IBDP Biology Command Term Reference Guide (First Assessment 2025)

This free, 27-page IBDP Biology Command Term Reference Guide is tailored for the First Assessment 2025 syllabus. It breaks down every official IB command term (AO1, AO2, AO3) with plain-English definitions, biology-specific worked examples, and common mistake patterns to help students decode exam questions and boost their marks.

Updated for the 2025 teaching cohort, this downloadable reference document provides a complete glossary for both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) students. Each of the 27 command terms—from Define and State to Evaluate and Discuss—includes a student-friendly translation, the official IB definition, mark allocation guidance, and specific paper references (Paper 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, and IA).

What makes this guide essential?
It moves beyond simple recall by including explicit teacher notes on embedding terms into lessons and identifying the exact mistake patterns that cause students to lose marks. For example, students learn why describing a process (osmosis is when water moves in/out) is penalised when a precise definition (net movement of water from higher to lower water potential across a partially permeable membrane) is required.

How to use this resource:
Use the 2-page classroom display version as a student-facing reference card. Start every unit by identifying which command terms will appear in assessments. Students who understand command terms are essentially reading the marking guidance.

Key features:

AO1 (Recall): Define, State, List, Outline, Recall.

AO2 (Application): Describe, Explain, Distinguish, Identify, Calculate, Estimate, Annotate, Draw, Label, Sketch, Suggest.

AO3 (Analysis/Evaluation): Analyse, Compare, Compare & contrast, Evaluate, Discuss, Justify, Deduce, Predict, Assess, Design, Determine, Construct, Formulate.

Each entry includes mark allocations (1–9 marks), worked Biology examples (e.g., Explain why enzyme activity decreases above optimum temperature), and a “Mistake Pattern + Teacher Note” section.

Looking for more IBDP Biology support?
Browse our other free and paid resources for the 2025 syllabus, including IA design workbooks and topic-specific revision guides.

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