Typology of Essay Verbs*

1. Analyze: Take apart and look at constituent elements closely.
   
2. Compare: Look for similarities and differences; stress similarities.
   
3. Contrast: Look for differences and similarities; stress differences. . . .
   
4. Define: Explain exactly and clearly what something means.
   
5. Describe: Show what something looks like, including physical features. . . .
   
6. Evaluate: Make a reasoned judgment according to some criteria (which it would be wise to make clear using a rubric). . . .
   
7. Justify: Argue in support of something, using supporting evidence. . . .
   
8. Prove: Demonstrate correctness by use of logic, evidence, or example. . . .
   
9. Summarize: Pull together the main points.
   
10. Synthesize: Combine or pull together pieces or concepts. . .
    

Source: adapted from Toby Fulwiler, Teaching with Writing 1987, pp. 117-118.
*You may wish to see where these verbs fit into Bloom's Taxonomy of Cognitive Levels. Which reach for the highest cognitive levels? Lowest?