Universal basic income (UBI) is a topic that has gained significant traction in recent years, making it a potential subject for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on an analysis of past IELTS exams and current socio-economic trends, this topic has a moderate to high likelihood of appearing in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that governments should provide a universal basic income, while others think that it is impossible to do so. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments in favor of governments providing a universal basic income
- Discuss arguments against the feasibility of implementing UBI
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality to understand how to approach this task effectively.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The concept of universal basic income (UBI) has garnered significant attention in recent years, with proponents arguing for its implementation and skeptics questioning its feasibility. This essay will examine both perspectives and offer a balanced view on this contentious issue.
Those in favor of UBI argue that it could effectively address poverty and income inequality. By providing a guaranteed income to all citizens, regardless of their employment status, UBI could ensure that everyone’s basic needs are met. This safety net could potentially reduce stress and anxiety related to financial insecurity, leading to improved mental health and overall well-being. Furthermore, advocates suggest that UBI could stimulate economic growth by increasing consumer spending and encouraging entrepreneurship, as people would have the financial security to take risks and pursue innovative ideas.
On the other hand, critics argue that implementing UBI on a large scale is financially unfeasible. The astronomical costs associated with providing a basic income to every citizen would likely require significant tax increases or massive budget cuts in other areas of government spending. Skeptics also contend that UBI could disincentivize work, potentially leading to a reduction in the labor force and productivity. Additionally, there are concerns about the inflationary effects of injecting large amounts of money into the economy, which could potentially negate the benefits of the basic income.
In my opinion, while the idea of UBI is appealing in theory, its implementation faces substantial practical challenges. However, I believe that limited pilot programs or targeted basic income schemes for specific vulnerable groups could be a more realistic and beneficial approach. These smaller-scale initiatives could provide valuable data on the effects of basic income without the risks associated with a nationwide rollout. Moreover, combining such programs with investments in education, job training, and healthcare could create a more comprehensive solution to address poverty and inequality.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding universal basic income highlights the complex nature of addressing societal inequalities. While UBI presents potential benefits, its large-scale implementation remains contentious due to financial and economic concerns. A measured approach, focusing on targeted programs and complementary policies, may offer a more viable path forward in addressing income inequality and poverty.
Illustration of Universal Basic Income debate with pros and cons
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The idea of universal basic income (UBI) is becoming more popular these days. Some people think governments should give everyone a basic income, while others say it’s not possible. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
People who support UBI say it can help reduce poverty. If everyone gets a basic income, it means no one will be extremely poor. This could make people’s lives better and reduce stress about money. Also, some people think UBI could be good for the economy because people would have more money to spend.
However, there are also arguments against UBI. The main problem is that it would cost a lot of money. Governments might have to raise taxes a lot or cut other important services to pay for it. Some people also worry that if everyone gets free money, they might not want to work anymore. This could be bad for the economy if fewer people are working.
In my opinion, I think UBI is a good idea, but it might be hard to do in real life. It would be very expensive, and there are many problems to solve before it could work. Maybe it would be better to start with smaller programs to help poor people instead of giving money to everyone.
To conclude, UBI is a complicated issue with both good and bad points. While it could help reduce poverty, it’s also very expensive and might cause other problems. I think we need to think carefully about how to help poor people without causing too many other issues.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Universal basic income is when government give money to all people. Some people think it’s good idea but others say it’s impossible. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
First, people who like UBI say it can help poor people. If everyone get money from government, no one will be very poor. This can make life better for many people. Also, they say it can help economy because people have more money to buy things.
But other people say UBI is not possible. They think it will cost too much money and government can’t afford it. Also, they worry that if people get free money, they won’t want to work anymore. This could be bad for country.
I think UBI is good idea but very hard to do. It would cost lot of money and might make some problems. Maybe government should try to help poor people in other ways instead of giving money to everyone.
In conclusion, UBI has good points and bad points. It could help poor people but it’s very expensive. I think we need to find other ways to help people without spending so much money.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Achievement: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout.
- Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary used with flexibility and precision.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Achievement: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally well organized with some use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource: Sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, with some attempts at less common words.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mix of simple and complex sentence forms with good control and few errors.
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Task Achievement: Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are presented with some organization but may lack overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Limited range of vocabulary, adequate for basic communication but lacks precision.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Limited range of structures with some attempt at complex sentences, but errors are frequent.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Universal basic income (UBI) (noun) – /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈbeɪsɪk ˈɪnkʌm/ – A government program providing all citizens with a fixed amount of money regularly.
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Feasible (adjective) – /ˈfiːzəbl/ – Possible and practical to do easily or conveniently.
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Implement (verb) – /ˈɪmplɪment/ – Put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect.
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Disincentivize (verb) – /ˌdɪsɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – Discourage (a person or course of action) by removing incentives.
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Contentious (adjective) – /kənˈtenʃəs/ – Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.
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Inflationary (adjective) – /ɪnˈfleɪʃənəri/ – Characterized by or tending to cause monetary inflation.
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Rollout (noun) – /ˈrəʊlaʊt/ – The introduction of a new product or service.
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Astronomical (adjective) – /ˌæstrəˈnɒmɪkl/ – (Of an amount) extremely large.
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Negate (verb) – /nɪˈɡeɪt/ – Make ineffective; nullify.
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Vulnerable (adjective) – /ˈvʌlnərəbl/ – Exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.
Infographic of key IELTS Writing Task 2 vocabulary on Universal Basic Income
In conclusion, the topic of universal basic income is a complex and nuanced issue that requires careful consideration of multiple perspectives. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, practice addressing similar topics by considering both sides of the argument and forming a well-reasoned opinion. Remember to use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures to enhance your writing.
For further practice, try writing your own essay on the following related topics:
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Some people believe that a universal basic income could replace traditional welfare systems. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.
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To what extent do you agree or disagree that implementing a universal basic income would solve issues of poverty and inequality in society?
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
