Exhibition
Connect three objects to one IA prompt, explain their real-world context and make the link to the prompt explicit. The three commentaries together have a 950-word limit.
Yanmai Education · since 2021
IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) tutoring
Develop a clear line of inquiry for the exhibition and essay, with support for examples, claims, counterclaims and structure.
Online one-to-one lessons are 60 minutes and use Zoom, Tencent Meeting (VooV) or ClassIn.
Essay
Choose one prescribed title and build a sustained argument through specific examples and considered counterclaims. The essay has a 1,600-word limit.
The learning journey
Tutoring case studies
TOK · essay planning
Structuring a TOK essay plan
Break down key terms, knowledge questions and argument structure to build a clear TOK essay plan.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
What is assessed in TOK?
TOK has an exhibition and an essay, with no written examination. The exhibition contributes one third and the essay two thirds of the TOK result, which is reported as an A–E grade.
Are there word limits?
The essay is limited to 1,600 words. The three exhibition commentaries together are limited to 950 words.
When are TOK essay titles released?
The IB releases six prescribed titles through schools several months before each session. Students choose one. For example, titles for the May 2027 session were released in early September 2026.
How are the exhibition and essay marked?
The school marks the exhibition, with IB moderation of samples. The essay is externally marked by the IB. Each component is marked out of 10.
How do TOK and the EE contribute to the diploma score?
Their A–E grades are combined using the IB matrix and can add up to three points. An E in either component means the student does not receive the diploma.
Can I write a strong TOK essay if English is not my first language?
TOK focuses on the quality of reasoning: a clear claim, specific examples and serious consideration of counterclaims. Students can first clarify their reasoning in their strongest language, then practise expressing it clearly in English.