MYP Command Terms

A-Z

• Analyse - Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure. To identify parts and relationships, and to interpret information to reach conclusions.

• Annotate - Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.

• Apply - Use knowledge and understanding in response to a given situation or real circumstances. Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in relation to a given problem or issue. (See also “Use”.)

• Calculate - Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working.

• Classify - Arrange or order by class or category.

• 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 the 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.

• Contrast - Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.

• Create - To evolve from one’s own thought or imagination, as a work or an invention.

• Critique - Provide a critical review or commentary, especially when dealing with works of art or literature. (See also “Evaluate”.)

• Deduce - Reach a conclusion from the information given.

• 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.

• Derive - Manipulate a mathematical relationship to give a new equation or relationship.

• Describe - Give a detailed account or picture of a situation, event, pattern or process.

• Design - Produce a plan, simulation or model.

• Determine - Obtain the only possible answer.

• Develop - To improve incrementally, elaborate or expand in detail. Evolve to a more advanced or effective state.

• 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.

• Document - Credit sources of information used by referencing (or citing) following a 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.

• 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 for an unknown quantity.

• Evaluate - Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations. (See also “Critique”.)

• 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. (See also “Justify”.)

• Explore - Undertake a systematic process of discovery.

• Find - Obtain an answer showing relevant stages in the working.

• Formulate - Express precisely and systematically the relevant concept(s) or argument(s).

• Identify - Provide an answer from a number of possibilities. Recognize and state briefly a distinguishing fact or feature.

• 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. (See also “Explain”.)

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

• List - Give a sequence of brief answers with no explanation.

• Measure -Obtain a value for a quantity.

• Organize -Put ideas and information into a proper or systematic order.

• Outline - Give a brief account or summary.

• Plot - Mark the position of points on a diagram.

• Predict - Give an expected result of an upcoming action or event.

• Present - Offer for display, observation, examination or consideration.

• Prioritize - Give relative importance to, or put in an order of preference.

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

• Recall - Remember or recognize from prior learning experiences

• Select - Choose from a list or group.

• Show - Give the steps in a calculation or derivation.

• Show that - Obtain the required result (possibly using information given) without the formality of proof. “Show that” questions do not generally require the use of a calculator.

• 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.

• Solve - Obtain the answer(s) using algebraic and/or numerical and/or graphical methods.

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

• Suggest - Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.

• Summarize - Abstract a general theme or major point(s).

• Synthesize - Combine different ideas in order to create new understanding.

• 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.

• Trace - Follow and record the action of an algorithm.

• Translate - Express the meaning of a text in another language or dialect

• Use - Apply knowledge or rules to put theory into practice. (See also “Apply”.)

• Verify - Provide evidence that validates the result.

• Write down - Obtain the answer(s), usually by extracting information. Little or no calculation is required. Working does not need to be shown.