1. Understand the Purpose of Moderation
TOK Exhibition moderation is the IB’s way of checking if your three objects and commentaries meet the assessment criteria. The aim is to demonstrate clear links to a Knowledge Question, Ways of Knowing, and Areas of Knowledge, with strong real-world context. Learn how to fulfill these expectations in our Structuring for Success in IB TOK Essays guide.
2. Choose Objects That Meet the Rubric
Select three diverse objects that:
- Clearly tie into your Knowledge Question
- Connect with distinct Ways of Knowing and Areas of Knowledge
- Have strong real-world relevance
For object-selection strategies, see our article How the TOK Exhibition Objects Reflect Real-World Knowledge.
3. Craft Focused and Insightful Commentaries
Each commentary (400–600 words) should:
- Describe the object and its origin
- Connect it to your Knowledge Question
- Analyze it via one WOK and one AOK
- Reflect on implications or limitations
Use our Examples and Tips for Writing IB TOK Knowledge Questions guide to ensure commentary aligns tightly with TOK criteria.
4. Highlight Connections Across Your Objects
Moderators look for a cohesive theme. Clearly explain how your objects interrelate and support the same overarching Knowledge Question. You can model these cross-object links with ideas from our Step‑by‑Step Guide to Effective TOK Essay Strategies.
5. Tailor Your Exhibition Setup Responsively
Don’t just display—prepare to speak clearly:
- Use concise labels that highlight your Knowledge Question and WOK/AOK links
- Organize objects logically (chronologically, thematically, etc.)
- Have a brief spoken summary ready for moderation discussions
Our Structuring for Success guide offers presentation layout and clarity tips you can adapt here.
6. Rehearse Moderation Scenarios
Practice responding to moderator questions:
- “Why did you choose this object?”
- “How does this object connect to your TOK question?”
- “What limitations does it show?”
Our focus on How to Consider Implications in TOK Arguments and Conclusions can help you prepare thoughtful answers that demonstrate depth.
7. Prepare to Reflect on Your Role as a Knower
Moderators may ask about your perspective. Be ready to discuss how your personal background, assumptions, and biases shaped your object choices and commentary. Guidance here comes from How to Reflect on Yourself as a Knower in TOK.
8. Double-Check Rubric Alignment
Before moderation:
- Revisit your Knowledge Question: Is it clear and engaging?
- Ensure each commentary connects to at least one WOK and AOK
- Confirm linkages across objects are coherent and purposeful
Our 10‑Step Guide to Writing a Good TOK Essay supports final checks and polish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What should moderators focus on?
They assess clarity of object–knowledge links, coherence, real-world relevance, and personal reflection.
Q2: How do I defend my Knowledge Question?
Briefly explain why it matters, how your objects address it, and what insights you drew.
Q3: What’s the ideal exhibition layout?
Organize with labels highlighting object name, Knowledge Question, WOK, and AOK—make the links obvious.
Q4: How long should my spoken summary be?
Aim for 1–2 minutes each—clear, precise, and well-rehearsed.
Q5: What if I forget an answer?
Pause, think out loud—moderators appreciate honest reasoning and thoughtfulness.
Q6: Can RevisionDojo help with preparation?
Absolutely—we offer TOK exhibition checklists, rehearsal prompts, Jojo AI Q&A scenarios, and layout templates to ensure you're fully ready.
Conclusion
Moderation is your opportunity to showcase clarity, coherence, reflection, and understanding in your TOK Exhibition. With strong object selection, insightful commentary, rehearsal, and rubric awareness, you’ll approach moderation confidently.
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