Bloom's Taxonomy Verbs and Examples - Complete Guide

This comprehensive guide provides extensive lists of action verbs and practical classroom examples for each level of Bloom's Taxonomy. Use these resources to write clear learning objectives, design engaging activities, and create meaningful assessments.

Explore in detail: Benjamin Bloom and Bloom's Taxonomy

How to Use This Guide

Each cognitive level includes:

• Action verbs for writing learning objectives
• Student activities that demonstrate the thinking level
• Assessment examples to measure student understanding
• Question starters to promote discussion and thinking

Remember that these levels build upon each other, and students may engage multiple levels simultaneously in complex learning tasks.

(1) Remember: Knowledge Level

What it means: Students recall facts, terms, basic concepts and answers without necessarily understanding what they mean.

Action Verbs for Remember

• Cite
• Define
• Describe
• Identify
• Know
• Label
• List
• Match
• Name
• Outline
• Quote
• Recall
• Recognize
• Record
• Relate
• Remember
• Repeat
• Reproduce
• Select
• State
• Tell
• Underline
• Who, what, when, where

Student Activities - Remember

• Memorizing vocabulary - Students learn definitions of key terms
• Creating timelines - List historical events in chronological order
• Labeling diagrams - Identify parts of the human body, plant cells or maps
• Reciting poems or songs - Memorize and perform literary works
• Listing facts - Name the planets, state capitals or multiplication tables
• Matching exercises - Connect terms with definitions
• Fill-in-the-blank worksheets - Complete sentences with missing information
• Flashcard practice - Review key facts and concepts
• Copying notes - Record information from lectures or readings
• Spelling tests - Demonstrate knowledge of correct word spellings

Assessment Examples - Remember

• Multiple choice questions testing factual recall
• True/false statements about basic concepts
• Matching vocabulary terms to definitions
• Fill-in-the-blank exercises with key terms
• Short answer questions asking for specific facts
• Labeling exercises on diagrams or maps
• Listing items in specific categories
• Identification quizzes with pictures or examples

Question Starters - Remember

• What is...?
• Who was...?
• When did...?
• Where is...?
• How many...?
• Can you name...?
• Can you list...?
• What are the facts about...?

(2) Understand: Comprehension Level

What it means: Students grasp the meaning of information and can explain ideas or concepts in their own words.

Action Verbs for Understand

• Classify
• Compare
• Comprehend
• Conclude
• Contrast
• Demonstrate
• Describe
• Discuss
• Distinguish
• Estimate
• Explain
• Express
• Extend
• Give examples
• Illustrate
• Indicate
• Interpret
• Locate
• Paraphrase
• Predict
• Recognize
• Report
• Restate
• Review
• Select
• Summarize
• Translate

Student Activities - Understand

• Explaining concepts - Describe photosynthesis in simple terms
• Summarizing stories - Retell the main points of a novel or article
• Creating graphic organizers - Make concept maps or Venn diagrams
• Translating information - Convert graphs to written descriptions
• Giving examples - Provide instances of abstract concepts
• Comparing and contrasting - Identify similarities and differences
• Paraphrasing passages - Rewrite text in their own words
• Drawing conclusions - Infer meanings from data or observations
• Predicting outcomes - Forecast what might happen next
• Classifying items - Group objects or ideas by characteristics
• Interpreting charts - Explain what data shows
• Demonstrating understanding - Show how something works

Assessment Examples - Understand

• Essay questions asking for explanations in own words
• Interpretation of graphs, charts, or diagrams
• Compare and contrast exercises
• Summarization tasks
• Translation activities (verbal to visual, etc.)
• Classification assignments
• Prediction exercises with justification
• Analogies and metaphor creation
• Concept mapping assessments

Question Starters - Understand

• How would you explain...?
• What is the main idea of...?
• How would you summarize...?
• What do you think could happen if...?
• How would you compare...?
• What is meant by...?
• How would you classify...?
• What can you conclude...?

(3) Apply: Application Level

What it means: Students use learned information, methods, concepts, and theories in new situations to solve problems.

