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IB TOK Essay Rubric. Grading Criteria

As someone deeply immersed in the IB curriculum, I’ve encountered difficulty writing Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essays more times than I can count. Today, I’m here to tell you about the IB TOK essay rubric and grading criteria, offering insights I’ve gathered over the years. Trust me, understanding these elements can transform your TOK essay from good to exceptional.

What Is IB Theory of Knowledge Essay?

The International Baccalaureate TOK essay is a critical element of the IB Diploma Programme that pushes students to ponder the nature and acquisition of knowledge. This task requires students to examine and articulate their understanding of how we come to know what we claim to know, engaging them in a deep reflection on knowledge itself, its sources, and its application in various contexts.

This essay is a philosophical research that encourages critical thinking and analysis across different areas of knowledge, including ethics, science, mathematics, and the arts. At the heart of the IB TOK essay are several key components that students must know:

• The essay prompts students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we come to know what we claim to know. It is an exercise in critical thinking and philosophy, where students examine the bases of knowledge and how it intersects with the world around them.
• Students choose from a list of prescribed titles the IB organization releases annually. These titles prompt discussions on various topics in knowledge, ethics, science, mathematics, human sciences, and more.
• There is a maximum TOK essay word count of 1,600 words. This strict limit requires students to articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely.
• The essay is assessed using criteria that evaluate students’ ability to identify and research knowledge issues, contrast TOK key concepts , demonstrate critical thinking, and organize their ideas coherently.
• Students are encouraged to start early, select a topic that interests them, and engage in extensive research and critical thinking. Collaboration with TOK teachers for guidance and feedback throughout the writing process is also crucial.
• Through the TOK essay, students develop skills in critical thinking, analysis, synthesis of information from various disciplines, and the ability to argue coherently and persuasively.

The TOK essay and the TOK exhibition contribute up to three points towards the total score of the IB Diploma. The performance in TOK is combined with the Extended Essay (EE) to determine the number of additional points awarded.

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• How to Write TOK Essay in One Week
• IB TOK Essay Structure in Detail
• AOKs in IB TOK
• 12 TOK Key Concepts with Examples
• The Human Sciences AOK in TOK
• The Natural Sciences AOK and Its Significance in TOK

IB Theory of Knowledge Essay Rubric

As an IB writer and mentor, I’ve seen these guidelines as a checklist and a map for writing insightful, coherent works in the IB Theory of Knowledge . My goal here is to explain these criteria.

Addressing the Knowledge Question (0-2 points)

A central component of the TOK essay is its focus on a knowledge question directly related to the chosen title. This question must be explicitly identified early in the essay as a foundation for your analysis and arguments. The clarity with which you state this question and the extent to which it informs the development of your essay is crucial for scoring in this category.

Grasping Knowledge Issues (0-2 points)

Your essay must profoundly comprehend the knowledge issues connected to your central knowledge question. It includes recognizing the diverse methods through which knowledge is obtained and acknowledging the potential limitations and biases influencing our perception of the world. A high score in this area reflects your ability to dig into these complexities and present them thoughtfully within your essay.

Critical Analysis and Evaluation (0-2 points)

A critical dissection and assessment of the knowledge question are imperative in your TOK essay. It involves using relevant examples and evidence to bolster your arguments alongside a meticulous examination of the various approaches to knowledge, highlighting their strengths and pitfalls. Additionally, it includes appraising the comparative worth of these different approaches and showcasing your ability to engage with the question at hand critically.

Incorporating AOKs and WOKs (0-2 points)

our essay must showcase an adept understanding of the multifaceted nature in which knowledge is acquired, highlighting the roles of empirical evidence, logical deduction, and personal experiences. Equally important is demonstrating a thorough grasp of the various Ways of Knowing (WOKs) — including reason, emotion, perception, and language — and articulating how these intersect and interact with the central knowledge question. A high score in this criterion indicates a comprehensive integration and consideration of AOKs and WOKs in your analysis.

Demonstrating Personal Engagement (0-2 points)

Your TOK essay should vividly reflect your connection and engagement with the knowledge question. It should show your awareness of how the arguments presented resonate with your experiences and perceptions and their broader implications for the world you inhabit. Achieving high marks in this area means successfully conveying how researching the knowledge question has influenced your understanding and perspective, integrating personal insight with academic analysis.

