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❓ FAQs
TOK FAQs — Your Most Common Questions Answered
Clear, direct answers to the questions IB students ask most frequently.
Quick Answers
Every question here has been asked by real IB students and answered based on IB guidelines and examiner feedback.
Essay FAQs
Word limits, citations, AI policy, structure, and what happens if you go over 1,600 words.
Exhibition FAQs
Object selection, word count, IA prompt rules, and what the teacher marks you on.
Essay FAQs
Does the title count toward the 1,600-word limit?
No. The prescribed title itself is not counted. Nor is the bibliography. Only the body counts — introduction through conclusion.
What happens if my essay is over 1,600 words?
IB examiners stop reading at 1,600 words. Content beyond that is not assessed. If your conclusion exceeds the limit, it will not be read.
Do I need to cite sources in my TOK essay?
IB does not require a specific citation style, but you must acknowledge sources of quotations and specific ideas. A simple bibliography and in-text acknowledgements are sufficient.
Can I use AI tools to help write my TOK essay?
IB prohibits submitting AI-generated content as your own work. Writing entirely in your own voice, using your own examples and reasoning, is both the safest and most effective approach.
Can I use personal examples?
Yes — when used analytically. The test is not whether the example is personal but whether it raises a genuine knowledge question relevant to your title.
Exhibition FAQs
Can I use the same object twice?
No. Each of your three objects must be distinct.
Can I photograph my own object?
Yes. The IB definition of a valid object includes anything real and specific — your own photographs are entirely acceptable.
Can I choose an IA prompt from a theme my school did not teach?
Yes. All 35 IA prompts are available to all students regardless of which optional themes their school taught.
What does “moderation” mean?
After your teacher marks your exhibition, IB independently marks a sample. If the moderator's marks differ significantly, all marks from your school are adjusted accordingly.
General TOK FAQs
Can a TOK grade affect whether I get the IB Diploma?
Yes. Grade E in TOK (with any EE grade) results in failing the diploma — a “failing condition”. Submit both components on time.
Does TOK count in my subject score total?
TOK does not add to the 42-point maximum from six subjects. Instead, the TOK/EE combined performance adds 0–3 bonus points, giving a maximum possible score of 45.
What is the difference between a knowledge question and a research question?
A research question asks about specific facts. A knowledge question asks how we know, or what makes a claim count as knowledge — it applies across multiple AOKs and specific cases.
⚠️ Common Pitfall
Relying on your teacher as the only source of guidance. TOK teachers vary enormously and the IB limits how much help they can give. Supplement with IB published resources: the TOK guide, subject reports, and sample essays with commentary.
✓ Quick Checklist
- I know my essay word limit (1,600) and what is and is not included
- I understand what moderation means for my exhibition mark
- I know that Grade E in TOK is a diploma-failing condition
- I understand the difference between a knowledge question and a research question
- I have read at least one IB subject report for TOK