Get the NCERT Solutions Class 7 Science Chapter 6 Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change
The detailed answers to all the questions provided in the textbook are explained below. Regular practice of the NCERT Solutions Class 7 Science Chapter 6 Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change improves understanding and confidence.
Question 1: Ramesh, an 11-year-old boy, developed a few pimples on his face. His mother told him that this is because of ongoing biological changes in his body.
(i) What could be the possible reasons for the development of these pimples on his face?
(ii) What can he do to get some relief from these pimples?
Answer:
(i) What could be the possible reasons for the development of these pimples on his face?
Ramesh is 11 years old, which means he is entering the age of adolescence. During this time, in the bodies of the boys and girls, a lot of changes occur. Among those changes, one of the changes is that the skin starts producing more oil than before due to the hormonal changes. This extra oil, which is released from the skin, blocks the pores present on the face, which causes pimples.
(ii) What can he do to get some relief from these pimples?
To get relief from those pimples, Ramesh needs to keep his face clean by regularly washing it with soap and water. Touching or popping the pimples should be avoided; otherwise, they will increase. He should eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, and avoid oily and junk food to cure those pimples.
Question 2: Which of the following food groups would be a better option for adolescents and why?

Answer:
The food group shown in the second picture, which includes roti, salad, vegetables, etc., will be a better option for adolescents. This is because healthy foods give energy, help in body growth, and make the mind sharp and active. Junk food, which is shown on the other side, consists of too much oil, sugar, and salt, which cause health problems and do not provide proper nutrition, which is required during adolescence.
Question 3: Unscramble the underlined word in the following sentences:
(i) The discharge of blood in adolescent girls, which generally occurs every 28–30 days, is _______.
(ii) The hoarseness in the voice of adolescent boys is due to an enlarged _____.
(iii) Secondary sexual characteristics are natural signs that the body is preparing for adulthood and mark the onset of _____.
(iv) We should say no to _____and _____as they are addictive.
Answer:
(i) The discharge of blood in adolescent girls, which generally occurs every 28–30 days, is menstruation.
(ii) The hoarseness in the voice of adolescent boys is due to an enlarged voice box.
(iii) Secondary sexual characteristics are natural signs that the body is preparing for adulthood and mark the onset of puberty.
(iv) We should say no to alcohol and drugs as they are addictive.
Question 4: Shalu told her friend, “Adolescence brings only physical changes, like growing taller or developing body hair.” Is she correct? What would you change in this description of adolescence?
Answer: According to the description given by Shalu, she is not completely correct. Adolescence brings not only physical changes, but also emotional, mental, and social changes. Boys and Girls experiencing this time also experience mood swings and develop new interests. So, saying adolescence is a stage that involves only physical changes is not right.
Question 5: During a discussion in the class, some of the students raised the following points. What questions would you ask them to check the correctness of these points?
(i) Adolescents do not need to worry about behavioural changes.
(ii) If someone tries a harmful substance once, they can stop anytime they want.
Answer:
(i) Adolescents do not need to worry about behavioural changes.
Question to ask:
If a person starts getting angry easily or feels very sad without reason, should they ignore it or talk to someone?
(ii) If someone tries a harmful substance once, they can stop anytime they want.
Question to ask:
If something is harmful and can make you want it again and again, is it easy to stop after trying it once?
Question 6: Adolescents sometimes experience mood swings. On some days, they feel very energetic and happy, while on other days, they may feel low. What other behavioural changes are associated with this age?
Answer:
Adolescents sometimes feel happy and energetic, but on some days they feel very sad and upset. Apart from these mood swings, they experience some other changes, which are listed below:
They want to do things on their own without help from their parents.
Getting angry or annoyed easily.
Spending more time with friends than family.
Asking a lot of questions and being curious.
They care more about how they look.
Trying new hobbies or activities.
