IB MYP Individuals and Societies: Command Terms and Keywords
IB MYP Individuals and Societies: Command terms and keywords
IB MYP Individuals and Societies (History, Geography, Economics, integrated humanities) use MYP command terms across Criteria A–D. Assessment is criterion-based. Command terms such as Describe, Explain, Evaluate and Discuss are central to extended responses.
Key command terms for I&S
| Command term | What to do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| State | Short answer | Overwriting |
| Define | Precise meaning | Vague definition |
| Describe | Account of event/pattern/process | Adding explanation |
| Explain | Reasons and causes | Only describing |
| Compare | Similarities and/or differences | Listing separately |
| Contrast | Differences only | Similarities |
| Evaluate | Strengths and limitations; judgement | Description only |
| Discuss | Range of arguments; balanced conclusion | One-sided |
| Analyse | Break down; show relationships | Surface-level |
| Outline | Brief account | Too much detail |
| Identify | Name or recognise | Adding interpretation |
| Interpret | Draw meaning from sources | Stating only |
I&S keywords (use correctly)
| Term | Use correctly | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Reason for event | ”Because” (vague) |
| Effect | Result of event | ”Impact” (often same) |
| Evidence | Support from source | Opinion |
| Source | Primary or secondary | ”Info” |
| Bias | Prejudice in source | ”Wrong” |
| Perspective | Point of view | ”Opinion” |
| Civilisation | Complex society | ”Culture” |
| Economy | System of production/distribution | ”Money” |
| Society | Group with shared culture | ”People” |
| Sustainability | Meeting needs without compromising future | ”Green” |
MYP I&S criteria and command terms
- Criterion A: Knowing and understanding—State, Define, Describe, Outline
- Criterion B: Investigating—Outline, Describe, Evaluate
- Criterion C: Communicating—Present, Organize, Use
- Criterion D: Thinking critically—Analyse, Evaluate, Discuss, Justify
Tips for MYP I&S
- Describe—what happened; key features; no “why”
- Explain—reasons; causes; use “because”
- Evaluate—strengths and limitations; sources; conclusion
- Discuss—multiple perspectives; evidence-based conclusion
- Use sources—refer to evidence; consider reliability
- Check criterion descriptors for level boundaries
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Based on MYP Individuals and Societies guide. Check your school’s subject outline for criterion descriptors.
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