Choosing Your Perfect TOK Exhibition Prompt: All 35 TOK Prompts Explained
Confidently choose the right TOK prompt for you, clearly connect your objects, and easily avoid the common mistakes that hold students back.
There are 35 official TOK Exhibition prompts—but choosing yours becomes straightforward once you clearly understand what each prompt is really asking.
Below, you’ll find:
A quick, practical explanation of all 35 prompts
Easy-to-understand examples of objects you could choose
Common mistakes to avoid when connecting your objects to the prompts
What Exactly is the TOK Exhibition, and How Do You Pick the Best TOK Prompt?
The TOK Exhibition is a practical IB assessment where you explore how knowledge relates to the real world. You’ll pick one of 35 official TOK prompts, select three specific objects (real-world examples), and clearly explain how each connects to your chosen TOK prompt.
Your choice of TOK prompt directly shapes your exhibition’s clarity and depth. But don’t overthink it—here’s how to easily make the best choice for you:
Pick What Intrigues You:
Choose a TOK prompt you genuinely care about or find interesting. It makes your exhibition authentic and simpler to write.Go for Clarity:
Choose a TOK prompt you immediately understand—skip any that feel overly abstract or confusing.Start with TOK Objects:
Struggling to decide? Think of interesting, concrete objects first, then select the TOK prompt they best connect with.
Picking the right TOK prompt is simpler than it seems. Let’s jump into clearly explaining all 35 TOK prompts, so you can quickly see which fits you best.
Need a bit of extra help choosing your prompt or objects?
We're here to help.
TOK Prompt 1: "What counts as knowledge?"
What this means: Explores the criteria that define what we accept as knowledge versus mere belief or opinion.
Possible TOK Exhibition Objects: Consider objects like textbooks, scientific journals, or cultural artifacts that represent widely accepted knowledge. Reflect on why these are considered credible sources.
TOK Prompt 2: "Are some types of knowledge more useful than others?"
What this means:
Examines the practicality and applicability of different knowledge types in various contexts.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Compare objects like a medical manual, a philosophical text, and a DIY guide. Discuss how each serves different purposes and their relative usefulness.
TOK Prompt 3: "What features of knowledge have an impact on its reliability?"
What this means:
Investigates aspects that make knowledge trustworthy or questionable.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Use objects like peer-reviewed articles, eyewitness testimonies, and social media posts to discuss factors influencing reliability, such as evidence, verification, and bias.
TOK Prompt 4: "On what grounds might we doubt a claim?"
What this means:
Considers reasons and justifications for skepticism towards certain assertions.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Present objects like conspiracy theory books, debunked scientific studies, or advertisements with exaggerated claims to explore reasons for doubt.
TOK Prompt 5: "What counts as good evidence for a claim?"
What this means:
Defines what constitutes credible and convincing support for assertions.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Compare objects such as statistical data, anecdotal stories, and expert opinions to evaluate what makes evidence strong or weak.
TOK Prompt 6: "How does the way that we organize or classify knowledge affect what we know?"
What this means:
Explores how categorizing information influences our understanding and perception.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Use examples like library classification systems, educational curricula, or data organization methods to discuss their impact on knowledge accessibility and interpretation.
TOK Prompt 7: "What are the implications of having, or not having, knowledge?"
What this means:
Examines the consequences of possessing or lacking knowledge in various contexts.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Consider objects like a diploma (representing acquired knowledge) and a warning sign (indicating lack of knowledge about a danger) to discuss potential outcomes.
TOK Prompt 8: "To what extent is certainty attainable?"
What this means:
Questions how much absolute certainty is possible in our knowledge and beliefs.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Present objects like mathematical proofs (high certainty) versus weather forecasts (probabilistic) to explore varying degrees of certainty.
TOK Prompt 9: "Are some types of knowledge less open to interpretation than others?"
What this means:
Considers whether certain knowledge is more straightforward and less subjective.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Compare objects like legal documents (precise language) and abstract art (open to interpretation) to discuss interpretative variability.
TOK Prompt 10: "What challenges are raised by the dissemination and/or communication of knowledge?"
What this means:
Explores difficulties in spreading and sharing knowledge effectively.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Use objects like translation dictionaries, propaganda posters, or social media platforms to discuss challenges like language barriers, misinformation, and audience reception.
TOK Prompt 11: "Can new knowledge change established values or beliefs?"
What this means:
Investigates how fresh insights can alter long-held convictions.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Consider objects like historical documents that challenged societal norms or scientific discoveries that shifted paradigms to illustrate this dynamic.
