Two Opposing Articles About Teens and Crimes
1. “Why Teens Get Into Trouble”
Source: Youth Behavior Journal, 2023
Some experts believe teens get involved in crime because of their environment. Living in
poor neighborhoods or having family problems can push teens toward bad choices. Peer
pressure and wanting to fit in with the wrong crowd also leads to trouble. Psychologists
say teen brains are still growing, which makes it hard for them to think about long-term
consequences. Community programs, better schooling, and strong role models can help
keep teens out of trouble.
•
Main Idea: Teens often commit crimes because of difficult surroundings, peer
influence, and immature thinking.
2. “Teens Know What They’re Doing”
Source: Crime and Responsibility Review, 2024
On the other hand, some people believe teens understand their actions and should be held
responsible. With the internet and social media, teens are more aware of the rules and
consequences than ever. They argue that giving teens lighter punishments only
encourages bad behavior. Treating teens more like adults could teach them responsibility
and reduce repeat offenses.
•
Main Idea: Many teens commit crimes knowingly, and tougher punishment will
make them more accountable.
10 Fun Vocabulary Words
1.
Peer Pressure: The influence from friends to act a certain way.
2.
Delinquency: Minor crimes, often commited by younger people.
3.
Impulsivity: Acting quickly without tought or consideration of
consequences.
4.
Accountability: responsibility for actions.
5.
Adolsence: The period of life between childhood and adulthood.
6.
Gang: A group often associated with criminal activities.
7.
Juvenile: A young person, typically under the age of legal adulthood.
8.
Recidivism: Returning to criminal behavior after punishment.
9.
Carjacking: Stealing a car by force or threat.
10.
Guardian: A person responsible for a child or teenager (usually parents or
other family members).
11.
Petty Theft: Stealing something of a small value. (“For the adrenaline”)
12.
Shoplifting: Stealing items from store.
13.
Battery (on someone): Physical contact intended to harm another person.
14.
Coercion: Forcing someone to act against their will.
15.
Criminal Record: A list of past crimes someone has commited.
16.
Rebellion: The act of resisting or defying authority.
17.
Leniency: Mercy shown in punishment.
18.
Manipulation: Controlling someone.
19.
Overreaction: A response that is more intense than necessary.
20.
Looting: Stealing goods during a disaster or chaotic event.
Two Opposing Articles on “Rules Are Meant to Be Broken”
1. “Rules Are Meant to Be Broken for Growth”
Source: Youth Voices, 2024
Some people believe that breaking rules is an important part of growing and learning.
When young people challenge rules, they often do it to question unfair practices or to
push for change. For example, many social movements, like the fight for equal rights,
only happened because people refused to follow the existing rules. Creative thinkers and
inventors also break rules to come up with new ideas. While breaking the rules can
sometimes lead to trouble, it can also spark progress and positive change.
•
Main Idea: Breaking rules can be a way to challenge unfair systems and
encourage growth and innovation.
•
Citation: Youth Voices, 2024
2. “Rules Keep Us Safe and Fair”
Source: Safe Society Today, 2023
On the other hand, many believe that rules are there for a reason: to keep us safe and
ensure fairness. Traffic laws prevent accidents, and rules in schools help keep everyone
treated equally. Without rules, people might take advantage of others or act in dangerous
ways. While it’s tempting to break rules for personal gain or excitement, doing so can
lead to negative consequences, like getting hurt or causing harm to others. Rules help
everyone live together peacefully and with respect.
•
Main Idea: Rules are essential for safety, fairness, and maintaining order in
society.
Vocabulary:
1. Legislation: The process of making laws.
2. Being “By the book”: Everything being by the rules
3. A boycott: usually a peaceful mean of protest against a specific company,
organization or country (like refusing to buy their goods or services).
4. Prohibition: The action of fotbidding something by law or authority
5. Equalization: The process of making things equal or fair, often in terms of
opportunity or resources.
6. Empowerment: Giving someone the authority or power to do something
7. Opposition: The act of resisting or standing against something
8. Interference: Involvement in a situation that affects its outcome, often negatively.
9. Jurisprudence: The theory or philosophy of law.
10. Permissibility: The quality of being allowed or permitted.
11. Vulnerablitiy: The state of being open to harm, damage or attack.
12. Consequential: Having significant outcomes or consequences
13. Misuse: The incorrect or inappropriate use of something.
14. Autonomy: The ability to make one’s own decisions without external control.
15. “Whistleblowing” – The act of reporting illegal or unethical behaviour, often
within an organization.
16. Collaboration: Working with others to achieve a common goal.
17. Rebellion: Open resistance to authority or rules.
18. A Martyr: A person who sacrifices themselves for a cause or belief.
19. An Ultimatum: A final demand that, if not met, will result in serious
consequences.
