Unit Test Solutions: Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change | Science (Curiosity) Class 7 - New NCERT PDF Download

Time: 1 Hour
Maximum Marks: 30

Instructions:

Attempt all questions.

Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each .
Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
Question numbers 12 and 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1. At what age does adolescence typically begin? (1 Mark)
a) 5–9 years
b) 10–19 years
c) 20–25 years
d) 26–30 years

Answer: b) 10–19 years
Sol: Adolescence is the transitional stage between childhood and adulthood, starting around age 10 and lasting until age 19.

Q2.Which of the following is a secondary sexual characteristic in boys? (1 Mark)
a) Menstruation
b) Facial hair growth
c) Breast development
d) Weight loss

Answer: b) Facial hair growth
Sol: Facial hair growth, like a moustache or beard, is a secondary sexual characteristic in boys, distinguishing them from girls during puberty.

Q3. What is the primary source of iron in the diet? (1 Mark)
a) Milk
b) Spinach
c) Bread
d) Rice

Answer: b) Spinach
Sol: Spinach is an iron-rich food that aids blood formation, essential for preventing iron deficiency during adolescence.

Q4. What is the term for the natural process in girls involving blood discharge every 28–30 days? (1 Mark)
a) Puberty
b) Menstruation
c) Hormonal change
d) Adolescence

Answer: b) Menstruation
Sol: Menstruation is the phase of the menstrual cycle where blood is discharged, signaling reproductive maturity in girls.

Q5. What is cyberbullying? (1 Mark)
a) Using social media responsibly
b) Sending mean messages online
c) Sharing educational content
d) Playing online games

Answer: b) Sending mean messages online
Sol: Cyberbullying involves using phones or computers to harm others through mean messages or sharing private information without permission.

Q6. What is meant by secondary sexual characteristics? Give one example for boys. (2 Mark)

Sol: Secondary sexual characteristics are physical traits that distinguish males from females but are not directly involved in reproduction. An example for boys is the deepening of the voice.

Q7.  Describe the dangers of substance abuse during adolescence and suggest one way to avoid it. (2 Mark)

Sol: Substance abuse, like using tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, is dangerous during adolescence because it harms the body (e.g., lung damage, memory loss) and is addictive, leading to repeated use that’s hard to stop. It can disrupt growth and mental health. One way to avoid it is to say “NO” firmly to peer pressure and choose healthy habits like sports or hobbies instead

Q8. What is the purpose of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan campaign? (2 Mark)

Sol: The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is a government campaign to raise awareness about avoiding substance abuse and preventing addiction, especially among youth.

Q9. Explain the changes in body shape and hair growth during adolescence for both boys and girls. (3 Mark)

Sol: During adolescence, boys and girls experience rapid growth in height. 
Boys develop broader shoulders and wider chests, while girls notice breast development and changes in body shape, such as wider hips. 
Both grow hair in the armpits and pubic area, and boys also develop facial hair (moustache or beard) and sometimes chest or back hair. 
These changes, part of puberty, vary in timing and extent among individuals.

Q10.  Describe the menstrual cycle in girls and why it is considered a sign of reproductive maturity. (3 Mark)

Sol: The menstrual cycle is a natural process in girls, occurring every 28–30 days (though it may vary between 21–35 days), where blood is discharged for 3–7 days, known as menstruation. 
It involves hormonal changes preparing the body for potential reproduction. 
Menstruation signals reproductive maturity because it indicates the body is capable of supporting pregnancy, a key aspect of puberty. 
Some girls may experience discomfort or pain during this time, which is normal.

Q11.  Why is a balanced diet important during adolescence, and name two specific health concerns related to nutrient deficiencies? (3 Mark)

Sol: A balanced diet is crucial during adolescence to support rapid growth and development, providing energy, strength, and healthy bones. It should include proteins, calcium, iron, fats, vitamins, and minerals. 
Two health concerns are iron deficiency, causing tiredness or anemia, especially in girls, and vitamin B12 deficiency, affecting blood health. 
These can be managed by eating foods like spinach (iron) and dairy (B12).

Q12. Explain the physical and emotional changes during adolescence, focusing on how hormones influence these changes. Discuss one societal initiative that supports adolescent health and its importance. (5 Mark)

Sol:

Physical Changes: 
​During adolescence (ages 10–19), the body undergoes rapid changes due to puberty. 

• Boys experience increased height, broader shoulders, deeper voices (due to voice box growth), and facial hair. 
• Girls develop breasts, wider hips, and start menstruation, a cycle occurring every 28–30 days, signaling reproductive maturity. Both grow armpit and pubic hair. 
• These changes are driven by hormones, chemical messengers that regulate growth and reproductive development, triggered by brain signals.

Emotional Changes: 

• ​Adolescents experience stronger emotions and mood swings due to hormonal changes, leading to behaviors like seeking independence, new interests, or sensitivity. 
• These can result in creativity (e.g., exploring hobbies) or challenges like feeling overwhelmed. 
• Hormones influence mood, causing sudden shifts from happiness to frustration.

Societal Initiative: 

• ​The Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation program provides free tablets in schools to prevent iron deficiency, especially in girls, which can cause tiredness or anemia. 
• This is important because it supports healthy blood formation, ensuring adolescents have the energy and strength for growth and learning during this critical stage.

Q13. Discuss the importance of menstrual hygiene for girls during adolescence, including how to manage it responsibly. Explain the role of society in breaking myths about menstruation, and suggest two ways to support girls’ health in this context. (5 Mark)

Sol:

Importance of Menstrual Hygiene: 

• Menstrual hygiene is crucial during adolescence to prevent infections and ensure comfort during menstruation, a natural process where blood is discharged every 28–30 days. 
• Proper hygiene involves using sanitary pads or reusable cloth pads, changing them regularly, and cleaning the body, especially the pubic area, to avoid infections. 
• Proper disposal (e.g., wrapping pads in newspaper for covered dustbins) protects health and the environment, with biodegradable pads being a sustainable option.

Society’s Role in Breaking Myths: 

• Society must dispel myths, like isolating girls during periods, by promoting scientific understanding that menstruation is normal. Open discussions in schools and families, supported by teachers and parents, reduce stigma. 
• Providing clean toilets and sanitary products in schools ensures girls can manage periods confidently.
• Governments and schools can distribute free or affordable sanitary pads, as seen in some programs, to ensure all girls have access, promoting hygiene and dignity.
• Educate Communities: Awareness campaigns in schools and communities can teach about menstruation, breaking taboos and encouraging support from peers and families.