledge issues
• Clarity : Structuring your essay in a legible and clear/easy to read manner
• Creativity : Using your personal ways of thinking and applications of knowledge specific to your understanding of the knowledge issue
• Critical Thinking : Using a counter argument for every argument you have to analyze your own claims constantly 

Dividing your actual essay into three main chunks helps, starting with an introduction. Your introduction should be where you state your knowledge question, the central point of your essay, and you should make use of jargon specific to the concept. As the basis of your essay, the introduction should be where you form claims and counterclaims that either support or challenge the knowledge question through heavy analysis and evaluation. 

The body of the essay follows the introduction, and it is where most of the conceptual analysis of your knowledge question takes place. Every argument and its counterargument should have a dedicated paragraph of its own, and make sure to not jump back and forth too much throughout the essay. to avoid creating messy transitions for the reader and potentially harming your score. Understanding the essay from the reader’s point of view is important, as it will help you better understand how to structure the body of your essay.

A conclusion in the TOK essay is mainly for finding closure among the numerous arguments that have been taking place thus far in the essay. Make sure to summarize but not repeat previous information entirely to refresh the reader. A conclusion should essentially loop back to the beginning of the essay, the knowledge question. The knowledge question’s answer should be the conclusion and the stopping point of the essay, and by now the answer you provide should be backed by paragraphs of supporting claims and counterclaims. If done right, concluding the essay can be how you earn most of your points. 

Start Early

Starting early is an obvious and effective advantage to students. Aside from TOK, let alone the presentation, IB has substantial work that requires focus and allocated time dedicated to it, such as external examinations and the extended essay. These tasks are equally as important as the TOK essay, so starting your outlining, drafting or even just planning early will set you up for success.

Send Your Drafts to Your Teacher

Your TOK teacher is a great resource for drafting essays and making edits to perfect your final product. Making use of time outside of the classroom to catch your teacher for a quick review of your essay could be a bigger advantage than you realize. Making use of an outside perspective is essential to forming a great essay. 

While your final IB grade isn’t as important as you’d think regarding college admissions, understanding how to pass TOK and using the lifelong practices you’ll learn in the class is even more important. TOK creates students who think outside conventional methods, making them excellent candidates in the eyes of college admissions offices. Taking TOK and showing proof of understanding it as well as capability of academic rigor is what colleges are looking for. For more information on how your chances of college admissions might look, use CollegeVine’s admissions calculator !

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Extended Essay Writers

IB TOK Essay Rubric and Assessment Criteria

Luke MacQuoid

As a seasoned IB writer, I’ve seen my fair share of IB Theory of Knowledge essays. Let me share some insights on the TOK essay rubric that can transform your writing experience from daunting to manageable. In my opinion, knowing this rubric is your golden ticket to excelling in the TOK component of the IB program.

What Is the TOK Essay Rubric?

The TOK essay rubric is not just a scoring guide but a map for intellectual exploration. According to general IB criteria, this rubric assesses your ability to engage critically with different ways of knowing and areas of knowledge. It’s about how well you can intertwine personal reflection with academic rigor.

As I understand it, the rubric primarily evaluates two key areas: your grasp of knowledge questions and your skill in developing a cohesive and coherent argument. The first part, dealing with knowledge questions, is where you demonstrate your understanding of the complexities and nuances of knowledge itself. It’s about probing into what we know and how we know it.

Equally important, as per the rubric, is the organization and clarity of your essay. From my experience, a well-written TOK essay presents ideas logically, making them more persuasive and impactful. Remember, clarity and coherence are your allies in conveying complex thoughts.

The TOK essay rubric also places a significant emphasis on real-life relevance. It’s not enough to theorize; you must connect your ideas to the real world. In my experience, essays that effectively bridge theoretical insights with practical examples tend to score higher.

So, understanding and skillfully applying the TOK essay rubric can be a game-changer. It’s a tool that, when used wisely, can improve your essay from good to great. Remember, this rubric is your guide to expressing your critical and reflective thinking.

Key Components of the TOK Essay Rubric

The rubric for evaluating the TOK essay focuses on several components. Understanding these components is crucial for writing an effective essay. Here are the primary aspects of the TOK essay rubric.

1. Understanding Knowledge Issues

Grasping the essence of knowledge issues is fundamental to your TOK essay. When I approach these essays, I ensure that my understanding of the knowledge issues related to the prescribed title is not just superficial. The discussion should go beyond textbook definitions, drawing deeply from real-life situations and examples. It makes the essay relatable and intellectually engaging.

2. Quality of Analysis of Knowledge Issues

As I know from my years of writing, it’s not enough to simply identify knowledge issues; you must dissect them. That means considering different points of view, understanding the implications, and untangling the complexities. A well-analyzed question demonstrates your ability to think critically and reflect on the nature of knowledge.

3. Organization of Ideas

As per the general IB criteria, the organization of your essay is crucial. In my experience, a well-organized essay begins with an introduction that does more than just outline the main points; it should captivate the reader’s interest. Each paragraph should be a logical progression from the previous one, building your argument step by step. The conclusion is your final opportunity to make an impact. It should not only wrap up your argument but leave a lasting impression on the reader, tying together all your points cohesively and persuasively.

4. Clarity and Precision of Expression

I can’t stress enough the importance of expressing your ideas clearly and precisely. You need to communicate complex thoughts understandably and engagingly. It’s perfectly fine to use specialized terminology, but it’s crucial to explain it clearly, especially considering the diverse audience of the IB community. Your goal should be to make your essay accessible and understandable without oversimplifying the complex concepts inherent in TOK.

