Hello, and welcome back to the IELTS TIME Podcast. I’m your host, and today we’re tackling a Part 3 topic: children’s behavior and discipline. As always, we have a fantastic dialogue lined up for you, featuring Joseph giving model answers to a series of questions. So, let’s get right to it.
Why do you think some children misbehave in public?
Honestly, I think a lot of it comes down to a few things. Sometimes it’s just about a lack of understanding—kids are still learning how the world works and what’s expected of them. They might not realize that running around a quiet library or shouting in a restaurant isn’t okay. Other times, it’s just boredom or being over-stimulated. A long shopping trip can be super draining for a little kid, and they might act out because they’re tired or just need a change of pace. I also think sometimes it’s a way of seeking attention, whether it’s positive or negative. They’ve figured that a tantrum gets a reaction, and for a kid, any attention is better than no attention.
Do children usually behave differently at home compared to in public?
Yeah, I think there’s a huge difference. At home, kids are in their comfort zone. They know the rules, they’re familiar with the environment, and they feel safe to express themselves—which can sometimes mean being a little more wild or messy. But in public, they’re in a new setting with different social rules. The pressure to “be good” can sometimes be overwhelming, and they might act out because of that. Also, at home, they know they can retreat to their room or have a snack whenever they want, but in public, their routine is disrupted, and that can be unsettling for them. So, I’d say they generally have a different set of behaviors for each environment.
How should parents respond when their children misbehave outside the home?
I think the best approach for parents is to stay calm and be consistent. When a child misbehaves in public, the worst thing a parent can do is lose their cool and shout, as that just escalates the situation and makes everyone uncomfortable. A better way is to gently but firmly redirect their behavior. For example, if a child is throwing a tantrum, a parent could calmly take them to a quiet corner and talk to them about why their behavior isn’t appropriate, rather than just yelling at them in the middle of a store. It’s about setting clear boundaries and consequences without causing a huge scene.
What role do teachers and schools play in teaching children how to behave properly?
Teachers and schools play a massive role! They’re like a second set of parents when it comes to social development. Schools provide a structured environment with clear rules that kids have to follow, like waiting in line, sharing toys, and being respectful to their peers and teachers. This teaches them important social skills they need for life. Teachers also act as role models and can use methods like positive reinforcement or group activities to teach cooperation and proper behavior. They’re basically training kids for the real world, where you have to follow rules and respect others.
What are some effective ways to teach children discipline without being too strict?
I think the key is to use positive reinforcement and a lot of communication. Instead of just punishing bad behavior, parents should praise and reward good behavior. For example, if a kid helps clean up their toys without being asked, they could get a small treat or extra playtime. It’s also important to explain the “why” behind the rules. Instead of just saying, “Don’t run in the house,” a parent could say, “We don’t run in the house because you might fall and get hurt.” This helps kids understand the reason behind the rule, which makes them more likely to follow it. It’s about guidance, not just control.
How has parenting changed compared to the past in terms of discipline?
Oh, it’s changed so much. In the past, it seemed like a lot of parenting was very authoritarian. The common phrase was something like, “children should be seen and not heard.” Discipline was often based on strict rules and sometimes even corporal punishment. Now, the approach is much more focused on communication and understanding. Parents are encouraged to talk to their kids about their feelings and to use methods like time-outs instead of physical punishment. It’s moved from a rule-based, fear-driven model to a more relationship-based, understanding-driven model.
Do you think the way children behave in public reflects their upbringing?
I definitely think there’s a strong connection. A child’s behavior is often a direct reflection of the environment they grow up in. If they’re taught respect, kindness, and clear boundaries at home, they’re much more likely to show those same qualities in public. On the other hand, if a child grows up in a chaotic environment without clear rules, their behavior might become more unpredictable and harder to manage. Of course, upbringing isn’t the only factor—things like personality and temperament also play a big role—but I’d still say that a parent’s approach to raising their child is one of the most powerful influences, since parents are the first and most important role models in a child’s life.
How does culture affect the way children are disciplined in different countries?
Culture plays a massive role in how children are disciplined! For example, in some Western cultures, there’s a strong emphasis on individualism and giving children a lot of freedom to express themselves from a young age. This often means more verbal communication and less physical discipline. In contrast, some cultures, particularly those that are more collective, might emphasize respect for elders and authority more, and discipline could be stricter or more formal. The values a culture holds—like the importance of community, family hierarchy, or individual expression—are all reflected in how parents teach their children right from wrong.
Well, that was a great series of answers from Joseph. Let’s quickly break down the key takeaways from Joseph’s answers, summarizing his main points.
Starting with the first question about why children misbehave in public, Joseph identified several key reasons. He pointed out that children sometimes simply lack awareness of social rules, they can get bored or over-stimulated, and often, they are seeking attention. I like how he gave concrete examples, like a library or a long shopping trip, which makes his points relatable and easy to understand. He also used natural language, saying things like “honestly, I think…,” which keeps the answer fluent and conversational.
Moving on to the second question, about differences in behavior at home versus in public, Joseph explained that children behave differently because home is their comfort zone. They feel safe and can express themselves freely, while public spaces introduce unfamiliar expectations and disrupted routines. This contrast is explained clearly and logically, and he even touches on the psychological aspect—the pressure of social rules—which adds depth to his response.
When discussing how parents should respond to misbehavior outside the home, Joseph suggested staying calm and consistent, gently redirecting the child, and explaining why the behavior is inappropriate. He emphasized setting boundaries without creating a scene, which is practical advice and shows awareness of real-life dynamics. His choice of words, like “gently but firmly,” is precise and natural.
Regarding the role of teachers and schools, Joseph highlighted that schools provide structure and social learning. He mentioned that teachers act as role models and use methods like positive reinforcement and group activities to teach proper behavior. I particularly like that he connected school experiences to real-world social expectations, showing broader insight, which is exactly the kind of thinking IELTS examiners are looking for.
On the topic of teaching discipline without being too strict, Joseph focused on positive reinforcement and clear communication. He explained that rewarding good behavior and explaining the reasons behind rules helps children understand and internalize them. His explanation balances empathy with practicality, making it both thoughtful and credible.
When asked about how parenting has changed over time, Joseph contrasted the authoritarian styles of the past with today’s relationship-based, communication-focused approach. He described the historical context and highlighted modern techniques like time-outs. This kind of comparison demonstrates his ability to analyze change over time, which is highly valued in Part 3 discussions.
For the question on whether children’s behavior reflects their upbringing, Joseph gave a nuanced answer. He acknowledged that personality and temperament also play a role, but emphasized that parents are the child’s first and most important role models. This balanced perspective shows critical thinking and avoids oversimplification, which strengthens the response.
Finally, when talking about cultural influences, Joseph explained that Western cultures often encourage independence and verbal reasoning, while collectivist cultures may prioritize obedience and respect for authority. He linked these differences to broader cultural values, providing examples that make abstract concepts tangible. His use of vocabulary here, including terms like “individualism,” “collectivist,” and “authority,” demonstrates strong lexical range.
Overall, what makes Joseph’s answers stand out is the combination of fluent delivery, clear structure, well-chosen examples, and precise vocabulary. He also shows analytical thinking, acknowledges complexity, and maintains a natural, conversational tone throughout. These are exactly the qualities that push a Part 3 response toward a Band 9 score.
That’s it for today’s episode on children’s behavior and discipline. I hope today’s sample dialogue, along with our analysis, gave you useful ideas on structuring answers, supporting your points, and using clear, precise vocabulary.
Thanks for listening to IELTS TIME. Keep practicing, stay confident, and I’ll see you in the next episode.
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