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

construct

Answer 10

Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form.

Question 11

contrast

Answer 11

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

Question 12

deduce

Answer 12

Reach a conclusion from the information given

Question 13

define

Answer 13

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

Question 14

demonstrate

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Derive

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Describe

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Design

Answer 17

Produce a plan, simulation or model.

Question 18

Determine

Answer 18

Obtain the only possible answer.

Question 19

Discuss

Answer 19

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 20

Distinguish

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Document

Answer 21

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 22

Estimate

Answer 22

Find an approximate value for an unknown quantity

Question 23

Evaluate

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Examine

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Exemplify

Answer 25

Represent with an example

Question 26

Explain

Answer 26

Give a detailed account including reasons or causes

Question 27

Explore

Answer 27

Undertake a systematic process of discovery.

Question 28

Formulate

Answer 28

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

Question 29

Identify

Answer 29

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

Question 30

Infer

Answer 30

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

Question 31

Interpret

Answer 31

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

Question 32

Investigate

Answer 32

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

Question 33

Justify

Answer 33

Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion

Question 34

Label

Answer 34

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

Question 35

List

Answer 35

Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.

Question 36

Measure

Answer 36

Find the value for a quality.

Question 37

Outline

Answer 37

Give a brief account or summary.

Question 38

Predict

Answer 38

Give an expected result of an upcoming action or event.

Question 39

Present

Answer 39

Offer for display, observation, examination or consideration.

Question 40

Prove

Answer 40

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

Question 41

Recall

Answer 41

Recognize or identify

Question 42

Reflect

Answer 42

To think about deeply; consider

Question 43

Recognize

Answer 43

Identify or recall particular features

Question 44

Show

Answer 44

Give steps in a derivation or calculation.

Question 45

Sketch

Answer 45

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 46

Solve

Answer 46

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

Question 47

State

Answer 47

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

Question 48

Suggest

Answer 48

Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.

Question 49

Summarize

Answer 49

Abstract a general theme or major point(s).

Question 50

To What

Answer 50

Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions
should be

Question 51

Extent

Answer 51

presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound judgment.

Question 52

Use

Answer 52

Apply knowledge or rules to put theory into practice.

Question 53

Agree or Disagree

Answer 53

Support or refute a statement; give the positive or negative features; express an informed opinion one way
or the other; list the advantages for or against.

Question 54

Assess the Degree

Answer 54

Command words such as these strongly suggest to the student that two schools of thought exist about a
given subject. These questions often involve weighing the relative merit of conflicting points of view; e.g.,
negative vs. positive, strong vs. weak, fundamental vs. immediate.

Question 55

Give the Significance of

Answer 55

Present information which determines the importance of an event or issue. Quite often used to show
causation.

Question 56

Support/Refute

Answer 56

Give the points in favor of, or opposed to, a predetermined point of view or particular position. Also see

Question 57

Agree/Disagree

Answer 57

While students should generally support or refute the given statement, their responses may include opposing
points.