Part One: Discussion

Work with a partner or group and discuss the following questions:
  1. What separates the very good from the great? Are there common characteristics shared among those who achieve greatness in different fields?
  2. Which of these is the most important in order to be truly successful at something? Why?
    1. Determination
    2. Luck
    3. Creativity
    4. Intelligence
  3. Are we all born with the same potential to be good at something?
  4. For the best of the best (professional athletes, world-class musicians) what is more important, natural talent or practice?

Part Two: Reading

You are going to read an article published in the the New York Times. Before you read the full text, look at the title of the article below and briefly discuss what the main point will be:

For the Best of the Best, Determination Outweighs Nature and Nurture

Now open the exercise and read the article.
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