IB Biology Command Terms

Distinguish

Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items

Estimate

Find an approximate value for an unknown quantity

Compare

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

Construct

Represent or develop in a graphical form

Evaluate

Assess the strengths and limitations

Discuss

Give an account of including, where possible, a range of arguments for and against the relative implications of various factors, or comparisons of alternative hypotheses

Define

Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase or physical quantity

Draw

Represent by means of pencil lines

Label

Add labels to a diagram

List

Give a sequence of names or other brief answers with no explanation

Measure

Find a value for a quantity

State

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

Annotate

Add brief notes to a diagram or graph

Apply

Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in a new situation

Calculate

Find a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working

Describe

Give a detailed account

Identify

Find an answer from a given number of possibilities

Outline

Give a brief account or summary

Analyse

Interpret data to reach conclusions

Comment

Give a judgement based on a given statement or result of a calculation

Deduce

Reach a conclusion from the information given

Derive

Manipulate a mathematical relationship(s) to give a new equation or relationship

Design

Produce a plan, stimulation or model

Determine

Find the only possible answer

Explain

Give a detailed account of causes, reasons or mechanisms

Predict

Give an expected result

Show

Give the steps in a calculation or derivation

Sketch

Represent by means of a graph showing a line and labelled but unscaled axes but with important feature (for example, intercept) clearly indicated

Solve

Obtain an answer using algebraic and/or numerical methods

Suggest

Propose a hypothesis or other possible answer