Mastering Your IB TOK Exhibition: Word Count Requirements and Object Selection
Introduction
The IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Exhibition is your opportunity to demonstrate understanding of TOK concepts through analysis of three objects and their relationship to a knowledge question. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the word count requirements, select appropriate objects, and structure your commentary effectively.
Your TOK Exhibition consists of three objects with accompanying commentary totaling up to 950 words. Each object should be analyzed in approximately 300 words, demonstrating how it relates to your chosen knowledge question and TOK concepts.
Understanding the Exhibition Structure
The TOK Exhibition requires thoughtful selection of objects and insightful commentary that demonstrates your understanding of knowledge and knowing.
Knowledge Question Selection
Choose from the 35 prescribed knowledge questions provided by the IB. Your chosen question should:
Connect clearly to all three of your objects
Allow for genuine TOK analysis and exploration
Enable discussion of different ways of knowing and areas of knowledge
Provide scope for personal reflection and real-world connections
Object Selection Criteria
Each object must be:
A specific, tangible item (not a general concept)
Connected to your chosen knowledge question
Accessible for detailed analysis
Capable of generating TOK discussion
Photographed by you (for physical objects) or properly sourced
Commentary Structure (950 words total)
For each object (approximately 300 words each):
Object identification: Clear description with image
Connection to knowledge question: How the object relates to your chosen question
TOK analysis: Discussion of knowledge concepts, ways of knowing, areas of knowledge
Personal reflection: Your insights and connections to real-world contexts
Conclusion (approximately 50 words)
Brief synthesis connecting all three objects to your knowledge question and TOK learning.
Use CiteCount to carefully manage the 950-word limit across your three object commentaries!
Object Categories and Examples
Everyday Objects
Personal items that reveal knowledge questions:
Smartphone apps and their algorithms
Medical prescriptions and scientific knowledge
Maps and geographical representation
Artworks and aesthetic knowledge
Digital Objects
Online content that raises knowledge questions:
Social media posts and confirmation bias
Wikipedia entries and collaborative knowledge
News articles and media representation
Online reviews and opinion formation
Historical/Cultural Objects
Items with broader significance:
Historical documents and interpretation
Scientific instruments and measurement
Religious symbols and belief systems
Mathematical proofs and logical reasoning
TOK Concepts to Explore
Ways of Knowing
Demonstrate understanding of how we acquire knowledge:
Language: How communication shapes understanding
Sense perception: Role of observation and experience
Reason: Logic, analysis, and rational thinking
Emotion: Feelings and their impact on knowledge
Intuition: Immediate understanding and insight
Faith: Belief without empirical evidence
Memory: Retention and recall of information
Imagination: Creative and hypothetical thinking
Areas of Knowledge
Connect objects to different knowledge domains:
Natural sciences and empirical investigation
Human sciences and social understanding
History and interpretation of the past
The arts and aesthetic experience
Ethics and moral reasoning
Religious knowledge systems
Indigenous knowledge systems
Mathematics and formal systems
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Choosing objects that don't clearly connect to your knowledge question
Superficial analysis without genuine TOK insight
Exceeding the word limit or uneven distribution across objects
Focusing on description rather than analysis
Failing to demonstrate personal engagement and reflection
Using inappropriate or offensive objects
Using CiteCount for Your TOK Exhibition
CiteCount is essential for managing your 950-word limit effectively. Our tool excludes citations and image captions from your count, helping you focus on TOK analysis and commentary while ensuring balanced discussion across all three objects.
Aim for approximately 300 words per object to maintain balanced analysis throughout your exhibition.
Important Reminder!
Remember to exclude the following from your word count:
Title and cover page
Knowledge question statement
Object images and captions
References and sources for images
Footnotes and endnotes
Bibliography
Object identification labels
Technical specifications of objects
Utilize CiteCount for precise word counting that automatically excludes image sources and footnotes, ensuring your focus remains on quality TOK analysis within the 950-word limit.