IB TOK essay source requirements

IB TOK Essay Source Checker

TOK Essay sources should support discussion of one prescribed title through knowledge arguments, claims, counterclaims, and real examples. Sources should not replace the student's own analysis of knowledge questions.

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AI source auditor

Theory of Knowledge Essay source check

Marksy reads the links or source notes you provide, applies the selected IB assessment profile, and only stops for clarification when the score depends on it.

Profile
2Sources
3Clarify
4Score

Selected profile

Theory of Knowledge Essay

Source rules

What usually works for Theory of Knowledge Essay

Usually strong

  • Real-world examples, academic/context sources, personal or course examples, and reputable evidence used to support TOK analysis.
  • Sources that help evaluate claims about knowledge in areas of knowledge.
  • AI outputs only if acknowledged and not treated as authority.

Needs review

  • Overly detailed subject research.
  • Generic examples used by many students without personal analysis.
  • Uncited internet summaries.

Avoid or replace

  • Writing an essay about the source rather than the prescribed title.
  • AI-generated examples with invented details.
  • Long blocks of factual background.

Examples: strong, risky, weak

Strong

A concise scientific case study used to examine reliability of models under a prescribed title.

Review

A news example that needs clearer link to knowledge claims.

Weak

A whole article summary with no TOK analysis.

Where to find better Theory of Knowledge Essay sources

If your current source gets a warning, do not just add more websites. Use searches that match the assessment rule and replace weak evidence with sources that can actually carry analysis.

Replacement moves

Replace writing an essay about the source rather than the prescribed title. with real-world examples, academic/context sources, personal or course examples, and reputable evidence used to support tok analysis..

Use overly detailed subject research. only as context unless your teacher confirms they can carry evidence.

Add one source that gives direct evidence for the Essay, not just general background.

Strong places to look

Real-world examples, academic/context sources, personal or course examples, and reputable evidence used to support TOK analysis
Sources that help evaluate claims about knowledge in areas of knowledge
AI outputs only if acknowledged and not treated as authority