MYP Command Terms

Question 1

Analyze

Answer 1

Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure. To identify parts and
relationships, and to interpret information to reach conclusions.

Question 2

Annotate

Answer 2

Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.

Question 3

Apply

Answer 3

Use knowledge and understanding in response to a given situation or real circumstances.

Question 4

Appraise

Answer 4

To evaluate, judge or consider text or a piece of work.

Question 5

Argue

Answer 5

Challenge or debate an issue or idea with the purpose of persuading or committing someone
else to a particular stance or action

Question 6

Calculate

Answer 6

Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working.

Question 7

Classify

Answer 7

Arrange or order by class or category.

Question 8

Comment

Answer 8

Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation.

Question 9

Compare

Answer 9

Give an account of the similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations,
referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Question 10

Compare and Contrast

Answer 10

Give an account of the similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations,
referring to both (all) of them throughout.

Question 11

Construct

Answer 11

Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form.

Question 12

Contrast

Answer 12

Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to
both (all) of them throughout.

Question 13

Deduce

Answer 13

Reach a conclusion from the information given.

Question 14

Define

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Demonstrate

Answer 15

Prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical
application.

Question 16

Derive

Answer 16

Manipulate a mathematical relationship to give a new equation or relationship.

Question 17

Describe

Answer 17

Give a detailed account or picture of a situation, event, pattern or process.

Question 18

Design

Answer 18

Produce a plan, simulation or model.

Question 19

Determine

Answer 19

Obtain the only possible answer.

Question 20

Discuss

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

Distinguish

Answer 21

Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.

Question 22

Document

Answer 22

To credit sources of information used by referencing (or citing) following one recognized
referencing system. References should be included in the text and also at the end of the piece
of work in a reference list or bibliography.

Question 23

Estimate

Answer 23

Find an approximate value for an unknown quantity.

Question 24

Evaluate

Answer 24

To assess the implications and limitations; to make judgments about the ideas, works,
solutions or methods in relation to selected criteria.

Question 25

Examine

Answer 25

Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and
interrelationships of the issue.

Question 26

Exemplify

Answer 26

Represent with an example.

Question 27

Explain

Answer 27

Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.

Question 28

Explore

Answer 28

Undertake a systematic process of discovery.

Question 29

Formulate

Answer 29

Express precisely and systematically the relevant concept(s) or argument(s).

Question 30

Identify

Answer 30

Provide an answer from a number of possibilities. Recognize and state briefly a distinguishing
factor or feature.

Question 31

Infer

Answer 31

Deduce; reason from premises to a conclusion. Listen or read beyond what has been literally
expressed.

Question 32

Interpret

Answer 32

Use knowledge and understanding to recognize trends and draw conclusions from given
information.

Question 33

Investigate

Answer 33

Observe, study, or make a detailed and systematic examination, in order to establish facts
and reach new conclusions.

Question 34

Justify

Answer 34

Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.

Question 35

Label

Answer 35

Add title, labels or brief explanation(s) to a diagram or graph.

Question 36

List

Answer 36

Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.

Question 37

Measure

Answer 37

Find the value for a quality.

Question 38

Outline

Answer 38

Give a brief account or summary.

Question 39

Predict

Answer 39

Give an expected result of an upcoming action or event.

Question 40

Present

Answer 40

Offer for display, observation, examination or consideration.

Question 41

Prove

Answer 41

Use a sequence of logical steps to obtain the required result in a formal way.

Question 42

Recall

Answer 42

Recognize or identify.

Question 43

Reflect

Answer 43

To think about deeply; consider.

Question 44

Recognize

Answer 44

Identify or recall particular features.

Question 45

Show

Answer 45

Give steps in a derivation or calculation.

Question 46

Sketch

Answer 46

Represent by means of a diagram or graph (labeled as appropriate). The sketch should give a
general idea of the required shape or relationship, and should include relevant features.

Question 47

Solve

Answer 47

Obtain the answer(s) using algebraic and/or numerical and/or graphical methods.

Question 48

State

Answer 48

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

Question 49

Suggest

Answer 49

Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.

Question 50

Summarize

Answer 50

Abstract a general theme or major point(s).

Question 51

To What Extent

Answer 51

Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions
should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound judgment.

Question 52

Use

Answer 52

Apply knowledge or rules to put theory into practice.