The Guide to Command Terms for IB Biology

Succeeding in IB Biology involves more than simply memorising facts and concepts—it’s about understanding how to approach questions in a way that meets the expectations of IB examiners. A vital part of this involves command terms. These are specific words or phrases in exam questions that outline exactly what is expected in your answers.

What Are Command Terms?

Command terms are the instructional verbs or directives used in IB Biology questions, guiding students on how to structure their responses. These range from straightforward tasks like "state" or "identify" to more complex actions such as "explain" or "analyse."

Each command term carries a specific meaning, and IB examiners expect students to respond accordingly. For example, "calculate" requires showing all steps leading to the final answer, while "describe" demands a clear explanation of a biological concept or process.

With exams typically making up around 80% of the total marks in most IB subjects, understanding and correctly addressing these terms is essential for maximising performance in assessments.

💡Check out our blog for a full breakdown of how the IB is graded

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IB Biology Command Terms

Command Term	Description
Analyse	Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.
Annotate	Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.
Calculate	Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working.
Comment	Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation.
Compare	Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
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.
Define	Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.
Describe	Give a detailed account.
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.
Distinguish	Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.
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.
Estimate	Obtain an approximate value.
Evaluate	Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.
Explain	Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.
Identify	Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.
Justify	Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.
Label	Add labels to a diagram.
List	Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.
Measure	Obtain a value for a quantity.
Outline	Give a brief account or summary.
Predict	Give an expected result.
Sketch	Represent by means of a diagram or graph (labelled as appropriate). The sketch should give a general idea of the required shape or relationship, and should include relevant features.
State	Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.
Suggest	Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.

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Why Are Command Terms Important?

Clear Understanding of Expectations

Command terms provide precise guidance on what the question requires. Misunderstanding or ignoring them can result in incomplete or incorrect answers, even if your knowledge of biology is strong.

Efficient Time Management

Identifying the command term early helps you structure your response with the right amount of detail, ensuring you don’t waste time on unnecessary explanations or details.

Maximising Marks

IB examiners evaluate responses based on how well they meet the specific demands of the question. Addressing command terms correctly ensures you fulfil all the necessary criteria to secure full marks.

Study and Exam Tips for IB Biology

Mastering command terms is a crucial step toward excelling in IB Biology. However, to ensure you're fully prepared, here are some additional strategies to enhance your study and exam performance:

Practice Past Papers

Familiarise yourself with how command terms are used in IB Biology exams by working through past papers. Pay close attention to the structure of questions and the corresponding mark schemes.

After interviewing over 500 IB tutors, one piece of advice stood out above the rest: the best way to prepare for IB exams is by practicing past papers.

Get The Complete List of All IB Command Terms

Do you want to get a 7? Understanding all the IB command terms are critical to doing well in the IB exams

Create a Command Term Glossary

Develop a comprehensive list of all command terms with their definitions. Use flashcards or compile them into a single document, reviewing them regularly to reinforce your understanding.

Analyse Mark Schemes

Understand how marks are allocated for various types of questions. This will give you insight into the level of detail and depth required for each command term.

Show All Reasoning

For every question, even the simpler ones, include your reasoning and calculations where applicable. This is especially important for command terms like "justify" or "explain."

Practise Under Timed Conditions

Replicate exam conditions by timing your practice sessions. This will train you to quickly identify command terms and tailor your responses appropriately, improving efficiency on exam day.

Seek Constructive Feedback

Have your teacher or tutor review your practice responses to ensure they align with the expectations of the command terms. Feedback can help you fine-tune your approach.

Conclusion

Command terms play an integral role in achieving success in IB Biology. They not only shape your responses but also ensure that you focus on what examiners are looking for. However, this is just one aspect of exam preparation. Pairing a strong grasp of command terms with consistent practice and a deep understanding of biological concepts will set you on the path to achieving top marks in IB Biology.