IB Command Terms

analyze

Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure. To identify parts and

relationships, and to interpret information to reach conclusions.

annotate

Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.

apply

Use knowledge and understanding in response to a given situation or real circumstances.

appraise

To evaluate, judge or consider text or a piece of work.

argue

Challenge or debate an issue or idea with the purpose of persuading or committing someone

else to a particular stance or action.

calculate

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

classify

Arrange or order by class or category.

comment

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

compare

Give an account of the similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations,

referring to both (all) of them throughout.

construct

Display information in a diagrammatic (drawing, chart, graph) or logical form.

contrast

Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to

both (all) of them throughout.

deduce

Reach a conclusion from the information given.

define

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

demonstrate

Prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical

application.

derive

Manipulate a mathematical relationship to give a new equation or relationship.

describe

Give a detailed account or picture of a situation, event, pattern or process.

design

Produce a plan, simulation or model.

determine

Obtain the only possible answer.

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.

distinguish

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

document

To credit sources of information used by referencing (or citing) following one recognized

referencing system. References should be included in the text and also at the end of the piece

of work in a reference list or bibliography.

estimate

Find an approximate value for an unknown quantity.

evaluate

To assess the implications and limitations; to make judgments about the ideas, works,

solutions or methods in relation to selected criteria.

examine

Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and

interrelationships of the issue.

exemplify

Represent with an example.

explain

Represent with an example.

Ex. The mitochondria is a membrane bond organelle, it is surrounded by a membrane separating it from the rest of the cell.

explore

Undertake a systematic process of discovery.

formulate

Express precisely and systematically the relevant concept(s) or argument(s).

identify

Provide an answer from a number of possibilities. Recognize and state briefly a distinguishing

factor or feature.

infer

Deduce; reason from premises to a conclusion. Listen or read beyond what has been literally

expressed.

interpret

Use knowledge and understanding to recognize trends and draw conclusions from given

information.

investigate

Observe, study, or make a detailed and systematic examination, in order to establish facts

and reach new conclusions.

justify

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

label

Add title, labels or brief explanation(s) to a diagram or graph.

list

Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.

measure

Find the value for a quality.

outline

Give a brief account or summary.

predict

Give an expected result of an upcoming action or event.

present

Offer for display, observation, examination or consideration.

prove

Use a sequence of logical steps to obtain the required result in a formal way.

recall

Recognize or identify

reflect

To think about deeply; consider.

recognize

Identify or recall particular features.

show

Give steps in a derivation or calculation.

sketch

Represent by means of a diagram or graph (labeled as appropriate). The sketch should give a

general idea of the required shape or relationship, and should include relevant features.

solve

Obtain the answer(s) using algebraic and/or numerical and/or graphical methods.

state

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

suggest

Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.

summarize

Abstract a general theme or major point(s).

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 judgment.

use

Apply knowledge or rules to put theory into practice