Bloom’s Taxonomy has ordered 6 levels of critical thinking; they build on each other from basic remembering to creating ideas based on learnings. Here are nutshell versions of the skills they introduce and attempt to develop through repeated use. (For more details google Blooom’s Taxonomy and you’ll find more information that you might use in a lifetime!)
Remember
Recognize information and recall what is read or heard (facts, stories, data, lists).
Begin with words such as: who, what, when, where,and how.
Understand
Organize and select appropriate details, facts or ideas.
Begin with words such as: retell, summarize, restate, discuss.
Apply
Use information to create models, diagrams, presentations, and discussions.
Begin with phrases such as: How is ___ like ___?, Why is __ significant?
Analyze
Question details for their usefulness and appropriateness.
Begin with words such as: classify, compare and contrast, outline, calculate, and explain.
Evaluate
Make judgements based on the information gathered.
Use phrases such as: How is __ important? What do you think about___?
Create
Combine various elements or parts into a new idea, pattern, etc.
Use phrases such as: What do you predict…? What solutions seem to work and why?