IB Command Terms — Complete Guide
Command terms tell you exactly what type of answer the examiner expects. Misreading a command term is one of the most common reasons IB students lose marks. Below is every command term you'll encounter, grouped by Assessment Objective.
Assessment Objectives at a Glance
AO1 — Knowledge & Comprehension
Recall and understand factual knowledge
AO2 — Application & Analysis
Apply knowledge to new situations and analyse information
AO3 — Synthesis & Evaluation
Evaluate arguments, make judgments, and propose solutions
AO1: Knowledge & Comprehension
Recall and understand factual knowledge
| Term | What to Do | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Define | Give the precise meaning | 1 |
| Draw | Create an accurate, labelled diagram | Varies |
| Label | Add text labels to a diagram | 1 per label |
| List | Give brief answers, no explanation | 1 per point |
| Measure | Obtain a value with units | 1–2 |
| State | Give a brief answer, no explanation | 1 |
AO2: Application & Analysis
Apply knowledge to new situations and analyse information
| Term | What to Do | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Annotate | Add explanatory notes to a diagram | Varies |
| Apply | Use knowledge in a specific context | Varies |
| Calculate | Show working, give answer with units | Varies |
| Describe | Say WHAT happens in detail | 2–4 |
| Distinguish | State clear differences between items | Varies |
| Estimate | Give a reasonable approximate value | 1 |
| Identify | Name or select the correct answer | 1 |
| Outline | Give main points briefly | 2–4 |
| Sketch | Draw a rough but clear diagram | Varies |
AO3: Synthesis & Evaluation
Evaluate arguments, make judgments, and propose solutions
| Term | What to Do | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Analyse | Break down into parts, find patterns | 4–6 |
| Compare & Contrast | Similarities AND differences | 4–6 |
| Discuss | Balanced review, FOR and AGAINST | 7–9 |
| Evaluate | Strengths AND limitations + conclusion | 5–9 |
| Explain | WHAT happens and WHY | 3–6 |
| Justify | Defend with evidence and reasons | 4–6 |
| Suggest | Propose a reasonable solution | 2–4 |
| To What Extent | Nuanced judgment with evidence | 7–9 |
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.
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.
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.