What is TOK?
4 min read · updated 2026-09-01
TOK (Theory of Knowledge) is the IB Diploma's philosophy-style core course: it asks how we know what we claim to know. Together with the Extended Essay and CAS, it contributes the bonus points that can push a diploma score above 42.
The two assessments
The TOK essay is written on a prescribed title released by the IB each session, roughly 1,600 words, marked externally. The TOK exhibition is an internal assessment: students choose three real-world objects and comment on how they show a concept connected to the course.
How it is graded
Essay and exhibition each receive a letter grade (A to E), and combined with the Extended Essay grades they generate up to 3 bonus diploma points. Weak TOK performance silently costs diploma points, which is why strong students do not treat it as an afterthought.
What TOK support looks like
Good TOK support is not writing the essay for the student. It is unpacking the prescribed title, building real-life example banks, structuring arguments around areas of knowledge, and reviewing drafts against the marking criteria. The thinking must remain the student's; the structure and feedback are where tutors help.
FAQs
Can tutors help with the TOK essay?＋
With structure, feedback and example-building, yes. The IB requires the work to be the student's own, so ethical tutors coach and comment rather than write.
How many bonus points can TOK earn?＋
Up to 3 combined with the Extended Essay, based on a grade matrix. For students near a university offer threshold, those points genuinely matter.
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