These traits are indicators to help parents and teachers identify and discuss behaviors of a child. Referred students do not fit neatly into one column or the other; however, it helps the referral team understand the child better and for the team to ask more questions about the child.
| Bright Student | Gifted Student |
| Knows the answers | Asks the questions |
| Is interested | Is highly curious |
| Is attentive | Is mentally and physically involved |
| Has good ideas | Has wild, silly ideas |
| Works hard | Plays around, yet tests well |
| Answers the questions | Discusses in detail , elaborates |
| Top group | Beyond the group |
| Listens with interest | Shows strong feelings and opinions |
| Learns with ease | Already knows |
| 6-8 repetitions for mastery | 1-2 repetitions for mastery |
| Understands ideas | Constructs abstractions |
| Enjoys peers | Prefers adults |
| Grasps the meaning | Draws inferences |
| Works hard | Initiates projects |
| Is receptive | Is intense |
| Copies accurately | Creates a new design |
| Enjoys school | Enjoys learning |
| Absorbs information | Manipulates information |
| Technician | Inventor |
| Good memorizer | Good guesser |
| Enjoys sequential presentation | Thrives on complexity |
| Is alert | Is keenly observant |
| Is pleased with own learning | Is highly self-critical |
Source: Janice Szabos (1989) Bright child, gifted leaner.