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Understanding IB Command Terms
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Today we're going to discuss IB command terms. These are the words you'll see in exam questions that tell you how to answer. Can anyone give me an example?
Does 'describe' count as a command term?
Absolutely! 'Describe' asks you to give a detailed account of a situation. Student_2, what about 'evaluate'?
That's when you weigh the strengths and limitations, right?
Well done! Remember, these terms guide how much detail and what type of information you should include. A helpful way to remember them is by using the acronym DADEE (Describe, Analyse, Discuss, Evaluate, Explain).
So, how should we structure our answers?
Great question! That's what we'll cover next time.
Effective Answer Structuring
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Now let's talk about how to structure your answers. For short answers, we can 'State' or 'Define'. Can anyone explain what that means?
Itโs like giving a clear and simple answer, right? Like 'Define osmosis'.
Exactly! Itโs straightforward. Now, what about 'List'?
That means putting down items, like 'List three types of muscle tissue'.
Perfect! Remember, clarity is key. Using these techniques will help you meet the examiners' expectations. What can we do if we donโt understand the question?
We should break it down into simpler parts!
Exactly! Great teamwork today. Let's summarize: Knowing command terms and structuring answers properly leads to better performance in your exams.
Practicing Answer Techniques
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Let's put our skills to the test! Hereโs a practice question: 'Define diffusion.' What would be an effective answer?
I would say diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
Excellent! Now, how about we try a listing question? 'List the phases of mitosis'.
Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.
Great job! Practice is key. Remember to always review your answers. Can anyone tell me why this is important?
To catch mistakes and improve our explanations!
Exactly right! Consistent practice will enhance your understanding and confidence.
Introduction & Overview
Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.
Quick Overview
Standard
The section outlines essential short answer techniques such as stating, defining, and listing responses while highlighting the importance of IB command terms. It provides guidance on crafting clear, well-structured answers to effectively address exam questions.
Detailed
Short Answer Questions
In this section, we delve into the critical aspect of answering short answer questions in exams, particularly within the context of the IB framework. Understanding IB Command Terms is paramount as these specific words dictate the expected depth and format of responses. The key command terms such as Describe, Explain, Evaluate, Discuss, Compare, Contrast, Analyse, and Justify guide the students in structuring their answers according to what the examiner seeks.
Additionally, effective answer structuring is emphasized to enhance clarity and coherence. This involves not only using command terms appropriately but also mastering concise response techniques such as:
- State/Define: Providing clear and precise answers (e.g., "Define osmosis.").
- List: Presenting a series of items without elaboration (e.g., "List three types of muscle tissue.").
By mastering these techniques, students can ensure their responses meet examiners' expectations, ultimately leading to improved exam performance. This skill becomes essential as students transition to more complex long answer and essay questions, which require a more developed structure.
Audio Book
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State or Define
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โ State/Define: Provide a concise and precise answer. For example, "Define osmosis."
Detailed Explanation
This point emphasizes the importance of clarity and precision when answering short answer questions. When you are asked to state or define something, it means you should provide a short explanation that directly addresses the question without extra detail. For instance, defining 'osmosis' would involve stating that it is the movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration, thereby maintaining conciseness.
Examples & Analogies
Think of defining something like giving someone directions. If you want to tell someone how to get to a specific place, you wouldn't include unnecessary details like the weather that day. Instead, you'd give them a clear path from point A to point B, just as you should provide a clear definition when asked.
List
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โ List: Present a series of items without elaboration. For example, "List three types of muscle tissue."
Detailed Explanation
When you're instructed to list items, it means you should simply present them sequentially without additional commentary or explanation. Lists should be straightforward; for example, listing three types of muscle tissue could look something like this: skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, and cardiac muscle. The key is to focus on brevity and clarity.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you're at a grocery store and your friend asks you what ingredients to buy for a salad. Instead of explaining how to choose each item, you might simply list them: 'Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and dressing.' This direct approach helps your friend understand what to get quickly, which mirrors the way to list items in an answer.
Definitions & Key Concepts
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
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Command Terms: Specific words indicating the response type and depth required.
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Answer Structuring: Techniques to create clear and concise answers.
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Clarity: Ensuring answers are straightforward and meet expectations.
Examples & Real-Life Applications
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
Examples
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For 'Explain', a student might say: 'The heart pumps blood through the circulatory system, which is necessary for transporting oxygen and nutrients.'
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For 'List', answering 'List three types of muscle tissue' would yield: 'Skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle tissue.'
Memory Aids
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
๐ต Rhymes Time
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When you describe, paint a scene, for answers clear and precise, that's the dream.
๐ Fascinating Stories
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Imagine you're a historian, tasked with telling the tale of a great battle. You must describe the army movements, explain the strategies used, and justify the winner's choice. Each command term unlocks a new door to understanding.
๐ง Other Memory Gems
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To remember command terms: 'A DECC JE' - Analyze, Describe, Evaluate, Compare, Contrast, Justify, Explain.
๐ฏ Super Acronyms
Use 'A DEC JEC' to recall
- Analyze
- Describe
- Explain
- Compare
- Justify
- Evaluate
- Contrast.
Flash Cards
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Glossary of Terms
Review the Definitions for terms.
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Term: Describe
Definition:
Provide a detailed account or picture of a situation, event, pattern, or process.
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Term: Explain
Definition:
Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.
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Term: Evaluate
Definition:
Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.
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Term: Discuss
Definition:
Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors, or hypotheses, supported by evidence.
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Term: Compare
Definition:
Give an account of the similarities between two (or more) items, referring to both (all) throughout.
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Term: Contrast
Definition:
Give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations, mentioning both throughout.
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Term: Analyse
Definition:
Break down to bring out essential elements or structure.
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Term: Justify
Definition:
Provide valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.