Which term describes the specific skills and abilities shown by Aman,…

While assessing intelligence, psychologists often found that people with similar intelligence differed widely in acquiring certain knowledge or skills. When you have a problem in mathematics, you may turn to Aman for help, and with similar difficulties in literature you may consult Avinash. You may request Shabnam to sing for your annual function, and may turn to John when facing a problem with your bike. With proper training these abilities can be considerably enhanced.

Which term describes the specific skills and abilities shown by Aman, Avinash, Shabnam and John?

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 3

The correct answer is Option (3) → Aptitudes

Option (1) Interests — Incorrect. An interest is a preference for a particular activity. The passage is about what each person is able to do well.

Option (2) Creative abilities — Incorrect. Creativity is the ability to produce new ideas or products. Helping with mathematics or fixing a bike shows skill in a field.

Option (3) Aptitudes — Correct. Aptitude means special abilities in a particular field of activity, which can be raised by training. Skill in mathematics, literature, singing or bike repair are such specific abilities.

Option (4) General mental abilities — Incorrect. Intelligence tests assess a general mental ability. Here people of similar intelligence differ in specific fields, so a general ability cannot be the term.

NCERT (2026-27): “Aptitude : Nature and Measurement
By now you have learnt enough about intelligence. You may recall that intelligence tests assess a general mental ability. Aptitude refers to special abilities in a particular field of activity. It is a combination of characteristics that indicates an individual’s capacity to acquire some specific knowledge or skill after training. …”

“While assessing intelligence, psychologists often found that people with similar intelligence differed widely in acquiring certain knowledge or skills. You”

“Box 1.2 may observe in your class that there are certain areas in which some intelligent students do not do well. When you have a problem in mathematics, you may turn to Aman for help, and with similar difficulties in literature you may consult Avinash. You may request Shabnam to sing for your annual function, and may turn to John when facing a problem with your bike. These specific skills and abilities are called aptitudes. With proper training these abilities can be considerably enhanced. …”