[2026] PTE Academic Reading - Multiple Choice, Single Answer

The concept of 'Universal Basic Income' (UBI) has shifted from a fringe utopian dream to a serious subject of economic policy debate. Advocates argue that a guaranteed monthly payment would provide a vital safety net in an era of increasing automation, allowing citizens to pursue creative endeavors without the fear of destitution. By decoupling survival from traditional employment, UBI could potentially revitalize local economies and reduce the psychological toll of financial insecurity. However, critics suggest that such a massive redistribution of wealth would lead to runaway inflation and a significant decrease in labor participation. They contend that work provides not just a paycheck, but a sense of purpose and social integration that a government check cannot replicate. Furthermore, the immense fiscal cost of a national UBI program might necessitate the dismantling of existing social services, such as healthcare and housing assistance. A truly sustainable economic future must weigh the benefits of unconditional support against the risk of losing the collective structures that hold a society together.