TOK Essay Checklist — How to Check Your Essay Against the IB Criteria (Without a Tutor)
The TOK essay is marked with a single holistic instrument out of 10 — there are no separate criteria. Examiners ask one question: does the essay provide a clear, coherent and critical exploration of the essay title? That makes rigorous self-checking possible. The limit is 1,600 words, and together with the Extended Essay the TOK grade contributes up to 3 bonus points to the Diploma.
The five bands
| Band | Marks | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 9–10 | Clear, coherent and critical throughout; specific examples do real argumentative work |
| Good | 7–8 | Focused on the title with real analysis and some evaluation of perspectives |
| Satisfactory | 5–6 | Relevant but more descriptive than critical |
| Basic | 3–4 | Loses the title; assertions instead of arguments |
| Rudimentary | 1–2 | Little connection to the title |
The checklist
- Title focus: every paragraph connects to the prescribed title as written; the title question is explicitly answered; ambiguous terms are unpacked early.
- Knowledge questions: the essay explores how knowledge is produced and tested — not just facts about a topic; two Areas of Knowledge in real depth.
- Examples: each claim has a specific, named real-world example that is analysed, not decorated.
- Counter-arguments: every major claim meets a genuine counter-claim or perspective — and gets a response.
- Coherence: a reader can state your thesis after one read; the conclusion goes beyond the introduction.
Common reasons essays stay in the 5–6 band
- Description instead of criticism — the most common ceiling
- Generic examples that could support any essay
- "Some think X, others think Y" without evaluating either
- Title drift: introduction addresses the title, body addresses the topic
Run this checklist before your teacher's feedback round so it is spent on substance. For an instant second opinion, IBLens applies the holistic instrument to your draft and shows the band range it currently sits in — free, before any payment.
Check your TOK essay against the IB criteria · TOK Essay Structure · TOK Essay Format