Why to Become a Politician

men in suit walking on street holding signages
Type: Vocabulary
Originally published on July 17, 2019 and last updated on February 6, 2023

Becoming a politician is not usually top of the list when you ask schoolchildren what they would like to be when they grow up, but there are many people who decide to pursue a career in politics.

Being a politician comes with its downsides as you will be a public figure who is commonly scrutinised by both the public and the media, and in some cases, the hate they receive goes beyond what is acceptable. Given the negative points associated with becoming a politician, why do you think people choose to become politicians?

Instructions:
Go through the vocabulary below with your students and ask them to try and use this vocabaulry where possible when discussing the different conversation questions.

Useful Vocabulary

Try and use the following vocabulary when answering the question. Click to look up the definition in the dictionary

  • politics (noun)
  • politicians (noun)
  • run (verb)
  • scrutinise (verb)
  • hateful (adjective)
  • responsibility (noun)
  • public eye (noun)

Conversation Questions

  • Why do you think people choose to become politicians?
  • Do you know anyone who is a politician?
  • What is your perception of politicians?
  • Why do you think some people hate politicians?
  • Do you think more should be done to encourage children to get into politics?
  • What are the good aspects of being a politician?
Gregory
This conversation topic was prepared by Gregory

Gregory is a qualified TEFL teacher who has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (ESL) for over a decade. He has taught in-person classes in Spain and to English learners around the world online.