Lesson Plan

• Describe the key differences between universal and means‑tested benefits.
• Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of each approach for equity and fiscal sustainability.
• Evaluate how benefit design influences work incentives and stigma.
• Apply the concept of effective marginal tax rate to a means‑tested benefit scenario.
• Compare policy trade‑offs and propose a balanced welfare mix.

• Projector and screen for slides
• Printed handout with definitions and comparison table
• Whiteboard and markers
• Calculator or spreadsheet for EMTR example
• Sticky notes for group brainstorming

Begin with a quick poll: “If the government gave everyone a free school lunch, would you support it?” Connect to students’ prior knowledge of welfare programmes and outline today’s success criteria: students will be able to differentiate universal and means‑tested benefits, assess their impacts, and calculate an EMTR.

1. Do‑now (5’) – Students list benefits they receive and classify them as universal or means‑tested.
2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Present definitions, eligibility, and policy goals using slides.
3. Comparative analysis activity (12’) – In pairs, examine the comparison table and fill a Venn diagram of pros and cons.
4. EMTR calculation practice (8’) – Work through the illustrative example, then compute a new scenario individually.
5. Policy debate (12’) – Groups argue for either universal or means‑tested approaches using the trade‑off list; teacher facilitates.
6. Check for understanding (3’) – Exit ticket: write one advantage and one drawback of each benefit type.

Summarise that universal benefits offer simplicity and broad support while means‑tested benefits target resources but can create stigma. Ask students to complete an exit ticket summarising the key trade‑offs. For homework, assign a short essay proposing a mixed‑approach welfare policy for a chosen sector.