Universal Basic Income (UBI) has become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and analysis of past exam questions, it’s likely that this subject will continue to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that governments should provide a universal basic income to all citizens. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
This question directly addresses the concept of UBI and requires candidates to express their opinion on whether governments should implement such a policy. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
The question asks for your opinion on whether governments should provide a universal basic income to all citizens. Key points to consider:
- Understand the concept of UBI
- Consider potential benefits and drawbacks of UBI
- Think about the government’s role in providing financial support
- Reflect on the impact on society, economy, and individuals
- Develop a clear stance (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In recent years, the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) has gained traction as a potential solution to address economic inequality and provide financial security for all citizens. While I acknowledge the noble intentions behind this proposal, I largely disagree with the idea that governments should provide UBI to all citizens due to its potential negative consequences and the availability of more targeted alternatives.
Proponents of UBI argue that it could alleviate poverty, reduce income inequality, and provide a safety net for those affected by technological unemployment. By ensuring a basic standard of living for all citizens, UBI could potentially foster innovation and entrepreneurship, as individuals would have the financial security to pursue their passions and take risks. Additionally, it could simplify the welfare system by replacing various existing benefits with a single, universal payment.
However, there are several significant drawbacks to implementing UBI on a national scale. Firstly, the cost of providing a meaningful basic income to all citizens would be astronomical, placing an enormous burden on government budgets and potentially leading to increased taxation or reduced funding for other essential services. This could have detrimental effects on economic growth and overall societal well-being. Secondly, a universal payment system may disincentivize work and productivity, as some individuals might choose to rely solely on the basic income rather than seeking employment or personal development opportunities.
Instead of implementing UBI, I believe governments should focus on more targeted approaches to address economic inequality and provide support for those in need. Enhancing existing social safety nets, investing in education and job training programs, and implementing progressive taxation policies could achieve similar goals without the potential negative consequences of UBI. Furthermore, governments could explore policies that promote fair wages, improve working conditions, and ensure equitable access to opportunities, which would address the root causes of economic inequality more effectively.
In conclusion, while the idea of Universal Basic Income may seem appealing at first glance, I believe its potential drawbacks outweigh its benefits. Rather than implementing such a sweeping and costly program, governments should focus on more targeted and sustainable approaches to address economic inequality and provide support for their citizens. By investing in education, job creation, and targeted social programs, governments can work towards a more equitable society without the risks associated with UBI.
(343 words)
Universal Basic Income pros and cons
Band 6-7 Essay
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 partially disagree with implementing UBI due to several concerns.
One argument in favor of UBI is that it could help reduce poverty and provide financial security for all citizens. By ensuring everyone has a basic income, it could potentially reduce income inequality and help people meet their basic needs. Additionally, UBI might give people more freedom to pursue education or start businesses without worrying about immediate financial pressures.
However, there are significant drawbacks to consider. The most obvious issue is the high cost of implementing UBI for an entire population. This would likely require significant tax increases or cuts to other important government programs. There is also a concern that providing a guaranteed income might discourage some people from working, which could negatively impact the economy and productivity.
Another point to consider is that a universal system might not be the most efficient way to help those in need. Instead of giving money to everyone, including those who don’t need it, governments could focus on improving existing targeted welfare programs and creating more job opportunities. This approach might be more effective in addressing poverty and unemployment.
In conclusion, while the idea of UBI has some potential benefits, I believe the challenges and potential negative consequences outweigh the advantages. Instead of implementing a universal system, governments should focus on improving existing social programs and creating economic opportunities for their citizens. This targeted approach may be more effective in addressing poverty and inequality without the risks associated with UBI.
(276 words)
Band 5-6 Essay
Some people think governments should give a universal basic income to all citizens. I partially agree with this idea because it has both good and bad points.
One good thing about universal basic income is that it can help poor people. If everyone gets some money from the government, it can make sure no one is very poor. This might make society more fair and help people feel more secure. Also, it could give people more freedom to study or try new jobs without worrying about money.
But there are also problems with this idea. The biggest problem is that it would cost a lot of money. Governments would need to get this money from somewhere, maybe by raising taxes a lot. This could make some people unhappy. Another problem is that if people get money for free, they might not want to work. This could be bad for the economy.
I think instead of giving money to everyone, governments should try to help people who really need it. They could make better programs to help poor people and create more jobs. This might be a better way to solve problems without spending so much money.
In conclusion, while universal basic income has some good points, I think it has too many problems. Governments should find other ways to help people and make society more fair.
(208 words)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Breakdown
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic, warranting a high band score:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with well-developed arguments.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, with good use of less common words and phrases.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of structures with flexibility and accuracy. There are no noticeable errors.
Band 6-7 Essay Breakdown
This essay shows good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but some aspects are covered more thoroughly than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs could be better linked.
- Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, with some less common items, though there is less precision than in the Band 8-9 essay.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control, though a few errors are present.
Band 5-6 Essay Breakdown
This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but lacks the depth and sophistication of higher band essays:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, but the development of ideas is limited.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphing could be improved, and some ideas lack clear progression.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but limited, with some repetition and lack of precision.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mostly simple sentences are used, with some attempts at complex structures. Errors are more frequent but do not impede communication.
Key Vocabulary
- Universal Basic Income (UBI) (noun) – /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈbeɪsɪk ˈɪnkʌm/ – A government program providing all citizens with a standard amount of money regularly
- Alleviate (verb) – /əˈliːvieɪt/ – To make a problem or suffering less severe
- Disincentivize (verb) – /ˌdɪsɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – To discourage an action or behavior by removing incentives
- Astronomical (adjective) – /ˌæstrəˈnɒmɪkl/ – Extremely large or expensive
- Progressive taxation (noun) – /prəˈɡresɪv tækˈseɪʃn/ – A tax system where the tax rate increases as the taxable amount increases
- Equitable (adjective) – /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – Fair and impartial
- Entrepreneurship (noun) – /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːʃɪp/ – The activity of setting up and running a business
- Social safety net (noun) – /ˈsəʊʃl ˈseɪfti net/ – Government programs that provide financial support to people in need
IELTS Writing Task 2 essay structure
In conclusion, the topic of Universal Basic Income is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as government welfare programs, income inequality, and social safety nets. You might encounter questions like:
- Should governments prioritize UBI over other social welfare programs?
- Is UBI a viable solution to address technological unemployment?
- How might UBI impact economic growth and productivity?
To improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on the topic provided in this article and share it in the comments section. This practice will help you refine your arguments, improve your essay structure, and expand your vocabulary on this important subject.
