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I.B. Command Terms Primer

This reference sheet will help you plan your answers to
IB essay questions. Try to internalize these steps by May.

ANALYZE
“Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.”

Opening
components are fundamental to our understanding of... [your topic]

concepts

Certain elements Follow this statement up by listing each component /

concept, etc. For each item, provide one or two sentences
ideas to support your statement with details, either from the
sources or your own general knowledge.
themes

COMPARE
“Highlight the similarities between two sources or concepts.”

Opening
themes shared in common by
SOURCES, namely,
similarities that can be observed regarding
TOPICS,
There are a number of THEMES
ITEMS,
common threads to consider when examining such as,
ETC.

parallels to be drawn between

Repeat for each source and theme:

in that
REASON,
In SOURCE this theme / thread / parallel is evident through WITH JUSTIFICATION /
DETAILS
because of

CONTRAST
“Highlight the differences between two sources or concepts.”

Opening
The main differences between these two sources / ideas / etc. are
DIFFERENCES
These sources differ / disagree in significant ways:

LIST OF
Though these sources share some common aspects, such as their real historical value lies in their differences.
SIMILARITIES

Repeat for each point of difference:

in that
SOURCE, REASON,
In TOPIC, this theme / thread / parallel is evident through WITH JUSTIFICATION /
ITEM DETAILS
because of
COMPARE & CONTRAST
“Outline both the similarities and differences between two (or more) sources.”

Opening
share more similarities than differences
which will be
These documents, Firstly, SIMILARITY
examined in turn.
topics, themes, share certain common traits / elements
events, etc.

differ more than they are similar. Consider, for example, DIFFERENCE

Repeat for each similarity or difference

Conversely,
SIMILARITY IN
DIFFERENCE IN
OTHER SOURCE
This is also seen / evident in On the other hand, OTHER SOURCE,
OR THEME /
THEME, TOPIC
TOPIC
By way of contrast,
Choose one of these for each comparison or contrast that
you make. Make sure you provide details for each source!

DEFINE (WHAT IS ____ ?)

“Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, or concept.”

2-3 Sentence Response

TERM OR The significance of (term or idea)

refers to DESCRIPTION SIGNIFICANCE
IDEA in the present context is

DESCRIBE
“Give a detailed account.”

Opening
characteristics of

features of are as follows. ITEM, WITH

The principle / main /
TOPIC Firstly, REASON FOR
key / important can be summed up
elements related to INCLUSION
as follows.

events involved in
For each item you list and describe (using at least two
sentences), make sure to include a follow-up sentence that
explains why this is an important, feature, event, etc.
DISCUSS
“Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments,
factors or hypotheses.”

Opening
reasons
to consider with regard to Many factors are at play in
causes
There are many
aspects
comprising TOPIC
factors

Repeat for each item:

should be emphasized,

DESCRIPTION OF is important to note,

ASPECT / CAUSE / This because REASON
FACTOR / REASON is worthy of mention,

merits consideration,

This is one of the more open-ended command terms. You are free to express your own opinions.
However, make sure to back each opinion you hold with a reason. You should also include any
observations that you think are important, based on what the question is asking.

DISTINGUISH
“Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.“

Opening
certain distinctions must be established
from the outset;
in turn,
When examining / it is important to establish certain these are
TOPIC distinctions immediately; DISTINCTIONS
referring to

some distinctions are readily apparent. Firstly,

EVALUATE (ASSESS)
“Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.”

Preamble (not necessary)

any conclusion can be reached
perspectives must be
Before a range of
deciding considered.
QUESTION factors
whether
Body
COMMENT ON ITS MOVE TO
DESCRIBE THE PIECE PROVIDE
EFFECTIVENESS, VALUE, NEXT ITEM,
OF EVIDENCE REASONS
MERIT, IMPORTANCE, ETC. AND REPEAT

In your concluding statement here, consider your comments on the merits / values / etc, and
come up with an overall statement that sums them all up nicely.
EXAMINE
“Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and
interrelationships of the issue.”

Opening
aspects to TOPIC.
A systematic investigation of these
There are many dimensions to aspects / dimensions / parts ARGUMENT
LIST THESE
will reveal
parts to HERE.

In the next few paragraphs, explore each of the aspects you identified. Show how they are related
or connected, and look for patterns. In your conclusion, tell the reader what you discovered.

EXPLAIN (WHY ___ ?)

“Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.”

Opening
steps leading up to
ascertain
factors contributing to
In order to understand QUESTION one must first examine the TOPIC
evidence in support of
determine
causes behind
After this statement, take a paragraph to look at each step /
cause / piece of evidence in sequence. The first part of each paragraph should be a
description. The second part should show how this item helps in your explanation.
E.g. Consider . This was possible because / the reason for this was .

IDENTIFY
“Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.”

Preamble (not necessary)

causes for

reasons for
For each reason you list,
arguably multiple QUESTION
Though there are provide a paragraph
perhaps several answers to that discusses it in more
detail, providing
possibilities here, concrete examples.

Opening
is the most notable / prominent
for the LIST
MAIN
argue that provides the best explanation following REASONS
ANSWER
I would reasons: IN BRIEF
assert that offers the most balanced perspective
JUSTIFY
“Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.”

Opening
position(s) sense points:
are justified ( when / if ) we consider
in an historical the following
assertion(s) context facts:

This / These argument(s)

For each point you can think of to back up your answer, provide
choice(s) at least one reason from your own knowledge, and make sure to
connect it to the point you’re making. Details are important here!
event(s)

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.”

Opening
argued, with a fair amount of certainty, that
It can be
shown, to a large extent, that

it is clear that
Based on the evidence
it is unclear whether MAIN
ARGUMENT
it is likely that
All things considered,
it is unlikely that

The position that is difficult to defend / adopt with a

INITIAL great degree of certainty. However, MODIFIED
ARGUMENT ARGUMENT
Though it would be difficult one can, (nevertheless / however),
to make a strong case for make the argument that

Points / Counterpoints
LIST EVIDENCE, Some may argue that
Consider some of the evidence supporting this claim. LIST SUPPORTING
EXPLAIN HOW IT
Some have argued that ARGUMENTS /
There are many reasons to support this position. SUPPORTS YOUR
COUNTERPOINTS
POSITION One could argue that

Limitations to your argument

drawbacks
Despite the evidence provided to this position that considered LIST
limitations
above, there are certain should be WEAKNESSES
addressed
weaknesses

Conclude by taking stock of all you have said, repeating your

thesis, and stating the extent to which you support the position.