1. A Guide to Higher Order Thinking Questions

2. Bloom’s Taxonomy Benjamin Bloom (1956) developed a classification of levels of intellectual behavior in learning. This taxonomy contained three overlapping domains: the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective. Within the cognitive domain, he identified six levels: knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. These domains and levels are still useful today as you develop critical thinking skills.

3. Bloom’s Taxonomy DRAW THIS IN YOUR NOTES!

4. Bloom’s Taxonomy Part of thinking critically is using Higher Order Thinking skills. The part of Bloom’s Taxonomy that uses the highest level of thinking is the top of the triangle – Analysis, Synthesis, and Evaluation.

5. Analysis: Definition Separates material or concepts into component parts so that its organizational structure may be understood. Distinguishes between facts and inferences.

6. Analysis: Examples  Troubleshoot a piece of equipment by using logical deduction.  Recognize logical fallacies in reasoning.  Gathers information from a department and selects the required tasks for training. How can this be used in English?

7. Analysis: Key Words Analyze Appraise Break down Calculate Categorize Compare Contrast Criticize Deconstruct Diagram DifferentiateDiscriminateDistinguishExamineExperimentIdentifyIllustrateInferOutlineQuestionRelateSelectSeparateTest

8. Synthesis: Definition Builds a structure or pattern from diverse elements. Put parts together to form a whole, with emphasis on creating a new meaning or structure.

9. Synthesis: Examples  Write a company operations or process manual.  Design a machine to perform a specific task.  Integrate training from several sources to solve a problem.  Revise and process to improve the outcome. How can this be used in English?

10. Synthesis: Key Words Arrange Assemble Categorize Collect Combine Compile Compose Construct Create Design D evelop DeviseExplainFormulateGenerateManageModifyOrganizePlanPrepareProposeRearrangeReconstructRelateReorganizeReviseRewriteSummarizeTellWrite

11. Evaluation: Definition Make judgments about the value of ideas or materials

12. Evaluation: Examples  Select the most effective solution.  Hire the most qualified candidate.  Explain and justify a new budget. How can this be used in English?

13. Evaluation: Key Words CritiqueDefendDescribeDiscriminateEstimateEvaluateExplainInterpretJudgeJustify AppraiseArgueAssessAttachChooseCompareConcludeContrastCriticize PredictRateRelateSelectSummarizeSupportValue