Coherence and Structure (0-2 points)

A well-written TOK essay is characterized by its organization and clarity, featuring a distinct introduction, body, and conclusion. The arrangement should be logical and enhance the essay’s central argument, ensuring a seamless flow of ideas from start to finish. High scores in this domain are awarded to essays demonstrating meticulous planning and an ability to guide the reader.

Clarity in Presentation (0-2 points)

Your TOK essay should be articulated clearly, concisely, and well-structured, paying close attention to the accuracy of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It is also essential to adhere to the proper referencing and citation style throughout the document. Essays that score well in this category prioritize readability and scholarly integrity, making it easy for the reader to follow and appreciate the depth of the analysis. So, follow the IB TOK essay structure in detail.

Innovative Approach and Creativity (0-2 points)

Your TOK essay should exhibit originality and inventiveness in addressing the knowledge question and selecting examples and evidence to bolster your arguments. High-scoring essays in this category are characterized by their creative insights and the ability to think outside the box, demonstrating a proactive approach to elucidating the knowledge question.

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Ib tok essay grading criteria explained.

The grading criteria for the TOK essay follow a holistic approach, considering all aspects of the rubric. Essays are marked on a scale, with each level reflecting a range of performance in the criteria mentioned above. Here are some insights:

• Excellent Performance . Essays in this category exhibit a deep understanding of knowledge issues, sophisticated analysis, and clear, coherent organization. They effectively incorporate multiple perspectives and are enriched with well-integrated examples.
• Good Performance . These essays demonstrate a good understanding and analysis of knowledge issues, though they may lack the depth or coherence of the top-tier essays. The organization is solid, and examples are used effectively, though perhaps with less sophistication.
• Satisfactory Performance . Here, essays adequately understand the knowledge issues but may struggle with in-depth analysis or coherent organization. Using examples and considering different perspectives is present but not fully developed.
• Basic Performance . Essays in this range have a basic grasp of the knowledge issues but significant weaknesses in analysis, organization, and examples. They may overlook essential perspectives or implications.

From my experience, the key to excelling under these grading criteria lies in understanding what each criterion asks for and integrating these elements into a cohesive, compelling narrative. Crafting your essay with an awareness of these grading nuances can elevate your work from satisfactory to exceptional.

Passing Grade for the Theory of Knowledge Essay

The TOK essay and the TOK presentation form part of the core of the IB Diploma Programme, and students must pass both components to receive their diploma. The TOK essay and presentation are graded on a letter scale of A (excellent) to E (elementary), with D considered a passing grade. However, it’s important to remember that the final TOK grade is combined with the Extended Essay grade, which can significantly impact your overall diploma points.

You generally need to avoid receiving an E grade to pass the TOK component. The combined points for TOK and the EE can contribute up to 3 bonus points towards your diploma, depending on their combined quality. Scores are determined by a matrix that the IB updates periodically, so aiming for the highest possible grades in TOK and EE is crucial to maximizing your diploma points.

Remember, the specific criteria for passing can vary slightly with changes to the IB curriculum and assessment guides, so it’s always a good idea to consult the latest materials or speak with your TOK teacher for the most current information.

In summary, passing the TOK essay requires a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge issues, a critical and reflective approach to the essay question, and a commitment to articulate your thoughts clearly and coherently.

So, mastering the IB TOK essay rubric and grading criteria is a worthwhile path. It’s not just about securing high marks; it’s about developing a nuanced understanding of knowledge. As you prepare to tackle your TOK essay, carry with you the insights and strategies shared.

So, start early, seek feedback, and let your understanding of the rubric infuse every paragraph of your essay. With the right approach, the TOK essay expands your horizons of learning. Good luck, and remember, our experts are always by your side and can  help you with the TOK essay .

Valerie Green

Valerie Green is a dedicated educator who spends her time helping high school and college students succeed. She writes articles and guides for various online education projects, providing students with the tools they need to excel in their studies. Friendly and approachable, she is committed to making a difference in the lives of students.

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Failed Your Extended Essay? What to Do?

In this article, I’ll consider the immediate steps you should take after receiving an EE score that didn’t meet your expectations. We’ll discuss how to analyze feedback effectively, manage your emotions, and consider whether a retake is the right choice for you. If a retake isn’t feasible, we’ll look at alternative paths that can still lead you to diploma success.

