NCERT Solutions Curiosity Chapter 6 Chapter exercises — Let Us Enhance Our Learning

(i) The possible reasons. Ramesh is 11, so he has entered adolescence. During adolescence the skin produces more oily secretions than before. This extra oil, along with dead skin and dust, clogs the pores of the skin. The blocked pores get infected, and small reddish pimples appear — most often on the face, where the oil glands are many. This skin condition is called acne; the pimples are how the condition shows itself.

(ii) What Ramesh can do.

• Wash the face gently with clean water and a mild soap or face wash two or three times a day, to remove the extra oil.
• Do not squeeze, pick or burst the pimples. Squeezing pushes the infection deeper and leaves dark marks or scars.
• Avoid touching the face with dirty hands; keep the hair clean and off the face; use his own clean towel and pillow cover.
• Avoid heavy oils, thick creams and cosmetics on the face — they block the pores further.
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, drink enough water, sleep well and exercise.
• If the acne is severe, painful or spreading, see a doctor (skin specialist) rather than trying advertised remedies.

Food group (ii) — the balanced thali — is the better option.

Why (ii) is better for adolescents: adolescence is a period of rapid growth and development. The body is building bone, muscle and blood, so it needs proteins, calcium, iron, vitamins and minerals along with carbohydrates and fats. The thali supplies all of these together, in the right proportion. Group (i) supplies mostly fat, refined carbohydrate and salt; eating such food often leads to unnecessary weight gain, poor bone and blood health, constipation and, over the years, other health problems.

The completed sentences read:

1. The discharge of blood in adolescent girls which generally occurs every 28–30 days is menstruation.
2. The hoarseness in the voice of adolescent boys is due to enlarged voice box.
3. Secondary sexual characteristics are natural signs that the body is preparing for adulthood and mark the onset of puberty.
4. We should say NO to alcohol and drugs as they are addictive.

No, Shalu is not correct. The word that makes her statement wrong is 'only'. Growing taller and developing body hair are indeed changes of adolescence, but they are just one part of it.

The corrected description: 'Adolescence brings physical changes, such as growing taller, gaining weight and strength, a change in voice, pimples on the face and the growth of body hair. Along with these it also brings internal changes — the maturation of the parts involved in reproduction, and in girls the start of the menstrual cycle — and emotional and behavioural changes such as stronger emotions, mood swings and increased sensitivity. All these changes are mainly brought about by hormones, and their timing and extent vary from person to person.'

To check a statement scientifically, ask questions that test the evidence behind it.

(i) 'Adolescents do not need to worry about behavioural changes.' Questions to ask:

• Are emotions in adolescence stronger than in childhood? What causes that?
• Do our emotions affect our behaviour and the choices we make?
• If someone ignores mood swings, irritability or a constant low feeling, what could happen to their studies, friendships and health?
• Is 'not worrying' the same as 'not understanding'? Would it not be better to understand these changes and seek guidance from parents and teachers?
• Why does the chapter say that understanding how emotions influence behaviour helps us make better choices?

What the answers show: adolescents need not fear these changes — they are normal — but they do need to understand and manage them. So the point is only half correct.

(ii) 'If someone tries a harmful substance once, they can stop anytime they want.' Questions to ask:

• What does the word addictive mean?
• Why do people who consume tobacco, alcohol or drugs develop a strong urge to take them again and again?
• If stopping were so easy, why do people need counselling, medical advice and the support of family and friends to quit?
• Why has the government started the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and the national de-addiction helpline 14446?
• Someone who is addicted today — how did they most probably begin?

What the answers show: the point is wrong. These substances are addictive; 'just one time' is exactly how most addictions start. That is why we must say 'NO' the first time and every time.

Besides mood swings, adolescents commonly show the following behavioural changes. All of them are normal and are linked to the stronger emotions of this age.

• Stronger emotions than in childhood — happiness, anger, excitement and disappointment are all felt more intensely.
• Increased sensitivity — feelings are hurt easily, and remarks about looks, height or voice are taken to heart.
• Self-consciousness about appearance — comparing oneself with classmates, shyness about pimples, height or a changing voice.
• Attraction towards peers and mimicking their behaviour — friends' opinions begin to matter a great deal, which can also mean peer pressure.
• A wish for independence and privacy — wanting to take one's own decisions, arguing with elders, spending more time alone or with friends.
• Heightened curiosity and excitement — a new viewpoint towards almost everything, a wish to try new things (which must be used wisely).
• Deeper interest in new areas — music, dance, sport, art, science, coding; strong likes and dislikes.
• Compassion and social awareness — taking up or joining social initiatives to support the needy and the disadvantaged.
• More online interaction — spending more time on social media and messaging with friends.

A. Personal hygiene during menstruation

• Use a clean sanitary pad or a reusable cloth pad made for this purpose. Change it every four to six hours, and sooner if needed.
• Wash hands with soap before and after changing a pad.
• Wash the genital area with clean water at least twice a day, and bathe daily. Dry properly and wear clean cotton underclothes.
• If reusable cloth pads are used, wash them well with soap and water and dry them fully in sunlight before using them again. Store them in a clean, dry place.
• Eat iron-rich food, drink plenty of water, and continue normal school, play and activities. See a doctor if the pain is severe or the bleeding is unusually heavy.

B. Sanitary habits — what Mohini actually saw go wrong

• Wrap the used pad in newspaper or paper and drop it inside a covered dustbin — never leave it near the bin, on the floor, or in the open.
• Never flush a pad down the toilet; it blocks the drains.
• Keep the toilet clean after use and flush properly, so the next person finds it clean.
• Ask the school to keep a covered dustbin, water, soap and, if possible, a pad dispenser in the girls' toilet — and to empty the bins regularly.
• Prefer biodegradable sanitary pads where they are available; they are environment-friendly.

C. The attitude that goes with it

• Menstruation is a natural process and one of the signs of good reproductive health. Talk about it normally — with friends, mother, elder sister or a teacher.
• Myths and taboos, such as keeping a menstruating girl separate from the family, have no scientific basis. Do not follow them and do not spread them.
• Do not tease or shame anyone about periods or about sanitary pads.

Because the two bulges, although in the same place, had two completely different causes — one was a disease, the other a normal change of adolescence.

How to build the poster. Take a chart paper, write one bold title at the top, divide the sheet into five or six boxes, and give each box a picture and one short tip. Keep the letters large enough to read from a distance, and end with a helpline or 'whom to ask'.

Sample poster: