1. Read the passage and answer the questions A and B:
Children must pass through several stages in their lives to become adults. For most people, there are four or five such stages of growth where they learn certain things: infancy (birth to age 2), early childhood (3 to 8 years), later childhood (9 to 12 years) and adolescence (13 to 18 years). Persons 18 and over are considered adults in our society. Of course, there are some who will try to act older than their years. But, for the most part, most individuals have to go through these stages irrespective of their economic or social status.
World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies adolescence as the period in human growth and development that occurs after childhood and before adulthood. This phase represents one of the critical transitions in one’s life span and is characterised by fast paced growth and change which are second only to those at infancy. Biological processes drive many aspects of this growth and development with the onset of puberty marking the passage from childhood to adolescence. The biological determinants of adolescence are fairly universal; however, the duration and defining characteristics of this period may vary across time, cultures, and socio-economic situations. This period has seen many changes over the past century-puberty for example, comes earlier than before, people marry late, and their sexual attitudes and behaviours are different from their grandparents, or even parents. Among the factors responsible for the change are education, urbanization and spread of global communication.
The time of adolescence is a period of preparation for adulthood during which one experiencs several key developments. Besides physical and sexual maturation, these experiences include movement toward social and economic independence, development of identity, the acquisition of skills needed to carry out adult relationships and roles and the capacity for abstract reasoning. While adolescence is a time of tremendous growth and potential, it is also a time of considerable risks during which social contexts exert powerful influences. iv. Many adolescents face pressure to use alcohol, cigarettes, or other drugs and to initiate sexual relationships putting themselves at high risk for intentional and unintentional injuries, unintended pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Many also experience a wide range of adjustment and mental health problems. Behaviour patterns that are established during this period such as the use or avoidance of drugs and taking or abstaining from sexual risk can have long-lasting negative and positive effects on future health and well-being. As a result, adults have unique opportunities to influence adolescents.
Bangla Translation: শিশুদের প্রাপ্তবয়স্ক হওয়ার জন্য তাদের জীবনের বিভিন্ন পর্যায় অতিক্রম করতে হয়। বেশিরভাগ মানুষের জন্য এই বৃদ্ধির চার বা পাঁচটি ধাপ থাকে যেখানে তারা বিভিন্ন বিষয়ে শেখে: শৈশবকাল (জন্ম থেকে ২ বছর), প্রাথমিক শৈশব (৩ থেকে ৮ বছর), পরবর্তী শৈশব (৯ থেকে ১২ বছর) এবং কৈশোর (১৩ থেকে ১৮ বছর)। আমাদের সমাজে ১৮ বছর বয়স বা তার উপরে ব্যক্তিদের প্রাপ্তবয়স্ক হিসাবে বিবেচনা করা হয়। অবশ্যই, কিছু লোক তাদের বয়সের তুলনায় বেশি প্রাপ্তবয়স্ক হওয়ার চেষ্টা করে। তবে অধিকাংশ মানুষের ক্ষেত্রে, তাদের অর্থনৈতিক বা সামাজিক অবস্থান যাই হোক না কেন, এই পর্যায়গুলো অতিক্রম করতে হয়।
