If someone has a 2:1 English literature degree , would you say they are very intelligent/academic?

[Curiousss]

Just basically this question, curious to know what people think.

I think it depends on the context. The subject has to be the right fit for you and have some degree of proficiency at.

I’d never have got a first in physics in a million years. But if I was really determined I may be able to increase my average grade.

" if I was really determined I may be able to increase my average grade."

Well, yes and I increased my average grade in my final year when I got a bit more serious.
Before then, I was cruising for a 2:2 (and thought that was ok!) before I thought I could maybe make a bit more effort, but a first was out of my reach no matter what I did, because aptitude matters as well.

I’d say if someone can get a 2.1 in an essay can get a 1st, I don’t see why not - there may only be a few marks in it. Essays even at uni level are relatively formulaic. A 1st in exams is more challenging.

I don’t think it matters though - it’s much more important to enjoy your time at uni, enjoy your subject, and not stress chasing grades for the sake of it,

Well I'm lucky I went when education was free because enjoying your time is not really useful for the rest of your life.

Well ironically I ended up doing something sciencey.

No, I have a 2:1 in a very technical subject and I certainly ain't smarter than the average bear (sorry, you have to be old to get the reference).

Digging a hole with a shovel can be demanding, designing and making a tbm can be demanding, but they are nowhere near at the same level. Same with arts and sciences. Take 1000 people and train them both in literature and advanced physics, then tell me what % got decent at each subject

Don’t be ridiculous. The average bear has a reading age of about 11 or something.

Why are people so nasty about levels of education?
If you put down on a CV that you have an English degree, most employers would be impressed. It means you studied and passed.
Yes I know it would be no good if you want to work as a doctor.!
It if you were applying for a Bartender any degree would show you as highly intelligent.
Horses for courses, sort of thing.

No, I have a first in an arts and humanities subject and several masters at distinction level and I wouldn't say I was "very intelligent/academic". A 2:1 in an English lit degree from Oxbridge, perhaps, but generally speaking, on the little information you've given, they sound like Mr/Mrs Average.

Are you planning to apply for a PhD? Plenty of people with a 2:1 do them.

I thought it was about 9, hence the perennial popularity of The Sun.

You absolutely are highly intelligent.

Impossible to say. They could be mega bright, but a coaster who doesn’t put that much effort in or they could be average intelligence but prepared to work hard. 🤷‍♀️