Overview
Misreading a command term costs full markband levels — even when your knowledge is solid. Here is what IB examiners expect for every major command term, with examples you can apply in sciences, humanities, and languages.
Understanding the IB Command terms assessment
IB questions use prescribed command terms that tell you the cognitive skill required — from "state" (minimal) to "evaluate" (judgement with evidence). Misreading the command term is one of the fastest ways to lose a full markband level.
Markbands and what examiners reward
For the IB Diploma Programme, higher-order terms (`analyse`, `evaluate`, `discuss`) require structure: claim → evidence → link → (for evaluate) judgement. Lower-order terms (`define`, `outline`) need precision and brevity.
A past paper workflow that actually works
Build a one-page command term cheat sheet. When practising past papers, highlight the command term before planning. Self-mark: "Did I actually evaluate, or only describe?"
Paper-specific tips
For the IB Diploma Programme, compare = similarities and differences with explicit linking. Contrast = differences only. To what extent = thesis with counterargument. Discuss = balanced exploration, not one-sided rant.
Common pitfalls
For the IB Diploma Programme, writing everything you know; ignoring "with reference to"; treating discuss as evaluate; no conclusion on evaluate questions.
Using MarkScheme across the diploma
MarkScheme hosts [760+ free IB lessons](/ib/courses) across sciences, humanities, languages, maths, arts, and Core — each syllabus point links to [topic practice](/ib/past-papers/biology-hl#ib-topic-practice) and [criterion marking](/mark). See the [free courses guide](/blog/ib-free-courses-guide) and [diploma past papers guide](/blog/ib-diploma-past-papers-guide).
Frequently asked questions
This section covers Frequently asked questions — what IB examiners reward most often in past papers and coursework.
Where is the official list?
In the IB subject guides — terms are consistent across many subjects but check subject-specific glossaries.
Command terms in IAs?
Yes — research questions and reflections use the same skills. Practise in coursework too.
How do IB command terms differ from A-Level terms?
Similar words, different mark schemes — if you sit both qualifications, keep separate technique notes.