CELPIP Listening Part 6 Practice Test: Universal Basic Income

Speaker: Today, we’ll explore universal basic income (UBI), a policy proposing regular, unconditional payments to all citizens. This idea sparks heated debate among economists and social advocates about its feasibility and societal impact. Dr. Rachel Kim, an economist, strongly supports UBI. She argues it reduces poverty by providing a financial safety net, enabling people to pursue education or entrepreneurship. Kim cites pilot programs in Finland, where UBI recipients reported lower stress and higher employment rates. She believes UBI simplifies welfare systems, reducing administrative costs and ensuring equitable support. In contrast, Thomas Bradley, a fiscal policy expert, warns of UBI’s economic risks. Bradley acknowledges its poverty alleviation potential but argues it could strain government budgets, requiring significant tax increases. He points to calculations suggesting UBI in the U.S. could cost $3 trillion annually, potentially destabilizing economies. Bradley suggests targeted welfare programs as a more sustainable alternative. Offering a balanced perspective, Ayesha Malik, a social policy researcher, advocates for partial UBI. Malik proposes a scaled-down version, providing smaller payments to supplement existing welfare systems. She highlights Alaska’s Permanent Fund, which distributes oil revenue to residents, as a successful model. Malik believes partial UBI can reduce inequality without overwhelming public finances. However, Dr. Victor Nguyen, a labor market analyst, raises concerns about work incentives. Nguyen supports UBI’s intent but warns it might discourage employment, particularly in low-wage sectors. He cites studies showing some UBI recipients reduced working hours, potentially impacting productivity. Nguyen recommends tying UBI to community service or training programs to maintain workforce engagement. In conclusion, UBI divides opinions sharply. Dr. Kim sees it as a poverty solution, while Thomas Bradley fears fiscal instability. Ayesha Malik favors a partial approach, and Dr. Nguyen worries about work disincentives. I believe a cautious, evidence-based approach, testing smaller UBI models, can balance economic stability with social equity, ensuring support without undermining productivity.

1. Dr. Rachel Kim believes UBI primarily helps: C. reduce poverty
2. Thomas Bradley’s main concern about UBI is its: B. high financial cost
3. Ayesha Malik supports: D. a partial UBI model
4. Dr. Victor Nguyen is concerned that UBI may: B. discourage employment
5. The speaker mentions Finland as an example of: A. successful UBI trials
6. The speaker concludes that UBI should be: A. tested cautiously in smaller models