5. Supporting Examples

In my essays, I always reinforce my arguments with relevant examples. These can be drawn from personal experiences, which add a unique touch, or from historical events and various areas of knowledge. The key here is relevance and how well these examples illustrate your point.

6. Critical Thinking

In my opinion, the heart of a TOK essay lies in its demonstration of critical thinking skills. It isn’t just about presenting information; it’s about engaging with it. Whenever I write, I make it a point to question underlying assumptions and explore counter-arguments. It’s essential to look at the strengths and limitations of the arguments you present. It shows a depth of understanding and a willingness to engage with complex ideas.

7. Engagement with the Prescribed Title

From my experience, a successful TOK essay maintains a laser focus on the prescribed title . It’s easy to get sidetracked with interesting side discussions, but according to general IB criteria, the essay should directly and thoroughly address the title. It means every argument, every example, and every analysis should be relevant and contribute towards exploring the title. It’s about showing how each piece of your essay contributes to a more extensive understanding of the title’s theme.

8. Adherence to the Word Limit and Formal Requirements

As any seasoned IB writer would tell you, respecting the word limit and formal requirements of the IB is not just a recommendation; it’s a necessity. It includes adhering to the prescribed word count and following the formal guidelines for citations and referencing. From my perspective, these constraints are not just bureaucratic necessities. They challenge you to be concise, to distill your thoughts, and to present your ideas in a clear, direct manner.

9. Personal Engagement and Reflection

Finally, the most compelling TOK essays, in my view, reflect a personal thought. The essay should be more than a scholarly discussion; it should reflect your engagement with the topic. How do the knowledge issues you discuss resonate with your experiences and thoughts? This personal touch doesn’t undermine the academic rigor of your essay; rather, it enriches it, providing a unique perspective and demonstrating a deep, thoughtful engagement with the subject matter.

How to Use TOK Essay Rubric and Write A-Grade Work?

The TOK essay is graded on a scale of A to E, with A representing an excellent performance and E representing an elementary performance. This assessment, combined with the student’s performance in the TOK exhibition, contributes to their overall IB score.

Writing an A-grade TOK essay for the International Baccalaureate curriculum involves a deep understanding of the TOK essay rubric and how to apply it effectively. Here’s a guide based on my extensive experience with IB essays.

Deeply Understand the Rubric

My first and foremost tip is a profound understanding of the TOK essay rubric. This understanding is crucial because each rubric criterion guides your essay’s essential aspects. It’s not just about knowing the criteria but also about understanding how they interconnect and what they mean for the TOK essay’s structure and content.

Select the Right Prescribed Title

Choosing the right prescribed title is more than just picking a topic. It’s about finding a question that resonates with you and where you can demonstrate a strong understanding of the knowledge issues. This choice is crucial because it shapes your essay, from your argument to your chosen examples.

Plan and Structure Your Essay Thoughtfully

As I begin writing, I always emphasize the importance of planning and structuring the essay. It involves creating a basic outline and thinking about how each part of your essay will contribute to a coherent and compelling argument. A well-structured essay guides the reader through your points logically and effectively.

Engage Deeply with Knowledge Issues

Engaging with knowledge issues is at the heart of a TOK essay. It’s about more than just mentioning these issues; it’s about exploring them in depth. It means analyzing them from different perspectives, understanding their implications, and relating them to real-life situations.

Demonstrate Critical Thinking

In your essay, showcasing critical thinking is essential. It involves questioning assumptions, considering various viewpoints, and weighing the strengths and weaknesses of different arguments. Critical thinking elevates your essay from merely describing knowledge issues to an insightful analysis.

Need help with your IB TOK essay?

From research and analysis to structuring and editing, our skilled mentors will be by your side, helping you write an exceptional TOK essay that meets the word count and stringent IB criteria.

Maintain Clarity and Precision in Expression

Clarity and precision in writing are critical. You must express complex ideas understandably and engagingly. Avoid unnecessary jargon; if technical terms are used, ensure they are well-explained.

Use Relevant Examples Effectively

Using relevant examples is a powerful way to strengthen your arguments. These examples should be carefully chosen and well-integrated into your essay. They should illustrate your points and add depth and context to your analysis.

Reflect on Your Personal Perspective

Finally, personal engagement and reflection are what make your TOK essay unique. It is where you show your personal connection to the topic, how you relate the knowledge issues to your own experiences, and what you think about them. This personal touch adds depth and authenticity to your essay.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, understanding and adhering to the TOK essay rubric is essential. It’s a guide that, when followed, can lead to academic success in the IB program. Remember, this rubric is your ally, not your enemy. Also, you can contact our experts from EEW Service if you need help with writing the TOK essay .

Luke MacQuoid has extensive experience teaching English as a foreign language in Japan, having worked with students of all ages for over 12 years. Currently, he is teaching at the tertiary level. Luke holds a BA from the University of Sussex and an MA in TESOL from Lancaster University, both located in England. As well to his work as an IB Examiner and Master Tutor, Luke also enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with others through writing articles for various websites, including extendedessaywriters.com blog

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Understanding DP assessment

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) uses both internally and externally assessed components to assess student performance. 

For most courses, written examinations at the end of the DP form the basis of the assessment. This is because these examinations have high levels of objectivity and reliability.

Externally assessed coursework, completed by students over an extended period under authenticated teacher supervision, forms part of the assessment for several programme areas, including the theory of knowledge (TOK)  essay and the extended essay (EE) .

In most subjects, students also complete in-school assessment tasks. These are either externally assessed or marked by teachers and then moderated by the IB.

