Answer the questions below. Listen to some model answers. Read the transcript.

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

To be honest, I think politics is just a show. The promises, the speeches, the campaigns — it’s all for appearances. Once politicians get into power, they forget about ordinary people and take care of their own circles.

I used to keep up with political debates and elections, but after a few years, I felt like I was being tricked. Nothing ever really changes, and corruption stays the same no matter who’s in charge. I’ve stopped voting because I don’t want to waste my time supporting a broken system.

Some people tell me I should still get involved, but I think that’s naive. For me, politics is more about manipulation than leadership. If change is going to happen, it won’t come from the top — it’ll come from the streets, from people pushing back.

I’ve been a member of a political party for almost a decade now. I joined because I believe that real change starts with responsibility, not complaints. Too many people like to criticise without offering solutions — I wanted to do something more.

I help organise local events, talk to voters, and work on policy discussions. Of course, politics isn’t perfect — there are internal struggles, compromises, and delays. But that’s democracy. You can’t expect fast results in a system that needs debate.

Being politically active has given me purpose. It’s not about power — it’s about standing up for your values. If you want a better society, you need to get involved, not just comment from the sidelines.

I wouldn’t call myself a political person, but I do care about social issues. I regularly follow the news and try to stay informed about what’s happening in my country and around the world. Some decisions made by politicians really frustrate me, especially when they ignore climate goals or public health concerns.

I don’t belong to a party, but I vote in every election. I also speak out online and support campaigns that match my beliefs. I know politics is full of problems, but turning away doesn’t help.

For me, politics is like a tool. If you don’t use it, someone else will — and probably not in a way you like. So I stay involved, even if I don’t always trust the people in power.

I’ve never loved politics. To me, it’s often loud, messy, and full of empty promises. But over the years, I’ve come to realise that staying out of it doesn’t protect you — it just leaves you powerless.

I started paying attention when new economic laws hit my business hard. I began attending community meetings, asking questions, and reading about policy changes. I still don’t feel totally confident in the system, but I believe holding leaders accountable is better than doing nothing.

I’d say I’m a reluctant participant. I don’t enjoy it, but I see the need. If we want a future where we’re not constantly reacting to bad decisions, we have to be part of the process — even if it’s uncomfortable.

Cast your vote in the poll.

Sven:
So… did you watch the whole debate last night?

Pete:
Yeah, unfortunately. I wasn’t planning to, but once I started, I couldn’t look away — like watching a slow-motion car crash.

Sven:
I know what you mean. I didn’t expect much, but I thought I should at least hear what they had to say. You know, be informed.

Pete:
Fair enough. But to be honest, I’m tired of the same empty promises. They all talk about reforming education or solving the housing crisis, but nothing ever really changes.

Sven:
That’s true, but one of them did make some valid points about income inequality and access to healthcare. I wouldn’t say I was impressed, but… it felt a bit more grounded than usual.

Pete:
Maybe. But when one of them says, “we’ll tackle corruption,” and then completely ignores how their own party’s involved in shady stuff… I just can’t take it seriously.

Sven:
Yeah, there’s definitely a trust issue. But I guess I still believe that not all politicians are the same. Some might actually want to make a difference.

Pete:
You’re more optimistic than I am. I think they’re all just playing the game — saying what people want to hear to win votes, not to serve the public good.

Sven:
I get that. I really do. But if we stop listening and give up completely, don’t we just let the worst ones run the show?

Pete:
Maybe. But it’s hard to stay engaged when the whole system feels broken. I support certain causes — climate action, protecting social welfare — but trusting politicians to lead them? That’s another story.

Sven:
Same here. I don’t trust the system, but I also don’t want to look back in ten years and feel like I didn’t even try.

Pete:
Fair point. I guess we have to stay involved, even if it’s just to hold them accountable.

Sven:
Exactly. It’s not about believing everything they say — it’s about not checking out completely.

When people think of presidents, they usually imagine luxury cars, formal suits, and grand houses. But José Mujica, who served as the president of Uruguay from 2010 to 2015, broke that stereotype completely. Often described as “the world’s poorest president,” Mujica chose a life of modesty and simplicity, even while holding the highest office in the country.

Mujica lived on a small farm outside Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, with his wife and three-legged dog. Instead of living in the official presidential palace, he stayed in his old house, drove a 1987 Volkswagen Beetle, and donated around 90% of his salary to charities and small businesses. He believed that leaders should live like the people they serve, not above them.

But Mujica didn’t like being called “poor.” In a 2014 interview, he said:

“I’m not a poor president. Poor is someone who needs a lot. My definition is Seneca’s. I’m a sober president; I need little to live.”

A former guerrilla fighter who spent over a decade in prison, Mujica had seen both freedom and hardship. Those experiences shaped his political values. He believed in honesty, equality, and simple living. As a leader, he focused on healthcare, education, and legalising same-sex marriage and cannabis — bold moves that gained him international respect.

Many admired Mujica not just for his ideas, but for how he lived them. In a world where politicians often lose touch with everyday reality, he became a symbol of authentic leadership. He reminded people that power doesn’t have to mean luxury — it can mean humility, courage, and service.

Share your opinions and comments below.