IB Command TermsWhat are the questions really asking?

Test Question Example A sports club is surveying its membership by

questionnaire and will store the results of the survey in a computer database.

  (a) Identify the field type suitable for storing: (i) last name (ii) telephone number. [2 marks]

(b) Describe two ways in which data from the questionnaires can be entered into the database. [4 marks]

(c) Data from this database may be distributed to third parties. Discuss why the members might be concerned about this. [4 marks]

Command TermsA complete list of the command

terms are located at the end of the ITGS syllabus

Students should be familiar with all terms

However, I will explain some of the more common ones…

Exam questions go in order from most basic to complex

DefineGive the precise meaning of a word,

phrase, concept or physical quantityDefine the term multimedia. [2 marks]

a presentation/production combination of more than one

medium type at least two examples such as text,

images, movies, animations, sound. [1 mark] for each point up to a

maximum of [2 marks].

IdentifyProvide an answer from a number of

possibilitiesVisits to the bank are becoming less frequent

as more customers use ATMs (automated teller machines) to carry out banking transactions such as withdrawal of funds or deposit of money. Some people, however, are concerned that their accounts may not be safe due to fraud involving ATM cards and ATM machines. Many banks also offer online services. These services include the ability to check your bank balance, transfer money, pay bills and receive alerts.

IdentifyIdentify two output devices on an ATM. [2

marks]

• speaker • screen / monitor • printer (for receipt) • headphone jack and customer plugs in

headphones • cash dispenser / slot to dispense cash / tray to

dispense money (N.B. where the cash comes out is not enough).

Award [1 mark] for identifying each output device up to a maximum of [2 marks].

DescribeGive a detailed accountDescribe one example of

fraud involving an ATM card and one possible solution to this crime. [4 marks]

• fraud – a false ATM can collect the card and record the PIN number that the user typed in (the card is then taken from the dummy machine by the criminals and used in a real machine to withdraw cash).

solution – biometrics as identification of the card holder. • fraud – a card skimmer is installed in the ATM machine

and will go unnoticed by the bank customer and with a camera will record the details of the card and PIN.

solution – “banks such as AVB and NBC have provided a green-lit slot protector fitted to the slot that reveals any third party reader that was placed in there”.

Award [1 mark] for identifying a fraud and [1 mark] for identifying a solution up to a maximum of [2 marks]. Award [1 mark] for each relevant description up to a maximum of [2 marks].

ExplainGive a detailed account including

reasons or causes.Explain two validation

processes that take place when you use the ATM to withdraw money from your bank account. [4 marks]

• ATM reads expiry date from the ATM card and the expiry date is checked against the current date – to verify the ATM card is valid

• account details are sent to the bank’s central computer where they are matched in the customer database – to verify the account is valid

• the PIN/password is entered – and sent to the bank’s central computer to verify it is valid for that account number

[1 mark] A limited response that indicates very little

understanding of the topic. [2 marks] Two processes identified or one process described. [3 marks] Two processes described with reasoning. [4 marks] A clear, detailed explanation giving reasons.

DiscussOffer a considered and balanced

review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Discuss the concerns for citizens of the introduction of this smart card. [10 marks]

JustifyGive valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.

EvaluateMake an appraisal by weighing

up the strengths and limitations.Evaluate the decision to make

the database of criminals available online to the public. [10 marks]

To What ExtentConsider the merits or otherwise of an

argument or concept. Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument.

With recent developments in technology, teachers are using a wider range of

online learning resources. To what extent can these developments improve the study of news events by students? [10 marks]