Command terms are action words used in exams and other types of assessments. They tell you how to answer the question or complete the assessment. Command terms include the likes of ‘identify’, ‘state’ or ‘estimate’ which require short and straightforward responses, to more complex ones like ‘explain’, ‘discuss’ or ‘evaluate’ which require longer responses. Understanding command terms is key to ensuring you answer the question that is being asked correctly.
Let us look at these two questions:
State two greenhouse gases.
Describe the role of greenhouse gases in climate change.
They each are asking for different things. In the first question, you simply need to state two greenhouse gases. In the second one, you need to give a detailed account of the role that greenhouse gases have in the larger process of climate change. They are different questions that need to be approached in different ways. And by having a strong understanding of command terms, you can approach them accordingly.
For IB Geography, here are the command terms that are used.
Analyse - Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.
Annotate - Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.
Classify - Arrange or order by class or category.
Compare - Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Compare and contrast - Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Construct - Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form.
Contrast - Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Define - Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.
Describe - Give a detailed account.
Determine - Obtain the only possible answer.
Discuss - Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.
Distinguish - Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.
Draw - Represent by means of a labelled, accurate diagram or graph, using a pencil. A ruler (straight edge) should be used for straight lines. Diagrams should be drawn to scale. Graphs should have points correctly plotted (if appropriate) and joined in a straight line or smooth curve.
Estimate - Obtain an approximate value.
Evaluate - Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.
Examine - Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue.
Explain - Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.
Identify - Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.
Justify - Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.
Label - Add labels to a diagram.
Outline - Give a brief account or summary.
State - Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.
Suggest - Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.
To what extent - Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with empirical evidence and sound argument.