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Agree or disagree MediaSocietyMoney Essay #111
Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

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?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Use the plan, then compare with Band 9.
245 words · 5 paragraphs
Introduction

Paraphrases the topic statement and clearly states complete agreement with the perspective that some advertising methods are unethical.

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.

Body 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.

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.

Body 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.

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.

Body 3 · Opinion

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Next question: Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.