IELTS HUBIELTS Agree Disagree Essay on Media & Society & Money
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in today's society.
To what extent Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrases the topic statement and clearly states complete agreement with the perspective that some advertising methods are unethical.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
First main reason for agreement: Using consumers' emotions (insecurity, fear) for profit, creating false needs and potentially harming self-esteem, exemplified by unrealistic beauty standards in ads.
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Second main reason for agreement: Providing false information by overstating product advantages or downplaying dangers, tricking consumers, with the drug industry ads given as an example.
Body Paragraph 3 Opinion (Optional If Integrated)
Third main reason for agreement: Violation of privacy through targeted advertising based on monitoring online behavior, citing social media (like Facebook) gathering user information without clear permission.
Conclusion
Restates strong agreement that some advertising methods are wrong and unacceptable, summarizing the main points discussed: manipulation, false information, and privacy invasion, suggesting these practices need inspection and control.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
In today's world, many people believe that some advertising methods are wrong and unacceptable. I completely agree with this perspective and find it very troubling.
Firstly, the way advertisers use consumers' emotions for profit is a big ethical problem. They often use feelings of insecurity or fear to sell their products, creating a false need where there was none before. For example, beauty and fashion ads often show unrealistic beauty standards, which can harm the self-esteem of vulnerable viewers.
Secondly, providing false information is another terrible practice in advertising. Advertisers often overstate the advantages of their products or downplay potential dangers, tricking consumers into making uninformed choices. A key example of this is the drug industry, where medications are often promoted focusing on their positive effects, while possible negative effects are minimized or not mentioned at all.
Lastly, the violation of privacy through targeted advertising is becoming a bigger issue. With digital advertising, companies can now monitor people's online behavior and adjust their ads accordingly, which is a clear violation of privacy rights. For instance, social media sites like Facebook have been criticized for gathering user information without clear permission and using it for targeted advertising.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that some advertising methods are indeed wrong and should not be allowed in our society. This is because they are manipulative, spread false information, and invade privacy, all of which are practices that need to be closely inspected and controlled.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
In today's society, there exists a prevalent belief that certain advertising techniques are unethical and intolerable. I wholeheartedly concur with this viewpoint, finding it deeply concerning.
Firstly, the manipulation of consumers' emotions for commercial gain is a significant ethical issue. Advertisers frequently exploit feelings of inadequacy or fear to promote their products, creating an artificial need where none previously existed. For instance, beauty and fashion advertisements often depict unrealistic standards of beauty, leading to self-esteem issues among impressionable audiences.
Secondly, the use of misleading information is another reprehensible practice in advertising. Advertisers often exaggerate the benefits of their products or understate potential risks, thereby deceiving consumers into making uninformed decisions. A prime example of this is the pharmaceutical industry, where drugs are often marketed with an emphasis on their positive effects, while potential side-effects are downplayed or even omitted.
Lastly, the invasion of privacy through targeted advertising is a growing concern. With the advent of digital advertising, companies can now track individuals' online activities and tailor advertisements accordingly, which is a blatant infringement of privacy rights. For example, social media platforms like Facebook have been criticized for collecting user data without explicit consent and using it for targeted advertising.
In conclusion, I staunchly maintain that certain advertising techniques are indeed unethical and unacceptable in our society. This is due to their manipulative nature, the dissemination of misleading information, and the invasion of privacy, all of which are practices that should be critically examined and regulated.