35 IA Prompts for TOK Exhibition — The Complete IB Guide
All 35 IA prompts for the IB TOK exhibition, each explained with 5 object examples, linked optional themes, rationales and knowledge questions — written by IB-certified examiners for the IB DP May 2026 assessment.
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What Are the 35 IA Prompts for the TOK Exhibition?
The IB TOK exhibition is a core assessment of the IB Diploma Programme, contributing one-third of the final TOK grade. At the heart of the assessment are 35 IA prompts — a fixed list of knowledge questions prescribed by the IB that every TOK student must choose from.
Each student selects exactly one of these 35 IA prompts, then curates three real-world objects that illustrate how the prompt applies in life. The IA prompt anchors the entire exhibition — it’s the lens through which every object is justified. Choosing the right prompt is the single most important decision you’ll make on this assessment.
This page lists all 35 IA prompts and links each to a dedicated guide containing 5 worked object examples, rationales, optional theme pairings and knowledge questions — written by SEV7N’s panel of 182+ IB-certified examiners.
Quick Facts
The complete fixed list from IB for all TOK exhibitions.
Each student picks 3 real-world objects tied to one IA prompt.
Combined commentary for all 3 objects (excluding references).
The exhibition is a third of the IB TOK assessment weight.
All 35 IA Prompts for TOK Exhibition
Click any IA prompt card to open a detailed guide with 5 object examples, rationales and examiner commentary. Use the filters below to browse by theme.
What counts as knowledge?
Are some types of knowledge more useful than others?
What features of knowledge have an impact on its reliability?
On what grounds might we doubt a claim?
What counts as good evidence for a claim?
How does the way we organise or classify knowledge affect what we know?
What are the implications of having, or not having, knowledge?
To what extent is certainty attainable?
Are some types of knowledge less open to interpretation than others?
What challenges are raised by the dissemination or communication of knowledge?
Can new knowledge change established values or beliefs?
Is bias inevitable in the production of knowledge?
How can we know that current knowledge is an improvement upon past knowledge?
Does some knowledge belong only to particular communities of knowers?
What constraints are there on the pursuit of knowledge?
Should some knowledge not be sought on ethical grounds?
Why do we seek knowledge?
Are some things unknowable?
What counts as a good justification for a claim?
What is the relationship between personal experience and knowledge?
What is the relationship between knowledge and culture?
What role do experts play in influencing our consumption or acquisition of knowledge?
How important are material tools in the production or acquisition of knowledge?
How might the context in which knowledge is presented influence whether it is accepted or rejected?
How can we distinguish between knowledge, belief and opinion?
Does our knowledge depend on our interactions with other knowers?
Does all knowledge impose ethical obligations on those who know it?
To what extent is objectivity possible in the production or acquisition of knowledge?
Who owns knowledge?
What role does imagination play in producing knowledge about the world?
How can we judge when evidence is adequate?
What makes a good explanation?
How is current knowledge shaped by its historical development?
In what ways do our values affect our acquisition of knowledge?
In what ways do values affect the production of knowledge?
Stuck choosing the right IA prompt from all 35 for your TOK exhibition?
Most students lose 4-6 marks because their IA prompt doesn’t fit their 3 objects or optional theme. SEV7N’s examiners fix this in a focused 60-minute 1:1 consultation — led by founder Shailey Valecha’s panel of 182+ IB examiners.
- 1:1 examiner guidance on IA prompt selection
- Rubric-based review of your 3 objects
- Rationale drafting within the 950-word limit
- Recorded session on SEV7N LMS — rewatch anytime
7 Tips to Choose TOK Exhibition Objects
From 17+ years of SEV7N’s IB TOK teaching experience — strategies that separate top-band exhibitions from average ones.
Refine objects for the IA prompt
Students need to refine their choice of TOK exhibition objects as per the IA prompt and the core-theme or optional theme. Each object must clearly serve the prompt.
Avoid broad generic connections
Broadly connecting a regular object with an IA prompt is a complete NO-NO. Forced connections are the fastest way to lose marks.