How DP assessment is scored

In the DP, students receive grades ranging from 7 to 1, with 7 being highest. Students receive a grade for each DP course attempted.

A student’s final diploma result score is made up of the combined scores for each subject. The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance including successful completion of the three essential elements of the DP core. 

The DP core 

The theory of knowledge (TOK) and extended essay (EE) components are awarded individual grades and, collectively, can contribute up to 3 additional points towards the overall diploma score.

Creativity, activity, service (CAS) – the remaining element in the DP core – does not contribute to the points total but authenticated participation is a requirement for the award of the diploma.

Higher level and standard level courses

The IB awards the same number of points for higher level (HL) and standard level (SL) courses, reflecting the IB’s belief in the importance of achievement across a broad range of academic disciplines.

HL and SL courses differ in scope but are assessed against the same grade descriptors, with HL candidates expected to demonstrate the various elements of the grade descriptors across a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills. 

Receiving a bilingual diploma

A bilingual diploma is awarded to candidates who complete and receive a grade 3 or higher in two languages selected from the DP course studies in language and literature.

Students who gain a grade 3 or higher in studies in language and literature and a grade 3 or higher in an individuals and societies or science subject, completed in a different language, will also receive the bilingual diploma.

Further information on assessment  

For information on other aspects of assessment in the DP, such as how the IB ensures the reliability of results, see our detailed guide on the principles of assessment (PDF, 9.4 MB).

Learn more about assessment in a workshop for DP teachers . 

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Custom TOK essays, exhibitions, scripts, presentations, PPDs

TOK Essay Grading Rubric

The TOK essay is a required component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. It is a strict word count – 1600-word essay that requires students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know . The essay is assessed using a specific TOK rubric provided by IBO that evaluates various aspects of the essay.

TOK essay rubric in detail:

The TOK essay rubric consists of eight criteria , each of which is given a score of 0-2 points. The total score for the essay is a maximum of 16 points. The IB criteria are as follows:

• Knowledge question  (0-2 points) : TOK essay must address a knowledge question that is relevant to the specified title . The knowledge question should be clearly stated and should guide the analysis and argument of the essay.
• Understanding of knowledge issues  (0-2 points) : The essay should demonstrate a deep understanding of the knowledge issues related to the knowledge question. This includes an understanding of the different ways in which knowledge can be acquired and the limitations and biases that can affect our understanding of the world.
• Analysis and evaluation  (0-2 points) : Theory of knowledge essay should provide a critical analysis and evaluation of the knowledge question, using appropriate examples and evidence to support the argument. This includes an examination of the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to knowledge and an evaluation of their relative value.
• Integration of AOKs and WOKs  (0-2 points) : The essay should demonstrate an understanding of the different ways in which knowledge is acquired, including the use of empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and personal experiences. It should also show an understanding of the different Ways of Knowing (WOKs) , such as reason, emotion , perception, and language , and how they relate to the knowledge question.
• Personal engagement  (0-2 points) : TOK essay should demonstrate personal engagement with the knowledge question and show an awareness of the implications of the argument for the student’s own life and the world around them.
• Structure and organization  (0-2 points) : The essay should be well-structured and organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The structure should be logical and coherent, and should support the argument of the essay.
• Presentation  (0-2 points) : Theory of knowledge essay should be presented in a clear and concise manner, with proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It should also use appropriate referencing and citation style.
• Creativity and initiative  (0-2 points) : The essay should show creativity and initiative in the approach to the knowledge question and in the use of examples and evidence to support the argument.

What is the passing grade for TOK essay?

To pass the TOK essay, a student must score at least an “E” grade, which corresponds to a minimum of 9 points out of 16. An “E” grade indicates that the essay meets the minimum requirements for a passing grade, but may have some weaknesses in one or more of the criteria.

Students who score higher than an “E” grade will be awarded scores ranging from “D” (10-11 points) to “A” (14-16 points). 

• A  “D” grade  indicates that the essay is of a satisfactory standard, but may have some limitations. 
• A  “C” grade  (12-13 points) indicates that the essay is of a good standard, with only minor weaknesses. 
• A  “B” grade  (14 points) indicates that the essay is of a very good standard, with only minor weaknesses. 
• An  “A” grade  (15-16 points) is the highest possible grade and indicates that the essay is of an excellent standard, with no major weaknesses.

You should note that the TOK essay rubric is highly subjective and the grading may vary depending on the individual assessor. Therefore, it is important for students to carefully consider the criteria and ensure that they meet the requirements as fully as possible to maximize their chances of receiving a passing grade, even if they want to write a TOK essay in a week .

Follow the TOK essay rubric to score well

Overall, the TOK essay rubric evaluates the student’s ability to think critically and reflectively about the nature of knowledge and how we acquire it. 

It is a challenging and rewarding task that requires students to engage with some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. Same thing with following the main 12 TOK concepts , other IB TOK criteria.

In some cases, it’s also important not to miss the moment when is the TOK essay due for submission. So, if you need assistance with your TOK essay, we are always ready to help you. 

Need help with your IB TOK essay ?

Unlock your potential and unleash the brilliance of your TOK essay with the help of our experts at BuyTOKEssay.com! Whether you’re starting from scratch or fine-tuning your existing essay to meet the demands of your supervisor, our team is here to make your dream of a perfect paper a reality. Say goodbye to writer’s block and hello to success with just one click.

Contact our team and we will give you expert assistance with any TOK essays.

