Top 200 Vocabulary Word List for IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) | Must Know Words for Common Examination Instructions

The 200-word examination instruction list

IB Diploma Programme command terms tell you what kind of thinking to show. Compare, contrast and compare and contrast are distinct in guides such as Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation. The task also tells you which subject material, data or source to use.

This learning bank includes single words and short phrases. It combines question directions with vocabulary you use to interpret evidence, limits and answer formats.

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Command terms and mathematical reasoning

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
1	Compare and contrast	Address similarities and differences for the named items.
2	To what extent	Judge how far a claim holds and explain any important limits.
3	Show that	Use clear intermediate steps to derive a result already stated.
4	Show	Make the necessary working or reasoning visible.
5	Deduce	Use the information given to reach a logically supported result.
6	Prove	Establish a statement through a valid chain of reasoning.
7	Derive	Work from accepted relationships to obtain a new expression or result.
8	Verify	Test whether the proposed result meets the stated requirements.
9	Hence	Use the preceding result to answer the next part.
10	Hence or otherwise	Use the preceding result or choose another valid route.
11	Write down	Give a result recoverable directly from the information provided.
12	Draw	Provide a labelled and accurate representation where required.
13	Sketch	Show the essential shape or features with the required labels.
14	Plot	Mark points at their correct positions on the stated axes.
15	Annotate	Add short notes that explain specific features of a figure or text.
16	Comment	Give a focused judgment based on the information supplied.
17	Formulate	Express an idea, model or hypothesis in a clear and usable form.
18	Construct	Develop the representation or argument the task specifies.
19	Examine	Investigate the features and relationships that matter to the question.
20	Explore	Investigate the material using relevant observations or approaches.
21	Critique	Appraise how well the claim or method works and where it falls short.
22	Account for	Give the reasons that explain the pattern or outcome.
23	Account	Give an ordered explanation or description as the question requires.
24	Hypothesis	State a testable prediction about a relationship.
25	Research question	Specify the focused question that the investigation will answer.

Investigation, uncertainty and models

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
26	Variable	Identify a quantity or feature that can change.
27	Independent variable	Identify the factor changed or selected as the input.
28	Dependent variable	Identify the outcome measured or modelled.
29	Controlled variable	Identify a factor kept constant to help isolate the tested relationship.
30	Control treatment	Identify a comparison condition used as a baseline.
31	Raw data	Use the measurements as originally collected.
32	Processed data	Use values calculated, combined or transformed from the original readings.
33	Uncertainty	State or interpret the estimated doubt associated with a measurement or value.
34	Absolute uncertainty	Express the estimated uncertainty in the same units as the quantity.
35	Percentage uncertainty	Express the uncertainty relative to the measured value as a percentage.
36	Error bars	Read the kind and size of spread or uncertainty identified in the legend.
37	Outlier	Identify an observation unusually far from the general pattern.
38	Anomalous result	Recognise a result inconsistent with the main pattern or expected relationship.
39	Reliability	Consider whether a result or method gives consistent findings.
40	Validity	Consider whether the evidence or method answers the intended question.
41	Precision	Consider the consistency or resolution of the stated measurements.
42	Accuracy	Consider closeness to a suitable reference value.
43	Resolution	Identify the smallest change that the device or scale can display.
44	Repeatability	Consider agreement when the same method is repeated under the same conditions.
45	Reproducibility	Consider whether results agree when the method is repeated under changed conditions.
46	Limitations	Identify specific boundaries on the conclusions that the method can support.
47	Strengths	Explain features that make the evidence or method fit the purpose.
48	Improvement	Connect a specific modification to the problem it would address.
49	Correlation	Describe how variables vary together within the data.
50	Causation	Explain how one factor produces a change in another when evidence supports it.
51	Confounding factor	Identify a factor that could contribute to the apparent relationship.
52	Sample size	Check how many observations, individuals or trials contribute to the result.
53	Representative sample	Check whether the selected cases reflect the population of interest.
54	Random sampling	Use a selection process that assigns known selection chances by chance.
55	Model	Use a simplified mathematical or conceptual representation to address the task.
56	Parameter	Identify a quantity that sets a feature of the model.
57	Domain	Give the set of allowed input values in the context.
58	Boundary condition	Identify a requirement at an endpoint or boundary.
59	Interpolate	Estimate within the range covered by the data.
60	Extrapolate	Estimate outside the observed range using an assumed pattern.
61	Fit	Judge how closely a model agrees with the data.
62	Residual	Find the observed value minus the model’s predicted value.
63	Rate of change	Find the change in one quantity per unit change in another.
64	Exact form	Retain the full mathematical value in the requested representation.
65	Approximation	Give a suitably rounded or estimated value.

