Universal Basic Income and How It Could Change Society
LIFESTYLE
12/21/2025
WARM-UP
Answer quickly. No right or wrong answers.
Have you heard people say the economy feels uncertain today?
Do you think people worry more about money now than before?
Does news about technology and AI affect how you feel about the future?
VOCABULARY
Essential (A1–B1)
money – something used to buy things
Example: People need money to pay for food and rent.
job – work you do to earn money
Example: Many people look for a stable job.
help – to make something easier for someone
Example: Extra income can help families.
cost – the price of something
Example: The cost of living is rising.
support – help given to someone
Example: Governments provide support to citizens.
Developed (B2–C2)
drawback – a disadvantage
Example: A major drawback of UBI is its high cost.
alleviate – to make something less severe
Example: UBI could alleviate poverty.
expenditure – money spent
Example: Public expenditure would increase.
streamlined – made more efficient
Example: UBI could create a more streamlined welfare system.
eligible – allowed to receive something
Example: Everyone would be eligible for basic income.
motivated – wanting to do something
Example: Some worry people may feel less motivated to work.
READING
Introduction
“Some people believe a basic income could solve modern economic problems. This text explains the idea, its benefits, and its risks. Read and focus on the main ideas.”
(Read at your level. Do not translate every word.)
Article (All Levels)
Universal Basic Income is the idea that every adult receives money from the government. This money is meant to cover basic living costs.
Supporters say UBI can help people who lose their job because of technology.
They believe it can make life safer and reduce worry about daily costs.
Developed Article (B1–C2)
Universal Basic Income proposes giving all adults regular payments to cover essential expenses. Supporters argue it could alleviate poverty and improve health and well-being.
They also claim UBI could make welfare systems more streamlined, since everyone would be eligible.
Critics highlight major drawbacks, such as increased public expenditure, inflation, and the risk that people may feel less motivated to work.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
(Answer based on your level.)
A1–A2
What is Universal Basic Income?
Who receives the money?
Does UBI help with basic costs?
B1–B2
Why do supporters think UBI is helpful?
How could UBI change welfare systems?
Name one drawback of UBI.
C1–C2
How could UBI affect poverty and public health?
Why might UBI increase government expenditure?
How could UBI influence people’s motivation to work?
SPEAKING
(Choose a question level.)
A1–A2 — Foundation
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Answer + 1 reason)
“I think ___ because ___.”
“One problem today is ___.”
“I worry about ___ because ___.”
“This makes people feel ___.”
Personal Questions:
Do you worry about money? Why?
Do you think everyone needs financial support?
Would extra money make life easier for you?
Do you think jobs are less secure today?
What costs worry you the most?
Do you feel safe about your future?
Do you like the idea of government support?
Would you still work if you had basic income?
Does money affect happiness?
Do young people worry more about jobs today?
Do you trust governments to manage money well?
Would UBI help families you know?
Do you think UBI is fair?
Does technology create stress about work?
Would UBI make society safer?
B1–B2 — Expansion
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Answer + reason + 2 details)
“I feel ___ because ___; for example, ___ and ___.”
“One challenge is ___, which affects ___ and ___.”
“I am concerned about ___ because ___; in particular, ___ and ___.”
“This situation makes people feel ___, especially when ___ and ___.”
Personal Questions:
Why do people support Universal Basic Income?
How could UBI reduce worry about daily costs?
Do you think UBI would change how people work?
What drawbacks worry you the most?
How could UBI affect young people’s motivation?
Would UBI change your career choices?
How does technology affect job security?
Do you think welfare systems should be streamlined?
How could UBI affect taxes?
Would UBI reduce inequality?
How might UBI affect small businesses?
Do you trust governments to manage high expenditure?
Could UBI cause inflation?
How would society change if everyone received income?
Do benefits of UBI outweigh the drawbacks?
C1–C2 — Depth & Reflection
Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.
(Reason + multiple details + consequence or reflection)
“I feel ___ because ___; for instance, ___, ___, and ___; as a result, ___.”
“One significant issue is ___, which influences ___ and ___; however, ___.”
“I am concerned about ___ because ___, including ___ and ___; this leads me to ___.”
“I think the future is ___ because ___, especially considering ___ and ___; ultimately, ___.”
Personal Questions:
How could Universal Basic Income reshape modern economies?
Is UBI a realistic response to automation and AI?
How might UBI affect long-term work motivation?
Could UBI reduce social inequality? Why or why not?
How would UBI change the relationship between citizens and governments?
Is increased public expenditure justified by social benefits?
How could UBI impact productivity and innovation?
Would UBI strengthen or weaken social responsibility?
How might UBI affect migration or population growth?
Could UBI replace existing welfare systems effectively?
How should governments fund UBI sustainably?
What ethical arguments support or oppose UBI?
How could UBI influence mental health and well-being?
Should UBI be universal or conditional? Why?
In your view, is UBI inevitable in the future?
