Action verbs and their requirements Prepared by …...Action verbs and their requirements – Prepared by Miss Nidale Ojeil.2018 – 2019 Action verbs and their requirements – Prepared

Action verbs and their requirements – Prepared by Miss Nidale Ojeil. 2018 – 2019

Action verbs and their requirements – Prepared by Miss Nidale Ojeil - 2018 – 2019. Page 1

Detailed list of Action verbs:

1-Analyze: Decompose a whole into its constituent elements to make evident the variations.

We analyze a given in a graph, a table, one or more experiments ... In the case of a graph and a

table, we note the variations: increases, decreases and remains constant. If the curve presents

fluctuations, we choose the lowest value and the highest value, and we say it fluctuates between these two

values. In the case where the graph shows two curves, we make a parallel analysis (correlation). The

numbers and units are required and the appropriate connectors are in contrast, similarly, while……

In case of an experiment, we pick out the factor which varies and we relate it to the results obtained

(cause and effect).

2-Calculate: (Compute) Perform mathematical operations.

The calculation is obligatory and must be included in the student's answer. The final result,

without calculation, is not accepted.

3-State (list): Express written without explaining.

To state, we must use the knowledge and respect the order, if necessary.

4-Compare: Indicate the similarities and/or the differences between two or more entities.

To compare, we must write the similarities and / or differences, and the grade will be divided

between the two. In cases where there are values , we use larger, smaller, identical or equal and if there

are units we should mention them.

5-Complete: Add what is missing.

6-Conclude: Reach a decision.

The conclusion always comes after an analysis, an interpretation or a comparison. This is a sentence

that may include a generalization. Note that we shouldn’t confuse the significance of an interpretation

with the conclusion; if there is a repetition; the question should be either interpret or analyze and draw a

conclusion.

7- Construct a graph:

To construct a graph, we must draw two perpendicular axes, indicate the corresponding variables

on the axes while specifying the units, choose the scale based on the information, draw the points one by

one based on the numbers in the table, relate the points to obtain the curve, give a title to the curve and

indicate the corresponding legend.

8-Determine: Reach a decision, a result… through logical reasoning, calculation...

To reach a decision, we must begin by logical reasoning, calculation via following a method based

on information provided by the given and on acquired knowledge.

9-Describe: Express using scientific language to give the details of an observation, of an experiment, a

scheme, an apparatus...

To write a text, all the written information in the document should be included in the text. In case

where the steps in the document are numbered, the order must be respected.



10-Show: Prove “something” is evident by logical reasoning, by an experiment, by calculations …

To prove that something is true; an affirmation, an experiment, a valid hypothesis ... we should

relate logically the information and follow a procedure that includes a scientific reasoning.

11- Deduce: Draw, by a logical reasoning, new information from given or existing information.

To draw new information, it is necessary to write the followed procedure and the data on which we

depend. The rigorous analysis of all the information is not required.

12- Draw out: Draw from a set of given information a relation, a role, a law…without reasoning.

To draw out the requested information, we should do an implicit logical reasoning without writing it,

relating the information of the given to reach the requested information.

13- Distinguish: Recognize or discern one “thing” from another according to particular traits.

To distinguish between two things, two entities ..., we should use the acquired knowledge to show the

characteristics specific for each.

14 – Test a hypothesis: Demonstrate by an experiment or a research that the hypothesis is valid or not.

To verify experimentally a formulated hypothesis, we must design a procedure with at least two

experiments different by only one factor, the one that should be verified.

15-Explain: Clarify, make a phenomenon, a result... more understandable.

To explain, we should use the appropriate knowledge to make a result, a phenomenon ...clear.

16- Formulate a hypothesis: state a temporary solution to a given problem.

The hypothesis is an affirmative sentence which is a temporary solution to the problem. It should

contain a measurable factor either by an experiment or by a research...

17-Identify: Recognize “something” based on its characteristics or its properties.

To show the identity of a certain thing, we should recognize, using acquired knowledge, its specific

characteristic that allows it to belong to a particular group.

18- Interpret: Analyze and give significance to the result.

To interpret, we should analyze and give significance to the results obtained. In other words, we

should find a possible significant relation between the result and the variable.

19-Indicate: Designate or state “something” without justification.

The answer is based on acquired knowledge.

20-Justify: Prove “something” as true and real.

To justify, we give an explanation to a given statement, a requested choice, a taken decision ... by

referring to the acquired knowledge or to information present in the given.

21 - Pose a problem: Highlighting the problem to be solved.



To pose a problem, you should draw out the information, find the relation that should be clarified

and that should lead to several possible solutions and write it as a question.

22-Specify: Indicate and justify.

23-Pick out (Extract): Select one or more piece of information from a document.

We should draw from the document the piece of information (word, sentence, expression ...) which is

relevant only to the posed question.

24 - Translate a curve into a table

To draw a table , we should draw horizontal rows and vertical columns according to the elements

studied , indicate on these rows and/or on these columns the corresponding elements while specifying the

units for each studied element, fill in the boxes according to the coordinates the points revealed in the

curve and give a title to the table.

25-Verify: Confirm using arguments, logical reasoning ... whether “something” is true or false.

To confirm or refute the validity of a hypothesis, the results of an experiment ... we perform a

calculation, a logical reasoning by relating information, arguments to the information provided by the

given.

Comparative table about action verbs:

Action verbs that require a justified answer Action verbs that doesn’t require a justified answer

1. Determine 2. Justify 3. Deduce 4. Explain 5. Identify 6. Interpret 7. Specify 8. Show 9. Verify 10. Precise 11. Show that

1. Conclude* 2. Describe 3. Construct 4. Construct a table (tabulate) 5. Match 6. Locate 7. Label 8. Sketch/draw/schematize 9. State 10. Complete 11. Distinguish 12. Write 13. Compare 14. Choose 15. Name

16. Give 17. List /Cite 18. Recopy 19. Pick out 20. Indicate 21. Arrange 22. Translate 23. Analyze 24. Formulate a hypothesis 25. Predict 26. Classify 27. Pose a problem 28. Calculate 29. Enumerate 30. Propose an experimental set-

up



How to justify your answer?

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Action verbs and their requirements Prepared by …...Action verbs and their requirements – Prepared by Miss Nidale Ojeil.2018 – 2019 Action verbs and their requirements – Prepared