What Are Command Terms?
- Command terms are specific words like “identify,” “verify,” “justify,” “explain,” etc.
- They tell you the kind of answer you need to give.
Are They Tested in MYP?
- Yes, command terms are used in exam questions and assignments.
- Teachers include them to see if you can follow instructions and understand the concepts.
- Your ability to respond correctly to these terms affects your grades.
Why Are They Important?
- Knowing what each command term means helps you answer the question properly.
- For example:
- If a question says “identify,” you should simply find and name the item.
- If it says “justify,” you need to give reasons and explain why.
How Can You Prepare?
- Learn the meanings of common command terms.
- Practice by looking at sample questions and identifying the command terms.
- Answer accordingly, making sure you give the type of response the term asks for.
Understanding Command Terms in MYP Mathematics
1. Identify
Meaning: Find and name something.
What to Do: Give a short and direct answer. No need to explain or show work.
Example:
Question: Identify the smallest number in this list: 4, 9, 2, 7.
Answer: The smallest number is 2.
2. Verify
Meaning: Check if something is true and show your work.
What to Do: Do calculations or steps to prove that a statement is correct.
Example:
Question: Verify that x = 3 is a solution to 2x + 1 = 7.
Answer:
- Substitute x = 3 into the equation: 2(3) + 1 = 6 + 1 = 7
- Since 7 = 7, it is correct.
Question: Verify that the general formula for the arithmetic sequence an = 3n – 1 is correct.
Answer:
- For n = 1: a1 = 3(1) – 1 = 2
- For n = 2: a2 = 3(2) – 1 = 5
- For n = 3: a3 = 3(3) – 1 = 8
- For n = 4: a4 = 3(4) – 1 = 11
Since the formula gives the correct terms, we have verified the general formula.
3. Justify
Meaning: Explain why something is true, using reasons or evidence.
What to Do: Provide a detailed explanation or proof.
Example:
Question: Justify why adding two even numbers gives an even result.
Answer:
- An even number can be written as 2n, where n is a whole number.
- Adding two even numbers: 2n + 2m = 2(n + m)
- The sum is a multiple of 2, so it is even.
Question: Justify that the general formula for the arithmetic sequence an = 3n – 1 is correct.
Answer: Explain the reasoning and derivation of the formula step by step:
- The formula 3n represents the pattern of increasing by 3.
- Subtracting 1 adjusts the formula to match the first term.
- This formula considers both the common difference and the starting point of the sequence.
Quick Summary
- Identify: Just find and write down the answer. No explanation needed.
- Verify: Show that something is correct by doing the math.
- Justify: Explain in detail why something is true.
Tips for EAL Learners:
- When you see identify, think “What is it?” Just name it.
- When you see verify, think “Show that it’s true.”
- When you see justify, think “Explain why it’s true.”