Problema 1 · Inglés PAU Navarra Ordinaria 2026

THE MYTH OF A PERFECT TEEN SCHEDULE

In today's competitive world, teens are constantly seeking the perfect routine that balances university

applications, social life, extracurricular activities, family expectations, and eight hours of sleep. Many

turn to detailed planning as a way to solve their troubles, believing that there is one single “ideal” way

to organize their time. Their quest for this is fueled by peer pressure and competitive college

admissions. 5

However, what seems achievable in theory often ends up becoming a pressure cooker in

reality. A typical high schooler's day can stretch from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. All this time is spent with the

aim of securing a place at a good college. The first sacrifice on this path, along with many more to

come, is rest. Struggling to balance everything, deadlines, test preparation, and sports events, under

the pressure that every hour must be used "productively," teens leave little room for downtime, which 10

takes a toll on their mental and physical health.

A lot of the pressure comes from how much university entrance affects future opportunities,

yet not every teen has the same resources to follow an ideal schedule that helps to get into a good

institution. Finances, family circumstances, and heavy workloads make this goal achievable only for

some. Access to private tutoring, quiet study spaces, or extra academic programs can make a 15

significant difference, but these supports are not available to all students. Teens who have jobs or

family responsibilities are often at a disadvantage, and their struggles frequently go unrecognized.

For these underprivileged teens, failing to perform at their “best” can feel especially overwhelming,

particularly when compared to peers with more advantages.

A schedule that works effectively begins with identifying priorities, including non-negotiable 20

activities such as school, homework, family responsibilities, commutes, and meals. It also requires

paying attention to personal energy patterns, such as peak focus times and periods of fatigue, as well

as being aware of which tasks require the most mental effort. This helps to organize the schedule

efficiently by doing demanding work during high-energy hours and by leaving lighter tasks to be

completed during lower-energy periods. Extracurricular activities should be kept manageable and 25

include low-stress, enjoyable pastimes, such as music, walks, or socializing. Periods without

obligations provide rest and help prevent burnout. Teenagers have different rhythms and each

student should organize their time according to their own abilities and priorities.

1. Answer these questions about the text in your own words (2 points, 1 each).

a.

Why is high school students' mental and physical health in danger?

b.

How do differences in resources and family circumstances affect a teen's ability to follow an "ideal schedule"?