Achievement is often closely linked to motivation because:

Achievement is often closely linked to motivation because motivated students are more likely to do more than the minimum required. When students possess a strong intrinsic motivation, they tend to engage more deeply with the material, participate actively, and put in additional effort towards their tasks. This proactive approach leads them to strive for higher levels of understanding and performance, ultimately translating to greater achievement in their educational pursuits.

In contrast, while aspects such as communication skills or the ability to follow instructions can play a role in achievement, they do not fundamentally hinge on the level of motivation as strongly as the willingness to go beyond basic requirements does. Also, while external rewards can motivate some students, intrinsic motivation is often more effective for long-term achievement and personal growth. Therefore, the connection between motivation and the willingness to exert extra effort directly correlates with higher achievement outcomes.