IB command term
Describe in IB exams: what the command term means
By Michael Thompson - Head of Teaching Excellence; 15 years as an IB Coordinator
In IB exams, describe means giving a detailed account of something: its features, its pattern or its process. You are not required to give reasons. Say what is there or what happens, and leave the why to questions that ask you to explain.
Paraphrased from the command-term definitions in the IB Diploma Programme subject guides (International Baccalaureate Organization).
At a glance
Accounts and analysis
Answer shape: Linked paragraphs that connect parts, causes or differences
What describe asks you to do
Describe wants a detailed account of what something is like or what it does. That can be a set of features, a pattern or a process. The question does not ask for reasons, so causes and mechanisms are not part of the task. If a question wants you to say why something happens, it will use a different command term, usually explain.
Let the material set the structure
A good description follows the shape of the thing you are describing. For a process, give the steps in sequence. For a graph, state the overall trend first and then add the detail. For a structure, work through the main features. This keeps the answer organised and makes it easy for the examiner to see each point you have made.
Use precise terms and anchor data
Vague wording makes a description thin, so use the correct terminology for your subject. When the question gives you data, support your account with selected figures taken from the material. You do not need to copy out every value. Choose the ones that show the trend or the pattern you are describing.
Match the length to the marks
Scale the number of distinct descriptive points to the marks available. A question with more marks needs more separate points, each one clear and specific. Repeating the same point in different words does not add anything. Plan the points before you write, then give each one its own sentence or two.
Stay on what, not why
Adding causes when only describe was asked does not earn extra credit and it uses up time you may need elsewhere in the paper. Once you notice yourself writing 'because' or 'this is due to', ask whether the question wanted reasons. If it did not, cut that part and add another descriptive point instead.
Where it appears
Biology
When a biology question says describe, give the features or the stages of a process in order, using correct biological terms. Keep to what happens and leave out the reasons behind it.
Biology tutoringGeography
For a graph or data set in geography, state the overall trend first, then add detail with selected figures from the material. Describe the pattern itself, not what caused it.
Geography tutoringPsychology
In psychology, describe asks for a detailed account of what something involves, such as its features or how it proceeds. Give that account in precise terms and do not move into evaluation or reasons.
Psychology tutoringChemistry
In chemistry, describe a structure by working through its main features, and describe a process in sequence. Use exact terminology and leave the explanation of why it happens for explain questions.
Chemistry tutoringCommon mistakes
- Explaining why something happens when the question only asked you to describe it. This earns nothing extra and costs time.
- Writing vague, general statements instead of detailed, specific ones with the correct terminology.
- Describing a graph without an overall trend, or without any figures taken from the material.
- Listing steps of a process out of sequence, so the account is hard to follow.
- Giving too few distinct points for the marks available, or repeating one point in different words.
Frequently asked questions
- What does describe mean in IB exams?
- It means giving a detailed account of something, such as its features, a pattern or a process, without being required to give reasons. You say what it is or what happens.
- Do I need to give reasons when a question says describe?
- No. Reasons and causes belong to explain. Adding them when only describe was asked does not earn extra and spends time you could use on other questions.
- How should I describe a graph?
- State the overall trend first, then add detail. Anchor your description with selected figures from the material instead of copying out every value.
- How much should I write for a describe question?
- Scale the number of distinct descriptive points to the marks available. More marks call for more separate, specific points, not longer repetition of the same one.
Related command terms
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