9.3: Reading-What to Expect from Adolescence

3.2.3.1. Exercise 2-Reading Comprehension

Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.

¹Adolescence is like a roller coaster — it can be tough, exciting, scary, and fun. Everyone has feelings, one way or the other, about the changes that come during this time in their life. Maybe you’ve heard talk of hormones and are terrified of them. Or maybe you’ve watched your older siblings grow up and can’t wait to experience the same things that they did. Unfortunately, no matter how you feel, you cannot choose when you will start to experience changes or what will happen. The lack of control can make these changes scary or frustrating, but knowing what to expect might help you let go, sit back, and maybe even enjoy the ride.

²Adolescence is the time in your life when your body and mind start to mature in preparation for adulthood. It usually starts between ages 10 to 12 and lasts until you’re an adult. Some kids may start experiencing changes earlier or later than their friends, and that’s perfectly normal. There are a bunch of silly myths about puberty — like eating too much greasy food causes acne, or shaving hair causes it to grow back thicker and darker. Myths like these are completely bonkers! So if you are growing a lot of hair, or if you’re developing differently than your peers, don’t worry — nothing’s wrong with you. We all have different biological clocks.

³The changes that happen during adolescence are not just physical. There are also intellectual, emotional, and social changes that happen during this time.

INTELLECTUAL

⁴When you enter adolescence, you start to think about things in a different way. You begin to think more often about abstract ideas, such as love and beauty, rather than thinking just about what you can see and feel. Your use of logic and problem-solving skills improves. And as you gain new responsibilities and understanding of the world around you, you usually start to think about the future more.

SOCIAL

⁵When you were younger, you probably mostly listened to the music your parents played. If I asked you when you were seven years old what your favorite song was, you might respond with a song from the 80s or 90s. But as you get older, you start to become interested in the songs your friends are listening to. Now, you might play “Renegade” on repeat while your mom looks at you like, What is so good about this “go go go go” nonsense? The point is, during adolescence, you start to become more independent, your friends may become more interesting to you than your family, and you start figuring out who you are outside of your parents in order to form your own identity.

PHYSICAL

⁶Your body will change in many ways during adolescence. This is what people usually refer to when talking about “puberty.” Puberty can begin as early as age 8 and as late as 15, depending on the person. These changes do not happen all at once; in fact, one common change is a growth spurt, which can last for 2-3 years. You might experience a lot of growing pains at the beginning of adolescence, and your body might start to change into a shape you don’t recognize. That might feel a little weird, but you are still the same old you. Take some time to get to know the new version of yourself.

⁷During puberty, you will start to grow armpit hair and possibly facial hair, too. You might notice that you sweat a lot more than before (and if you don’t notice, try not to be too embarrassed if one day your parent gives you some deodorant). Some kids also experience acne, voice changes, and weight gain. These are just a few examples of how much your body changes during this time period. These changes happen at different times for different people, but they’re completely normal. And if you’re still worried, it’s important to remember that puberty won’t last forever.

EMOTIONAL

⁸The emotional changes that happen during adolescence might be the most challenging. The hormones in your body can cause mood swings that can make you shift from smiling to crying to wanting to scream — before your best friend can even tell you to chill. It might not feel chill, but it is pretty normal during adolescence to become easily irritated and feel aggressive or sad. You may quickly switch between emotions or even feel multiple emotions at the same time. Why you feel these things can seem like a mystery; there may not even be a reason besides the rise in hormones in your body.

⁹The good news is that it gets better and more manageable over time. Younger teens, or preteens, are more likely to experience stronger mood swings. When you get caught up in a wave of emotion, try taking a deep breath and calmly reflecting on the source of these feelings. If however you feel sad, hopeless, or angry most of the time, be sure to talk to an adult about it.

Image 27 “Now and Then” by Svein Halvor Halvorsen is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND.

¹⁰In fact, it’s always good to talk about what you’re going through. The changes you face during adolescence can be challenging. It can feel scary when so much is changing so quickly; you might feel like you don’t recognize yourself and have no control over what’s happening. But talking to others honestly can help you take control. It might feel a little weird or embarrassing to talk about, but we’ve all been there! If you’re having mood swings or growing pains, the adults in your life will understand. Talking to your friends is another great option, since they are likely going through similar things as you are. The more people talk about these things, the more everyone will realize how normal it is. Just make sure that if you have any questions you get your information from reliable sources.

¹¹This period of change is hard, but it’s an important stage in anyone’s life. Adolescence prepares the body and mind for the demands of adulthood. The intellectual and social changes will help you gain a sense of independence and plan for your future. The hormones that cause physical and emotional changes will prompt your body to begin shifting into its adult form and will prepare you for the physical and emotional demands of adult jobs and relationships. All of these changes will help guide you toward adulthood.

1. Which statement best expresses the main idea in the article?

   a. It is impossible to understand the reason for the sudden changes in emotions during adolescence.

   b. All individuals have the same experience and go through the same intellectual, emotional, social and physical changes in adolescence.

   c. Even though all individuals experience the intellectual, emotional, social and physical changes of adolescence, everyone has a unique experience.

   d. Adults are essential to really support teenagers through the intellectual, emotional, social and physical changes that they go through during the period of adolescence.

2. How does the author support her ideas about the adolescent experience?

   a. Smith provides many different examples of the changes that all individuals will go through.

   b. Smith speaks directly to adolescents to explain how they will all experience changes differently.

   c. Smith uses scientific data to explain what is happening biologically as individuals go through adolescence.

   d. Smith speaks to parents to explain how they need to be more patient and understanding with their children as they experience adolescence.

3. Who is the audience of this article, and why does the author speak to this audience directly?

   a. The author speaks to teenagers to explain what’s happening in their bodies.

   b. The author speaks to teachers to understand how to understand their teenage students.

   c. The author speaks to parents to explain what’s happening in their teenage children’s body.

   d. The author speaks to scientists to help them understand what else to study about adolescence.

4. What is the relationship between the physical and emotional changes that adolescents experience?

   a. The emotional changes cause the physical changes.

   b. The physical changes cause the emotional changes.

   c. The physical changes are minimal compared to the emotional changes.

   d. The emotional changes are minimal compared to the physical changes.

“What to Expect from Adolescence” by Barrett Smith is licensed by CommonLit under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0