To explain the meaning or significance of something. For example, you might interpret the themes of a poem, explaining what the poet is trying to communicate through their use of language.

To look at two or more things and show how they are similar. For example, you could compare two characters in a story by discussing their similar traits, actions, or feelings.

To judge or assess the value or significance of something. When you evaluate a character's actions, you're looking at whether those actions were right, wrong, or justified based on the story’s events.

To provide reasons or evidence for why something is right or acceptable. You might justify a character's decision in a story by explaining their motives or circumstances.

To make a guess or conclusion based on evidence in the text, even if it is not directly stated. If a character is shivering in the cold, you might infer that it's chilly outside, even if it’s not said outright.

To expand or elaborate on an idea or argument. You might develop a theme in an essay by adding more details and examples to show how it’s present throughout a text.

To explain something by providing specific details. You might describe a setting in a story by detailing the sights, sounds, and feelings that the place evokes.

To examine how two or more things are different. You might contrast two characters by pointing out how their actions or attitudes differ throughout a story.

To make something clear or support a claim by providing more details. You explain by showing how or why something happens, helping someone understand it better.

To show or clarify something by providing examples or details. If you were asked to illustrate a character's change throughout a story, you’d show how their actions or attitudes evolve.

To briefly restate the main points or ideas of a passage, story, or article, in your own words, without including all the details. It's like giving a quick overview of what happened.

To reflect on something means to think deeply about it, often in relation to personal experience or broader themes. You might reflect on a character’s growth by considering how their decisions affect their life or the story's outcome.

To back up an argument or idea with evidence or examples. If you're making a claim about a story’s theme, you would support it with quotes or specific events from the text.

To talk about something in detail, considering different aspects or viewpoints. For instance, you might discuss the theme of friendship in a novel by talking about different characters’ relationships and experiences.

To combine different pieces of information or ideas to create a new understanding or perspective. You might synthesize themes from different stories to discuss how they reflect human nature.

To review and judge the strengths and weaknesses of something. You might critique a poem by pointing out its use of language, its effectiveness in conveying emotion, and what could be improved.

To give special importance or focus to something. You might emphasize the importance of the setting in a novel by explaining how it shapes the characters' actions and the overall theme.

To recognize or point out something. For instance, you might identify the protagonist in a story by naming them and explaining what role they play.

To break something down into smaller parts and examine how those parts work together. You might analyze a story by looking at the characters, plot, setting, and theme to understand how they connect.