Overview
Search traffic for "TOK exhibition 2026" spikes every spring — and Reddit threads repeat the same questions: *Which prompt should I pick? Can I change objects? What counts as a real-world object?* The exhibition replaced the old TOK Presentation in 2022, but outdated advice still circulates.
This guide is built for the current assessment only: one prompt from the official list of 35, three objects, 950 words total (not per object), internally assessed and externally moderated.
Quick answer
For the IB Diploma Programme, > Key takeaway: Pick objects first, then the prompt they illuminate — not the prompt TikTok said was "easy."
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Prompts | Choose one of 35 fixed IA prompts — wording must not be altered |
| Objects | Three specific, real-world objects — not generic categories |
| Commentary | ~950 words total; examiners stop reading at the limit |
| Assessment | Teacher marks; IB moderates a sample |
| Link to essay | Separate component — exhibition does not replace the 1,600-word TOK essay |
Exhibition vs Presentation (ignore old resources)
Any guide mentioning RLS or presentation planning is outdated. Use [IB TOK revision hub](/blog/ib-tok-past-papers-guide) for essay + exhibition together.
| Old (pre-2022) | Current |
|---|---|
| TOK Presentation + RLS | TOK Exhibition |
| Oral in front of class | Written commentary |
| "How to choose an RLS" | How to choose objects + prompt |
The 35 prompts — how to choose
The IB provides 35 exhibition prompts in the TOK guide. They do not change between exam sessions — your advantage is interpretation, not hunting for a "new" prompt each year.
A process that works (start with objects)
- Brainstorm 8–12 candidate objects from your life, studies, or news — each must be specific (not "a book" but your copy of a particular edition with a named annotation)
- Write one sentence of real-world context per object
- Read all 35 prompts slowly — shortlist 3–5 that your objects could genuinely support
- Pick the prompt where all three object links are clearest and most distinct
Prompt families (themes to scan for)
| Theme | Example prompt angles |
|---|---|
| Knowledge & knowers | Who counts as a knower? Who owns knowledge? |
| Methods & tools | How do tools shape knowledge? What counts as evidence? |
| Perspectives | How do perspectives conflict? How is knowledge shared? |
| Ethics | Are some types of knowledge more useful than others? |
Anchor in a TOK optional theme (Knowledge and technology, Politics, Religion, Indigenous societies, etc.) if you are stuck — it narrows object choice.
Full subject overview: IB Theory of Knowledge · Free TOK course.
Choosing objects examiners accept
For the IB Diploma Programme, each object must:
| Requirement | Example ✅ | Example ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| Specific | Your school's hall pass with a dated stamp | "ID cards in general" |
| Real-world | A viral tweet screenshot with visible date/account | "Social media" |
| Personal link | Your lab notebook page from a named experiment | "Science textbooks" |
| Commentary link | Object clearly supports the exact prompt wording | Object only loosely related |
Three objects should not repeat the same point. Examiners reward diverse illustrations of the prompt — different contexts, tensions, or implications.
Can you change your prompt later?
Yes — many students improve scores by switching prompts early when objects do not fit cleanly. School internal deadlines may limit last-minute changes. Never alter the prompt wording itself — use the IA prompt exactly as listed or risk a zero under assessment rules.
Writing the 950-word commentary
For the IB Diploma Programme, structure (flexible but clear):
Introduction (~100 words)
→ State chosen prompt (exact wording)
→ One sentence on why these three objects together explore it
Object 1 (~280 words)
→ Identify object + specific context
→ Explain link to prompt (analysis, not description)
→ TOK vocabulary: perspectives, justification, implications
Object 2 (~280 words)
→ Different angle on the same prompt
Object 3 (~280 words)
→ Third distinct link; optional tension with objects 1–2
Brief conclusion (~50 words)
→ What the three objects collectively show about knowledge
What earns top bands
| Weak | Strong |
|---|---|
| Describing the object | Analysing what the object reveals about knowledge |
| Opinion without justification | Claims supported with how we know |
| Generic TOK definitions | Precise links to prompt wording |
| 300 words of object 1, rushed object 3 | Balanced depth across all three |
Examiners apply the TOK exhibition assessment instrument — same criteria whether you write 900 or 950 words. Quality beats length.
Word limit and formatting
This section covers Word limit and formatting — what IB examiners reward most often in past papers and coursework.
- 950 words maximum total — examiners are instructed to stop reading beyond the limit
- Include clear labels for each object (photo, scan, or description as your school requires)
- Cite sources for images or quotes if used
- Check whether your school wants a TK/PPF or planning form — complete it honestly
Common mistakes (from moderation patterns)
This section covers Common mistakes (from moderation patterns) — what IB examiners reward most often in past papers and coursework.
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Modified prompt wording | Copy-paste the official prompt |
| Generic objects | Name, date, context |
| Description not analysis | Ask "so what for knowledge?" after every fact |
| One object carries the exhibition | Distribute insight across three |
| Presentation-era RLS habits | Delete RLS framing entirely |
| Ignoring the 950 cap | Edit ruthlessly; shorter clear beats long vague |
Link to TOK essay and diploma points
The exhibition is internally assessed; the TOK essay (1,600 words on a prescribed title) is externally marked. Together with the Extended Essay, TOK contributes 0–3 bonus points on the 45-point diploma via the EE/TOK matrix.
Essay workflow: IB TOK past papers & essay guide. Exhibition + strong essay + strong EE = maximum core points.
Using MarkScheme for feedback
For the IB Diploma Programme, after drafting commentary:
- Self-assess against the exhibition rubric bands
- Highlight sentences that are description only — rewrite as knowledge analysis
- Submit a section for criterion-based TOK feedback before your final teacher submission
FAQ
For the IB Diploma Programme, yes — the IA prompt list is stable across sessions within the current TOK guide cycle.
Are the 35 prompts the same in May and November 2026?
Can two students in my class use the same object?
Objects should be personal to your commentary. Identical generic objects weaken authenticity — moderators notice patterns.
Do I need photos of objects?
Most schools require visual identification of each object in the exhibition file. Confirm format with your TOK teacher.
How much is the exhibition worth?
Weighting is set in the TOK guide (exhibition + essay combine for your TOK grade). Your coordinator has the exact percentage for your cohort.
Is the exhibition the same for HL and SL?
Yes — TOK is a Core requirement; HL/SL subject choices do not change exhibition rules.
What to read next
This section covers What to read next — what IB examiners reward most often in past papers and coursework.