IB TOK Essay Grader — Free AI Feedback on Theory of Knowledge

IBLens grades your IB Theory of Knowledge essay against the official IB TOK rubric and gives you criterion-by-criterion feedback in 60 seconds. Find out if your knowledge claims are developed enough, whether your counter-claims are genuinely addressed, and whether your essay actually answers the prescribed title. First analysis is free.

IB TOK Essay rubric: what examiners look for (10 marks)

• Understanding Knowledge Questions (0–5 marks): How well you identify, develop, and analyse genuine knowledge questions related to the prescribed title. IBLens checks whether your knowledge claims go beyond personal opinions and genuinely engage with epistemological questions.
• Quality of Analysis of Knowledge Questions (0–5 marks): The depth, nuance, and rigour of your analysis. IBLens checks whether you explore multiple perspectives, acknowledge limitations, and build a coherent argument rather than simply listing examples.
• Connections Across Areas of Knowledge (0–5 marks — included in newer IB frameworks): Whether you make genuine, illuminating connections across different Areas of Knowledge or Ways of Knowing. IBLens checks whether your connections are substantive or merely cosmetic.

Common TOK Essay mistakes IBLens catches

• Not answering the prescribed title: Writing a good essay on a TOK topic that does not directly engage with the specific wording of the title. Every paragraph must connect back to the prescribed title.
• Examples as evidence without analysis: Presenting examples (a historical event, a scientific discovery) without using them to build or challenge a knowledge claim. Examples must do epistemic work in your argument.
• Unaddressed counter-claims: Presenting only one side of a knowledge question. Examiners expect you to engage with perspectives that challenge your position and explain why you ultimately hold your view.
• Vague Ways of Knowing references: Mentioning "emotion" or "reason" as Ways of Knowing without explaining how they specifically function in the context of your knowledge claim.
• Personal opinion as argument: "I think mathematics is universal" is not a knowledge claim — it must be developed and tested against counter-examples and alternative perspectives.

Frequently asked questions

Is the TOK Essay grader different from the TOK Exhibition grader?

Yes — they use different rubrics. The TOK Essay is a 1,600-word written essay on a prescribed title. The TOK Exhibition involves three real-world objects linked to an IA prompt. Use the TOK Exhibition grader for exhibition commentaries.

What is the TOK Essay word limit?

1,600 words. IBLens checks your word count and will flag if you are over or significantly under.

Is the TOK Essay grader free?

Your first analysis is completely free. Additional analyses cost $4.99 each.