A questionnaire attempting to define adolescence from the adolescent's view was administered to 300 students, 50 males and 50 females in each of 3 grades (grades 6, 9, and 12). The questionnaire examined (1) ages perceived as dividing points between adolescence, childhood and adulthood; (2) tasks seen as most important in advancing from one period to the next; and (3) significance of legal, formal rites. Results indicated more consistency across sex than across age groups. The most significant tasks of adulthood were seen as responsibility items for the 12th graders, partying behaviors for the 9th graders; no consistent pattern emerged for 6th graders. Twelfth graders referred to biological changes as hallmarks of adolescence, ninth graders referred to a combination of biological and social tasks, and sixth graders mentioned quitting school and driving. Data suggest that adolescence is not a constant concept during the teen years but appears a function of age. (Author/NRB)