IB Biology Command Terms

Question 1

Define

Answer 1

Give the precise meaning of the word, phrase or physical quality

Question 2

Draw

Answer 2

Represent by means of pencil lines

Question 3

Label

Answer 3

Add labels to a diagram

Question 4

List

Answer 4

Give sequence of names or other brief answers with no explanation

Question 5

Measure

Answer 5

Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation

Question 6

State

Answer 6

Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation

Question 7

Annotate

Answer 7

Add brief notes to the diagram or graph

Question 8

Apply

Answer 8

Use an idea, equation, principle , theory or law in a new situation

Question 9

Calculate

Answer 9

Find a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working

Question 10

Describe

Answer 10

Give a detailed account

Question 11

Distinguished

Answer 11

Give the differences between two or more different terms

Question 12

Estimate

Answer 12

Find an approximate value for an unknown quantity

Question 13

Identify

Answer 13

Find an answer from a given number of possibilities

Question 14

Outline

Answer 14

Give a brief account of summary

Question 15

Analyse

Answer 15

Interpret data to reach conclusions

Question 16

Comment

Answer 16

Give a judgement based on a given statement or result of a calculation

Question 17

Compare

Answer 17

Give and account of similarities and differences between two items, referring to both of them throughout

Question 18

Construct

Answer 18

Represent or develop inn graphical form

Question 19

Deduce

Answer 19

Reach a conclusion from the information given

Question 20

Derive

Answer 20

Manipulate a mathematical relationship to give a new equation or relationship

Question 21

Design

Answer 21

Produce a plan, simulation or model

Question 22

Determine

Answer 22

Find the only possible answer

Question 23

Discuss

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Evaluate

Answer 24

Assess the implication and limitations

Question 25

Explain

Answer 25

Give a detailed account of causes, reasons or mechanisms

Question 26

Predict

Answer 26

Give an expected result

Question 27

Show

Answer 27

Give the steps in a calculation or derivation

Question 28

Sketch

Answer 28

Represent by means of a graph showing a line and labelled but unscaled axes, but with important features clearly indicated

Question 29

Solve

Answer 29

Obtain an answer using algebraic and/or numerical methods

Question 30

Suggest

Answer 30

Propose a hypothesis or other possible answer