Three-Year-Old Girl Known to Have Very High IQ

Category: Education/Family

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. know (something) by heart / noʊ baɪ hɑɚt / (idiom) – to have completely memorized or learned something
    Example:

    The seven-year-old knows all the story’s characters by heart after reading the book several times.


  2. exceptional / ɪkˈsɛpʃənl̟ / (adj) – unusually great or excellent
    Example:

    The teachers praised the top student for having an exceptional performance in the exam.


  3. notch above / nɑːtʃ əˈbʌv / (idiom) – of a better quality than someone/something
    Example:

    She is intelligent and creative, making her a notch above the other students.


  4. intellect / ˈɪntəˌlɛkt / (n) – the ability to think in an intelligent manner
    Example:

    All members of the Math Club have superior intellect.


  5. stimulate / ˈstɪmjəˌleɪt / (v) – to boost someone’s interest in something
    Example:

    Children can be stimulated to learn if they have good teachers.


Article

Read the text below.

A three-year-old gifted child has been found to have an intelligence quotient (IQ) of 171.


Ophelia Morgan-Dew developed faster than other children and memorized numbers, colors, and letters earlier than expected. At age two, Ophelia already knew the alphabet by heart. After realizing how advanced Ophelia was, her parents took her to a psychologist who specializes in gifted children with exceptional mental abilities.


Ophelia’s intelligence was measured using the Stanford-Binet test, which evaluates children from age two on skills like logic and verbal communication. People of any age usually have IQ scores between 85 and 115, but Ophelia’s score was a notch above the rest.


Because of her abilities, Ophelia was able to join Mensa, an organization for people with high IQ. At present, she is the youngest British member of the organization.


Psychologist and British Mensa consultant Lyn Kendall explained that gifted children can process and remember information easily. These children are also more aware of their surroundings and have a higher level of attentiveness.


Despite their advanced intellect, gifted children have bodies and emotions that develop like most children do. Thus, they should still be given time to rest and play so they can mature properly, according to Kendall.


Natalie Morgan, Ophelia’s mother, is grateful for Mensa’s help in ensuring her daughter’s engagement in pre-school. The organization provided resources that will stimulate Ophelia and will keep her sufficiently challenged.


Currently, Ophelia goes to Abacus 2000 Nursery School thrice a week. While Natalie considered enrolling Ophelia to a formal school this academic year, the three-year-old’s mother felt that it is something that her daughter is not yet ready for.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think gifted children like Ophelia should go to school at an early age? Why or why not?
• How do you think gifted children can be stimulated? Explain.

Discussion B

• What do you think are some challenges faced by gifted children? Explain.
• In your opinion, what other forms of support do gifted children need? Discuss.