good tok essay sample

I deconstructed 10/10 TOK Essay and Exhibition examples to see what makes them so good!

Deconstructing a 10/10 TOK Essay: Introduction

Many TOK students have no idea how to get a 10/10 on their TOK Essay. The criteria seems so opaque and vague that it is hard for many to grasp what the IB expects from a good TOK essay. Luckily, the IB has some marked examples. By deconstructing them, we can see what we need…

Deconstructing a 10/10 TOK Essay: Body Paragraphs

The best way to learn how to write a great TOK Essay is by looking at the excellent examples of essays. We will continue to look at the 10/10 Essay that we are working with from when we deconstructed a 10/10 Introduction. This is an official example from the IB which scored a 10/10 Download…

Deconstructing a 10/10 TOK Essay: Conclusion

The best way to learn how to write a great TOK Essay is by looking at the excellent examples of essays. For the final part, we will finish looking at the conclusion of a 10/10 TOK Essay. We will continue to use the official example TOK Essay from the IB which scored 10/10 that we…

TOK Exhibition

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…

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

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 !

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

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

• Introduction

Purpose Of ToK

Assessment of tok, the game plan, execution of the gameplan, planning for tok essay, structure of tok essay, conclusions, bibliography.

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.

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.

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!

Essay Papers Writing Online

Write a winning tok essay – essential tips and strategies for success.

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.

Related Post

How to master the art of writing expository essays and captivate your audience, convenient and reliable source to purchase college essays online, step-by-step guide to crafting a powerful literary analysis essay, unlock success with a comprehensive business research paper example guide, unlock your writing potential with writers college – transform your passion into profession, “unlocking the secrets of academic success – navigating the world of research papers in college”, master the art of sociological expression – elevate your writing skills in sociology.

How To Write A Good IB TOK Essay

The TOK Essay is the second of two assessments for TOK . There will be a set of Prescribed Titles issued by the IB for each examination season. Students are required to produce an essay of a maximum of 1600 words in response to one of those titles. Unlike the presentation/exhibition, this is an external assessment, and all essays will be sent to the IB examiners for marking. The essay accounts for ⅔ (roughly 67%) of the final grade.

Examples of past titles include:

• Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not” (Pablo Picasso). Explore this distinction with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• Does it matter that your personal circumstances influence how seriously your knowledge is taken?
• “Accepting knowledge claims always involves an element of trust.” Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• “Labels are a necessity in the organization of knowledge, but they also constrain our understanding.” Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge.
• Shared knowledge often changes over time. Does this fact undermine our confidence in current shared knowledge?

So what makes a good essay? Well, as with any essay, it’s always a good idea to take a look at the marking rubrics, so that you know exactly what the examiners are looking out for, and can give it to them. Here are the official requirements for a 10-point essay:

As you can see, the requirements for a TOK essay are fairly straightforward:

• Focus on answering the essay question as given . Do not twist it into a different question altogether and start answering that. Teachers will often encourage the inclusion of sub or secondary knowledge questions , but the answers to such questions should ultimately serve the purpose of helping to answer the overarching main question . If they do not, they are off-topic. More on this later.
• Your exploration of a given topic should be done in the context of at least two different Areas of Knowledge (AOKs) . TOK distinguishes between eight areas of knowledge: math, natural sciences, human sciences, the arts, history, ethics, religious knowledge systems, and indigenous knowledge systems.
• Make sure that you illustrate your points with specific examples from your chosen AOKs.
• Consider what your conclusions on specific points might mean for the nature of knowledge both in that specific AOK and for knowledge in general.
• You should have claims and counterclaims, as well as an evaluation of which side holds more weight. Note that it is generally a good idea to stay away from extremes , and you can and should formulate a conclusion that has nuance . Examiners are not likely to be impressed if you try to argue that historians are involved in an irrational pursuit solely to further personal and political ends; or that that which is not absolute, certain, or universal is automatically marginalized, biased, or unsound; or that the senses cannot be trusted at all and emotions distort understanding. It is perfectly acceptable to say that in general something works, but that issues can occur for specific reasons, or that certain points apply more to specific AOKs due to specific features of those AOKs, while they may be less applicable to other AOKs due to their differing objectives, structure, or subject matter. Do not feel the need to challenge at any cost the basic foundations of knowledge; such attempts tend to be wholly unconvincing and ultimately accomplish very little.
• Note that there is no requirement for style or accurate spelling and use of vocabulary . In fact, examiners are explicitly instructed not to take such things into account in their evaluation of an essay. That said, it is, in practice, extremely difficult to entirely ignore such considerations in one’s evaluation, for the simple reason that quality of writing affects comprehensibility . If your writing is filled with errors or is overly convoluted, readers will struggle to understand you, and your arguments will not receive the marks they deserve.

