ORIGINAL PASSAGE: (283 words)

In this world of human affairs there is no worse nuisance than a boy at the age of fourteen. He is neither ornamental nor useful. It is impossible to shower affection on him as on a little boy; and he is always getting in the way. If he talks with a childish lisp he is called a baby, and if he answers in a grown-up way he is called impertinent. In fact any talk at all from him is resented. Then he is at the unattractive, growing age. He grows out of his clothes with indecent haste; his voice grows hoarse and breaks and quavers; his face grows suddenly angular and unsightly. It is easy to excuse the shortcomings of early childhood but it is hard to tolerate even unavoidable lapses in a boy of fourteen. The lad himself becomes painfully self-conscious. When he talks with elderly people he is either unduly forward, or else so unduly shy that he appears ashamed of his very existence.

Yet it is at this very age when in his heart of hearts a young lad craves for recognition and love; and he becomes the devoted slave of one who shows him consideration. But none dare openly love him, for that would be regarded as undue indulgence and therefore bad for the boy. So what with scolding and chiding, he becomes very much like a stray dog that has lost his master.

For a boy of fourteen his own home is the only paradise. To live in a strange house with strange people is little short of torture, while the height of bliss is to receive the kind looks of women and never to be slighted by them.

PRECIS: (103 words)

A boy at the age of fourteen passes through apparent changes. He experiences sudden and peculiar physical, vocal and facial changes. These changes make him feel unappealing and insecure. He can behave and talk neither childlike nor elderly. He is rebuked in both forms. Nevertheless, it is the age when he yearns for acknowledgement and affection. He becomes inclined to those who pay attention to him. But he is admonished by everyone to save him from distracting and wandering. He almost feels lonely at this age. Despite that, he is affectionately attached to his home which he considers a utopia and avoids unfamiliarity.

HEADING: A BOY AT THE AGE OF FOURTEEN