Question 7: While using a toilet, Mohini noticed that used sanitary pads were scattered near the bin. She got upset and shared her feelings with her friends. They discussed the importance of menstrual hygiene and healthy sanitary habits. What menstrual hygiene and sanitary habits would you suggest to your friends?
Answer:
Mohini did the right thing by discussing it with her friends. It is very important to follow good menstrual hygiene and healthy sanitary habits. Some suggestions to maintain good health are provided below:
Always use clean, sanitary pads during periods.
The pad needs to be changed every 4-6 hours to avoid any type of infection or smell.
Used pads should be wrapped in paper before throwing them in the dustbin.
Pads should always be thrown in the dustbin and not on the floor or in the toilet.
Wash your hands properly with soap after changing the pad.
Keep the private parts clean and dry to stay healthy.
Question 8: Mary and Manoj were classmates and good friends. On turning 11, Mary developed a little bulge on the front of her neck. She visited the doctor, who gave her medication and asked her to follow an iodine-rich diet. Similarly, a bump developed on the front of Manoj’s neck when he turned 12. However, the doctor told him that it was a part of growing up. According to you, what could be the possible reason for advising Mary and Manoj differently?
Answer:
Mary and Manoj both had a bulge on the front of their necks, but the reasons were different.
Mary’s bulge was due to a swelling in her thyroid gland, which occurs when the body does not get enough iodine. This is the reason why the doctor gave her medicines and asked her to eat iodine-rich foods like iodised salt, fish, and green vegetables. This condition is known as goitre.
Manoj’s bulge was not due to any disease. It was his Adam’s apple, which grows in boys during the adolescence period because of the hormonal changes that occur in their bodies. It is a part of normal development, so the doctor does not advise him to take medicine.
Question 9: During adolescence, boys and girls undergo certain physical changes, a few of which are given below.
(i) Change in voice
(ii) Development of breasts
(iii) Growth of moustache
(iv) Growth of facial hair
(v) Pimples on the face
(vi) Growth of hair in the pubic region
(vii) Growth of hair in armpits
Categorise these changes in the table given below:
Answer:
Physical changes during adolescence |
Observed only in boys | Observed only in girls | Common in boys and girls |
| | |
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Question 10: Prepare a poster mentioning the tips for adolescents to live a healthy lifestyle.
Answer: Provided below are some of the tips for adolescents to live a healthy lifestyle:
Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy.
Drink plenty of water every day.
Get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.
Exercise regularly - try walking, cycling, or playing sports.
Maintain personal hygiene - bathe daily and keep your clothes clean.
Avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs.
Important Questions from Class 7 Science Chapter 6
This chapter explains the changes that happen in our body and mind as we grow from children to teenagers. The NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Chapter 6 Adolescence: A Stage of Growth and Change help us understand this important stage of growing up.
Question: What is a balanced diet?
Options:
(A) A meal that includes only carbohydrates
(B) A meal that includes all nutrients in the right amount
(C) A meal that includes only proteins and fats
(D) A meal with only vitamins and minerals
Answer: (B) A meal that includes all nutrients in the right amount
Explanation:
A balanced diet means eating food that provides all the important and required nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals in the right quantities. This helps the body and mind to stay healthy and active.
Question 2: Which of the following is a secondary sexual characteristic in boys?
Options:
(A) Growth of breasts
(B) Deepening of voice
(C) Menstruation
(D) Development of the uterus
Answer: (B) Deepening of voice
Explanation:
Secondary sexual characteristics are changes that appear during adolescence but are not directly involved in reproduction. In boys, the voice deepens, hair grows on the face and body, and muscles develop.
Question 3: Why is personal hygiene important during adolescence?
Options:
(A) To prevent diseases and maintain health
(B) To grow taller
(C) To become stronger
(D) To change gender
Answer: (A) To prevent diseases and maintain health
Explanation: Personal hygiene, like bathing regularly, keeping nails and hair clean, and brushing teeth, helps adolescents stay healthy, prevents infections, and supports proper physical and mental development.