Lastly, to return to the topic of sub-knowledge questions, the opening sentence of the description in the rubric used to be worded as follows: “There is a sustained focus on knowledge questions connected to the prescribed title”. This has led to a great deal of confusion in students and teachers alike, and countless misguided attempts to extract an entirely new knowledge question from the original essay title. It was–and often still is–such a big problem that the IB examiners have reprinted the following paragraphs in their examiners’ reports every year since 2014:

In all […] cases, the task is to respond to the title exactly as it has been presented. Under no circumstances should the candidate immediately present a knowledge question (“my knowledge question is…”) such that it appears as if the title has been replaced by it. The essay task is not about “finding” a central knowledge question to which the rest of the essay is a response […]

In order to construct a successful response to the title, it will be necessary to establish at least tentative or partial or provisional answers to a number of related questions as the essay unfolds […]

What the examiners are referring to here is the fact that, over the course of answering a question, it often becomes necessary to discuss, clarify, and/or establish an opinion on certain smaller topics that then go on to form the foundations for the rest of the discussion. To use an extremely simplistic analogy, let us say that I wanted to find out the answer to the question, “Is this knife good?”. Before I could even begin to answer that question, it would first be necessary to answer the question of what I even meant by the word “good” in this context, and by what benchmarks I was measuring goodness. Good for slicing sushi? Good for playing baseball? Good in terms of quality of craftsmanship? Good in a moral sense? Only when I have established an answer to that question can I then begin to construct an argument to answer the original question of “Is this knife good?”

As the report says:

Ideally, such questions and the discussions that they inspire can be organized into a logical sequence such that they form the backbone of the essay – each contributing to the overall answer to the prescribed title. The content of each paragraph might constitute a response to one of these questions. Hence such knowledge questions can act as markers in the development of the argument and pave the way from title to conclusion. As described here, the identification or formulation of these questions can play a crucial role in the exploration and planning phases of the essay task, and when the final essay is constructed it may not be necessary or desirable to the flow of the arguments for the questions to be stated explicitly . A sequence of paragraphs each prefaced by “my next knowledge question is…” does not read well and is likely to appear disjointed.

So, in summary, knowledge questions are NOT “alternatives” to the title, and they are best thought of as aids to the exploring and planning processes such that they become woven into the analysis but not necessarily stated explicitly in the final essay.

Trial Class Registration

Need help with the IB? Prep Zone Academy provides one-to-one tuition in a wide range of subjects at both the SL and HL levels. Our team of all-star trainers offers undivided attention throughout these sessions in addition to a fully personalized curriculum that is specifically tailored to meet your personal goals. Our trainers will work closely with you to help you achieve your goals, whether you wish to work on specific weaknesses or prepare for the upcoming assessment.

Additionally, parents will receive personalized feedback after every lesson, so they are always informed of what is being taught in class. Sign up for a trial lesson today to experience the Prep Zone’s difference!

For any urgent inquiries, contact us at +65 6812 9999 or Whatsapp us at +65 8305 1871

By submitting this form, I agree to Prep Zone Academy’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Popular Posts

• IB vs A Level – What’s the difference? March 18, 2021
• All You Need To Know About IB’s Theory Of Knowledge (TOK) February 4, 2021
• 4 Top Tips To Best Prepare For IB Literature April 13, 2021
• How To Prepare For TOK June 24, 2021
• What makes a good TOK Exhibition? August 4, 2021

Latest Posts

Author Jessica

Comments are closed.

© 2022 Prep Zone Academy

Privacy Policy  &  Terms of Use  

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google  Privacy Policy  and  Terms of Service  apply.

Prep Zone Academy is an MOE Registered Private School (200615000Z)

Office Hotline:  +65 6812 9999 Email :  [email protected]

Orchard Campus

15 Scotts Road, #07-05 Singapore 228218  Open daily |  10:00AM - 6:00PM  Closed on  weekday  public holidays

Prep Zone Academy® has adopted the Tripartite Standard on Flexible Work Arrangements, and has committed to be a fair and progressive employer.

