Command Terms
14 words or catchphrases IB puts into their History questions
And in many other subject’s questions, too (Science, English, Psych, Geography, etc.)
Historical Processes
3 big ideas about how history happens
Why Understand Command Terms?
DP/IB History Test
College Bound
Real Life
Command Term Practice
- You will be doing this at the end
Practice Choice 1
Write three (3) questions/prompts* that use at least one command term in each question/prompt.
*Question: Asks you to do something.
*Prompt: Tell you to do something.
Examples
Question: To what extent was Japanese expansion in Asia justified?
Prompt: Analyze the causes of Japanese aggression between 1931-37.
Practice Choice 2
Write definitions for three (3) of the command terms in your own words so that people your own age can better understand the meanings
Share your practice questions/prompts/definitions here for your classmates to see and comment on
Command Terms
Analyze
Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.
Define
Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity.
The meaning of life is...
Command Terms
Compare
Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Sweet/sugary
Dessert
Baked
Made in a kitchen
Round
Cut with a knife
Go well with iced cream
Contrast
Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Pie
Tastes better
More wholesome
Sign of community
“As American as apple pie”
Cake
Frosting too sweet
Too dry
Sign of selfishness
Birthday cake, retirement cake, etc.
Compare & Contrast
Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
Sweet/sugary
Dessert
Baked
Made in a kitchen
Round
Pie
Tastes better
More wholesome
Sign of community
“As American as apple pie”
Cake
Frosting too sweet
Too dry
Sign of selfishness
Birthday cake, retirement cake, etc.
Command Terms
Describe
Give a detailed account.
Discuss
Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.
Pie is a far superior desert due to its feeling of community...
I disagree. While pie can be tasty, it is far inferior to cake...
While overall, pie is better, cake frosting is better than crust...
Command Terms
Distinguish
Make clear the differences between two or more concepts or items.
Evaluate/Assess
Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.
Command Terms
Examine
Consider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue.
Explain
Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.
Command Terms
Identify
Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.
Justify
Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.
The fascist flag?
Based on the evidence we have seen, the human is guilty because..
Command Terms
To what extent
How much is one opinion better than another opinion and why? Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.
To no extent...
To some extent...
To a great extent...
Historical Processes
- It is great to mention these things in the introduction and conclusion of essays
Historical Context
Refers to the moods, attitudes, and conditions that existed in a certain time. Context is the "setting" for an event that occurs
Historical Processes
- It is great to mention these things in the introduction and conclusion of essays
Cause & Effect
How one event or choice leads to the occurrence of another event or choice
Son of a….!!!
Historical Processes
- It is great to mention these things in the introduction and conclusion of essays
Continuity & Change
The way things change and the way things stay the same throughout time
Command Term Practice
Practice Choice 1
Write three (3) questions/prompts* that use at least one command term in each question/prompt.
*Question: Asks you to do something.
*Prompt: Tell you to do something.
Examples
Question: To what extent was Japanese expansion in Asia justified?
Prompt: Analyze the causes of Japanese aggression between 1931-37.
Practice Choice 2
Write definitions for three (3) of the command terms in your own words so that people your own age can better understand the meanings
Share your practice questions/prompts/definitions here for your classmates to see and comment on