Compared to 100 years ago, the adolescent period has been ______ and the transition to adulthood ______.

Compared to 100 years ago, the adolescent period has been ______ and the transition to adulthood ______.

• A. Shortened, abbreviated
• B. Lengthened, prolonged
• C. Shortened, more continuous
• D. Lengthened, abbreviated

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is how adolescence and the path into adult roles have shifted over time. Over the past century, schooling has expanded and the steps to becoming an independent adult have moved later. More teens stay in education longer, complete higher levels of training, and delay leaving home, starting careers, marrying, or becoming parents. Because of these changes, the adolescent period stretches and the move into full adult roles is more gradual and prolonged. That’s why the best description is that adolescence has been lengthened and the transition to adulthood prolonged.

The idea being tested is how adolescence and the path into adult roles have shifted over time. Over the past century, schooling has expanded and the steps to becoming an independent adult have moved later. More teens stay in education longer, complete higher levels of training, and delay leaving home, starting careers, marrying, or becoming parents. Because of these changes, the adolescent period stretches and the move into full adult roles is more gradual and prolonged. That’s why the best description is that adolescence has been lengthened and the transition to adulthood prolonged.