These command terms indicate the depth of treatment required
for a given assessment statement. These command terms are used in IB examination
questions, so it is important that students are familiar with the following
definitions.
Objective 1
Define Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase or physical
quantity.
Draw Represent by means of pencil lines.
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 a 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 judgment 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.
