1. Conversation Practice
Politics
By Paul Chen

2. Outline Starting Questions Sample Conversation Vocabulary
Useful Expressions
Further Questions
Reference

3. Starting Questions
What is politics? Or what does it mean to you? Any impression or comment?
Can people live without politics?
Please name some political activities you know and share with us your opinions on them.

4. Some Dictionary Definitions
Longman: ideas and activities relating to gaining and using power in a country, city etc.
Collins: The actions or activities concerned with achieving and using power in a country or society.
p.s. Also from what we learn in high school, 「政」是眾人的事；「治」是管理
More on

5. Sample Conversation A: Did you go vote today? B: Well, no.
A: How come? Don’t you know that it’s important for us to vote for the best person to be our mayor?
B: I just have no idea who the best candidate is.
A: Didn’t you watch their debates on TV? They shared a lot of political views with the public.
B: Yes, I know and I’ve watched each of their debates, but I just cannot feel any sincerity from any of the candidates.
A: Well, that is truly a careful observation. However, we all have to make the best choice out of limited options sometimes.
B: I guess you’re right. All right then, I will go vote now. Hope it’s not too late.

6. Vocabulary government 政府 administration 行政 Legislative Yuan 立法院
policy 政策
strategy 策略
politician 政治人物
president 總統
first lady 第一夫人
leader 領導(人)
chairperson 主席
minister 部長
mayor 市長
legislator 立法委員
Legislative Yuan 立法院
Executive Yuan 行政院
diplomacy 外交
foreign affairs 外交事務
KMT 國民黨
DPP 民進黨
PFP 親民黨
the ruling party 執政黨
opposition 在野黨
election 選舉
campaign 競
propaganda 宣傳(活動)

7. Useful Expressions have no idea 不知道、沒概念 make a choice 選擇、抉擇
e.g. I have no idea what to do this afternoon.
make a choice 選擇、抉擇
e.g. You got to make a choice about what to eat tonight. Everyone is waiting for you.
share with 分享
e.g. Tom likes to share his thoughts with others.

8. Further Questions Do you like politics? Why or why not?
What are the major political parties in Taiwan?
Who are their leaders now?
Which party is now in power in Taiwan?
What type of political system does Taiwan have?
Have you ever participated in any political activities? Do you find it fun and meaningful? Why or why not?
What are the differences between a statesman and a politician? Try to differentiate the two in your own words.

9. Reference
Wikipedia.<