Intelligence conversation questions

You are free to use this conversation material in class. For advice on using conversation topics see our ESL conversation questions article. For our complete list of topics click here. To add new questions:

1. click the edit tab above,
2. type your question into the appropriate section preceded by an asterisk,
3. click the Save page button at the bottom of the page.

For more help on editing teflpedia click here.

Background

There are many different definitions of intelligence though traditional ones include the ability to reason, to plan, to solve problems, to think abstractly, to comprehend ideas, to use language, and to learn.

Intelligence

• What do you think IQ tests test? Have you ever done one? Are you a genius? Do you know anyone who is?
• In what way do you think intelligence is related to academic success?
• Are people born intelligent or does the environment "make" them intelligent?
• Do you think there is any way to increase your intelligence? What sort of things might you do?
• What's the difference, if any, between being "intelligent" and being "clever"?
• Do you know anyone you would consider especially intelligent? Why do you consider him/her "more" intelligent?
• Do you think intelligent people can do stupid things?

Multiple intelligences

Howard Gardner came up with the Theory of Multiple Intelligences in 1983. Gardner's theory included Bodily-kinesthetic (bodily movement and psychology); Interpersonal (interaction with others); Verbal-linguistic (words, spoken or written); Logical-mathematical (logic, abstractions, reasoning, and numbers); Intrapersonal (introspective and self-reflective capacities); Visual-spatial (vision and spatial judgment); Musical (rhythm, music, and hearing) and Naturalistic (nature and relating information to one's natural surroundings).

Other "intelligences" considered by him include spiritual, existential and moral intelligence. The concept of "multiple intelligences" is by no means universally accepted.

• What do you think of Gardner's "multiple intelligences"?
• What experiments can you imagine which might prove they do, or do not, exist?
• In what way, if any, do these intelligences differ from what are commonly called "abilities"?
• If they exist, do you think you have each of the Gardner's multiple intelligences in equal amounts?
• Which of them best fits you? Which of them least applies to you?
• Which of the ones that you don't have so much of would you like to develop?

See also

• Evolution conversation questions
• Learning style
• Multiple Intelligences
• Questionnaire conversation questions
• Senses conversation questions

External links

• Wikipedia: Intelligence
• Wikipedia: Multiple intelligences