Being 13 Article Discussion Questions

NAME:___________

Instructions: Discuss with your partner and respond to each question below. Each partner
must complete his or her own sheet, and responses must be in complete sentences.

1. What does the author mean when he calls 13 year-olds “backstage adults, waiting
to go onstage” in the first sentence?

2. Do you agree that life is harder for teens then when your parents were teens? Why
or why not?

3. At what age should children be allowed to work? Why?

4. At what age should children who commit a crime receive the same punishment as
an adult who commits that same crime? Why?

5. At what age should children be allowed to date? Why?

6. Why do you think that 13 year-olds today are less likely to smoke, drink, do
drugs, get pregnant, and commit crimes then those of their parents’ generation?

7. Other than for providing food and shelter, are parents important for 13 year-olds?
Explain.