IELTS Speaking Part 3: Should Politicians Without Experience Be Allowed to Run? - Step-by-Step Guide

Categories: IELTS
Tags: ielts, english, speaking, test-preparation, part-3, politics, democracy, governance, critical-thinking

I'm thinking about the following question: Should people without political experience, such as celebrities or athletes, be allowed to run in elections? Please help me to create my answer step by step.

Great topic! Let’s build a clear, IELTS-ready answer step by step using a simple 4-step logic. I’ll give you sentence starters and options; you can plug in your ideas and then try a full answer.


Step 1 — State your opinion (clear position)

Pick one:

  • Yes (with conditions): “Yes, they should be allowed, as long as there are strong checks and transparency.”
  • Partly (balanced): “They should be allowed, but only if they meet certain standards, like policy knowledge and public debates.”
  • No (strict): “No, I don’t think they should, because politics requires experience and technical competence.”

Useful openers: “In my view… / I firmly believe… / To some extent…”


Step 2 — Give one strong reason (+ quick example)

Choose one core reason and add a short illustration:

  • Democracy & equal opportunity: “In a democracy, any citizen should have the chance to run. For example, some outsiders bring fresh ideas and shake up stale systems.”
  • Transferable leadership skills: “Celebrities or athletes often manage teams, budgets, and media; these skills can transfer to public office. For instance, leading a charity campaign shows real-world leadership.”
  • Representation & engagement: “Famous figures can mobilize young voters and raise awareness of neglected issues, like mental health or sports funding.”

If you’re against, pick a different reason:

  • Policy complexity: “Governing requires deep policy knowledge; without it, decisions can be shallow or harmful.”
  • Populism & name recognition bias: “Voters might be swayed by fame rather than competence, which can distort results.”
  • Accountability & networks: “Experienced politicians understand institutions and checks; newcomers may lack these networks and make mistakes.”

Linkers: “The main reason is… / For instance… / This matters because…”


Step 3 — Acknowledge the other side (show balance)

  • If you said Yes/Partly, concede a risk: “Admittedly, fame can overshadow substance, and some candidates rely on slogans instead of policy.”
  • If you said No, concede a benefit: “That said, outsiders can bring fresh perspectives and challenge corruption.”

Linkers: “Admittedly… / On the other hand… / I can see why some people argue that…”


Step 4 — Conclude with balance

  • Yes/Partly conclusion:Overall, they should be allowed, provided that they pass fair debates, disclose finances, and present detailed policies.”
  • No conclusion:Overall, the risks outweigh the benefits, so eligibility should depend on proven policy knowledge and public service experience.”

Closers: “In short… / To sum up… / Ultimately…”


Plug-and-Play Template (fill the brackets)

  1. Opinion: “(Yes / Partly / No), they (should / should not) be allowed to run, because (core reason).”
  2. Reason + Example: “The main reason is (reason). For example, (short illustration).”
  3. Other side: “Admittedly / On the other hand, (counterpoint).”
  4. Conclusion: “Overall, (balanced summary) and (condition or recommendation).”

Two Model Answers (you can imitate the rhythm)

Model A — Partly / With conditions

Partly yes—they should be allowed to run, as long as there are strong safeguards. The main reason is that democracy works best when it’s open: outsiders can bring fresh ideas and energize younger voters. For example, famous athletes who lead charities often show real leadership and communication skills. Admittedly, fame can overshadow substance, and some people vote for a name rather than a plan. Overall, they should be eligible, provided that they pass public policy debates, publish detailed platforms, and face strict financial transparency.”

Model B — No / Experience first

No, not really. Elections shouldn’t be a popularity contest. The main reason is that governing is technically complex; without experience, leaders may oversimplify serious issues. For instance, negotiating budgets or drafting legislation requires expertise and institutional know-how. That said, outsiders can challenge stale thinking and raise public interest. Overall, the risks outweigh the benefits, so candidates should demonstrate policy competence and a record of public service before running.”


Useful Vocabulary & Phrases (B2–C1)

  • Governance / accountability / transparency / merit-based / populism / policy literacy
  • “Name recognition can distort voter judgment.”
  • “Set minimum competency benchmarks.”
  • “Present a costed policy platform.”
  • “Balance inclusivity with institutional stability.”

Your turn

Choose Yes / Partly / No, fill the template with one reason and one counterpoint, and send me your draft. I’ll give you detailed feedback on fluency, vocabulary, coherence, and any unnatural phrasing, plus a polished version you can model.