Unit 1 ELA Academic Reference: Commonly Used Verbs

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key task verbs used in reading and analysis tasks.

Identify

Select or name the relevant idea, element, feature, or example. The student determines what it is but does not have to explain how or why it works.

Describe

State what a feature, technique, relationship, or effect looks like in the text. Often connects one element to its direct effect or function.

Determine

Reach a conclusion from the text. Students use context or evidence to decide the most accurate meaning, purpose, perspective, idea, or effect.

Explain

Make a relationship clear by showing how or why one element contributes to another.

Compare / Contrast

Examine the same element across texts and determine meaningful similarities or differences.

Analyze

Examine relationships among elements to determine how they interact, influence one another, or contribute to meaning or effect.

Evaluate

Make a text-based judgment about impact, effectiveness, credibility, relevance, strength, or quality.

Illustrate

To make something more clear or visible.

Convey

To communicate an idea; to carry an idea or message across to the reader.

Summarize

To briefly share share the main points of something.