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US IB Theory of Knowledge: TOK Exhibition

• Knowledge Framework in TOK
• TOK & The Learner Profile Attributes
• The Learner Profile Attributes Quiz
• Areas of Knowledge
• Optional Themes
• Knowledge Questions
• TOK Exhibition
• TOK Exhibition Prompts
• TOK Exhibition Rubric
• Ways of Knowing (Pre 2022)
• Recommended Reading
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Exhibition Explained (New for the Class of 2022)

Your TOK exhibition is worth 35% of the grade. It is assessed internally, that is by your own teachers, but moderated externally by IB examiners. The “exhibition”, understood as both a noun and a verb, aims to assess how you can apply TOK concepts to the real world by requiring that you bring to presence, bring out of “hiding” and to “hold out”, ex-hibit, evidence of your ability to discourse on the subject matter that you have been studying and questioning in the course. Your discussion requires that you use representational thinking (thinking in images) and inductive reasoning to move from the particular images or objects you have chosen, establish their relation to one another through analogy or metaphor, and then proceed to the general principles and key concepts contained in the prompt that you have chosen to demonstrate your knowledge of those principles and concepts. Your first step is to ensure that you understand what principles and key concepts are involved in the prompt you have chosen.

Your Exhibition is a rendering that is handed over to others i.e. it is public. You have to complete the exhibition individually (no more groups) and make sure no one in your TOK class or school uses the same objects or images in their exhibition. In short, your TOK exhibition is a “holding forth” by you demonstrating how you understand some of the key TOK terms and how you are able to apply them to the “real world”. You are required to choose one prompt from the list below, and it must be exactly from this list and you cannot change the wording. You will then find three objects or images of objects that relate to this prompt and develop your interpretation accordingly.

It is very important that your exhibition is based on one of the prescribed prompts. If not, you will get a 0. You also create a document with the title of your IA prompt, images of the three objects, and you will also provide a commentary on each object that identifies each object and its specific real-world context. The comment should also justify the inclusion of the object in the exhibition and explain its links to the IA prompt (i.e. why these three objects or images from an almost infinite possibility?). Finally, you should also include appropriate citations and references. Perhaps the greatest challenge you will face is that the total word count for this document is 950 words (excluding references).

The purpose for this writing on these prompts is to provoke thought regarding our understanding of what the key concepts contained in the prompts might mean. Our interpretations of things may be complex requiring very specialized language from various areas of knowledge or it may be simple and be provided by what we might call “sound common sense”. It may be useful to you to determine which prompts belong to the same sub-group in terms of their main theme. Whatever prompt you choose, it is important for you to develop your arguments so that they are clear to your listeners and readers. In your analysis of your chosen prompt, you need to determine whether or not it is a “first-order question” and therefore a description or explanation, or whether or not it is a “second order question” and therefore involves the nature of knowledge, the type of knowledge involved, and how we know. The intention of this writing is to provoke thought on your part so that you are mindful of your choices and, hopefully, gain greater knowledge of who you are so that you will be able to make more aware judgements in the future about academic and ethical questions.

PROMPTS Each of the prompts are discussed in detail on the mytok blog.  Chick HERE to see all thirty-five prompts.

The TOK Exhibition

TOK Exhibition Video Explanation

The TOK Exhibition: practical details

Below we outline the practical details of the exhibition. We go into more detail about these aspects on the different pages for the TOK exhibition; follow the links to take you to them. Your teacher will obviously go through all of these points, particularly on the process of assessing your final exhibition.   • The TOK exhibition is an individual task • It represents one third of the overall mark for TOK   It is assessed internally, with a selection of exhibition files from each year group sent off to be moderated by the IB • You choose one  IA prompt  to explore, from a list of 35 options. These remain the same for every exam session • Three  objects  are also selected for the exhibition • The aim of the exhibition is to demonstrate the relationship between the objects and the IA prompt in a 950-word  commentary • There is a  single criterion for marking , and three characteristics of an excellent essay (convincing, precise, and lucid) • The context of the exhibition should be based on the  core theme , or one of the  optional themes • 8 hours of teaching/planning/writing is required for the exhibition task • Ideally, your exhibition should form the basis of a  public event , to showcase TOK to the rest of the learning community • The exhibition is done at the end of the first year of the DP

(https://theoryofknowledge.net/tok-exhibition/) 