© 2024 Prep Zone Academy | IB Tuition. All Rights Reserved

• IB Math Tuition
• IB English Tuition
• IB Physics Tuition
• IB Chemistry Tuition
• IB Biology Tuition
• IB Economics Tuition
• IB Psychology Tuition
• IB Score Guide
• Theory of Knowledge
• English Language & Literature
• IB Maths Webinar

IB TOK Exhibition examples

Type a search phrase to find the most relevant TOK Exhibition examples for you

Not sure what to search for? You can always look through our example Theory of Knowledge coursework below for inspiration.

All TOK Exhibition Examples

Filter exemplars, what is the relationship between personal experience and knowledge, what role does imagination play in producing knowledge about the world, want to get full marks for your tok exhibition allow us to review it for you 🎯, on what grounds might we doubt a claim, how can we distinguish between knowledge, belief and opinion, fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by ib examiners. upgrade now 🚀, should some knowledge not be sought on ethical grounds, how can we know that current knowledge is an improvement upon past knowledge, is bias inevitable in the production of knowledge, does some knowledge belong only to particular communities of knowers, what is the relationship between personal experience and knowledge, how important are material tools in the production or acquisition of knowledge, what challenges are raised by the dissemination and/or communication of knowledge, who owns knowledge, what is the relationship between knowledge and culture, what constraints are there on the pursuit of knowledge, what counts as a good justification for a claim, prompt: to what extent is certainty attainable , how is current knowledge shaped by its historical development, can new knowledge change established values or beliefs, does our knowledge depend on our interactions with other knowers, does all knowledge impose ethical obligations of the knower, what counts as good evidence for a claim, what is the relationship between knowledge and culture, “what role does imagination play in producing knowledge about the world“, how might the context in which knowledge is presented influence whether it is accepted or rejected, what challenges are raised by the dissemination and/or communication of knowledge, what role do experts play in influencing our consumption or acquisition of knowledge, 8. to what extent is certainty attainable, are some things unknowable, are some things unknowable, are some types of knowledge more useful than others.

Planning and structuring the TOK essay

TOK Home > Free TOK notes > TOK essay guidance > Planning and structuring the TOK essay

Once you’ve grasped the essay rubric , and chosen your title , you can start planning and structuring your TOK essay. You base this around the 3 interactions with your teacher, which are one-on-one meetings discussing your progress, and receiving feedback.

As well as the interactions, you can also ask your teacher specific questions about your essay, for example, the suitability of arguments and examples.

STEP 3: Plan and structure your TOK essay

Interaction 1.

In your first interaction, you’ll discuss the title that you have chosen and why, your interpretation of its general meaning, and the key words from the title that you’ve identified and will be focusing on.

You should also have a good idea about the areas of knowledge you’ll be using as the context of your essay (these may be specified in the title), the key concepts that could be included, and have a rough idea about the arguments and counterarguments that could be offered.

By the end of the first interaction, you should be clear about your choice (ideally, the meeting will have confirmed you made the right decision, rather than making you rethink it, but that’s still not a problem at this early stage of the essay-writing process), know the context you’ll be using, and be ready to write your introduction.

Interaction 2

During your second interaction, you’ll explain how you have moved your ideas forward, and the arguments and counterarguments that you’re developing. Ideally, you should be able to show your teacher your introduction, and a rough plan of the rest of your essay.

Be ready to discuss personal experiences and real-world examples that you will use to support points, key thinkers, and different points of view. It’s also useful to discuss any challenges and problems that you’ve encountered. Your teacher should then give you plenty of advice on how to turn all of this into a draft essay, which takes you to the final interaction.

Interaction 3

The third interaction is arguably the most important one, as it is when you will discuss your draft essay, and receive written feedback on how to turn this into your final version.

The first thing to ensure is that your draft is as complete as it possibly can be. The reason for this is that your teacher can only give you one set of written feedback, so if you’ve given them something that doesn’t have much detail, they won’t be able to give you any meaningful advice.

Make sure your teacher has had enough time to go over your essay, and has provided you with clear and detailed feedback on the strength and clarity of your arguments, the suitability of your examples, how successfully you’ve considered perspectives and implications, and how effectively your essay answers the questions. You should now feel ready to write the final version of the essay.

A four-step guide to the TOK essay

Click on the buttons below to take you to the four steps of creating a great TOK essay. Don’t forget that we have plenty of videos on this and other aspects of the course, and members of the site have access to a huge amount of other resources to help you master the course and assessment tasks.

Check out our three-minute explainer video on the TOK essay here . The video goes over the basics of the TOK essay, such as how it’s assessed, the word count and other practical details, terms such as ‘perspectives’ and ‘implications’, and the role of real-world examples in justifying claims and arguments.

