A key to success is understanding the demands of the question. IB History questions use key terms and phrases known as command terms. The more common command terms are listed in the table on page 324, with a brief definition of each. More are listed in the appendix of the IB History Guide. Examples of questions using some of the more common command terms are included at the end of each of Chapters 2-9.
|
Command term |
Description |
Where found in this book |
|
Analyse |
Examine the basic structure or issues. |
Pages 60, 108, 150, 163, 203, 241, 280 |
|
Assess |
Analyse the strengths and weakness of various arguments with a concluding opinion. |
Pages 203, 241, 280, 322, 333 |
|
Compare and contrast |
Discuss the similarities and differences of leaders, referring to both throughout your answer and not treating each separately. You should not give an overview of each leader but should focus on the most important similarities and differences, rather than every tiny detail. |
Pages 60, 108, 150, 163, 241,326, 333 |
|
Define |
Give the meaning of the concept or term, with examples. |
Page 163 |
|
Describe |
Give a detailed overview of some aspect of a leader’s rule. |
Pages 215, 276, 333 |
|
Discuss |
Review various arguments regarding a leader or leaders and conclude with an argument supported by evidence. |
Pages 60, 108, 150, 163, 203, 241, 280, 322, 333 |
|
Evaluate/Examine |
Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of various arguments with a concluding opinion. |
Pages 282, 289, 333 |
|
Explain |
Give a thorough overview which includes reasons for developments occuring. |
Pages 60, 108, 150, 163, 203, 241, 280, 322, 333 |
|
For what reasons and with what results |
Explain the causes and determine the results of a particular event or events. |
Pages 163, 203, 280, 333 |
|
In what ways, and for what reasons |
Analyse various methods or changes to a system or event and their causes. |
Page 322 |
|
Justify |
Give legitimate, evidence-supported reasons for a specific conclusion. |
Pages 276, 333 |
|
To what extent |
Determine the extent to which something is true or false, with answers usually being ‘to no extent’, ‘to some extent’, or ‘to a great extent’. |
Pages 60, 108, 150, 163, 203, 241, 280, 322, 333, 351,352 |
World History