Frequently Asked Questions about the TOK Exhibition

How is the TOK exhibition marked?   The exhibition commentary, and images of the three objects (along with references) is added to an exhibition file. This is marked internally by your TOK teacher, and uploaded to your IB dashboard, to be moderated externally. Your TOK teacher will explain this process in more detail.   Where can I find out more about TOK exhibition rubric?   Read our guidance on the rubric for the exhibition  here . You can read the official rubric in the TOK subject guide, on page 47. Your TOK teacher will give you a copy of this.   What are the IA prompts for the TOK exhibition, and how to I choose one?   This page  discusses the IA prompts. Your choice of a prompt should be driven by what you find interesting and engaging, and align to the experiences you’ve had inside and outside the TOK classroom. It should also allow you to explore either the  core theme , or one of the  optional themes .   What do you mean by exhibition ‘objects’?   Find out more about the exhibition objects  here . These allow you both to demonstrate the way TOK manifests itself in the real world, and link your experiences as a knower to the TOK course.   How do I write my exhibition commentary?   We discuss the commentary  here . In a nutshell, the commentary relates your objects to the IA prompt you’ve chosen, and shows how TOK is relevant to both the world around us, and to you personally.

(https://theoryofknowledge.net/tok-exhibition/)

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Overview of the TOK essay and exhibition

Assessment in TOK is based on one TOK essay and one exhibition. The TOK essay is an external assessment (EA) which is marked by IB markers. IB subject teachers must authenticate an EA but they are not involved in the actual marking of it. The TOK exhibition is an internal assessment (IA). This means that the subject teacher marks it and the exhibition file and the marks are submitted to the IB for moderation.

For the essay, six prescribed titles are published by the IB for each cohort. Each student picks one of the six titles and writes a response in the form of an essay. The final TOK essay and the TOK essay Planning and Progress Form (TK/PPF) are submitted to the IB. The essay has changed a bit from the previous curriculum so be a bit cautious if you are looking at essay samples from a previous cohort.

In the exhibition, students choose one of thirty-five prompts. These prompts do not change from cohort to cohort and are listed in the TOK Subject Guide. Students also choose three objects that are the foundation of their response to the prompt and write a commentary. Students submit an exhibition file to the IB and they also exhibit their work in the school. The exhibition is marked by the teacher and marking is subject to moderation by the IB.

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JANM Announces Fall 2024 Exhibitions and Programs

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) announces its schedule of fall 2024 exhibitions and programs. Tickets are $16 ($9 for seniors and students, free for JANM Members) unless otherwise noted and will be available at janm.org/events .

Contested Histories: Preserving and Sharing a Community Collection tells the story of Japanese Americans’ resilience, ingenuity, and creativity through handmade necessities like furniture and tools to works of art they created while incarcerated in America’s concentration camps. Explore the collection that sparked national protest, decisive action, and multigenerational conversations within and beyond the Japanese American community. Contested Histories will be on view from October 19, 2024–January 5, 2025 . The exhibition is funded, in part, by a grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant Program. Additional support is provided by George and Brad Takei, the Earle K. & Katherine F. (Muto) Moore Foundation, and Richard Sakai.

Giant Robot Biennale 5 has been extended through January 5, 2025 . See work from artists Sean Chao, Felicia Chiao, Luke Chueh, Giorgiko, James Jean, Taylor Lee, Mike Shinoda, Rain Szeto, and Yoskay Yamamoto. The exhibition highlights diverse creative works celebrating the ethos of Giant Robot—a staple of Asian American alternative pop culture and an influential brand encompassing pop art, skateboard, comic book, graphic arts, and vinyl toy culture. Giant Robot Biennale 5 is presented by JANM and Eric Nakamura, founder of Giant Robot. The exhibition is sponsored by Bank of America; the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs; and Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture. The media sponsor is The Rafu Shimpo .

Upcoming dates for public programs and events are:

Saturday, August 3, 2024 Most Honorable Son with Gregg Jones 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

Gregg Jones will discuss Most Honorable Son: A Forgotten Hero’s Fight Against Fascism and Hate During World War II . The book is the first comprehensive biography of Japanese American World War II hero Ben Kuroki. It includes a foreword by Naomi Ostwald Kawamura, executive director of Densho; an introduction by William T Fujioka, chair of the JANM Board of Trustees; and an afterword by Jonathan Eig, recipient of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for his biography of Martin Luther King Jr. Most Honorable Son is available for purchase at the JANM Store.

