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Describe an advertisement you don’t like.
you shold say:
What it is about
Where you saw it
What it was like
And explain why you don’t like this advertisement
Sample answer
Okay, here is my response to the IELTS speaking question about an advertisement I don't like:
One advertisement that I really don't care for is a TV commercial for a popular brand of sports drink. I've seen this ad playing quite often during the commercial breaks of my favorite sports programs.
The commercial features a group of young, athletic-looking people doing various intense-looking workouts and sports activities. They're sweating and huffing and puffing, making it seem like they're pushing themselves to the limit. Then, at the end, they're all shown gulping down this sports drink, looking refreshed and reinvigorated.
The main message the ad seems to be trying to convey is that this sports drink will give you the energy and hydration you need to power through the toughest workouts and athletic endeavors. They're really trying to market it as an essential product for serious athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
However, I don't like this ad because I think it's quite misleading. For one, the people in the commercial appear to be professional athletes or fitness models, not average everyday people. So it creates this unrealistic expectation that if you drink this sports drink, you'll be able to achieve that same level of fitness and athletic ability. In reality, a sports drink alone isn't going to make someone into an elite athlete.
Additionally, the ad emphasizes the intense, strenuous nature of the activities, making it seem like you can't get a good workout without chugging this sports drink. But the truth is, regular water is perfectly sufficient for hydration during most normal exercise routines. You don't necessarily need a specialized sports beverage, especially if you're not an endurance athlete or training at a high intensity.
Overall, I find this commercial to be rather deceptive in the way it portrays the product and the people using it. It's trying too hard to position the sports drink as an absolute necessity for anyone who's serious about fitness, when that's simply not the case. I prefer advertisements that take a more honest and down-to-earth approach when marketing their products.
Part 3
What role does social media play in advertising?
Social media has become a ubiquitous platform for advertising in recent years. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok provide businesses with unprecedented access to highly targeted audiences, allowing them to craft tailored marketing campaigns that leverage the personal nature of social media. The interactive and visual nature of these platforms also enables brands to engage with consumers in more dynamic and immersive ways, fostering stronger brand loyalty and awareness. Overall, social media has revolutionized the advertising landscape, empowering companies to reach and connect with consumers in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Does advertising encourage us to buy things we don't need?
In my view, advertising does indeed encourage us to purchase items that we may not necessarily need. The primary objective of advertising is to stimulate consumer demand and drive sales, often by appealing to our emotions, insecurities, or aspirations rather than our practical requirements. Advertisements frequently present products as essential for achieving a certain lifestyle or status, even if the item itself serves little functional purpose. While advertising can inform us of new offerings, the persuasive tactics employed can lead us to make impulsive or unnecessary purchases. Moderation and critical thinking are key to avoiding the pitfalls of overly persuasive marketing.
Which one is more effective, newspaper advertising or online advertising?
In my assessment, online advertising is generally more effective than newspaper advertising in today's digital landscape. Online platforms allow for highly targeted and personalized ad campaigns that can track user behavior and interests to serve highly relevant content. Additionally, the interactive nature of digital ads, such as video and social media posts, tend to be more engaging and memorable than static print advertisements. However, newspapers still maintain a certain authority and credibility that can lend legitimacy to brands. Ultimately, the most effective approach often involves integrating both traditional and digital advertising strategies to reach a diverse audience.
Do you think it is useful to use celebrities in commercials?
The use of celebrity endorsements in commercials can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, celebrities can lend an aura of prestige and aspirational appeal to a product, leveraging their fame and influence to drive consumer interest and brand recognition. However, the strategy also carries substantial risk, as the celebrity's public image and behavior can ultimately overshadow or undermine the intended marketing message. If the celebrity becomes embroiled in scandal or controversy, it can significantly damage the brand's reputation by association. Therefore, the effectiveness of celebrity advertising depends greatly on selecting the right endorser and carefully managing the partnership to ensure it aligns with the brand's values and resonates authentically with the target audience.
What kinds of products are commonly advertised?
A wide range of products are commonly advertised across various media channels. Consumer goods like household items, personal care products, and food and beverage items are frequently the subject of advertising campaigns. Luxury and premium brands also invest heavily in marketing to cultivate an image of exclusivity and prestige. Additionally, service-based industries such as financial services, telecommunications, and travel/hospitality often utilize advertising to promote their offerings and attract new customers. Emerging technologies, including consumer electronics and software applications, are another common category that relies on advertising to raise awareness and drive adoption. Ultimately, any product or service seeking to expand its market share and customer base is likely to leverage some form of advertising.