Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly in discussions about economic policy and social welfare. This subject has appeared in several IELTS Writing Task 2 questions and is likely to continue being a relevant topic for future exams. In this article, we’ll explore a sample IELTS Writing Task 2 question on UBI and provide model essays for different band scores, along with detailed analyses to help you improve your writing skills.
Analyzing the Task 2 Question
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people believe that governments should provide a universal basic income (UBI) to all citizens, regardless of their employment status. Others argue that this would be too expensive and could discourage people from working. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss arguments in favor of UBI
- Discuss arguments against UBI
- Present your own opinion on the matter
Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your personal view.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
In recent years, the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) has gained traction as a potential solution to economic inequality and job insecurity. While some advocate for its implementation, others argue that it could be financially unsustainable and potentially demotivating. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint on this contentious issue.
Proponents of UBI argue that it could provide a safety net for all citizens, reducing poverty and income inequality. By guaranteeing a basic standard of living, UBI could alleviate financial stress and allow individuals to pursue education, start businesses, or engage in creative endeavors without the constant pressure of meeting basic needs. Moreover, as automation continues to displace workers in various industries, UBI could serve as a cushion against technological unemployment, ensuring that people can maintain a decent quality of life even as the job market evolves.
On the other hand, critics contend that implementing UBI would be prohibitively expensive for governments, potentially leading to higher taxes or cuts in other essential services. There are concerns that a guaranteed income might reduce the incentive to work, potentially causing a decrease in overall productivity and economic output. Additionally, some argue that UBI could lead to inflation, as businesses might raise prices knowing that consumers have a guaranteed income.
In my opinion, while UBI presents some compelling benefits, its implementation would require careful consideration and planning. I believe that a modified version of UBI, perhaps targeting specific demographics or implementing it gradually, could be a more feasible approach. This could involve providing a basic income to those below a certain income threshold or to young adults starting their careers, rather than a blanket payment to all citizens. Such an approach could help address specific societal issues without the full financial burden of a universal system.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding UBI is complex and multifaceted. While it offers potential solutions to economic inequality and job insecurity, concerns about its cost and potential negative effects on work motivation cannot be ignored. A nuanced approach, tailored to specific societal needs and economic realities, may be the most prudent way forward in addressing the challenges that UBI aims to solve.
(Word count: 339)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and would likely score in the Band 8-9 range. Here’s why:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
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Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “Universal Basic Income,” “economic inequality,” and “technological unemployment.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of complex sentence structures with high accuracy.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
The idea of Universal Basic Income (UBI) has become popular recently. Some people think governments should give money to all citizens, no matter if they have a job or not. Others say this would cost too much and might make people lazy. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
People who support UBI say it can help reduce poverty. If everyone gets a basic income, they won’t have to worry about food or housing. This could give people more freedom to study or start businesses. Also, as more jobs are replaced by machines, UBI could help people who lose their jobs.
However, there are problems with UBI. It would be very expensive for governments to give money to everyone. They might have to raise taxes a lot or cut other important services. Some people worry that if everyone gets free money, they might not want to work anymore. This could be bad for the economy.
In my opinion, UBI is an interesting idea, but it might be too difficult to do right now. I think governments should focus on helping people who really need it, like the unemployed or low-income families. They could also invest in education and job training to help people find better jobs.
To conclude, UBI has both good and bad points. While it could help reduce poverty, it’s very expensive and might cause problems. I believe that targeted support for those in need is a better solution than giving money to everyone.
(Word count: 253)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good writing skills and would likely score in the Band 6-7 range. Here’s why:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but could use more sophisticated linking words.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but lacks the sophistication of higher band scores.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good accuracy.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly but could be elaborated on more.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Universal Basic Income (UBI) (noun) – /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈbeɪsɪk ˈɪnkʌm/ – A government program providing all citizens with a standard amount of money regardless of employment status.
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Economic inequality (noun) – /ˌekəˈnɒmɪk ˌɪnɪˈkwɒləti/ – The uneven distribution of income and opportunity among different groups in society.
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Technological unemployment (noun) – /ˌteknəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt/ – Job loss caused by technological change.
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Safety net (noun) – /ˈseɪfti net/ – A system or measure providing protection against hardship or adversity.
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Incentive (noun) – /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
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Productivity (noun) – /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ – The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.
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Inflation (noun) – /ɪnˈfleɪʃn/ – A general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money.
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Feasible (adjective) – /ˈfiːzəbl/ – Possible to do easily or conveniently.
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Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
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Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features.
In conclusion, the topic of Universal Basic Income is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of government in providing social welfare
- The impact of automation on employment
- Strategies for reducing economic inequality
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and fully address all parts of the question. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.