IELTS HUBIELTS Discussion Essay on Media & Money & Society
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people feel that the effects of advertising are positive for individuals and businesses, while others think they are negative.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase topic about differing views on advertising's effects. State that both sides will be discussed. State own opinion leaning towards the positive side.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Topic sentence presenting the view that advertising is harmful. Point 1: Encourages consumerism by creating fake needs (e.g., luxury brands). Point 2: Can be deceptive with overblown claims (e.g., beauty industry).
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Topic sentence presenting the view that advertising is positive (author's preferred side). Point 1: Boosts economic growth (more sales, production, jobs). Point 2: Can be informative (about new products, e.g., medicines).
Conclusion
Summarize the arguments discussed (acknowledging negatives like consumerism/misleading info). Reiterate the strong belief that positives (economic growth, education) outweigh negatives. Restate opinion.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
People have different views about the effects of advertising. Some praise its advantages for people and businesses, while others criticize its negative impacts. Personally, I lean more towards the positive side of advertising.
Those who see advertising as harmful have their reasons. First, they believe it encourages consumerism by creating a fake need for products. For example, luxury brands often use persuasive ads to make consumers think that having their products is a status symbol, thus creating unnecessary demand. Second, they argue that advertising can be deceptive, promising benefits that the products can't provide. This is common in the beauty industry, where products are often promoted with overblown claims, causing consumers to waste money on ineffective products.
However, I side with those who see advertising positively, despite these arguments. One strong reason is that advertising boosts economic growth. It promotes products and services, leading to more sales, which then results in increased production and job opportunities. Also, advertising can be informative. It tells consumers about new products and innovations, helping them make informed choices. For instance, drug companies use ads to inform people about new medicines and health treatments, leading to better health results.
In conclusion, while there are good arguments that advertising can encourage consumerism and spread misleading information, I strongly believe that its role in boosting economic growth and educating the public makes it mostly positive. In my opinion, the economic and educational benefits it provides outweigh the possible negatives.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
There exists a dichotomy of opinion regarding the impact of advertising, with some lauding its benefits for individuals and businesses, while others decry its negative effects. Personally, I am inclined towards the former view, acknowledging the positive role advertising plays.
Those who perceive advertising as detrimental have their reasons. Firstly, they argue that it fuels consumerism by creating an artificial need for products. For instance, luxury brands often use persuasive advertising to convince consumers that owning their products is a status symbol, thus creating unnecessary demand. Secondly, they contend that advertising can be misleading, promising benefits that the products cannot deliver. A case in point is the beauty industry, where products are often advertised with exaggerated claims, leading consumers to spend money on ineffective products.
Nevertheless, I align myself with those who view advertising in a positive light, despite the aforementioned arguments. One compelling reason is that advertising stimulates economic growth. By promoting products and services, it drives sales, which in turn leads to increased production and job creation. Furthermore, advertising can be educational. It informs consumers about new products and innovations, thereby aiding them in making informed decisions. For example, pharmaceutical companies use advertising to educate the public about new medications and health interventions, contributing to improved health outcomes.
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments suggesting that advertising can promote consumerism and disseminate misleading information, I firmly believe that its role in stimulating economic growth and educating the public makes it a predominantly positive force. The economic and educational benefits it offers, in my view, outweigh the potential drawbacks.