1. Using Bloom’s Taxonomy
Using higher order questioning to improve pupil attainment

2. Comprehension/Understanding
support
appraise
evaluate
organise
Evaluation
attach
defend
estimate
assess
judge
select
argue
compare
choose
rate
value
predict
arrange
organise
Synthesis/Creating
create
plan
design
propose
collect
formulate
set up
compose
develop
construct
prepare
assemble
manage
compare
distinguish
Analysis
test
experiment
criticise
contrast
analyse
interpret
examine
appraise
categorise
calculate
discriminate
question
differentiate
write
demonstrate
Application
schedule
solve
apply
interpret
illustrate
sketch
choose
dramatise
employ
practice
use
select
review
Comprehension/Understanding
locate
describe
discuss
report
express
indicate
classify
explain
identify
review
Knowledge
duplicate
name
memorise
list
recognise
repeat
recall
arrange
state
label
define
reproduce

3. Knowledge Useful Verbs Sample Question Stems Potential Activities
name
Knowledge
duplicate
list
memorise
arrange
recognise
repeat
recall
state
reproduce
label
define
Useful
Verbs
Sample Question Stems
Potential
Activities
tell list describe relate locate write find state name
What happened after...?
How many...?
Who was it that...?
Can you name the...?
Describe what happened...?
Who spoke to...?
Can you tell why...?
Find the meaning of...?
What is...?
Which is true or false...?
Make a list of the main events.
Make a timeline of events.
Make a facts chart.
Write a list of any pieces of information you can remember. 
List all the .... in the story.
Make a chart showing...
Make an acrostic.
Recite a poem.

4. Comprehension/Understanding
review
Comprehension/Understanding
select
describe
locate
discuss
explain
identify
review
classify
report
express
indicate
Useful
Verbs
Sample Question Stems
Potential
Activities
explain interpret outline discuss distinguish predict restate translate compare describe
Can you write in your own words...?
Can you write a brief outline...?
What do you think could of happened next...?
Who do you think...?
What was the main idea...?
What differences exist between...?
Can you give an example...?
Can you provide a definition for...?
Cut out or draw pictures to show a particular event.
Make a cartoon strip showing the sequence of events.
Write and perform a play based on the story.
Retell the story in your words.
Paint a picture of an aspect you like.
Write a summary of an event.
Prepare a flow chart to illustrate the sequence of events.

5. Application Useful Verbs Sample Question Stems Potential Activities
write
Application
solve
demonstrate
schedule
apply
interpret
sketch
choose
illustrate
employ
practice
use
dramatise
Useful
Verbs
Sample Question Stems
Potential
Activities
solve show use illustrate construct complete examine classify
Do you know another instance where...?
Can you group by characteristics such as...?
What factors would you change if...?
Can you apply the method used to your own...?
What would you ask of...?
Can you develop a set of instructions about...?
Would this information be useful if you had a...?
Construct a model to demonstrate how it will work.
Make a scrapbook about the areas of study.
Take a collection of photographs to demonstrate a particular point.
Make up a puzzle game using the ideas from the study area.
Design a market strategy for your product.
Paint a mural using the same materials.
Write a textbook for others.

6. Analysis Useful Verbs Sample Question Stems Potential Activities
compare
experiment
test
Analysis
criticise
contrast
distinguish
examine
appraise
analyse
interpret
differentiate
discriminate
question
calculate
categorise
Useful
Verbs
Sample Question Stems
Potential
Activities
analyse distinguish examine compare contrast investigate categorise identify explain separate advertise
If... happened, what might the ending have been?
How was this similar to...?
What was the underlying theme of...?
What do you see as other possible outcomes?
Can you compare your... with that presented in...?
Can you explain what must have happened when...?
What are the problems of...?
What’s the problem with...?
Design a questionnaire about...
Write a commercial.
Conduct an investigation to produce information to support ...
Construct a graph to illustrate selected information.
Make a family tree showing relationships.
Write a biography.
Prepare a report.
Review a work of art in terms of form, colour and texture.

7. Synthesis/Creating Useful Verbs Sample Question Stems Potential
arrange
organise
Synthesis/Creating
create
propose
design
plan
collect
set up
compose
formulate
manage
construct
prepare
assemble
develop
Useful
Verbs
Sample Question Stems
Potential
Activities
create invent compose predict plan construct design imagine propose devise formulate
Can you design a ... to ...?
Can you find a solution to...?
If you had access to all resources how would you...?
What would happen if...?
How many ways can you...?
Can you create new and unusual uses for...?
Can you write a new recipe for a tasty dish?
Can you develop a proposal which would...
Create a new product, give it a name and plan a marketing campaign.
Write about your feelings regarding...
Write a TV show or song about..?
Design a record, book, or magazine cover for...?
Make up a new language code and write material using it.
Sell an idea.
Devise a way to...

8. Evaluation Useful Verbs Sample Question Stems Potential Activities
appraise
organise
support
Evaluation
attach
defend
estimate
assess
evaluate
select
argue
judge
choose
predict
rate
value
compare
Useful
Verbs
Sample Question Stems
Potential
Activities
judge select decide justify debate verify argue recommend assess discuss rate prioritise determine
Is there a better solution to...
Judge the value of...
Why do you think ... is a good or a bad thing?
How would you have handled...?
What changes to ... would you recommend?
Do you believe?
Are you a ... person?
How would you feel if...?
How effective are...?
What do you think about...?
Prepare a list of criteria to judge...
Conduct a debate about an issue of special interest.
Make a booklet about 5 rules you see as important. Convince others.
Form a panel to discuss views.
Write a letter to ... advising on changes needed at...
Write a half yearly report.
Prepare a case to present your view about...

9. Knowledge Can you recall...? How would you explain...?
How would you describe...?
What is...?
How would you show...?
Which one...?
Who was...?
Why did...?
Can you list three...?
Where is...?
When did...?
How did...?
How is...?

10. Comprehension/Understanding
Can you contrast...?
How would you classify...?
How would you compare...?
What is meant by...?
State in your own words...?
Which statement supports...?
What facts or ideas show..?
Summarise...
What can you say about...?
Which is the best answer...?

11. Application How would you organise ‘x’ to show...?
How would you use...?
What examples can you find to...?
How would you show understanding of...?
What approach would you use to...?
What elements would you use to change...?
What would result if...?
How would you use ‘x’ to prove the point...?

12. Can you make a distinction between...?
Analysis
How is ‘x’ related to...?
What are the features of...?
Why do you think...?
What motive is there...?
What conclusions can you draw...?
What evidence can you find...?
What is the relationship between...?
Can you make a distinction between...?
What ideas justify...?

13. Synthesis/Creating What changes would you make to solve...?
How would you improve...?
Can you invent...?
How would you adapt ‘x’ to create a different...?
What could be done to minimise/maximise...?
Can you formulate a theory for...?
How would you estimate a result for...?
Can you think of an original way to...?

14. Evaluation Would it be better if...? Do you agree with actions of...?
How would you prove/disprove...?
What would you recommend in order to...?
How would you defend the actions of...?
Can you prioritise...?
Why is it better that...?
Can you assess the importance of...?
Why might your choice be different to that of...?