Knowledge - Recall
Forming questions, which ask for facts to be recalled, is a type of thinking
often classified as knowledge. At this level of thought the learner shows in
some basic way knowledge of some basics. "Questions often start with words
such as who, what, when, or where. The learner may be asked to match, list,
recall, underline, pick, say, or show. At the knowledge level, it is easy to
decide whether an answer is correct or incorrect."
Key Words
| who what why when omit where which |
choose find how define show spell list |
match name relate tell recall select label |
Comprehension - Explain
The comprehension level of thinking shows that you understand what you have
heard or read. Questions at this level ask the learner to restate something,
rewrite, give an example, illustrate, define, summarize, or otherwise prove
that the knowledge or basic facts have become internalized. Main idea questions,
as well as vocabulary questions, which ask you to define or use the word, are
at the comprehension level.
Key Words
| compare contrast demonstrate interpret explain |
extend illustrate infer outline relate |
rephrase |
Application - Use
The application level of thinking asks that knowledge be used in some way. The
question may ask you to organize your facts, construct some model, draw or paint
an example, collect data from reading or data, and/or demonstrate or dramatize
an event.
Key Words
| apply build choose construct develop |
interview make use of organize experiment with plan |
select utilize model identify solve |
Analysis - Take Apart
The analysis level asks the learner to examine the facts, to classify, survey,
experiment, categorize, or explore. For example, a list of problems faced by
characters in a reading is analysis. Analysis questions can include take apart,
analyze, categorize, compare, contrast, subdivide, classify, or outline.
Key Words
| analyze categorize classify compare contrast discover divide examine |
inspect simplify survey take part in test for distinguish list distinction |
theme relationships function motive inference assumption conclusion dissect |
Synthesis - Make it new
The synthesis level of thinking asks your mind to play around with new information
and form new images. The knowledge you received combines with what you already
have to make a new connection. Some process words for synthesis are imagine,
combine, role-play, compose, invent, predict, create, design, adapt, develop.
Key Words
| build choose combine compile compose construct create design develop formulate imagine invent |
make up originate plan predict propose solve solution suppose discuss modify change original improve |
adapt minimize maximize delete theorize elaborate test improve happen change estimate |
Evaluation - Judge it
The evaluation level of thinking asks that you judge according to some standard.
A question can ask you to identify an important criterion to complete a task,
or ask that you rate something based upon a predetermined criterion.
Key Words
| award choose conclude criticize decide defend determine dispute evaluate justify measure compare |
recommend rule on select agree appraise prioritize opinion interpret explain support importance criteria |
prove disprove assess influence perceive value estimate influence deduct judge mark rate |