IBDP Success Mantra : Command Terms

Understanding what is being asked in the test questions and how to respond to them is the key to master success in your IB examinations since doing well in the exam starts with knowing the phrases that are being used.

As a result, to aid in your study and to give you a sense of how well you may approach them, we have provided a list of a few command terms that are frequently used in IB exams.

Define and Describe

Define to clear the meaning of a concept, word or phrase, or any quantity so that it can be understood easily.

An example from IB Chemistry past paper:

Define Organic Chemistry.
The branch of chemistry deals with the study of the structure, composition, and properties of organic compounds.

Describe means to give a descriptive report through writing, a detailed account of something.

An example from IB Chemistry past paper:

Describe the process of ionization of mass spectrometer.
Now the first step is to grasp what is asked, just focus on the explanation of the ionization process rather than defining the mass spectrometer. Give a brief idea of how the ionization process works in the mass spectrometer.

Explain and Evaluate

Explain: detailing something by giving reasons or relevant information to prove your point so that it can be understood clearly.

An example from IB Biology past paper:

Explain the process of muscles relaxation and contraction.
As mentioned in the question, the process of relaxation and contraction is being asked so start by writing the details of one process and then the other to make your answer understandable. Write all the relevant information and details that might be enough to obtain full marks.

Evaluate: to judge or appraise the worth of something by presenting limitations and conclusions with justifications.
An example:

“Evaluate the view that monopolies, despite their inefficiencies, may often be considered desirable.” 
The evaluation questions are somehow tricky basically; the evaluation question focuses on the limitations and strengths with the presentation of conclusions and viewpoints that justify your points.
In this question, you should be focused on the benefits and limitations of the monopolies and explain why it is viewed as; the positive points of monopolies surpass its limitations. Also, write about why and who holds it from this viewpoint.

That's all for you. We hope you have got the idea of how these command terms used in IB works and how you should write down your answer in the IB exams to compel the examiner to award you a good score.

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