You’ll find more videos on this and other aspects of TOK here , and you can dive into much more depth via our free and premium webinars, here .

Watch our essay & exhibition webinars

Click on the images below to access these premium webinars on how to create the essay and exhibition. Access more webinars here , and watch our videos on the assessment tasks on this page .

FAQs about the TOK essay

How do i choose my tok essay title.

You choose your essay from six prescribed essay titles, that are released at the beginning of your second DP year. We give a few tips on how to choose a PT that will work for you here . But briefly, choose one that links to your pre-existing knowledge, and that you find personally engaging.

What will I be writing about in my TOK essay?

You’ll be answering your prescribed title, within the context of two areas of knowledge, considering how different perspectives might affect our response to the question, and what the implications of your arguments are.

Can I use ChatGPT to write my essay?

You can use ChatGPT to help you gather materials for your essay, but you should definitely not be using it to write the essay. Be very careful with ChatGPT. It bases its answers on online material, and much of this is inaccurate or out-of-date. For example, depending on what you ask it, it may tell you that you have to explore multiple areas of knowledge (rather than the two stipulated by the titles), and that you have to identify a separate knowledge question to the title (which is absolutely not the case).

How much help should I expect from my teacher?

Your teacher should run through the PTs when they are first released, and then meet you for three interactions, during which you’ll discuss your progress. They are allowed to give you one set of written feedback. But you can consult them at other times with specific questions.

Do I need to use real-world examples in my TOK essay?

Yes, real-life examples help illustrate your points and make your arguments more tangible. They can be drawn from personal experiences, historical events, scientific discoveries, etc.

Should I include my personal opinion in the TOK essay?

While the TOK essay is not about your personal opinion per se, it’s important to reflect on your perspective and how it shapes the way you understand the title. However, you should avoid using the essay as a platform for rants or unsubstantiated claims.

Is it necessary to include counter-arguments in my TOK essay?

Yes, including counter-arguments shows a deeper understanding of the complexity of the topic and demonstrates your critical thinking skills. It also enables you to consider different perspectives, and evaluate the implications of arguments.

Should I include the 12 key concepts in my essay?

Yes, as much as you can, draw on the key concepts such as justification, evidence, perspective, bias, certainty, and objectivity within your arguments linking them to the title, and to the real-world examples you draw on.

How do I ensure that my TOK essay reflects my own original thinking, and avoids plagiarism?

Clearly attribute ideas and sources that are not your own, and strive to present original insights and interpretations supported by evidence and reasoning. See our point above on using ChatGPT – never view this as more than a tool to help you gather material for your essay, rather than a tool to write it for you.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when writing a TOK essay?

Avoid oversimplifying complex issues, relying solely on personal opinion without justification, neglecting counter-arguments, veering off the question, and failing to include a consideration of different perspectives.

How long do I have to write my essay?

You’ll have 6 months from the time the prescribed titles are released, to the deadline date for uploading your essay to the IB. However, most schools will set their own deadline for completing the essay, so that everyone has plenty of time to complete your PPF, and upload it on time. Follow what your school tells you about this.

How important is the TOK essay PPF?

The PPF (‘Planning and Progress Form’) is the document that you fill in to outline your discussions during the three essay. Although this is not directly assessed, it is an important part of demonstrating that you have approached the TOK essay in an ethical way, which is now particularly important in the era of ChatGPT.

What are some effective strategies for revising and editing my TOK essay to improve clarity and coherence?

Take breaks between revisions, seek feedback from peers or teachers, and carefully proofread for grammar, punctuation, and coherence.

Should I include references or a bibliography in my TOK essay?

While not required, referencing sources appropriately adds credibility to your essay; use footnotes or endnotes for citations.

Subscribe to the free TOK newsletter!

Subscribe to our free newsletter, and collect fantastic examples that will help you to understand the key ideas of TOK, support your essay and exhibition discussions, and help you to become an authentic critical thinker .

You’ll encounter some of the most important thinkers from the past and the present, go beyond the headlines of contemporary events and issues around the globe, and see how TOK concepts manifest in the real-world. Subscribe HERE !

Choosing your ToK Essay Question

• March 6, 2023
• Student Support , ToK Essay

As the November 2023 ToK Essay title starts it is a good time to revisit advice on choosing your ToK Essay title. During the 10 years that I marked ToK Essays as an IB Examiner I learned a lot about what makes a good ToK Essay. More importantly, how students can write a good essay with minimum stress.

