a. American teenagers often start high school with a basic plan of classes they need to take to get a high school diploma.
b. American parents usually motivate their teenage children to become independent, and it is normal for teens to want more responsibility and freedom for their choices.
c. They are highly motivated and very confident, and take responsibility for their learning.
d. The main goal of this period for most American teenagers is becoming independent, and they work hard both at school and outside school to achieve this goal.
e. Many American teenagers have part-time jobs as they want to gain work experience and learn how to manage their money.