IB Core: TOK, EE, CAS & IA
The IB core is where Diploma candidates win or lose three bonus points - and where the most stressed-out, under-supported work usually lives. These guides walk you through Theory of Knowledge (essay and exhibition), the Extended Essay (topic choice, research question, supervisor management, formatting), CAS expectations and reflections, and Internal Assessments across subjects.
We also cover the core points matrix itself, so you know exactly what combinations of TOK and EE grades earn you 1, 2, or 3 points - and which combinations risk a failing condition. If you're early in DP1, prioritise the EE topic and IA planning guides; if you're in DP2, the TOK essay walkthrough and the core points calculator are the highest-leverage reads.
Pair these with your subject guides when you start IA work - most IAs are subject-specific in execution but identical in marking principles.
Guides in this category
- TOK Essay: Word Count, Criteria, Titles and Grades - The TOK essay: 1600-word limit, six prescribed titles, the holistic 10-mark rubric, grades A-E, and how the EE core points matrix works.
- TOK May 2027 Prescribed Titles: All 6 Explained - The TOK May 2027 prescribed titles are now published. Read what each title really asks, key concepts to unpack, AOK choices, and how to pick the right one.
- TOK May 2028 Prescribed Titles: When and How to Prepare - TOK May 2028 prescribed titles haven't been released yet - expected September 2027. Here's what IB students should do now to prepare effectively.
- TOK Essay Criteria Explained: How Your Essay Is Marked - Understand the TOK essay criteria, assessment bands, and common mistakes. Learn how examiners mark your essay and how it feeds your IB diploma score.
- TOK Exhibition: The Complete Guide (2025-26) - Everything you need for the TOK exhibition: 35 prompts explained, how to choose objects, the 950-word commentary, and how it is marked out of 10.
- IB Extended Essay: The Complete Guide (2026) - The IB Extended Essay from May 2027: the 4,000-word limit, the five criteria worth 30 marks, the RPF and viva voce, supervisor rules and the TOK matrix.
- Extended Essay 2027: What Changed and What Stayed the Same - Extended essay 2027 brings a new 30-mark rubric, two research pathways and a single reflective statement. Here's exactly what changed and what didn't.
- Extended Essay Research Question: How to Write a Good One - Learn how to write a strong extended essay research question for the IB EE from 2027, with official examples, a draft checklist, and subject tips.
- Extended Essay Structure: Sections, Format and 4,000 Words - Extended essay structure explained: title page, contents, introduction, body, conclusion, and bibliography - plus word count rules for IB 2027.
- Extended Essay Reflection: Criterion E and the 500-Word RPF - Extended essay reflection explained: the 500-word statement, the three reflection sessions, the viva voce, and what Criterion E asks of you.
- Extended Essay Viva Voce: What Happens and How to Prepare - Everything IB students need to know about the extended essay viva voce - what it is, how long it lasts, what questions to expect, and how to prepare.
- IB CAS: Hours, 7 Learning Outcomes and Project Rules - What IB CAS requires: the three strands, the seven learning outcomes, what the IB actually says about hours, the CAS project, and reflections that count.
- IB Internal Assessment: Marking, Weighting, Deadlines - How IB internal assessments are marked and moderated, what each subject IA looks like, weightings, deadlines, and the academic honesty rules.
- TOK and EE Points Matrix: How IB Core Points Work - How TOK and EE grades combine in the points matrix to award 0-3 bonus points, the E-grade automatic fail rule, and the 24-point diploma pass requirements.
- TOK Grade Boundaries and EE Grade Boundaries Explained - Understand TOK grade boundaries, EE grade boundaries, the A-E scale, core points matrix, and failing conditions for the IB Diploma in one clear guide.