Frame of Reference in Writing Instructional Objectives

Levels of Instruction Examples of Action Verbs

Lower – Level of Cognitive Domain Recall Compare

Knowledge Translate Apply
Comprehension Interpret Explain
Application Estimate Identify

Higher – Level Thinking Skills Classify Design

Analysis Analyze Judge
Synthesis Relate Predict
Evaluation Formulate Distinguish

Affective – Learning Outcomes Listen Value

Attitudes Respond Respect
Interests Participate Follow
Appreciations Seek Volunteer
Adjustments Demonstrate Resist

Performance Outcomes Speak Write

Procedure Sing Construct
Product Draw Perform
Problem Solving Compute Dance
Selected Verbs Used in Writing Behavioral Objectives
McNeil, J.D. And Wiles, J. (1990). The essentials of teaching – Decisions, plans, methods. NY: Macmillan Publishing Co

Creative behaviors
Alter generalize question regroup rephrase rewrite
Ask modify rearrange rename restate simplify
change paraphrase recombine reorder restructure synthesize
design predict reconstruct reorganize retell systematize

Complex, logical and judgmental behaviors

analyze combine contrast designate formulate plan
appraise compare criticize determine generate structure
assess conduct deduct discover induce suggest
defend evaluate infer substitute

General discriminative behaviors

choose describe discriminate indicate match place
collect detect distinguish isolate omit point
define differentiate identify list order select
pick separate

Social behaviors
accept answer cooperate forgive laugh reply
admit argue dance greet meet smile
agree communicate disagree help participate talk
aid complement discuss interact permit thank
allow contribute excuse invite praise visit
join react volunteer

Miscellaneous
aim erase hunt peel scratch store
attempt expand include pin send strike
begin extend inform position serve supply
bring feel kneel present sew support
buy finish lay produce share switch
come fit lead propose sharpen take
complete fix lend provide shoot tear
correct flip let put shorten touch
crease get light raise shovel try
crush give make relate shut twist
develop grind mend repair signify type
distribute guide miss repeat slip use
do hand offer return slide vote
drop hang open ride spread watch
end hold pack rip stake weave
hook pay save start work
Action Verbs
Adapted from: AT&T (1987) the trainer’s library: Techniques of instructional development. MA: Reading, Addison-Wesley
Publishing Co. Inc.

Simple Tasks
attend describe duplicate label omit repeat
choose designate find list order select
collect detect identify mark place state
complete differentiate imitate match point tally
copy distinguish indicate name provide tell
define distribute isolate note recall underline

Study Skills
arrange circle find itemize record signify
attempt classify follow locate relate sort
categorize compile formulate map reproduce suggest
chart consider gather organize return support
cite diagram include quote search underline
volunteer

Analysis Skills
analyze conclude defend generate present plan
appraise contrast evaluate induce save switch
combine criticize explain infer shorten
compare deduce formulate paraphrase structure

Synthesis Skills
alter generalize question rename restructure synthesize
change modify rearrange reorganize retell systematize
design paraphrase recombine reorder rewrite
expand predict reconstruct rephrase signify
extend propose regroup restate simplify

Language
abbreviate articulate indent punctuate spell translate
accent capitalize outline read state type
alphabetize edit print recite summarize verbalize
argue hyphenate pronounce speak syllabicate write

Arts and Crafts

assemble dab frame mix procedure smooth
blend dot grind mold roll stamp
brush draw hammer nail rub stick
build drill handle paint wrap stir
carve finish heat paste sand trace
color fit illustrate pat saw trim
construct fix make position shake varnish
crush fold melt pour sharpen wipe
cut form mend press sketch wrap

Mathematics
add compute extract interpolate prove tabulate
bisect count extrapolate measure reduce tally
calculate derive graph multiply solve verify
check divide group number square
compound estimate integrate plot subtract

Drama
act cross emit move perform show
clasp direct express pantomime proceed start
correct display leave pass respond turn

Music
blow compose harmonize play sing whistle
bow conduct hum pluck strum
clap finger mute practice tap

Physical
arch climb hit march ski Swim
bat coach hop perform skip Swing
bend coordinate jump pitch somersault Throw
carry critique kick run stand Toss
catch float knock score stretch
chase grip lift skate strike

Science
calibrate connect decrease dissect grow insert
compound convert demonstrate graft increase

Attitude/Affective Action Verbs

Accept, listen, respond to

Comply with, follow, volunteer
Support, relinquish
Theorize, formulate, balance, examine
Revise, require, argue, resist, manage, resolve