IB MYP: Official command terms

MYP command terms appear in subject guides, assessment criteria and task rubrics. They create a common language of teaching and learning across subject groups and support articulation with the Diploma Programme. Definitions below are from MYP From Principles to Practice (2014), Appendix 3, and subject guides (e.g. Language Acquisition).

Command term	Definition
Analyse	Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.
Annotate	Add brief notes to a diagram or graph.
Apply	Use knowledge or rules to put theory into practice.
Argue	Give reasons for or against.
Classify	Arrange or order by class or category.
Comment	Give a judgment with evidence.
Compare	Give an account of similarities (and differences).
Compare and contrast	Give an account of similarities and differences.
Construct	Display information or build.
Contrast	Give an account of differences.
Deduce	Reach a conclusion from information given.
Demonstrate	Make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples.
Describe	Give a detailed account or picture.
Design	Produce a plan, simulation or model.
Discuss	Offer a considered and balanced review with range of arguments, supported by evidence.
Distinguish	Make clear the differences.
Document	Create a record of.
Estimate	Obtain an approximate value.
Evaluate	Make an appraisal by weighing up strengths and limitations.
Examine	Consider in a way that uncovers assumptions and interrelationships.
Explain	Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.
Explore	Investigate systematically.
Find	Obtain an answer showing relevant stages in the working.
Formulate	Express precisely and systematically.
Identify	Provide an answer from possibilities; recognise and state briefly.
Infer	Reach a conclusion from evidence.
Interpret	Use knowledge to recognise trends and draw conclusions.
Investigate	Observe, study or make a detailed and systematic examination.
Justify	Give valid reasons or evidence to support.
Outline	Give a brief account or summary.
Present	Offer for display, observation or consideration.
Predict	Give an expected result.
Reflect	Think about; consider.
State	Give a specific name, value or brief answer without explanation.
Summarize	Abstract a general theme or major point(s).
Synthesize	Combine different ideas to create new understanding.
Use	Apply knowledge or rules.

Cognitive levels

• Understand: Annotate, Classify, Describe, Document, Identify, Outline, State
• Apply: Apply, Calculate, Demonstrate, Derive, Estimate, Formulate, Measure, Predict, Present, Prove, Sketch, Solve, Use
• Analyse: Analyse, Argue, Compare, Contrast, Deduce, Discuss, Distinguish, Examine, Explore, Infer, Interpret, Investigate, Reflect
• Evaluate/Create: Appraise, Comment, Construct, Design, Evaluate, Justify, Synthesize

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Source: MYP From Principles to Practice (2014), subject guides. Some subjects (e.g. Language Acquisition) may use additional terms.

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