IB DP Biology: Command Terms and Keywords
IB DP Biology: Command terms and keywords
IB Diploma Programme Biology (SL and HL) uses the standard IB command terms. Extended questions use levels of response marking. Precise use of biological terminology is essential—vague language loses marks.
Key command terms for Biology
| Command term | What to do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| State | Short answer | Overwriting |
| Define | Precise meaning | Vague definition |
| Describe | Detailed account of process/structure | Adding explanation |
| Explain | Reasons and causes; mechanisms | Only describing |
| Compare | Similarities and/or differences | Listing separately |
| Suggest | Apply to new context | Textbook recall only |
| Evaluate | Strengths and limitations; judgement | Description only |
| Discuss | Range of arguments; balanced conclusion | One-sided |
| Deduce | Conclusion from given information | Guessing |
| Outline | Brief account | Too much detail |
| Draw | Labelled, accurate diagram | Unlabelled or rough |
| Annotate | Add notes to diagram | No annotations |
Biological keywords (use correctly)
| Term | Use correctly | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Respiration | Release of energy from glucose | Breathing |
| Photosynthesis | Process; light-dependent and independent | ”Making food” |
| Homeostasis | Maintenance of stable internal conditions | ”Staying the same” |
| Osmosis | Water movement across membrane | Diffusion of water (be precise) |
| Diffusion | Net movement down concentration gradient | ”Spreading out” |
| Active transport | Requires ATP; against gradient | Passive transport |
| Mitosis | Nuclear division; identical cells | Meiosis |
| Meiosis | Reduction division; gametes | Mitosis |
| Gene | Unit of heredity; codes for polypeptide | Allele |
| Allele | Variant of a gene | Gene |
| Enzyme | Biological catalyst; protein | Catalyst (add “biological”) |
| Denaturation | Permanent change to active site | Reversible |
| Ecosystem | Community + abiotic factors | Habitat |
| Habitat | Where an organism lives | Niche |
| Niche | Role of organism in ecosystem | Habitat |
Tips for Biology exams
- State—one word or short phrase; no expansion
- Describe—structure, process, sequence; no “why”
- Explain—mechanisms and causes; use “because”
- Evaluate—strengths and limitations, then conclusion
- Draw—use ruler; label clearly; show proportions
- Past papers—check mark schemes for acceptable terminology
How Tutopiya helps
Tutopiya supports IB DP Biology (SL and HL). Explore IB resources or book a free trial.
Based on IB Diploma Programme Biology subject guide. Check the guide for syllabus-specific command terms.
Written by
Tutopiya Team
Related Articles
IB CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service): Explained for Students and Parents
What is CAS? Hours, learning outcomes, CAS project and reflection. A complete guide to Creativity, Activity, Service.
IB Common Misconceptions and Grey Areas: Myths vs Facts
IB myths debunked—difficulty, university recognition, Indian admissions, who can do the IB. Grey areas explained for parents and students.
IB Core Explained: EE, TOK and CAS Together
The IB core—Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS. How they work together and contribute to the diploma.