Saturday, August 10, 2024 Natsumatsuri Family Festival 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free

Celebrate summer with cultural performances by Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko, East LA Taiko, and Cold Tofu Improv and Comedy Group; an obon lecture and community dance; a taiko workshop, a Giant Robot drawing workshop with the artist duo Giorgiko; book readings with the Los Angeles Public Library and Sachiko Goes Racing author and former pro race car driver Nadine Sachiko Hsu; a scavenger hunt; souvenir photos and more.

Natsumatsuri is sponsored by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Nissan Foundation, the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, and the Port of Long Beach. The media sponsor is The Rafu Shimpo .

Saturday, August 17, 2024 J. T. Sata Exhibition: Curator Tour with Dennis Reed and Robert Hori 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Take a tour of JANM’s exhibition, J. T. Sata: Immigrant Modernist with exhibition curator Dennis Reed and Robert Hori, associate director of Cultural Programs at the Huntington. The exhibition comprises sixty photographs by J. T. Sata, photographs of Sata’s concentration camp paintings and drawings, and family artifacts from camp. Reed will talk about Sata’s photography and legacy as well as the process of curating the exhibition. Hori will share his reflections on Sata’s work and its relationship with Japanese culture and aesthetics.

Thursday, August 22, 2024 Nikkei Uncovered IV: a poetry reading 6 p.m.–7:30 p.m. PDT (Virtual) Free and open to all; ticket required to receive Zoom link

A powerful lineup of poets from Discover Nikkei’s Nikkei Uncovered: a poetry column will come together for Discover Nikkei’s fourth annual virtual poetry reading. Hosted by traci kato-kiriyama, author of Navigating With(out) Instruments , the featured poets are Christine Kitano, Mia Ayumi Malhotra, and Matthew Mejia.

Saturday, August 24, 2024 Manzanar Baseball Project 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

During the 1940s, baseball was the national pastime of the US, including in America’s World War II concentration camps. Japanese Americans created leagues in all ten camps and the games drew huge crowds, with spectators often standing and sitting on bare dirt under the blazing sun. Baseball was a way for Japanese Americans to find a sense of normalcy, uplift their spirits, and claim a connection to American culture.

Today the Manzanar Baseball Project is rebuilding and bringing to life the diamond at Manzanar National Historic Site. Artist and Project Director Dan Kwong will be joined by Josh Morey, Bobby Umemoto, Chris Komai, and Prof. Susan Kamei in conversation about this compelling project, the rich history of Japanese Americans and baseball, and how they came to overlap in this often overlooked chapter of the nation’s history.

Saturday, August 31, 2024 Giant Robot × JANM Konbini 2 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Shop at JANM and mingle with the artists of Giant Robot once again during this art market at the Museum! Playing on the idea of the konbini or Japanese convenience store, which stocks everything from snacks to household supplies, this Art Konbini will feature art prints, zines, pins, and more! Some items from the exhibition artists, including pins and prints by Felicia Chiao and prints by Rain Szeto, are available exclusively from the JANM Store and can be purchased in advance.

Saturday, September 7, 2024 Cold Tofu, The Early Years 1981–1998 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

Denice Kumagai-Hoy and Marilyn Tokuda, will discuss their new book, Cold Tofu, The Early Years 1981-1998: The World's First Asian American Improv Comedy Group , that is filled with photographs, a timeline, and quotes from former castmates, board members, and others. Hosted by Dom Magwili, the authors and former members of Cold Tofu Improv will be joined in conversation with performers Amy Hill, Geoff Rivas, and Joey Miyashima. Cold Tofu The Early Years 1981–1998 is available for purchase at the JANM Store.

Sunday, September 8, 2024 Pioneers to Prodigy: Pioneering Asian Dancers on Film 2 p.m.–4 p.m. $20

Discover the power of dance with screenings of the documentaries Ten Times Better (2024, 30 minutes) and Michio Ito Pioneering Dancer-Choreographer (2012, 22 minutes) and a short film about the Music Center’s Spotlight Award Winner, Lex Ishimoto, followed by a Q&A with George Lee and Flower Drum Song co-star Nancy Kwan. Learn about the dancers who broke through racial discrimination and the dancers of today who are making important contributions to Asian Americans in the performing arts. Ten Times Better and Michio Ito Pioneering Dancer-Choreographer are presented by the Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy at the Japanese American National Museum and the Nikkei Women Legacy Association, Los Angeles.

