Action Verb List – Suggested Verbs to Use in Each Level of Thinking Skills

Below are terms (verbs) that can be used when creating student learning outcomes for a course or degree program.

Knowledge	Comprehension	Application	Analysis	Synthesis	Evaluation
Count Define Describe Draw Identify Labels List Match Name Outlines Point Quote Read Recall Recite Recognize Record Repeat Reproduces Selects State Write	Associate Compute Convert Defend Discuss Distinguish Estimate Explain Extend Extrapolate Generalize Give examples Infer Paraphrase Predict Rewrite Summarize	Add Apply Calculate Change Classify Complete Compute Demonstrate Discover Divide Examine Graph Interpolate Manipulate Modify Operate Prepare Produce Show Solve Subtract Translate Use	Analyze Arrange Breakdown Combine Design Detect Develop Diagram Differentiate Discriminate Illustrate Infer Outline Point out Relate Select Separate Subdivide Utilize	Categorize Combine Compile Compose Create Drive Design Devise Explain Generate Group Integrate Modify Order Organize Plan Prescribe Propose Rearrange Reconstruct Related Reorganize Revise Rewrite Summarize Transform Specify	Appraise Assess Compare Conclude Contrast Criticize Critique Determine Grade Interpret Judge Justify Measure Rank Rate Support Test

Source/Reference: These steps were derived from information collected at various conferences by Dr. Cia Verschelden, the original source is unknown. This information was original posted on the Office of Assessment web site ( www.k-state.edu/assessment ) in the summer of 2003.