The 9 Intelligences of MI Theory
Intelligence Skills and Career Preferences
1. Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence
Well-developed verbal skills and sensitivity to
the sounds, meanings and rhythms of words
2. Mathematical-Logical Intelligence Ability
to think conceptually and abstractly, and
capacity to discern logical or numerical
patterns
3. Musical Intelligence
Ability to produce and appreciate rhythm,
pitch and timber
4. Visual-Spatial Intelligence
Capacity to think in images and pictures, to
visualize accurately and abstractly
5. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
Ability to control one's body movements and
to handle objects skillfully
6. Interpersonal Intelligence
Capacity to detect and respond appropriately
to the moods, motivations and desires of
others
7. Intrapersonal Intelligence
Capacity to be self-aware and in tune with
inner feelings, values, beliefs and thinking
processes
8. Naturalist Intelligence
Ability to recognize and categorize plants,
animals and other objects in nature
9. Existential Intelligence
Sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep
questions about human existence, such as the
meaning of life, why do we die, and how did
we get here
Skills - Listening, speaking, writing, teaching.
Careers - Poet, journalist, writer, teacher,
lawyer, politician, translator
Skills - Problem solving (logical & math),
performing experiments
Careers - Scientists, engineers, accountants,
mathematicians
Skills - Singing, playing instruments,
composing music
Careers - Musician, disc jockey, singer,
composer
Skills - puzzle building, painting, constructing,
fixing, designing objects
Careers - Sculptor, artist, inventor, architect,
mechanic, engineer
Skills - Dancing, sports, hands on experiments,
acting
Careers - Athlete, PE teacher, dancer, actor,
firefighter
Skills - Seeing from other perspectives,
empathy, counseling, co-operating
Careers - Counselor, salesperson, politician,
business person, minister
Skills - Recognize one’s S/W, reflective, aware
of inner feelings
Careers - Researchers, theorists, philosophers
Skills - Recognize one’s connection to nature,
apply science theory to life
Careers – Scientist, naturalist, landscape
architect
Skills – Reflective and deep thinking, design
abstract theories
Careers – Scientist, philosopher, theologian
Some interesting activities that provide focus on these ‘21st century skills’ to my
students are:

Draw pictures to show a particular event / make a colouring book: This activity is for a
very creative mind and a very good technique for students to remember an important
event in the text.

Make up a puzzle or a game about the topic of study: The sky is the limit for this activity
as students can create vocabulary games or quizzes about quotes / characters, points
of interest. This activity also takes care of collaboration as it works best with groups.

‘Gamification’ can enhance and bring out creativity as well as critical thinking skills.

Write a biography of any one of the characters: Writing a biography needs an in depth
analysis of characters. This can also be taken up as a follow up activity of ‘interview with
------------- (character)’.

Dramatise the content: One of the best collaborative activities, dramatisation brings out
the best from all the students involved as everyone has something to contribute.

Conduct a debate about an issue of special interest: Debating is a skill which needs a
critical analysis of the issue. It also brings out the best reasoning abilities of students.

Write a different ending to the story /play: This activity would bring out the critical
thinking and creative skills of students, the teacher may ask the students to justify the
ending that they have thought of for the particular story / play.