Cognitive Verb List

Bloom's Taxonomy
Parent and Teacher Reference Guide for Developing Effective Questions
Use these verbs to help you pose thoughtful questions.
(This list begins with the highest level of thinking: evaluation)

Evaluation - using criteria to make a judgement or decision

judge assess evaluate rank

justify defend determine score

support measure recommend select

decide grade choose pick

verify uphold convince editorialize

Synthesis - using previous learning to create something new

compose invent develop plan

design imagine create concoct

change suppose devise originate

construct form build visualize

modify hypothesize combine add to

Analysis - breaking down information/learning into parts

compare categorize organize survey

contrast group classify research

analyze interpret dissect explore

arrange diagram break down investigate

differentiate subdivide inventory connect

Application - using information in a different way than when it was learned

use	select	interview	show
prove	solve	practice	display
predict	illustrate	demonstrate	present
model	dramatize	simulate	teach
compute	apply	sketch	utilize

Comprehension - demonstrate understanding of information by personalizing or interpreting it

understand discuss estimate distinguish

describe identify recognize observe

explain simplify translate retell

summarize locate report restate

give examples review indicate express

Knowledge - recalling information learned

tell repeat name memorize

list select state recall

label recite specify remember

match define collect count

relate recognize point to say