Cognitive Verbs
Cognitive verbs are words that describe thinking, such as identify, explain and evaluate.
A
C
D
E
I
J
M
R
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U
A
- Analyse - Consider in detail for the purpose of finding meaning or relationships, and identifying patterns, similarities and differences. A detailed examination of the elements of something, usually as the basis for discussion or interpretation.
- Apply - Use or employ in a particular situation.
C
- Compare - Estimate, measure or note how things are similar or dissimilar.
- Conclude - A decision or judgment reached through a process of careful reasoning. Obtain a conclusion from logical evidence.
D
- Describe - Give an account of characteristics or features.
- Develop - Demonstrates understanding of knowledge using varying levels of skills.
E
- Evaluate - Examining and judging the merit or significance of something. A process of considering all relevant aspects of an issue to determine the value or worth of something: to weigh up the arguments and form an opinion.
- Examine - Determine the nature or conditions of.
- Explain - Provide additional information that demonstrates understanding of reasoning and/or application.
I
- Identify - Establish or indicate who or what someone or something is.
- Infer - A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence or reasoning.
- Interpret - Explaining the meaning of information or actions.
J
- Justify - To demonstrate, establish or prove to be right or reasonable. The process of offering facts or reasons to support an action.
M
- Make decisions - Examine alternatives to choose an option. A conclusion or resolution reached after careful consideration of a range of factors.
- Predict - To make statements about something in advance of its occurring.
R
- Represent - Use words, images, symbols or signs to convey meaning. Expressing a piece of information in an alternative format, such as using a graph to represent quantitative data.
S
- Select - Make a choice between options.
U
- Understand - To perceive what is meant, grasp an idea, and to be thoroughly familiar with.
Sources: QCAA 7-10 Cognitive Verb Toolkit; C2C Glossary