Liliana Duman

Liliana Duman has a strong background in teaching English language, having graduated from Hacettepe University’s English Language Teaching Department in 2008. With over two decades of experience in the field, she has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share with her students. In addition to her bachelor’s degree, Liliana holds a master’s in Teaching Turkish as a Second Language and has previously worked at Başkent and Hacettepe University in Ankara. Currently, she is an EFL instructor at Sakarya University, teaching various skills, including methodology, speaking, reading, writing, and listening. In addition to her teaching, Liliana has also contributed to material development and testing efforts. As well as her work as a teacher, Liliana is an experienced private online ToK essay tutor, providing personal help for both IB ToK students and teachers in all aspects of IB ToK essays and exhibitions. She is dedicated to helping her students succeed and achieve their full potential. In her spare time, Liliana also writes articles for buytokessay.com, sharing her expertise and insights on ToK with a wider audience.

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Prompt #1 – Is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge?

8 thoughts on “tok essay grading rubric”.

Thanks for the read. Maybe you can help to understand, how do I analyze my TOK essay before submission. I know it should follow the provided rubric, but what main points should I consider before submission?

Before you turn in your TOK essay, you should make sure that you have done the following:

1) Answered the question the essay is asking. 2) Organized your ideas in a clear way. 3) Used examples to support your points. 4) Used proper language, spelling and grammar. 5) Included information from reliable sources. 6) Used ideas from the class that you have learned. 7) Thought about other points of view and addressed them. 8) Summarized your main ideas in the end.

It’s also a good idea to have someone else read your essay and give you feedback before you turn it in.

Isn’t the IBO responsible for finally marking your TOK essay?

The International Baccalaureate Organization does not mark the TOK essays themselves. Instead, the essays are assessed by the student’s own teacher (supervisor), who is trained and certified by the IBO to grade the TOK essays.

The teacher uses a specific set of assessment criteria and guidelines provided by the IBO to evaluate the student’s understanding and application of the TOK course material. The teacher then assigns a grade for the essay, which is sent to the IBO for moderation. Moderation is a process where the IBO checks the consistency of grading across different schools and teachers.

Can you explain how I can get an A for my TOK essay in simple words?

If we sum up the article above, to get an A for your TOK essay, you should:

– Understand the essay requirements and choose a good topic. – Use TOK concepts and theories to explore your topic. – Write clearly and logically, with good grammar and punctuation. – Develop a strong argument supported by evidence and examples. – Reflect on your own biases and perspectives, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your knowledge. – Show creativity and originality in your ideas.

Remember to follow the guidelines and demonstrate a deep understanding of TOK concepts. By doing so, you increase your chances of getting an A for your essay.

After sifting through the labyrinthine explanations on the IBO website, I was relieved to find a clear and concise guide right here. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Hey Peter, we really appreciate your kind words. We will keep posting our future articles, trying to be as transparent as we were here.

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TOK exhibition rubric

TOK Home > Free TOK notes > TOK exhibition > TOK exhibition rubric

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.

Get real with TOK by subscribing to the newsletter

Step into the real and unpackaged world by subscribing to our unique monthly TOK newsletter. You’ll receive links to great media sources from all over the world that place the TOK themes and areas of knowledge into an authentic context.

You’ll meet great thinkers and ideas, hone your understanding of key TOK concepts, and build up a library of examples for the essay and exhibition. Subscribe HERE !

How To Write A ToK Essay - Updated 2023

Ace your ToK Essay with our expert tips & tricks! Get the latest and greatest techniques on "How To Write A ToK Essay" and impress the IB examiners.📝💡

Table of content

Purpose of tok, assessment of tok, the game plan, execution of the gameplan, planning for tok essay, structure of tok essay, introduction, conclusions, bibliography.

How to write a TOK Essay? 

To answer that, you must familiarise yourself with what a TOK Essay is about.

Before you start reading this article,  Amanda  has some excellent TOK tips for you!

Theory of Knowledge is one of the most meta subjects that IB offers. Despite its complexity, TOK helps in providing a base for holistic learning and allows students to have a multidisciplinary experience. 

To understand TOK is to understand the essence of IB, a task that most people consider unattainable.

But not for you! 

Thank your lucky stars who made you land on Nail IB. How exactly will Nail IB help you? 

Well, nailing International Baccalaureate is something we will discuss later. 

Let's focus on cracking your TOK essay, shall we?

TOK demonstrates how students  can apply their knowledge  with  greater awareness  and  credibility .

Big words, huh? 

Now that we know that we cannot just slide through the Theory of Knowledge, let's understand how we can conquer this battle all guns blazing.

ToK essay’s primary objective is to answer the  why  behind our studies. 

It makes one aware of the real-life implications of their subjects. The students gain greater awareness of their personal and ideological assumptions and appreciate the diversity of different perspectives. It helps the students find their unique perception, a prerequisite for excelling in the IB TOK essays.

Before we dive into our gameplan, let’s overview the rules of the game.

There are two assessment tasks in the TOK: an essay and a presentation . While a presentation encourages students to explore a real-life situation through the lens of TOK, an essay is written on the basis of the various questions provided by the International Baccalaureate Organisation.

• The presentation is to assess a student’s ability to apply TOK thinking to a real-life situation whereas IB TOK essay is more conceptual.
• The essay is externally assessed by IB and must be on any one of the prescribed TOK essay titles issued by the IB for each examination session.
• Word limit of a TOK essay is 1600 words ( excludes extended notes, footnotes, bibliography).

Now that we have unleashed the game, let’s move ahead towards the gameplan of acing both, your presentation and your essay.

One of the fundamental tasks of TOK is to examine different areas of knowledge and find out their similarities and differences.

