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Official IB TOK criteria

Read the official IB TOK essay and TOK exhibition criteria with markbands, grade descriptors, and notes. The optional AI grading prompt stays at the bottom for self-review.

Step 1 — what are you working on?

Step 2 — narrow it down

Component

Theory of Knowledge applies to all IB students regardless of subject or level — only the component matters.

Official criteria

Theory of Knowledge · All · TOK Essay

1 criterionTotal 10 marks

TOK essay

10 marks

Guiding question

Does the student provide a clear, coherent and critical exploration of the essay title?

  • 9-10

    Excellent

    The discussion has a sustained focus on the title and is linked effectively to areas of knowledge. Arguments are clear, coherent and effectively supported by specific examples. The implications of arguments are considered. There is clear awareness and evaluation of different points of view.

    Possible characteristics: Insightful, Convincing, Accomplished, Lucid

  • 7-8

    Good

    The discussion is focused on the title and is linked effectively to areas of knowledge. Arguments are clear, coherent and supported by examples. There is awareness and some evaluation of different points of view.

    Possible characteristics: Pertinent, Relevant, Analytical, Organized

  • 5-6

    Satisfactory

    The discussion is focused on the title and is developed with some links to areas of knowledge. Arguments are offered and are supported by examples. There is some awareness of different points of view.

    Possible characteristics: Acceptable, Mainstream, Adequate, Competent

  • 3-4

    Basic

    The discussion is connected to the title and makes superficial or limited links to areas of knowledge. The discussion is largely descriptive. Limited arguments are offered but they are unclear and are not supported by effective examples.

    Possible characteristics: Underdeveloped, Basic, Superficial, Limited

  • 1-2

    Rudimentary

    The discussion is weakly connected to the title. While there may be links to the areas of knowledge, any relevant points are descriptive or consist only of unsupported assertions.

    Possible characteristics: Ineffective, Descriptive, Incoherent, Formless

  • 0

    0

    The discussion does not reach the standard described by the other levels or is not a response to one of the prescribed titles for the correct examination session.

Optional: AI grading prompt

For self-review only

A copyable prompt that embeds the criteria above and asks an AI to grade the work criterion by criterion. Use it as a draft sanity check — not a substitute for teacher or examiner feedback.

Common questions

Where do the criteria come from?

The criteria are stored locally in a structured database that mirrors the official IB descriptors. The page only displays them — descriptor wording is preserved as written, with no paraphrasing.

Why pick subject, level, and component?

The criteria differ by assessment type, subject, level, and component. The selectors at the top filter the database to the criteria set that applies to your specific submission.

What is the AI grading prompt at the bottom for?

It is an optional helper. The prompt embeds the same criteria you see above and asks an AI to evaluate the work criterion by criterion. Useful for a quick self-review before teacher feedback.

Is my work sent anywhere?

No. The page only loads criteria. If you choose to use the AI prompt, you copy it manually and paste it into the AI tool of your choice — nothing leaves this page.

More IB resources

Other tools that pair well with the official criteria.

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