Verbs to Use and Avoid when Writing Learning Objectives

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	Verbs to Use and Avoid when Writing Learning Objectives

Use Verb(s) that Describes an Observable Action
A description of the conditions under which this action takes place ("When given x, you will be able to...")
The level of acceptable performance (i.e., what percentage of correct answers will be considered acceptable, how many errors will be permitted, how many and which examples must be included, and so on)

Sample action verbs

abstract
acquire
adjust
agree
analyze
apply
appraise
argue
assess
avoid
bend
breakdown
build
calculate
carry out
catalog
clarify
classify
combine

compare
compute
conclude
construct
contrast
convert
cooperate
create
criticize
defend
define
demonstrate
derive
describe
design
detect
determine
differentiate
discover

discriminate
discuss
dissect
distinguish
employ
estimate
evaluate
examine
explain
explore
formulate
generalize
help
identify
illustrate
implement
indicate
inspect
instruct

integrate
interpret
investigate
join
judge
justify
label
list
master
measure
move
name
observe
offer
operate
order
organize
particpate
perform

plan
praise
predict
prepare
produce
propose
rank
recall
recognize
relate
repair
represent
reproduce
research
restate
resolve
select
sequence
solve

specify
state
summarize
support
systematize
taste
test
theorize
transform
translate
use
utilize
verify
weigh
write

These verbs would be used appropriately according to the design of the program, resources used, and desired learner outcomes.

Sample verbs to avoid

appreciate
be aware of
become acquainted with
comprehend

cover
familiarize
gain knowledge of
know

learn
realize
study
understand