Answer the questions below.

• Are you interested in politics? Has this changed over time?
• Are you now, or have you ever been, a member of a political party?
• How important is politics in your opinion?

Study the words in this flashcard game. Make sure you know them all.

Listen to the first part of a radio programme about politics. 

Read the transcript below.

Hello everyone. In our program The World Around Us, we’ve asked four teenagers from different countries about their political views. Here’s what they told us.

Speaker A.

I’m interested in many aspects of political life, especially international relations and the way human rights are violated in many countries in Africa and Asia.

I believe it’s unfair the way people in the third world have to face so many problems they just cannot cope with, and at the same time, all the economically developed countries become richer and richer.There’s so much food wasted in one place and in another, people are dying.

I don’t pay any attention to our local problems, all those conflicts between various parties.

I don’t vote because there is no political party worth voting for.

Answer the questions below.

The first two are about the radio programme. The last one is an open discussion question.

• What aspects of political life is Speaker A most interested in?

• Why doesn’t Speaker A vote in local elections?

• Do you agree with Speaker A’s view on the disparity between economically developed countries and third-world countries?

Listen to the first part of a radio programme about politics. 

Read the transcript below.

Speaker B.

Well, what I dislike about our politicians is that they constantly criticize previous governments, but they don’t really do anything to improve the situation. They seem to have no idea about how to rule the country.

Some of the recent regulations are absurd. I can’t see any political option that would meet my expectations.

I am going to vote in the general election because I want to do what I can to reduce the number of unsuitable politicians in parliament. I’m not very optimistic, though.

Answer the questions below.

The first two are about the radio programme. The last one is an open discussion question.

• What is Speaker B’s main criticism of current politicians?
• Despite his criticisms, why does Speaker B intend to vote in the general election?
• Do you think it’s productive for politicians to constantly criticize previous governments?

Listen to the first part of a radio programme about politics. 

Read the transcript below.

Speaker C.

Politics is important because it affects our life. If you want to be a responsible citizen, it’s your obligation to participate in the political life of your country. It’s a chance to influence the decisions that are important.

Besides, if you don’t do anything, you have no right to criticise anybody.

I have quite a strong political views. I read the papers and watch the news. I know quite a lot about the views and manifestos of various parties and try to follow what’s going on both in the world and at home.

So, when I vote for people to represent me, I know what I’m doing.

Answer the questions below.

The first two are about the radio programme. The last one is an open discussion question.

• According to Speaker C, why is it important to participate in the political life of your country?

• How does Speaker C ensure they are informed before voting?

• Speaker C believes that if you don’t participate, you have no right to criticize. Do you agree with this sentiment?

Listen to the first part of a radio programme about politics. 

Read the transcript below.

Speaker D

If I could vote, I’m not sure I would do it, because all the governments we’ve had have disappointed me. It makes me feel angry and powerless to see completely uneducated people becoming officials and doing jobs they know nothing about.

What’s even worse, most of them are corrupt. They don’t really care about the people who chose them, and their only aim is to earn as much as possible.

Answer the questions below.

The first two are about the radio programme. The last one is an open discussion question.

• What is Speaker D’s primary concern about the officials in government?
• Does Speaker D express certainty about voting if given the chance? Why or why not?
• How do you think a society can address the issue of corruption and unqualified officials in government?
  

Cast your vote in the poll.

Share your opinions and comments below.