What are the teens´ problems? - ESL worksheet by Tmk939 - Free Printable

Here's a complete solution and explanation for each section of the worksheet:

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## 1. Read and choose the problems which teens usually have:

This is a matching/identification task. You are asked to recognize common teenage problems from the list.

✔ All 11 listed problems are typical teen issues:
1. too much homework → Academic pressure
2. lack of free time → Over-scheduled or overwhelmed
3. having nobody to talk to → Loneliness, social isolation
4. unfair punishments → Conflict with authority (parents/teachers)
5. lack of independence → Desire for autonomy vs. parental control
6. having nobody to rely on → Lack of support system
7. too many responsibilities at home → Family stress or role reversal
8. dependence on parents → Struggle for self-reliance
9. unequal rights with other members of the family → Sibling rivalry or fairness issues
10. getting along with an elder/younger sister or brother → Sibling conflict
11. lack of friends → Social anxiety or exclusion

📌 *Note: The images (boy with dog, elderly person) are visual cues but not directly tied to specific numbers — they’re just decorative or thematic.*

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## 2. Read and translate filling in the correct preposition:

This is a grammar exercise focusing on prepositions after verbs/adjectives.

Let’s fill in the blanks with the most natural prepositions:

1. Helen wants her parents to allow her to get a Saturday work.
→ “want someone to do something” is the correct structure.

2. My parents went mad about the teacher’s comment in my copy-book.
→ “mad about” = angry concerning something.

3. I’m worried about my sister because she is very lazy.
→ “worried about” = concerned regarding someone/something.

4. The teacher told us to get ready for the maths test next week.
→ “tell someone to do something” — infinitive structure.

5. My parents made me walk our dog in the morning.
→ “in the morning” is the standard phrase for time of day.

6. Now all my friends arrange things without me.
→ Implies exclusion — “without me” fits contextually.

7. I can’t stop talking during the lessons.
→ “during the lessons” = while lessons are happening.
*(Alternative: “in class” — but “during” fits better here.)*

✔ Final Answers:
1. to
2. about
3. about
4. to
5. in
6. without
7. during

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## 3. Read and name the children’s problems:

You must identify which of the 11 problems from Section 1 apply to each child’s story.

✔ Kate:

> “My mum is getting me down about my homework... no free time... under much strain.”

→ Problems:
- 1. too much homework
- 2. lack of free time
- 7. too many responsibilities at home (implied by constant supervision/stress)

✔ Ben:

> “I found a job on Saturdays... help my mom... friends forgot me... laugh at me... feel lonely.”

→ Problems:
- 2. lack of free time (working on weekends)
- 11. lack of friends (friends ignore him)
- 6. having nobody to rely on (feels unsupported)
- 1. too much homework? — Not mentioned, so skip.
- Possibly 3. having nobody to talk to — implied by loneliness.

✔ Andrew:

> “My sister is very strange... pessimistic... cruel... beats me... afraid of her.”

→ Problems:
- 10. getting along with an elder/younger sister or brother
- 4. unfair punishments (if “beats me” implies physical punishment)
- 6. having nobody to rely on (no one protecting him)
- 3. having nobody to talk to (can’t understand her, seeks help)

✔ Tina:

> “Three little sisters... take care of them... tired... can’t think about homework.”

→ Problems:
- 7. too many responsibilities at home
- 2. lack of free time
- 1. too much homework (can’t focus due to exhaustion)
- 8. dependence on parents — maybe, but not strong; more responsibility than dependence.

✔ Linda:

> “Parents divorced... live with mom 4 days, dad 3... mother scolds me... hate my parents.”

→ Problems:
- 9. unequal rights with other members of the family (different rules at each house?)
- 4. unfair punishments (mother scolds for slightest thing)
- 6. having nobody to rely on (conflict with both parents)
- 3. having nobody to talk to (feels alienated)
- 10. getting along with family — strained parent-child relationship

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## 4. Your experience:

This is a personal reflection section. There’s no single “correct” answer — it’s meant to encourage self-expression.

Sample Answers (for guidance):

1. Do you have any problems? What are they?
→ Yes, I sometimes feel stressed about school exams and balancing hobbies.

2. Who helps you to solve your problems?
→ My parents and close friends listen and give advice.

3. Do your friends have any problems?
→ Yes, some struggle with grades or family issues.

4. Do your friends ask you for help?
→ Sometimes — especially when they need to talk or study together.

5. What do you advise them to do?
→ I tell them to talk to a trusted adult, make a schedule, or take breaks to avoid burnout.

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## ✔ Summary of Key Skills Practiced:

- Vocabulary: Identifying teen problems.
- Grammar: Prepositions after verbs/adjectives.
- Reading Comprehension: Matching stories to problems.
- Personal Expression: Reflecting on real-life experiences.

This worksheet effectively combines language learning with emotional intelligence and critical thinking — great for ESL learners or teens exploring social-emotional topics!

Let me know if you’d like this formatted as a printable answer key or want to turn it into a classroom activity!