Theory of Knowledge · IB SL
IB Theory of Knowledge SL — papers & markbands
The TOK essay (950 words) and exhibition commentary — knowledge questions, AOKs, and WOKs. Below are the papers you'll sit and how examiners award marks. Practise past papers, learn the markbands, then check your own answers for feedback.
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Theory of Knowledge SL chapters
15 topics · free- 1.1Knowledge and the knower (core theme)
- 1.2Knowledge and technology
- 1.3Knowledge and politics
- 1.4Knowledge and religion
- 1.5Knowledge and indigenous societies
- 2.1History as an area of knowledge
- 2.2Human sciences as an area of knowledge
- 2.3Natural sciences as an area of knowledge
- 2.4Mathematics as an area of knowledge
- 2.5The arts as an area of knowledge
- 3.1TOK essay — understanding the title
- 3.2TOK essay — argument and evidence
- 3.3TOK essay — perspectives and implications
- 4.1TOK exhibition — three objects
- 4.2TOK exhibition — commentary (950 words)
Papers in Theory of Knowledge SL
- EssaySL
Practise this paper under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
- ExhibitionSL
Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
How IB marking differs
Unlike point-based A-Level mark schemes, IB uses markbands — examiners place your answer in a level band against descriptors. Knowing the band wording is how you turn a 5 into a 7.
Check your work
Upload a photo of your answer and get structured, criteria-based feedback on where the marks are.
Get feedback →Frequently asked questions
- What papers are in IB Theory of Knowledge SL?
- IB Theory of Knowledge at SL is assessed by Essay, Exhibition, plus internal assessment. The TOK essay (950 words) and exhibition commentary — knowledge questions, AOKs, and WOKs.
- How is IB Theory of Knowledge marked?
- IB uses markbands and assessment criteria rather than point-based A-Level marking codes — examiners place your response in a level band against descriptors. Our guides show what separates the top band from the middle on each paper.
- Where can I find IB Theory of Knowledge SL past papers?
- Browse every recent Theory of Knowledge SL exam series on our IB Theory of Knowledge past-papers page, organised by session and paper, with mark-scheme guidance for each.
- Is there a free IB Theory of Knowledge course?
- Yes — MarkScheme has a free topic-by-topic IB Theory of Knowledge course with worked examples, flashcards, and criterion practice marking on every syllabus point.
Best free IB Theory of Knowledge resources
Hand-picked, fully legal and free — official IB papers plus the best teacher-made notes and solutions.