IB Biology Command Terms

These command terms indicate the depth of treatment required for a given assessment

statement. These command terms will be use in examination questions, so it is important that

you are familiar with the following definitions.

Objective 1

Define

Give the precise meaning of the word, phrase or physical quality.

Draw

Represent by means of pencil lines (always label unless told NOT to do so).

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.

Objective 2

Annotate

Add brief notes to the 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 (unless

instructed not to do so).

Describe

Give a detailed account.

Distinguish

Give the differences between two or more different items.

Estimate

Find an approximate value for an unknown quantity.

Identify

Find an answer from a given number of possibilities.

Outline

Give a brief account or summary

Objective 3

Analyse

Interpret data to reach conclusions.

Comment

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

Compare

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

referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Construct

Represent or develop in graphical form.

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, simulation or model.

Determine

Find the only possible answer.

Discuss

Give an account including, where possible, a range of arguments for and

against the relative importance of various factors, or comparisons of

alternative hypotheses.

Evaluate

Assess the implications and limitations.

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 features (for example, intercept) clearly indicated.

Solve

Obtain an answer using algebraic and/or numerical methods.

Suggest

Propose a hypothesis or other possible answer.