29 Critical Verbs

To break something down into parts

• infer
• distinguish
• analyze

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

To express clearly

• explain
• retell
• articulate

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.4.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RI.5.9

To quote as an example, authority, or proof

• refer
• cite
• explain

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.8

CCSS.RI.5.8

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

To examine in order to discover likenesses or differences

• compare
• delineate
• trace

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.4.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

CCSS.RL.7.7

To understand; find meaning

• determine
• infer
• comprehend

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RI.4.4

To compare two persons or things so as to show the differences between them

• synthesize
• contrast
• evaluate

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

To describe in sharp or vivid detail

• delineate
• describe
• synthesize

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.5

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

to prove or make clear by reasoning or evidence; to illustrate and explain especially with examples

• explain
• demonstrate
• organize

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.5

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

To tell the facts, details

• retell
• describe
• trace

Tags

CCSS.L.3.2E

CCSS.L.6.2B

CCSS.L.8.2C

CCSS.L.9-10.1.C

CCSS.L.7.2B

To find out or come to a decision

• distinguish
• determine
• suggest

Tags

CCSS.L.3.2E

CCSS.L.6.2B

CCSS.L.8.2C

CCSS.L.9-10.1.C

CCSS.L.7.2B