Introduction

This hub curates Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay exemplars organized by IB exam session and grade band to help you understand what high-quality work looks like and why it earns credit. It complements our TOK course guide and resources on IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and integrates with the Coursework Grader for rubric-aligned feedback.

How to use this hub effectively

Select a session (May or November) to see exemplars aligned to that cycle’s prescribed titles (PTs).
Filter by grade band (A–E) to calibrate expectations and study progression from mid-band to top-band performance.
Open an exemplar’s annotated view to see margin notes on claim quality, real-world examples (RLEs), counterclaims, and use of TOK vocabulary.
After reading, upload your draft to the Coursework Grader for instant, criterion-by-criterion suggestions, then iterate and compare again.
Use the IB Grade Calculator to model how your TOK performance interacts with EE core points.

Filters available

Filter	Options	Purpose
Session	May, November	Surfaces exemplars aligned with the corresponding prescribed titles and assessment windows.
Grade band	A, B, C, D, E	Calibrate expectations; contrast structure, argument depth, and evidence between bands.
Annotation	Annotated, Clean (no notes)	Switch between learning-focused commentary and print-ready versions for timed practice.

What top-band TOK essays typically demonstrate

Precise engagement with the prescribed title: defines key terms, sets scope, and maintains relevance throughout.
Clear, balanced argumentation: well-developed claims and counterclaims, with explicit implications and limitations.
High-quality RLEs: specific, accurately described, and evaluated for how they support or challenge knowledge claims.
Strong use of TOK concepts: appropriate vocabulary (e.g., evidence, perspective, methodology) embedded naturally.
Structural coherence: signposting, logical paragraphing, and explicit synthesis in conclusions rather than repetition. See our full syllabus-aligned overview in IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK).

Session context and sample prompts

Prescribed titles change each session. Exemplars here are tagged (e.g., “May 2026 • PT2”) so you can study how different arguments fit distinct PTs. Example from our TOK guide: “In the production of knowledge, does it matter that observation is an essential but flawed tool?” (illustrative of May 2026 coverage in our TOK page). Review how A- versus B-band essays delimit “observation,” weigh tool-flaw tradeoffs, and integrate contrasting Areas of Knowledge.

Annotation samples (what our notes highlight)

Thesis clarity and PT focus in the introduction.
Claim/counterclaim balance and avoidance of false dichotomies.
RLE specificity and evaluation quality (not just description).
Methodological analysis within Areas of Knowledge (e.g., natural sciences vs. history) and transfer across contexts.
Integrative conclusions that synthesize insights and acknowledge limitations. Annotations are designed to mirror what our Coursework Grader emphasizes in its criterion-aligned reports.

Analyze and improve your own essay

TOK Essay Feedback with IB Instrument

Get rubric-aligned TOK Essay feedback that mirrors the IB assessment instrument—no guesswork. The report includes criterion-by-criterion commentary, rubric snapshots inside the PDF, inline annotations, and prioritized next steps.

What you’ll get

IB-instrument alignment: Clear mapping of your draft to the TOK Essay assessment instrument, with markband rationale and improvement actions.
Inline annotations: Margin notes on PT focus, claims/counterclaims, RLE evaluation, and synthesis quality.
Comparison to exemplars: Side-by-side highlights that show how top-band moves differ from mid-band writing.
Draft tracking: Track progress across iterations and see which changes actually lifted your band alignment.

How it works 1) Upload your TOK Essay draft (PDF, ≤10MB) to the Coursework Grader. 2) Select “TOK Essay” and generate the report for rubric-aligned feedback. 3) Apply the suggested edits, then resubmit to measure band movement over time.

Start here: Coursework Grader (TOK Essay)
Feature depth: See free vs. premium report details in our guide: Free vs Premium IB Coursework Grading
Privacy & security: Files auto-delete within 48h and are not used to train AI. See our Trust Center and Coursework Privacy Guide.

Tip: Use this hub’s annotated Essay Exemplars first to calibrate expectations, then run your draft through “TOK Essay Feedback with IB Instrument” to close specific gaps before final submission.

Instant grading and feedback: Upload a draft to the Coursework Grader to receive rubric-calibrated comments, strand-by-strand breakdowns, and prioritized next steps. Files are processed securely with short retention; see our Trust Center and privacy controls (coursework privacy guide).
AI study support: Ask Jojo AI for targeted suggestions (e.g., strengthening counterclaims, improving RLE evaluation) and generate practice prompts.
Exemplars library: Browse additional coursework models via Coursework to understand expectations across components.

Learning outcomes and wellbeing

Our annual survey reports meaningful gains in exam technique and stress reduction when students combine exemplars with iterative feedback workflows (AI grading + revision). See highlights in the State of Learning Survey and supporting user outcomes on our Pricing & Outcomes page.

Academic integrity and appropriate use

Use exemplars to learn structure and evaluation—not to copy text or ideas. Our systems support originality with plagiarism/AI detection features described on Pricing and Coursework.
When in doubt, cite sources and maintain ethical standards consistent with school and IB policies.

FAQs

Are these official IB documents? No. RevisionDojo is independent and not endorsed by the IBO; see disclaimers throughout our site and on the TOK page.
Do you show grades or bands? Where available, exemplars are labeled with grade bands (A–E) or band-aligned commentary to aid calibration. Bands are learning guides, not guarantees.
Do you cover TOK Exhibitions? This hub focuses on essays; see the TOK page for exhibition guidance and exemplars.
How often is the hub updated? We refresh after each May/November session and add annotated variants over time.

Related tools and pages

Note: RevisionDojo was developed independently of the IBO and is not endorsed by it. For official guidance, consult your school and IB documentation.