The TOK Exhibition is an internal assessment where you explore how Theory of Knowledge manifests in the real world. It is a 950-word written commentary that connects three real-world objects to one of the 35 prescribed IA prompts provided by the IB. This exhibition constitutes 33% of your final TOK grade.
The goal is to demonstrate how TOK concepts apply to real-life situations. Your work will be assessed based on how well you interlink ideas, justify your choices, use evidence, and identify real-world contexts.
A Step-by-Step Guide to a High-Scoring Exhibition
Follow this structured process to build your exhibition from the ground up.
Step 1: Choose Your IA Prompt
- Select Strategically: Browse the list of 35 prescribed prompts and choose one that genuinely interests you and sparks ideas for real-world connections.
- Break it Down: Highlight the key words in the prompt (e.g., “knowledge,” “useful,” “ethical obligations”) and brainstorm their possible meanings and interpretations. This will be the foundation of your analysis.
Step 2: Select Three Specific Objects
Your objects are the core of your exhibition. They must be specific, not generic.
- What Counts as an Object: An object can be a physical item, a digital artifact like a social media post, a photograph you took, or a historical document. The key is that it exists (or existed) in the real world, and you can provide an image of it.
- Criteria for Strong Objects
- Specific and Personal: Choose objects you have a personal connection with or have used yourself. For example, instead of “a book,” choose “my specific copy of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ with my own annotations”.
- Diverse Perspectives: Each object should provide a unique and distinct angle on the prompt. Avoid making the same point with different objects.
- Justifiable: You must be able to clearly articulate why each object is relevant to the prompt.
Step 3: Structure Your 950-Word Commentary
A clear structure is crucial for a “lucid” and “convincing” commentary. Note that introductions and conclusions are not required or recommended, as the exhibition is an exploration, not a mini-essay.
Here is a proven structure to follow, allocating approximately 317 words per object.
- Title: Simply write (or paste) your chosen IA prompt at the top of the document, in bold and centered. Include the prompt number. For example: “2. Are some types of knowledge more useful than others?”
- Object 1 (~316 words)
- Image: Place a clear, centered image of your first object (about a quarter of the page in size) with a citation. It should ideally be a photo you took yourself.
- Context and Explanation: Describe the object and, crucially, its specific real-world context. Where does it exist? How have you or others interacted with it?
- Link to the Prompt: This is the most critical part. Explicitly explain what this object suggests as an answer to the IA prompt. Justify its inclusion by showing how its unique context contributes to the discussion
- Object 2 (~317 words) & Object 3 (~317 words): Repeat the same pattern for your second and third objects, ensuring that each one makes a distinct point about the prompt
Pro-Tips for a Top-Grade Exhibition
- Focus on the Argument, Not Just the Object: The object is a tool to explore the knowledge question. Your analysis should always be in the foreground
- Avoid common pitfalls: Do not use generic, AI-generated examples – develop your own unique, personal connections to stand out
- Edit Methodically:
- Start early to allow time for reflection and revision is precise. Aim for a balanced word distribution between your three objects
- Get feedback from your teacher or peers. A fresh perspective can spot gaps in your logic or clarity is precise. Aim for a balanced word distribution between your three objects
- Cut down your word count by removing redundant phrases and ensuring your writing.
Learning the All Round Way:
Structure your TOK Exhibition around specific objects and a clear prompt to maximize your score and demonstrate real-world knowledge. If you find yourself needing more guidance, we invite you to connect with us at All Round Education Academy. Our dedicated team is here to support you in achieving your academic goals. For more information, please contact us at tuition@allround-edu.com or +852 6348 8744.