Describe a time you saw children behave badly in public: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where was it?
What were the children doing?
How do others react to it?
And explain how you feel about it.

151 unique answers with expert feedback

How do you think parents should handle such situations in public?

Parents should intervene promptly when their children misbehave in public. They can calmly explain the expected behavior and set clear boundaries. It's essential for parents to model appropriate behavior and engage with their children to ensure they understand the importance of respecting public spaces.

What impact do you think such behavior has on other people in public places?

Such behavior can create a stressful environment for other patrons. It can lead to frustration and discomfort, as people may feel their experience is being disrupted. Additionally, it can reflect poorly on the parents, as others may judge their parenting skills based on their children's actions.

Do you believe that public spaces should have rules regarding children's behavior?

Yes, I believe public spaces should have guidelines to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. Clear rules can help parents understand expectations for their children's behavior. This can also promote a respectful atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and safe.

Band >7

00:00

nowadays child are very aggressive and nowadays they are also not listening the parents last last weekend I had gone to watch a Punjabi movie and in the theater I see a child who was crying and fighting with their parents that I want to watch another movie it's not so good although it was a very good movie but his mood was to watch a movie with a cartoon movie because he was a child and for that he started crying and he was spoiling our mood for making it some more better he's his where his parents take out and give him something to eat and purchase him something that he was like to purchase and like this I experienced it and I think so this kind of thing should not be happen it's due to the due to the wrong treatment given by the parents and I think so this type of thing should be avoid because it can be avoid by since starting the parents should take care of their student of their child and they should not say they should not wrongly influence them

Follow up questions

What do you think causes children to behave badly in public?

I believe that children's behavior is often influenced by their upbringing and the environment they are in. If parents do not set boundaries or teach their children how to behave in public, it can lead to aggressive or disruptive behavior. Additionally, exposure to certain media can also play a role.

How can parents improve their children's behavior in public places?

Parents can improve their children's behavior by setting clear expectations and consequences for their actions. They should also model good behavior themselves and engage their children in discussions about appropriate conduct. Positive reinforcement for good behavior can also encourage children to act appropriately in public.

Do you think public places should have rules for children's behavior?

Yes, I think public places should have guidelines to promote respectful behavior. This could include signs reminding parents to supervise their children and encouraging children to be considerate of others. However, it's essential that these rules are communicated in a way that is constructive and supportive.

Band 7

00:00

The last time that I saw a child behave badly in public was at a really famous monument in India. It was at the Taj Mahal. There is a linear water body right in front of the monument and it was at this place that this child was behaving really badly. So in this water body specifically, he was playing with a plastic bottle and he was throwing other kinds of garbage into the water body, thus disrupting the flow of water. And the spectators were clearly irritated by the child's behavior and one of them even stood up and told the parents that the child was indulging in such kind of behavior. But the parents did not seem to bother much about it and hence the child just continued doing whatever he was doing. And at that time, how exactly I felt was, no matter what happens, the child's doing is a parent's responsibility at least until an age till the child has some mental maturity. So in such cases, the parents should be more attentive to what their child is doing in a public space and whatever the child might be doing, it should be in a way that it does not disrupt the peace of others and the public space as such. In this case, the child was indulging in very heinous behavior because not only was it disrupting the view and it was really bad to see this happening at a national monument, which is a spectacle for everybody to see. And the parents having no say to whatever the child was doing was just disheartening to see as a whole and I feel that the child should be educated on public behavior and on how to behave in certain spaces while they are out.

Follow up questions

What do you think causes children to behave badly in public?

I believe that children often mimic the behavior they see from adults. If parents or guardians are not setting a good example or are inattentive, children may not learn appropriate behavior. Additionally, children might not fully understand the consequences of their actions in public spaces.

How can parents teach their children about proper behavior in public?

Parents can teach their children about proper public behavior by setting clear expectations and discussing the importance of respecting shared spaces. Role-playing different scenarios and providing positive reinforcement when children behave well can also be effective. Consistent communication is key.

What impact do you think bad behavior in public has on society?

Bad behavior in public can create a negative atmosphere and disrupt the enjoyment of shared spaces. It can lead to frustration among other people and may even discourage families from visiting certain places. Ultimately, it reflects on societal values and the importance of communal respect.

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Band 7

00:00

A child's behaviour is a mirror to how their parents are bringing them up at home as well as what environment is teaching them. Because there is this big question of nature and nurture that always comes into play when there is the talk of behaviour that we see in a child. Thereby, there was this one time, I saw a child behave really poorly in the public. They had been handed an ice cream and instead of being grateful, they smashed it to the ground and trampled on it with their feet. Their reasoning being that they did not like the flavour that their parent had given them. The parent tried to dismiss it in front of their friends saying that, you know how children are so into tantrums these days. But on a deeper sense, if you see, the parent should have handled the situation more maturely. They should have made the child understand that things will not always go according to what they feel. Things in life will not always be according to what they want. There are these small techniques in which a parent can actually guide their children through these situations such as reinforcement or negative reinforcement. Negative reinforcement is a great way to make children understand that there will be consequences but not by using punishment. For example, if the person is throwing away their ice cream, the negative reinforcement should be them having to do a chore like washing dishes, washing utensils. That can be a chore that they do and from the next time, if they don't behave in the way that they are now, the chore will not be there. So using psychology as a tactic, things like these can be implemented in a child if the parent so wishes to.

