ACTION VERBS

L1: Understanding, retention

L2: Application
L3: Synthesis

VERB

LEVEL

MEANING

Break into separate parts and

Analyze

2, 3

discuss, examine, or interpret each

part

Apply

Assess

To put into action pertinently and/or

relevantly

To judge the worth, importance,

evaluate or estimate the nature,
quality, ability, extent, or significance

Calculate

2, 3

KEY TIPS

Give reasons for the current

situation or what has happened.

Properly apply the scenario/case.

Determine the
strengths/weaknesses,
importance/significance, or ability to
contribute.

To ascertain by computation, to

Provide description along with

make an estimate of; evaluate, to

numerical calculations.

perform a mathematical process

Comment

To remark or express an opinion

Your answer should include an

explanation, illustration or criticism.

Compare

Conclusion

2 ,3

Examine two or more things to

Clearly explain the resemblances or

identify similarities and differences

differences.

The result or outcome of an actor

process or event, final arrangement
or settlement

End your answer well, with a clear

decision.

Present the weaknesses/problems;

Criticise

evaluate comparative worth Dont

explain the situation; instead

Criticism often involves analysis

analyse it
Define

Give the meaning; usually a

Also explain the exact meaning

meaning specific to the course or

because usually definitions are short

subject

Describe

1, 2

Give a detailed account or key

features. List characteristics,
qualities and parts
Consider and debate/argue about

Discuss

the pros and cons of an issue.

Examine in-detail by using

Make a picture with words;

identification is not sufficient.

Write about any conflict, compare

and contrast.

arguments in favour or against

Evaluate

Explain

Illustrate

1, 2

Determine the scenario in the light

Mention evidence/case/point/issue

of the arguments for and against

to support evaluation.

Make an idea clear. Show logically

Dont just provide a list of points,

how a concept is developed. Give

add in some explanation of the

the reason for an event

points youre discussing.

Give concrete examples. Explain

clearly by using comparisons or

Add in some description.

examples
Interpret

Comment on, give examples,

Include explanation and evaluation.

describe relationships
List

List several ideas, aspects, events,

Dont discuss; only make a list.

things, qualities, reasons, etc

Outline

Describe main ideas,

characteristics, or events

Recommend

Advise the appropriate actions to

pursue in terms the recipient will

Briefly explain the highlighted

points.

Give advice or counsel.

understand
Relate

2, 3

Show the connections between

Relate to real time examples.

ideas or events
State

Explain precisely

Focus on the exact point

Summarise

Give a brief, condensed account.

Remember to conclude your

Include conclusions. Avoid

explanation

unnecessary details