Introduction
When it comes to IB exams, understanding and effectively using command terms is crucial for success. These terms guide you on how to approach and answer questions, ensuring that you provide the specific type of response that examiners are looking for. Misinterpreting a command term can lead to incomplete answers, even if your content is correct.
In this article, we’ll explore how to interpret and apply IB command terms in your exam responses. By mastering these terms, you can craft responses that align with the examiners' expectations, helping you secure higher marks.
1. What Are IB Command Terms?
Understanding Command Terms
Command terms are specific words or phrases used in IB exam questions that instruct you on how to answer the question. Each subject has its own set of command terms, which are outlined in the IB syllabus. These terms include directives like "analyze," "compare," "evaluate," and "discuss," among others.
Why They Matter
Correctly interpreting command terms is essential because they determine the structure and depth of your response. For example, "describe" asks for a detailed account, while "analyze" requires breaking down the information into components and discussing relationships or underlying concepts.
2. Common IB Command Terms and How to Use Them
Analyze
When asked to analyze, you need to break down the content into its constituent parts and examine how these parts interrelate. For instance, in IB History, if you're asked to analyze the causes of a particular event, you should discuss the different factors that contributed to the event and how they are connected.
Compare and Contrast
"Compare" asks you to identify similarities, while "contrast" requires you to highlight differences. In IB Biology, for example, you might be asked to compare and contrast the structures of plant and animal cells. Your response should clearly address both similarities and differences, using specific examples.
Evaluate
To evaluate means to make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations. In subjects like IB Economics, if you're asked to evaluate the impact of a particular policy, you should discuss the policy's effectiveness, benefits, and drawbacks, providing evidence to support your points.
Discuss
"Discuss" requires a balanced consideration of different viewpoints or arguments. In IB TOK, a discussion might involve exploring different perspectives on a knowledge question, considering both supporting and opposing views, and providing evidence for each.
Describe
When a question asks you to describe, you should give a detailed account of the situation, concept, or process without the need for analysis or interpretation. In IB Geography, describing a physical feature like a river delta would involve explaining its characteristics, formation, and visual appearance.
3. Structuring Your Responses
Introduction
Start your response by addressing the command term directly. For example, if the question asks you to "analyze," begin with a brief overview that sets the stage for the deeper examination that will follow.
Body Paragraphs
Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the question, clearly addressing the command term. Use headings or topic sentences to guide the reader and ensure that your response stays on track. Support your points with evidence, examples, and, where applicable, diagrams or charts.
Conclusion
Summarize your findings or arguments, tying them back to the command term. If the term is "evaluate," your conclusion should weigh the overall strengths and limitations of the topic you’ve discussed, providing a final judgment based on your analysis.
4. Practice and Application
Past Papers
One of the best ways to get comfortable with command terms is to practice with past papers. RevisionDojo offers a wide selection of past IB exam papers, which you can use to identify and practice responding to different command terms. Review the mark schemes to see how examiners expect you to address these terms.
Peer Review
Practice answering questions with a study partner or in a study group. Exchange responses and provide feedback on how well each person has addressed the command term. This collaborative approach helps reinforce your understanding and provides new perspectives on how to approach different terms.
Use RevisionDojo’s Resources
RevisionDojo provides detailed explanations and examples of how to use command terms effectively in your responses. Leverage these resources to deepen your understanding and refine your exam techniques.
5. Tips for Success
Read the Question Carefully
Before starting your response, take a moment to carefully read the question and identify the command term. Underline or highlight it to remind yourself of the specific type of response required.
Plan Your Answer
Spend a few minutes planning your answer, ensuring that each part of your response addresses the command term. This will help you structure your essay logically and ensure that you don’t miss any critical points.
Stay Focused
Avoid straying off-topic or providing information that isn’t relevant to the command term. Examiners are looking for precise, targeted responses that directly answer the question, so keep your writing concise and on-point.
Conclusion
Mastering IB command terms is key to crafting exam responses that meet the expectations of examiners. By understanding what each term requires and practicing how to apply them, you can improve your performance and increase your chances of achieving top marks. Start practicing today with RevisionDojo’s resources, and gain the confidence you need to excel in your IB exams.