Follow up questions

What are some common reasons for children's bad behavior in public?

Children often misbehave in public due to frustration, lack of understanding, or seeking attention. They may not yet grasp social norms or consequences of their actions. Additionally, their behavior can reflect their home environment and parenting styles, which play a crucial role in shaping their responses.

How can parents effectively teach children about consequences?

Parents can teach children about consequences by using age-appropriate discussions and examples. They can implement natural consequences, such as losing privileges, or logical consequences, like chores for misbehavior. Consistency and clear communication are key to helping children understand the impact of their actions.

What role does the environment play in shaping children's behavior?

The environment significantly influences children's behavior. Factors like peer interactions, cultural norms, and community values can shape how children act in public. A supportive and structured environment encourages positive behavior, while chaotic or negative surroundings may lead to misbehavior.

Band 7

00:00

As my profession is an Occupational Therapist, I work and deal with the children's only and with their behavior. So I work in a clinic where daily, regularly, the children come with the behavioral issues like anger, tantrums and all. And recently, there is a child who used to bite her mother and give her bruises and once he was trying to bite me and how nicely I handled him and with love and care. Her mother got shocked and she was like, in few friction of seconds, his meltdown changes and calm down.

Follow up questions

What strategies do you use to manage children's behavioral issues?

I use a variety of strategies, including positive reinforcement, distraction techniques, and creating a calm environment. It's important to understand the triggers for each child and to respond with patience and empathy to help them feel safe and secure.

How do parents typically react to their children's behavior in public?

Parents often feel embarrassed or overwhelmed when their children misbehave in public. They may react with frustration or anxiety, but many also appreciate support and understanding from others. It's crucial for parents to remain calm and consistent in their approach to discipline.

What advice would you give to parents dealing with similar situations?

I would advise parents to stay calm and not react impulsively. It's essential to understand the child's feelings and to communicate effectively. Seeking professional help, like therapy, can also provide parents with tools to manage challenging behaviors more effectively.

Show all 151 answers

Cue 1:Where was it?

Begin by describing the location where you witnessed the children's behavior, making it relatable and vivid.
Mention any specific details about the environment that contributed to the situation.

Example

I was at a busy shopping mall in Mumbai last summer, a place filled with families and children enjoying their day out. The mall was bustling with activity, and the atmosphere was lively, with music playing and people chatting.

Cue 2:What were the children doing?

Clearly explain the actions of the children that you considered to be bad behavior.
Provide specific examples of what they did that stood out to you.

Example

While I was waiting for my friend near a toy store, I noticed a group of three children, probably around 7 to 10 years old. They were running around, shouting loudly, and even knocking over some displays. At one point, one of them threw a toy at another child, which was quite alarming.

Cue 3:How do others react to it?

Describe the reactions of the adults and other children around the situation.
Mention if anyone intervened or if people just ignored the behavior.

Example

The adults around seemed quite shocked. Some parents looked at their children with concern, while others just shook their heads in disapproval. A store employee approached the group and asked them to calm down, but the children just laughed and continued their antics.

Cue 4:And explain how you feel about it.

Share your personal feelings about the situation, whether you found it amusing, concerning, or frustrating.
Reflect on what this behavior might indicate about parenting or social norms.

Example

I felt a mix of frustration and concern. It was troubling to see such behavior in public, as it reflects a lack of discipline. I wondered if the parents were aware of how their children were acting. I believe that children need guidance on how to behave in public spaces.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, witnessing children behave badly in public can be quite unsettling. It serves as a reminder of the importance of teaching children proper behavior and respect for others in shared spaces. Such experiences highlight the role of parents and society in shaping children's conduct.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer unclear. Candidates often fail to provide specific details about the situation, which can lead to a lack of engagement from the examiner.

Tip

Include specific details about the location, actions of the children, and the reactions of others to create a vivid picture.

2: Neglecting Personal Feelings

Not expressing your personal feelings about the situation can make your response less engaging. Candidates often forget to share their emotional reactions, which are important for a complete answer.

Tip

Reflect on how the behavior affected you and share your feelings to add depth to your response.

Ignoring Others' Reactions

Failing to mention how others reacted can leave your answer incomplete. Candidates sometimes focus only on the children and miss the broader context of the situation.

Tip

Describe how bystanders or parents reacted to the children's behavior to provide a fuller picture of the event.

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