Thursday, September 19, 2024 Asobi! at JANM: Paint by Numbers Flat Plants with Scout Regalia 7 p.m.–9 p.m. $10

Make a Flat Plant with Makoto Mizutani and Benjamin Luddy of Scout Regalia! Participants will create a plant using intersecting plywood pieces and easy-to-paint guidelines for the ultimate no-maintenance houseplant. Enjoy cocktails and mocktails from Wolf & Crane, beer from Brewyard Beer Company, drinks from Sanzo, and light refreshments. All guests must be over the age of 21 with valid, physical photo ID. Workshops are suitable for all skill levels and all materials and technical assistance will be provided by JANM.

Saturday, October 12, 2024 Literature of Japanese American Incarceration with Frank Abe 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

Frank Abe will discuss Literature of Japanese American Incarceration , an anthology that recovers and reframes the literature produced by former incarcerees and their descendants. From nearly seventy selections of fiction, poetry, essays, memoirs, and letters emerges a shared story of the struggle to retain personal integrity in the face of increasing dehumanization. The book is available for purchase at the JANM Store.

Friday, October 25, 2024 Giant Robot: Thirty Years of Defining Asian-American Pop Culture 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. $10

Celebrate the release of a new book that dives deep into the pop culture phenomenon of Giant Robot. Author and Giant Robot founder, Eric Nakamura, will be joined by special guests and contributors to talk about the zines, stores, exhibitions, and more that redefined what it means to be Asian American.

Saturday, November 2, 2024 Letters to Home: Art and Writing by LGBTQ+ Nikkei and Allies 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

Letters to Home: Art and Writing by LGBTQ+ Nikkei and Allies is an anthology of essays, autobiographies, poems, portraits, and performances that are silent meditations with absent loved ones. These works respond to the important role of storytelling and personal reflection that appears to play in Japanese diasporic communities often engaging the very people to whom the authors most desperately wish to speak.

Saturday and Sunday, November 9 – 10, 2024 Two Day Workshop: Shibori and Indigo Explorations 11 a.m.–4 p.m.  $135 (includes instructor’s materials fee)

Learn and enjoy all the creativity that indigo and shibori have to offer! Taught by Glennis Dolce, this workshop will explore a variety of traditional Japanese fabric dyeing techniques, including stitching, clamping, binding, pole wrapping, and yanagi (willow) shibori. This workshop is limited to fifteen participants and is open to all levels of knowledge. All tools, supplies, and materials are included with payment.

Sunday, December 1, 2024 Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist’s Perspective of the Japanese American Experience 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

The JANM Store will feature Seattle Samurai: A Cartoonist’s Perspective of the Japanese American Experience as part of the annual Museum Store Sunday. From 2012–2018, Sam Goto drew over 250 multi-paneled Seattle Tomodachi (“friend of Seattle”) comic strips for The North American Post . Design researcher and Goto’s daughter, Kelly, reflects on her father’s legacy as she brings his witty and wise perspective back to life in this collection. The book will be released on October 24, 2024. The December 1 Book Club is part of Museum Store Sunday, the annual event encouraging holiday shopping in museum stores nationwide.

Saturday and Sunday, December 7 – 8, 2024 Two Day Workshop: Shibori and Indigo Explorations 11 a.m.–4 p.m.  $135 (includes instructor’s materials fee)

About the Japanese American National Museum (JANM)

Established in 1985, JANM promotes understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American experience. Located in the historic Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles, JANM is a center for civil rights, ensuring that the hard-fought lessons of the World War II incarceration are not forgotten. A Smithsonian Affiliate and one of America’s Cultural Treasures, JANM is a hybrid institution that straddles traditional museum categories. JANM is a center for the arts as well as history. It provides a voice for Japanese Americans and a forum that enables all people to explore their own heritage and culture. Since opening to the public in 1992, JANM has presented over 100 exhibitions onsite while traveling 40 exhibits to venues such as the Smithsonian Institution and the Ellis Island Museum in the United States, and to several leading cultural museums in Japan and South America. JANM is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday–Sunday from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and on Thursday from 12 p.m.–8 p.m. JANM is free every third Thursday of the month. On all other Thursdays, JANM is free from 5 p.m.–8 p.m. For more information, visit janm.org or follow us on social media @jamuseum.  

