Command Terms IB

AO1—knowledge and understanding

These terms require students to learn and comprehend the meaning of information.

Describe

Give a detailed account.

Identify

Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.

List

Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.

Outline

Give a brief account or summary.

State

Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.

AO2—application and analysis

These terms require students to use their knowledge and skills to break down ideas into simpler parts and to see how the parts relate.

Analyse

Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.

Apply

Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in relation to a given problem or issue.

Comment

Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation.

Demonstrate

Make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical application

Distinguish

Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.

Explain

Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.

Suggest

Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.

AO3—synthesis and evaluation

These terms require students to rearrange component ideas into a new whole and make judgments based on evidence or a set of criteria.

Compare

Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Compare and contrast

Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Contrast

Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Discuss

Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Evaluate

Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.

Examine

Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue.

Justify

Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.

Recommend

Present an advisable course of action with appropriate supporting evidence/reason in relation to a given situation, problem or issue.

To what extent

Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.

AO4—use and application of appropriate skills

These terms require students to demonstrate the selection and use of subject-specific skills and techniques.

Annotate

Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.

Calculate

Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working.

Complete

Add missing information/data.

Construct

Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form.

Determine

Obtain the only possible answer.

Draw

Represent by means of a labelled, accurate diagram or graph, using a pencil. A ruler (straight edge) should be used for straight lines. Diagrams should be drawn to scale. Graphs should have points correctly plotted (if appropriate) and joined in a straight line or smooth curve.

Label

Add labels to a diagram.

Plot

Mark the position of points on a diagram.

Prepare

Put given data or information from a stimulus/source into a suitable format.