Action Verbs for Apply

• Apply
• Build
• Calculate
• Choose
• Compute
• Construct
• Demonstrate
• Develop
• Execute
• Illustrate
• Implement
• Interview
• Make use of
• Manipulate
• Modify
• Operate
• Organize
• Practice
• Prepare
• Produce
• Schedule
• Show
• Sketch
• Solve
• Use
• Utilize

Student Activities - Apply

• Solving math problems - Use formulas to calculate area, volume or percentages
• Conducting experiments - Apply scientific method to test hypotheses
• Writing business letters - Use proper format and conventions
• Creating budgets - Apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios
• Programming computers - Use coding languages to solve problems
• Following recipes - Apply measurements and procedures in cooking
• Building models - Construct physical representations using learned principles
• Role-playing scenarios - Apply social skills in simulated situations
• Using maps and tools - Navigate using compass, GPS or geographic knowledge
• Applying grammar rules - Use correct syntax in writing assignments
• Implementing procedures - Follow safety protocols or lab procedures
• Designing solutions - Create practical applications of theoretical knowledge

Assessment Examples - Apply

• Problem-solving tasks using learned formulas or methods
• Case studies requiring application of principles
• Performance assessments with real-world scenarios
• Laboratory experiments following procedures
• Projects that require implementation of concepts
• Demonstrations of skills in practical situations
• Portfolio assignments showing applied learning
• Simulations requiring decision-making

Question Starters - Apply

• How would you use...?
• What would happen if...?
• How would you solve...?
• What approach would you use to...?
• How would you organize...?
• What would you do if...?
• How could you apply...?
• What examples can you find to...?

(4) Analyze: Analysis Level

What it means: Students examine and break down information into parts to understand relationships, patterns and organizational principles.

Action Verbs for Analyze

• Analyze
• Arrange
• Break down
• Categorize
• Classify
• Compare
• Connect
• Contrast
• Deconstruct
• Deduce
• Differentiate
• Discriminate
• Distinguish
• Divide
• Examine
• Experiment
• Identify
• Illustrate
• Infer
• Investigate
• Order
• Organize
• Question
• Relate
• Select
• Separate
• Subdivide
• Survey

Student Activities - Analyze

• Dissecting arguments - Identify logical fallacies in persuasive texts
• Breaking down literary works - Examine themes, symbols, and character development
• Analyzing data sets - Identify patterns and trends in statistics
• Examining cause and effect - Determine relationships between historical events
• Comparing multiple sources - Analyze different perspectives on the same topic
• Deconstructing advertisements - Identify persuasive techniques and target audiences
• Investigating scientific phenomena - Examine variables in controlled experiments
• Analyzing financial statements - Break down business performance data
• Studying survey results - Examine demographic patterns and correlations
• Critiquing research methods - Evaluate the validity of study designs
• Examining organizational structures - Analyze how systems and hierarchies function
• Breaking down complex problems - Identify component parts and relationships

Assessment Examples - Analyze

• Case study analysis with multiple variables
• Research paper examining different viewpoints
• Data analysis projects with interpretation
• Literary analysis essays
• Scientific experiment design and evaluation
• Comparative studies between different approaches
• Critical analysis of media or advertisements
• Problem decomposition exercises

Question Starters - Analyze

• What are the parts or features of...?
• How is... related to...?
• Why do you think...?
• What evidence supports...?
• What is the relationship between...?
• How does... compare with...?
• What patterns do you see...?
• What are the components of...?

(5) Evaluate: Evaluation Level

What it means: Students make judgments about information, ideas, or methods based on specific criteria and standards.

Action Verbs for Evaluate

• Appraise
• Argue
• Assess
• Choose
• Compare
• Conclude
• Convince
• Criticize
• Critique
• Decide
• Defend
• Determine
• Discriminate
• Evaluate
• Grade
• Judge
• Justify
• Measure
• Prioritize
• Prove
• Rank
• Rate
• Recommend
• Select
• Support
• Test
• Validate
• Value
• Weigh