Sources and assessment directions

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
66	In terms of	Use the specified quantity or symbol in the final expression.
67	Significant figures	Give the requested number of meaningful digits.
68	Decimal places	Give the requested number of digits to the right of the decimal point.
69	Deductive reasoning	Show how a conclusion follows from premises or prior results.
70	Counterexample	Give one valid case that disproves a general claim.
71	Counterclaim	Present a plausible position that challenges the claim.
72	Corroborate	Use another relevant source or finding to strengthen the evidence.
73	Origin	Identify where a source comes from or who produced it.
74	Purpose	Identify why a text, study or source was produced.
75	Value	Explain what makes the material useful for the specific enquiry.
76	Perspective	Explain the viewpoint from which a claim or event is presented.
77	Bias	Identify a systematic leaning and explain how it may shape the evidence.
78	Implication	Explain what would follow if the claim or finding holds.
79	Extent	State the degree to which the evidence supports the point.
80	Qualification	Add a condition or limit to make a claim more accurate.
81	Criterion-based judgment	Apply a named standard and explain how the evidence meets it.
82	Synthesis	Combine related evidence into one coherent understanding.
83	Textual evidence	Use a specific passage detail to support your interpretation.
84	Close reading	Link precise features of language, structure or form to meaning.
85	Technique	Identify the method a writer or speaker uses and explain its effect when asked.
86	Effect	Explain what changes or what impression a choice creates in context.
87	Compare both	Keep each named text, case or object visible across the same comparison points.
88	With reference to	Tie each important point to the specified material.
89	With examples	Support the answer with concrete cases from the appropriate material.
90	Two reasons	Give two distinct explanations for the relevant result.
91	Data booklet	Use the authorised reference material for that subject and paper.
92	Question booklet	Use the designated booklet or paper instructions to find the task.
93	Answer booklet	Use the response space designated for the examination.
94	Subpart	Treat each separately lettered or numbered question as its own instruction.
95	Assessment objective	Identify the skill or depth of reasoning the component is designed to assess.
96	External assessment	Identify work assessed through the IB’s external process.
97	Internal assessment	Identify the subject component assessed by the school and subject to IB moderation when applicable.
98	Standard level	Check the Standard Level course and component requirements for the subject.
99	Higher level	Check the Higher Level course and component requirements for the subject.
100	Assessment session	Match the guide and paper to the relevant exam sitting.
101	Find	Obtain the answer with relevant working where the course guide requires it.
102	Differentiate	Obtain the derivative of the stated function.
103	Integrate	Obtain the integral requested and apply any limits or conditions.
104	Explore a model	Investigate what the model shows under relevant choices of input or assumptions.
105	Explicit reference	Name the particular feature of the source on which a point depends.
106	Applicability	Explain the situations in which a model or finding can reasonably be used.
107	Evaluate the method	Judge whether the design can answer the research question.
108	Representative value	Use a suitable statistic or observation to summarise the data.
109	Theoretical value	Use the value predicted by the accepted theory or model.
110	Observed value	Use the actual measured reading from the investigation.

Core command words

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
111	Recognise	Find a familiar feature in a new example.
112	Identify	Name or pick out the item the question specifies.
113	Select	Choose only the number of options requested.
114	Match	Pair each item with the option that corresponds to it.
115	Complete	Fill in what is missing while keeping the supplied structure.
116	Label	Attach the correct name to the indicated part.
117	Locate	Find the specified detail, point or region.
118	Indicate	Make the chosen feature or answer clear.
119	Answer	Respond directly to the question being asked.
120	Give	Supply the requested fact, example or result.
121	State	Express the required point directly and clearly.
122	Name	Supply the correct term, person or item.
123	List	Set out the requested items separately.
124	Define	Give the precise meaning used in the subject or question.
125	Describe	Report the relevant characteristics, events or pattern.
126	Outline	Give the main steps or points in brief.
127	Summarise	Select the central points and leave out minor details.
128	Explain	Connect the result to its cause, mechanism or reasoning.
129	Compare	In the cited IB mathematics guide, give similarities while referring to all items throughout.
130	Contrast	Show how the items differ on a shared point of comparison.
131	Analyse	Break down the evidence and explain how its parts relate.
132	Interpret	Say what a statement, result or display means in context.
133	Infer	Use clues to reach a conclusion the material implies.
134	Predict	Use available evidence to say what is likely to happen.
135	Suggest	Offer a plausible answer suited to the information given.
136	Justify	Give evidence or reasoning that supports your answer.
137	Evaluate	Weigh relevant evidence or criteria before reaching a judgment.

