Universal Basic Income (UBI) has been a hot topic in recent years, especially when discussing solutions for unemployment. This topic has appeared in several IELTS Writing Task 2 questions and is likely to continue being a relevant subject in future tests. Let’s explore this theme through sample essays and analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS exam.
Analyzing the Task 2 Question
Let’s consider the following question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that introducing a Universal Basic Income is the best way to solve unemployment issues. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question asks for your opinion on whether Universal Basic Income is the most effective solution for unemployment. It’s an “agree or disagree” type question, which means you need to clearly state your position and support it with relevant arguments and examples.
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
In recent years, the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) has gained traction as a potential solution to unemployment. While I agree that UBI could alleviate some of the immediate financial pressures faced by the unemployed, I do not believe it is the best or most comprehensive solution to unemployment issues.
Undoubtedly, UBI could provide significant benefits to those facing unemployment. By ensuring a basic level of income for all citizens, it would create a financial safety net that could prevent individuals from falling into poverty during periods of joblessness. This financial security could also allow people to be more selective about the jobs they take, potentially leading to better job matches and increased productivity in the long run. Moreover, it could stimulate economic growth by increasing consumer spending power, which might indirectly create more job opportunities.
However, there are several reasons why UBI alone is not sufficient to solve unemployment issues comprehensively. Firstly, while it addresses the symptoms of unemployment, it does not tackle the root causes. Factors such as skill mismatches, technological disruption, and economic downturns would still lead to job losses, regardless of the presence of UBI. Secondly, there are concerns about the long-term economic sustainability of UBI programs. The substantial costs involved could lead to increased taxation or reallocation of funds from other essential services, potentially creating new economic challenges.
A more effective approach to unemployment would involve a multi-faceted strategy. This could include investment in education and vocational training to ensure workers have the skills needed in a rapidly evolving job market. Additionally, policies that encourage job creation, such as support for small businesses and innovation, would be crucial. Furthermore, targeted unemployment benefits and job search assistance programs could provide more tailored support than a one-size-fits-all UBI approach.
In conclusion, while Universal Basic Income could play a role in addressing some aspects of unemployment, it should not be viewed as a panacea. A comprehensive solution to unemployment issues requires a broader strategy that addresses both the immediate needs of the unemployed and the underlying causes of joblessness. By combining UBI with other targeted policies and investments, we can create a more robust and sustainable approach to tackling unemployment in the long term.
(Word count: 365)
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
The idea of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a solution to unemployment has been discussed a lot recently. While I think UBI could help in some ways, I don’t fully agree that it’s the best way to solve unemployment problems.
UBI could definitely help people who are unemployed. It would give everyone a basic amount of money, which means unemployed people wouldn’t have to worry so much about paying for food and housing. This could reduce stress and give them more time to look for good jobs. Also, if people have some money to spend, it might help the economy grow and create more jobs.
However, there are some problems with relying only on UBI to solve unemployment. First, it doesn’t actually create new jobs or help people get the skills they need for work. Unemployment often happens because people don’t have the right skills for available jobs, or because there aren’t enough jobs in their area. UBI doesn’t fix these problems. Also, UBI would cost a lot of money, and it might be hard for governments to pay for it without raising taxes or cutting other important services.
I think a better way to solve unemployment would be to use different methods together. For example, the government could invest in education and training programs to help people learn new skills. They could also support businesses to create more jobs, especially in areas with high unemployment. At the same time, they could provide some financial support to unemployed people, but maybe not as much as a full UBI.
In conclusion, while Universal Basic Income might help with some problems related to unemployment, I don’t think it’s the best solution on its own. A combination of education, job creation, and some financial support would probably work better to solve unemployment in the long term.
(Word count: 298)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Nowadays, many people talk about Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a way to help with unemployment. I think UBI can be helpful, but it’s not the only solution for unemployment problems.
UBI means giving everyone some money regularly. This could be good for unemployed people because they would have money for food and bills. It might make them feel less stressed about not having a job. Also, if people have money to spend, it could help shops and businesses, which might create more jobs.
But there are some problems with UBI too. It doesn’t actually create new jobs, which is important for solving unemployment. Also, it would cost the government a lot of money, and they might have to raise taxes to pay for it. This could cause other problems.
I think there are other ways to help with unemployment that might work better. The government could help people learn new skills for jobs. They could also help companies to create more jobs. These ideas, along with some money help for unemployed people, might work better than just UBI.
In conclusion, I think UBI could help a little bit with unemployment, but it’s not the best solution by itself. We need to use different ways together to really solve unemployment problems.
(Word count: 207)
Analysis of Essay Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a well-developed argument.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphing is skillfully managed with cohesive devices used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:
- Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, although some aspects are covered more thoroughly than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs are better linked than others.
- Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used appropriately, with some attempts at less common words.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with good control and only occasional errors.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but lacks depth and sophistication:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the task in a general way but lacks depth in its arguments.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but the progression of ideas is not always clear.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but limited, with some repetition.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mainly simple sentences are used, with some attempts at more complex structures.
IELTS Writing Task 2: Universal Basic Income
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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Unemployment (noun) /ʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt/: The state of being without a paid job but available to work.
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Alleviate (verb) /əˈliːvieɪt/: To make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe.
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Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
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Multi-faceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.
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Panacea (noun) /ˌpænəˈsiːə/: A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.
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Vocational training (noun phrase) /vəʊˈkeɪʃənl ˈtreɪnɪŋ/: Education that prepares people to work in various jobs such as a trade, a craft, or as a technician.
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Economic downturns (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈdaʊntɜːnz/: Periods of reduced economic activity.
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Job creation (noun phrase) /dʒɒb kriˈeɪʃn/: The process of providing new jobs, especially in areas where there are few opportunities.
Conclusion
The topic of Universal Basic Income as a solution for unemployment is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on this topic, considering different perspectives and potential impacts. Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The impact of automation on employment
- Government’s role in job creation
- The effectiveness of traditional unemployment benefits versus UBI
- The potential social and economic effects of implementing UBI
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you better for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