Student Activities - Evaluate

• Debating controversial issues - Present arguments and counterarguments with evidence
• Writing movie or book reviews - Assess quality based on specific criteria
• Evaluating historical decisions - Judge the effectiveness of past leaders' choices
• Critiquing research studies - Assess methodology and conclusions for validity
• Ranking solutions to problems - Prioritize options based on established criteria
• Assessing environmental policies - Evaluate effectiveness of conservation efforts
• Judging artistic works - Critique based on aesthetic and technical standards
• Evaluating business strategies - Assess the potential success of different approaches
• Peer reviewing writing - Provide constructive feedback using rubrics
• Selecting best practices - Choose optimal approaches based on evidence
• Evaluating website credibility - Assess reliability of online information sources
• Judging ethical dilemmas - Evaluate moral choices using ethical frameworks

Assessment Examples - Evaluate

• Persuasive essays with well-supported arguments
• Peer evaluation using specific criteria
• Portfolio reviews with self-assessment
• Debate performances with evidence and reasoning
• Critical reviews of media, literature, or research
• Decision-making scenarios with justification
• Rubric-based assessments of projects or performances
• Recommendation reports with supporting evidence

Question Starters - Evaluate

• What is your opinion of...?
• How would you prove or disprove...?
• What criteria would you use to assess...?
• What evidence supports...?
• How would you prioritize...?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of...?
• How effective is...?
• What would you recommend...?

(6) Create: Synthesis Level

What it means: Students combine elements to form something new and original or reorganize elements into new patterns or structures.

Action Verbs for Create

• Adapt
• Anticipate
• Arrange
• Assemble
• Build
• Collaborate
• Combine
• Compile
• Compose
• Construct
• Create
• Design
• Develop
• Devise
• Elaborate
• Formulate
• Generate
• Hypothesize
• Imagine
• Improvise
• Invent
• Make
• Modify
• Organize
• Originate
• Plan
• Predict
• Prepare
• Produce
• Propose
• Rearrange
• Reconstruct
• Reorganize
• Revise
• Substitute
• Synthesize
• Transform
• Write

Student Activities - Create

• Writing original stories or poems - Compose creative works with unique plots or themes
• Designing experiments - Create original research studies to test hypotheses
• Developing business plans - Formulate comprehensive strategies for new ventures
• Creating multimedia presentations - Combine text, images and audio for unique communication
• Composing music - Write original songs or instrumental pieces
• Inventing new products - Design solutions to real-world problems
• Developing websites or apps - Create digital tools with original functionality
• Planning events or campaigns - Organize comprehensive projects with multiple components
• Creating art installations - Design original artistic expressions
• Writing research proposals - Develop original studies to investigate new questions
• Designing curricula - Create educational programs for specific learning goals
• Formulating theories - Propose new explanations for observed phenomena

Assessment Examples - Create

• Original research projects with novel approaches
• Creative portfolios showcasing original work
• Design challenges requiring innovative solutions
• Performance assessments of original compositions
• Project-based learning with student-designed outcomes
• Innovation competitions with prototype development
• Capstone projects synthesizing multiple learning areas
• Collaborative creation projects with peer partnerships

Question Starters - Create

• What would happen if...?
• How could you create/design...?
• What solutions would you suggest for...?
• How could you combine...?
• What alternative would you propose...?
• How would you test...?
• What could you invent...?
• How would you improve...?

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Cross-Curricular Examples by Subject

This part aims to give you a good feeling for how any content may be mapped onto different cognitive levels.

Mathematics

• Remember: Memorize multiplication tables, geometric formulas
• Understand: Explain what fractions represent, describe mathematical relationships
• Apply: Solve word problems using appropriate formulas and procedures
• Analyze: Examine patterns in number sequences, break down complex problems
• Evaluate: Judge the reasonableness of mathematical solutions, assess different problem-solving methods
• Create: Design original word problems, develop new mathematical proofs

Science

• Remember: List parts of the periodic table, name stages of cell division
• Understand: Explain the water cycle, describe cause and effect in ecosystems
• Apply: Use scientific method to conduct experiments, apply conservation laws
• Analyze: Examine data from experiments, identify variables in scientific studies
• Evaluate: Assess the validity of scientific claims, critique experimental design
• Create: Design original experiments, formulate new hypotheses

