IB MYP Sciences: Command terms and keywords

IB MYP Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, integrated or discrete) use MYP command terms across Criteria A–D. Assessment is criterion-based. Precise scientific terminology is essential for reaching higher achievement levels.

Key command terms for Sciences

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
Calculate	Numerical answer; show working; units	No working
Design	Plan experiment or investigation	Vague procedure
Investigate	Systematic enquiry	Unstructured
Analyse	Break down; show relationships	Surface-level
Outline	Brief account	Too much detail

Scientific keywords (use correctly)

Term	Use correctly	Avoid
Hypothesis	Testable prediction	Guess
Variable	Factor that changes (independent/dependent)	“Thing”
Control	Kept constant for comparison	”Normal”
Conclusion	Supported by evidence	Opinion
Evidence	Data supporting claim	”Proof”
Respiration	Release of energy from glucose	Breathing
Photosynthesis	Process in plants	”Making food”
Reaction	Chemical change	”Mixing”
Force	Push or pull; N	”Strength”
Energy	Capacity to do work; J	”Power”

MYP Sciences criteria and command terms

• Criterion A: Knowing and understanding—State, Define, Describe, Outline
• Criterion B: Investigating—Design, Outline, Describe, Evaluate
• Criterion C: Processing and evaluating—Process, Interpret, Discuss, Evaluate
• Criterion D: Reflecting on the impacts of science—Explain, Discuss, Evaluate

Tips for MYP Sciences

1. State—one word or short phrase
2. Describe—structure, process, sequence; no “why”
3. Explain—mechanisms and causes; use “because”
4. Evaluate—strengths and limitations, then conclusion
5. Design—clear variables; method; control
6. Use precise terminology—check subject guide

How Tutopiya helps

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Based on MYP Sciences guide. Check your school’s MYP subject outline for criterion descriptors.

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