TOK Prompt 12: "Is bias inevitable in the production of knowledge?"
What this means:
Questions whether personal or cultural biases are unavoidable when creating knowledge.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Present objects like editorial articles, research funding proposals, or cultural artifacts to discuss inherent biases in knowledge production.
TOK Prompt 13: "How can we know that current knowledge is an improvement upon past knowledge?"
What this means:
Explores criteria for judging progress in our understanding over time.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Compare objects like outdated medical equipment with modern devices to discuss advancements and their impact on knowledge quality.
TOK Prompt 14: "Does some knowledge belong only to particular communities of knowers?"
What this means:
Considers if certain knowledge is exclusive to specific groups.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Use objects like indigenous artifacts or insider jargon documents to explore knowledge unique to particular communities.
TOK Prompt 15: "What constraints are there on the pursuit of knowledge?"
What this means:
Examines limitations that hinder our quest for understanding.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Consider objects like ethical guidelines, censorship notices, or resource allocation charts to discuss barriers in knowledge pursuit.
TOK Prompt 16: "Should some knowledge not be sought on ethical grounds?"
What this means:
Questions whether certain information should remain undiscovered due to moral reasons.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Present objects like controversial research proposals or bioethical case studies to discuss the ethics of seeking specific knowledge.
TOK Prompt 17: "Why do we seek knowledge?"
What this means:
Explores the underlying motivations and driving forces behind our pursuit of understanding and information.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Consider objects like a compass (symbolizing guidance and direction), a light bulb (representing ideas and enlightenment), or a magnifying glass (indicating investigation and curiosity). Reflect on how these objects metaphorically relate to our innate desire to learn, solve problems, and make sense of the world around us.
Still feeling unsure? Let’s make it easier.
TOK Prompt 18: "Are some things unknowable?"
What this means:
Explores whether certain aspects of reality are beyond human comprehension due to cognitive limitations, lack of evidence, or inherent complexity.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Consider objects like ancient undeciphered scripts, phenomena like dark matter, or philosophical texts on consciousness to discuss the boundaries of human understanding.
TOK Prompt 19: "What counts as a good justification for a claim?"
What this means:
Examines the criteria that make supporting reasons for assertions valid and convincing.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Use objects like scientific research reports, legal case studies, or philosophical arguments to analyze what constitutes strong justification.
TOK Prompt 20: "What is the relationship between personal experience and knowledge?"
What this means:
Investigates how individual experiences contribute to or shape what we know and understand.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Present objects like personal diaries, travel souvenirs, or autobiographies to discuss how firsthand experiences inform knowledge.
TOK Prompt 21: "What is the relationship between knowledge and culture?"
What this means:
Explores how cultural contexts influence the creation, interpretation, and value of knowledge.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Use objects like cultural artifacts, traditional medicine guides, or literature to examine how knowledge is shaped by cultural backgrounds.
TOK Prompt 22: "What role do experts play in influencing our consumption or acquisition of knowledge?"
What this means:
Considers how authority figures or specialists affect what and how we learn or accept as true.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Present objects like expert testimonials, academic credentials, or media interviews with specialists to discuss the impact of expertise on knowledge.
TOK Prompt 23: "How important are material tools in the production or acquisition of knowledge?"
What this means:
Examines the significance of physical instruments or technologies in facilitating learning and discovery.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Consider objects like microscopes, musical instruments, or computers to explore their roles in generating or accessing knowledge.
TOK Prompt 24: "How might the context in which knowledge is presented influence whether it is accepted or rejected?"
What this means:
Investigates how factors like timing, location, audience, or medium affect the reception of information.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Use objects like propaganda posters, scientific publications, or news articles to analyze how presentation context influences acceptance.
TOK Prompt 25: "How can we distinguish between knowledge, belief, and opinion?"
What this means:
Explores the differences and boundaries among what we know, what we accept as true without proof, and personal viewpoints.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Present objects like religious texts, scientific journals, and editorial pieces to discuss distinctions and overlaps among knowledge, belief, and opinion.
TOK Prompt 26: "Does our knowledge depend on our interactions with other knowers?"
What this means:
Considers whether and how our understanding is shaped by communication and collaboration with others.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Use objects like collaborative research papers, social media platforms, or discussion transcripts to explore the communal aspects of knowledge formation.
TOK Prompt 27: "Does all knowledge impose ethical obligations on those
who know it?"
What this means:
Examines whether possessing certain information comes with moral responsibilities regarding its use or dissemination.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Consider objects like confidential documents, medical records, or whistleblower testimonies to discuss ethical implications tied to knowledge.
