Manuel, a five-year-old boy can hold his pen and write his name with his right hand. Which term describes Manuel's action?

• A. Growth
• B. Maturation
• C. Development
• D. Learning

Answer: (C)

Writing with a pen at five illustrates development—the progression of abilities and skills a child acquires as they grow. Growth is about getting bigger or gaining size, not about new skills. Maturation refers to biological readiness to perform functions, but the specific act of holding a pen and forming letters is a newly developed skill. Learning involves instruction or practice, whereas this example shows a child naturally achieving a functional task through development. So, the best term is development because it captures the emergence of a new, coordinated ability.