Depending on the subject, command words may be used to prompt the writing of a text type. A history essay might ask that students explain, or analyze, while a science assessment might ask to show conclusions or evaluate a method. A literature paper might require a student to interpret. These are words (commands) that not only have to be learned on a lexical level, but on a cultural one. Analyze and interpret are words which may not be in a student’s first OR second language vocabulary, because they may have come from an educational culture where these skills are not required, therefore not understood.
This impresses upon us the importance of the extrinsic teaching of command terms and what is expected by them. Asking a student to interpret a poem or analyze an historical event, may not only require translation, but the learning of expectations. This may be a temporal task, so a simple explanation may not do. Some practice in the application of command terms would be of great benefit to many second language students.
A fast and easy way to check on the command terms of subjects in the IB is to read the last segments of the IB guides for specific subjects. Departments can expand and/or transfer them to IGCSE or other courses taught in the high school within their departments.
Here is a command word ice-breaker which can be used both to get to know students and to get to know their understanding of command terms:
Command term ice breaker
State where you were on 1st July.
Identify the worst moment of your summer break.
Analyse the nutritional content of what you ate for breakfast.
Describe the best experience you had during the break.
Explain the reasons why you chose a particular destination for your break.
Assess the value of your holiday activities to your wellbeing.
Compare and contrast your summer vacation this year with your vacation last year.
Discuss the pros and cons of going back to school on 6th August.
Summarise what you did on your summer break.
Evaluate your first day back at school (yesterday).