Bloom Taxonomy Classifier
Paste any quiz question. The tool detects which Bloom level it most likely tests, based on the verbs and structure used.
Judge based on criteria and evidence. Critique, recommend, prioritize.
How it works
Bloom's revised taxonomy (Anderson & Krathwohl 2001) maps quiz questions to six cognitive levels based largely on the verb used in the stem. “List the…” is Bloom 1; “Evaluate whether…” is Bloom 5. This tool matches verbs in your question against Bloom-level vocabulary and returns the highest level with a strong match.
The classifier is a starting point, not a definitive judgment. Context matters: “Compare X and Y” can be Bloom 2 (compare features) or Bloom 4 (analyze causes). When the classifier returns “medium” or “low” confidence, read the question more carefully and consider the cognitive work it actually demands.
The six levels in detail
- · 1 — Remember. Recall facts. Verbs: define, list, identify, name, recall.
- · 2 — Understand. Explain in your own words. Verbs: summarize, paraphrase, classify, explain.
- · 3 — Apply. Use in new situations. Verbs: apply, use, calculate, demonstrate, solve.
- · 4 — Analyze. Break into parts; examine relationships. Verbs: analyze, differentiate, compare, contrast.
- · 5 — Evaluate. Judge with criteria. Verbs: evaluate, judge, critique, defend, justify.
- · 6 — Create. Combine into something new. Verbs: design, create, compose, invent, propose.
Why Bloom level matters
Most exams over-index on Bloom 1-2 because those questions are fastest to write. Students who can recall (Bloom 1) often fail at application (Bloom 3) — and the difference only shows up when items live above Bloom 2. Auditing your exams for Bloom distribution surfaces this gap.
A balanced unit exam usually targets:
- · 30-40% Bloom 1-2 (foundation)
- · 30-40% Bloom 3-4 (application and analysis)
- · 15-25% Bloom 5-6 (evaluation and synthesis)
Use the classifier on each of your unit's questions; if 80%+ are Bloom 1-2, you have a flat exam.
Limitations
- · Verb-based heuristics miss nuance. A “list” question can require Bloom 4 thinking if the list isn't memorizable.
- · Scenario-based MCQs without explicit verbs can score “low confidence.” The classifier favors verb cues.
- · Non-English questions aren't supported in this version.
- · The taxonomy is a model, not a measurement. Two thoughtful teachers can disagree on a question's level.