Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Advertising’s Influence on Consumer Choices

Advertising’s impact on consumer choices is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, reflecting its relevance in our modern, marketing-driven world. This topic has appeared multiple times in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for future tests. Let’s explore a specific question related to this theme and analyze how to craft effective responses for different band scores.

Some people think that advertisements are useful as they tell people about new products and services. Others believe that advertisements can negatively affect people’s lives. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss the positive aspects of advertising (informing about new products/services)
2. Explore the negative impacts of advertising on people’s lives
3. Provide a personal opinion on the topic

It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.

Band 8-9 Sample Essay

In today’s consumer-driven society, advertisements have become an omnipresent force, sparking debate about their overall impact on our lives. While some argue that ads serve a valuable purpose by informing the public about new products and services, others contend that they can have detrimental effects on individuals and society as a whole. In my opinion, while advertising does offer some benefits, its negative consequences outweigh the positives.

Proponents of advertising highlight its informative role in the marketplace. By showcasing new products and services, advertisements keep consumers informed about the latest innovations and options available to them. This information can help people make more informed purchasing decisions and potentially improve their quality of life. For instance, an advertisement for a new energy-efficient appliance might lead consumers to make a more environmentally conscious choice, benefiting both the individual and society.

However, critics argue that the pervasive nature of advertising can have serious negative repercussions. Constant exposure to ads can create artificial needs and promote materialism, leading people to spend money on items they don’t truly need. This can result in financial stress and a cycle of overconsumption. Moreover, many advertisements use manipulative tactics, such as exploiting insecurities or creating unrealistic expectations, which can negatively impact mental health and self-esteem, particularly among vulnerable populations like children and teenagers.

In my view, while the informative aspect of advertising cannot be dismissed, the negative impacts are more significant and far-reaching. The potential for ads to create dissatisfaction, promote unhealthy consumption habits, and manipulate emotions outweighs the benefit of product awareness. Furthermore, in the digital age, there are numerous alternative sources of product information that do not carry the same psychological and societal risks as traditional advertising.

In conclusion, although advertisements can serve an informative purpose, their overall impact on society is more harmful than beneficial. To mitigate these negative effects, stricter regulations on advertising practices and content should be implemented, particularly in how the rise of influencer culture is affecting consumer behavior. Additionally, promoting media literacy and critical thinking skills can help individuals become more discerning consumers of advertising content.

Advertising's influence on consumer choices

Explanation of Band 8-9 Score

This essay demonstrates several key characteristics of a high-scoring response:

1. Clear structure: The essay follows a logical progression with a clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing both views, and a conclusion.
2. Comprehensive coverage: All parts of the question are addressed, including both perspectives and a personal opinion.
3. Cohesion and coherence: Ideas flow smoothly with appropriate use of linking words and phrases.
4. Lexical resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately (e.g., “omnipresent force,” “pervasive nature,” “artificial needs”).
5. Grammatical range and accuracy: Complex sentence structures are used correctly, with a mix of simple and compound sentences for variety.
6. Task achievement: The essay fully addresses the task, providing a clear position supported by relevant examples and ideas.

Band 6-7 Sample Essay

Advertisements are everywhere in our modern world, and people have different opinions about their usefulness. Some think they are good because they give information about new products, while others believe they can harm people’s lives. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.

On the positive side, advertisements can be helpful because they tell us about new things we can buy or use. When companies make new products or offer new services, they use ads to let people know about them. This can be good for consumers because they learn about things that might make their lives easier or better. For example, if there’s a new phone with better features, an ad can tell people about it so they can decide if they want to buy it.

However, there are also negative aspects of advertising. Some people think ads can make us want things we don’t really need, which can lead to overspending and debt. Advertisements often show a perfect lifestyle that isn’t realistic, and this can make people feel bad about themselves or their lives. This is especially true for young people who might be more easily influenced by what they see in ads.

In my opinion, while advertisements can provide useful information, they can also have a negative impact on society. I think the harm they can cause, like promoting materialism and creating unrealistic expectations, is more significant than the benefits of product information. The influence of advertising on consumer purchasing decisions is very strong, and not always in a positive way.

To conclude, advertisements have both good and bad aspects. While they can inform us about new products, they can also negatively affect our lives by encouraging unnecessary spending and creating unrealistic standards. I believe that we need to be more aware of how ads influence us and try to make smart decisions about what we buy and why.

Consumer influenced by advertisements

Explanation of Band 6-7 Score

This essay demonstrates characteristics of a mid-range score:

1. Adequate structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing both views, and a conclusion.
2. Task response: All parts of the question are addressed, but with less depth and sophistication compared to the higher band essay.
3. Cohesion and coherence: Ideas are generally well-organized, but there’s less variety in linking words and phrases.
4. Lexical resource: Vocabulary is appropriate but less varied and sophisticated than in the higher band essay.
5. Grammatical range and accuracy: Sentences are generally well-formed, but there’s less complexity and variety in structures.
6. Development of ideas: Ideas are presented and supported, but with less elaboration and fewer specific examples than in the higher band essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Omnipresent (adjective) – /ɒmˈnɪprɛzənt/ – Present everywhere at the same time
2. Pervasive (adjective) – /pəˈveɪsɪv/ – Spreading widely throughout an area or group of people
3. Materialism (noun) – /məˈtɪərɪəlɪzəm/ – A tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values
4. Manipulative (adjective) – /məˈnɪpjʊlətɪv/ – Exercising unscrupulous control or influence over a person or situation
5. Dissatisfaction (noun) – /ˌdɪsˌsætɪsˈfækʃən/ – Lack of satisfaction; disappointment
6. Artificial (adjective) – /ˌɑːtɪˈfɪʃəl/ – Made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally
7. Detrimental (adjective) – /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/ – Tending to cause harm
8. Innovative (adjective) – /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ – Featuring new methods; advanced and original
9. Discerning (adjective) – /dɪˈsɜːnɪŋ/ – Having or showing good judgment
10. Repercussions (noun) – /ˌriːpəˈkʌʃənz/ – An unintended consequence of an event or action, especially an unwelcome one

In conclusion, the topic of advertising’s influence on consumer choices is a significant one in IELTS Writing Task 2. Mastering this theme requires a nuanced understanding of both the positive and negative aspects of advertising, as well as the ability to articulate a well-reasoned opinion. Social media reshaping consumer behavior is a related topic that might appear in future exams, so it’s worth exploring as well.

To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as “Do you think the influence of celebrity endorsements on consumer choices is positive or negative?” or “To what extent do you agree or disagree that should there be stricter regulations on advertising to children?” Share your essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS candidates. Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your writing skills and achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.