Language Arts

• Remember: Recall literary terms, identify parts of speech
• Understand: Summarize plot elements, explain character motivations
• Apply: Use writing conventions in essays, apply reading strategies
• Analyze: Examine themes and symbols in literature, analyze author's purpose
• Evaluate: Critique literary works, assess effectiveness of persuasive arguments
• Create: Write original stories, compose persuasive essays

Social Studies

• Remember: List historical dates, name world capitals
• Understand: Explain causes of historical events, describe cultural practices
• Apply: Use geographic tools, apply democratic principles to scenarios
• Analyze: Compare different historical perspectives, examine economic data
• Evaluate: Assess the impact of historical decisions, judge the credibility of sources
• Create: Develop solutions to current social issues, design community improvement plans

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Digital Age Applications for Bloom's Cognitive Levels

These examples show how Bloom's Taxonomy applies to modern technology and AI-enhanced learning environments. Understanding these applications helps educators integrate digital tools meaningfully across all cognitive levels.

Technology Integration

• Remember: Bookmark important websites, save digital files with proper naming
• Understand: Explain how search engines work, describe digital citizenship principles
• Apply: Use software applications to solve problems, implement digital safety protocols
• Analyze: Examine website credibility, analyze social media algorithms
• Evaluate: Assess the reliability of online information, critique digital media
• Create: Design websites, develop mobile applications, produce digital content

AI and Learning Tools

• Remember: Use AI tools to recall factual information quickly
• Understand: Have AI explain complex concepts in simple terms
• Apply: Use AI assistants to practice skills and get feedback
• Analyze: Use AI to help break down complex problems into components
• Evaluate: Critically assess AI-generated content for accuracy and bias
• Create: Collaborate with AI tools to generate original content and ideas

Virtual and Augmented Reality Applications

• Remember: Use VR simulations to memorize historical locations or scientific processes
• Understand: Experience immersive environments that explain abstract concepts
• Apply: Practice skills in safe virtual environments (medical procedures, engineering)
• Analyze: Examine 3D models and data visualizations from multiple perspectives
• Evaluate: Compare virtual scenarios and assess different outcomes
• Create: Build virtual worlds, design AR experiences or construct 3D models

Social Media and Digital Communication

• Remember: Curate and organize digital resources for future reference
• Understand: Interpret and explain digital content across different platforms
• Apply: Use social media tools for educational campaigns or community projects
• Analyze: Examine digital footprints, analyze online behavior patterns
• Evaluate: Assess the credibility and impact of viral content or online movements
• Create: Develop original digital content, launch online initiatives or build communities

Data Science and Analytics

• Remember: Identify key data visualization tools and statistical terms
• Understand: Explain what different charts and graphs reveal about trends
• Apply: Use spreadsheets and analytics software to organize and calculate data
• Analyze: Examine large datasets to identify patterns and correlations
• Evaluate: Assess the quality of data sources and validity of conclusions
• Create: Design original data collection methods or develop predictive models

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Assessment Rubrics and Examples

These practical tools demonstrate how to structure assessments and measure student performance at different cognitive levels. Use these examples as templates to create your own rubrics and evaluation criteria.

Generic Rubric Structure

Sample Assessment Tasks

Elementary Level:

• Remember: List the seven continents
• Understand: Explain why seasons change
• Apply: Use addition and subtraction to solve money problems
• Analyze: Compare and contrast two different animals
• Evaluate: Decide which book character made the best choice and why
• Create: Write and illustrate an original short story

Secondary Level:

• Remember: Identify chemical symbols on the periodic table
• Understand: Explain the causes of World War I
• Apply: Use quadratic formula to solve complex equations
• Analyze: Examine the themes in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
• Evaluate: Assess the effectiveness of different environmental policies
• Create: Design an experiment to test the effects of music on plant growth

Higher Education Level:

• Remember: Cite key theories in developmental psychology
• Understand: Explain the implications of quantum mechanics
• Apply: Implement statistical analysis in research design
• Analyze: Deconstruct the arguments in academic papers
• Evaluate: Critique the methodology of published research studies
• Create: Develop an original research proposal with novel approach

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Note: This guide summarizes widely available educational resources and research. Specific examples and applications have been developed to support practical classroom implementation of Bloom's Taxonomy principles.