Universal Basic Income (UBI) and its impact on social welfare is a topic that has gained significant traction in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on an analysis of past exam trends and expert predictions, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent exams and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.

Some people think that governments should provide a universal basic income to all citizens, regardless of their employment status or income level. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires you to discuss your opinion on whether governments should implement a universal basic income system. It’s crucial to:

1. Clearly state your position (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
2. Provide reasons and examples to support your stance
3. Consider potential counterarguments
4. Conclude by summarizing your main points

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In recent years, the concept of universal basic income (UBI) has gained traction as a potential solution to various socio-economic issues. While some argue that governments should provide a basic income to all citizens regardless of their employment or financial status, I partially agree with this view, as it has both significant advantages and potential drawbacks.

On the one hand, implementing a UBI system could have substantial benefits for society. Firstly, it would provide a safety net for all citizens, ensuring that everyone has access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. This could dramatically reduce poverty rates and improve overall quality of life for many individuals. Secondly, a UBI could foster innovation and entrepreneurship by allowing people to take risks and pursue their passions without the fear of financial ruin. For instance, aspiring entrepreneurs might be more willing to start businesses, knowing they have a basic income to fall back on if their ventures fail.

However, there are valid concerns about the feasibility and potential negative consequences of a UBI system. The most significant challenge is the enormous cost of implementing such a program, which could place a substantial burden on government budgets and potentially lead to higher taxes or increased national debt. Furthermore, critics argue that a UBI might discourage work and productivity, as some individuals may choose to rely solely on their basic income rather than seeking employment or professional growth.

Universal Basic Income impact on social welfare

In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines elements of UBI with targeted social welfare programs could be more effective. For example, governments could provide a partial basic income to all citizens while maintaining means-tested support for those in greatest need. This approach would offer some of the benefits of UBI, such as reducing poverty and providing a safety net, while mitigating the potential drawbacks of a full UBI system.

In conclusion, while universal basic income has the potential to address many societal issues, its implementation requires careful consideration of both its advantages and challenges. A nuanced approach that incorporates elements of UBI alongside existing social welfare systems may be the most effective way to balance the needs of citizens with the practical realities of government budgets and economic incentives.

Should governments provide universal basic income to citizens? This question continues to spark debate among policymakers and economists, highlighting the complexity of the issue and the need for thorough analysis before implementation.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The idea of governments providing a universal basic income (UBI) to all citizens has become a topic of debate in recent years. While this concept has some potential benefits, I disagree with implementing it for all citizens regardless of their employment or income status.

One argument in favor of UBI is that it could help reduce poverty and provide a safety net for people who are struggling financially. By ensuring that everyone has a minimum income, the government could potentially improve the overall quality of life for many citizens. Additionally, UBI might give people more freedom to pursue education or start businesses without worrying about basic survival needs.

However, there are several significant drawbacks to implementing a universal basic income system. Firstly, the cost of providing a basic income to all citizens would be enormous, potentially putting a huge strain on government budgets. This could lead to higher taxes or cuts in other important areas like healthcare or education. Secondly, giving money to everyone, including those who don’t need it, seems wasteful and unfair. It might be better to focus on providing support to those who truly need it.

Pros and cons of Universal Basic Income

Another concern is that UBI could discourage people from working. If people receive a basic income regardless of their employment status, some might choose not to work or to work less, which could negatively impact the economy and productivity. This could lead to a shortage of workers in important sectors and potentially slow down economic growth.

In conclusion, while the idea of universal basic income has some potential benefits, I believe the drawbacks outweigh the advantages. Instead of implementing UBI for all citizens, governments should focus on improving existing social welfare programs and providing targeted support to those who need it most. This approach would be more cost-effective and fair while still addressing poverty and social inequality issues.

The impact of universal basic income on poverty reduction is a complex topic that requires careful consideration of various economic and social factors.

Explaining the Scoring

Band 8-9 Essay:

This essay demonstrates excellent command of the English language and addresses all parts of the task effectively:

1. Task Response: The essay presents a clear position (partial agreement) and fully develops ideas with relevant examples and explanations.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including less common words and phrases (e.g., “foster innovation,” “nuanced approach”).
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A variety of complex structures are used accurately, with only minor errors that do not impede communication.

Band 6-7 Essay:

This essay shows a good grasp of the language but has some limitations:

1. Task Response: The essay presents a clear position (disagreement) and addresses main ideas, but some points could be further 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, but there’s less sophistication compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentences is used, with generally good control, but there’s less variety than in the higher band essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Universal Basic Income (UBI) (noun) – /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈbeɪsɪk ˈɪnkʌm/ – A government program providing regular payments to all citizens
2. Socio-economic (adjective) – /ˌsəʊsɪəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk/ – Relating to social and economic factors
3. Feasibility (noun) – /ˌfiːzəˈbɪləti/ – The state of being possible or likely
4. Entrepreneurship (noun) – /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːʃɪp/ – The activity of setting up businesses
5. Means-tested (adjective) – /miːnz ˈtestɪd/ – (of benefits) given only to people who can prove they need them
6. Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle differences
7. Drawbacks (noun) – /ˈdrɔːbæks/ – Disadvantages or problems
8. Implement (verb) – /ˈɪmplɪment/ – Put into effect or action
9. Safety net (noun) – /ˈseɪfti net/ – A safeguard against hardship or adversity
10. Targeted support (noun phrase) – /ˈtɑːɡɪtɪd səˈpɔːt/ – Assistance aimed at specific groups or individuals in need

In conclusion, the topic of universal basic income and its impact on social welfare is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. The benefits and drawbacks of universal basic income are complex and multifaceted, making it an excellent subject for testing critical thinking and writing skills. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as:

1. The role of government in providing social welfare
2. The impact of automation on employment and income inequality
3. Alternative approaches to reducing poverty and improving quality of life

Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures to showcase your language skills. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion with fellow learners.