Is the TOK exhibition marked with criteria like the EE?

No — it is marked holistically out of 10 against one instrument, guided by the question 'does the exhibition successfully show how TOK manifests in the world around us?'

Can my three exhibition objects use different IA prompts?

No. The exhibition responds to one IA prompt and all three objects must connect to that same prompt — explicit links to it are what the top band rewards.

Do TOK exhibition objects have to be physical?

Objects need specific real-world contexts — a particular tweet, photograph or document with an identifiable origin. Specificity of context matters, not physicality.

TOK Exhibition Checklist — How to Check Your Commentary Against the IB Criteria

The TOK exhibition is marked holistically out of 10 against one question: does the exhibition successfully show how TOK manifests in the world around us? Bands: Excellent 9–10, Good 7–8, Satisfactory 5–6, Basic 3–4, Rudimentary 1–2. The top band rewards three objects with specific real-world contexts, clear and well-explained links to one selected IA prompt, strong justification of each object's contribution, and points supported by evidence with explicit references to the prompt.

The checklist

One prompt: all three objects respond to the same IA prompt, stated as worded; every section refers back to it explicitly.
Specific objects: each object has an identifiable real-world context — this photograph from this event — not a generic image; the three do different work.
Justification: for each object you argue why it belongs in an exhibition on this prompt, not just what it is.
Evidence: claims about what an object shows are supported by its context, and the TOK point is explicit.

Common 5–6 band ceilings: description instead of justification, generic objects, prompt drift, three parallel mini-essays with no single argument.

IBLens applies the holistic instrument to your commentary: band range and weakest area free, full report $4.99. Check your exhibition commentary · TOK Essay Checklist