IB DP Core: TOK, Extended Essay and CAS
Our IB DP Core course supports the three parts of the Diploma core: Theory of Knowledge (the exhibition and the prescribed-title essay), the Extended Essay (choosing a research question, planning, research and structure), and CAS (planning experiences and a project and writing reflections). Your tutor coaches your thinking and writing; the work you submit stays your own, as the IB requires. Lessons are live and one-to-one with a verified IB tutor, who uses IB-style questions and markbands, and can review the planning of your internal assessment within IB rules. Suitable for DP1 and DP2 students and May or November candidates.
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$15 – $45
per hour
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What you will learn
Learning outcomes
- Understand the structure and requirements of the IB DP Core
- Develop critical thinking and knowledge inquiry skills
- Understand key Theory of Knowledge concepts
- Analyse knowledge questions from multiple perspectives
- Construct clear and well-supported arguments
- Plan and structure the Extended Essay
- Formulate focused research questions
- Find and evaluate credible academic sources
- Apply appropriate research methods
- Develop academic writing and referencing skills
- Understand academic integrity requirements
- Plan meaningful CAS experiences
- Reflect effectively on CAS activities
- Document CAS progress and learning
- Manage long-term independent projects
- Improve research communication and reflection skills
Prerequisites
- Enrollment in or preparation for the IB Diploma Programme
- Basic academic writing skills
- Basic research skills
- Ability to read and evaluate academic information
- Basic time-management skills
- Willingness to engage in independent learning and reflection
Tags
Course structure
Syllabus(12 modules)
- What is the EE?
- What Makes a Successful EE?
- Subject-Focused EE Pathway
- Interdisciplinary EE Pathway
- Testing the Viability of Your EE idea
What is the IB Diploma core?
In short: this course gives one-to-one online tutoring for the IB Diploma core: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS. A verified IB tutor helps you understand the requirements and criteria, plan your TOK exhibition and essay, and structure your EE research, while all assessed work stays your own.
The IB Diploma core is the set of three requirements every Diploma student completes alongside six subjects: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). TOK and the EE together can earn up to 3 bonus points towards the 45-point Diploma, and CAS must be completed to receive the Diploma.
This course gives one-to-one guidance on all three from a verified IB tutor.
Official specification: IB Diploma Programme core (ibo.org). Papers and content can change, so check the current specification on the board's website.
What does each part of the core involve?
The DP core has three parts. Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE) are assessed; CAS is required for the diploma but not assessed for points.
| Part | What it involves | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| TOK exhibition | Three objects, each with a commentary, 950 words in total, linked to one of 35 IA prompts | Internal; one third of the TOK grade (10 marks) |
| TOK essay | Up to 1,600 words on one of six prescribed titles issued each session | External; two thirds of the TOK grade (10 marks) |
| Extended Essay (first assessed May 2027 under the new EE) | Up to 4,000 words, plus a Reflections and Progress Form of up to 500 words; subject-focused or interdisciplinary pathway | Criteria A–E, total 30 marks |
| CAS | Creativity, activity and service over at least 18 months, including at least one CAS project of at least a month and three formal interviews | Not assessed for points, but required for the diploma |
TOK has at least 100 teaching hours, covers five areas of knowledge (history, the human sciences, the natural sciences, the arts and mathematics) and two of five optional themes (knowledge and technology, language, politics, religion, indigenous societies). Check the current requirements on the IB website, because they can change.
How do TOK and the EE earn bonus points?
TOK and the EE are each graded A to E, and the two grades combine on the IB's matrix to give 0 to 3 bonus points. A grade E in either can stop you being awarded the Diploma, so both deserve real attention.
How to write a strong TOK essay
- Unpack the prescribed title and its key terms.
- Choose two areas of knowledge to explore.
- Develop claims and counterclaims with specific real-life examples.
- Evaluate the implications of your arguments.
- Reach a nuanced conclusion within 1,600 words.
Extended Essay support and academic integrity
Tutors help you narrow a research question, plan research, structure your argument, cite sources correctly and respond to feedback before your supervisor's final review. All support follows the IB's academic integrity policy: tutors guide and give feedback, and the essay you submit is entirely your own. See our academic integrity policy.
How do TOK and the EE combine into diploma points?
TOK and the Extended Essay together contribute up to 3 points to the diploma total, alongside up to 7 points from each of six subjects, for a maximum of 45. An E in either TOK or the EE is a failing condition, and at least 24 points are needed, among other conditions. The IB's own example:
| TOK grade | EE grade | Core points |
|---|---|---|
| B | C | 2 |
See the IB diploma passing criteria.
