Mar 6, 2025 · Theory of knowledge (TOK) is assessed through an exhibition and a 1,600 word essay. It asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know. TOK is part of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) core, and is mandatory for all students.

Theory of knowledge (TOK) is a curious subject. It is curious in the sense that it questions and wonders, reflects and connects, in a spirit of inquiry. It is also curious in the other sense of the word—that it is a little odd, a little unlike the other subjects in the IB Diploma Programme.

The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) programme is central to the educational philosophy of the International Baccalaureate. It challenges students and their teachers to reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and areas of knowledge, and to consider the role which knowledge plays in a global society.

These three elements of the diagram correspond to the three major divisions of the guide which follow: Knowers and Knowing, Ways of Knowing and Areas of Knowledge. Teachers may wish to structure their TOK courses accordingly.

High scoring IB Theory of Knowledge Exhibition examples. See what past students did and make your TOK Exhibition perfect by learning from examiner commented examples!

The traditional TOK diagram indicates four Ways of Knowing. Propose the inclusion of a fifth Way of Knowing selected from intuition, memory or imagination, and examine the knowledge issues it may rise on two Areas of Knowing.

What features of knowledge have an impact on its reliability? On what grounds might we doubt a claim? What counts as good evidence for a claim?

A summary of the Ways of Knowing in TOK for all IB students worldwide. This post focuses on key definitions, advantages and limitations of all WOKs.

This resource is intended to guide the planning, teaching and assessment of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) Theory of knowledge (TOK) course. TOK teachers are the primary audience, although it is expected that teachers will also use the information in this guide to inform students and parents about the subject.

The TOK course is structured into 6 ‘Big Questions’. We’ll explore each one in the context of different areas of knowledge (AOKs), and consider how our role as knowers is influenced by the optional themes.