This question is to students studying GCSE, English Language: Component 2

In what ways would being a teenager in the 1960s be different to being a teenager today?​

Extract 1​

Having left a sheltered school environment one month earlier, and facing up to a real adult world, I accepted the first job I was offered, which I regretted. Not having passed any exams, I decided to attend college. My evenings were spent studying: I went to college three evenings a week, taking lessons in shorthand, typing and English (O Level), and had one extra shorthand lesson. I attended church on Sundays, visited grandparents and did homework. Occasional cinema visits and cycling with friends filled some time at weekends. I didn’t have much money as I was on a low wage. What I did have I put towards clothing and shows. Being a teenager I felt lonely at times – not an adult – not a child. It was hard work with a job and college. I was always wanting something better!

Extract 2​

Aged 15, I was still travelling 9 miles on the bus to the grammar school, so I was up fairly early in the morning and home later than some. My family were fairly poor so I didn’t live a lavish lifestyle. In the evenings, I did my school homework and watched some TV at an aunt and uncle’s house as we didn’t own one! I played tennis and football on the local Miner’s Welfare facilities at weekends, went cycling and coarse fishing in the local canal. My Saturday job doing a baker’s round meant I worked from early mornings to evening. I spent my money on model railway sets, AIRFIX kits and model gliders. I had a few really good local friends so time passed quite quickly. ​