Characteristics of giftedness

(Based on research compiled by Dr. J. Renzulli)
Reprinted from the Mensa Gifted Youth Handbook
with the permission of the National Association for Gifted Children

Learning characteristics

• Has unusually advanced vocabulary for age or grade level.
• Has quick mastery and recall of factual information.
• Wants to know what makes things or people tick.
• Usually sees more or gets more out of a story, film, etc., than others.
• Reads a great deal on his or her own; usually prefers adult-level books; does not avoid difficult materials.
• Reasons things out for him- or herself.

Motivational characteristics

• Becomes easily absorbed with and truly involved in certain topics or problems.
• Is easily bored with routine tasks.
• Needs little external motivation to follow through in work that initially excited him or her.
• Strives toward perfection; is self-critical; is not easily satisfied with his or her own speed and products.
• Prefers to work independently; requires little direction from teachers.
• Is interested in many "adult" problems such as religion, politics, sex and race.
• Stubborn in his or her beliefs.
• Concerned with right and wrong, good and bad.

Creativity characteristics

• Constantly asking questions about anything and everything.
• Often offers unusual, unique or clever responses.
• Is uninhibited in expressions of opinion.
• Is a high-risk taker; is adventurous and speculative.
• Is often concerned with adapting, improving and modifying institutions, objects and systems.
• Displays a keen sense of humor.
• Shows emotional sensitivity.
• Is sensitive to beauty.
• Is nonconforming; accepts disorder; is not interested in details; is individualistic; does not fear being different.
• Is unwilling to accept authoritarian pronouncements without critical examination.

Leadership characteristics

• Carries responsibility well.
• Is self-confident with children his or her own age as well as adults.
• Can express him- or herself well.
• Adapts readily to new situations.
• Is sociable and prefers not to be alone.
• Generally directs the activity in which he or she is involved.