Exam skills
IB Command Terms — Complete Guide
Command terms tell you exactlywhat type of answer the examiner expects. Misreading one is among the most common reasons IB students lose marks. Here is every command term you'll meet, grouped by Assessment Objective.
Three levels
Assessment Objectives at a Glance
Knowledge & Comprehension
Recall and understand factual knowledge
Application & Analysis
Apply knowledge to new situations and analyse information
Synthesis & Evaluation
Evaluate arguments, make judgments, and propose solutions
AO1—6 terms
AO1: Knowledge & Comprehension
Recall and understand factual knowledge
| Term | What to Do | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| DefineGive the precise meaning | Give the precise meaning | 1 |
| DrawCreate an accurate, labelled diagram | Create an accurate, labelled diagram | Varies |
| LabelAdd text labels to a diagram | Add text labels to a diagram | 1 per label |
| ListGive brief answers, no explanation | Give brief answers, no explanation | 1 per point |
| MeasureObtain a value with units | Obtain a value with units | 1–2 |
| StateGive a brief answer, no explanation | Give a brief answer, no explanation | 1 |
AO2—9 terms
AO2: Application & Analysis
Apply knowledge to new situations and analyse information
| Term | What to Do | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| AnnotateAdd explanatory notes to a diagram | Add explanatory notes to a diagram | Varies |
| ApplyUse knowledge in a specific context | Use knowledge in a specific context | Varies |
| CalculateShow working, give answer with units | Show working, give answer with units | Varies |
| DescribeSay WHAT happens in detail | Say WHAT happens in detail | 2–4 |
| DistinguishState clear differences between items | State clear differences between items | Varies |
| EstimateGive a reasonable approximate value | Give a reasonable approximate value | 1 |
| IdentifyName or select the correct answer | Name or select the correct answer | 1 |
| OutlineGive main points briefly | Give main points briefly | 2–4 |
| SketchDraw a rough but clear diagram | Draw a rough but clear diagram | Varies |
AO3—8 terms
AO3: Synthesis & Evaluation
Evaluate arguments, make judgments, and propose solutions
| Term | What to Do | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| AnalyseBreak down into parts, find patterns | Break down into parts, find patterns | 4–6 |
| Compare & ContrastSimilarities AND differences | Similarities AND differences | 4–6 |
| DiscussBalanced review, FOR and AGAINST | Balanced review, FOR and AGAINST | 7–9 |
| EvaluateStrengths AND limitations + conclusion | Strengths AND limitations + conclusion | 5–9 |
| ExplainWHAT happens and WHY | WHAT happens and WHY | 3–6 |
| JustifyDefend with evidence and reasons | Defend with evidence and reasons | 4–6 |
| SuggestPropose a reasonable solution | Propose a reasonable solution | 2–4 |
| To What ExtentNuanced judgment with evidence | Nuanced judgment with evidence | 7–9 |
Watch out
Key Differences Students Get Wrong
Describe vs Explain
Common mistake: Using them interchangeably
Describe = WHAT happens. Explain = WHY it happens.
Discuss vs Evaluate
Common mistake: Writing the same style for both
Discuss = balanced review of arguments. Evaluate = weigh strengths AND limitations, then conclude.
Outline vs Describe
Common mistake: Writing too much for Outline
Outline = brief main points only. Describe = detailed account with more depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are IB command terms?
IB command terms are specific instruction words used in exam questions that tell you exactly what type of response is expected. Each term has a precise meaning defined by the IBO — for example, "Evaluate" requires both strengths AND limitations, while "Describe" only asks for WHAT happens, not WHY.
Why do command terms matter in IB exams?
Command terms directly determine how your answer is marked. If a question says "Describe" and you "Evaluate", you may score 0 for the evaluation — because the examiner is marking against the command term. Knowing the difference between Describe, Explain, Analyse, and Evaluate is critical for maximising marks.
How many marks is an "Evaluate" question worth?
Evaluate questions are typically worth 5–9 marks and require an extended response. You must present strengths AND limitations with supporting evidence, then reach a balanced conclusion. Missing either strengths or limitations will cost you significant marks.
What is the difference between Describe and Explain?
"Describe" asks WHAT happens — give a detailed account of a process, trend, or feature. "Explain" asks WHY it happens — you must include reasons or causes. Many students lose marks by describing when asked to explain, or vice versa.
What is the difference between Discuss and Evaluate?
"Discuss" asks you to present a balanced review of arguments or factors, while "Evaluate" specifically requires you to weigh strengths AND limitations. Both need a conclusion, but Evaluate places more emphasis on judging the overall merit or value of something.
Which IB command terms carry the most marks?
The highest-mark command terms are typically Assessment Objective 3: Evaluate (5–9 marks), Discuss (7–9 marks), To What Extent (7–9 marks), and Justify (4–6 marks). These require extended, balanced responses with evidence and conclusions.
Practice With Real IB-Style Questions
Knowing command terms is half the battle. Practice applying them with our Question Bank — every question is tagged with its command term so you can see patterns.