Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things we do not need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new products that may improve our lives. Which viewpoint do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
The main topics in the above IELTS Writing Task 2 essay are:
- The Impact of Advertising on Consumer Behavior
- Encouragement to Buy Unnecessary Items
- Information About Innovative Products
- Consumer Empowerment and Informed Decision-Making
- Ethical Considerations in Advertising
Model Answer:
In today’s consumer-driven world, advertising plays a pivotal role in shaping our purchasing decisions and influencing our choices. Some argue that advertising encourages us to buy unnecessary items, while others contend that it informs us about innovative products that can enhance our lives. In my view, both perspectives hold merit, and the impact of advertising largely depends on the nature of the advertisement and the consumer’s discernment.
To begin with, it is undeniable that advertising often lures consumers into purchasing items they do not genuinely need. Advertisers use persuasive techniques, such as emotional appeals and celebrity endorsements, to create a desire for products that may be superfluous in our lives. For example, many people are enticed by the allure of the latest smartphone models, even if their current devices meet their communication needs. This excessive consumption can be detrimental to both individuals and the environment.
On the other hand, advertisements also have the potential to introduce us to new products and innovations that genuinely improve our lives. They serve as a valuable source of information about technological advancements, health and wellness products, and other beneficial offerings. For instance, medical advertisements can educate us about life-saving medications and treatments, leading to better health outcomes.
Furthermore, advertising can empower consumers by offering them choices. Individuals can make informed decisions based on their preferences and needs when presented with a range of options. This fosters competition among businesses, which can lead to better quality products and lower prices. Moreover, advertisers should prioritise ethical practices and promote products that genuinely benefit society rather than solely aiming for profit. Balancing the positive and negative aspects of advertising is crucial to harnessing its potential for the betterment of individuals and society.
In conclusion, advertising is a double-edged sword. While it can indeed encourage unnecessary consumption, it also informs us about products that can enhance our lives. Ultimately, consumers are responsible for exercising discernment and making conscious choices.
Vocabularies: 20 Words
This table provides information about each word, including its type, meaning, pronunciation, root, related words, word family, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
| Word | Type | Meaning | Pronunciation | Root | Related Words | Word Family | Synonyms | Antonyms | Examples |
| Advertising | Noun | The action of promoting products or services | ˈædvərˌtaɪzɪŋ | Advertise | Promotion, Marketing | Advertiser | Promotion, Marketing | None | Advertising influences consumer choices. |
| Encourage | Verb | To inspire or stimulate action or behavior | ɪnˈkɜːrɪdʒ | Courage | Motivate, Persuade | Encouragement | Motivate, Persuade | Discourage, Deter | Advertising can encourage impulsive buying. |
| Need | Noun | A necessity or essential requirement | niːd | None | Requirement, Essential | Needful | Requirement, Necessity | Luxury | Advertising often creates artificial needs. |
| Product | Noun | An item or goods produced for sale | ˈprɒdʌkt | Produce | Merchandise, Item | Production | Merchandise, Item | None | Advertisements showcase various products. |
| Improve | Verb | To make something better or more desirable | ɪmˈpruːv | Prove | Enhance, Enhance | Improvement | Enhance, Upgrade | Deteriorate | New products aim to improve our lives. |
| Perspective | Noun | A point of view or way of thinking | pəˈspektɪv | Spect | View, Outlook | Perspective | View, Outlook | Bias | Different people have different perspectives. |
| Impact | Noun | The effect or influence of something | ˈɪmpækt | Pact | Influence, Effect | Impactful | Influence, Effect | None | Advertising has a significant impact on consumers. |
| Nature | Noun | The inherent or essential qualities of something | ˈneɪtʃə | Nat | Character, Essence | Natural | Character, Essence | Artifice | The nature of advertisements can vary. |
| Lure | Verb | To attract or entice someone | lʊr | None | Attract, Tempt | Luring | Attract, Tempt | Repel | Advertisements often lure consumers with promises. |
| Superfluous | Adjective | Excessive or unnecessary | suːˈpɜːrfluəs | Super | Excessive, Redundant | Superfluity | Excessive, Redundant | Essential | Avoid buying superfluous items. |
| Persuasive | Adjective | Capable of convincing or influencing | pərˈsweɪsɪv | Persuade | Convincing, Influential | Persuasion | Convincing, Influential | Unconvincing | Effective advertisements are persuasive. |
| Celebrity | Noun | A famous person, often in the entertainment industry | səˈlɛbrəti | Celebrate | Star, Icon | Celebrity | Star, Icon | Unknown | Many advertisements feature celebrity endorsements. |
| Entice | Verb | To attract or tempt someone | ɪnˈtaɪs | None | Tempt, Attract | Enticement | Tempt, Attract | Repel | Advertisements try to entice consumers. |
| Excessive | Adjective | More than what is necessary or reasonable | ɪkˈsɛsɪv | Excess | Overabundant, Immoderate | Excessiveness | Overabundant, Immoderate | Moderate | Avoid excessive spending due to ads. |
| Innovation | Noun | The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products | ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən | Novus | Creativity, Novelty | Innovative | Creativity, Novelty | Stagnation | Advertising often promotes innovation. |
| Empower | Verb | To give power or authority to someone | ɪmˈpaʊər | Power | Enable, Authorize | Empowerment | Enable, Authorize | Disempower | Advertising can empower consumers to make choices. |
| Discernment | Noun | The ability to judge and make good decisions | dɪˈsɜːnmənt | Discern | Judgment, Perception | Discerning | Judgment, Perception | Indiscernment | Consumers need discernment when buying. |
| Ethical | Adjective | Relating to moral principles and values | ˈɛθɪkəl | Ethos | Moral, Honorable | Ethics | Moral, Honorable | Unethical | Ethical advertising respects consumer rights. |
| Conscious | Adjective | Aware, deliberate, and intentional | ˈkɒnʃəs | Con- | Mindful, Deliberate | Consciousness | Mindful, Deliberate | Unconscious | Make conscious choices when shopping. |
| Responsibility | Noun | The state or fact of being accountable | rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti | Respond | Accountability, Duty | Responsible | Accountability, Duty | Irresponsibility | Both consumers and advertisers share responsibility. |
