The Guide to Command Terms for IB English

Success in IB English isn’t just about analysing texts or writing essays; it’s about addressing exam questions in a way that aligns with what the examiners expect. A key skill to develop for this is understanding command terms. These terms guide students in crafting responses that directly address the requirements of the question.

Understanding command terms is particularly important in English as so much of your final mark is determine on how well you answered the question. And in English, you only have one question you are answering - the essay question.

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of command terms, provide tips for mastering them, and share strategies to help you excel in IB English.

What Are Command Terms?

Command terms are the verbs or instructions in IB English exam questions that specify the type of response required. These range from simpler tasks like "identify" or "summarise" to more analytical tasks like "explore," "compare," or "evaluate."

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

"Analyse" asks you to break down and interpret key elements of a text, considering their implications and significance.
"Compare" requires a discussion of both similarities and differences between texts.
"Evaluate" demands a judgment or assessment of the text, supported by critical reasoning and evidence.

Since IB exams contribute to approximately 80% of your final grade, understanding and applying command terms effectively can make a significant difference in maximising your scores.

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

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IB English Command Terms

Command Term	Description
Analyze	Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.
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.
Contrast	Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Describe	Give a detailed account.
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.
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.
Explore	Undertake a systematic process of discovery.
Interpret	Use knowledge and understanding to recognize trends and draw conclusions from given information.
Investigate	Observe, study, or make a detailed and systematic examination, in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
Justify	Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.
Present	Offer for display, observation, examination or consideration.
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.

Why Are Command Terms Important?

Clear Expectations:
- Command terms clarify exactly what the question requires. Misinterpreting or ignoring them can lead to incomplete or off-target responses, even if your analysis is strong.
Efficient Time Management:
- Recognising the command term early helps you focus your response, ensuring the appropriate level of depth while avoiding unnecessary elaboration.
Maximising Marks:
- IB examiners grade responses based on how well they address the specific requirements of the question. Tailoring your answers to command terms ensures you meet the criteria for full marks.

Tips for Mastering IB English Exams

Mastering command terms is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are additional tips to help you prepare for success in IB English:

1. Analyse Past Papers

Study past papers to see how command terms are used in real exam questions. Focus on how the questions are structured and review the mark schemes to understand what examiners expect from each type of response.

After surveying hundreds of IB tutors, one consistent piece of advice was that practising past papers is one of the most effective ways to prepare for IB exams.

2. Build a Command Term Glossary

Create a list of command terms and their definitions. Use flashcards or a digital document to keep them handy and review them regularly to reinforce your understanding.

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

3. Understand the Mark Schemes

Mark schemes are an invaluable resource for understanding how examiners allocate marks. They reveal the level of detail required for each type of command term, ensuring your answers meet expectations.

4. Use Textual Evidence

No matter the command term, your responses should always include supporting evidence from the text. Whether you’re “explaining” a theme or “evaluating” an author’s technique, quotes and examples strengthen your argument and align with examiner criteria.

5. Practice Timed Responses

Practise writing answers under timed conditions. Focus on identifying the command term quickly and tailoring your response to match. This will not only improve your time management but also build confidence for exam day.

6. Seek Constructive Feedback

Share your practice responses with teachers or tutors and ask them to evaluate how well you address the command terms. Their feedback can help refine your technique and improve your clarity.

Final Thoughts

Understanding command terms is an essential part of succeeding in IB English. These terms guide your responses, ensuring you focus on what examiners are looking for.

That said, this is just one aspect of excelling in the subject. Pair a strong grasp of command terms with consistent practice, a deep understanding of literary analysis, and well-structured responses to ensure you're on track to achieve top marks.

Remember, IB English isn’t just about what you write but how you address the question—and command terms are your key to unlocking exam success.