1. How would you describe Gladwell’s thesis, or central premise, in Outliers? Do you agree or disagree with his ideas? Support your position using text evidence.

2. Gladwell insists that IQ is not the determining factor in one's ability to achieve success? What does he mean when he suggests that IQ reaches a point of diminishing returns after reaching 130? He also draws upon Robert Sternberg's idea of "practical intelligence." What is practical intelligence, and how does it differ from IQ? Are his claims here compelling? Support your position using text evidence.

3. According to Gladwell, what is the reason that Asians excel at mathematics? Be prepared to discuss the cultural and educational differences that he points to as explanation. Support your position using text evidence.

4. Gladwell believes that there is no such thing as a self-made person. Do you agree? Can you name people who overcame great odds—circumstances not in their favor—to attain success? What about those people that Gladwell offers in support of his argument - Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, or the Beatles, among others? Do you agree with his assessment that much depends on timing? Support your position using text evidence.

5. Do Gladwell's many anecdotes prove his hypothesis? Or do his stories exemplify his ideas? Is there a difference...if so, what? Some critics suggest that Gladwell cherry-picks his facts in order to support his premise. Is that a valid observation or not?

6. What rhetorical strategies does Gladwell employ to make his case? In your estimation, which strategy is most effective? Provide some examples to bolster your claim.

7. If Gladwell is right and success depends on timing, birth, and opportunities—then do innate qualities (ambition or raw talent) have any role to play?

8. What did you find most surprising, humorous or thought-provoking in Gladwell's book? Anything ‘click’ for you? Anything seem ‘fishy’? Did you come away thinking differently? What, if anything, do you feel you've learned?

9. Gladwell gives differing definitions of intelligence. Yet his definition of success is singular: “worldy" success in terms of of wealth, power, and fame. Are there other definitions of success that Gladwell doesn't consider? If so, what are they, and what does it take to achieve those versions of success?

10. Select a passage from the book that strikes you as insightful, even profound, and describe why this passage represents a key idea in the book.