Where do students lose marks in the IB Diploma core?
Students most often lose marks through the habits below. Each is easy to fix with practice and feedback.
| Mark-loser | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| TOK essay off the prescribed title | Answer the exact title and its key terms |
| Exhibition objects not linked to the prompt | Explain how each object connects to the IA prompt |
| EE research question too broad | Narrow it to something answerable in 4,000 words |
| Weak reflection | Use the Reflections and Progress Form to show genuine development |
| CAS left late | Plan activities and evidence from the start |
How the lessons work
Lessons are live and one to one on video. Your tutor helps you plan, gives feedback on your ideas and drafts, and keeps you on schedule. See also IB English A: Language and Literature, IB Economics HL and our essay writing help.
IB Extended Essay tutor online: who this core course is for, prerequisites and study plan
An IB Extended Essay tutor online gives you live 1-to-1 guidance on your research question, sources and structure, alongside support for Theory of Knowledge and CAS.
This course suits Diploma Programme students working on their Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS, in any country.
Prerequisites: enrolment in or preparation for the IB Diploma, and basic research and writing skills.
Course length: 36 lessons across 12 modules.
| Stage | Topics | What you can do afterwards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Extended Essay: requirements, research question, research, writing, reflection | Plan and structure your own essay |
| 2 | CAS: requirements, learning outcomes, portfolio and reflection | Plan your CAS experiences and reflections |
| 3 | Theory of Knowledge: core theme, optional themes, areas of knowledge | Build clear knowledge arguments |
| 4 | Theory of Knowledge assessment | Plan your exhibition and essay |
Where it leads: see our IB hub, or the IB English A Language and Literature course.
IB DP Core: TOK, Extended Essay and CAS: frequently asked questions
What are the three parts of the IB core?
Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service.
How many bonus points can TOK and the EE give?
Up to 3 points, combined on the IB matrix.
How long is the TOK essay?
Up to 1,600 words on one of six prescribed titles.
What is the TOK exhibition?
An internal assessment exploring how TOK manifests in the world through three objects linked to an IA prompt.
Is CAS graded?
No, but you must complete it to receive the Diploma.
Can a tutor write my Extended Essay?
No. Tutors give guidance and feedback; the essay must be your own work under IB rules.
Can a failing grade in TOK or the EE stop my Diploma?
Yes. An E in either is a failing condition.
How much does an IB core tutor cost?
The price depends on the tutor and session length. You see the hourly rate before booking, with no subscription.
Can I study online from any country?
Yes. Lessons are online and scheduled around your time zone.
How long is the Extended Essay?
Up to 4,000 words, plus a Reflections and Progress Form of up to 500 words.
How is the new EE marked?
On criteria A to E: framework 6, knowledge and understanding 6, analysis and line of argument 6, discussion and evaluation 8, and reflection 4, a total of 30.
What are the EE pathways?
Subject-focused or interdisciplinary.
How are IB core points calculated?
Your Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay grades, each from A to E, are combined in the IB core points matrix to give 0 to 3 bonus points. Two A grades give the full 3 points. An E in either TOK or the EE is a failing condition, so the diploma cannot be awarded.
How do I choose a TOK essay title?
The IB publishes six prescribed titles for each exam session, and you must answer one of them exactly as it is worded. Choose the title whose key terms you can define clearly and explore with real examples from your subjects. Your tutor helps you compare titles, test arguments and plan the essay.
How long does CAS last?
At least 18 months, with at least one CAS project of at least a month and three formal interviews.
What is the maximum diploma score?
45 points: up to 7 from each of six subjects plus 3 core points.
Can a tutor write my EE or TOK essay?
No. Tutors explain the criteria and give feedback on your plans and drafts; the work must be your own.
Can I book a single lesson first?
Yes. You can book one session to see if the tutor suits you, with no subscription.
Can a tutor write my Extended Essay or TOK essay?
No. Your Extended Essay, TOK essay and exhibition must be your own work. A tutor helps you refine your question, find and evaluate sources, structure your argument and understand the criteria, and gives feedback in line with IB academic integrity rules. Your school supervisor stays your official guide.
Can my tutor set practice between lessons?
Yes. Tutors can set past-paper questions and go through them in the next session.
Can I get an IB Extended Essay tutor online?
Yes. You can learn with a 1-to-1 IB Extended Essay tutor online through live video lessons from any country. Your tutor helps you shape a focused research question, evaluate sources and plan your structure, and gives feedback on your drafts while the writing remains your own.
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