IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write at least 250 words.
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.
Sample Answer:
Advertising has become an important part of everyday life, with companies using various techniques to ensure their product is seen and heard by consumers. There are two schools of thought when it comes to the effectiveness of advertising, with some arguing it is extremely successful at convincing people to buy things and others believing it has become so ubiquitous that it is disregarded by consumers. This essay will discuss both of these views, before concluding with a personal opinion.
Proponents of the notion that advertising is successful in persuading people to buy things cite the fact that it is so pervasive in society. For example, people are exposed to advertising on television, radio and billboards, as well as through print media and the internet. It is thought that marketers have become expert in understanding human psychology and creating persuasive messages that tap into our emotions and desires, making us more likely to buy goods and services. Furthermore, many companies spend huge amounts of money on their campaigns, which suggests they are confident in their ability to influence purchasing behaviour.
On the other hand, there are those who argue that advertising has become so commonplace that it is no longer effective in convincing people to purchase items. It is thought that consumers are now so desensitised to the messages put out by companies that they simply ignore them, or even switch off completely. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that people are increasingly using ad-blockers to avoid being exposed to marketing and promotional content.
In my opinion, it is likely that advertising still has some influence on consumer behaviour, although perhaps not to the same degree as it did in the past. It is true that people are increasingly exposed to adverts and promotional content, but it is also true that this has led to a certain level of immunity to it. Companies need to become more creative in the way they promote their goods and services, as well as be mindful of the fact that people are now more likely to research products online before they buy.
In conclusion, while some people believe that advertising is still very effective in convincing people to purchase products, others contend that it has become so ubiquitous that it is no longer considered by consumers. Personally, I believe that while advertising does still have some influence on our buying decisions, companies need to be more creative in the way they present their products to consumers.