The 12 Words Take notes on the red!!! Analyze, Compare, Contrast, Describe, Evaluate, Explain, Infer, Predict, Trace, Support, Summarize

Why the 12 Words? These 12 words describe cognitive (brain) activities Each word is different from the next Each serves a purpose in your education

Why do we need to know them? Understanding each of the 12 words can Help you understand basic future activities Help you really understand test questions Help you recognize what the instructor is trying to get you to do (like when they’re asking a question and looking for a specific answer and the teacher keeps saying… “clooooseee…” or “yes…but…”)

First 6 Analyze Compare Contrast Describe Evaluate Explain

Analyze Definition Examples to separate (a material or abstract entity) into constituen t parts or elements. to analyze an argument. to examine critically, so as to bring out the essential ele ments or give the essence of: to analyze a poem. to examine carefully and in detail so as to identify cause s, key factors, possible results, etc. Examples Break it down, look at closely, tell me why, figure it out, tell me the good and bad; and what that means in your own words, how do you feel about that?

Compare Definition Examples to examine (two or more objects, ideas, people, etc.  in order to note similarities and differences: to compare two pieces of cloth; to compare the govern ments of two nations. to consider or describe as similar; liken: Shall I com pare thee to a summer's day? Examples How are they the same, alike, similarities and different- what does test ask, list what they have in common.

Contrast Definition Examples to compare in order to show unlikeness or differenc es; note the opposite natures, purposes, etc., of: Contrast the political rights of Romans and Greeks. Examples Opposite- tell me the difference between- how are they not the same, how are these things different.

Describe Definition Examples to tell or depict in written or spoken words; give an  account of: He described the accident very carefully. to pronounce, as by a designating term, phrase, or t he like; label: There are few people who may be described as geniuses. to indicate; be a sign of; denote: Conceit, in many c ases, describes a state of serious emotional insecurity. Examples Give details, draw a picture with words, tell all about it, show me what it looks like, "Show me what you're working with."

Evaluate Definition Examples to determine or set the value or amount of; apprais e: to evaluate property. to judge or determine the significance, worth, or qu ality of; assess: to evaluate the results of an experiment. Examples Find the answer, simplify, prove, grade it, score it, test your thinking.

Explain Definition Examples to make plain or clear; render understandable or intelligi ble: to explain an obscure point. Synonyms: explicate. Antonyms: confuse. to make known in detail: to explain how to do something to assign a meaning to; interpret: How can you explain s uch a silly remark? to make clear the cause or reason of; account for: I cann ot explain his strange behavior. Synonyms:justify. Examples Describe, tell why and how; tell me why you think