MYP Command Terms

Question 1

Annotate

Answer 1

Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.

Question 2

Apply

Answer 2

Use knowledge and understanding in response to a given situation or real circumstances. Use an idea, equation, principle, theory, or law in
relation to a given problem or issue.

Question 3

Calculate

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Classify

Answer 4

Arrange or order by class or category.

Question 5

Comment

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Compare

Answer 6

Give an account of the similarities between two items or situations, referring to both of them throughout

Question 7

Compare and Contrast

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Contrast

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Create

Answer 9

To evolve from one’s own thought or imagination, as a work or an invention.

Question 10

Critique

Answer 10

Provide a critical review or commentary, especially when dealing with works of art or literature.

Question 11

Deduce

Answer 11

Reach a conclusion from the information given.

Question 12

Define

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Demonstrate

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Derive

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Describe

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Design

Answer 16

Produce a plan, simulation, or model.

Question 17

Determine

Answer 17

Obtain the only possible answer.

Question 18

Develop

Answer 18

To improve incrementally, elaborate or expand in detail. Evolve to a more advanced or effective state.

Question 19

Differentiate

Answer 19

Obtain the derivative of a function.

Question 20

Discuss

Answer 20

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 21

Distinguish

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Document

Answer 22

Credit sources of information used by referencing (or citing) following a 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 23

Draw

Answer 23

Represent by means of a labeled, 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.

Question 24

Estimate

Answer 24

Obtain an approximate value for an unknown quantity.

Question 25

Evaluate

Answer 25

Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.

Question 26

Examine

Answer 26

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

Question 27

Explain

Answer 27

Give a detailed account including reasons or causes

Question 28

Explore

Answer 28

Undertake a systematic process of discovery.

Question 29

Find

Answer 29

Obtain an answer showing relevant stages in the working.

Question 30

Formulate

Answer 30

Express precisely and systematically the relevant concept or argument.

Question 31

Hence

Answer 31

Use the preceding work to obtain the required result.

Question 32

Otherwise

Answer 32

It is suggested that the preceding work is used, but other methods could also receive credit.

Question 33

Identify

Answer 33

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

Question 34

Integrate

Answer 34

Obtain the integral of a function.

Question 35

Interpret

Answer 35

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

Question 36

Investigate

Answer 36

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

Question 37

Justify

Answer 37

Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.

Question 38

Label

Answer 38

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

Question 39

List

Answer 39

Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.

Question 40

Measure

Answer 40

Obtain a value for a quantity.

Question 41

Organize

Answer 41

Put ideas and information into proper or systematic order.

Question 42

Outline

Answer 42

Give a brief account or summary.

Question 43

Plot

Answer 43

Mark the position of points on a diagram.

Question 44

Predict

Answer 44

Give an expected result of an upcoming action or event.

Question 45

Present

Answer 45

Offer for display, observation, examination, or consideration.

Question 46

Prioritize

Answer 46

Give relative importance to, or put in an order of preference.

Question 47

Prove

Answer 47

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

Question 48

Select

Answer 48

Choose from a list or group.

Question 49

Show

Answer 49

Give the steps in a calculation or derivation.

Question 50

Show that

Answer 50

Obtain the required result without the formality of proof. “Show that” questions do not generally require the use of a calculator.

Question 51

Sketch

Answer 51

Represent by means of a diagram or graph. The sketch should give a general idea of the required shape or relationship, and should include relevant features.

Question 52

Solve

Answer 52

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

Question 53

State

Answer 53

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

Question 54

Summarize

Answer 54

Abstract a general theme or major point

Question 55

Synthesize

Answer 55

Combine different ideas in order to create a new understanding.

Question 56

To what extent

Answer 56

Consider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.

Question 57

Trace

Answer 57

Follow and record the action of an algorithm.

Question 58

Use

Answer 58

Apply knowledge or rules to put theory into practice.

Question 59

Verify

Answer 59

Provide evidence that validates the result.

Question 60

Write down

Answer 60

Obtain the answer, usually by extracting information. Little or no calculation is required. Working does not need to be shown.