The TOK essay requires the students to investigate two Areas of Knowledge (AOK)  and two Ways of Knowing   (WOK) . AOKs and WOKs are investigated via questions such as:

• How do we know what we know? (WOK)
• What counts as evidence for X? (AOK)
• How do we judge which is the best model of Y? (WOK)
• What does theory Z mean in the real world? (AOK + WOK)

The aforementioned are  Knowledge Questions  which help combine the Areas of Knowledge and the Ways of Knowing that they are using. This eliminates the superficial way of learning and makes an individual sensitive to the nature of the information.   Our acquisition of Knowledge can be broadly divided into Shared Knowledge and Personal Knowledge.

Shared knowledge: What WE know It is the product of more than one individual. Although individuals contribute to it, shared knowledge does not solely depend upon the contributions of a particular individual—there are possibilities for others to check and amend individual contributions and add to the body of knowledge that already exists.

Personal knowledge: What I know It is essentially dependent on the experiences of a particular individual. Also known as procedural knowledge, it is gained through experience, practice and personal involvement and is intimately bound up with the particular local circumstances of the individual such as biography, interests, values, and so on.

The best hack to ace TOK essay is to develop a habit of making connections between the construction of knowledge, its acquisition and its relevance in the real world. 

After that one needs to develop an interest in understanding the difference between diversity and cultural perspectives and personal assumptions.

One also needs to critically reflect on their own beliefs and assumptions, leading to more thoughtful, responsible and purposeful lives.

Yes, this is what you signed up for. It may sound a little intimidating but once you get the hang of it you will be able to see the matrix and understand this beautiful world a little better.

Understand that to provide the best version of your writing, it will take you more than one or two drafts. First and foremost, you need to pick your essay topic diligently. Try to choose an essay topic that best interests you. The topic should also allow you to explore the Areas of Knowledge towards which you are naturally inclined. Here are a few sample questions:

a) 'Ways of knowing are a check on our instinctive judgments.' To what extend do you agree with this statement?

b) With reference to two areas of knowledge discuss the way in which shared knowledge can shape their personal knowledge.

c) How can we know if knowledge is produced more through 'Passive Observation' or 'Active-Experiment' within the Human and Natural-sciences under a Mathematical-Perspective?

d) "The whole point of knowledge is to produce both meaning and purpose in our personal lives". Assess the validity of this statement.

Great things take time. It took me more than a couple of weeks to finalize this TOK essay guide. It is completely okay if the first few drafts may not look pleasing or award-winning to you. You will require sharpening your perspective towards the topic each time you polish your draft. Your writing journey from a dull draft to a masterpiece will be a whole process that you will have to be patient with. Have faith in yourself and proceed stepwise.

You need to consider the opinions of others who have devoted hours of research and a lifetime of dedicated studying the topic that surrounds your writing. Unravelling the realms of your mind palace is so Sherlock but let’s not deny the fact that at times, Watson is the one whose expertise helps Sherlock through pretty difficult times. I mean even Batman needs a Robin. In support of my awesome sauce examples, the point I am trying to make is that  finding support for our claims and counterclaims through research is a good thing .

Use real-life examples to support your claims and counterclaims. These examples need to be documented researched examples like studies, experiments, articles, presentations by well-known people, etc. Examples that stem from your diploma subjects are highly encouraged, but those will need to be supported by research as well.   

It is suggested that you choose a title, stick to it, tackle it and not be afraid. Do not change your mind unless there is a good reason. Also, try choosing Areas of knowledge that you truly enjoy. You know slaying a known devil is much easier than an unknown one. Allot a TIMELINE to your essay. Start with creating an outline of your essay. This will help you to track your progress and accomplish your goals

You can use tools like  Trello  to organize your ideas and plan your TOK essay.

Areas of Knowledge (AOKs): TOK distinguishes between eight areas of knowledge. They are mathematics, the natural sciences, the human sciences, the arts, history, ethics, religious knowledge systems, and indigenous knowledge systems. It is suggested that students study and explore six of these eight.

Ways of knowing (WOKs): TOK identifies eight specific WOKs- language, sense perception, emotion, reason, imagination, faith, intuition, and memory. It is suggested that studying four of these eight in-depth would be appropriate. WOKs underlie the methodology of the areas of knowledge and provide a basis for personal knowledge.

Moving ahead, let us discuss the structure of your TOK essay.

Your essay will consist of 4 broad segregations

Before breaking down further on the pillars, keep the following in mind

• Please note what the TOK essay title is asking you. (Read it a couple of times. We highly recommend that you brainstorm ideas with your TOK coordinator)
• Make sure you understand the command term and the question it is asking.
• What kind of knowledge is being elicited?
• When choosing your areas of knowledge (AoK) and ways of knowing (WoK) make sure that you are able to draw contrasts and comparisons, that is, you are able to find evidence that supports as well as challenges your claims.
• Identify key terms in your TOK essay title. Make sure you define them. Your essay will gravitate around them. Key terms/words in your titles are your essay anchors. Your response should be built around them.
• Your writing skills come in handy while you work on your IB TOK essay. Like any other essay make sure you have proper thesis statements and topic sentences to guide the evaluator through your work.
• Respect the TOK essay title. Rephrasing the topic is not encouraged . Your main job is to address the title.

Introduce your topic accurately and state your thesis statement for the essay carefully.  A thesis statement is like a teaser to your entire essay wherein you define your key terms and introduce your interpretation of the question. Make sure that you do not reword the prescribed title in your thesis. Instead, it needs to, as the word says, INTRODUCE your readers to what your essay is about. A strong introduction allows the reader to deduce what knowledge question(s) you are trying to answer.

So, in a nutshell

• Write interesting things about the given TOK essay title .
• Define key terms
• Narrow in on the particularly interesting aspect
• State your thesis statement . This will be your short answer to your given title if you don't know how to write a killer thesis statement check out this blog from SparkNotes .
• State your Roadmap. This will help the readers in understanding the direction of your essay.

The body can be mainly divided into 3 segments.

Body (1st Segment)

• AoK Claim:  Here you investigate your first Area of Knowledge and draw parallels between your AoK and the question. This is done by stating your claim. Claims can be general in nature and need not reference a particular area of knowledge. They help you shape your essay and investigate the question further. 
• Evidence: Example of a real-life situation, describe thoroughly and accurately, which supports your stated claim. (AoK)
• Counter-Claim: State your counter-claim: like claims, those can be general and need not reference a particular area of knowledge. Counterclaim helps you show the other side the coin and gives your essay a holistic nature. 
• Evidence: A referenced real-life situation/example. Describe thoroughly and accurately, show how this supports your counterclaim (AoK ).
• Don’t forget to weave in your WoKs:  You need to take into account the source of your knowledge. Here you can also investigate if your nature of acquiring the knowledge has, in any way, affected it. It is good practice to question if your knowledge would be different had it been acquired through a different source/method
• Mini-conclusion: Here you analyze your examples in reference to your claims and counterclaims. You must connect to your thesis statement and the prescribed title. How does your proposed argument, in this particular part of the body, connect to the prescribed title and the knowledge questions you are trying to answer?

Body (2): Follow the above process for your second AOK.

• Use this part of your essay to compare and contrast your varying AoKs. You need to connect them to your thesis and your prescribed title clearly showing how your arguments respond to the PT.

Your conclusion section will make your essay come together. It is the glue that will make your essay stick together. Herein, you need to

• Reiterate your thesis (initial response).
• Use your mini conclusions to write a final conclusion.
• Tell the reader what the significance is for knowing what we know in this particular PT.
• Discuss implications as well.
• Offer another perspective, how will the perspective of a different person affect the claims/counterclaims you make in the essay?
• Don’t forget to make the end strong.

We recommend all the ib students use the  citation machine  (It's FREE) to organize or generate a bibliography for your TOK essay. Please go through this extensive guide provided by the IB before you start working on your citations.

If you are still struggling heaps with your TOK essay feel free to subscribe to our tok notes bundles or get access to more than 500+ IBDP notes and past papers here .

Nail IB is your virtual companion that helps you hustle through your diploma and provide you with the right resources at the right time. To know more about acing IB, click  here .

I hope this article will become the foundation for figuring out how to write a TOK Essay.

Remember to have faith in yourself.

I hope you NAIL your TOK essay!

Quoting the great Napolean Hill

"Whatever the mind of a man can conceive and believe, it can achieve."

IB Resources you will love!

Nan + free ib flashcards, -1 + free ia samples, nan + ib videos by experts, -1 + ib sample practice questions, ib resources for nan + subjects.

• Jul 8, 2023

Deconstructing a 10/10 TOK Exhibition: How to Score FULL MARKS!

The TOK Exhibition is a new assessment in the revised TOK syllabus for first examination in 2022. Since it is a new format, there is quite a bit of confusion on how to do well on it. The best way to learn is to look at what the IB considers to be a 10/10 full mark TOK Exhibition. So let's deconstruct the below perfect scoring exhibition and find out what merits it has to do so well in the eyes of the IB.

The key to any assessment is to look at the grading criteria. For the TOK exhibition, you can find out more about the criteria and key specifications in my explainer article . But taking it straight from the TOK guide, the summary of the criteria includes:

Has three objects with clear real-world context

The connection between each of the three objects and the prompt chosen is clear

Each object's place in the exhibition is justified

Every point you make is directly related to the prompt and explained with evidence from the object

The Example

So let's take a look at this 10/10 TOK Essay example:

Here is what the IB said about this piece of work:

This is an example of an excellent exhibition. It was awarded a mark of 10/10. The student has clearly identified three specific objects and has effectively linked each one to the selected prompt. There is also a strong justification for the selection of each object. This student has included an introduction to their work. It should be noted that this is not required, but students are free to include a short introduction if they wish to do so. In this case the introduction is helpful as the student clearly identifies their selected prompt and theme, and explains why they have focused particularly on issues around subtext and connotation. The student then makes explicit references to the prompt throughout the response. In their discussion of the third object, the student makes a comparison between the dictionary and the song. It should be noted that there is no requirement that students make connections or comparisons between their objects. They may choose to do so, but it is also perfectly acceptable to discuss each of the three objects entirely individually. The piece of work should be judged holistically using the marking instrument, which means that, for example, the discussion of the dictionary should be rewarded wherever it appears in the response, not just where it appears under the section labelled object two.

Keys to success

After looking at the exhibition, you can see a few properties within this assessment example that clearly connects with the criteria as the IB has pointed out.

Objects and their real world contexts

There is a lot of confusion between students about what constitutes an object and what it means by the real world context of objects. I did a full explainer on exactly this here. But to briefly recap, almost anything can be objects from tweets to textbooks to songs. However, you must be specific as to where and how this object exists and is used in the real world. In this particular example, the three objects they have chosen are:

Starbucks cup used in 2017 during the holiday season

The author's personal translation dictionary which they use to translate between English and Chinese

The song 'Strange Fruit' by Billie Holliday.

