PTE Summarize Written Text Task Sample 255
Read the passage below and summarize it using one sentence. Type your response in the box at the bottom of the screen. You have 10 minutes to finish this task. Your response will be judged on the quality of your writing and on how well your response presents the key points in the passage.
Exploring Universal Basic Income as a Response to Automation and Inequality
The concept of universal basic income (UBI) has garnered significant attention in recent years as a potential solution to economic inequality and the challenges posed by automation.
UBI is a form of social security in which all citizens or residents of a country receive a regular, unconditional sum of money from the government, regardless of their income or employment status.
Proponents of UBI argue that it can provide a safety net for individuals in a rapidly changing job market, where automation and artificial intelligence are expected to displace traditional jobs.
It offers economic stability, reduces poverty, and empowers individuals to pursue entrepreneurial or creative endeavors without the fear of financial destitution.
Critics, however, raise concerns about the feasibility and affordability of UBI. Questions about how to fund such a program, the potential for inflation, and the impact on work incentives remain central to the debate. Moreover, the concept of providing unconditional income to all citizens challenges traditional notions of work and welfare.
UBI experiments have been conducted in various countries and regions, providing valuable insights into its potential benefits and drawbacks. As discussions surrounding economic inequality and the future of work continue, UBI remains a prominent and contentious topic in both political and economic discourse.
Summary:
Universal basic income (UBI), a proposed social security model providing unconditional financial support to all citizens, has sparked debates over its potential to address economic inequality and job market challenges posed by automation, with proponents emphasizing its role in providing stability and critics expressing concerns about feasibility, funding, and impacts on work incentives.