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Agree or disagree MediaMoneySociety Essay #370
Writing Task 2

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

Some believe that people will purchase a product based on their needs and advertising is not needed.

To what extent Do you agree or disagree?

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.
290 words · 4 paragraphs
Introduction

Paraphrase the topic regarding needs versus advertising's role in purchasing. State that needs are crucial but advertising is not useless.

In the realm of consumer behavior, a prevalent perspective is that individuals are primarily driven by their needs when deciding to purchase a product, rendering advertising superfluous. While I concur that needs play a pivotal role in influencing buying decisions, I cannot endorse the assertion that advertising is entirely unnecessary.

Body 1 · View 1

Discuss the view that basic needs drive buying choices. Examples: purchasing medicine for symptoms, buying necessary goods like food and clothes based on dietary needs.

Undeniably, the fundamental needs of consumers often dictate their purchasing decisions. For instance, a person suffering from a cold is likely to buy a medicine to alleviate their symptoms. This action is a direct response to a need, and it is unlikely that an advertisement would significantly influence this decision. Furthermore, in the case of essential commodities like food and clothing, the purchase is often need-based rather than influenced by promotional activities. A family, for example, will buy groceries based on their dietary requirements, not because an advertisement persuaded them to do so.

Body 2 · View 2

Argue against the idea that advertising is useless. Explain its roles: informing about new products (e.g., smartphones) and creating perceived needs (e.g., luxury watches for status).

However, to assert that advertising is entirely redundant is an overstatement. Firstly, advertising plays a crucial role in informing consumers about new products or services in the market. Consider the launch of a new smartphone; without advertising, potential buyers may remain oblivious to its existence, regardless of their need for a new phone. Secondly, advertising can create a perceived need where none previously existed. A compelling advertisement for a luxury watch, for instance, might convince a consumer that owning such a watch is a status symbol, thereby creating a desire to purchase it.

Conclusion

Summarize that while needs play a large part in buying (e.g., medicines, necessities), advertising is not useless due to its roles in introducing products and creating perceived needs.

In conclusion, while I agree that consumer needs are a significant factor in purchasing decisions, as evidenced by the purchase of medicines and essential commodities, I cannot subscribe to the belief that advertising is completely unnecessary. The role of advertising in introducing new products and creating perceived needs is too significant to be dismissed.

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Next question: In their advertising, businesses nowadays usually emphasise that their products are new in some way. Why is this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?