Introduction
One of the most overlooked but critical aspects of IB exams is the use of command terms. Every question in your IB assessments contains command terms such as “evaluate,” “explain,” “compare,” or “discuss.” These words tell you exactly what the examiner expects in your answer.
Misinterpreting command terms is one of the fastest ways to lose marks. You might know the content perfectly but fail to answer the question in the way the IB requires. This guide explains how to use IB command terms effectively so you can maximize your exam performance.
What Are Command Terms?
Command terms are instruction words used in IB exam questions. They guide how you should structure and present your response. For example:
- “Define” means provide a precise meaning of a word, phrase, or concept.
- “Explain” means provide reasons or causes.
- “Discuss” means present a balanced argument, considering different perspectives.
Every IB subject has an official list of command terms published in the subject guide. They are consistent across subjects but may vary slightly in emphasis.
Why Command Terms Matter
Examiners grade not just your knowledge but also your ability to follow instructions. For instance:
- If you define when asked to evaluate, you will lose marks.
- If you describe when asked to analyze, you won’t show enough depth.
- If you list when asked to compare, you won’t meet the expectations.
Understanding command terms is therefore essential for aligning your answer with the IB mark scheme.
Categories of Command Terms
IB command terms typically fall into three categories:
1. Level 1: Knowledge and Comprehension
These require you to show understanding of facts or concepts. Examples include:
- Define
- List
- State
- Identify
2. Level 2: Application and Analysis
These expect you to connect knowledge to a scenario or break down information. Examples include:
- Explain
- Analyze
- Compare
- Distinguish
3. Level 3: Synthesis and Evaluation
These demand higher-order thinking and critical evaluation. Examples include:
- Evaluate
- To what extent
- Justify
- Discuss
How to Answer Command Terms Effectively
1. Define
- Provide a precise meaning, often from the syllabus glossary.
- Keep it concise — one or two sentences.
- Example: “Define momentum” → Momentum is the product of mass and velocity of an object.
2. Explain
- Go beyond definitions by giving reasons, causes, or processes.
- Use linking words like “because,” “due to,” “as a result.”
- Example: “Explain why enzymes are specific to substrates.”
3. Compare
- Identify similarities and differences.
- Use structured phrases: “Both A and B…” and “However, A differs because…”
4. Discuss
- Present multiple perspectives.
- Weigh strengths and weaknesses.
- Conclude with a judgment supported by evidence.
5. Evaluate
- Judge the significance or success of something.
- Include both positive and negative points.
- Finish with a justified conclusion.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Ignoring the command term. Writing everything you know about the topic instead of focusing on what’s asked.
- Over-answering low-level terms. Spending too much time on “define” or “list” questions that carry only a few marks.
- Undershooting higher-level terms. Giving shallow answers to “evaluate” or “discuss” questions that expect depth.
- Not structuring answers properly. For example, failing to separate similarities and differences in a “compare” question.
Tips for Mastering Command Terms
- Memorize definitions. Know exactly what each command term means.
- Practice with past papers. Identify the command term before writing the answer.
- Highlight command terms during exams. Circle or underline them so you don’t overlook them.
- Match depth to marks. A two-mark “define” should not get the same time as a 10-mark “evaluate.”
- Reflect in revision. After practicing, check if your answer actually matched the command term.
FAQs About IB Command Terms
1. How many command terms are there in IB?
Each subject has its own set, but most overlap. Typically, students encounter 15–20 key terms across the program.
2. Do examiners give partial credit if I misunderstand a command term?
Yes, but your mark will be capped because you didn’t fulfill the full expectation of the question.
3. What’s the hardest command term?
Many students find “Evaluate” and “To what extent” challenging because they require judgment, balance, and justification.
4. Can I prepare answers for command terms?
Yes. You can practice structures — for example, using pros/cons tables for “evaluate.”
5. Are command terms the same in all IB subjects?
Mostly yes, though the emphasis differs. For example, “evaluate” in Economics may focus on policies, while in Biology it may apply to theories.
Conclusion
Mastering IB command terms is one of the smartest ways to boost your exam performance. They are the examiner’s direct instructions, and following them shows not only knowledge but also exam technique.
By learning what each command term means, practicing with past papers, and structuring your answers correctly, you can secure marks that students often lose simply by misunderstanding the question.
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