bloom's taxonomy verbs - Parker Core Knowledge

Understanding the Context

What Are Bloom’s Taxonomy Verbs?

Bloom’s Taxonomy verbs serve as action words that describe higher-order thinking skills. Each of the six levels below is paired with specific verbs that reflect the cognitive demands of that stage:

1. Remember

At the base of the taxonomy lies the foundational skill of recall.
Key verbs:

• Recall definitions
  
• List key terms
  
• Explain basic concepts
  
• Define key terms
  
• Identify examples

Key Insights

Example learning objective:
Students will remember and explain the six stages of Bloom’s Taxonomy using correct terminology.

Use these verbs in rubrics to assess knowledge retention and basic comprehension.

2. Understand

This level involves interpreting meaning from information.
Key verbs:

• Paraphrase in your own words
  
• Summarize concepts
  
• Clarify ideas
  
• Describe the main points
  
• Explain reasons or causes

Internalizing understanding ensures students move beyond memorization to meaning.

3. Apply

At this stage, learners transfer knowledge to new situations.
Key verbs:

• Apply concepts to solve problems
  
• Use strategies in new contexts
  
• Demonstrate procedures
  
• Carry out a task
  
• Illustrate with practical examples

Final Thoughts

Teaching through application helps students build confidence and real-world skills.

4. Analyze

Analyzing requires breaking down information into parts and identifying relationships.
Key verbs:

• Compare and contrast ideas
  
• Dissect arguments or processes
  
• Evaluate the effectiveness of methods
  
• Critique inputs and outputs
  
• Solve complex problems

Prompting students to analyze develops critical thinking and deeper content mastery.

5. Evaluate

This level involves making judgments based on criteria and standards.
Key verbs:

• Judge the value of an idea
  
• Assess the merits of alternatives
  
• Support conclusions with evidence
  
• Determine significance or importance
  
• Recommend improvements

Promoting evaluative thinking prepares learners to make informed decisions in academic and real-life contexts.

6. Create

The highest level involves synthesizing information and producing new work.
Key verbs:

• Design a product or solution
  
• Invent a process
  
• Create original content
  
• Produce a new perspective
  
• Develop a comprehensive plan