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Peer pressure; the most vital problem faced by adolescents

                The teenage years are a time of rapid growth and alteration in physical, social and mental level. Adolescents are exposed to various overwhelming external and internal struggles. The problems that they are faced with today, are multifarious, but interrelated in many cases. Nevertheless, as far as I am concerned, the most vital problem faced by teenagers nowadays is peer pressure.

                  Peer pressure is known as the adoption of a particular type of behavior, clothing or attitude in order to be accepted as a part of a group. To clarify, it is human nature to identify with and compare themselves with other people. At first sight, being influenced by others, not only could be beneficial, but also undoubtedly necessary. However, nowadays teenagers are excessively based on the impression they maky on their peers and thus, while trying to avoid being judged or criticised, they neglect their values and preferences and choose to follow the stream. For instance, provocative clothes and smoking are considered to be a rite of passage into adolescence. So, if somebody tends to disagree and resists to what the most support, his peers will definitely make fun of him, and as a result, they will inwardly urge him to inappropriate and uncomfortable situations.

                  As for the ways to tackle the problem, there are various things that could be done. Initially, if somebody experiences peer pressure to a high degree, it is important to have the support and help he needs. He could share his worries and emotions with a family member, a friend outside the situation, a teacher or with whoever he feels comfortable. Furthermore, the intervention of an expert, in some occasions, could be necessary and incredibly helpfull, too. Last but not least, in my opinion, the most valid solution could be to be understood by the teenager that they deserves having good treatment and he has the right to be different and have his own unique attitude toward school, parents, friendships etc, even if it is not completely approved.

                   Taking everything into consideration, I believe that as a society, we must deal with peer pressure and understand that each one of us was born to stand out and there is no point on trying so hard to fit in.

Grammar practice: Tenses and stative verbs

Activities on stative verbs

Tenses quiz 1

Tenses quiz 2

Tenses quiz 3

Basic tenses activity

 

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Peer pressure!

Nowadays, teenagers can easily be influenced by other peers. Their peers sometimes encourage and urge them to change their attitudes, values and their behavior. However, do they change because they really want it and feel fulfilled or do they change in order ti fit in a peer group?

First and foremost, peer pressure has negative impacts on the teenagers' lives. Adolescents have to conform to group norms in order to be accepted. They usually hesitate to pursue their interests, therefore, they give up hobbies or exchange them in order to spend time with their so-called friends. In addition, due to conforming to group norms, not only will they feel restricted and limited, but they will also have low self-esteem and will be less confident. Furthermore, teenagers neglect and sacrifice old friends who do not follow the latest trends and the mainstream ( alcohol, fashion, skip class). They even mock and tease them in order to be accepted. Moreover, teenagers have a high tendency to do unusual and sometimes astonishingly risky things in order to belong to a peer group. However, these things might be exceptionally hazardous and tremendously perilous for their health. For instance, they experience drug abuse or they drink alcohol. Last but not least, adolescents might feel ashamed of their parents who are conventional, so they refuse to spend quality time together.

Concerning the ways to handle this phenomenon, there are several steps that could be taken. Firstly, only if teenagers who undergo peer pressure avoid it, will they deal with it. Secondly, their parents ought to encourage them and serve as an example. Additionally, they ought to communicate together and exchange opinions in order to empower their relationship and solve their problems. (In fact, communication with their parents is downright tough and difficult due to the generation gap). What is more, school is another crucial factor in order to tackle this problem. There should be lessons that focus on peer pressure, in which students are able to talk about their experiences and also highlight the importance of being confident and having self-pride.

On balance, I firmly believe that under no circumstances should adolescents base their decisions on other peers' opinions, interests and beliefs. I also reckon that it is essential that they support their own values, thoughts, feelings and preferences in order to feel satisfied and content.

Peer Pressure: The most serious problem faced by teenagers

  Nowadays the growing pains which adolescents have to deal with are numerous. Obviously, both bodily and psychological changes which occur during adolescence are a burden on a teenager's life. But as I see it, a controversial problem which the vast majority has to tackle is peer pressure.

  To begin with, peer pressure is the tremendous turbulence caused by teenagers of the same age. As soon as puberty ends, individuals enter a new environment, where they they inexplicably adopt a whole new mentality. Being a teenager is definitely connected with living up to some standards, as not  only competitiveness but also jealousy and greed are being unearthed. Peer pressure can more often than not influence the youngster positively. For instance, it can urge classmates to study harder. However, it can  also seriously affect the "peers" negatively, since some dangers are initially being caused subliminally. First of all, the adaptation to a new environment leads to the adoption of perilous habits, such as misbehaviour and smoking. That is, teenagers may become inconsiderate and loathe studying. 

  As for the ways to alleviate this perplexing issue, there are a few steps that should be taken. First and foremost, the individual itself has to be extremely careful and cautious when  choosing friends in order to create a peaceful and egalitarian friendship. Furthermore, there should be a constant dialogue between parents and offspring because sometimes parents are unable to supervise their own children. Last but not least, the school could organise speeches about he difficulties of adolescence. In that way, teenagers will be informed about the hazards of their harmful choices.

  Taking all this into consideration, it seems to me that peer pressure becomes more intense since technology and impersonal relationships evolve. The people surrounding them have positive and mostly negative long-lasting effects on teenagers who blame themselves because of choosing disloyal and very boisterous friends. 

Education vocabulary

 

ECPE Speaking Stage 1

1) Could you tell me what your neighbourhood is like? 

 Well, to begin with I live two minutes from here. My neighbourhood is not actually picturesque, because there is lots of concrete and asphalt, so it's constantly busy and noisy. Another thing about it, is the fact that I don't have to commute, as it's a fifteen-minute walk to my school or downtown. Moreover, I am provided with many facilities such as supermarkets, chemist's and many places where I can spend my free time. Lastly, I think that it is not as safe as it should be, because sometimes I dread walking lone at night.

2) I wonder if you could tell me if you have a large family. 

  In my family there are four of us. My mum (Nektaria) and my father (Nick) who are employees, my brother (Konstantinos) who plays football professionally and studies physiotherapy and lastly me who am a 15-year old at High School. I have to admit that we get on really well with each other.

3) Perhaps you could let me know what your school is like.

  I would say that my school is underprivileged. It doesn't offer us a wide variety of facilities such as a gym or well-equipped laboratories, although there is definitely enough space. Apart from that, the atmosphere is friendly and the teachers are all experts.

4) Could I ask you how much free time you have? 

  Nowadays, I have almost no spare time, as I am focused on my studies since I have many tests. But, I make a great effort to find some in order to switch off and be set free by the burdens of adolescence.

5) And finally, what do you like doing in your spare time?

  First and foremost I am fond of reading books and especially English ones, because not only do I practise my English, but I also get away from real life. Then, I like listening to music. I prefer dance and electro because the rhythm is energetic and full of life. I am also keen on playing volleyball. I practise twice a week. Last but not least, I am crazy about spending time with my nearest and dearest, since we spend quality time together, as we have inside-jokes which make us burst into tears from laughing.