Photos of objects are acceptable
A photograph of an object is fine. Anything can be an object for the TOK exhibition as long as you can convey a real-world context for it.
Objects don’t need to connect to each other
The TOK exhibition objects must not have any connection between them. When viewed through the lens of the IA prompt and theme, their relevance must emerge independently.
Use specific — not generic — objects
The TOK exhibition objects and their use must be justified through specificity. “Your grandfather’s 1998 Britannica” beats “an encyclopedia” every time.
Pick objects of personal interest
Choosing an object of personal interest helps in framing a justification that is strong and has contributed meaningfully to the exhibition.
Avoid generic objects entirely
Do not choose generic objects. The linking between them becomes unconvincing, and it becomes difficult for students to convey their point of view to the examiner.
Your draft exhibition commentary needs an IB examiner’s eyes — not a teacher’s.
There’s a massive difference between someone who teaches TOK and someone who actually marks IB exam scripts. SEV7N’s 182+ tutors are IB-certified examiners — led by founder Shailey Valecha with 17+ years of IB experience. They know exactly what scores in the top band.
- Full rubric marking mapped to IB assessment criteria
- Line-by-line feedback on rationale strength
- Word-count optimisation within the 950-word cap
- Prompt-object alignment check before submission
online IB tutor forum
How the TOK Exhibition Is Marked
The TOK exhibition is marked out of 10 against a single holistic descriptor: “Does the exhibition successfully show how TOK manifests in the world around us?” Here’s how markbands translate to grades.
Compelling exhibition with strong links between all 3 objects, the IA prompt and real-world context. Justifications are convincing and thoughtful.
Clear exhibition with well-made links. Real-world context present but justifications could go deeper. Most SEV7N students reach this band.
Links are adequate but uneven. Some objects connect to the IA prompt better than others. Real-world context is partial.
Weak links between objects and the IA prompt. Justifications superficial. Generic rather than specific real-world context.
Objects poorly chosen. Little evidence of understanding of the IA prompt. Rationales largely descriptive rather than analytical.
Falling behind across 6 subjects + TOK + EE + CAS?
The IB workload breaks most students between DP1 and DP2. SEV7N’s 182+ IB examiners deliver live 1:1 tutoring across every IBDP subject — Sciences, Maths, Economics, Business Management, Psychology, English and more — all on one LMS.
- Expert help for Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3 & Internal Assessments
- IA topic selection, data analysis, and draft marking
- Past paper practice with examiner-style feedback
- Predicted grade improvement — most students gain 2+ points
Keep Learning With SEV7N
Every resource is written by IB-certified examiners. All free.
TOK Exhibition Guide
Complete walkthrough of the TOK exhibition assessment — format, criteria, examples.
Read guide →TOK Exhibition Sample
Full 9/10 sample exhibition with all 3 objects, rationales and annotations.
View sample →TOK Essay Titles May 2026
All 6 prescribed essay titles for May 2026 with examiner analysis.
Explore titles →100 Exhibition Object Ideas
Inspiration bank: 100 curated objects for your TOK exhibition across all 35 IA prompts.
Get ideas →How to Write a TOK Essay
Step-by-step guide to structuring, drafting and polishing your 1,600-word TOK essay.
Read now →100 Classroom Activities
Ready-made TOK classroom activities across core theme, optional themes and areas of knowledge.
Browse activities →35 IA Prompts — FAQs
How many IA prompts are there in the TOK exhibition?
Can I choose any IA prompt for my TOK exhibition?
What is the word limit for the TOK exhibition commentary?
Do I need 3 objects for each IA prompt?
Where can I find TOK exhibition object examples for each IA prompt?
Can SEV7N help me pick the right IA prompt for my TOK exhibition?
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📱 Book Free Demo Now Explore SEV7N IB TuitionsAll 35 IA Prompts — Jump Links
Find your TOK exhibition IA prompt and open the full guide with 5 object examples.
