Jayla-Jean Williams Singh

Hotentots- holland highschool

Life orientation Project

10E, Term 3
Question 1
1.1 Investigate what the concept of ‘life roles means and state two new
responsibilities that adolescents may have to assume as a result of
their changing life roles

The term life roles refer to the different responsibilities and parts a person
plays throughout their life. These roles can include being a student, child,
friend, worker, or citizen. As teenagers grow and develop, they start to take
on new responsibilities. Two new responsibilities adolescents may have are
managing their schoolwork independently and helping more at home with
chores or caregiving tasks

1.2 Investigate the meaning of ‘secondary sex/gender characteristics’

within adolescent physical development and mention two secondary
sex/ gender characteristics changes that adolescents may experience

Secondary sex/gender characteristics are the physical changes that happen

during puberty but are not directly related to reproduction. These changes
help to distinguish males and females but don’t involve the sex organs.
Examples include boys developing facial hair and a deeper voice, and girls
developing breasts and wider hips

1.3 Discuss three values a person can have which will protect
himself/herself from risky behavior with regards to their body

Values help guide a person’s actions and decisions. Three important values
that protect adolescents from risky behaviour include self-respect,
responsibility, and self-discipline. Self-respect encourages teens to value
themselves and avoid harmful situations. Responsibility helps them think
about the consequences of their actions. Self-discipline allows them to say no
to peer pressure and harmful behaviours such as substance use or unsafe sex

Question 2

2.1 Investigate the meaning of the term ‘adolescence’

Adolescence is the period of life between childhood and adulthood, usually

from the age of 10 to 19. It is a time of rapid physical, emotional, and social
development, where young people begin to form their identity and gain more
independence
2.2 Describe how the need for acceptance by a peer group can negatively
impact an adolescent’s family relationship

The need to feel accepted by peers can sometimes lead to conflict with
family members. For example, a teen may hide things from their parents to
fit in with friends or spend less time with their family. They may also start
rejecting family rules or traditions to follow trends that their peer group
supports, causing arguments or emotional distance

2.3 Explore and discuss ways in which society and cultures could have an
influence on life roles by referring to examples

Society and culture can shape the life roles that people take on. For example,
in some cultures, young girls are expected to care for younger siblings, while
in others, boys may be expected to start working early. In modern societies,
gender roles are becoming more flexible, allowing both boys and girls to
study and pursue careers equally. These cultural expectations can affect how
a young person sees themselves and what they aim to become

2.4 Explore reasons why adolescents are more likely to get involved in risky
behavior during their phase of their life

Adolescents may be more likely to take part in risky behaviours because of peer
pressure and curiosity. They may want to fit in with friends, appear “cool”, or rebel
against rules. Also, their brains are still developing, especially the part responsible for
decision-making, which can lead to impulsive actions without thinking about long-
term consequences

Question 3

3.1 Investigate the meaning of the concept ‘coping strategy’ and indicate
FOUR unhealthy coping strategies adolescents may turn to if they are
struggling

A coping strategy is a method a person uses to deal with stress, problems, or

emotional challenges. Unhealthy coping strategies that adolescents may use
include smoking or drinking alcohol, withdrawing from others, self-harming,
and overeating junk food. These strategies might offer short-term relief but
cause long-term harm

3.2 Explore three ways in which adolescents could avoid giving in to

engaging in unhealthy coping strategies
Adolescents can avoid unhealthy coping by talking to a trusted adult or
counsellor, staying active in sports or hobbies, and building a strong support
network of friends who encourage positive behavior. Learning to express
emotions in healthy ways also helps

3.3 Describe three effective healthy coping mechanisms that adolescents

could implement to assist them in dealing with their troubles

Healthy coping mechanisms include physical activities like jogging or

dancing, which release feel-good chemicals in the brain. Another way is
writing in a journal to process thoughts and feelings. Lastly, practicing
relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can help reduce
anxiety and improve focus

3.4 Explore and discuss three skills that adolescents could develop to help
them make healthy lifestyle choices

Adolescents can develop several skills to help them make healthy lifestyle
choices. Critical thinking helps them weigh the pros and cons of decisions.
Goal-setting helps them stay focused on their future and avoid distractions.
Lastly, assertiveness enables them to say no when pressured to do
something harmful

Question 4

4.1 Investigate the meaning of the concept ‘career field’ and state four
characteristics which may suggest that a specific career field will provide job
security in the future

A career field is a group of jobs related to the same type of work. A career
field with job security usually has characteristics such as high demand for
workers, essential services (like healthcare), opportunities for growth, and
adaptability to new technology. These careers are likely to remain stable over
time

4.2 Seek two reasons why developing skills and competencies during high
school could help first – time employees make a good impression in their new
job

Learning skills and gaining experience in high school—like teamwork,

communication, and time management—helps young workers succeed.
These skills show employers that the individual is responsible and prepared,
making a strong first impression
4.3 Explore and discuss the three sectors that make out the economy

The economy is divided into three sectors. The primary sector involves using
natural resources, like farming or mining. The secondary sector is about
manufacturing and turning raw materials into products. The tertiary sector
involves services like education, healthcare, and retail. Each plays a role in
providing jobs and growing the economy

4.4 Critically discuss the extent to which a positive work environment can
help an individual achieve greater enjoyment in their work

A positive work environment can lead to greater job satisfaction. When

employees feel respected and safe, they are more motivated and committed
to their work. Supportive teamwork, good communication, and opportunities
for personal growth make people enjoy their jobs more, which increases
productivity and lowers stress

Question 5

5.1 Propose two strategies that adolescents could put in place to ensure that
their future goals are not disrupted by the difficulties they could face during
adolescence

Adolescents can protect their future goals by managing their time wisely and
building resilience. Time management ensures they don’t fall behind in
schoolwork or other responsibilities. Resilience helps them recover from
setbacks like bullying or academic failures, so they stay focused on long-term
goals

5.2 Suggest three ways how assertive communication about boundaries can
have a positive impact in an adolescence relationship

Assertive communication about boundaries can improve adolescent

relationships by building respect between partners. When teens clearly
express their needs, it prevents misunderstandings and encourages honesty.
It also helps them stand up against pressure to do things they’re
uncomfortable with, protecting their emotional and physical well-being

5.3 Recommend two research strategies that high school learners could
implement while still in school that could lead to more opportunities within
different career fields

High school learners can explore different career fields through job
shadowing or internships. These allow students to gain real-life experience.
Another strategy is doing online research and attending career expos. This
helps them learn about various professions and study requirements, giving
them a head start in planning their future

References

Bergh, Z.C. 2021. Introduction to Life Orientation. 4th ed. Pretoria: Van Schaik
Publishers.

Maree, J.G. 2019. Adolescence and Career Development in South Africa. Cape
Town: Juta.

Van der Merwe, R. 2020. Understanding Teenage Behaviour. Johannesburg:

Heinemann.

WHO. 2023. Adolescents: health risks and solutions. [Online]. Available:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescents-health-risks-
and-solutions [Accessed 4 August 2025].