The Guide to Command Terms for IB Business Management

Achieving top marks in IB Business Management involves more than simply understanding theories and case studies. It’s about responding to questions in a way that meets the specific expectations of IB examiners. Command terms are crucial in this process—they guide how you should structure your answers and ensure you provide what’s required.

What Are Command Terms?

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

Each command term has a specific meaning, and examiners expect students to respond accordingly. For example:

"Calculate" requires you to show all steps leading to your final answer.
"Describe" asks for a clear explanation of a business concept, process, or scenario.

With exams typically contributing to around 80% of the overall marks in most IB subjects, a strong understanding of command terms is essential for maximising your results.

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

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IB Business Management 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.
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 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.
Complete	Add missing information/data.
Construct	Display information in a diagrammatic or logical form.
Contrast	Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Define	Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.
Demonstrate	Make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical application.
Describe	Give a detailed account.
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.
Evaluate	Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.
Examine	Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue.
Explain	Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.
Identify	Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.
Interpret	Use knowledge and understanding to recognize trends and draw conclusions from given information.
Justify	Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.
Label	Add labels to a diagram.
Outline	Give a brief account or summary.
Plot	Mark the position of points on a diagram.
Prepare	Put given data or information from a stimulus/source into a suitable format.
Recommend	Present an advisable course of action with appropriate supporting evidence/reason in relation to a given situation, problem or issue.
State	Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.
Suggest	Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.
To what extent	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.

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Why Are Command Terms Important?

Clarity in Expectations:
- Command terms explicitly state what the question requires. Misinterpreting or ignoring them can lead to incomplete or incorrect answers, even if you understand the business concepts well.
Effective Time Management:
- Recognising the command term early allows you to focus your response appropriately, saving time and avoiding unnecessary explanations or details.
Maximising Marks:
- IB examiners grade responses based on how accurately they address the requirements of the question. Responding effectively to command terms ensures you meet all the criteria needed to achieve full marks.

Study and Exam Tips for IB Business Management

Mastering command terms is just one element of success in IB Business Management. To be fully prepared, integrate these strategies into your study routine:

1. Practise Past Papers

Familiarise yourself with how command terms appear in actual IB Business Management exams by working through past papers. Analyse how questions are framed and review mark schemes to understand the level of detail required.

After consulting over 500 IB tutors, one standout tip emerged: the best way to prepare for IB exams is by practising 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

2. Build a Command Term Glossary

Compile a list of all command terms with their definitions. Use flashcards or a central document to regularly review them, helping you internalise the requirements of each term.

3. Analyse Mark Schemes

Examine how marks are awarded for different types of questions. This will help you understand the level of explanation, evaluation, or detail required to fully address each command term.

4. Provide Clear Justifications

Always include your reasoning and calculations, particularly for command terms like "justify" or "evaluate," where your explanation and argumentation are key to earning marks.

5. Practise Under Timed Conditions

Simulate exam scenarios by practising within time constraints. This will train you to quickly recognise command terms and construct well-organised responses, improving both your efficiency and accuracy during exams.

6. Seek Feedback

Have your teacher or tutor review your practice answers and provide constructive feedback. This will help you refine your approach and ensure your responses align with the expectations of the command terms.

Conclusion

Mastering command terms is a critical component of success in IB Business Management. These terms provide a framework for crafting effective responses that align with IB examiners’ expectations. However, command terms are just one part of the equation. Combine this knowledge with consistent practice, a strong understanding of business concepts, and strategic exam preparation to position yourself for top results.

With dedication and the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals in IB Business Management.