Frame of Reference in Writing Instructional/Behavioral Objectives. Includes a listing of verbs for each discipline or behavior.

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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