example tok essay

Example essays

As part of theory of knowledge (TOK), each student chooses one essay title from six issued by International Baccalaureate®(IB). 

The titles change in each examination session. 

Upcoming and past questions include: 

• “To what extent are areas of knowledge shaped by their past? Consider with reference to two areas of knowledge.”
•  “'There is no reason why we cannot link facts and theories across disciplines and create a common groundwork of explanation.' To what extent do you agree with this statement?”
• “There is no such thing as a neutral question. Evaluate this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge.”
• “'The task of history is the discovering of the constant and universal principles of human nature.' To what extent are history and one other area of knowledge successful in this task?”

Further guidance on the TOK essay and exhibition can be found in the IB’s Programme Resource Centre (PRC) .

Materials in the PRC are only available to existing IB World Schools. These materials are free.

There are a number of resources on TOK in the IB Store , which are available to everyone.

Find out how to become an IB World School .

TOK Essay Examples

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Is Replicability Necessary In The Production Of Knowledge? Discuss With Reference To Two Areas Of Knowledge.

Discover The Secrets Of Knowledge With This Sample IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay Discussing Two Areas Of Knowledge. Enhance Your Understanding And Critical Thinking Skills.

To What Extent Is The Knowledge We Produce Determined By The Methodologies We Use Discuss With Reference Tohistory And One Other Area Of Knowledge.

Unlock Insightful Perspectives In Our Sample Theory Of Knowledge Essay - Discover How Methodologies Shape Knowledge Through Compelling Analysis Of History And More.

The Impact Of Knowledge Bubbles Exclusion & Influence In History & Human Sciences

Discover How Knowledge Bubbles Shape History And Human Sciences, Exploring Exclusion And Influence In This Insightful IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay Sample.

Labels Are A Necessity In The Organization Of Knowledge, But They Also Constrain Our Understanding. Discuss This Statement With Refer- Ence To Two Areas Of Knowledge.

Explore how labels organize and limit knowledge in this insightful IB essay. Delve into two areas of knowledge to uncover their impact on understanding. Engage deeply with this thought-provoking discussion

Is Replicability Necessary In The Production Of Knowledge? Discuss With Reference To Two Areas Of Knowledge

Unlock The Secrets Of Replicability In Knowledge: How Natural Sciences And The Arts Differ In Their Approach.

¿Es Problemático Que Muy A Menudo El Conocimiento Este Conformado Por Los Valores De Quienes Lo Producen? Discuta Esta Pregunta Haciendo Referencia A Dos Áreas De Conocimiento.

Explore the Essay: ¿Es Problemático Que Muy a Menudo El Conocimiento Este Conformado Por Los Valores De Quienes Lo Producen? Delve into two areas of knowledge in this thought-provoking discussion."

¿Por Qué Buscamos Pruebas Irrefutables Cuando Tan A Menudo Son Inalcanzables? Discuta Esta Pregunta Haciendo Referencia A Dos Áreas De Conocimiento.

Discover Why We Seek Irrefutable Proofs Despite Their Elusiveness. Explore This IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay Referencing Two Areas Of Knowledge. Dive In Now.

Are Visual Representations Always Helpful In The Communication Of Knowledge? Discuss With Reference To The Human Sciences And Mathematics.

Discover How To Work Best With The 4 Different Types Of Learners In This Comprehensive IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay Sample. Enhance Your Teamwork Skills Today!

Unlock The Secrets Of Knowledge Production: Explore The Necessity Of Replicability In This Thought-Provoking IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay. Discover Two Key Areas Now.

Are Visual Representations Always Helpful In The Communication Of Knowledge?

Discover How Visual Representations Impact Knowledge Communication In This Insightful IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay.

For Artists & Natural Scientists Which Is More Important What Can Be Explained Or What Cannot Be Explained?

Discover How Artists And Natural Scientists Balance The Explainable And The Unexplainable In This Insightful IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay.

If We Conclude That There Is Some Knowledge We Should Not Pursue On Ethical Grounds, How Can We Determine The Boundaries Of Acceptable Investigation Within An Area Of Knowledge? Discuss With Reference To Two Areas Of Knowledge.

