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