IB Command Terms

Front

Outline

Back

Give a brief account or summary.

Front

Show

Back

Give the steps in a calculation.

Front

Define

Back

Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase or physical quantity.

Front

Discuss

Back

Give an account including, where possible, a range of arguments for and against the relative importance of various factors, or comparisons or alternative hypotheses.

Front

Construct

Back

Represent or develop in graphical form.

Front

Analyze

Back

Examine in detail the structure of something, typically for purposes of explanation and interpretation.

Front

Compare

Back

Identify similarities and differences between two or more items.

Front

Explain

Back

Make an idea, situation, or problem clear by describing it in more detail.

Front

Determine

Back

Establish the exact nature, scope, or meaning of something.

Front

Annotate

Back

Add notes to a text or diagram that explain or comment on it.