MYP Command Terms

Question 1

Analyze

Answer 1

To identify parts and

relationships, and to interpret information to reach conclusions and get results to improve accuracy.

Question 2

Annotate

Answer 2

To write down notes on the text for extra help.

Question 3

apply

Answer 3

using the information to correspond to life circumstances.

Question 4

appraise

Answer 4

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

Question 5

argue

Answer 5

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

Question 6

calculate

Answer 6

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

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 and contraste

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

construct

Answer 10

Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form.

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

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

discuss

Answer 18

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 19

distinguish

Answer 19

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

Question 20

doccument

Answer 20

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 21

estimate

Answer 21

Find an approximate value for an unknown quantity.

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

explore

Answer 25

Undertake a systematic process of discovery.

Question 26

formulate

Answer 26

Express precisely and systematically the relevant concept or argument

Question 27

identify

Answer 27

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

Question 28

infer

Answer 28

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

Question 29

interpret

Answer 29

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

Question 30

investigate

Answer 30

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

Question 31

justify

Answer 31

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

Question 32

label

Answer 32

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

Question 33

list

Answer 33

Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.

Question 34

measure

Answer 34

Find the value for a quality

Question 35

outline

Answer 35

a summary or report of plans

Question 36

predict

Answer 36

Give an expected result of an upcoming action or event.

Question 37

present

Answer 37

Offer for display, observation, examination or consideration.

Question 38

prove

Answer 38

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

Question 39

recall

Answer 39

to remember a event

Question 40

reflect

Answer 40

To think about deeply; consider.

Question 41

recognize

Answer 41

Identify or recall particular features.

Question 42

show

Answer 42

Give steps in a derivation or calculation.

Question 43

sketch

Answer 43

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 44

solve

Answer 44

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

Question 45

state

Answer 45

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

Question 46

summerize

Answer 46

to put into simple terms

Question 47

use

Answer 47

Apply knowledge or rules to put theory into practice.