Teenagers and Teen Development

Hello, everyone, and welcome to today’s podcast! I’m SaharCast, and in today’s episode, we’re going to explore
the fascinating world of teenagers and their development. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or just someone
interested in the growth of young people, this episode will give you some insightful thoughts about how teens
evolve and navigate the challenges of adolescence. We’ll cover everything from rebellion to maturity, and I’ll be
using a range of vocabulary that you might find useful for your IELTS Speaking exam as well. So, let’s dive in!
As teenagers grow, they go through a series of significant changes. These aren’t just physical changes, but also
emotional, psychological, and social shifts. One of the first things that many teens experience is a sense of
wanting to rebel against authority figures, like parents or teachers. It’s often seen as a normal part of the process
of developing independence. Teens might argue with their parents or question rules that once seemed
unquestionable, all part of their effort to assert themselves and become more independent.
But while rebellion might seem like a natural phase, it can also make it difficult for parents to tolerate. This is
because the behavior can often seem immature, even though it’s simply a part of growing up. It’s important to
keep in mind that although teens may appear to be clumsy in their decision-making or impulsive in their
actions, they’re in the process of acquiring new skills, both cognitive and emotional, that will help them navigate
adulthood.
Speaking of maturity, this is one of the key milestones of adolescence. Maturity doesn’t happen overnight, and
it’s different for every individual. A teenager’s journey to maturity involves developing the ability to think
critically, reflect on their actions, and take responsibility for their choices. The problem is, not all teens are
mature at the same age, and some may act irresponsibly, particularly in situations where their decision-making
skills haven’t fully developed. This is one reason why parents might feel concerned when their teenagers engage
in risky behaviors – like not studying enough for exams or hanging out with the wrong crowd.
As teens gain experience and learn from their mistakes, they begin to develop more tolerance for different
perspectives and ideas. This is a sign of cognitive growth. Being tolerant means understanding and respecting
other people’s differences, and this becomes especially important as teens transition into adulthood. In fact, the
ability to be tolerant is one of the qualities that marks the shift from immaturity to maturity.
It’s also worth mentioning that the teenage years are a time of experimenting with new ideas and habits. This
might include developing new hobbies, testing out different social roles, or even adopting new perspectives. This
process of self-discovery is crucial for developing a sense of independence. When teens acquire independence,
it allows them to make choices that align with their personal values and goals.
But with independence comes responsibility. As much as we want teens to become independent, they also need
to learn how to make responsible decisions. This is where parents and educators can play a significant role.
They help teens understand the importance of responsibility by guiding them, setting boundaries, and teaching
them to be accountable for their actions.
To wrap up, let’s think about the future. The development of a teenager into an independent, responsible, and
mature adult is a gradual process. It’s not something that happens instantly, and it’s full of challenges and
milestones along the way. So, whether you’re a teenager or a parent, remember that maturity comes in stages,
and it’s important to be patient with the process. Every step—whether it’s a rebellion, a mistake, or a moment of
clarity—is part of becoming who you’re meant to be.
That’s all for today’s episode! I hope you found our discussion about teenage development useful, and that
you’ve picked up some useful vocabulary for your IELTS Speaking exam. Thanks for tuning in, and I’ll catch you
in the next episode!
 New English Persian
Example in IELTS Speaking
Word/Phrase Meaning Meaning

A strong feeling or Teenagers often have a sense of wanting more

Sense of wanting ‫احساس نیاز داشتن‬
desire for something. independence.

To express one’s
own opinions or ‫برقراری اعتماد به‬
Assert themselves Teens need to assert themselves to gain independence.
desires with ‫نفس‬
confidence.

‫به نظر رسیدن که‬

To seem awkward or Teens may appear to be clumsy, but they are learning
Appear to be clumsy ‫دست و پا چلفتی‬
uncoordinated. new skills.
‫هستید‬

To gain or develop ‫کسب مهارت‌های‬ Teenagers acquire new skills as they grow into
Acquire new skills
abilities over time. ‫جدید‬ adulthood.

Important stages or
Maturity is a key milestone in the development of a
Key milestones events in someone’s ‫نقاط عطف مهم‬
teenager.
life.

To analyze and
evaluate information Maturity involves the ability to think critically about your
Think critically ‫تفکر انتقادی‬
or situations actions.
carefully.

To accept the duty or

Teens must take responsibility for their decisions and
Take responsibility accountability for ‫پذیرش مسئولیت‬
actions.
one’s actions.

To participate in
Engage in risky ‫درگیر رفتارهای‬ Parents worry when teens engage in risky behaviors,
activities that are
behaviors ‫پرخطر شدن‬ like not studying or hanging out with the wrong crowd.
dangerous or unsafe.

To choose or decide
،‫تصمیم گرفتن‬ After considering all the options, she made a decision
Make a decision something after
.‫انتخاب کردن‬ to study abroad.
thinking about it.

To acquire
knowledge or skills Working as an intern allowed her to gain experience in
Gain experience .‫تجربه کسب کردن‬
through practical the marketing field.
involvement.

To remember or
consider something
Keep in mind .‫در نظر داشتن‬ Keep in mind that the deadline is approaching.
when making a
decision.