Learn about child prodigies

What is the central debate regarding child prodigies?

• A. Whether their extraordinary abilities stem from genetics or environment.

• B. Whether they are more skilled in music or mathematics.

• C. Whether they can only be found in wealthy families.

• D. Whether their intelligence can be measured through traditional IQ tests.

Answer explanation

The text discusses the nature versus nurture debate, questioning whether child prodigies are born with their abilities or develop them due to external factors.

What factor was found to be exceptionally high in all prodigies studied?

• A. Emotional intelligence

• B. Verbal communication skills

• C. Working memory capacity

• D. Genetic inheritance

Answer explanation

Research found that child prodigies scored in the top 1% for working memory, indicating that this cognitive function plays a key role in their exceptional abilities.

How did child prodigies perform on IQ tests compared to the general population?

• A. All prodigies had exceptionally high IQ scores

• B. Their IQ scores were slightly above average but not extraordinarily high

• C. Their IQ scores were identical to those of individuals with Asperger’s syndrome

• D. They scored lower than expected given their abilities

Answer explanation

The study found that while prodigies had IQ scores above the population average (128 vs. 100), some had only marginally higher scores (108), suggesting IQ alone does not define their abilities.

What role does working memory play in cognitive functions?

• A. It helps store and manage information for short-term use

• B. It enhances verbal communication skills

• C. It determines a person’s overall intelligence level

• D. It prevents cognitive decline in adulthood

Answer explanation

The article describes working memory as essential for tasks like retaining phone numbers, making logical decisions, and recalling stored knowledge.

What conclusion does the article make about cognitive training?

• A. Intelligence is fixed and cannot be improved

• B. Brain training can enhance working memory over time

• C. Only genetically gifted individuals can develop high cognitive skills

• D. Child prodigies do not benefit from cognitive training

Answer explanation

The article suggests that brain training programs, such as NeuroNation, can significantly improve working memory, indicating that cognitive abilities are not predetermined but can be developed.

Why does Jeffrey struggle in school despite being highly intelligent?

• A. He does not pay attention in class

• B. He is not actually intelligent

• C. He is afraid of making mistakes and failing

• D. He prefers playing rather than studying

What is one reason why highly gifted children may have fewer friends?

• A. They do not like talking to people

• B. They have high expectations for relationships

• C. They are too focused on studying to make friends

• D. Other children are jealous of them

How can dyslexia affect a highly gifted child?

• A. It makes them uninterested in school subjects.

• B. It prevents them from understanding concepts.

• C. It causes frustration when their grades do not reflect their intelligence.

• D. It makes them lose their ability to think critically.

Why can IQ tests sometimes be misleading for gifted children?

• A. The tests are not designed for highly intelligent children

• B. They might excel in verbal skills but struggle with spatial skills

• C. They do not take the tests seriously

• D. The tests focus only on creativity

What is one recommended solution for helping gifted children with developmental challenges?

• A. Giving them extra homework to challenge them

• B. Encouraging them to ignore their weaknesses

• C. Early identification and intervention through activities like drawing and sculpting

• D. Keeping them in regular classes without additional support