Ahhh… TOK—the subject that turns everyday objects into philosophical dilemmas. With the TOK Exhibition looming, it’s time to dive into the challenge of linking real-world objects to deep knowledge questions.
But don’t panic! This guide will walk you through the process, from selecting the perfect objects to crafting a compelling commentary. With the right strategy, you’ll transform this assessment from a mystery into a masterpiece
What is the TOK Exhibition?
The TOK Exhibition is a 950-word exploration where you analyze three objects in relation to a selected prompt. The prompts for the exhibition remain the same each year. You can find the full list of prompts here. This assessment is marked out of 10 and contributes to one-third of your final TOK grade, making it a crucial component of your IB journey.
What are examiners looking for?
Every examination, the examiners publish a subject report outlining what students did well and where students could have improved. Here are some of the key phrases and what they want you to do
"It is important that students focus their exhibition on a reflection of the prompt and that they reduce the number of words used in identifying the object and its context."
Your TOK Exhibition should center on the argument itself, not just the objects you choose. The objects are there to support and illustrate your response to the prompt, not to become the argument. Keep your focus on the knowledge question at hand, using the objects as real-world examples to reinforce your perspective rather than overshadow it.
"Students are required to explain why a particular object is interesting or relevant for a discussion of the prompt."
Object selection is critical—don’t just pick something for the sake of it. Instead, ask yourself: How does this object support my argument? If an object doesn’t directly strengthen your exploration of the prompt, it’s not the right choice. Your exhibition should demonstrate clear, intentional links between your argument and your chosen objects.
"Students need to tie their commentaries fully to the prompt. Prompts refer to key TOK concepts, and it is expected that students reflect on the significance of those concepts on the knowledge issue indicated in the prompt." Your commentary should remain tightly focused on the prompt and its underlying TOK concepts. Strong exhibitions don’t just describe objects—they use them as tools to explore the deeper knowledge issues raised by the prompt. Keep your discussion analytical, reflective, and conceptually grounded for a truly compelling TOK Exhibition.
What does a good Exhibition look like?
Here is an annotated version of a high-scoring exhibition. I’ve included the general structure and highlighted key sections that form the backbone of a successful exhibition.
How to attack the prompt
Check out the article “Unpacking 2025 November TOK Titles: Your ultimate guide to acing IB TOK Essays” for a more in-depth analysis on how to break down prompts - the same principles apply here.
Manoj Arachige
To summarise:
- Break down the key words - what can they mean and how can we interpret them?
- Brainstorm potential ideas surrounding those key words
- Develop them into various arguments -> generate more than needed so you can select the best ones
- Then start thinking of objects to support these arguments - this should be done last to avoid the tendency to make your object the argument
The Editing Phase - How to refine effectively
Start Early
- Begin refining your work as soon as possible—this reduces deadline stress and gives you time to develop clear, well-thought-out ideas.
Get Feedback Before Submission
- Ask a friend to review your work—what makes sense to you might not be as clear to someone else. A fresh perspective can highlight gaps or inconsistencies.
- Printing out your work can help you spot errors more easily—many find it easier to edit on paper than on a screen.
Act on Feedback
- After receiving feedback on your draft, make sure you act on it—this might mean refining your analysis, reworking your objects, or even replacing one entirely.
- Don’t hesitate to ask your teacher for clarification or guidance—they want you to succeed.
Version Control
- Save new versions of your document every time you make significant changes—you may realize later that an earlier version was actually better.
- This helps track feedback if you received feedback from multiple people - so it allows you to classify and view feedback more easily.
Cutting Down Word Count
- Aim for balanced word distribution—each object should have roughly 315–320 words to ensure a well-structured exhibition.
- Remove redundant phrases and shorten overly complex sentences.
- Editing on paper can be especially useful for spotting unnecessary words and refining your analysis.
FAQs
How do I choose the right IB TOK prompt?
Choosing the right prompt can be tricky! It always hurts when you choose a prompt, write half the exhibition and realise you’ve run out of ideas.
The best way to approach choosing a prompt is to select a few prompts at the beginning. Go through the brainstorming and development phase for each prompt, and then select the prompt that you feel most confident in to proceed.
Do I need an introduction or conclusion in my commentary?
No. In fact, the examiners don’t like it, stating that the “exhibition is not a mini essay and does not require an introduction or a conclusion” (IBO, 2023). The task is an exploration of the prompt through the objects, it is not an essay
I’m so confused and lost on where to start my TOK exhibition, what do I do?
That’s ok! TOK is meant to be a confusing subject. It’s designed to test your critical thinking and evaluation skills. At any phase during the process, if you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath, take a break and return to it later on. Who knows - you might get a genius idea when you are doing homework for another subject!
Final Thoughts
The TOK Exhibition may seem daunting at first, but with careful planning, thoughtful object selection, and a clear focus on the prompt, you can create a compelling and well-structured piece. Remember to start early, seek feedback, and refine your work with intention. Every edit brings you closer to a stronger final product. Stay focused, trust your thought process, and most importantly, embrace the challenge. You’ve got this!
Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!
Written by KIS Academics Tutor for IB Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Economics, Nick Liang. Nick is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science/Masters of Data Science at the University of Melbourne and has received stellar reviews from her past KIS Academics students. You can view Nick's profile here and request him as a tutor.
