1. Justify Where do you find it? Everywhere that matters What does it mean? to show to be just or right, defend as warranted Spanish cognate: justificar Give us a sentence! The character’s choices were hard to justify when he killed his friend. Any similar words? defend, support, explain

2. Contrast Where do you find it: in things that are different What does it mean?: to compare in order to show a difference Spanish cognate: contraste Give us a sentence!: The hero is good in contrast to the antihero; he thinks he is good, but is not. Any similar words? distinction, foil, variation

3. Infer Where do you find it: Everywhere if you think about it What does it mean?: to conclude or judge by evidence, to derive by reasoning Spanish cognate: inferir Give us a sentence!: By your tone, I can infer that you don’t want to go to the movies. Any similar words? presume, deduce, arrive

4. Predict Where do you find it: everywhere What does it mean?: to declare or tell in advance, prophesy Spanish cognate: predecir Give us a sentence!: Characterizing the hero can help you predict his or her response to different situations. Any similar words? foresee, anticipate, conclude

5. Distinguish Where do you find it: Everywhere What does it mean?: to recognize as different Spanish cognate: distinguir Give us a sentence!: It is often hard to distinguish between the hero and antihero because they both think they are doing good deeds. Any similar words? analyze, characterize, categorize

6. Compare Where do you find it: Everywhere What does it mean?: examine two or more objects to note similarities and differences Spanish cognate: comparar Give us a sentence!: Comparing prices while shopping is something that intelligent consumers do. Any similar words? differentiate, classify, consider

7. Criticize Where do you find it: Everywhere What does it mean?: judge or discuss the merits and faults of something Spanish cognate: criticar Give us a sentence!: The priest criticized Romeo’s plan to marry Juliet by pointing out the merits and faults of that action. Any similar words? evaluate, blame, advise

8. Theorize Where do you find it: Everywhere What does it mean?: to form a theory or an opinion, speculate Spanish cognate: teorizar Give us a sentence!: The senior exit research paper requires students to theorize about their topics. Any similar words? differentiate, classify, consider

9. Analyze Where do you find it: Everywhere What does it mean?: examine critically in order to focus on the parts or elements Spanish cognate: analizar Give us a sentence!: After reading the argument, we analyzed the strength of each reason used to support it. Any similar words? judge, estimate, examine

10. Explain Where do you find it: everywhere What does it mean?: make clear the cause or reason for something Spanish cognate: explicar Give us a sentence!: The mood of a passage can only be explained by words or phrases that affect the reader. Any similar words? annotate, interpret, rationalize