14 Teens 75 Adolescence 3 looking for an identity Adolescence is probably the most important time in a human9s life: it is the transitional period between childhood and adulthood which occurs between the age of 11 and 19. In particular, a teen(ager) is a person between the ages of 13 and 19 (from thir8teen9 to nine8teen9 years old). Features : During adolescence, teens undergo some major physical and mental changes that prepare them to become adults. In particular, they go through: accelerated physical growth and development of the reproductive organs; changes in the functioning of the neuro-endocrine system; frequent mood changes and emotional turbulence because of increased hormone production; development of moral reasoning. · · · · Pros : What9s the best part of being a teenager? Trying new things, for example. Teens have more independence than children, but most aren9t burdened by financial or familial obligations yet; this lets them free to explore a wide variety of hobbies or ideal career paths. Also, curricular and extracurricular activities allow them to meet new people and start discovering their potential and develop their ambitions. 1 READING WRITING Read the text and complete the sentences with no more than four words. 1 Adolescence usually ends at 2 Compared to children, teenagers have more 3 Mood swings are due to 4 From teenagers, adults expect Cons : Any downsides? Of course. Increased responsibilities are the norm: teens are supposed to take on more household chores , participate in extracurricular activities, and demonstrate more independence and maturity. Dealing with expectations from parents, teachers, and the academic world may lead to feelings of anxiety and insecurity, and emotional and mental health challenges 3 such as mood swings , identity crises, and the pressure of fitting in and conforming to societal norms 3 are also daily feats . Peer pressure : Teens often experience peer pressure, too. This may be positive when friends set a good example, and encourage them to do their best and listen to other people9s advice. However, it may be negative when it forces them to do something they are uncomfortable with, or to conform to what others are doing. 5 Peer pressure may be both glossary burdened: oppresso feat: impresa, sfida household chore: faccenda domestica mood swing: sbalzo d9umore to undergo: subire 90 Topic 4 " SOCIETY 2 WRITING Imagine you have to write a short entry for a magazine where you have to talk about adolescence somewhat ironically. Choose one of the following headings and write an 80/100-word text. " A time for fun " A time of conflict " A period of stress " A time of ups and downs " A time of new experiences " A lovely time " A struggle for independence " A time for self-awareness