Universal Basic Income

Primary SchoolAdvancedDiscursive Writing

The Prompt

Imagine a world where every single person in our country – every child, every adult, every elderly person – automatically received a regular payment of money from the government, just for being alive! This idea is called 'Universal Basic Income' (UBI).

Your task is to explore what might happen if this was real. What wonderful things could happen if everyone had a basic amount of money? Think about how it might help people, change jobs, or affect happiness. On the other hand, what challenges or problems might arise? Could it make people lazy? Would it be fair? Where would all the money come from?

Write a discursive piece where you discuss both the potential benefits (the good things) and the potential drawbacks (the not-so-good things) of such a system. Try to present both sides fairly before sharing your own thoughts.

💡 Writing Tips

  • Imagine a world where everyone gets a 'pocket money' from the government, no matter what. 2. Think about the good things that might happen if everyone had this money. 3. Now, think about the not-so-good things or problems it might cause. 4. Try to write an introduction, a paragraph for good points, a paragraph for bad points, and a conclusion.

📝 Sample Answer

Imagine waking up every month to find some money in your bank account, just because you're a person! This idea is called Universal Basic Income, and it's a very interesting thought. One good thing about UBI is that it could stop people from being poor. If everyone had enough money for food and a warm home, nobody would have to worry about basic needs. People might feel less stressed and have more time to learn new things or spend with their families. It could also mean people could choose jobs they truly love, instead of just taking any job for money. However, there are also some tricky parts. If everyone got money without working, some people might decide not to work at all. This could mean fewer people doing important jobs like being doctors or teachers. Also, where would the government get all this money to give to everyone? They might have to take more money in taxes from people who do work, which might not seem fair to them. So, while Universal Basic Income could help many people, it also brings up big questions about work, fairness, and how we pay for everything. It's a big idea with lots to think about!

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