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. A free preview is included; the full report is $4.99.

IB TOK Essay rubric: how it is marked (holistic, out of 10)

Since the 2022 syllabus the TOK essay is marked holistically against a single global-impression instrument, scored out of 10. There are no sub-criteria. The examiner works from one guiding question — "Does the student provide a clear, coherent and critical exploration of the essay title?" — and places your 1,600-word essay in one of five bands:

• Excellent (9–10): A clear, coherent and critical exploration of the title, sustained throughout, with convincing and well-developed points. IBLens checks whether every part of your essay advances a focused exploration of the exact title.
• Good (7–8): A focused and mostly convincing exploration, with points that are developed and supported but not fully sustained. IBLens flags where argument or support thins out.
• Satisfactory (5–6): An exploration that is on topic but only partly developed, with some points asserted rather than argued. IBLens shows which claims need evidence and analysis.
• Basic (3–4): A largely descriptive response with limited exploration of the title. IBLens highlights where you describe rather than analyse knowledge.
• Rudimentary (1–2): Little or no relevant exploration of the title; unsupported assertions. IBLens shows the gap between your draft and a genuine knowledge exploration.

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.
• Ignoring the areas of knowledge: Making broad claims about knowledge without grounding them in specific areas of knowledge (such as the natural sciences, history or mathematics), where "evidence" and "certainty" actually mean different things.
• 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?

Every essay gets a free preview (band range, weakest criterion, top risks). The full report is $4.99.