Which statement best describes early adolescence in physical development?

• A. Gradual and predictable changes
• B. Sudden and rapid changes physically and sexually
• C. No significant changes
• D. Only cognitive changes

Answer: (B)

Early adolescence is marked by puberty, when hormones trigger rapid physical and sexual development. This often shows up as a growth spurt and the appearance of sexual characteristics over a relatively short period, rather than a slow, even progression. So the idea that changes are sudden and rapid captures what typically happens during this stage. By contrast, saying changes are gradual and predictable doesn’t fit the variability and speed some developments show; saying there are no significant changes ignores the major physical shifts happening then; and focusing only on cognitive changes overlooks the substantial body changes occurring at this time.