Explore The Ethical Boundaries Of Knowledge With This Insightful IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay On Determining Acceptable Investigations In Two Areas Of Knowledge.

Does It Matter If Our Acquisition Of Knowledge Happens In "Bubbles" Where Some Information And Voices Are Excluded? Discuss With Reference To Two Areas Of Knowledge.

Explore How Knowledge Acquisition In "Bubbles" Affects Understanding In Our Sample IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay. Dive Into Two Areas Of Knowledge And Start Learning Today.

If The Artist Has Freedom To Interpret Past Events In Ways That Are Denied To The Historian Is This An Asset Or An Obstacle To Our Understanding Of The Past? Discuss With Reference To The Arts And History.

Explore How Artistic Freedom Interprets History Differently Than Historians. Understand If This Perspective Is An Asset Or An Obstacle To Our Past Knowledge.

Do Good Explanations Have To Be True?

Discover A Thought-Provoking IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay: "Do Good Explanations Have To Be True?" Explore Insightful Arguments And Enhance Your Understanding.

Faced With A Vast Amount Of Information How Do We Select What Is Significant For The Acquisition Of Knowledge? Discuss With Reference To The Natural Sciences And One Other Area Of Knowledge.

Discover How To Select Significant Information For Knowledge Acquisition In Natural Sciences And More With This Insightful IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay.

Within An Area Of Knowledge Is It More Important To Have Credibility Or Power? Discuss With Reference To The Natural Sciences And One Other Area Of Knowledge.

Unlock the power of knowledge! Explore the debate on credibility versus power within diverse realms, including the natural sciences. Discover insights that shape perspectives. Dive deeper into understanding.

Explore A Thought-Provoking Sample Essay On The Necessity Of Replicability In Knowledge Production, Focusing On Two Key Areas Of Knowledge. Perfect For IB Theory Of Knowledge.

Is It Always The Case That “The World Isn’t Just The Way It Is It Is How We Understand It - & In Understanding Something We Bring Something To It” (Adapted From Life Of Pi By Yann Martel)? Discuss With Reference To History & The Natural Sciences.

Unlock The Secrets Of Perception With Our IB TOK Essay On How Our Understanding Shapes Reality In History And Natural Sciences.

Are Visual Representations Always Helpful In The Communication Of Knowledge? Discuss With Reference To The Human Sciences & Mathematics

Discover Insightful Perspectives On Visual Representations In Communicating Knowledge. Explore Human Sciences And Mathematics In This Compelling IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay.

¿Importa Que Nuestra Adquisición De Conocimiento Suceda En Burbujas En Las Que Cierta Información Y Ciertas Voces Están Excluidas? Discuta Esta Pregunta Haciendo Referencia A Dos Areas De Conocimiento.

Discover A Thought-Provoking IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay On Knowledge Acquisition In Exclusive Information Bubbles Across Two Knowledge Areas.

Discuss This Statement With Reference To Two Areas Of Knowledge

Discover Insights On Knowledge Through This Sample IB Theory Of Knowledge Essay. Explore Key Ideas On Two Areas Of Knowledge. Boost Your Understanding And Performance.

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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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How to Write A TOK Essay: 3 Key Parts

When embarking on the journey of writing a TOK essay, one must navigate the intricate web of knowledge, exploring its depths and unraveling its mysteries. This intellectual endeavor requires careful thought, critical analysis, and a unique perspective. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the art of crafting a successful TOK essay, equipping you with the tools necessary to flourish in this academic exploration.

At its core, a TOK essay invites you to investigate the ways in which knowledge is constructed and justified, prompting you to question the assumptions, biases, and limitations that shape our understanding of the world. It beckons you to think deeply, to ponder the interplay between personal experiences, shared knowledge, and the varying methods by which knowledge is acquired. Through this inquiry, you will uncover the complexities and controversies that lie at the heart of knowledge production.

With each essay, you embark on a quest for truth, a quest that necessitates a deep understanding of the areas of knowledge and the underlying knowledge claims. As you embark on this journey, it is crucial to develop a clear and concise thesis statement that elucidates your position and guides the structure of your essay. This thesis will serve as the guiding light, illuminating the path to a coherent argument and a well-supported conclusion.

Understanding the Basics of a TOK Essay

In this section, we will explore the fundamental aspects of writing a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the essential components and techniques that will contribute to a successful TOK essay.

When engaging in the writing process of a TOK essay, it is important to familiarize yourself with the core concepts and principles underlying this particular type of essay. Here, we will delve into the key elements that form the basis of a TOK essay.

1. Knowledge Questions: As the cornerstone of a TOK essay, knowledge questions are crucial in examining the nature of knowledge and its implications. These questions inquire about the methods, scope, and validity of knowledge across different areas of knowledge and ways of knowing. They challenge our assumptions and open up new avenues for exploration.

2. Areas of Knowledge: TOK essays require an exploration of various areas of knowledge, such as the natural sciences, mathematics, ethics, history, and the arts. Each area of knowledge offers unique insights into the nature of knowledge and its construction. It is important to consider different perspectives and approaches when analyzing these areas of knowledge.

3. Ways of Knowing: Complementing the areas of knowledge, ways of knowing refer to the different methods we use to acquire, interpret, and evaluate knowledge. These include perception, reason, emotion, language, intuition, and memory. Understanding the role of each way of knowing is essential in developing a well-rounded TOK essay.

4. Claims and Counterclaims: Central to a TOK essay is the presentation of claims and counterclaims. Claims assert knowledge claims or provide arguments that support a particular stance, while counterclaims challenge these assertions or offer alternative viewpoints. Presenting balanced and well-supported claims and counterclaims is important for constructing a persuasive argument.

5. Analysis and Evaluation: In a TOK essay, analysis and evaluation play a crucial role. It is essential to analyze knowledge questions and arguments thoroughly, critically assess the knowledge claims presented, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the supporting evidence. This analytical and evaluative approach contributes to a well-developed and coherent TOK essay.

6. Real-Life Examples: To illustrate and contextualize your arguments and analysis, real-life examples can be used in a TOK essay. These examples help to bridge the theoretical ideas with real-world situations, enhancing the reader’s understanding and engagement with the essay.

By understanding and applying these basic principles, you will be equipped to embark on the exciting journey of writing a TOK essay. Keep these foundations in mind as you explore further and delve deeper into the intricacies of this unique genre of academic writing.

Exploring the Key Concepts and Terminology

Delving into the core concepts and terminology is an essential step in crafting a successful TOK essay. By familiarizing yourself with the key ideas and terms, you will be equipped to analyze and evaluate knowledge claims from a wide range of perspectives.

Understanding the nuances of TOK begins with grasping the fundamental concepts that underpin the subject. These concepts provide the framework for exploring how knowledge is acquired, justified, and communicated. From the idea of knowledge as a human construct to the exploration of knowledge questions, each concept offers a unique lens through which we can examine the complex nature of knowledge itself.

Alongside the key concepts, TOK presents a rich tapestry of terminology that deepens our understanding of the subject. From terms like “epistemology” and “justification” to “ways of knowing” and “areas of knowledge,” this terminology helps us navigate the intricate terrain of TOK discussions.

Exploring the key concepts and terminology allows you to engage critically with the ideas presented in your essay prompt. By articulating these concepts and using the appropriate terminology, you can demonstrate a clear understanding of TOK principles and effectively communicate your thoughts and arguments.

Analyzing the TOK Essay Prompt

Examining and understanding the TOK essay prompt is a crucial step in successfully approaching the task at hand. This section will explore the importance of carefully analyzing the prompt and identifying the key concepts and ideas that need to be addressed in your essay.

• Understand the question: Begin by carefully reading and rereading the prompt to grasp its meaning and scope. Break it down into smaller parts to identify the different elements and themes it incorporates.
• Identify keywords: Look for keywords or phrases that stand out in the prompt. These are the terms that will guide your exploration and analysis of the topic.
• Define key concepts: Take the time to clearly define the key concepts mentioned in the prompt. This will ensure that you have a solid foundation for your exploration and analysis.
• Explore different perspectives: Consider the different perspectives that can be taken on the topic. Think about how different areas of knowledge or ways of knowing can shape your understanding and interpretation of the issue.
• Consider implications: Reflect on the implications of the prompt and its underlying concepts. Consider how they relate to real-world scenarios or examples and how they can be applied in different contexts.

By thoroughly analyzing the TOK essay prompt, you can gain a deeper understanding of the task at hand and develop a strong foundation for your essay. This process will help you identify the key concepts, explore different perspectives, and consider the implications of the topic, enabling you to approach your essay with greater clarity and focus.

Tips for Deconstructing and Understanding the Question

When it comes to tackling a TOK essay, one of the first and most crucial steps is to fully grasp and comprehend the question at hand. Deconstructing and understanding the question is essential in order to develop a well-structured and coherent argument throughout your essay.

Here are some tips to help you deconstruct and understand the question effectively:

1. Read the question carefully: Take your time to read and reread the question, paying attention to every word and phrase. Understand the key concepts and terms being used, as they will guide your analysis and argument.

2. Identify the underlying assumptions: Look for any hidden assumptions or presuppositions in the question. These assumptions can shape the way you approach and explore the topic, so it’s important to recognize them and consider their implications.

3. Define the scope of the question: Determine the scope of the question by identifying the boundaries and limits it sets. This will help you to narrow down your focus and avoid going off-topic. Consider whether the question is asking for a specific time period, region, or perspective.

4. Analyze the key terms: Pay close attention to the key terms used in the question and analyze their meanings. Consider possible interpretations and definitions to ensure that you have a clear understanding of what is being asked.

5. Break down the question into sub-questions: If the question is complex or multi-faceted, it can be helpful to break it down into smaller, more manageable sub-questions. This will allow you to tackle each aspect of the question individually and develop a more comprehensive response.

Remember, deconstructing and understanding the question is the foundation for a successful TOK essay. By following these tips, you can ensure that you have a clear and solid understanding of the question, which will guide your analysis and argument throughout the essay.

Developing a Strong Thesis Statement

One of the most critical aspects of writing a TOK essay is developing a strong thesis statement. This statement serves as the central argument or main point of your essay, and it sets the tone for the entire piece. A strong thesis statement not only captures the essence of your topic but also provides a clear direction for your exploration.

When developing a thesis statement for your TOK essay, it is essential to consider various factors. Firstly, you need to analyze the knowledge question or the problem you are addressing in your essay. This analysis will help you identify the key concepts or ideas that need to be included in your thesis statement.

Further, you should ensure that your thesis statement is specific and focused. It should make a concise claim or argument that can be explored and supported throughout the essay. Avoid making general statements that lack clarity or precision, as they can weaken the overall effectiveness of your argument.

In addition to being specific, your thesis statement should also be arguable. This means that there should be room for discussion or debate regarding your claim. A strong thesis statement invites multiple perspectives and encourages critical thinking among readers.

Furthermore, your thesis statement should be logical and coherent. It should present a clear and logical progression of ideas, guiding your readers through your argument. This can be achieved by organizing your thoughts and supporting evidence effectively.

Lastly, it is important to revise and refine your thesis statement as you go through the writing process. Don’t be afraid to make changes and adjustments to ensure that your thesis statement accurately reflects your evolving argument and the evidence you have collected.

In conclusion, developing a strong thesis statement is crucial for writing a successful TOK essay. It sets the stage for your essay, guiding the reader and providing a clear focus for your exploration. By considering various factors such as specificity, arguability, logic, and revising as necessary, you can create a thesis statement that effectively captures the essence of your essay.

Strategies for Crafting a Clear and Engaging Thesis

When it comes to writing a TOK essay, one of the most important elements is the thesis statement. This sentence or two sets the tone for the entire essay and provides a clear and concise representation of the argument or main idea. Crafting a strong thesis requires careful thought and consideration, taking into account the complexities of the topic at hand. Here are some strategies to help you create a thesis that is both clear and engaging.

1. Understand the prompt: Before diving into the creation of your thesis, it is crucial to fully grasp the prompt or essay question. Take the time to analyze the wording and identify the key concepts and ideas being presented. This will give you a solid foundation from which to build your thesis.

2. Brainstorm and research: Once you have a thorough understanding of the prompt, begin brainstorming ideas for your thesis. Consider different perspectives and arguments related to the topic, and conduct research to gather evidence and support for your claims. This will help you develop a well-rounded and informed thesis statement.

3. Be specific and concise: A clear and engaging thesis is one that is specific and to the point. Avoid vague or general statements that lack substance. Instead, focus on narrowing down your argument and expressing it succinctly. This will allow your readers to easily understand the main point you are trying to convey.

4. Consider counterarguments: When crafting your thesis, be aware of potential counterarguments or opposing viewpoints. Acknowledging these opposing perspectives and addressing them in your thesis demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic and adds depth and complexity to your argument.

5. Use language effectively: The language you use in your thesis can greatly impact its clarity and engagement. Choose strong and specific words that convey your argument effectively. Additionally, consider using rhetorical devices such as parallelism or antithesis to add emphasis and intrigue to your thesis statement.

6. Revise and refine: Crafting a clear and engaging thesis is an iterative process. After writing your initial thesis statement, take the time to revise and refine it. Consider the feedback from others and make adjustments as necessary. This will ensure that your thesis is strong and compelling.

In conclusion, a well-crafted thesis is essential for a successful TOK essay. By following these strategies, you can create a thesis that is clear, engaging, and sets the stage for a strong argument. Remember to take your time and think critically about the topic at hand. With careful consideration and revision, you can craft a thesis that will captivate your readers and guide your essay to success.

Structuring Your TOK Essay

Arranging your TOK essay in a well-organized and logical structure is essential for effectively conveying your ideas and arguments. A strong structure not only helps your reader navigate through the essay effortlessly but also builds a solid foundation for a coherent and persuasive piece of writing.

One of the key elements of structuring your TOK essay is dividing it into distinct sections. This allows you to address different aspects of the prescribed title or knowledge question and present your arguments in a systematic manner. Consider breaking down your essay into introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

• Introduction: Start your essay with an engaging introduction that provides background information on the topic and introduces the knowledge question. You can also include a brief outline of the arguments you will discuss later in the essay.
• Body paragraphs: Divide your main arguments into separate paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect related to the knowledge question. Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence and support your arguments with relevant examples, evidence, and counterarguments. Make sure to explain the significance and implications of each argument to strengthen your overall analysis.
• Counterclaims: It is important to acknowledge and address counterarguments or alternative perspectives in your essay. This demonstrates your ability to critically evaluate different viewpoints and strengthens the overall credibility of your arguments.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main arguments and provide a concise conclusion that answers the knowledge question. Reinforce your thesis statement and leave the reader with a thought-provoking ending, inviting further reflection.

In addition to organizing your essay into sections, it is important to maintain a clear and logical flow throughout. Use appropriate transition words and phrases to connect your ideas and ensure a smooth progression of thought. This helps the reader follow your line of reasoning and effectively engages them with your essay.

Remember, a well-structured TOK essay not only demonstrates your understanding of the Theory of Knowledge but also enhances the overall impact of your arguments. Take the time to carefully plan and structure your essay, and you will be on your way to a successful and impactful piece of writing.

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The Complete IB TOK Exhibition Guide

The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Exhibition task is one of the most unique IB assessment tasks you will complete, worth 1/3 of your final TOK grade. It is a truly complex challenge – you need to find a way to integrate TOK concepts, your selected objects and your selected theme, all while remaining focused on addressing the prompt.

In this guide, we will unpack everything you need to achieve a Grade A in your TOK Exhibition, from object selection to a structure designed around the marking criteria, setting you up for success!

Selecting a Prompt and Objects

It can be daunting to select a prompt with 35 different options. Our recommendation is to shortlist them – narrow the 35 prompts down to 5-6 which really stand out to you. When finalising your prompt, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

Ensure you understand the prompt and can connect it to a theme

Select a prompt which allows you to discuss a range of perspectives and ideas

Start thinking about potential objects for each of your shortlisted prompts and select the prompt which allows you to integrate the best objects and analysis

But how do you even choose an object? Could I choose my living room couch? Or a football jersey?...Where do you even start?!

The TOK guide outlines some criteria to help narrow the scope of your selection process:

1. The object can be a digital or physical object

2. The object should be of personal interest and should have a personal context for you. It does not necessarily have to be something you own, but you must establish a personal connection to the object in some way.

Some interesting examples which we have seen from our students include personal training splits, novels studied in class, tweets from their social feed, photographs from overseas travels and childhood toys.

3. The object must have an identifiable, real-world specific context . It must not be a hypothetical or vague object. For example...

"World War 2 historiography" would NOT be a specific object...

Whereas, "Trevor-Roper's historical text, The Wartime Journals" would be an object with a specific real-world context.

And to that we'd add one more component that is almost essential to succeed:

4. The object has to be connectable to the prompt and be illustrative of the point you are trying to make!

Structuring the TOK Exhibition

With so many different components to cover and a marking criteria with such depth, it can be daunting to even start writing this task. Our recommended structure provides a framework for you to get started, while also ensuring that you integrate the characteristics of a top-band essay using the TOK Exhibition marking criteria.

To Intro or not to Intro

There has been some disagreement as to whether or not an introduction is necessary for this task. With only 950 words available to cover three objects, integrating TOK concepts, the prompt and the theme, every word is vital .

At IB Solved, we pride ourselves on providing specialist advice which aligns with EXACTLY what the IB wants to see. So we went digging through the feedback on some IB-released exemplars and found the following excerpt from a top-scoring TOK exhibition:

"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"

So from a strategic perspective, we recommend NOT including an introduction and instead focusing on using the full 300-320 words for each of their three objects.

Part 1: Introduce the Object and its Specific Real-World Context

The very first thing to do is to introduce your object . You need to establish the object's specific real-world context and also a personal connection ; explain what it is with relation to its real-world context, where and when YOU first encountered it, the impact it had on YOU and finally, its connection to the prompt.

This should be around 60-80 words and is vital to reaching the top band of the marking criteria, by 'clearly identifying' the specific real-world context of the object, as well as providing a strong justification for the object's inclusion within the exhibition.

Part 2: Object + Prompt + TOK Concepts = Top Band Analysis

This section is the bulk of your writing for each object and you have A LOT to cover. To reach the top band, you need to do 3 things:

Establish a clear and well-explained link between the object and the prompt

Provide a strong justification of the particular contribution of the object (this is why it is important to select objects which each allow you to discuss a distinct perspective on the prompt)

Construct points which are well-supported by appropriate evidence, making explicit references to the prompt

And we'd like to add one bonus factor, which is inspired by the overarching question of the TOK exhibition marking criteria – "Does the exhibition successfully show how TOK manifests in the world around us?":

4.  Integrate TOK concepts, theories and language within your arguments

So what does this look like in practice? How can you possibly do this within the constraints of this section, which should be between 220-250 words?

The trick is to do many of these things at once (yes, that is incredibly vague, but the structure below will add much needed clarity):

Topic Sentence: Connect the object (which you have just introduced) to the prompt and state your argument, implementing the words of the prompt in your statement

Make Your Argument: Explain your point, implementing the TOK concepts and making explicit references to the prompt

Relate back to Your Object: Use your object as a clear exemplification of the point you are making, providing specific and detailed analysis to demonstrate how the object proves your point, justifying its inclusion in the exhibition

Concluding Sentence: Reiterate the point you are making, using the words of the prompt to show how you have developed an effective argument which is connected to the prompt

Now depending on how much analysis and discussion is required to truly expand on your point, you may have one or two different points to make. Ensure that regardless of the number of points, you always relate each point back to both the object and the prompt .

So whether you decide to do 2 short points or one longer point, you are always making explicit references back to both the object (to justify its inclusion) and the prompt (to meet that third criterion noted earlier).

Part 3: Strong Closing Link Statement

You thought we were done earlier?

Think again, because we really want to show these IB markers that we understand the requirements of the task and remind them that we have met all the expectations of the top criterion . And we want to do it all in ideally one, maximum two, final, magical sentences …

OPP (yes, I know you IB students are sick of acronyms but too bad because this is important), which stands for Object , Point , Prompt .

But to really demonstrate this, let's use an example from one of our exemplar TOK Exhibitions . This exhibition discusses the prompt:

"What is the relationship between personal experience and knowledge?"

The candidate uses her mother's diary as the object, and secures her top mark with the following statement:

"Therefore, this object reveals how personal experiences can contribute to historical knowledge by providing unique individualised insights. Whilst often historians will exercise caution and insist upon corroboration between experiences, a strong relationship between personal experiences and historical knowledge exists." 

Object. Point. Prompt.

How to Start?

And that's it! Still unsure how to start? Need some help putting the pieces together for this complex yet important task? Make sure to check out some of our Grade 7 TOK Exhibition Exemplars , especially our perfect 10/10 IB TOK Exhibition Example !

Or even better, click below to work with one of our many expert IB Theory of Knowledge tutors  who can guide you personally through the complete process of achieving top marks in your own TOK Exhibition!

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ToK Essay: How to Choose and Explain Real-Life Examples

Finding the right real-life examples for the TOK essay can be difficult and time-consuming. Searching the web mindlessly often leads to no avail! I will share some of my experiences, both the good and bad, to help you easily find the right examples for your essay.

From the top band of the TOK mark scheme: ‘arguments… effectively supported by specific examples.’ – this shows that examples are an important element in the essay! They show the marker that the claims you make are not just theoretically true, but have real-world applications, allowing you to appreciate the interconnectedness between what you learn and the world we live in.

Real-life examples/situations (RLS) are examples that you can find in the real world to support your claims. Generally, you would be using a few key ideas from the RLS to show how your chosen claim is valid. 

A. Choosing a real-life example

You want to find an RLS which well… exemplifies the point that you are making. Certain key ideas in the RLS need to be relevant and of course, fit in with your point. Avoid having an RLS which only mildly covers your claim, where you end up having to ‘force-fit’ them into your essay.

A.1 Searching the web

When you google: ‘History RLS’, the results you are going to get will be from the many TOK websites out there. Most of them are filled with basic examples, probably not relevant to your point. Similarly, there are many over-used and general real-life examples that you should avoid. What you should do instead is to go back to your point and look for key ideas the example should have. For one of my claims on the AOK (area of knowledge) of History, I already had an idea about the type of RLS that I wanted to include and in my case: one with conflicting historical accounts, in which neither could be rejected. Thus I went to google looking for historical events. It took me quite a while but only once I put ‘various narratives’ into the search engine did I finally get somewhere. 

My advice: have an idea about the key points you need in the RLS, then look for specific types of examples rather than just any RLS in the AOK so that it will be more relevant and applicable to support that claim.

A.2 Using examples from your own academic subjects

You take so many subjects other than TOK in the IBDP, do not let all that knowledge go to waste during TOK. Using things you have learnt from other DP subjects is a quick way to find an RLS. Additionally, using your IA or EE experiences as RLSs is possible. Personally, I used the uncertainty results in my Physics IA and Schrodinger’s atomic model (from the HL Physics syllabus) to explain my points. I saved time researching and found it easy to incorporate them into the essay since I already had a good understanding of these RLSs.

My advice: look through your academic work, to see if there are any RLSs you can use for your arguments. Using your own projects as RLSs can even add an element of originality to your essay!

B. Explaining your real-life examples

Firstly, ensure that you fully understand your RLS. Do not choose an RLS that is too complicated and make sure ample research is done. You do not want to be in a situation where you selectively bring in points and ignore others. Very rarely, the worst-case-scenario would be that your examiner is well versed with your topic, and manages to point out flaws in your arguments. 

Next, give a brief overview of the RLS. 1 or 2 sentences would suffice to prevent you from wasting words. Get a friend who has not heard about your RLS to read it. If they can understand the gist of it without being confused, you have done a good job. Adding images can also aid in the marker’s understanding of the RLS. I included an image of Schrodinger’s model to give a visual of the density cloud of electrons. It was difficult to explain this in words, so a visual worked well for me.