20. Pacifism: The belief in resolving conflicts without violence
1. “Addiction Is a Disease, Not a Choice”
Source: Everyday Health, 2023
Some experts believe addiction is not just bad behavior but a brain disease. When
people use drugs or alcohol repeatedly, their brain changes, making it hard to stop.
Addiction can be visible in many ways, like people losing jobs, getting sick, or
hurting their relationships. Supporters say these individuals need medical care and
understanding, not punishment. Communities are encouraged to offer treatment
programs and support groups to help people recover and live healthier lives.
•
Main Idea: Addiction is a medical condition, and society should support
recovery, not blame individuals.
2. “Taking Responsibility: The Choice to Avoid Addiction”
Source: Community Voice Journal, 2024
Others argue that addiction starts with personal choices. People choose to use
harmful substances, knowing the risks. Signs of addiction in society include
increased crime rates, family breakdowns, and health problems. Supporters of this
view believe stricter rules, education, and personal discipline are key to preventing
addiction. They argue that people must be responsible for their actions and make
better life choices to avoid falling into addiction.
•
Main Idea: Addiction often begins with personal choices, and society must
promote responsibility and accountability.
1. Addiction: A strong need to keep using something harmful, like drugs or
alcohol.
2. Accountability: Being responsible for your own actions.
3. Awareness: Knowing about a problem or issue.
4. Dependence: The need to rely on something or someone.
5. Stigma: Negative judgment or disapproval.
6. Needless: Not necessary or required.
7. Being “Drug-free”: A lifestyle without using harmful substances.
8. Family Dynamics: The interactions between family members.
9. Rehabilitation Programs: Services to help people recover from addictions.
10.
Sobriety Programs: Support groups to help people avoid substance
use.
11.
“Success Stories”: Real-life example of overcoming challenges.
12.
Being “Clean”: Living without drug use.
13.
To Relapse: To return to the bad habit or addictive behavior
14.
Turning point: A moment when significant change happens.
15.
Hitting “rock bottom”: Reaching the lowest point in life.
16.
“Fighting the urge”: Resisting the temptation to engage in harmful
behaviours.
17.
A Junkie: slang term used to describe a person addicted to drugs.
18.
Being “In the grip of addiction”: Being strongly controlled or
influenced by an addiction.
19.
The munchies: A strong craving for food, often experienced after using
marijuana.
20.
Wasted: Being extremely drunk or intoxicated
Article 1: The Influence of Society on Identity
Many people believe that society plays a big role in shaping our identity. Society
teaches us what is acceptable, how to behave, and what is considered normal. From
a young age, people are influenced by things like family, friends, and school. These
groups help us form ideas about who we are. For example, the media shows us what
is considered “cool” or “successful,” and this can influence the way we see ourselves.
Our identity can also be affected by culture, traditions, and the roles society expects
us to play, such as being a good student or a caring parent.
Citation: “The Influence of Social Norms on Personal Identity,” Psychology Today.
Article 2: Personal Experiences Shape Our Identity
While society influences us, our own personal experiences also play a key role in
who we become. Psychologist Erik Erikson said that identity comes from both our
thoughts and experiences. The challenges we face, the people we meet, and the
decisions we make all shape who we are. For example, overcoming a difficult
experience can make us feel stronger and more confident in ourselves. Our passions,
interests, and the way we view the world are also important parts of our identity.
This shows that even though society has an impact, we have the power to shape our
own identity through our experiences.
Citation: Erikson, E.H. (1950). Childhood and Society. W.W. Norton & Company.
1. Identity: The way we see ourselves and how we are recognized by others
2. Behaviorism: A psychological theory that all behaviours are learned from the
enviroment.
3. External validation: Seeking approval or recognition from outside sources,
such as peers or society.
4. Self-esteem: The image or idea one has of oneself.
5. Peers: People who are the same age or in the same social group.
6. Gender roles: Social explectations related to gender, influencing identity
7. Social expectations: The behaviors and roles society expects us to follow.
8. Introspection: Looking inward to examine one’s own thoughts and feelings.
9. Extraspection: To observe someone’s behaviour, body language…
10.
Self-discovery: The process of exploring and learning about oneself.
11.
Self-acceptance: The process of accepting oneself for who they are.
12.
Self-reflection: The act of thinking avout one’s own thoughts and
actions.
13.
Cultural integration: The process of adopting to the cultural elements
of a different group, influencing one’s identity.
14.
Chracter traits: The qualities or attributes that define person’s
character.
15.
Public image: How an individual is perceived by society.
16.
“Keeping with the Joneses”: Trying to match the lifestyle of others.
17.
Going “against the grain”: Acting in a way that is different from what
is expected or traditional.
18.
Social labeling: The act of categorizing individuals based on certain
characteristics or behaviors.
19.
Identity crisis: A period of uncertainty or confusion about your
personal identity, often occuring during major life transitions.
20.
Moral Compass: The internal set of values or principles everyone is
born with (THE BABY EXPERIMENT).