Answer actions and evidence

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
138	Assess	Judge the extent, value or strength of something using evidence.
139	Discuss	Develop a structured response that considers the relevant issues.
140	Distinguish	Give the feature that lets the reader tell two things apart.
141	Support	Supply evidence that helps establish the claim.
142	Illustrate	Make an idea clear with a relevant example or diagram.
143	Demonstrate	Show how a fact, process or result can be established.
144	Determine	Work from the given information to establish an answer.
145	Calculate	Find a numerical answer and show the relevant stages of working when required.
146	Estimate	Find an approximate answer using the available clues.
147	Check	Test the answer against the original instruction or condition.
148	Revise	Change a response so it better meets the task.
149	Arrange	Put items into the order or grouping requested.
150	Sequence	Put stages into a meaningful order.
151	Classify	Assign each item to a category using the stated rule.
152	Group	Put items with a shared feature together.
153	Order	Sort items by the criterion given in the prompt.
154	Omit	Leave out the indicated item or detail.
155	Include	Make sure the requested part appears in the response.
156	Exclude	Keep the named item or category outside your answer.
157	Underline	Draw a line under the exact word or phrase requested where instructed.
158	Refer to	Use the specified passage, figure or notes when responding.
159	Based on	Ground the answer in the material named in the question.
160	According to	Use what the specified source says.
161	In context	Use the meaning that fits this passage or situation.
162	Most likely	Choose the conclusion with the strongest support among the options.
163	Best supported	Prefer the conclusion backed most directly by the evidence.
164	Relevant	Connected to the specific question or criterion.
165	Specific	Precise enough to identify a particular fact or example.
166	Explicit	Stated directly in the source.
167	Implicit	Suggested by the source and recoverable from clues.
168	Evidence	A fact, detail or observation that supports a claim.
169	Claim	An assertion that can be tested against evidence or reasoning.

Sources, data and limits

No.	Instruction or term	What it asks you to do
170	Reason	The basis for a statement, choice or result.
171	Example	A particular case used to make a general idea clear.
172	Conclusion	The result reached after considering the reasoning or evidence.
173	Assumption	A premise taken as given for the purpose of the question.
174	Condition	A requirement that must be satisfied.
175	Constraint	A restriction that shapes the possible answers.
176	Criterion	A standard used to choose or judge an answer.
177	Context	The surrounding information that helps determine meaning.
178	Source	The particular text, figure, notes or data supplied for use.
179	Passage	A stretch of text provided for reading and answering questions.
180	Statement	A complete assertion to examine or respond to.
181	Option	One of the choices the question offers.
182	Response	The answer you produce or select.
183	Prompt	The wording that tells you what to do.
184	Item	A single test question or task.
185	Part	A subdivision of a larger question or task.
186	Section	A group of questions or tasks within a test.
187	Figure	A numbered graph, image or diagram referred to in the task.
188	Table	Information arranged in rows and columns.
189	Graph	A visual display of data or a mathematical relationship.
190	Diagram	A drawing showing features, structure or relationships.
191	Trend	The broad direction or pattern over a range.
192	Pattern	A regularity visible across observations or examples.
193	Scale	The intervals or measurement relationship used in a display.
194	Unit	The standard attached to a measurement, such as minutes or metres.
195	Range	The spread or set of values referred to by the question.
196	Increase	A rise in size, amount or value.
197	Decrease	A fall in size, amount or value.
198	Difference	What sets two things apart, or a gap between values.
199	At least	The stated value or any greater value.
200	At most	The stated value or any smaller value.

What the examination requires

Read the guide for your course and level

The IB Diploma Programme uses external and internal assessment. Individual course guides describe the assessment components and vocabulary relevant to the subject. Use your guide for Standard Level or Higher Level and the correct assessment session. The sample papers are useful for reading the cover directions and practising the response format.

Distinguish comparison commands precisely

In the cited Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation guide, compare asks for similarities with each item kept in view, contrast asks for differences, and compare and contrast asks for both. This wording differs from some classroom uses of compare. If a task asks you to compare two models, keep referring to both models across the same criterion, such as how they handle a fixed starting value.

Check technology by course and paper

In the Mathematics guides for courses first assessed in 2021, Analysis and Approaches Paper 1 does not allow technology, while Applications and Interpretation specifies technology for its external papers. Check the guide for your session, because published curriculum updates may concern a later cohort. Where the task asks you to calculate, the relevant stages of working can matter even when a device is available.

