MYP Science Command Terms Poster – Science Definitions and Examples

MYP Science Command Terms Poster featuring clear definitions and examples — ideal for helping students understand exactly what examination and assessment questions are asking them to do.

This resource contains a comprehensive collection of MYP command terms presented in a clear poster format. Each command term is explained using a simple definition and supported with an example to help students understand how to respond accurately to different types of questions.

The resource includes command terms such as:

• Analyse

• Apply

• Annotate

• Calculate

• Classify

• Comment

• Construct

• Define

• Demonstrate

• Describe

• Determine

• Document

• Discuss

• Draw

• Estimate

• Evaluate

• Explain

• Find

• Formulate

• Identify

• Interpret

• Justify

• Label

• Plot

• Present

• Recall

• Select

• Sketch

• Show

• Solve

• State

• Summarize

• Suggest

• Verify

• Write down

Each command term includes:

• A clear and student-friendly definition

• An explanation of what the command term requires

• A practical example

• Science-based examples to support understanding

• Guidance on the type of response expected

• Support for interpreting examination and assessment questions

Understanding command terms is an essential skill for MYP students. Students may know the scientific content but still lose marks if they misunderstand what a question is asking them to do. This poster helps students recognise the differences between command terms such as describe, explain, analyse, evaluate and discuss.

How this resource can be used:

• MYP Science revision

• Classroom wall display

• Classroom reference material

• Independent student study

• Homework and independent learning

• Examination preparation

• Assessment preparation

• Developing scientific literacy

• Improving understanding of examination questions

• Teacher-led classroom activities

• Supporting students with extended-response questions

• Helping students understand assessment expectations

The clear definitions and examples make this poster particularly useful as a quick-reference resource for students who want to improve their ability to interpret questions accurately and structure their answers according to the command term used.

File format: PDF

Suitable for: MYP Science students and teachers.