IB History Command Terms

Analyse  –  this command term invites students to break down historical events into their fundamental components, organizing their analysis around key themes. In an ''analyse'' question, students should offer critical insights and steer clear of a narrative discussion. For example, if a question asks to "Analyse the impact of World War I on European society," one should dissect the social, economic, and political changes that occurred as a result of the war. This involves not just listing these changes but most importantly focusing on the ''why'' and ''how'' as well as the relation between the factors.  

Compare/Contrast  –  students are expected to analyse similarities/differences between the two specified case studies. It is important to do so thematically. If an exam question asks to ''Compare and contrast the domestic policies of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union'' one should dissect both case studies thematically, looking for instance at policies focusing on women, the church, and ownership.  

Discuss  –  this command term does not require students to formulate and firmly support a definite argument but rather to provide a balanced overview and analysis of various perspectives on a given topic. For instance, if one was asked to ''Discuss the view that the Provisional Government collapsed because of the power of the Soviets'', the answer should also consider other factors such as the weakness of the Provisional Government or its inability to address various desired reforms. Most importantly, the answer should provide a balanced discussion of all factors, evaluating various possible interpretations.  

Evaluate  –  this command term demands an assessment of a particular argument by weighing its strengths and limitations. As with any other judgment, it must be based on certain criteria that must be met in order to accept the argument. If asked to "evaluate the effectiveness of the League of Nations in maintaining peace in the 1920s," one would need to weigh the successes, such as mediating minor disputes, against the failures, like its inability to prevent aggression by major powers (for instance the Corfu Incident), ultimately judging whether the League met its goals.  

Examine  –  requires students to investigate a historical issue or event in depth, focusing on uncovering the underlying correlations and connections. For instance, if one was asked to ''Examine the role nationalism on the unification processes in both Italy and Germany in the 19th century.'', the response should analyse in depth how nationalism influenced the unification efforts in Italy and Germany, taking into consideration for instance the roles of figures like Giuseppe Garibaldi and Otto von Bismarck, the influence of nationalist movements like the Carbonari and the German Confederation, as well as other factors such as economic conditions and military conflicts

To what extent  –  requires students to consider the degree to which a statement is true, providing supporting and opposing arguments and taking into consideration various factors in order to determine the relative degree of the claim's accuracy. For instance, if asked ''to what extent was the Treaty of Versailles responsible for the rise of Nazi Germany?" one should evaluate the treaty’s role, alongside other factors like economic depression and political instability, to determine its relative importance.