বিশ্ব স্বাস্থ্য সংস্থা (WHO) কৈশোরকে শৈশব ও প্রাপ্তবয়স্ক জীবনের মধ্যবর্তী একটি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ পর্যায় হিসেবে চিহ্নিত করে। এই পর্যায় জীবনের একটি উল্লেখযোগ্য পরিবর্তনকাল এবং এটি দ্রুত বৃদ্ধি ও পরিবর্তনের দ্বারা চিহ্নিত হয়, যা কেবল শৈশবের পরেই দ্বিতীয়। জৈবিক প্রক্রিয়া এই বৃদ্ধি ও বিকাশের অনেক দিক নির্ধারণ করে এবং শৈশব থেকে কৈশোরে উত্তরণের সূচক হলো বয়ঃসন্ধি। কৈশোরের জৈবিক নির্ধারকগুলো বেশিরভাগ ক্ষেত্রেই সার্বজনীন, তবে এই সময়ের দৈর্ঘ্য ও বৈশিষ্ট্য সময়, সংস্কৃতি এবং সামাজিক–অর্থনৈতিক অবস্থার ওপর নির্ভর করে ভিন্ন হতে পারে। গত শতাব্দীতে এই পর্যায়ে অনেক পরিবর্তন লক্ষ্য করা গেছে—যেমন, বয়ঃসন্ধি আগের তুলনায় দ্রুত আসে, মানুষ দেরিতে বিয়ে করে, এবং তাদের যৌন মনোভাব ও আচরণ তাদের দাদা–দাদী বা এমনকি মা–বাবার চেয়ে ভিন্ন। এই পরিবর্তনের জন্য শিক্ষা, নগরায়ণ, এবং বৈশ্বিক যোগাযোগের প্রসার অন্যতম কারণ।
কৈশোর হলো প্রাপ্তবয়স্ক জীবনের প্রস্তুতির একটি সময়, যেখানে একজন ব্যক্তি অনেক গুরুত্বপূর্ণ পরিবর্তনের অভিজ্ঞতা লাভ করে। শারীরিক ও যৌন পরিপক্কতার পাশাপাশি, এই অভিজ্ঞতাগুলোর মধ্যে রয়েছে সামাজিক ও অর্থনৈতিক স্বাধীনতার দিকে অগ্রগতি, পরিচয়ের বিকাশ, প্রাপ্তবয়স্ক সম্পর্ক ও ভূমিকা পালনের জন্য প্রয়োজনীয় দক্ষতা অর্জন, এবং বিমূর্ত যুক্তি করার ক্ষমতা। যদিও কৈশোর হলো বিপুল বৃদ্ধি ও সম্ভাবনার সময়, এটি একইসঙ্গে উল্লেখযোগ্য ঝুঁকির সময়ও, যেখানে সামাজিক প্রেক্ষাপটগুলো শক্তিশালী প্রভাব ফেলে।
অনেক কিশোর–কিশোরী অ্যালকোহল, সিগারেট বা অন্যান্য মাদক ব্যবহার এবং যৌন সম্পর্ক শুরু করার জন্য চাপের মুখোমুখি হয়, যা তাদের ইচ্ছাকৃত ও অনিচ্ছাকৃত আঘাত, অনাকাঙ্ক্ষিত গর্ভধারণ, এবং যৌনবাহিত রোগ (STIs), যার মধ্যে রয়েছে এইচআইভি (HIV), এর ঝুঁকির মুখে ফেলে। অনেক কিশোর–কিশোরী মানসিক স্বাস্থ্য ও মানিয়ে নেওয়ার বিভিন্ন সমস্যারও সম্মুখীন হয়। এই সময়ের মধ্যে গড়ে ওঠা আচরণগত ধরণ, যেমন মাদক সেবনের অভ্যাস বা যৌন ঝুঁকিপূর্ণ আচরণ করা বা এড়িয়ে যাওয়া, ভবিষ্যৎ স্বাস্থ্যে দীর্ঘমেয়াদী ইতিবাচক বা নেতিবাচক প্রভাব ফেলতে পারে। ফলে, কৈশোরের সময় প্রাপ্তবয়স্কদের জন্য কিশোরদের ওপর প্রভাব রাখার অনন্য সুযোগ তৈরি হয়।
A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives.
a. What does WHO identify adolescence as?
(i) A phase of professional growth (ii) A time for abstract reasoning
(iii) A transition between childhood and adulthood (iv) A phase of emotional stagnation
b. Which stage of life is characterized by fast-paced growth and change second only to infancy?
(i) Early childhood (ii) Adolescence
(iii) Later childhood (iv) Adulthood
c. What marks the transition from childhood to adolescence?
(i) Early education (ii) Puberty
(iii) Social independence (iv) Economic maturity
d. How do the defining characteristics of adolescence vary?
(i) Based on geographic region only (ii) By time, culture, and socio-economic situations
(iii) Depending on technological access (iv) By physical attributes
e. What change in adolescence has been observed over the past century?
(i) Puberty starts later than before (ii) People marry earlier than before
(iii) Puberty starts earlier than before (iv) Adolescents have fewer responsibilities
f. What are key factors influencing changes in adolescence?
