Cue Card

Describe a time when you saw a child behave badly in public

You should say:

• Where it was
• What the child was doing
• How others reacted
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. How do children usually misbehave?
2. What should parents do to stop their children behaving badly in public?
3. Are parents nowadays stricter than those in the past?
4. Who has more influence on children: parents or friends?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was at the grocery store with my mom when I was a kid, and this little boy, probably around 4 or 5 years old, was having a full-blown meltdown in the cereal aisle. He was screaming at the top of his lungs, throwing boxes of Froot Loops and Cinnamon Toast Crunch everywhere, and kicking his mom in the shins. I mean, this kid was furious. His mom was trying to calm him down, but he was having none of it. She was apologizing to everyone around her, looking mortified, while he just kept on screaming.

What struck me was how oblivious the kid was to the commotion he was causing. He didn't care that everyone was staring at him, or that his mom was on the verge of tears. All he cared about was getting his way, and he was willing to throw a tantrum to get it. It was like he had a complete lack of self-awareness, and it was both fascinating and terrifying to watch.

As I watched this scene unfold, I couldn't help but think about how some adults still behave like that kid in the cereal aisle. They throw tantrums, blame everyone else for their problems, and refuse to listen to reason. It's like they never learned how to regulate their emotions or take responsibility for their actions. And it's not just embarrassing for them – it's also really damaging to the people around them.

I think that's what struck me most about that kid's tantrum: it was a microcosm of a bigger issue. We all have moments where we lose control or act out, but it's how we learn from those moments that matters. Do we take responsibility for our actions, or do we keep blaming everyone else? Do we try to grow up and move on, or do we stay stuck in our own private cereal aisle, throwing tantrums and expecting everyone else to cater to our whims?

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

having a meltdown

to become extremely upset or angry, often in a way that is embarrassing or humiliating for someone

The kid had a meltdown in the cereal aisle.

I had a meltdown when I found out I didn't get the job.

on the verge of

very close to doing or feeling something

She was on the verge of tears.

He was on the verge of quitting his job.

regulate their emotions

to control or manage one's feelings

She's learning to regulate her emotions after a tough breakup.

He's struggling to regulate his emotions after a long day.

Sample Part 3 Answers

How do children usually misbehave? I think children usually misbehave when they're not getting the attention they crave from their parents or caregivers. For instance, I've seen kids throw tantrums in the middle of the grocery store because their mom or dad won't buy them a toy or candy. It's like they're testing the boundaries and pushing limits to see how far they can go. Sometimes, they might even act out because they're feeling overwhelmed or frustrated with their surroundings. I recall a time when I was at the park and a little boy started screaming and kicking his legs because he didn't want to leave the playground. His parents were trying to calm him down, but he was having none of it. It was clear that he was exhausted and needed a break, but didn't know how to express himself.

What should parents do to stop their children behaving badly in public? I believe parents should set clear expectations and boundaries for their kids before heading out in public. For example, they could explain that throwing tantrums or hitting others is not acceptable behavior. It's also essential to stay calm and patient when dealing with a misbehaving child. Yelling or punishing them in public can often escalate the situation and make things worse. Instead, parents could try distracting their child with a different activity or offering a comforting hug. I've seen parents use positive reinforcement techniques, like stickers or praise, to encourage good behavior. Consistency is key, so it's crucial for parents to stick to their rules and consequences, even when it's inconvenient.

Are parents nowadays stricter than those in the past? I think parenting styles have changed over time, and it's hard to make a blanket statement about whether parents are stricter or not. However, I've noticed that many parents today are more focused on nurturing their child's emotional intelligence and self-esteem. They tend to be more lenient and willing to listen to their child's perspective, which can be beneficial in building a strong, open relationship. On the other hand, some parents might be more permissive, which can lead to a lack of discipline and boundaries. I've heard stories from older generations about how they were raised with more rigid rules and consequences, but it's also possible that those parents were just as loving and supportive in their own way.

Who has more influence on children: parents or friends? I think it's a combination of both, but at different stages of a child's life. When kids are young, parents have a significant influence on their behavior and values. They're the primary caregivers and role models, and children look up to them for guidance and approval. As kids enter adolescence, however, their friends start to play a more substantial role in shaping their attitudes and behaviors. Peers can introduce new ideas, interests, and social norms that might conflict with what their parents have taught them. I've seen teenagers try to assert their independence and individuality by pushing boundaries and testing limits with their parents, often due to the influence of their friends. Ultimately, it's a delicate balance between the two, and parents need to find ways to maintain a strong, loving relationship with their child while also giving them space to grow and learn from their peers.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

throwing tantrums

to behave in a loud and uncontrolled way, often because of being upset or angry

I've seen kids throw tantrums in the middle of the grocery store because their mom or dad won't buy them a toy or candy.

testing the boundaries

to try to find out how far you can go or what you can do before someone stops you

It's like they're testing the boundaries and pushing limits to see how far they can go.

pushing limits

to try to do more than you are allowed to do or to go further than you are allowed to go

It's like they're testing the boundaries and pushing limits to see how far they can go.

stay calm

to remain peaceful and not get angry or upset

It's essential to stay calm and patient when dealing with a misbehaving child.

distracting

to take someone's attention away from something

Parents could try distracting their child with a different activity or offering a comforting hug.

positive reinforcement

a way of encouraging good behavior by giving someone a reward or praise

I've seen parents use positive reinforcement techniques, like stickers or praise, to encourage good behavior.

nurturing

to care for and help someone or something grow or develop

I've noticed that many parents today are more focused on nurturing their child's emotional intelligence and self-esteem.

permissive

allowing someone to do what they want and not controlling their behavior

Some parents might be more permissive, which can lead to a lack of discipline and boundaries.

assert their independence

to show that you are able to think and act for yourself

I've seen teenagers try to assert their independence and individuality by pushing boundaries and testing limits with their parents.