IB exams don’t just test your knowledge—they test how well you respond to specific instructions, known as command terms. These verbs determine how deeply you analyze, how critically you evaluate, and how well your structure matches IB’s rigorous criteria.
Misunderstanding command terms can cost you crucial marks. That’s why RevisionDojo has built extensive guides and resources to help students understand and respond to these terms with confidence and precision.
1. What Are Command Terms and Why Do They Matter?
Command terms are key action verbs like:
- Define
- Analyze
- Compare
- Evaluate
- Discuss
Each command signals a different expectation in how you should structure your response. As explained in How to Use IB Command Terms Effectively, these terms are directly aligned with Assessment Objectives (AOs) across all IB subjects.
2. Link Between Command Terms and IB Marking Criteria
Every IB subject uses command terms to evaluate how well your answer meets the marking rubric:
- Describe aligns with AO1: knowledge and understanding
- Analyze aligns with AO2: application and depth
- Evaluate aligns with AO3: critical thinking and judgment
