MYP Command Terms Flashcards
GIVE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF
Present information which determines the importance of an event or issue. Quite often used to show
causation.
SUPPORT / REFUTE
Give the points in favor of, or opposed to, a predetermined point of view or particular position. Also see
AGREE / DISAGREE
While students should generally support or refute the given statement, their responses may include opposing points.
ASSESS THE DEGREE
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.
AGREE OR DISAGREE
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.
Analyze
Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure. To identify parts and
relationships, and to interpret information to reach conclusions
Annotate
Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.
Apply
Use knowledge and understanding in response to a given situation or real circumstances.
Appraise
To evaluate, judge or consider text or a piece of work
Argue
Challenge or debate an issue or idea with the purpose of persuading or committing someone
else to a particular stance or action
Calculate
Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working.
Classify
Arrange or order by class or category.
Comment
Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation
Compare
Give an account of the similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations,
referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Compare & Contrast
Give an account of the 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.
Deduce
Reach a conclusion from the information given
Define
Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.
Demonstrate
Prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical
application.
Derive
Manipulate a mathematical relationship to give a new equation or relationship.
Describe
Give a detailed account or picture of a situation, event, pattern or process.
Design
Produce a plan, simulation or model.