Hands holding several seashells and stones.

Universal Basic Income and the Future of Work

1. Warm-Up Questions

Should governments provide a guaranteed income to all citizens, regardless of employment?
Would universal basic income (UBI) discourage people from working, or encourage innovation?
Can UBI reduce economic inequality effectively?
Should funding for UBI come from higher corporate taxes, personal income taxes, or other sources?

2. Vocabulary Preparation

basic income guarantee
automation displacement
social safety net
economic stimulus
labor participation rate
income redistribution
fiscal sustainability
welfare dependency

A. A government system designed to provide financial support to citizens
B. The proportion of the population actively working
C. Money distributed to balance inequalities in society
D. Jobs lost due to machines or AI
E. The ability of a government program to continue financially over time
F. Risk of individuals relying excessively on government support
G. Guaranteed payments to all citizens
H. Government spending aimed at boosting economic activity

Fun Vocabulary Game: "UBI – Good or Bad?"

Choose the correct term:

Replacing low-wage jobs with robots is an example of (automation displacement / automation celebration).
Direct monthly payments to citizens represent a (basic income guarantee / basic income gamble).
Adjusting taxes to fund UBI is an example of (income redistribution / income reduction).

3. Reading Article (≈650 words)

Universal Basic Income – A Solution or a Risk for Modern Economies?

Full Article (≈650 words)

The debate over universal basic income (UBI) has intensified as automation, AI, and gig economies reshape labor markets worldwide. UBI proposes that governments provide all citizens with a fixed, unconditional payment regardless of employment status. Proponents argue that this financial security could reduce poverty, stimulate innovation, and empower workers to pursue education, entrepreneurship, or creative endeavors. Critics counter that UBI may reduce the incentive to work, strain public finances, and foster dependency.

Recent pilot programs offer mixed results. Finland’s 2017–2018 trial provided 2,000 unemployed citizens with a monthly payment, revealing increased well-being and improved mental health, but only modest changes in employment rates. In the United States, several small-scale experiments suggest that UBI can stabilize household finances and increase entrepreneurship. Economists estimate that a nationwide UBI program in advanced economies could cost between 5% and 15% of GDP annually, depending on the payment level and tax adjustments.

Automation and AI are major drivers behind the UBI conversation. A 2025 report by the McKinsey Global Institute predicts that up to 30% of jobs in manufacturing and administrative sectors could be displaced by automation by 2030. Advocates argue that UBI could buffer the transition, providing security for workers whose roles are eliminated or radically transformed.

Opponents, however, question the fiscal sustainability of large-scale UBI. Funding such a program requires significant taxation, potentially reducing investment incentives and slowing economic growth. Critics also raise concerns about welfare dependency, suggesting that guaranteed payments might discourage individuals from seeking employment or contributing to society in traditional ways.

Debates also center on fairness and targeting. Some argue that unconditional payments are inefficient, advocating for targeted support for the most vulnerable populations. Others counter that universal payments are simpler, reduce bureaucracy, and avoid stigmatizing recipients. In addition, UBI may intersect with social safety nets, healthcare, and housing policies, requiring careful integration to avoid redundancy or gaps in support.

Policy design is crucial. Progressive taxation, automation taxes, or wealth taxes could finance UBI while minimizing negative economic effects. Additionally, pairing UBI with education, retraining programs, and incentives for innovation may increase long-term benefits. Researchers emphasize the importance of pilot programs and rigorous evaluation to assess societal, economic, and psychological impacts before nationwide implementation.

As global economies evolve, UBI presents a provocative question: Can societies ensure dignity, security, and opportunity for all citizens while maintaining fiscal balance and promoting work ethics? Whether UBI becomes a solution for the challenges of automation and inequality—or a policy risk with unintended consequences—remains a matter of heated debate.

4. Grammar Focus (Advanced)

A. Cleft Sentences

Rewrite using cleft structures for emphasis:

Governments consider implementing UBI to address job loss.
Automation threatens traditional employment.
Citizens demand financial security.
Researchers conduct pilot studies.
Critics highlight fiscal risks.
Economists predict varying outcomes.

B. Mixed Conditionals

Complete the sentences:

If UBI had been introduced earlier, some economic inequalities ___ (reduce) by now.
Had automation not accelerated, the pressure for UBI ___ (be) lower.
If citizens trusted government programs, participation in pilots ___ (increase).
Should funding remain insufficient, UBI programs ___ (face) serious challenges.
If targeted payments were preferred, administrative complexity ___ (increase).
Were UBI implemented worldwide, global labor markets ___ (transform) significantly.