IELTS Rewind
Speaking Part 22 minutes

Describe a time you saw children behave badly in public

By Smita Jain
June 29, 2025
Describe a time you saw children behave badly in public
Cue Card Topic

Describe a time you saw children behave badly in public. You should say:

  • Where it was
  • What the children were doing
  • How others reacted to it
  • And explain how you felt about it

💡 You have 1 minute to prepare and should speak for 1-2 minutes.

Sample Answer

Where it was?

A few months ago, I was at a popular shopping mall in Mumbai, which is often bustling with families and children. It was a weekend, and the mall was particularly crowded, filled with shoppers and families enjoying their day out. The atmosphere was vibrant, with various activities and shops that catered to different interests. However, amidst this lively environment, I witnessed some rather unfortunate behavior from a group of children.

What the children were doing?

The children, probably around the ages of 7 to 10, were running around the mall, screaming and shouting. They were playing tag, which might have seemed innocent at first, but their excitement quickly turned into chaos. As they dashed through the shops, they knocked over a display rack, sending items crashing to the floor. The noise they created drew the attention of many shoppers, and their antics became quite disruptive.

How others reacted to it?

The reactions of the adults around were mixed. Some people looked on with disapproval, shaking their heads, while others seemed amused, perhaps reminiscing about their own childhood mischief. A few parents attempted to intervene, calling out for the children to stop and behave. Unfortunately, their pleas were largely ignored as the children continued their wild chase, seemingly oblivious to the disruption they were causing. It was a curious sight, as you could feel the tension building among the irritated shoppers.

And explain how you felt about it.

Watching this unfold left me feeling quite frustrated and somewhat concerned. I couldn't help but think about the lack of supervision and discipline that seemed to be present. It made me reflect on how important it is for children to understand boundaries and respect public spaces. I felt that the mall, being a shared environment, deserved a level of decorum that was clearly lacking in that moment. It was an eye-opener, reminding me that children’s behavior can sometimes reflect the guidance they receive from their parents. Overall, it was a day filled with laughter and fun that was somewhat marred by the unruliness of those children.

Follow-up Questions (Part 3)

What bad behavior do children usually have?

Children often exhibit various forms of bad behavior, such as throwing tantrums, arguing, or being disrespectful to adults. They might also engage in disruptive play, like running in places where they shouldn’t or being excessively loud. Such behaviors can stem from their desire for attention or simply because they are testing boundaries. It's essential for caregivers to guide them appropriately to help them understand acceptable behavior.

How should parents stop their children from behaving badly in public?

Parents can take several proactive steps to curb bad behavior in public. Firstly, setting clear expectations before going out can help children understand what is acceptable. Secondly, consistent discipline and reinforcement of good behavior are crucial. Engaging children in conversations about their feelings and reactions helps them learn self-control. Additionally, positive reinforcement for good behavior can encourage them to act appropriately in public.

Are parents these days stricter than those in the past?

The perception of parental strictness varies greatly between families and cultures. However, many argue that parents today are more aware of child psychology and development, leading to a more balanced approach. While some parents may be stricter in terms of rules and boundaries, others focus on communication and understanding. The key difference seems to be in the methods used rather than the strictness itself, with a greater emphasis on emotional intelligence.

Whose influence on children is more? Friends or parents?

Both friends and parents significantly influence children, but their impact can vary at different stages of development. In early childhood, parents tend to have a dominant influence as they are the primary caregivers. However, as children reach their teenage years, peer influence often becomes more pronounced. Friends can shape behaviors, opinions, and social skills, making their influence quite powerful. Ultimately, both play crucial roles, but the balance shifts as children grow.

Speaking Part 2 Tips
  • • Use the 1-minute preparation time to make notes and organize your thoughts
  • • Speak for the full 1-2 minutes - don't stop too early
  • • Use past tense when describing experiences or events
  • • Include specific details and examples to make your answer interesting
  • • Practice transitions between different points in your answer
  • • Stay calm if you can't think of a perfect example - any relevant story works