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Understanding Command Terms
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Today, we are going to explore how understanding command terms can greatly influence the quality of your answers. Can anyone tell me what a command term is?
Are they like key terms that tell us what we should do in a question?
Exactly! Command terms such as 'describe,' 'explain,' and 'discuss' guide how much detail you need to include in your response. For example, 'describe' means to give a detailed account, while 'explain' requires reasoning behind your description. Let's remember this using the acronym **D.E.D.E** for *Describe* and *Explain*.
Could you give more examples of how these command terms differ?
Certainly! 'Evaluate' means assessing strengths and weaknesses, while 'discuss' asks for a balanced consideration of different arguments. Understanding these is vital for structuring your essay effectively.
How do we know what to include in each command term?
Great question! Each command term comes with its own expectations, so practicing by analyzing past questions can help. Rememberโ**D.E.D.E**โit can help guide your writing! Let's summarize: Always pay attention to the command terms to align your responses with what examiners expect.
Structuring Your Answer
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Now that we understand command terms, letโs discuss structuring your answers. What do you think are the critical components of a good answer?
Maybe starting with an introduction?
Exactly! The introduction outlines what you will discuss. Then you need a main body with paragraphs for each point. Using the *PEEL* model here can help maintain clarity. Can anyone tell me what *PEEL* stands for?
Point, Evidence, Explanation, and Link!
Correct! Each paragraph should have these elements to build a strong argument. What's the last part of our answer structure?
Is it a conclusion?
Yes! The conclusion synthesizes your points and restates your argument. Remember, good structure equals clear answers!
Using the PEEL Method
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Now, let's dive deeper into the *PEEL* method. Why do you think it's essential to use this technique in your essays?
It helps make sure every paragraph has a clear focus and supports the main argument.
Exactly! When you clearly state your point first and follow up with evidence, your arguments become more persuasive. Can someone come up with a *PEEL* example related to a school subject?
For science, I could say: 'Photosynthesis is crucial (Point). For instance, it allows plants to convert sunlight into energy (Evidence). This process is fundamental for most life forms that rely on plants for oxygen and food (Explanation). Therefore, its importance cannot be overstated (Link).'
Excellent example! Remember to consistently apply this structure, making your essays not only informative but comprehensible.
Introduction & Overview
Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.
Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, the importance of understanding IB command terms in exam questions is emphasized, outlining specific terms and how they dictate response depth. It also discusses effective answer structuring with the introduction, body, and conclusion framework, along with using PEEL paragraphs for clarity.
Detailed
Long Answer and Essay Questions
This section provides comprehensive guidance on answering long answer and essay questions, fundamental components of exams. The mastery of IB command terms, such as describe, explain, and evaluate, is crucial as they indicate the required depth of responses.
Key Command Terms
- Describe: Focuses on detailing a situation.
- Explain: Involves providing accounts with reasons.
- Evaluate: Requires weighing strengths and weaknesses.
- Discuss: Involves balanced views supported by evidence.
- Compare/Contrast: Highlights similarities and differences, respectively.
- Analyze: Breaks down elements for understanding.
- Justify: Involves supporting answers with evidence.
Answer Structuring
Effective structuring promotes clarity, encompassing:
- Introduction: Briefly outline main arguments.
- Main Body: Develop each point with evidence and examples in separate paragraphs using the PEEL model:
- Point: Main idea.
- Evidence: Supporting data.
- Explanation: Clarification of how evidence supports the point.
- Link: Connects back to the question.
- Conclusion: Summarizes key points and findings.
Properly understanding these aspects is vital for success in exams.
Audio Book
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Introduction
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โ Introduction: Briefly outline the main points or arguments you will discuss.
Detailed Explanation
The introduction of a long answer or essay question is crucial because it sets the stage for your answer. In this part, you should provide a brief overview of the main points or arguments that you will explore in the essay. This helps the examiner understand your focus and what to expect in the following paragraphs.
Examples & Analogies
Think of your introduction as a movie trailer. Just like a trailer gives viewers a sneak peek of what to expect in the movie, your introduction gives the examiner a quick idea of the topics you'll cover in your essay.
Main Body
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โ Main Body: Develop each point in a separate paragraph, providing evidence, examples, and explanations.
Detailed Explanation
The main body of your essay is where you elaborate on each point you introduced. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, giving detailed explanations and supporting it with evidence like examples, data, or quotes. This structured approach helps to create a logical flow in your argument, making it easier for the examiner to follow your reasoning.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you are writing a recipe. Each step must be clear and detailed so that someone else can follow it successfully. The main body of your essay works the same wayโeach paragraph should guide the reader through your argument as if you were leading them through each step of a process.
Conclusion
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โ Conclusion: Summarize the key points and restate your position or findings.
Detailed Explanation
The conclusion wraps up your essay and should briefly summarize the main points you discussed. Itโs also the place to reaffirm your position or findings based on the arguments you made. A strong conclusion leaves a lasting impression and shows the examiner that you have effectively answered the question.
Examples & Analogies
Think of your conclusion as the final scene of a book, where everything important comes together, and the main message is delivered. Just like how a strong ending can make a story memorable, a well-crafted conclusion reinforces the essence of your essay.
Definitions & Key Concepts
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
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Command Terms: Indicate the depth and type of response expected in exams.
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Answer Structuring: The organization of responses into introduction, body, and conclusion.
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PEEL Method: A structured paragraph format to enhance clarity and argumentation.
Examples & Real-Life Applications
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
Examples
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Using the command term 'evaluate', a student would appraise both pros and cons about a given topic.
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A well-structured response may start with identifying the topic, supporting points with reliable evidence, and summarizing at the end.
Memory Aids
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
๐ต Rhymes Time
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When you write, keep it tight; With PEEL, your argument will feel just right.
๐ Fascinating Stories
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Imagine a detective solving a case. They gather clues (evidence) and explain (explanation) how each clue connects to the mystery (point), leading to a resolution (link). Thatโs how you build your answers!
๐ง Other Memory Gems
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Remember D.E.D.E: Describe, Explain, Discuss, Evaluate to guide your writing tasks.
๐ฏ Super Acronyms
P.E.E.L. - Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link helps you remember your paragraph structure.
Flash Cards
Review key concepts with flashcards.
Glossary of Terms
Review the Definitions for terms.
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Term: Command Terms
Definition:
Specific words used in exam questions that indicate the expected depth of response.
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Term: PEEL Paragraph
Definition:
A method of structuring paragraphs that stands for Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link.
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Term: Introduction
Definition:
The opening part of an essay that outlines main arguments.
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Term: Conclusion
Definition:
The closing section that summarizes the main points made in the essay.