Talent is defined as what combination, according to the text?

Talent is defined as a combination of intelligence and hard work because it acknowledges that while innate ability plays a role in an individual's capacity to excel, consistent effort and dedication are crucial for developing that talent fully. Intelligence provides the foundational cognitive abilities that can enhance learning and problem-solving, while hard work amplifies these natural capabilities through practice, persistence, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This definition reflects the understanding that talent is not solely an inherent quality but a dynamic interplay between what one is born with and what one cultivates through effort.

The other combinations—effort and natural instincts, creativity and skill development, and performance and external feedback—do not encapsulate the broader view of talent as effectively as the interplay of intelligence and hard work does. While these elements could contribute to talent in various contexts, they do not represent the foundational definition of talent that emphasizes both cognitive ability and the necessary commitment to nurture and develop that ability into tangible skills.