On today’s episode I want to discuss the idea of Universal Basic Income. This is a highly debated and controversial topic, with strong arguments on both sides! Would providing all residents or citizens of a country with small amounts of money on a regular basis improve people's lives? Or is it an Expensive Waste of Money? Or are there better methods? We’ll address these questions and more in this episode of Thinking in English

Transcript! - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2020/11/12/20-what-is-universal-basic-income-a-good-idea-or-an-expensive-waste-of-money/

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Vocabulary List

unprecedented (adj) - never having happened or existed in the past

Unemployment has reached an unprecedented level

To adapt (v) - to change, or to change something, to suit different conditions or uses

Sometimes we have to adapt the design to suit the customers requirements

unconditionally (adj) - in a way that is complete and not limited in any way

He thanked his mother for being unconditionally supportive

Automation (n) - the use of machines and computers that can operate without needing human control

Automation will reduce the need for a large, highly skilled workforce

Detractor (n) - someone who criticizes something or someone, often unfairly

His detractors claim that his personality makes him unsuitable for leadership

Proponent (n) - a person who speaks publicly in support of a particular idea or plan of action

He is one of the leading proponents of capital punishments

To attribute (v) - to say or think that something is the result of a particular thing

Her success can be attributed to three main factors

Implementation (n) - the act of starting to use a plan or system

There will be a delay in implementation of the new regulations

To exacerbate (v) - to make something that is already bad even worse

This attack will exacerbate the already tense relationship between the two communities

To empower (v) - to give someone official or legal authority, or the freedom or confidence to do something

We empower our sales staff to make decisions without always having to consult their boss

Comprehension Questions

Q. The Namibian UBI trial gave 1000 people how much money?

A. 100 Namibian dollars every month

Q. What did research by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Finland, France, Italy, and the UK conclude?

A. It “would not prove to be an effective tool for reducing poverty.”

Q. Why did the Swiss government oppose UBI?

A.They believe it would encourage fewer people to work and exacerbate the labour and skills shortages.

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20. What is Universal Basic Income? A Good Idea? Or An Expensive Waste of Money? (English Vocabulary Lesson) 15:59 Share

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20. What is Universal Basic Income? A Good Idea? Or An Expensive Waste of Money? (English Vocabulary Lesson)