TOK Prompt 28: "To what extent is objectivity possible in the production or acquisition of knowledge?"
What this means:
Questions whether true impartiality can be achieved when creating or learning information, given human biases.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Present objects like news reports, scientific studies, or historical accounts to analyze challenges to objectivity.
TOK Prompt 29: "Who owns knowledge?"
What this means:
Investigates issues of intellectual property, cultural heritage, and the rights to control or share information.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Use objects like patents, traditional indigenous crafts, or copyrighted materials to discuss ownership and access to knowledge.
TOK Prompt 30: "What role does imagination play in producing knowledge about the world?"
What this means:
Explores how creative thinking contributes to understanding and discovering aspects of reality.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Consider objects like fictional literature, scientific models, or artistic representations to examine imagination's influence on knowledge.
TOK Prompt 31: "How can we judge when evidence is adequate?"
What this means:
Examines the standards and criteria used to determine the sufficiency and credibility of supporting information.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Present objects like research studies, courtroom evidence exhibits, or investigative journalism pieces to discuss evaluating evidence adequacy.
TOK Prompt 32: "What makes a good explanation?"
What this means:
Investigates the qualities that render an account or clarification satisfactory and effective.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Use objects like instructional manuals, scientific theories, or educational videos to analyze components of clear and comprehensive explanations.
TOK Prompt 33: "How is current knowledge shaped by its historical development?"
What this means:
Explores how past discoveries, contexts, and evolutions influence present understanding.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Consider objects like historical scientific instruments, ancient maps, or archival documents to discuss the progression of knowledge over time.
TOK Prompt 34: "In what ways do our values affect our acquisition of knowledge?"
What this means:
Examines how personal, cultural, or societal values influence the way we seek, interpret, and prioritize information.Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Use objects like a national flag (representing cultural identity), religious texts (indicating moral or spiritual values), or ethical guidelines (outlining principles of conduct). Discuss how these items shape the perspectives from which we approach new information, potentially guiding or limiting our understanding based on the values they embody.
TOK Prompt 35: "To what extent is objectivity possible in the production or acquisition of knowledge?"
What this means:
Questions the feasibility of achieving complete impartiality and neutrality when generating or obtaining knowledge.
Possible TOK Exhibition Objects:
Present objects like a camera lens (symbolizing an attempt to capture reality), a scientific journal (representing research endeavors), or a judge's gavel (indicating impartial judgment). Analyze how these objects relate to the challenges of eliminating personal biases, perspectives, or societal influences in the quest for objective understanding.
The IB doesn't want you memorizing random information—it wants you to understand how context shapes knowledge. This involves exploring how personal experiences, culture, language, technology, and even politics influence what we know.
Practically speaking, understanding these themes clearly helps you:
Quickly choose relevant examples for your essays and exhibitions.
Write more structured and focused analyses.
Achieve higher scores with less effort.
Feeling unsure where to start?
Let’s figure it out together.
Great Examples of TOK Exhibition Objects (Real-life Ideas)
Choosing good TOK objects doesn't have to be complicated. To help inspire your thinking, here are some examples of objects students have successfully used—grouped by theme for clarity:
TOK Prompt 29: "Who owns knowledge?"
Wikipedia (debating open-access knowledge vs. intellectual property rights)
Indigenous traditional medicine (issues around cultural appropriation vs. cultural preservation)
Patents on life-saving vaccines (balancing public health needs vs. corporate profits)
TOK Prompt 23: "How important are material tools in the production or acquisition of knowledge?"
A telescope (enabling astronomical discoveries and expanding human knowledge)
Smartphones (influencing daily information access and knowledge consumption)
DNA sequencing technology (transforming biological research and healthcare knowledge)
These examples show clearly defined, specific objects that directly relate to their prompts—exactly what IB examiners appreciate most.
Common TOK Exhibition Mistakes (and How to Easily Avoid Them)
Students often run into the same few problems. To avoid unnecessary stress, quickly check your objects against these common mistakes:
Objects too abstract or vague:
Instead, choose concrete, specific objects clearly connected to your prompt.Weak or unclear connections:
Clearly explain exactly how each object relates directly to your prompt.Objects too similar to each other:
Pick diverse objects to demonstrate broad, thoughtful consideration of your prompt.
You’re All Set! (But If You Need Extra Help…)
Now you're ready to confidently tackle your TOK Exhibition. If you're still unsure about your prompt or your objects—or just want a second pair of eyes—don't hesitate to reach out.
We’ve helped hundreds of students simplify their TOK Exhibition, choose the right prompt, and clearly connect their objects.
