IB MYP Design: Command Terms
IB MYP Design: Command terms
IB MYP Design uses MYP command terms across the design cycle: Inquiring and Analysing, Developing Ideas, Creating the Solution, and Evaluating. Command terms such as Design, Create, Evaluate, Justify and Construct are central to criterion-based assessment.
Key command terms for Design
| Command term | What to do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| State | Short answer | Overwriting |
| Identify | Name or recognise | Adding interpretation |
| Describe | Account of need/situation | Adding explanation |
| Explain | Reasons; how/why | Only describing |
| Analyse | Break down; show relationships | Surface-level |
| Design | Plan or produce a model | Vague; no specification |
| Construct | Build or create | Incomplete |
| Create | Produce solution | No design rationale |
| Evaluate | Strengths and limitations; judgement | Description only |
| Justify | Give reasons to support design choices | Unsupported claim |
| Outline | Brief account | Too much detail |
| Compare | Similarities and/or differences | Listing separately |
| Suggest | Propose solution or improvement | Random idea |
| Reflect | Think about; consider | Superficial |
MYP Design criteria and command terms
- Criterion A: Inquiring and analysing—State, Identify, Explain, Analyse
- Criterion B: Developing ideas—Design, Outline, Justify
- Criterion C: Creating the solution—Construct, Create, Use
- Criterion D: Evaluating—Evaluate, Justify, Reflect
Tips for MYP Design
- Design—clear specification; justified choices
- Construct—follow plan; document process
- Evaluate—test against specification; strengths and limitations
- Justify—support design decisions with reasoning
- Reflect—on process; on improvements; on impact
- Check criterion descriptors for level boundaries
How Tutopiya helps
Tutopiya supports IB MYP Design. Explore IB resources or book a free trial.
Based on MYP Design guide. Check your school’s subject outline for criterion descriptors.
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