After this, link key ideas in your RLS to TOK concepts and your claim. Your RLS should be evidence supporting your claim. It should help the examiner understand that your claim is credible and supported.

Final advice: Keep a log of all the used sources and the dates that you have accessed them in a separate document. Personally, I added an additional column with a brief summary of the points I was using from each source. As such, while doing references, I would know where I had used a source and have all the information necessary.

I hope that you have a better idea about how to search and explain appropriate real-life examples in your essay. It may not be easy finding RLSs, but it’s okay! All students go through it! Just take your time finding examples that are most appropriate and interesting to you!

You may also like…

• Elena’s Overview of the TOK Essay .
• Vansh’s Overview of the TOK Exhibition .

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TOK essay PPF

TOK Home > Free TOK notes > TOK essay guidance > TOK essay PPF

Uploading your essay & PPF

Completing and uploading your Presentation Planning Form (PPF) means that you’ve done the hard part of writing your essay, and are nearly at the end of the process.

Check out our short video explainer for the TOK essay; you can find more explainers about other aspects of the course in our TOK explainer playlist .

Writing your TOK essay PPF

The three PPF comments are a record of what you discussed during the three . Your comments will not be assessed directly, but they should be taken seriously! They provide evidence that you have spent time and effort on your essay, and approached it in a systematic, planned way.   We strongly recommend that you write your PPF comments as soon as you have had your interactions with your teacher. This will mean that it will be fresh in your mind, and much easier to records – rather than having to remember what you talked about several months down the line. We also recommend using a platform like  ManageBac  to record your thoughts – this will make your life a lot easier.   Bullet points are perfectly acceptable for your PPF – indeed, this is a clearer way of recording the different points you covered in the interactions than writing full paragraphs. Try to get close to the word limit – it’s 689 characters for each interaction.

TOK essay pages

The TOK essay rubric

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

Choosing your TOK essay title

Find out how to evaluate the six prescribed essay titles, and decide on which one will work best for you. Read more here .

The three TOK essay interactions

Learn about the three interactions with your TOK teacher, and what you should be discussing in each one. Read more here .

Writing your TOK essay

Gain a few tips on how to structure your TOK essay, how to articulate your ideas, and ways to justify your claims. Read more here .

Find out about how to fill in the essay PPF, and why this is an important indication of your engagement with TOK. Read more here .

More support for the TOK essay

Make sure that your TOK teacher has given you access to all the documents and online material that support the essay. These include the TOK Subject Guide, the TOK essay rubric, and exemplar TOK essays (found in ‘MyIB’, which is accessible to teachers).   Make sure you go through our other pages on writing the TOK essay. You’ll find help on understanding what the is looking for, that works for you, what each of the should focus on, how to an effective TOK essay, and how to fill in your .   If your school is a  member  of theoryofknowledge.net, we have designed a series of lessons on the essay, with two formative assessment tasks. These will familiarize you with the essay rubric, knowledge questions, real-life situations, how to deal with perspectives and implications, and structuring an essay. If you are signed into the site, you can access these lessons  here .   You can also find out our thoughts on the TOK essay (and the TOK exhibition) 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 TOK essay PPF

Is my ppf marked.

No, but it is a mandatory part of the TOK essay task. Writing a thorough PPF gives a great impression about your essay, and shows that you have followed the right process in planning, structuring, and writing it.

How do I submit my PPF?

You should add your comments to the official TK/PPF form, and upload it with your TOK essay. This is all done on the IB dashboard, which is quite user-friendly. Ask your TOK teacher or DP coordinator to help you if you’re not sure.

How to write a TOK essay: webinar

This 80-minute webinar video and presentation gives you a clear, engaging, step-by-step guide to the task, helping you to understand the assessment rubric, choose the right PT, and produce an essay that hits all the assessment targets.

The video is supported by a presentation, and a Q&A debrief answering some of the most common questions asked about writing a TOK essay. Purchase your ticket here .

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 !