The Challenges of Implementing Universal Basic Income: IELTS Reading Practice

The IELTS Reading test is designed to assess a wide range of reading skills, including reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical arguments, and recognizing writers’ opinions, attitudes, and purpose. One frequently occurring topic in recent years has been the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI). Given its growing relevance and frequent debates in various media, it is possible that this topic may appear in future IELTS Reading tests.

Universal Basic Income (UBI) proposes to guarantee all citizens a regular, unconditional sum of money, regardless of other income. This topic is rich in concepts and challenges, making it ideal for testing reading comprehension. In this article, we will create an IELTS Reading practice test based on the challenges of implementing UBI and provide answers, explanations, vocabulary, and a grammar review.

Reading Passage

The Challenges of Implementing Universal Basic Income

Universal Basic Income (UBI) has gained traction as a potential solution to economic inequality, job displacement due to automation, and poverty. Despite its seemingly simple concept, the implementation of UBI presents numerous challenges that need to be systematically addressed.

First, the financial feasibility of UBI is a significant hurdle. Providing a livable income to all citizens could be exorbitantly expensive. A major concern is the source of funding. Some proposals suggest high taxation on the wealthy, which could potentially lead to capital flight and a decrease in investment. Others suggest reallocating existing social welfare funds, but this approach could reduce the benefits allocated to those who need them the most.

Second, there are political and public acceptance challenges. Many citizens and policymakers are skeptical about giving money unconditionally, fearing it could discourage work and promote laziness. This skepticism can lead to political resistance and a lack of broad public support, making it difficult to pass the necessary legislation.

Political Resistance to UBI

Furthermore, there are logistical issues involved in the administration of UBI. Ensuring that payments are made accurately and timely without bureaucratic inefficiency or fraud is a monumental task. Digital payment systems could be a solution, but they also pose cyber-security risks.

Moreover, economic implications must be carefully considered. Critics argue that UBI could lead to inflation, as businesses might increase prices knowing that consumers have a guaranteed income. This inflation could negate the benefits of UBI, particularly hurting those on the lower end of the income spectrum.

In summary, while UBI presents an appealing solution to economic disparity and job redundancy, the practical challenges it poses need thoughtful consideration and detailed planning.

Question 1: Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a potential funding source for UBI?
   a. High taxation on the wealthy
   b. Reduction in social welfare funds
   c. International aid
   d. Digital payment systems

Question 2: True/False/Not Given
2. The financial feasibility of UBI is partially dependent on the reduction of corporate taxes.
True / False / Not Given

Question 3: Matching Information
Match the challenges with their descriptions:
3.1 Financial feasibility
3.2 Political and public acceptance
3.3 Logistical issues
3.4 Economic implications

a. Concerns about fraud and inefficiency in the payment system
b. Fears about promoting laziness and lack of political support
c. Potential source of funds and high costs
d. Risk of inflation negating benefits

Answer Key and Explanations

Answer Key

1. c. International aid
2. Not Given
3. Matching Information
   3.1 c
   3.2 b
   3.3 a
   3.4 d

Explanations

1. Question 1 Explanation: The passage mentions high taxation on the wealthy and reduction in social welfare funds, but it does not mention international aid or digital payment systems as funding sources. Therefore, the correct answer is international aid.
2. Question 2 Explanation: The passage discusses financial feasibility and funding sources but does not mention corporate taxes. Hence, the correct answer is Not Given.
3. Question 3 Explanation: Each challenge presented in the text matches its description: financial feasibility (high costs and potential sources), political/public acceptance (skepticism and fear), logistical issues (fraud and efficiency concern), and economic implications (risk of inflation).

Common Mistakes

1. Misinterpreting Funding Sources: Candidates often confuse potential sources of funding discussed in the text with their assumptions or background knowledge.
2. Ignoring Key Details: Missing specific phrases like “not mentioned” can lead to incorrect answers in True/False/Not Given questions.
3. Confusion in Matching Tasks: Misallocation occurs when students match broader categories rather than specific descriptions.

Vocabulary

1. Feasibility (noun) /ˌfiːzəˈbɪlɪti/: khả thi
   • Definition: the practicality or possibility of something
2. Capital flight (noun) /ˈkæpɪtl flaɪt/: sự chuyển vốn
   • Definition: large-scale exit of financial assets from a country due to fear of instability
3. Bureaucratic (adjective) /bjʊˈrɒkrætɪk/: quan liêu
   • Definition: related to the administrative system governing any large institution
4. Cyber-security (noun) /ˈsaɪbə sɪˈkjʊərɪti/: an ninh mạng
   • Definition: technologies and processes designed to protect networks from cyberattacks

Grammar

1. Nominalization: Changing actions or adjectives into nouns (e.g., “implement” to “implementation”)
   • Example: “The implementation of UBI…”
2. Conditionals: Using “could,” “would,” and “if” to denote possibility and hypotheticals.
   • Example: “Providing a livable income to all citizens could be exorbitantly expensive.”

Conclusion and Tips

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Reading test:

1. Practice regularly with diverse topics to build familiarity and speed.
2. Understand the question types thoroughly, especially the tricky True/False/Not Given questions.
3. Enhance your vocabulary by learning contextually rich words and phrases.
4. Improve skimming and scanning techniques to locate information quickly and accurately.

Remember, consistency and smart strategy are key to excelling in the IELTS Reading section.