Scope: nature and limits of knowledge
Ask what the object reveals about the nature and limits of knowledge in its context.
The TOK exhibition asks you to choose three real-world objects and connect each one to a single IA prompt through a focused commentary. This guide walks you through the format, object selection criteria, prompt linking, the knowledge framework, common pitfalls, a practical timeline, evidence building, file formatting, and how to get feedback.
The TOK exhibition is an internal assessment component of the IB Diploma Programme Theory of Knowledge course. You select one IA prompt from the official list and choose three objects that each connect to that prompt. Each object must be a specific, real-world item — not a generic category — and you write a commentary explaining how each object links to the prompt. The exhibition file is submitted digitally and assessed by your teacher before moderation.
For each object, write a focused paragraph that states the knowledge claim and explains how the object illustrates it.
Use the prompt's key terms — such as "knowledge," "knower," "evidence," or "interpretation" — to anchor your analysis.
Tie the object directly to the wording of the chosen prompt so the examiner can follow the connection without guessing.
Keep the link explicit; do not leave the reader to infer how the object relates to the prompt.
Ask what the object reveals about the nature and limits of knowledge in its context.
Consider whose viewpoint the object represents and what alternatives exist.
Examine how the object was produced, validated, or used.
Reflect on responsibilities, biases, or consequences tied to the object.
Integrate scope, perspective, methods, and ethics into each object's commentary rather than treating them as separate sections.
Gather provenance details, creator intent, historical or cultural context, reception history, or data about how the object has been used or interpreted.
Contextual evidence strengthens the link between the object and the knowledge claim you are making.
Justification comes from showing how the evidence, viewed through the knowledge framework, answers the prompt.
Show how each piece of evidence supports scope, perspective, methods, or ethics in relation to the prompt.
Keep a running document of sources and notes so you can reference them accurately in the final file.
The exhibition file is a single digital document. Include a title page with your name, candidate number, school, and the chosen IA prompt. Present each object with a clear image or representation, a brief caption identifying the object, and its commentary. The total word count for all three commentaries must not exceed the limit set by the IB. Use a standard font, consistent heading style, and a recognised referencing system for any sources. Check your school's specific file format requirements (PDF is typical) and image resolution guidelines.
Supervisor meetings are built into the TOK course; use them to test object choices, review draft commentaries, and confirm prompt alignment.
Come prepared with specific questions and your success criteria to make the most of each meeting.
Additional support is available through tutoring sessions that focus on refining objects, strengthening knowledge framework integration, and polishing the final file.
Schedule these checkpoints early enough to act on feedback before the submission deadline.
You can change the prompt early in the process, but all three objects and commentaries must ultimately align with a single prompt from the official list. Changing late risks extensive rewriting.
The IB does not require objects from different areas of knowledge, but variety often helps you demonstrate a broader understanding of the prompt.
A real-world object is a specific, identifiable item — physical, digital, or conceptual — that exists independently of your exhibition. Generic categories or hypothetical examples do not qualify.
The total word limit applies to the combined commentaries for all three objects. There is no per-object word count, but balanced coverage is typical.
Aim to finalise objects by the end of October so you have November for drafting, feedback, and polishing before your school's submission deadline.
Book a consultation to review your object choices, strengthen your knowledge framework analysis, and ensure your commentary meets the IA prompt requirements.