Using Evidence in ToK Essays and Exhibitions: Lessons from the Examiners
One of the clearest messages from recent IB Theory of Knowledge (ToK) Subject Reports is this: strong ToK work is built on strong evidence. Whether you are writing your Essay or curating your Exhibition, the way you use examples and supporting material can make the difference between a superficial response and a top-mark submission.
This blog draws on insights from the 2023 and 2024 Subject Reports to help you refine your approach to evidence.
Part 1: Evidence in the ToK Essay
When examiners talk about “evidence” in the Essay, they usually mean examples—the real-world illustrations that bring your knowledge arguments to life. But not all examples are created equal.
1. Analyse, Don’t Just Describe
Across multiple exam sessions, examiners warn against name-dropping without analysis. Writing “Einstein proved this” or “Da Vinci did that” is not enough. You must explain:
Why the example is relevant
How it supports your claim or counterclaim
The May 2024 Subject Report puts it clearly:
“An example must help the reader gain a better or deeper understanding of the subject being discussed.”
2. Avoid Hypothetical Examples
Examiners prefer real, grounded examples over made-up scenarios.
Hypothetical: “Imagine if a scientist discovered a new element…”
Effective: “In 2016, scientists at RIKEN successfully synthesised Tennessine…”
The November 2024 report notes a decline in fictional examples, and a corresponding rise in higher-quality essays.
3. Beware of AI-Generated or Overused Examples
Examples like plate tectonics or the Vitruvian Man appear in hundreds of essays. Using them is not banned, but your analysis must be original. Examiners also caution against examples that are clearly AI-generated or formulaic.
Tip for students:
Build a personal example bank during your DP courses.
Draw on your own subjects and experiences for freshness and authenticity.
4. One Example is Rarely Enough
The May 2024 report emphasises that a single example usually cannot sustain a claim. Strong essays:
Compare multiple examples
Look for patterns or generalisations within an Area of Knowledge (AoK)
5. Tie Examples Explicitly to the Title and AoK
Examiners will not do the linking for you. A strong essay shows the chain:
Example → Claim → AoK → Prescribed Title
This connection must be visible and explicit in your writing.
Secondary Evidence and Referencing
Evidence is not just examples—it also includes expert opinion, research, and data. Here’s what recent reports say:
All sources must be acknowledged. Even paraphrased material needs an in-text reference.
Works cited lists should provide enough detail for examiners to locate the source.
Quotations must be interpreted, not just inserted.
The May 2024 Subject Report issued a strong warning:
“Referencing is often inadequate or entirely missing. This sometimes comes close to malpractice, or could be construed as such.”
If you use AI tools, IB policy requires you to declare them as part of academic integrity.
Part 2: Evidence in the ToK Exhibition
In the Exhibition, your three objects are your evidence. Examiners highlight three golden rules:
1. Choose Objects You Understand and Care About
Students who select objects connected to their studies, interests, or experiences produce deeper and more convincing commentaries.
Personal connection = authentic analysis
2. Analyse the Object, Don’t Just Describe It
Your object is not “interesting” by itself. It must reveal something about knowledge.
Ask yourself:
What does this object show us about knowledge creation or use?
How does it link to the IA prompt?
Examiners praise students who integrate ToK concepts like perspective, justification, or evidence into their commentary.
3. Avoid Generic or Overused Objects
Common choices—phones, medals, passports—often lead to repetitive or shallow analysis. If you choose a common object, make sure your perspective is fresh and analytical.
Secondary Evidence in the Exhibition
Whilst the Exhibition doesn’t explicitly talk about “secondary evidence,” the May 2024 Subject Report praises commentaries that go beyond the anecdotal. Such evidence includes:
Historical background / context of objects.
Expert commentary.
Data or supporting context.
These elements can justify why an object belongs in your exhibition and strengthen the knowledge discussion.
Final Tips from the Examiners
Whether it’s the Essay or the Exhibition, strong ToK evidence shares these traits:
Use TOK concepts meaningfully – don’t just name them, develop them.
Define key terms in your own words – avoid dictionary definitions.
Explore implications – ask “so what?” about your examples.
Master your evidence, and you’ll master your ToK Essay and Exhibition.
If you want help with your ToK Essay or ToK Exhibition contact me: Daniel@ToKToday.com
