IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Exhibition Grader
- Lots of students struggle to decode their Theory of Knowledge Exhibition grade and assessment.
- This is a free grading tool that breaks down the IB TOK Exhibition rubric into plain English, so you understand exactly where your three-object exhibition stands based on the single holistic assessment.
- The embedded grader makes self-evaluation faster and more accurate than manual rubric checking, so you're never left guessing.
Note
The grader works in two modes:
- Draft Mode: Quick assessment of your work-in-progress. Input your current objects and commentary and get instant feedback on areas that need more work before you finish.
- Full Mode: Complete evaluation of your finished exhibition. Input your final exhibition details and get a comprehensive grade breakdown with specific improvement suggestions.
Quick Start Checklist
- Before using the grader, ensure you have these key elements ready:
- Three Objects - Three distinct objects with specific real-world contexts clearly identified
- IA Prompt Selection - Clear selection of one IA prompt from the official IB list
- Object-Prompt Links - Clear connections between each object and the selected IA prompt
- Real-World Contexts - Specific contexts for each object rather than generic descriptions
- Strong Justification - Clear explanation of how each object contributes to the exhibition
- Evidence and References - Appropriate evidence and references to the selected IA prompt
- Word Count Management - 950 words maximum (approximately 300 words per object)
- Visual Documentation - Clear images of each object with proper identification
Rubric Breakdown
The single assessment question is: Does the exhibition successfully show how TOK manifests in the world around us?
- This single driving question underpins the entire assessment of your TOK Exhibition.
- The assessment uses five performance levels as holistic descriptors rather than separate criteria.
Mark Band | Performance Level | Evidence you must show |
---|---|---|
9-10 | Excellent | Clearly identifies three objects and their specific real-world contexts; Links between each object and selected IA prompt are clearly made and well-explained; Strong justification of particular contribution that each individual object makes to exhibition; All or nearly all points are well-supported by appropriate evidence and explicit references to selected IA prompt |
7-8 | Good | Identifies three objects and their real-world contexts; Links between each object and selected IA prompt are explained, although explanation may lack precision and clarity in parts; Justification of contribution that each individual object makes to exhibition; Many points are supported by appropriate evidence and references to selected IA prompt |
5-6 | Satisfactory | Identifies three objects, although real-world contexts of these objects may be vague or imprecisely stated; Some explanation of links between three objects and selected IA prompt; Some justification for inclusion of each object in exhibition; Some points are supported by evidence and references to selected IA prompt |
3-4 | Basic | Identifies three objects, although real-world contexts of objects may be implied rather than explicitly stated; Basic links between objects and selected IA prompt are made, but explanation of these links is unconvincing and/or unfocused; Superficial justification for inclusion of each object in exhibition; Reasons for inclusion of objects are offered, but these are not supported by appropriate evidence and/or lack relevance to selected IA prompt; Significant repetition across justifications of different objects |
1-2 | Rudimentary | Presents three objects, but real-world contexts of these objects are not stated, or the images presented may be highly generic images of types of object rather than specific real-world objects; Links between objects and selected IA prompt are made, but these are minimal, tenuous, or unclear what the student is trying to convey; Very little justification offered for inclusion of each object in exhibition; Commentary on objects is highly descriptive or consists only of unsupported assertions |
0 | No standard | Exhibition does not reach the standard described by other levels or does not use one of the IA prompts provided |
How to Interpret Your Grade from the Tool
- The embedded grader calculates your total score out of 10 marks based on the single holistic assessment.
- Here's how to interpret your results:
- 9-10 marks (Excellent): Outstanding exhibition with clear object identification, strong IA prompt connections, and well-supported justifications.
- 7-8 marks (Good): Strong exhibition with good object contexts and explained links to IA prompt.
- 5-6 marks (Satisfactory): Competent exhibition with adequate connections but may lack precision in contexts or explanations.
- 3-4 marks (Basic): Limited exhibition with basic connections and superficial justifications. Significant improvement needed.
- 1-2 marks (Rudimentary): Weak exhibition with unclear contexts and minimal connections. Major revision required.
- 0 marks: Does not meet basic standards or does not use official IA prompt.
Tip
- Your TOK Essay (10 marks) combines with TOK Exhibition (10 marks) for total TOK grade.
- It is marked out of a total of 30, with your TOK essay counted twice.
- Your final TOK grade combines with EE grade to contribute up to 3 bonus points to your total IB score.
Object Selection Tips
Effective Object Types
- Personal artifacts → Family photographs, handwritten documents, inherited items, personal creations
- Local/specific items → Newspaper clippings, museum exhibits, architectural features, community artifacts
- Contemporary examples → Social media posts, medical documents, scientific instruments, artistic works
Object Context Requirements
- Specific location → Particular place, institution, community rather than general location
- Temporal specificity → Exact dates, historical periods, specific events rather than vague timeframes
- Personal connection → Your relationship to object or access to specific context
Exhibition Structure Guide
- Object 1 Commentary (≈300 words): Object identification → Specific context → IA prompt connection → Justification → Supporting evidence
- Object 2 Commentary (≈300 words): Object identification → Specific context → Different IA prompt angle → Unique justification → Evidence support
- Object 3 Commentary (≈300 words): Object identification → Specific context → Third perspective → Complementary justification → Evidence integration
- Overall Coherence (≈50 words): Exhibition unity → Prompt exploration → Collective significance → TOK understanding demonstration
FAQs
- Can I use the same object for different prompts?
- No - each exhibition must use three different objects for one specific IA prompt.
- What makes a context 'specific'?
- Particular details about where, when, how you encountered or know about the object.
- Should all objects connect differently to the prompt?
- Yes - each object should offer unique perspective or angle on the chosen IA prompt.
- Can I use digital objects?
- Yes - specific social media posts, websites, digital documents with clear contexts.
- How detailed should object descriptions be?
- Enough detail to establish specific context but focus on analysis rather than pure description.
- What if I can't photograph my object?
- Explain circumstances and provide detailed description with alternative documentation if possible.
- Should I include personal opinions?
- Personal insights are valuable if they support analysis and connect to TOK concepts.
- How do I avoid repetition across objects?
- Plan different angles on IA prompt - various perspectives, contrasting examples, complementary aspects.
- What makes justification 'strong'?
- Clear reasoning, appropriate evidence, explicit IA prompt connections, thoughtful analysis.
- Can objects be from different time periods?
- Yes - temporal diversity can strengthen exhibition by showing knowledge evolution or persistence.
Use the Free TOK Exhibition Grader Now
- Stop guessing about your grade.
- The comprehensive grading tool evaluates your exhibition against the official holistic assessment, giving instant feedback on strengths and improvement areas.
- Input your exhibition details and get a preliminary grade calculation that helps you focus revision efforts where they matter most.
- TOK Exhibition-specific analysis helps you master the object selection and prompt connections that separate excellent from average Theory of Knowledge Exhibitions.