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2024 Fall Season Schedule

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TOK exhibition commentary

TOK Home > Free TOK notes > TOK exhibition > TOK exhibition commentary

The TOK exhibition commentary

So, you understand the exhibition  rubric , you’ve selected your  IA prompt , and you’ve chosen your  objects . What happens next?   Now you have to write your TOK exhibition commentary. This is a 950-word exploration of the IA prompt, explaining why you have chosen your three objects, and demonstrating how TOK manifests itself in the real world, within the context of the core theme , or one of the optional themes .

Writing the TOK exhibition commentary

Before you begin writing your commentary, make sure that you have seen the exemplar exhibitions, that are found on ‘MyIB’ – your teacher will give you access to these. This is a fantastic way of seeing exactly what you are trying to do with you exhibition.   You’re trying to do several things simultaneously when you write the commentary. First, you’re answering the  IA prompt  that you’ve chosen from the list of 35 options. These all ask a question about the nature of knowledge, and how we use it: make sure your exhibition commentary addresses this question.   Second, you are outlining the real-world context of your  objects , and justifying why you have chosen them for your exhibition. How do your objects link to the IA prompt? How do they relate to your personal experiences? What makes them special, or original, or particularly resonant?   Third, you are showing your knowledge of the  core theme , or one of the optional themes , by referring to ideas relevant to this aspect of TOK, key thinkers that you’ve come across during the course, and real-life situations that have engaged you.   Overall, you are trying to demonstrate how TOK manifests itself in the real world. This means showing how the ideas and concepts that we encounter during the course are relevant to the way in which we lead our lives, and the society in which we exist.   Keep in mind the four different strands of the  assessment rubric : you should be prepared to discuss with your teacher how you are hitting these targets. Also consider the three characteristics of a top level exhibition: precise, lucid, and convincing. How is your exhibition all of these three things?

TOK exhibition pages

The TOK exhibition rubric

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

The TOK exhibition prompts

Find out about the IA prompts used to write your exhibition commentary, and tips on choosing the right one. Read more here .

The TOK exhibition objects

Find out what ‘exhibition objects’ are, how to choose effective ones, and linking them to a theme and prompt. Read more here .

Learn about the 950-word exhibition commentary, ways to link it to your IA prompt, and how to set it within a theme. Find out more here .

Putting on the exhibition

Get tips on how to set up a TOK exhibition, talking in public, and showing off your TOK knowledge to a public audience. Find out more here .

More support for the TOK exhibition

Make sure that your TOK teacher has given you access to all the documents and online material that support the exhibition. These include the TOK Subject Guide (for the 2022 syllabus) – where you’ll find the IA prompts, and the exhibition rubric – and the exemplar TOK exhibitions (found in ‘MyIB’, which is accessible to teachers).   Follow the links above to take you to the three different elements of the TOK exhibition; we’ve also created a page giving some tips on how to put on your exhibition if your school is running a public ‘exhibition day’ which you can visit  here . It suggests ways of presenting ideas to an audience.   If your school is a member of theoryofknowledge.net, we have designed a series of lessons on the exhibition, with three practice exhibition tasks. These will familiarize you with the IA prompts, how to select effective objects, and the assessment rubric. If you are signed into the site, you can access these lessons  here .   You can also find out our thoughts on the TOK exhibition (and the TOK essay) in several webinars that we have delivered. The main one is the TOK Assessment 2022 webinar, but we also consider this form of assessment in our free webinars on the 2022 course. You can see these webinars on  this page  of the site.

FAQs about the exhibition commentary

How long should the tok exhibition commentary be, and what happens if i go over this limit.

Your commentary should be 950 words long, not including the footnotes and references (but don’t use the trick of writing lengthy footnotes to get across ideas that you want to present in the main body of your commentary!). Examiners will stop reading after 950 words, so it’s a complete waste of time going over this limit.

How much help can I get for my TOK exhibition commentary?

You’re allowed to consult extensively with your teacher about the appropriateness of your objects, the clarity of the ideas in your commentary, and other issues, such as how relevant your ideas are to the IA prompt, the context of the commentary, etc. Your teacher may give you written comments on one draft, but they’re not allowed to edit your work. They can’t look at more than one draft.

How do I submit my TOK exhibition commentary?

Your commentary should be presented within a single file, along with images of your exhibition objects. You should also include references for ideas, and for the objects themselves. This file will then be uploaded to your IB dashboard.

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