Command terms in IB Business: from "Define" to "Evaluate"

Why command terms decide your grade

Every IB question begins with a verb. That verb dictates which marking band the script can reach. You can write a brilliant essay, but if the question said "Define" and you wrote five paragraphs, you've earned 2 marks out of a possible 50. Command terms are the contract between you and the marker.

Low-order terms (1 to 4 marks)

• Define: give a precise meaning. Usually 2 marks. One sentence.
• State: give a specific name or value, no explanation.
• Identify: point out and name. No analysis.
• Outline: give a brief description (2 to 3 sentences).
• Describe: give a detailed account with characteristics (1 paragraph).

For all of these: do not evaluate, do not apply to the case unless asked. Brevity wins marks.

Mid-order terms (4 to 6 marks)

• Distinguish: make clear the differences between two or more concepts.
• Comment: give a judgement based on data or context.
• Explain: give a detailed account including reasons or causes (cause → effect chain).
• Apply: use a concept in a given context.

Explain is the most under-performed. It requires a cause-effect chain, not a description.

High-order terms (8 to 10+ marks)

• Analyse: break down using a business tool, show patterns.
• Examine: consider in detail, exposing interrelationships.
• Discuss: give a balanced consideration of multiple views.
• Evaluate: weigh up strengths and weaknesses, conclude with a judgement.
• Justify: give reasons that support a decision or view.
• Recommend: propose a course of action with supporting reasoning.

Sentence-starter templates

• Define: "X is…", one sentence, no padding.
• Explain: "X happens because…", at least one cause-and-effect link.
• Analyse: "Using [tool], we can see that…", apply the framework.
• Discuss: "One view is X… however, the opposing view is Y…": both sides.
• Evaluate: "On balance, [position] is justified because…": judgement at the end.
• Recommend: "The firm should [action] because [reason]. To mitigate [risk], they should also [action 2]."

Print this list. Stick it on your desk. Read the command term aloud before you start writing. Few habits pay off more in IB Business. The full list, grouped by assessment objective, is in the free command terms cheat sheet (PDF, English and Spanish).