IB command term
Comment in IB exams: what the command term asks
By Michael Thompson - Head of Teaching Excellence; 15 years as an IB Coordinator
In IB exams, 'comment' means you offer an informed judgement about a given statement or about a result you have produced. You are not describing or repeating it. You say what it means, whether it is reasonable or expected, and why.
Paraphrased from the command-term definitions in the IB Diploma Programme subject guides (International Baccalaureate Organization).
At a glance
Judgement and argument
Answer shape: An argument that weighs both sides and commits to a conclusion
What 'comment' asks you to do
Comment asks for a judgement about a statement or a result. It is usually shorter than evaluate, but it is still a judgement and never a restatement. If your answer could be written without thinking about whether the statement or result is sensible, you have not commented yet.
What a good comment contains
Say what the statement or result means. Then say whether it is expected, reasonable or significant, and give the reason. A comment that names a judgement but offers no reason reads as an opinion, so always attach the because.
Anchor your comment in context
Tie the comment to something concrete: the magnitude of a value, the direction of a change, a limitation of the data or method, or an implication for the situation. These four anchors keep a comment specific and stop it drifting into general remarks.
Depth over length
One or two developed observations beat a list of shallow ones. Choose the point that says the most about the statement or result, explain it fully, and add a second only if it brings a different angle, such as a limitation after a point about magnitude.
Where it appears
Geography
When given a statement or a result, such as a figure you have worked out from data, say what it shows, whether it fits what you would expect, and what limitation or implication follows. Name the direction or size, then give your reason.
Geography tutoringEconomics
Comment on a statement or an outcome by saying whether it is reasonable or significant, and why. Anchor the judgement in magnitude, direction or an implication, rather than repeating what the statement already says.
Economics tutoringMathematics AI
After you calculate a value, comment by interpreting it in context: is it large, is it expected, is it consistent with the theory? Write the reading in words that refer to the situation, not only the number.
Mathematics AI tutoringCommon mistakes
- Restating the statement or the result in different words and calling it a comment.
- Giving a verdict such as 'this is reasonable' with no reason attached.
- Listing many shallow points instead of developing one or two properly.
- Leaving a calculated number uninterpreted, with no view on its size or whether it is expected.
- Writing a long evaluation when a focused judgement was needed.
Frequently asked questions
- What does comment mean in IB exams?
- It means offering an informed judgement about a given statement or about a result you have produced. You explain what it means, whether it is reasonable, expected or significant, and why.
- Is comment the same as evaluate?
- No. Comment is usually shorter than evaluate, but both need a judgement. Read the evaluate page to see how the longer weighing of an argument differs from a focused comment.
- How do I comment on a calculated result?
- Interpret the number. Say whether it is large, whether it is expected, and whether it is consistent with the theory. Then link that reading back to the context of the question.
- How many points should a comment include?
- One or two developed observations are better than a list of shallow ones. Each should state a judgement and give a reason anchored in magnitude, direction, limitation or implication.
Related command terms
Keep going
Want someone to check your answers against these command terms? We match you with an expert IB tutor within 24 hours.
Get matched with a tutor
Comment after a calculation
After a calculation, comment means interpreting the number. Is it large or small? Is it what you would expect? Is it consistent with the theory behind it? A bare value with no reading of it leaves the command term unanswered.