Certainly! Here is the exam-ready answer for:
✅ Q5. Explain the physical characteristics of adolescence.
(किशोरावस्था की शारीरिक विशेषताओं की व्याख्या कीजिए।)
[Marks: 16]
📌 Introduction:
Adolescence is the stage between childhood and adulthood (approximately ages 11 to 19 years). It is marked by puberty, which causes rapid physical, hormonal, and biological changes.
These physical changes are natural and universal, though the pace may vary from person to person.
✅ Major Physical Characteristics of Adolescence:
1. Growth Spurt (तेज शारीरिक वृद्धि):
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Sudden and rapid increase in height and weight.
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Boys typically experience this a bit later than girls.
🧍♂️ Example: A boy may grow 10–12 cm in a year during early adolescence.
2. Development of Sexual Organs (यौन अंगों का विकास):
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Boys: Enlargement of testicles and penis.
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Girls: Maturation of ovaries, uterus, and beginning of menstrual cycle.
🩸 Menstruation (first period) in girls usually starts between 10–15 years (menarche).
3. Secondary Sexual Characteristics (द्वितीयक लक्षणों का विकास):
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In Boys:
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Deepening of voice.
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Growth of facial, chest, and pubic hair.
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Broadening of shoulders.
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In Girls:
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Development of breasts.
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Widening of hips.
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Growth of underarm and pubic hair.
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4. Hormonal Changes (हार्मोनल परिवर्तन):
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Glands like pituitary, thyroid, and gonads become active.
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Hormones like testosterone (in boys) and estrogen (in girls) are secreted in larger amounts.
These changes also influence mood, emotions, and behavior.
5. Improved Motor Skills and Strength (मांसपेशियों की शक्ति में वृद्धि):
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Adolescents become more energetic and physically active.
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Muscle mass increases (more in boys).
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Girls become more flexible and coordinated.
6. Changes in Body Proportions (शरीर की बनावट में परिवर्तन):
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Body parts like arms, legs, hands, and feet grow at different rates.
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The body becomes more adult-like in shape.
7. Skin and Hair Changes (त्वचा और बालों में परिवर्तन):
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Increase in oil glands can cause acne or pimples.
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Hair becomes thicker and may appear in new places.
8. Sleep and Appetite (नींद और भूख में परिवर्तन):
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Adolescents often require more sleep and may experience increased hunger due to higher metabolism.
✅ Gender Differences in Physical Development:
| Aspect | Boys | Girls |
|---|---|---|
| Growth starts | Slightly later | Starts earlier |
| Muscle development | More prominent | Less prominent |
| Voice change | Becomes deeper | Slight change |
| Fat distribution | Less body fat | More fat around hips and chest |
🔚 Conclusion:
Physical development in adolescence is rapid, complex, and unique to each individual.
It lays the foundation for adulthood, but may cause confusion or anxiety if proper guidance and support is not provided.
Parents, teachers, and counselors should help adolescents understand and accept these changes with confidence and positivity.
Shall I continue with Q6: "Define social maturity. Discuss the indices of social maturity" next?