IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write at least 250 words.
In some countries, there has been an increase in the number of advertisements which try to persuade children to buy snacks, toys, and other goods. Parents often claim that these ads are unfair
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Sample Answer:
Nowadays, it is common to see advertisements which are targeted at children and try to persuade them to buy certain products. While some parents believe this to be an unfair practice, others disagree. This essay will discuss both views and present my opinion.
On the one hand, parents who oppose this kind of advertising argue that children do not have the same level of understanding about marketing and advertising as adults do, and so are vulnerable to being easily influenced. They suggest that this can lead to unhealthy eating habits, as children may be encouraged to buy unhealthy snacks, or to purchase items that are not appropriate for their age. Furthermore, it has been argued that this can also lead to a rise in materialism, with children believing that they need to have the latest gadgets and toys to be accepted by their peers.
On the other hand, those in favour of advertising to children assert that it offers parents a certain degree of control over what their children are exposed to. For example, some companies have policies in place which ensure that all their advertising is age-appropriate and that they do not encourage children to buy products which are not suitable. They also point out that advertising can help to inform children about the products that are available, and that it can be beneficial to the economy as it encourages people to spend money.
In my opinion, I believe that advertising to children should be regulated so that it is appropriate for their age and level of understanding. Companies should be responsible for ensuring that their advertising does not encourage unhealthy eating habits or encourage children to purchase items which are inappropriate for their age. In addition, I feel that parents should be more aware of the types of advertising their children are exposed to so that they can ensure it is age-appropriate and does not encourage materialism.
To conclude, advertising to children can be beneficial in some ways, but it should be regulated to ensure that it does not have a negative impact on children’s lives. Parents should also be vigilant to ensure that their children are not being exposed to inappropriate advertisements.