AO3 · Synthesis & Evaluation
IB Command Term: Suggest
What does "Suggest" mean in IB exams? Learn how to propose solutions and hypotheses that earn marks, with examples from IB papers.
IB Definition
"Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer."
Marks: 2–4 marksAssessment Objective: Objective 3
01—The job
What You Need to Do
Give a reasonable answer. There may be multiple correct answers — any sensible suggestion can score.
How to Structure Your Answer
- 1State your suggestion clearly
- 2Give a brief explanation of why it would work
- 3Link to the specific context in the question
02—In the paper
Example Exam Questions
- “Suggest two reasons for the decline in the population shown in the data.”
- “Suggest how a business could improve employee retention.”
- “Suggest a solution to the problem of overfishing in the region.”
- “Suggest two policies a government could use to reduce inflation.”
03—Avoid these
Common Mistakes
- Giving only one suggestion when the question asks for two
- Not explaining WHY the suggestion would work
- Being too vague — specific suggestions score higher
Tip
Examiner Tip
Any reasonable suggestion can score — be creative! Check the marks to see how many points needed.
04—By subject
Where This Term Appears
ESSHighBusiness ManagementHighEconomicsMedium
Now try a Suggest question.
Give a reasonable answer. There may be multiple correct answers — any sensible suggestion can score.