English Language · English

Comprehension: Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow. We are aware that adolescence brings striking physical changes, but profound neurological transformations also occur. To understand them, we must first grasp the brain's composition. The brain contains about 100 billion neurons—nerve cells that communicate through intricate networks. Each neuron transmits electrical impulses along an axon, which then leap across minute synapses to the dendrites of another neuron, forming a vast circuit of communication. Although infants possess nearly all their neurons at birth, they have few connections, limiting their abilities. Rapid synaptic growth in early childhood enables skills such as walking and speaking. Contrary to earlier beliefs, brain development continues throughout life, with adolescence marking the most intense period of restructuring. During puberty, neural connections proliferate before undergoing 'pruning,' much like trimming a plant to promote healthy growth. Frequently used connections strengthen, while unused ones fade, illustrating why repetition enhances proficiency—validating the adage 'practice makes perfect.' Thus, teenagers actively sculpt their own neural architecture through chosen activities, from mastering instruments to acquiring languages. Interestingly, the frontal cortex—the region governing judgment, self-control, and reasoning—matures last. Until then, adolescents rely heavily on the brain's emotional centre for decision-making. Hence, impulsive or risk-prone teenage behaviour, often attributed to hormones, may stem more from neurological development than from mood alone. The tone of the passage can best be described as ____________________.