Choosing your ToK Essay Question.

• The questions are called “ Prescribed Titles “(aka PT), as they’re not actually questions per se. They are knowledge statements, or knowledge questions, which you are invited to “discuss”. This means that you need to consider a range of different perspectives arising from the title. When choosing your ToK Essay Question consider whether you have (or can develop) a range of perspectives on the title.
• Do not change, nor amend, a single word of the PT. You must address the question exactly as IB give it to you.

Ensure that you get the exact title from your teacher . Non-IB Sites (such as TokToday) are not supposed to publish the exact titles (they’re copyrighted by IB).

Take your time choosing.

Choosing the ToK Essay title which is right for you is at least 50% of the ‘ battle for success ‘ in the ToK Essay, so take your time at this stage. My students spend 4-6 weeks on choosing the title, it’s super important to get this stage correct. In deciding which title to write you are should be trying to clarify:

• What does this question mean to me ?
• Do I have an initial instinctive view about this question ?
• Do I have some ideas about arguments that would help me to answer this question ?
• Do I have a destination for my answer ? (this may change later on, but something at an initial stage will be helpful).

These questions smoothly segue into our second tip on how to choose your ToK Essay Question: Blank Slate.

Know Yourself: Blank Slate those titles.

Try not to be too influenced by other people’s voices at this stage of your essay writing process, try to hear your own voice.

Know your own mind, try not to be influenced by the voices of others. Approach the titles as a ‘ blank slate ‘ – ie no pre-judgment.

Eventually you will have to write your own, original, response to the question. Therefore you don’t want to be too influenced by other people’s views at this stage (you can explore their views later). You need to be developing your own view(s) at this stage.

Be original.

Many of the best essays that I have read have been where the student developed their own original, and quite novel, argument at this early stage. Now, it may seem rather self defeating for me to tell you to stay away from internet advice sites either before or during the essay, however the particular type of content that I think you should be wary of is content that tells you what the arguments (claims / counterclaims) could/should be, or what real life examples you should use. This directive content doesn’t improve your skills & understanding in ToK because you don’t have to think for yourself.

Develop your own arguments, and think of possible real life examples to illustrate these arguments, before you start exploring the internet. Once you have your own original framework down you’ll be in a good place to start further research. You can now use academic sources, non-academic sources and ToK specific sources to further develop your ideas and range of sources cited. If you wait until you have developed your own ideas before you go to the Internet (& other sources) then you won’t be negatively influenced / swayed by the sources that you find. By developing your own ideas you will find writing the essay far easier than trying to develop other peoples ideas. This is why it’s so important to spend time early in the essay writing process working on your own claims counterclaims and real life examples.

Know your destination.

Before you finally decide it is useful to have a rough idea of how you will resolve that question. That is a vague idea of what your final answer to the question might be (ie your “destination”). You don’t have to know exactly how you are going to resolve the question before you choose the question (as many new ideas and perspectives will be developed during the planning and writing stages.

A rough idea of destination guides the writer like it guides the walker

A rough idea of destination guides the writer, like it guides the walker.

As you write the essay you will develop new ideas, make new connections and develop new perspectives. You will refine your arguments, and you may even change your arguments. This is a normal, and healthy, aspect of the writing process. You may even change your final destination, the important thing when choosing a question – have direction and destination in mind. Far too often I meet students who are “stuck”, usually because they are unsure of their approximate final destination. They didn’t work on a solution or resolution before they chose a question. – not a good place to be.

A few ‘easy ways’ to check your understanding of the title:

• Explain the question to a non-ToK student.
• Bring in your Mum, Dad, sibling (or even dog) and explain the title to them.

When they can understand your explanation you can be sure that you now have a solid understanding of the question.

More help is available:

• Check out the ToKToday YouTube Channel for tips (especially the Student Playlist).
• Pick up the E-book How to Write the ToK Essay in 6 Easy Steps .

If you need more help to choose your question, or to develop your question then get in touch ([email protected]). Click here to book a ToK Coaching session.

Daniel, Lisboa, Portugal, March 2023

[…] 3 Tips for choosing your ToK Essay Title. […]

[…] 3 Tips for choosing your ToK Essay Title. […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from toktoday.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

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!

• Internal Assessment Guides

Recent Posts

The Secrets to Success in the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Essay

Unpacking the 2023 November TOK Titles: A Comprehensive IB Solved Guide

Unpacking the 2024 November TOK Titles: A Comprehensive IB Solved Guide

Example Of A Good Descriptive Essay