Rank the Academic Verbs
Distinguish what common task verbs ask learners to do.
Teaching sequence
- Read the command words in three real questions.
- Sort each by the thinking and evidence it requires.
- Draft a short response opening for each command.
- Compare the response shapes and correct any mismatch.
Materials and purpose
three command words with a shared topic
Use a precise language move to make subject understanding visible, then check it on fresh content.
Check and transfer
Use an unseen question and ask learners to select a suitable response plan.
Adjust the support
Offer a brief model, useful vocabulary and partner rehearsal where needed. Keep the subject goal; reduce one prompt on fresh content and record what was independent.
Across subjects
Worked example
“Describe the trend” reports its features; “explain the trend” gives reasons; “evaluate the trend” weighs evidence or significance.
Teacher language
What kind of answer would satisfy this command?