Command terms for IB Sciences

Important terms for chemistry

Assessment Objective 1

The following terms are used to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts and terminology, methodologies and techniques, and for communicating scientific information

Define

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

Draw

Represent by means of a labelled, accurate diagram or graph, using a pencil.

Label

Add labels to a diagram

List

Give a sequence of answers with no explanation

Measure

Obtain a value for a quantity

State

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

Write down

Obtain the answer(s), usually by extracting information. Little or no calculation is required. Working does not need to be shown.

Assessment Objective 2

The following terms are used to apply facts, concepts and terminology, methodologies and techniques, and methods of communicating scientific information

Annotate

Add brief notes to a diagram or graph

Apply

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

Calculate

Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working

Describe

Give a detailed account

Distinguish

Make clear the difference between two or more concepts or items

Estimate

Obtain an approximate value

Formulate

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

Identify

Provide an answer from a number of possibilities

Outline

Give a brief account or summary

Plot

Mark the position of points on a diagram

Assessment Objective 3

The following terms are used to formulate, analyse and evaluate hypotheses, research questions and predictions, methodologies and techniques, primary and secondary data and scientific explanations.

Analyse

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

Comment

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

Compare

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

Compare and Contrast

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

Construct

Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form

Deduce

Reach a conclusion from the information given

Demonstrate

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

Derive

Manipulate a mathematical relationship to give a new relationship or equation

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

Evaluate

Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations

Explain

Give a detailed account including reasons or causes

Hence

Use the preceding work to obtain the required result

Hence or otherwise

It is suggested that the preceding work is used, but other methods could also receive credit

Justify

Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion

Predict

Give an expected result

Show

Give the steps in a calculation or derivation

Show that

Obtain the required result (possibly using information given) without the formality of proof. “Show that” questions do not generally need a calculator

Sketch

Represent by means of a diagram or graph(labelled 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

Suggest

Propose a solution, hypothesis, or other possible answer