Methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable

IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.

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 extend do you agree with this point of view?

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

Write at least 250 words.


Sample Essay :
In this cut-throat competitive business world, we are submerged with umpteen numbers of commercials every day. Many of the methods used in these ads are to be considered as immoral and untenable. In the case, subliminal advertising technique is the most used handy tool to practice unethical advertising.

For a start, there are many products like cigarettes, diet pill or beauty cream that we do not need at all. But what I mean by unethical advertising is subliminal advertising. Subliminal advertising conveys the message designed to pass beyond the normal limits of perception. That is to say that it might not be discerned by the conscious mind, but subconscious mind could perceive the message. It is perceived unconsciously and yet unperceived consciously. In 1957, Vance Packard sheds light on this phenomenon in a book entitled The Hidden Persuaders. In the book, the author discusses how the movie theatres uses subliminal message to increase the sales lead of Coca-Cola and popcorn at their stands.

An ethical advertising is used to distinguish a product from its competitors so that the product can be ahead of competition, whereas unethical commercial tries to blur the distinction and intentionally confuses the consumers. In this instance, subliminal commercial imprints a fake image of a product on the viewers’ unconscious mind that makes a desire they will unknowingly connect to the product consumption. Morally good advertising seeks to move consumers to act rationally and select the products that fit their needs. But subliminal advertising refrains from acting rationally.

Based on above discussion, it could be easily said that subliminal advertising is unethical and unacceptable as well.