TOK Exhibition Format and Structure (2025): Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to structure your TOK exhibition commentary, stay within the 950-word limit, and present your objects correctly.
Why Format and Structure Matter
The TOK exhibition is made up of three real-world objects, one prompt from the official list, and a written commentary. The commentary (maximum 950 words) is the only part assessed - but your score depends heavily on how clearly you structure and present your work.
IB examiners reward TOK exhibitions that are organized, coherent, and easy to follow. A strong idea with poor structure often falls flat, while a clear format makes your analysis more persuasive.
This guide breaks down the TOK exhibition format and structure step by step, so you know exactly how to lay out your commentary, manage the word count, and present your objects correctly.
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What the TOK Exhibition Includes
Every TOK exhibition is built from three required parts:
Three real-world objects – Each object must be distinct, specific, and clearly contextualized - for example, a newspaper article from a particular date, rather than just ‘a newspaper’.
One TOK prompt – Chosen from the official list of 35 prescribed prompts. Every object must be explicitly linked back to this prompt.
Written commentary (maximum 950 words) – This is the only part that is actually assessed. The commentary explains how your objects connect to the prompt and what they reveal about knowledge.
While your choice of objects matters, it’s the TOK exhibition commentary that examiners grade. A strong commentary with clear justification is the difference between an average and an excellent mark.
Need help mastering your TOK Exhibition? Whether you’re refining your commentary, choosing your objects, or preparing for final IB assessment, our experienced TOK tutors are here to guide you every step of the way.
TOK Exhibition Commentary Structure (Step-by-Step)
There’s no single “official” format for the TOK exhibition commentary. But most successful exhibitions follow a clear structure that makes it easy for examiners to see how your objects link to the prompt. Here’s a reliable layout you can use:
Suggested TOK Exhibition Commentary Structure
Paragraph 1 - Introduction (~150 words)
State the chosen TOK prompt.
Introduce your three objects briefly.
Outline how they connect to the prompt.
Mention 1-2 TOK concepts you’ll explore.
Paragraphs 2-4 - One per Object (~700 words total)
Name and briefly describe the object.
Justify why it connects to the prompt.
Analyze what the object shows about knowledge.
Apply 1–2 TOK concepts to strengthen the analysis.
Paragraph 5 - Conclusion (~100 words)
Summarize what your three objects reveal about the prompt.
Reflect briefly on what this shows about knowledge overall (without repeating).
TOK Exhibition Commentary Layout at a Glance
| Section | Content | Approx. Word Count |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Prompt, objects, TOK concepts | ~150 words |
| Object 1 | Description + link to prompt + TOK analysis | ~230 words |
| Object 2 | Description + link to prompt + TOK analysis | ~230 words |
| Object 3 | Description + link to prompt + TOK analysis | ~230 words |
| Conclusion | Overall insight + reflection | ~100 words |
| Total | Clear, focused commentary | ≤950 words |
This structure isn’t mandatory, but it gives you a strong foundation. Examiners reward a TOK Exhibition commentary that is organized, coherent, and focused on justification, not one that jumps randomly between ideas.
TOK Exhibition Word Count (950 Words): What Counts and What Doesn’t
The TOK exhibition commentary has a strict word limit of 950 words. Examiners will stop reading once you hit the limit, so clarity and conciseness matter.
Here’s what’s included in the count - and what isn’t:
| Counts Toward Word Limit | Doesn’t Count |
|---|---|
| Commentary text | Prompt text |
| Quotes | Object labels and captions |
| In-text references | Bibliography |
Important: The commentary is the only part assessed, so make every word count. If you go over 950, the examiner simply won’t read the extra words - which means your analysis could be cut off mid-argument.
IB TOK Tutor tip: Use a word counter that excludes captions and metadata to avoid mistakes.
TOK Exhibition Object Images and Format
Each TOK exhibition object must be accompanied by an image or clear representation. This is not optional - your exhibition submission is incomplete without them.
Accepted formats: Images can be embedded directly in the document or submitted as separate files, depending on your school’s instructions.
Labeling: Every image needs a title and a short description that explains what the object is and its context.
Best practice: Choose original or contextualized images. Stock or copyrighted images are rarely effective unless you adapt them and explain their relevance.
A clear image and label make your object easier for examiners to understand and connect to the prompt.
TOK Exhibition Submission Checklist
Before you hand in your TOK exhibition, make sure you can check off every item on this list. Missing even one detail can cost marks.
Prompt clearly stated at the top
Three distinct real-world objects included
One image per object, with title and description
Commentary under 950 words
TOK concepts applied accurately and in context
Clear structure and logical flow
File saved as .docx or .pdf (depending on your school’s requirements)
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Common TOK Exhibition Format Mistakes
These are the most frequent errors students make when setting up their TOK exhibition format — and how to avoid them:
No object images or labels → Invalid submission.
Fix: Every object must have an image (or representation), a title and a short description.Going over the 950-word limit → Examiners stop reading after the cap.
Fix: Aim for 900–940 words to give yourself a safe margin.Forgetting to connect objects to the prompt → Leaves your justification weak.
Fix: Add an explicit sentence linking each object back to the chosen prompt.Overly personal narrative → Risks drifting into story rather than TOK analysis.
Fix: Use personal objects if you like, but always explain what they reveal about knowledge.
TOK Exhibition Format FAQs
How long should each paragraph be?
There’s no fixed rule, but most high-scoring commentaries use around 150–200 words for the introduction, 200–250 words per object, and about 100 words for the conclusion.
Can I use bullet points or headings?
Yes. Headings are allowed if they make your structure clearer, but the commentary should still read as a continuous analysis rather than a list.
Does the commentary need a title page?
No. A title page isn’t required. Just make sure your file format and layout match your school’s submission instructions.
Is it okay to use personal objects?
Yes. Personal objects can make your exhibition stronger, as long as you clearly show how they connect to the chosen prompt and what they reveal about knowledge.
Expert Help With Your TOK Exhibition
By this point, you know the essentials of the TOK exhibition format and structure: objects, commentary, word count, and clear links to the prompt.
The final step is making sure your submission is polished and ready to score well.
At Think Smart Tutoring, we’ve helped thousands of IB students succeed in their TOK exhibitions and essays. Our tutors are IB graduates, experienced teachers, and examiners who know exactly what moderators reward.
Even if your structure feels solid, expert feedback can save you time, cut stress, and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
