IELTS Writing Task 2: Expert Guide on Universal Basic Income with Sample Essays for Different Bands

Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years, making it a popular subject for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This comprehensive guide will provide you with expert insights, sample essays for different band scores, and a detailed analysis to help you excel in your IELTS writing task.

Analyzing the Topic: Universal Basic Income

The concept of Universal Basic Income has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on past exam trends and current socio-economic discussions, it’s highly likely that this topic will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s examine a typical question on this subject:

Some people think that governments should provide a universal basic income, while others argue that it would be harmful to society. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Understanding the Question

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss arguments in favor of UBI
2. Discuss arguments against UBI
3. Provide your own opinion on the matter

It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score.

Sample Essays

Band 8-9 Essay

In recent years, the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) has gained traction among policymakers and economists alike. While proponents argue that it could alleviate poverty and provide economic security, critics contend that it might have detrimental effects on society. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Those in favor of UBI argue that it could serve as a safety net for all citizens, ensuring that basic needs are met regardless of employment status. They contend that in an era of increasing automation and job insecurity, UBI could provide a stable foundation for individuals to pursue education, start businesses, or engage in creative endeavors. Moreover, advocates suggest that UBI could reduce income inequality and stimulate economic growth by increasing consumer spending.

On the other hand, opponents of UBI raise concerns about its potential negative impacts. They argue that providing a guaranteed income might discourage work and reduce productivity, leading to a decrease in overall economic output. Critics also point out the substantial cost of implementing UBI, which could strain government budgets and potentially lead to higher taxes or cuts in other essential services. Furthermore, there are concerns that UBI might lead to inflation, as increased consumer spending could drive up prices.

In my opinion, while the idea of UBI is appealing in theory, its implementation requires careful consideration and planning. I believe that a modified form of UBI, such as a negative income tax or targeted basic income for specific vulnerable groups, might be more feasible and effective. This approach could provide support to those who need it most while mitigating some of the potential drawbacks associated with a universal system.

In conclusion, the debate surrounding Universal Basic Income is complex and multifaceted. While it offers potential benefits in terms of poverty reduction and economic security, there are valid concerns about its economic viability and societal impact. As such, policymakers should carefully weigh the pros and cons, considering alternative approaches that might achieve similar goals without the associated risks.

(Word count: 309)

Band 6-7 Essay

The idea of governments providing a Universal Basic Income (UBI) has become a hot topic in recent years. Some people think it’s a good idea, while others believe it could harm society. In this essay, I will discuss both views and share my own opinion.

Those who support UBI say it could help reduce poverty and provide financial security for everyone. They argue that with more and more jobs being replaced by machines, UBI could help people who lose their jobs. It could also give people the freedom to pursue education or start their own businesses without worrying about basic needs. Supporters also believe that UBI could reduce inequality and boost the economy by giving people more money to spend.

On the other hand, critics of UBI worry that it might make people lazy and less likely to work. They think that if everyone gets free money, some might choose not to work at all, which could hurt the economy. Another big concern is the cost of UBI. It would be very expensive for governments to give money to everyone, and this might lead to higher taxes or cuts in other important services. Some people also worry that UBI could cause prices to go up, making everything more expensive.

In my opinion, while UBI sounds like a good idea, it might be too difficult and expensive to implement right now. I think a better solution might be to provide financial help only to those who really need it, like people who lose their jobs or are struggling to make ends meet. This way, we can help those in need without spending too much money or risking negative effects on the economy.

To conclude, Universal Basic Income is a complicated issue with both potential benefits and drawbacks. While it could help reduce poverty and provide security, there are concerns about its cost and impact on society. I believe that a more targeted approach to helping those in need might be more practical and effective.

(Word count: 307)

Universal Basic Income concept

Band 5-6 Essay

Universal Basic Income (UBI) is when the government gives money to all citizens regularly. Some people think this is a good idea, but others say it can be bad for society. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.

People who like UBI say it can help poor people and give everyone some money to live on. They think it’s good because many jobs are being replaced by computers and robots, so UBI can help people who lose their jobs. Also, they say UBI can let people study more or start businesses because they don’t have to worry about money for food and housing.

But other people don’t like UBI. They worry that if everyone gets free money, some people might not want to work anymore. This could be bad for the economy. They also say UBI would cost a lot of money, and the government might have to raise taxes or cut other important things like healthcare or education to pay for it. Some people think UBI might make things more expensive in stores.

I think UBI is an interesting idea, but it might be too hard to do right now. It would cost too much money and might cause problems. I think it’s better to help only the people who really need money, like those who don’t have jobs or are very poor. This way, we can help people without spending too much money.

In conclusion, UBI has good and bad points. It could help some people, but it might also cause problems. I think we should find other ways to help people who need money instead of giving money to everyone.

(Word count: 262)

Analysis of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphing is well-managed, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Examples include “alleviate poverty,” “economic security,” and “stimulate economic growth.”
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of grammatical structures is used accurately and appropriately. Complex sentences are handled with confidence.

Band 6-7 Essay Analysis

This essay shows good writing skills with some areas for improvement:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though the ideas could be more fully developed.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs could be better linked.
3. Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, with some attempts at less common words. However, there’s room for more sophisticated vocabulary.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control, though there are some errors.

Band 5-6 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates basic writing skills with several areas needing improvement:

1. Task Response: The main points are addressed, but ideas are not fully developed.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphing could be improved.
3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive in places.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mostly simple sentences are used, with some attempts at complex structures. There are some grammatical errors.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Universal Basic Income (UBI) (noun) /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈbeɪsɪk ˈɪnkʌm/: A government program providing all citizens with a standard amount of money regularly.

2. Alleviate (verb) /əˈliːvieɪt/: To make a problem or suffering less severe.

3. Economic security (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk sɪˈkjʊərəti/: The condition of having stable income or other resources to support a standard of living now and in the foreseeable future.

4. Automation (noun) /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/: The use of machines and technology to do work previously done by humans.

5. Income inequality (noun phrase) /ˈɪnkʌm ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/: The extent to which income is distributed in an uneven manner among a population.

6. Productivity (noun) /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/: The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.

7. Feasible (adjective) /ˈfiːzəbl/: Possible and practical to do easily or conveniently.

8. Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.

9. Implement (verb) /ˈɪmplɪment/: Put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect.

10. Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/: Make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful.

Conclusion

The topic of Universal Basic Income is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions due to its ongoing significance in global economic discussions. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on this topic, considering different perspectives and potential implementations of UBI.

For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:

1. The role of government in providing social welfare
2. The impact of automation on employment
3. Strategies for reducing income inequality

Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully address all parts of the question. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS aspirants.