(i) Climate change and technology (ii) Education, urbanization, and global communication
(iii) Political reforms and globalization (iv) Family dynamics and local traditions
g. Which of the following is not a key development during adolescence?
(i) Physical maturation (ii) Development of identity
(iii) Mastery of abstract reasoning (iv) Financial independence
h. What is a primary challenge faced during adolescence?
(i) Lack of educational opportunities (ii) Managing social pressures and risks
(iii) Limited physical growth (iv) Absence of adult role models
i. What kind of influences are strongest during adolescence?
(i) Genetic factors (ii) Social contexts
(iii) Economic conditions (iv) Technological advancements
j. What behavior patterns during adolescence can impact future health?
(i) Dietary habits and exercise routines (ii) Use of or avoidance of drugs and sexual risks
(iii) Study habits and social interactions (iv) Spending habits and travel preferences
k. Why is adolescence a critical period?
(i) It is when people decide their career paths. (ii) It combines growth potential with risks.
(iii) It is marked by financial independence. (iv) It is the end of physical development.
l. What opportunities do adults have during adolescence?
(i) To reinforce cultural traditions (ii) To influence adolescents’ behavior positively
(iii) To reduce adolescent independence (iv) To prepare for retirement
m. Which age range does WHO associate with adolescence?
(i) Birth to 2 years (ii) 3 to 8 years
(iii) 9 to 12 years (iv) 13 to 18 years
n. Adolescents face high risks for which of the following?
(i) Professional setbacks (ii) Social exclusion
(iii) Unintended pregnancies and STIs (iv) Academic failures
o. What biological process primarily drives growth during adolescence?
(i) Hormonal changes during puberty (ii) Brain development in early childhood
(iii) Genetic inheritance (iv) Environmental exposure
p. Which of the following has changed significantly in adolescence over time?
(i) Physical growth rates (ii) Sexual attitudes and behaviors
(iii) Academic aspirations (iv) Parenting styles
q. Adolescents develop skills for what aspect of adulthood?
(i) Financial independence (ii) Social and economic relationships
(iii) Cultural and artistic contributions (iv) Political participation
r. What is the most significant risk adolescents face regarding health?
(i) Unhealthy eating habits (ii) Lack of exercise
(iii) Alcohol and drug use (iv) Overworking in school
s. The text primarily highlights adolescence as a time of:
(i) Routine and monotony (ii) Dynamic growth and preparation
(iii) Stagnation and dependency (iv) Confusion and uncertainty
t. Which factor has contributed to the earlier onset of puberty?
(i) Urbanization (ii) Education
(iii) Improved nutrition and health (iv) Spread of technology
u. What is an example of social pressures adolescents face?
(i) Academic achievement (ii) Pressure to use drugs or alcohol
(iii) Engaging in sports (iv) Participating in family events
v. Adolescents are influenced by:
(i) Global politics (ii) Local governance
(iii) Social contexts and peer pressure (iv) Religious beliefs
w. During adolescence, the development of identity involves:
(i) Conforming to societal norms (ii) Exploring personal values and goals
(iii) Rejecting all authority (iv) Avoiding social interactions
x. Which stage comes immediately after early childhood?
(i) Adolescence (ii) Later childhood
(iii) Infancy (iv) Adulthood
y. Adolescents are most vulnerable to mental health problems because:
(i) They lack physical strength (ii) They experience emotional and social challenges
(iii) They face excessive academic pressure (iv) They are isolated from their families
z. What role does education play during adolescence?
(i) It ensures financial independence. (ii) It influences attitudes and behaviors.
(iii) It eliminates social risks. (iv) It prevents mental health issues.
z1. Which of the following reflects a key change in marriage trends?
(i) People marry earlier than before. (ii) People marry at the same age as before.
(iii) People marry later than before. (iv) People avoid marriage entirely.
z2. Which of the following is NOT a universal determinant of adolescence?
(i) Duration of adolescence (ii) Biological processes
(iii) Onset of puberty (iv) Cultural influence
z3. What characterizes physical growth during adolescence?
(i) It is slower than early childhood. (ii) It is rapid but consistent.
