B1 Reading: Free Money for Everyone?
Read about universal basic income and fill in the gaps.
Word Bank
Tap a word, then tap a gap. On a computer you can also drag it.
lazy
taxes
worry
expensive
conditions
critics
saved
experiments
freedom
introduce
unemployed
stressed
Imagine getting money from the government every month, whether you have a job or not. This idea is called universal basic income, or UBI. Everyone gets the same amount, rich or poor, and there are no : you don't have to look for work or explain how you spend it.
The idea is not new, but it is becoming more popular. One reason is artificial intelligence. Some people that computers and robots will soon do many jobs, and they say a basic income could help people who lose their work.
Several countries have tested the idea. In Finland, 2,000 people got €560 a month for two years (2017 to 2018). They did not find jobs much faster, but they felt happier and less . In Germany, 107 people got €1,200 a month for three years. Most of them kept their jobs and worked the same hours, and many part of the money. In the US, 1,000 people received $1,000 a month for three years. They worked a little less, about one hour a week, and spent most of the money on basic things like rent, food and transport, and on helping their families.
Supporters say a basic income gives people . They can study, look after children or start a business without worrying about money. It is also simple: there are no long forms to fill in.
But have strong arguments too. A real basic income for everyone would be very , so governments would need to raise . Some people think it is unfair to give money to rich people, and others worry that people will become . In 2016, Swiss voters had the chance to a basic income, but 77% said no.
So, is free money a good idea? The give us some answers, but the big question is still open.
The idea is not new, but it is becoming more popular. One reason is artificial intelligence. Some people that computers and robots will soon do many jobs, and they say a basic income could help people who lose their work.
Several countries have tested the idea. In Finland, 2,000 people got €560 a month for two years (2017 to 2018). They did not find jobs much faster, but they felt happier and less . In Germany, 107 people got €1,200 a month for three years. Most of them kept their jobs and worked the same hours, and many part of the money. In the US, 1,000 people received $1,000 a month for three years. They worked a little less, about one hour a week, and spent most of the money on basic things like rent, food and transport, and on helping their families.
Supporters say a basic income gives people . They can study, look after children or start a business without worrying about money. It is also simple: there are no long forms to fill in.
But have strong arguments too. A real basic income for everyone would be very , so governments would need to raise . Some people think it is unfair to give money to rich people, and others worry that people will become . In 2016, Swiss voters had the chance to a basic income, but 77% said no.
So, is free money a good idea? The give us some answers, but the big question is still open.