ToK exhibition is a two-part assessment. The first part focuses on presentation. However, your teacher won’t grade the exhibit. The second part is the commentary, which is what counts towards your final grades.
In this article, we cover an overview of the commentary, the recommended word count, the ideal structure to use, and the steps to write the exhibition.
We’ve included links to examples of some of the best commentaries written by Help for Assessment. Plus, we can connect you with an IB expert writer if you need help with the exhibit.
What is ToK Exhibition Commentary?
A ToK exhibition commentary is an assessment task worth 33% of your final ToK grades. To complete the commentary, you have to choose a prompt from the prescribed titles, identify 3 objects (or images of objects) with real-world context, and use the objects to answer the selected prompt.
What’s the Structure for ToK Exhibition Commentary?
The format of the commentary features a title, introduction, objects’ description, and a conclusion.
Title
The title of your ToK exhibition commentary is the IA prompt you select from the 35 prescribed title. Write the title exactly as it appears on the prompts list, including the prompt number.
Note that the title is not part of the word count.
Introduction (30 Words)
The commentary doesn’t necessarily need an introduction. However, you can include one to frame your exploration.
In 30 words, state what you understand the prompt to mean and why it’s a good option IA prompt for the prescribed questions.
Explanation for Objects (290 Words Each)
The three objects take about a quarter of the page positioned at the center. Underneath each image should be a description of the definition of the objects and their real world context.
If you’ve picked an image you don’t use yourself, such as a tweet by a famous personality, mention its real-world context in which it exists.
Make it clear to the reader that the objects are real, you know about them, and you have actually used them to a certain capacity. Explain why, and in what way, your objects answer the prompt and show how the real-world context of the object is a good example of what you’re trying to achieve.
Lastly, ensure there’s a clear link between the IA prompt and the objects, with a clear explanation for these links.
Ensure the point you make for the first, second, and third objects are 100% unique. In other words, your explanation for one object should not be in any way similar to another. As for the length, the description for each object can be 290 words long. However, feel free to vary the word count accordingly based on your research.
Conclusion (50 Words)
The conclusion is the section where you tie everything together.
Explain what your objects show as the answer to the IA prompt. Use the same objects to show your reader (or teacher) how Theory of Knowledge manifests itself in the real world around you.
How to Write a ToK Exhibition Commentary
To write the 950-word ToK exhibition commentary:
1. Choose an IA Prompt
The first step is to choose an IA prompt from the 35 prescribed titles.
You’ll need to link the prompt to either the core theme or one of the optional themes and to the format of the course designed by your ToK teacher.
2. Identify the Three Objects
Identify three exhibition objects, which you’ll use to demonstrate how Theory of Knowledge manifests itself in the world around you within the context of the selected IA prompt.
- Refrain from choosing generic objects. Choose objects, which belong to a given place at a given time.
- Select objects unique only to you and ensure you have your personal interests attached to them.
- Don’t download images from the internet. Capture them yourself instead.
- Identify physical or digital objects, as long as they create a bridge between your commentary and the selected IA prompt.
3. Plan Your Project
According to IBO, students can’t discuss their exhibition task in groups. The exhibition is an individual task, which you have to research, plan, and write by yourself – without help from students in and outside your school.
The exception is you can hold a discussion with your teacher and get guidance from your teacher, and their advice and feedback can help you plan your project accordingly.
- Discuss the prompt you’ve selected and explain why.
- Talk about your objectives and the links you have to them as knowers.
- Mention the contexts of your exhibition.
- Explain how you intend to demonstrate the manifestation of ToK in the world around you.
4. Write Your Commentary
Write the first draft. Then, proofread and edit your commentary accordingly.
Your commentary needs to mention the three objects you picked in step two. Remember, these objects should have real-world context.
Moreover, your description should show a clear link between the object and the IA prompt. In addition to including reasonable evidence for the points you’ve made, ensure you show the justification for the inclusion of the objects in the commentary.
5. Submit Your Exhibition File
The exhibition file that you submit should include the following:
- The title, exactly as it appears on the prompt
- Objects, or images of objects
- Your commentary
- Sources, references, and citations
6. Do a ToK Exhibition Presentation
The presentation is not part of the exhibition assessment, so your teacher won’t grade you for taking part in it.
However, taking part in the presentation is a great way to promote Theory of Knowledge to your learning community.
Buy ToK Exhibition Writing Service
You can hire a commentary writer on Help for Assessment to complete your ToK exhibition task for you. We’ll help you with every part of the task, from prompt and object selection to structure and custom writing.
We charge $12.99 to $40 per page depending on the urgency of the paper. You get up to 10% discount if you’re new to Help for Assessment, and we guarantee to deliver your task on time.