(iii) It is unpredictable. (iv) It is faster than in infancy.
z4. The passage suggests adolescence requires guidance because:
(i) Adolescents cannot make decisions. (ii) It is a time of heightened risk and influence.
(iii) Parents lack influence over teenagers. (iv) Society does not support adolescents.
B. Answer the following questions:
a. What does WHO identify as the primary transition in adolescence?
b. Why is adolescence considered a critical period of human development?
c. What biological process marks the passage from childhood to adolescence?
d. How does the onset of puberty differ across cultures and socio-economic conditions?
e. What factors have contributed to earlier puberty in modern times?
f. Which key developments prepare adolescents for adulthood?
g. What role does social context play during adolescence?
h. Why do behavior patterns established during adolescence have long-term effects?
i. What risks are adolescents particularly vulnerable to during this stage?
j. How do social pressures impact adolescents’ decision-making?
k. What are some of the mental health challenges adolescents may face?
l. How has urbanization influenced the experiences of adolescents?
m. Why is adolescence described as a time of growth and potential?
n. What opportunities do adults have to influence adolescents positively?
o. Which behaviors during adolescence can lead to unintended consequences?
p. What changes in sexual attitudes have occurred across generations?
q. How does education impact the behaviors and attitudes of adolescents?
r. Why is the duration of adolescence not universal across cultures?
s. What are the defining characteristics of adolescence in modern times?
t. How does global communication affect adolescents’ social behavior?
u. What distinguishes adolescence from later childhood and adulthood?
v. How does the development of identity shape an adolescent’s future?
w. Why is adolescence often a time of increased independence?
x. What are the main pressures adolescents face regarding substance use?
y. How do advancements in health and nutrition affect adolescent development?
z. Why are adolescents at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
z1. What key skills are necessary for adolescents to transition into adult roles?
z2. How do cultural differences shape the experience of adolescence?
z3. What are the major challenges that come with rapid physical and emotional changes during adolescence?
z4. In what ways do modern adolescents differ from their grandparents or parents in attitudes and behaviors?
2. Make a flow chart showing the changes in Adolescence Over Time
i. Earlier onset of puberty
ii. Delayed age of marriage
iii. Changing sexual attitudes and behaviors
iv. Greater focus on education
v. Urbanization’s influence on lifestyles
vi. Increased access to global communication
A. Make a flow chart showing the Risks Faced by Adolescents
i. Pressure to use drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes
ii. Early sexual relationships
iii. Risk of unintentional injuries
iv. Unintended pregnancies
v. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
vi. Mental health challenges
c. Make a flow chart showing the Factors Influencing Adolescent Development
i. Biological factors like puberty
ii. Cultural norms and traditions
iii. Socio-economic conditions
iv. Educational opportunities
v. Peer and social influences
vi. Global communication and media exposure
d. Make a flow chart showing the Positive Behaviors Established During Adolescence
i. Healthy eating habits
ii. Regular physical activity
iii. Avoidance of risky behaviors
iv. Strong peer relationships
v. Development of emotional resilience
vi. Focus on personal and academic goals
e. Make a flow chart showing the pathetic/pitiable condition of an adolescent bride.
Pathetic/Pitiable Condition of an Adolescent Bride
i. Drops out of school
ii. Has to work full-time in her in-law’s house
iii. Often marginalized
iv. Faces health risk in times of pregnancy and child birth
v. Becomes victim of the dowry curse
vi. Vulnerable to all forms of abuse
f. Make a flow chart showing the Situation of Adolescent Girls in Bangladesh
i. Getting married early
ii. Dropping out of school
iii. Losing mobility
iv. Getting confined to domestic chores
v. Losing social and economic status
vi. Getting marginalized
g. Make a flow chart showing the key developments during the time of adolescence.
Key Developments during the time of Adolescence
i. Physical maturation
ii. Sexual maturation
iii. Movement towards social independence
iv. Movement towards economic independence
v. Development of identity
vi. The acquisition of skills
or,
i. Physical and sexual maturation
ii. Movement toward social & economic independence
iii. Development of identity
iv. Acquisition skills to carry out adult relationship
v. Experiencing tremendous growth & potential
vi. Experiencing a wide range of adjustment & mental health problems