Diploma Programme · Theory of Knowledge
TOK Essay — instant mark-band feedback
The IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay is a 1,600-word paper responding to one of six prescribed titles, scored 0–10 against official mark bands. Students must explore Areas of Knowledge, deploy examples, and sustain an argument. iBacalao scores your draft against the official TOK assessment instrument and ranks improvements by impact.
Score range
0 – 10
Word limit
1,600 words
Areas of Knowledge
5 AOKs
Prescribed titles
6 per session
TOK Essay mark bands
iBacalao scores your essay on the same 0–10 scale your examiner uses and tells you exactly which band you are in and why.
0
Not assessed
The essay does not reach the standard described by the descriptor at the 1–2 band, the essay has been submitted in a language other than the language of study, or the essay is a direct copy of source material with no original student contribution.
1–2
Rudimentary
The essay has a superficial exploration of the prescribed title. There is little or no use of areas of knowledge and/or optional themes. Little or no consideration of different perspectives is present. Examples are not used or are irrelevant. The essay demonstrates little understanding of the nature of knowledge. The essay lacks clarity and/or coherence.
3–4
Basic
The essay has a limited exploration of the prescribed title. There is a basic use of areas of knowledge and/or optional themes, but this is not clearly relevant to the prescribed title or does not demonstrate understanding. Little consideration of different perspectives is present. Examples are used sparingly or their relevance to the prescribed title is not clear. The essay demonstrates limited understanding of the nature of knowledge. The essay may lack clarity and/or coherence in places.
5–6
Satisfactory
The essay has a satisfactory exploration of the prescribed title, though this may not be fully developed. Areas of knowledge and/or optional themes are used, though not always in a way that is clearly relevant to the prescribed title. Some consideration of different perspectives is present. Examples are used, though their relevance may not always be clear. The essay demonstrates some understanding of the nature of knowledge. The essay is sometimes clear and coherent.
7–8
Good
The essay has a well-developed exploration of the prescribed title. Areas of knowledge and/or optional themes are used in a way that is relevant to the prescribed title. Different perspectives are considered. Examples are used effectively, and their relevance is mostly clear. The essay demonstrates a good understanding of the nature of knowledge and links to the core theme and/or optional themes are present. The essay is mostly clear and coherent.
9–10
Excellent
The essay has a sustained, well-developed and effective exploration of the prescribed title. Areas of knowledge and/or optional themes are used in a way that is clearly relevant to the prescribed title. Different perspectives are considered and evaluated. Examples are used consistently and effectively, and their relevance is clear. The essay demonstrates sophisticated understanding of the nature of knowledge and links to the core theme and/or optional themes are explicit and well-chosen. The essay is clear and coherent throughout.
May 2027 prescribed titles
Select your title number when checking a draft. For the exact wording and title-by-title analysis, use the dedicated May 2027 guide.
See the six May 2027 TOK essay titles →Areas of Knowledge (2022 curriculum)
iBacalao gives per-AOK commentary on every AOK you reference in your essay.
Common questions
How does iBacalao score a TOK essay?
iBacalao scores your essay 0–10 using the official TOK mark bands (first assessment 2022). It evaluates how well you explore the prescribed title, use Areas of Knowledge, consider perspectives, and deploy examples.
Can I use any of the 6 prescribed titles?
Yes. You select your title number when uploading. iBacalao tailors its feedback specifically to how well your argument addresses that title.
What does iBacalao check in a TOK essay?
Overall band score, key strengths, improvements ranked by impact, per-AOK commentary, quality of examples, handling of counterclaims and perspectives, and whether you are over the 1,600-word limit.
Does iBacalao write or rewrite my TOK essay?
No. iBacalao only gives feedback — it never generates essay text, rewrites your argument, or suggests what position to take.