This appendix contains a collection1 of verbs appropriate to developing and writing effective objectives, as well as a few words and phrases you should avoid when writing objectives. Make Objectives Explicit
Select from the words and phrases in this section to help you write concrete, specific objectives.
| define | duplicate | imitate |
| state | repeat | recall |
| tell |
| choose | discriminate | match |
| collect | distinguish | omit |
| define | identify | order |
| describe | indicate | place |
| detect | isolate | point |
| differentiate | list | select |
| arrange | find | name |
| categories | follow | note |
| chart | formulate | organize |
| cite | gather | quote |
| circle | itemize | record |
| classify | label | reproduce |
| compile | locate | search |
| copy | sort | look |
| diagram | map | underline |
| document | mark |
| analyze | criticize | generate |
| appraise | deduce | induce |
| combine | defend | infer |
| compare | evaluate | plan |
| conclude | explain | structure |
| contract | formulate |
| re-state | -construct | -structure |
| -tell | -arrange | -write |
| -group | -name | -organize |
| -order | -combine | -structure |
| predict | systematize | questions |
| design | change | synthesize |
| simplify | modify | paraphrase |
| accept | dance | laugh |
| agree | disagree | meet |
| aid | allow | answer |
| argue | communicate | compliment |
| contribute | cooperate | discuss |
| excuse | greet | interact |
| help | forgive | join |
| participate | permit | react |
| praise | smile | talk |
| thank | volunteer |
| abbreviate | accent | call |
| alphabetize | articulate | capitalize |
| hyphenate | indent | outline |
| pronounce | punctuate | |
| read | recite | say |
| sign | speak | spell |
| state | summarize | syllabicate |
| translate | verbalize | whisper |
| write |
| arch | hit | ski |
| bat | hop | skip |
| bend | jump | somersault |
| carry | kick | stand |
| catch | knock | step |
| chase | lift | stretch |
| climb | march | swim |
| face | pitch | swing |
| grab | push | toss |
| grasp | run | walk |
| grip | skate | walk |
| attempt | grind | send |
| attend | guide | serve |
| begin | hold | sew |
| bring | include | share |
| buy | inform | sharpen |
| complete | lead | shorten |
| consider | lend | shut |
| correct | light | signify |
| crush | make | start |
| designate | mend | store |
| develop | miss | strike |
| discover | offer | suggest |
| distribute | position | supply |
| end | present | support |
| erase | produce | switch |
| expand | propose | take |
| extend | provide | tear |
| find | put | touch |
| finish | raise | type |
| fit | relate | use |
| fix | repeat | vote |
| get | return | watch |
| give | save |
The following tired phrases are commonly misunderstood to represent accurate and clear objective writing. They are in fact vague and lead to dull teaching because the participants do not understand what they are supposed to be able to accomplish. Avoid these and their brethren at all costs.
| To become-- | Evidence of a(n)-- |
|---|---|
| acquainted with... | appreciation for... |
| adjusted to... | attitude of... |
| capable of... | awareness of... |
| cognizant of... | comprehension of... |
| conscious of... | enjoyment of... |
| familiar with... | feeling of... |
| knowledgeable about... | |
| self-confident in... | |
| knowledge of... | |
| understanding of... | |
| interested in... | |
| interest in... |
Avoid the following weak verbs when writing objectives:
| conceptualize | self-actualize | believe |
| memorize | capacity | listen |
| comprehend | perceive | depth |
| recognize | experience | see |
| feel | thank | hear |
| understand | intelligence | know |
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