IB command terms explained (and what markers expect)

Objective 1 and 2: recall and understanding

These carry one to three marks and want economy, not essays. Answer in the shape the term implies and stop — extra material cannot add marks and can contradict a point you already earned.

• Define — the precise meaning, in one sentence.
• State / list — an answer with no supporting argument.
• Identify — pick out from given material.
• Outline — a brief account of the main points.
• Describe — a detailed account, still without reasons.

Objective 3: application and analysis

Here the marker is looking for links: cause to effect, evidence to conclusion, theory to the stimulus you were given. A description that never explains why will stall at the bottom of the band.

• Explain — give reasons or causes, with a clear chain of logic.
• Analyse — break down into parts and show how they relate.
• Compare and contrast — similarities and differences, in the same sentences where possible.
• Suggest — propose a solution or hypothesis consistent with the evidence.
• Calculate / determine — show the working and quote units.

Objective 4: synthesis and evaluation

The high-mark terms need a two-sided treatment and a judgement. The most common failure is writing two strong paragraphs and no conclusion — the evaluative mark is awarded for the judgement, not for the balance that precedes it.

• Discuss — a balanced review of the arguments, with a supported conclusion.
• Evaluate — weigh strengths and limitations, then judge.
• To what extent — commit to a position and justify how far it holds.
• Justify — give valid reasons for a choice or conclusion.

Read the mark allocation as a structure hint

Mark counts tell you how many distinct points to make. A four-mark 'explain' wants roughly four creditable ideas, not one idea written four ways. Before writing a long answer, sketch that many bullet points in the margin and then convert them to prose.