WRITING BAND 7+ / INTELLIGENCE

Many think intelligence is an innate quality. Others feel that intelligence can be improved through learning. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some assert that intelligence can be taught and developed through deliberate learning. I completely disagree with this notion because of the substantial role of genetics and the distinction between skills and intellect.

The primary reason I believe intelligence is an inherent characteristic that cannot be gained through effort alone is its genetic inheritance. That is, it is impossible for children to obtain intelligence-related genes if they are not passed down from birth. A good example of this would be families in which young siblings are already recognized to be excelling in critical thinking areas such as science, math, or languages as a result of their parents' DNA heritage. In contrast, if intelligence could be obtained by mere study, almost everyone would become a genius, which is evidently unfeasible. 

Another justification for my support is that it is skills acquired by learning, not intellect. Most people are often confused between these two distinctive concepts. To begin, an individual's intelligence can be defined as their mind's capacity to efficiently comprehend principles and facts and apply them in practice, which is an inborn characteristic. On the other hand, skills refer to the capability to do something well and are often thought of as techniques that can be learned or gained after birth. Thus, someone can train over his lifetime, significantly enhance his methods, and be at the top of his field, still he seldom gets smarter regardless of his efforts. 

In conclusion, I totally disagree that intelligence can be developed through education or practice. This is due to hereditary factors, and it is skills, rather than intellect, that are being acquired through learning. Individuals should focus more on their strategies of study to improve rather than attempting to become more intelligent. (288 words)

IELTS Khang Tran.