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Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a mandatory component of the IB Diploma Programme. In this post, we will provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of the requirements for TOK.
IB TOK Requirements
TOK is made up of two components: the TOK Essay and the TOK Exhibition.
TOK Essay
The TOK essay is an externally assessed piece of writing that accounts for 67% of the final TOK grade.
Essay Requirements
- The essay must be between 1,200 and 1,600 words.
- Each year, the IB provides six prescribed titles/prompts from which students must choose one to write their essay on.
Structure and Content
- A clear introduction, body paragraphs with well-supported arguments, and a strong conclusion are required.
- Students must incorporate real-life examples to illustrate and justify their claims and counterclaims.
- The essay must critically analyze knowledge questions using Areas of Knowledge (AOKs) as well as Ways of Knowing (WOKs).
- The essay should demonstrate independent thought, balanced perspectives, and critical evaluation of knowledge claims.
Formating Guidelines
- The title page must include the chosen prompt and word count.
- Students should number the pages in the bottom right-hand corner.
- It as advised to use font size 12 (preferably Times New Roman) and double-spacing.
- Students must include an alphabetically-ordered bibliography listing all the sources using an appropriate referencing method (Harvard, Chicago, etc.).
Deadlines & Additional Information
- The IB does not provide a specific deadline for the TOK Essay. It is up for the school to set their own internal deadline. These typically are around February/March of DP2.
- For more specific information, make sure to check out our IB TOK Essay post.
TOK Exhibition
The TOK exhibition is an internally assessed series of mini-essays. The TOK Exhibition amounts to 33% of the final TOK grade.
General Requirements
- Students write three ''mini-essays'' as part of the response to the prompt.
- Students must choose one prompt from the 35 available.
- Each ''mini-essay'' must be based on a selected object that helps answer the prompt.
- Students must not write more than 950 words.
Content and Presentation
- The exhibition must reflect how TOK concepts apply in everyday contexts, emphasizing the role of knowledge in different areas of life.
- While there is no formal oral presentation, students may be required to present their exhibition in class.
- Students must justify their choice of objects and their significance in exploring the knowledge question.
Formatting & Submission Guidelines
- Students must include a title clearly indicating the selected prompt as well as the word count.
- Students must provide images of the three objects.
- Students should reference any used sources.
Deadlines & Additional Information
- The IB does not provide a specific deadline for the TOK Exhibition. It is up for the school to set their own internal deadline. These typically are around February/March of DP2.
- For more specific information, make sure to check out our IB TOK Exhibition post.
We hope you found this post helpful. Make sure to check out our wide array of TOK Essay and TOK Exhibition exemplars. Click here for personalised feedback for the TOK Essay and TOK Exhibition.
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