The Guide to Command Terms for IB History

Excelling in IB History goes beyond memorising facts and dates. Success depends on your ability to craft well-structured and analytical responses that meet IB examiners’ expectations. Command terms are an essential tool in this process, directing how you approach and develop your answers to achieve top marks.

What Are Command Terms?

Command terms are the instructional words or phrases used in IB History questions, guiding students on how to approach and structure their responses. These terms range from simpler tasks like "describe" or "outline" to more complex directives such as "evaluate" or "analyse."

Each command term carries a specific meaning, and examiners expect students to address them accurately. For example:

"Discuss" requires you to present a balanced argument that considers multiple perspectives.
"Compare and contrast" asks you to examine similarities and differences between historical events, figures, or processes.

With exams contributing significantly to the overall marks in most IB subjects, mastering command terms is critical to achieving strong results.
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IB History Command Terms

Command Term	Description
Analyse	Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.
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.
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.
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?

Clarity in Expectations:
- Command terms specify precisely what the question demands. Misinterpreting or overlooking them can lead to incomplete or inaccurate responses, even if your historical knowledge is sound.
Efficient Time Management:
- Recognising the command term early helps you structure your response effectively, saving time and avoiding unnecessary details or tangents.
Maximising Marks:
- IB examiners grade answers based on how well they address the specific requirements of a question. Responding correctly to command terms ensures you meet the criteria needed to earn full marks.

Study and Exam Tips for IB History

Mastering command terms is just one step towards success in IB History. To ensure you’re thoroughly prepared, include these strategies in your study plan:

1. Practise Past Papers

Familiarise yourself with how command terms appear in real IB History exams by working through past papers. Analyse how questions are structured and review the mark schemes to understand the level of detail and analysis required.

After consulting with over 500 IB tutors, one clear recommendation 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

Create a comprehensive list of command terms along with their definitions. Regularly review this glossary to reinforce your understanding of what each term demands.

3. Analyse Mark Schemes

Examine how marks are allocated for different types of questions. This will help you gauge the depth of analysis, argumentation, or evidence required to fully meet the expectations of each command term.

4. Incorporate Historiography

For command terms like "evaluate" or "to what extent," strengthen your responses by including relevant historiographical perspectives. This adds depth to your argument and demonstrates critical thinking.

5. Practise Timed Essays

Simulate exam conditions by practising essay writing under timed constraints. This will train you to quickly identify command terms and construct well-organised arguments within the time limit.

6. Seek Constructive Feedback

Have your teacher or tutor review your essays and provide detailed feedback. This will help you refine your writing and ensure your responses align with the requirements of the command terms.

Conclusion

Mastering command terms is a vital component of excelling in IB History. These terms serve as a guide, helping you craft responses that meet the expectations of IB examiners. However, achieving top results also requires consistent practice, a strong understanding of historical content, and strategic preparation.

With dedication and the right approach, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in IB History, presenting insightful arguments and earning the marks you deserve.