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

Appraise

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Argue

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Calculate

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Classify

Answer 6

yArrange or order by class or category.

Question 7

Comment

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Compare

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Compare & Contrast

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

Construc

Answer 10

Display information in a diagrammatic or logical for

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 mode

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

Estimate

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

Evaluate

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Examine

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Exemplify

Answer 24

Represent with an example.

Question 25

Explain

Answer 25

Give a detailed account including reasons or causes

Question 26

Explore

Answer 26

Undertake a systematic process of discovery.

Question 27

Formulate

Answer 27

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

Question 28

Identify

Answer 28

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

Question 29

Infer

Answer 29

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

Question 30

Interpret

Answer 30

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

Question 31

Investigate

Answer 31

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

Question 32

Justify

Answer 32

Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion

Question 33

Label

Answer 33

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

Question 34

List

Answer 34

Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation

Question 35

Measure

Answer 35

Find the value for a quality.

Question 36

Outline

Answer 36

Give a brief account or summary.

Question 37

Predict

Answer 37

Give an expected result of an upcoming action or event

Question 38

Present

Answer 38

Offer for display, observation, examination or consideration

Question 39

Prove

Answer 39

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

Question 40

Recall

Answer 40

Recognize or identify

Question 41

Reflect

Answer 41

To think about deeply; consider.

Question 42

Recognize

Answer 42

Identify or recall particular features.

Question 43

Show

Answer 43

Give steps in a derivation or calculation

Question 44

Sketch

Answer 44

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 45

Solve

Answer 45

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

Question 46

State

Answer 46

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

Question 47

Suggest

Answer 47

tPropose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.

Question 48

Summarize

Answer 48

Abstract a general theme or major point

Question 49

To What

Answer 49

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

Question 50

Extent

Answer 50

presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound judgment.

Question 51

Use

Answer 51

Apply knowledge or rules to put theory into practice