Which statement correctly distinguishes between a skill and an ability?

Which statement correctly distinguishes between a skill and an ability?

• A. A skill is learned; an ability is inherited
• B. An ability is learned; a skill is inherited
• C. Both are inherited
• D. Neither is inherited

Answer: (A)

Understanding the difference between ability and skill helps explain why this statement fits best: a skill is something you develop through practice and instruction, while an ability is a natural capacity you’re born with that can influence how you perform. This means a skill can be improved or refined with practice, technique, and feedback, whereas an ability reflects innate potential that you bring to a task. For example, having good hand-eye coordination (an ability) can help you learn a sport more quickly, but the exact throwing, swinging, or catching technique (the skill) comes from practice. So, saying a skill is learned and an ability is inherited captures both the learned nature of performing movements and the genetic influences on natural potential. The other statements either imply abilities and skills are both learned, both inherited, or that neither is inherited, which doesn’t align with how genetics and learning contribute to performance.

Understanding the difference between ability and skill helps explain why this statement fits best: a skill is something you develop through practice and instruction, while an ability is a natural capacity you’re born with that can influence how you perform. This means a skill can be improved or refined with practice, technique, and feedback, whereas an ability reflects innate potential that you bring to a task. For example, having good hand-eye coordination (an ability) can help you learn a sport more quickly, but the exact throwing, swinging, or catching technique (the skill) comes from practice. So, saying a skill is learned and an ability is inherited captures both the learned nature of performing movements and the genetic influences on natural potential. The other statements either imply abilities and skills are both learned, both inherited, or that neither is inherited, which doesn’t align with how genetics and learning contribute to performance.