The topic of universal basic income has been gaining traction in recent years, making it a popular subject for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on an analysis of past IELTS exams and current socio-economic trends, it’s highly likely that questions related to this topic will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that governments should introduce a universal basic income to replace existing welfare benefits. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
This question reflects the ongoing debate about social welfare systems and economic policies. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question asks for your opinion on whether governments should replace existing welfare benefits with a universal basic income (UBI). Key points to consider:
- Understand the concept of UBI and how it differs from traditional welfare systems
- Consider the potential advantages and disadvantages of UBI
- Think about the implications of replacing existing welfare benefits
- Develop a clear stance on the issue and support it with relevant examples and reasoning
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Universal basic income (UBI) has emerged as a controversial proposal in recent years, with proponents arguing that it could simplify welfare systems and provide a safety net for all citizens. While I acknowledge the potential benefits of UBI, I ultimately disagree with the notion that it should completely replace existing welfare benefits.
One of the main arguments in favor of UBI is its simplicity and universality. Unlike traditional welfare systems, which often involve complex eligibility criteria and bureaucratic processes, UBI would provide a standard payment to all citizens regardless of their circumstances. This could potentially reduce administrative costs and eliminate the stigma associated with receiving welfare. Furthermore, UBI could provide a financial cushion for those facing job insecurity in an increasingly automated workforce.
However, replacing all existing welfare benefits with UBI could lead to significant drawbacks. Firstly, a one-size-fits-all approach may not adequately address the diverse needs of different individuals and families. For instance, people with disabilities or chronic illnesses may require additional support beyond a basic income. Similarly, families with children or elderly dependents may face higher living costs that a standard UBI payment might not cover.
Moreover, the implementation of UBI as a sole welfare measure could be prohibitively expensive for many governments. Providing a meaningful level of income to all citizens would require substantial funding, potentially leading to higher taxes or cuts in other essential services. This could inadvertently exacerbate inequality if it results in reduced investment in public education, healthcare, or infrastructure.
A more balanced approach would be to introduce UBI as a complementary measure to existing welfare systems. This could involve implementing a modest basic income while maintaining targeted support for vulnerable groups. Such a hybrid model could provide a universal safety net while still addressing specific needs through specialized programs.
In conclusion, while universal basic income presents an intriguing concept for reforming welfare systems, it should not entirely replace existing benefits. A nuanced approach that combines elements of UBI with targeted support programs would be more effective in addressing the complex socio-economic challenges of modern societies. Governments should carefully consider the potential impacts and explore gradual implementations to ensure that any changes to the welfare system truly benefit all members of society.
(Word count: 367)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The idea of governments introducing a universal basic income (UBI) to replace existing welfare benefits is a topic of much debate. In my opinion, while UBI has some advantages, I disagree that it should completely replace current welfare systems.
One advantage of UBI is that it could provide a safety net for everyone. With automation and job insecurity increasing, a basic income could help people meet their basic needs. It might also reduce the stigma associated with receiving welfare, as everyone would get the same amount. Additionally, UBI could be simpler to administer than complex welfare systems, potentially saving government resources.
However, there are several reasons why UBI should not entirely replace existing benefits. Firstly, different people have different needs. For example, someone with a disability might require more support than a healthy individual. A single UBI payment might not be enough to cover these varied needs. Secondly, implementing UBI could be very expensive for governments, possibly leading to higher taxes or cuts in other important areas like healthcare or education.
Another concern is that UBI might discourage some people from working. While this is debatable, it’s possible that a guaranteed income could reduce the incentive to seek employment for some individuals. This could have negative effects on the economy and society as a whole.
Instead of completely replacing welfare benefits with UBI, a better approach might be to introduce it alongside existing systems. This way, there could be a basic safety net for everyone, while still providing additional support for those who need it most. Governments could also test UBI on a small scale before making any big changes.
In conclusion, while universal basic income is an interesting idea with some potential benefits, I do not agree that it should entirely replace existing welfare benefits. A combination of UBI and targeted support programs would likely be more effective in addressing the diverse needs of society. Governments should carefully consider all options and potential consequences before making significant changes to their welfare systems.
