Bloom’s Taxonomy Action Verbs
Introduction
These verbs help us to describe and classify observable knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviors and abilities. The verbs help us to explicitly state what the students must do to demonstrate learning.
Bloom's Taxonomy Measurable Verbs
Knowledge
Knowledge verbs are used to demonstrate recalling previously learned information. For e.g. define a term, name parts or components.
Verbs
Recognize, define, describe, identify, label, list, match, name, state, reproduce, select, examine, locate, recall, visualize
Typical Assessment Methods
Matching, True/False, Checklist, Multiple Choice, Short Answer
Comprehension Verbs
Comprehension verbs demonstrate an understanding of the information. For e.g. List parts and explain their function; explain the procedure for performing a task; give examples of a concept; translate an equation into a computer program.
Verbs
Classify, discuss, explain, estimate, identify, locate, predict, translate, give examples, research, review, rewrite, show, summarize, paraphrase, associate, interpret.
Typical Assessment Methods
Matching, True/False, Multiple Choice, Short Answer
Application Verbs
Application verbs demonstrate the ability to solve problems by applying acquired knowledge, facts, techniques in a different way. For e.g. Solve a word problem, construct a model, graph or chart, demonstrate a method or procedure.
Verbs
Apply, demonstrate, construct, interview, operate, manipulate, use, produce, solve, predict, relate, show, prepare, calculate, experiment, dramatize, teach, administer, compute, examine, teach, judge, simulate.
Typical Assessment Methods
Problem scenario, problem set, demonstration of skill, role play, lab report, field experience.
Analysis Verbs
Analytical verbs help demonstrate the ability to break down objects or ideas into simpler parts and seeing how the parts relate and are organized. It may involve distinguishing, classification, hypothesis, evidence, inference or structure of a statement or question. For e.g. Trouble shoot equipment or software, recognize underlying assumptions, analyze the structure of techniques used in a piece of writing music or visual art.
Verbs
Analyze, advertise, compare, contrast, categorize, connect, differentiate, distinguish, discriminate, outline, solve, question, test, correlate, criticize.
Typical Assessment Methods
Case study, journal, field experience, reflection, complex problems, conduct experiment, test hypothesis, observations, examination of an object, writing process.
Synthesis Verbs
Synthesis verbs help demonstrate the ability to construct new meaning or structure from existing knowledge and skills. For e.g. Design a process, program, or equipment to perform specific task, integrate several sources of training, and knowledge to perform task.
Verbs
Compose, generate, devise, write, design, integrate, organize, plan, propose, develop, formulate, compile.
Typical Assessment Methods
Project, research thesis, essay, design an experiment, annotated bibliography, create a video or poster, portfolio, journal.
Evaluation Verbs
Evaluation verbs help demonstrate the judgement based on internal evidence or external criteria. For e.g. Select effective solution, evaluate data supporting a position, evaluate creative work in terms of external or internal criteria.
Verbs
Appraise, critique, defend, interpret, recommend, select, support, evaluate, rank, convince, conclude, predict.
Typical Assessment Methods
Debate, essay, report, write an editorial position paper, comment on author’s perspectives, book review, prepare a committee.