Distinguish an exam response from an investigation

An examination may ask you to deduce a result from data, sketch a relationship or discuss a claim in the available space. An investigation requires the course’s own criteria, which may ask how you obtained, processed and evaluated data. When practising Biology, use the relevant official sample to distinguish Paper 1A from Paper 1B and learn what the data questions require.

• Find the section, component or delivery mode that applies to you.
• Mark the action, source and answer format before you start.
• Keep the current official instructions with the practice paper.

Worked examples of common examination instructions

The examples below are original practice prompts. Read the instruction, predict what a complete response would contain, then compare it with the sample.

Compare and contrast models

Two models predict the number of visitors to a library. Model A starts at 100 and adds 10 visitors per month. Model B starts at 100 and increases by 10% each month. Both models start at 100 and increase. Model A adds a fixed amount every month, while Model B adds an increasing amount because its percentage applies to a changing total. The response includes shared features and a paired difference.

Deduce from evidence

At month two, Model A predicts 120 visitors and Model B predicts 121. The original practice instruction asks you to deduce which model is closer to an observed value of 123. The absolute differences are 3 and 2 respectively. Model B is closer for this observation. A claim about which model is better over a whole year needs more observations or a different criterion.

Evaluate a conclusion from data

Suppose plant groups at three light levels were each placed on a different shelf. Mean growth rose with light level. The results show an association in these trials, but shelf temperature could also differ. A stronger design would distribute each light treatment across comparable positions or control the temperature. An evaluation can acknowledge what the readings establish and identify exactly what prevents a stronger conclusion.

Use both the origin and purpose of a source

Suppose a town council publishes a transport leaflet promoting a bus trial. For an enquiry into how officials presented the scheme, a leaflet issued by the council shows the message officials chose to emphasise. For an enquiry into whether the bus service was effective, the same purpose limits the leaflet’s usefulness as a measure of journey times. Link the source feature to the precise enquiry.

Use the Fencing Method to practise instruction words

Begin with an accurate sentence. Add one piece at a time, such as a measured detail, the comparison it belongs to or the evidence the question asks for. Then use the instruction with different material. On a selected-response test, this sentence is a practice tool that helps you decide which option fits.

1. Both models increase.
2. Both models increase from the same initial value of 100.
3. Both models start at 100 and predict growth over the observed interval.
4. For compare and contrast, add the matched difference. Model A adds a fixed amount per month, whereas Model B applies a fixed percentage to a changing total.

Read the eduKate Fencing Method for Vocabulary.

Practise and check your answers

Practise with a pair of neighbouring command terms

Choose one official sample from your subject and write a second practice question using a neighbouring command. For example, turn describe the model into evaluate the model. Keep the same graph or data. Compare the answers and identify the criteria and judgment added by evaluate.

Make an answer plan visible

For mathematics, write the given relationship and the relevant intermediate steps. For a source-based response, pair each point with a specific source feature. For a data question, write a conclusion and the exact comparison that justifies it. Use the marking notes to see whether each link is on the page.

Practice 1. A graph rises steadily. What changes between describe the pattern and explain the pattern?

Describe reports the rise and its key features. Explain adds reasons or a mechanism supported by the information and subject knowledge.

Practice 2. The paper states a target expression and asks you to show that it follows. Can you begin by assuming the target is true?

Start from information or identities you are entitled to use. Keep enough intermediate working visible to show how the result follows.

Practice 3. One outlier disappears if the data are filtered. What should you do before presenting a conclusion?

Give a defensible reason for including or excluding it, show how the decision affects the outcome if relevant, and keep the claim within what the data support.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply the same definition of compare across examinations?

Start with the relevant official course guide. For the cited IB Mathematics guide, compare calls for similarities, while Cambridge’s general glossary can use compare for similarities and/or differences.

Does a detailed explanation need several paragraphs?

Length depends on the question, marks and assessment format. A clear causal chain in a few sentences can be appropriate when the task is narrow.

Which sources should I keep on hand?

Keep the current subject guide, the component instructions and an official specimen or sample with marking guidance. Confirm the session and level before using any older paper.

Official exam sources and next reading

• IB Diploma Programme assessment and exams
• IB official sample examination papers
• IB Mathematics Applications and Interpretation guide
• IB Mathematics Analysis and Approaches guide
• IB Mathematics Analysis and Approaches curriculum updates

Explore another way to group and practise vocabulary with eduKateSG’s 200-word vocabulary guide.

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