In each case, you will see that they aren't TOO specific as to every single detail of their object, but only the ones relevant to their exhibition. Often, students interpret having to convey a clear real world example as listing irrelevant details like publisher or author or date of publishing, etc. Sometimes, it is simply unnecessary as this real world context means the object's 'place in the world'. If it is clear where the object would be seen, when it would be seen, and how it would be used or interacted with, there is no need to add any additional frivolous details.

For the first object - the starbucks cup, for example, the student didn't really go into detail about the specific designer, locations or even the season in which this cup was introduced. However, their introduction was already quite clear that this was an object which existed in the world during a particular time (2017) in a particular place (Starbucks) and interacted with in a particular way (to hold a drink obviously, but also to communicate a message). Similarly, the second object doesn't really go into detail about when and who published the dictionary, et cetera, but the key here is the focus on how the author uses the object (as a translation tool) as that is relevant to the whole knowledge and language theme of the exhibition. So the guidance for how to introduce the real-world contexts of an object is very clear: you don't need to list anything and everything about the object itself, but only the key details that establishes the object's place in the world. If that still isn't quite clear to you, you can check if you have done the real-world contexts well if your introduction can answer the following questions:

What is the object used for

How it exists in the world - physical or digital, personal to you or something you found, how people perceive the object (whether it is how you see it if it is a personal object, or how the wider public sees it)

As to the issue of researched vs personal objects, there is no clear answer. This example uses two 'researched' objects and one object which has a clear personal connection. In the TOK Guide, the IB recommends that you derive your objects from personal experience, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the object has to belong to you. However, I do recommend having at least one personal object just like the example, which can really demonstrate your 'connection' with the object and your experience with the issue presented in the TOK IA Prompt.

An interesting comment made by the examiners is that the exhibition is viewed as a whole rather than as each individual object's commentary. So you can draw links between each other, or not, and both should be equally rewarded. But the bigger picture here is that you must ensure each object tells a 'unique' story, and contribute equally to the exhibition in revealing a different perspective or a variation on your overall answer to the IA prompt. This is something I have talked about more extensively in my article on structuring your exhibition .

Finally, each object is justified within the exhibition as required by the criteria. You can see that the overall theme of the exhibition is how subtexts and the hidden connotations of language can present challenges to how knowledge is communicated. However, each object tells a slightly unique aspect towards this point. The starbucks cup focuses on how vague language can promote all sorts of different connotations that may be positive or negative, while the second object - the dictionary, convinces us the challenge of communicating knowledge due to different languages, and finally, the song reveals that these subtexts which are so key to communicating knowledge can often change based on personal experiences and cultural differences that presents yet another challenge to knowledge communication. The result is a cohesive answer to prompt, and yet a nuanced one, as each object is justified by introducing a unique perspective to the prompt.

Discussing the IA Prompt

This particular exhibition closely resembles the structure that I have proposed to use for a good exhibition . As the IB Examiner noted, it is not necessary to have an introduction at the very beginning of your exhibition. In fact, there is no requirement to even seperate the dicussion of each object as the whole exhibition is marked together, not as a commentary of each object. However, what I do think is important to take away from this is that it is very important to outline the particular theme you will be focusing on, the prompt that you are using and the angle you will be tackling the prompt from. It is actually not necessary to have a single theme to your exhibition, but I highly recommend that you do as it provides the necessary focus for your exhibition. You can do this through an exhibition, or alternatively, integrate this theme clearly into the rest of your discussion to save a little on the tight word count.

The example does make comparisons between objects, but this is not expected nor is it needed to score good marks. I personally believe that you should use those extra words to elaborate on the discussion of the object instead to boost their relevance to the prompt.

So how is the discussion done? You can see that it is in very simple language. Unlike the TOK Essay, this is a less 'academic' piece of work. It is meant to be more like a personal reflection on the manifestations of TOK in your life which you have noticed. So the ideal tone for the task would be one that is formal, yet personal rather than academic. I encourage you to use first person for the exhibition as it really drives home this idea that this is a non-academic piece of writing. At the same time though, there are still standards of academic integrity, so anything that you got from the internet must still be cited and referenced.

You can see that the example doesn't waste any words going around the prompt but tackles it head on - pointing out the immediate challenges with communicating knowledge in each of the three objects. The starbucks cup for example centres around the many different interpretations of subtexts, and their effects on different communities. If you are having trouble finding things to say for your object, I recommend that you focus on the different communities of knowers that may interact with your object and how their interactions differ. I also urge you to read the TOK Guide in depth, particularly on the various themes as it already prompts several questions and dicussion points for you to use within the exhibition. The language they use is also exactly the type of terms they expect from your exhibition. Treat the TOK Guide as the TOK Bible and never deviate from it!

One final thing: word count is truly very constrained in this task. You must be concise, and every sentence you use must be clear, reflective and actually useful. There is no room for fluff or rambling (unlike the TOK Essay). So this means that for many, there won't be enough words within the 950 word requirement for an introduction or conclusion, or another idea that you wish to discuss. When it comes to prioritising your ideas, you should place utmost importance on your object's discussion as it contributes to most of the criteria, and then all the accesories like introductions and conclusions.

Hopefully, by deconstructing a 10/10 example of a TOK Exhibition, you had a few takeaways as to what makes a good exhibition and know what you need to do to improve! Any questions, chuck it in the comments!

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IB TOK Exhibition Rubric: Learn About the Assessment Criteria

by  Antony W

January 9, 2024

This guide covers everything you need to know about TOK exhibition rubric. We’ve included everything you need to know about the assessment criteria so that you can have an easy time working on the assignment.

Introduced to the TOK syllabus in 2022, the ToK Exhibition  subject is a replacement for the ToK Presentation. 

