Universal basic income (UBI) has become a hot topic in recent years, frequently appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on past exam trends and current socio-economic discussions, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to be featured in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a relevant question and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that governments should provide a universal basic income to all citizens, regardless of their employment status. Others believe this would be too expensive and lead to a less motivated workforce. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for providing universal basic income
- Discuss arguments against providing universal basic income
- Present their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band levels.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8)
Universal basic income (UBI) has garnered significant attention as a potential solution to various socio-economic issues. While proponents argue that it could alleviate poverty and provide financial security, critics contend that it may be economically unfeasible and potentially demotivating. In my opinion, while UBI presents certain advantages, its implementation would require careful consideration and may not be suitable for all countries.
Advocates of UBI argue that it could effectively combat poverty and reduce income inequality. By providing a guaranteed income to all citizens, regardless of their employment status, UBI could ensure that everyone has access to basic necessities and a minimum standard of living. This financial safety net could potentially reduce stress and anxiety related to job insecurity, allowing individuals to pursue education, start businesses, or engage in creative endeavors without the constant worry of meeting basic needs. Furthermore, UBI could simplify welfare systems, reducing administrative costs and eliminating the stigma often associated with traditional welfare programs.
On the other hand, critics raise valid concerns about the economic viability and potential negative consequences of UBI. The most significant argument against UBI is its enormous cost, which could place a substantial burden on government budgets and potentially lead to higher taxes or increased national debt. Additionally, there are concerns that a guaranteed income might reduce the incentive to work, leading to a less productive workforce and potentially harming economic growth. Some argue that UBI could lead to inflation, as increased consumer spending power might drive up prices, ultimately negating the benefits of the additional income.
In my view, while UBI presents an intriguing concept with potential benefits, its implementation would require careful consideration of each country’s unique economic situation and social structure. For developed nations with strong economies and existing welfare systems, a gradual introduction of UBI might be feasible and beneficial. However, for developing countries with limited resources, implementing UBI could prove challenging and potentially detrimental to economic growth. Instead, these nations might benefit more from targeted welfare programs and investments in education and job creation.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding universal basic income is complex and multifaceted. While it offers potential solutions to poverty and income inequality, concerns about its economic feasibility and impact on workforce motivation cannot be ignored. Ultimately, any decision to implement UBI should be based on thorough economic analysis and careful consideration of a country’s specific circumstances.
(343 words)
Universal Basic Income Debate: Pros and Cons
Sample Essay 2 (Band 7)
The idea of governments providing a universal basic income (UBI) to all citizens has sparked debates worldwide. While some believe it could solve various social issues, others argue it would be too expensive and potentially harmful to the workforce. This essay will discuss both viewpoints and provide my personal opinion on the matter.
Proponents of UBI argue that it could effectively reduce poverty and provide financial security to all citizens. By guaranteeing a basic income, regardless of employment status, UBI could ensure that everyone has access to essential needs such as food, housing, and healthcare. This could potentially reduce stress and anxiety related to job insecurity and allow people to pursue education or start businesses without worrying about basic survival. Additionally, UBI could simplify welfare systems, reducing administrative costs and eliminating the stigma often associated with traditional welfare programs.
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On the other hand, critics of UBI raise concerns about its economic feasibility and potential negative impacts. The primary argument against UBI is its enormous cost, which could strain government budgets and potentially lead to higher taxes or increased national debt. There are also worries that providing a guaranteed income might reduce people’s motivation to work, resulting in a less productive workforce and potentially harming economic growth. Some argue that UBI could lead to inflation, as increased consumer spending power might drive up prices.
In my opinion, while UBI presents an interesting concept with potential benefits, its implementation would require careful consideration of each country’s unique economic situation. For developed nations with strong economies, a gradual introduction of UBI might be feasible and beneficial. However, for developing countries with limited resources, implementing UBI could prove challenging and potentially detrimental to economic growth.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding universal basic income is complex and requires thorough analysis. While it offers potential solutions to poverty and income inequality, concerns about its economic feasibility and impact on workforce motivation cannot be ignored. Any decision to implement UBI should be based on careful economic analysis and consideration of a country’s specific circumstances.
(325 words)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 6)
Universal basic income (UBI) is a topic that many people are talking about these days. Some think it’s a good idea for governments to give money to all citizens, while others say it would cost too much and make people lazy. In this essay, I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
People who support UBI say it can help reduce poverty and give everyone some financial security. If everyone gets a basic income, they won’t have to worry about having enough money for food or housing. This could make people less stressed and allow them to focus on other things like education or starting a business. Also, UBI could make welfare systems simpler and cheaper to run.
However, there are also arguments against UBI. The biggest problem is that it would cost a lot of money, and governments might have to raise taxes or borrow more money to pay for it. Some people worry that if everyone gets free money, they might not want to work as hard. This could be bad for the economy if fewer people are working. Another concern is that prices might go up if everyone has more money to spend.
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In my opinion, UBI is an interesting idea, but it might not work well in all countries. Rich countries with strong economies might be able to try it, but poor countries probably can’t afford it. I think it’s important to think carefully about the costs and benefits before deciding to use UBI.
To conclude, universal basic income has both good and bad points. While it could help reduce poverty, it might also be too expensive and cause problems with work motivation. Governments should study this idea carefully before deciding if it’s right for their country.
(286 words)
Challenges in Implementing Universal Basic Income
Explaining the Band Scores
Band 8 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a comprehensive understanding of the topic. It:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with well-developed ideas
- Presents a clear position throughout the response
- Uses cohesive devices effectively and demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures
- Contains only minor errors that do not impede communication
Band 7 Essay:
This essay shows good writing skills and a clear understanding of the topic. It:
- Addresses all parts of the task, although some parts may be more fully developed than others
- Presents a clear overall position
- Uses a range of cohesive devices and vocabulary appropriately
- Contains some errors in grammar and vocabulary, but they do not impede communication
Band 6 Essay:
This essay demonstrates an adequate attempt at addressing the task. It:
- Addresses all parts of the task, but some parts may be underdeveloped
- Presents a position, although it may not be consistently clear
- Uses cohesive devices, but with some inaccuracies
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary and grammar, with some errors that may cause some difficulty for the reader
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Universal basic income (UBI) (noun) – /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈbeɪsɪk ˈɪnkʌm/ – A government program providing all citizens with a fixed amount of money regularly
Alleviate (verb) – /əˈliːvieɪt/ – To make a problem or suffering less severe
Feasible (adjective) – /ˈfiːzəbl/ – Possible and practical to do easily or conveniently
Stigma (noun) – /ˈstɪɡmə/ – A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person
Incentive (noun) – /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – A thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something
Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features
Implementation (noun) – /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃn/ – The process of putting a decision or plan into effect
Detrimental (adjective) – /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/ – Tending to cause harm
Inflation (noun) – /ɪnˈfleɪʃn/ – A general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money
Welfare (noun) – /ˈwelfeə(r)/ – The health, happiness, and fortunes of a person or group
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Conclusion
The topic of universal basic income is complex and multifaceted, making it an excellent subject for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. By studying these sample essays and understanding the criteria for different band scores, you can improve your own writing skills and prepare for similar questions in the future.
To practice further, try writing your own essay on this topic or related subjects such as:
- Should governments prioritize UBI over other social welfare programs?
- How might UBI affect economic inequality in developing countries?
- Could UBI be a solution to job losses caused by automation and artificial intelligence?
Remember to post your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning can significantly enhance your IELTS writing skills and boost your confidence for the actual test.