(Word count: 329)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Some people think governments should give everyone a basic income instead of normal welfare benefits. I partly agree with this idea, but I think it also has some problems.
One good thing about universal basic income is that everyone gets money, not just some people. This could help people who are having trouble finding jobs or who don’t earn enough. It might also be easier for the government to give everyone the same amount of money instead of checking who needs help.
But there are also bad things about this idea. First, it might cost the government a lot of money. They might have to raise taxes or spend less on other important things like schools or hospitals. Also, some people need more help than others. For example, sick people or families with many children might need extra support that a basic income doesn’t give.
Another problem is that if everyone gets free money, some people might not want to work. This could be bad for the economy if many people stop working. But some people say that most people would still want to work to earn extra money or do something they enjoy.
I think a better idea would be to have both universal basic income and some of the old welfare benefits. This way, everyone gets some help, but people who need extra support can still get it. The government should try this idea in small areas first to see if it works well.
In conclusion, I think universal basic income is an interesting idea, but it shouldn’t completely replace all welfare benefits. Governments should think carefully about how to help people in the best way without causing new problems.
(Word count: 274)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
- Clear and well-developed position throughout the essay
- Logical structure with each paragraph addressing a specific aspect
- Wide range of vocabulary used accurately (e.g., “controversial proposal,” “bureaucratic processes,” “prohibitively expensive”)
- Complex sentence structures used effectively
- Relevant examples and reasoning to support arguments
- Balanced consideration of multiple perspectives
- Cohesive and coherent throughout
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows good writing skills with some areas for improvement:
- Clear position presented, but could be more consistently developed
- Logical structure, but paragraphs could be more fully elaborated
- Good range of vocabulary with some less precise word choices
- Mix of simple and complex sentences, but could use more sophisticated structures
- Relevant ideas and examples, but could be more fully explained
- Some consideration of different perspectives
- Generally coherent, but could use more advanced linking devices
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay demonstrates adequate writing skills but has several limitations:
- Position is present but not consistently clear
- Basic paragraph structure, but ideas could be more fully developed
- Limited range of vocabulary with some repetition
- Mostly simple sentence structures with some errors
- Basic ideas presented, but lacking in detail and explanation
- Limited consideration of different perspectives
- Some coherence, but relies on simple linking words
The importance of universal basic income is a topic that requires careful consideration of various factors. As these sample essays demonstrate, the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and coherently is crucial for achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Universal basic income (UBI) (noun) /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈbeɪsɪk ˈɪnkʌm/ – a government program in which every adult citizen receives a set amount of money regularly
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Welfare benefits (noun) /ˈwelfeə ˈbenɪfɪts/ – government support programs for people in need
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Bureaucratic (adjective) /ˌbjʊərəˈkrætɪk/ – involving complicated official rules and processes
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Stigma (noun) /ˈstɪɡmə/ – strong feeling of disapproval that most people in a society have about something
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Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – to make a bad situation worse
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Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle distinctions
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Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – something that encourages a person to do something
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Implementation (noun) /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃn/ – the process of putting a plan into action
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Automated (adjective) /ˈɔːtəmeɪtɪd/ – operated by machines or computers instead of people
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Complementary (adjective) /ˌkɒmplɪˈmentri/ – combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other
Conclusion
The debate surrounding universal basic income and its potential to replace existing welfare systems is a complex and nuanced topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. By studying these sample essays and analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, you can improve your own writing skills and develop a better understanding of how to approach such questions.
To further enhance your preparation, consider practicing with similar topics such as should governments enforce a universal minimum wage, or exploring how should public transportation be free in all major cities could impact urban economies. These related subjects can help you develop a broader perspective on socio-economic policies and their potential effects.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to present a clear position, support it with relevant examples and reasoning, and demonstrate your language skills through a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Practice writing essays on this topic and others, and don’t hesitate to share your attempts in the comments section for feedback and further discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!