The exhibition is an individual project worth 33% of the total grades awarded to the Theory of Knowledge subject.

Although the TOK Exhibition is a relatively new subject, it’s not complicated because the concepts taught in the subject are easy to understand.

Your TOK teacher is the one to moderate the work, so you do have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you can to get the assignment right.

The aim of the Theory of Knowledge Exhibition is to assess your ability to apply ToK concepts  to the real world.

If you can demonstrate your ability to discuss the subject matter that you’ve studied in the classroom, based on evidence, you’re already a step ahead to score good marks for the exhibition.

Once you have looked at exhibition examples and understood the basic requirements of the TOK exhibition, spend some time to understand how your teacher evaluates and marks the work.

You will get the information in the assessment instrument that your teacher will share with you.

TOK Exhibition Rubric Explained

Below is a detailed explanation of the TOK Exhibition rubric:

Scoring a zero means you failed to meet the standards that IB set for the TOK exhibition project.

In other words, either you’ve failed to submit your assignment or it doesn’t reflect the standards set out by other levels in this assessment criteria.

Also, it’s possible to get a zero if your TOK exhibition doesn’t answer one of the topics provided in the IA prompts .  

Rudimentary (1 to 2)

A student who earns rudimentary score has identified the three TOK exhibition objects but failed to explain their real-world context.

Also, you score 1 to 2 marks if you present generic images instead of real-world objects - or images of objects.

IB teachers also award 1 to 2 points to students who link minimally between their IA prompts and the objects.

More often than not, tenuous linking means a student isn’t sure about what they’re trying to communicate.

Rudimentary marks show that a student offered minimal justification for including the three objects in their exhibition.

Also, the commentary isn’t descriptive enough or includes assertions that you haven’t attempted to support.

Basic (3 to 4)

IB students who earn 3 to 4 marks for their exhibition are those who have identified the three objects in their exhibition but failed to state the real-world context of these objects.

They have made link between their selected IA prompt and the objects, but they don’t offer a comprehensive and convincing explanation of the link.

If you score the basic marks, it’s because your justification for including the objects in the commentary is but superficial. And although you’ve given reasons for including the three objects in your work, you’ve not backed them with relevant evidence.

Basic marks is also an indication that your commentary has a series of repetition in the text.

Satisfactory (5-6)

You have successfully identified three objects in the TOK exhibition. However, your objects’ real-world context is vague.

While you’ve explained the link between the IA prompt and the three objects, your explanation doesn’t meet the standards set by the TOK Exhibition assessment criteria because it’s weak.

 In other words, you only include brief explanation for including each object in the exhibition, backing only a few of your points with evidence.

If you score a 7 or an 8, it means you’ve identified the three objects, explained their real-world context, linked the three objects to each other, and explained how each object (or image of objects) relates to your IA prompt.

In addition to justifying the contributions the objects make to the exhibition, you’ve included evidence and reference link to the IA prompt to make your work as comprehensive as you possibly can.

However, your work isn’t suitable for the excellent marks because it lacks clarity and precision in some parts.

Excellent (9-10)

It’s the highest score awarded to TOK learners whose exhibitions identify three objects, their definite real-world contexts, and make clear links between the selected IA prompts and the three objects.

Your exhibition demonstrates strong justification for the specific contribution that individual objects make and provides appropriate evidence for all the   points you’ve made.

Also, your work includes clear references from each object back to your chosen IA prompt.

The TO Exhibition Assessment Cornerstone

The overriding objective of the TOK exhibition is to show how theory of knowledge (TOK) manifests itself in the real world.

To do this, you have to demonstrate four skill sets in your exhibition.

These include the following:

1. Interlinking Ideas

 Your exhibition commentary should explain the links or connections between your chosen objects and the IA prompt.

You also need to make distinct references to the IA prompt

2. Justification for Ideas

Your TOK commentary should feature a bold justification for why you have chosen the objects for your exhibition.

You should do this within the core theme context or one of the optional themes in TOK .

3. Using Evidence

Support all the points you make in your commentary with evidence.

Hinge all opinions and ideas you use on real-life situations and you can even use ideas by top thinkers to support your points or opinions.

4. Identifying the Real-world Context

In TOK exhibition, you have to go beyond identifying the three objects – or images of the objects. You also have to explain their real-world context.

In other words, you have to choose images of objects or real objects as opposed to just generic objects.

Final Thoughts

Page 47 of the TOK subject guide outlines the rubric for the exhibition.

The criteria include information on what you should do to get the highest marks, so you should aim to get a 7 to an 8 if not a 9 to a 10.

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.

• Support Sites

Extended Essay Support Site

Tok / ee matrix.

Marks from the EE are turned into grades, using the grade boundaries . The EE grade is combined with the TOK grade to determine the number of bonus points awarded, using the following 'matrix'. If you do not submit your extended essay on time (NS = Not Submitted) , or you do not submit your TOK essay on time you will not be awarded your IB Diploma. Failure to submit either will result in a failure to receive the Diploma.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is of course the third required component of the IB Diploma Programme 'core'. Besides earning grades for the EE and TOK, candidates must fulfil the requirements for CAS in order to receive their diploma.

So how many students are awarded bonus points on the average? These numbers vary from year to year, but generally speaking these are world averages. See the latest IB Statistical Bulletin for the most recent numbers.

3 bonus points = 8% 2 bonus points = 36% 1 bonus point = 26% 0 bonus points = 30%

Why are they called 'bonus' points (or previously 'additional' points)? The 24-point requirement for receiving the Diploma cannot be attained through bonus points but from the candidate's six subjects.