QCAA Maths Cognitive Verbs

Choose the cognitive verb from the list below that matches this definition:

determine or find (e.g. a number, answer) by using mathematical processes; obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working; ascertain/determine from given facts, figures or information

• calculate

• solve

• evaluate

• prove

Choose the cognitive verb from the list below that matches this definition:

understand the meaning or nature of; grasp mentally

• comprehend

• clarify

• compare

• consider

Choose the cognitive verb from the list below that matches this definition:

make an appraisal by weighing up or assessing strengths, implications and limitations; make judgments about ideas, works, solutions or methods in relation to selected criteria; examine and determine the merit, value or significance of something, based on criteria

• evaluate

• justify

• consider

• compare

Choose the cognitive verb from the list below that matches this definition:

give reasons or evidence to support an answer, response or conclusion; show or prove how an argument, statement or conclusion is right or reasonable

• justify

• prove

• evaluate

• determine

Choose the cognitive verb from the list below that matches this definition:

find an answer to, explanation for, or means of dealing with (e.g. a problem); work out the answer or solution to (e.g. a mathematical problem); obtain the answer/s using algebraic, numerical and/or graphical methods

• solve

• evaluate

• infer

• extrapolate

Choose the cognitive verb from the list below that matches this definition:

use a sequence of steps to obtain the required result in a formal way

• prove

• use

• generate

• determine

Choose the cognitive verb from the list below that matches this definition:

remember; present remembered ideas, facts or experiences; bring something back into thought, attention or into one’s mind

• recall

• recognise

• select

• identify

Choose the cognitive verb from the list below that matches this definition:

choose in preference to another or others; pick out

• recall

• recognise

• select

• identify

Choose the cognitive verb from the list below that matches this definition:

operate or put into effect; apply knowledge or rules to put theory into practice

• use

• categorise

• derive

• evaluate

Choose the cognitive verb from the list below that matches this definition:

establish, conclude or ascertain after consideration, observation, investigation or calculation; decide or come to a resolution

• determine

• decide

• derive

• distinguish