Levels of Thinking

Based on Bloom's Taxonomy, there are six levels of thinking that are important to know them:

I. Knowledge: Recognizing and/or remembering previously learned information. Recalling facts, terms, and basic concepts. Directive Words: Define, label, state, list, match, write, recall, name, underline, repeat, choose, record, mark, identify, recognize

II. Comprehension:Demonstrating an understanding of the meaning of facts, terms, and basic concepts. Directive Words: Describe, rephrase, restate, discuss, explain, express, locate, tell, indicate, condense, outline, report

III. Application: Solving problems by applying acquired knowledge, facts, and techniques in a different situation. Directive Words: Apply, use, demonstrate, illustrate, chart, solve, operate, implement, practice, employ, dramatize, show

IV. Analysis: Breaking complex ideas or information apart to examine various components. Directive Words: Distinguish, discriminate, analyze, compare, contrast, diagram, differentiate, relate, classify, examine, categorize

V. Synthesis: Compiling information or combining elements in a different way to form a new idea, pattern, or creation. Directive Words: Create, design, plan, organize, generate, develop, propose, assemble, compose, make, construct, formulate, prepare

VI. Evaluation: Making judgments about information based on specific criteria (worth, validity, accuracy, relevance, etc.). Directive Words: Appraise, critique, judge, weigh, evaluate, select, rate, defend, prioritize, value, score, measure, assess