Cambridge 18 | Test 4 | Passage 2

The Growth Mindset

Over the past century, a powerful idea has taken root in the educational landscape. The concept of intelligence as something innate has been supplanted by the idea that intelligence is not fixed, and that, with the right training, we can be the authors of our own cognitive capabilities. Psychologist Alfred Binet, the developer of the first intelligence tests, was one of many 19th-century scientists who held that earlier view and sought to quantify cognitive ability. Then, in the early 20th century, progressive thinkers revolted against the notion that inherent ability is destiny. Instead, educators such as John Dewey argued that every child’s intelligence could be developed, given the right environment.

innate (adjective)

/ɪˈneɪt/

An innate quality or ability is one that you were born with, not one you have learned

Many children seem to have an innate sense of justice.

progressive (adjective)

/prəˈɡres.ɪv/

Progressive ideas or systems are new and modern, encouraging change in

Are you in favor of progressive teaching methods?

notion (noun) [countable]

/ˈnoʊ.ʃən/

a belief or idea

He didn’t have a clear notion of what he had to do.