IB Biology Syllabus Action Verbs All of the IB Biology assessment statements and questions are based around these action verbs. They are grouped according to the OBJECTIVES of IB Biology
Objective 1: Demonstrate an Understanding of Draw: Represent by means of pencil lines. Define: Give the precise meaning of a word, phrase or physical quantity. Label: Add labels to a diagram. List: Give a sequence of names or other brief answers with no explanation. Measure: Find a value for a quantity. State: Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.
Objective 2: Apply and Use Annotate: Add brief notes to a diagram or graph. Apply: Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in a new situation. Calculate: Find a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working (unless instructed not to do so). Describe: Give a detailed account. Distinguish: Give the differences between two or more different items. Estimate: Find an approximate value for an unknown quantity. Identify: Find an answer from a given number of possibilities. Outline: Give a brief account or summary.
Objective 3: Construct, Analyze and Evaluate Analyze: Interpret data to reach conclusions. Comment: Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation. Compare: Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items, referring to both (all) of them throughout. Construct: Represent or develop in graphical form. Deduce: Reach a conclusion from the information given. Derive: Manipulate a mathematical relationship(s) to give a new equation or relationship. Design: Produce a plan, simulation or model. Determine: Find the only possible answer. Discuss: Give an account including, where possible, a range of arguments for and against the relative importance of various factors, or comparisons of alternative hypotheses. Evaluate: Assess the implications and limitations. Explain: Give a detailed account of causes, reasons or mechanisms. Predict: Give an expected result. Show: Give the steps in a calculation or derivation. Sketch: Represent by means of a graph showing a line and labelled but unscaled axes but with important features (for example, intercept) clearly indicated. Solve: Obtain an answer using algebraic and/or numerical methods. Suggest: Propose a hypothesis or other possible answer