Command Terms
The following definitions are the command terms for this course. The command terms are often broken down into the objectives they best represent. Objectives 1 and 2 are considered lower-order skills and objectives 3, 4 and 5 demonstrate higher-order skills. The definitions are taken straight from the Environmental Systems and Societies guide published by the IB. These command terms will be used in class assessments, as well as the final IB exam for the course, so students should be sure to understand their meaning.
Objective 1:
Define: Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.
Draw: Represent by means of a labelled, accurate diagram or graph, using a pencil. A ruler (straight edge) should be used for straight lines. Diagrams should be drawn to scale. Graphs should have points correctly plotted (if appropriate) and joined in a straight line or smooth curve.
Label: Add labels to a diagram.
List: Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.
Measure: Obtain a value for a quantity.
State: Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.
Objective 2:
Annotate: Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.
Apply: Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in relation to a given problem or issue.
Calculate: Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages of working.
Describe: Give a detailed account.
Distinguish: Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.
Estimate: Obtain an approximate value.
Identify: Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.
Outline: Give a brief account or summary.
Objectives 3, 4 and 5:
Analyze: Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.
Comment: Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation.
Compare and Contrast: Give an account of 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.
Deduce: Reach a conclusion from the information given.
Derive: Manipulate a mathematical relationship to give a new equation or relationship.
Design: Produce a plan, simulation or model.
Determine: Obtain the only possible answer.
Discuss: 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.
Evaluate: Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.
Explain: Give a detailed account, including reasons or causes.
Justify: Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.
Predict: Give an expected result.
Solve: Obtain the answer(s) using algebraic and/or numerical methods and/or graphical methods.
Suggest: Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.
Objective 1:
Define: Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.
Draw: Represent by means of a labelled, accurate diagram or graph, using a pencil. A ruler (straight edge) should be used for straight lines. Diagrams should be drawn to scale. Graphs should have points correctly plotted (if appropriate) and joined in a straight line or smooth curve.
Label: Add labels to a diagram.
List: Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.
Measure: Obtain a value for a quantity.
State: Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.
Objective 2:
Annotate: Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.
Apply: Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in relation to a given problem or issue.
Calculate: Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages of working.
Describe: Give a detailed account.
Distinguish: Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.
Estimate: Obtain an approximate value.
Identify: Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.
Outline: Give a brief account or summary.
Objectives 3, 4 and 5:
Analyze: Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.
Comment: Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation.
Compare and Contrast: Give an account of 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.
Deduce: Reach a conclusion from the information given.
Derive: Manipulate a mathematical relationship to give a new equation or relationship.
Design: Produce a plan, simulation or model.
Determine: Obtain the only possible answer.
Discuss: 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.
Evaluate: Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.
Explain: Give a detailed account, including reasons or causes.
Justify: Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.
Predict: Give an expected result.
Solve: Obtain the answer(s) using algebraic and/or numerical methods and/or graphical methods.
Suggest: Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.