The 12 Powerful Words Larry I. Bell’s 12 Powerful Words That Increase Test Scores and Help Close the Achievement Gap

What are the 12 Powerful Words? The 12 Powerful Words are words frequently found in questions. Students often are stumped by questions that use these words, and therefore do poorly on tests.

How the 12 Power Words Can Help They “empower students with knowledge and confidence” ( Bell 15) When students understand the words, they can understand and ANSWER the question

The 12 Powerful Words 1. Trace 2. Analyze 3. Infer 4. Evaluate 5. Formulate 6. Describe 7. Support 8. Explain 9. Summarize 10. Compare 11. Contrast 12. Predict

1)Trace Def.: List in steps Example: Trace your before school routine (from the time you awake to your arrival to homeroom)

2) Analyze Def. Break apart or break down; (divide or dissect something into parts) Example: Analyze the song’s lyrics

3) Infer Def. Read between the lines; uncover the meaning Example: Your teacher states before the bell, “Make sure you look over your notes tonight!” What can you infer from this statement?

4. Evaluate Def. to judge Example: Evaluate your academic performance from 8 th grade

5. Formulate Def. Create; design Example: Formulate a system that would motivate students to do their homework more thoroughly and consistently

6. Describe Def. Tell ALL about; use 5 senses and the 5 W’s and H Example: Describe a moment when you were very angry

7. Support Def. Back up with details Example: What fast food restaurant is the best? Support your opinion.

8. Explain Def. Tell HOW, teach Example: Explain how to get your parents to increase your allowance

9. Summarize Def. Give the MAIN points, the short version Example: Summarize your favorite movie

10. Compare Def: All the ways they are ALIKE Example: Compare McDonald’s to Wendy’s; Compare your best friend to yourself

11. Contrast Def: All the ways they are DIFFERENT Example: Contrast McDonald’s and Wendy’s; Contrast your best friend and yourself

12. Predict Def. Guess what will happen next (based on what you already know) Example: Predict who will win the election; Predict your brother’s reaction when he finds out you borrowed his car

The 12 Powerful Words 1. Trace 2. Analyze 3. Infer 4. Evaluate 5. Formulate 6. Describe 7. Support 8. Explain 9. Summarize 10. Compare 11. Contrast 12. Predict