The topic “effects of advertising on children’s health” is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing with moderate frequency in past exams. Its relevance to modern society and potential impact on future generations make it a prime candidate for future tests. Based on analysis of previous IELTS questions, here’s a likely prompt related to this topic:
Some people think that advertisements targeting children should be banned because they have negative effects on children’s health and well-being. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to express their opinion on banning advertisements aimed at children due to potential negative health impacts. Key points to consider:
- The main argument: Advertisements targeting children should be banned
- Reason given: Negative effects on children’s health and well-being
- Task: Agree or disagree, and to what extent
Candidates should clearly state their position, provide well-structured arguments, and support their views with relevant examples.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In today’s consumer-driven society, the debate over the impact of advertising on children’s health has gained significant traction. While some advocate for a complete ban on child-targeted advertisements, I partially agree with this stance, believing that strict regulations rather than an outright prohibition would be more effective in safeguarding children’s well-being.
Undoubtedly, advertisements aimed at children can have detrimental effects on their physical and mental health. The relentless promotion of sugary drinks, fast food, and snacks with little nutritional value contributes to the rising obesity rates among youth. Moreover, the constant bombardment of idealized body images and lifestyles can lead to low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and even eating disorders in impressionable young minds. These health concerns are valid reasons for considering stringent measures against such advertising practices.
However, a complete ban on child-oriented advertisements may be an overly drastic approach with unintended consequences. Advertising, when done responsibly, can serve educational purposes and promote positive behaviors. For instance, campaigns promoting healthy eating habits, physical activity, or educational products can benefit children’s development. Furthermore, a total ban could potentially infringe on commercial free speech rights and hinder the economic viability of children’s media and entertainment.
Instead of an outright ban, I propose implementing strict regulations and guidelines for advertisements targeting children. These could include restrictions on the types of products that can be advertised, limits on advertising during children’s programming, and mandates for including health warnings or educational content. Additionally, media literacy programs should be introduced in schools to equip children with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complex world of advertising.
In conclusion, while the concerns about advertising’s negative impact on children’s health are valid, a nuanced approach involving stringent regulations and educational initiatives would be more effective than a blanket ban. This balanced strategy would protect children’s well-being while preserving the potential benefits of responsible advertising.
Effects of advertising on children's health
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the effects of advertising on children’s health. Some people believe that ads targeting kids should be completely banned because they negatively impact children’s health and well-being. I partially agree with this view, as I think some regulations are necessary, but a total ban might be too extreme.
On one hand, advertisements aimed at children can indeed have harmful effects on their health. Many ads promote unhealthy foods like sugary snacks, soft drinks, and fast food, which can contribute to childhood obesity and other health problems. These ads often use colorful characters and catchy jingles to make unhealthy products seem appealing to kids. Also, some advertisements may create unrealistic beauty standards or promote materialistic values, which can affect children’s mental health and self-esteem.
However, I don’t think banning all advertisements for children is the best solution. Some ads can be educational and promote positive behaviors. For example, there are campaigns that encourage children to eat fruits and vegetables or to be more physically active. These kinds of advertisements can actually benefit children’s health. Additionally, a complete ban on ads might have negative economic consequences for industries that produce children’s products or media.
Instead of a total ban, I believe stricter regulations on advertising to children would be more effective. This could include limiting the types of products that can be advertised to kids, especially unhealthy foods. There could also be rules about the content of ads, ensuring they don’t use manipulative techniques or promote unrealistic ideals. Furthermore, educating children about media literacy in schools could help them better understand and critically evaluate the advertisements they see.
In conclusion, while I agree that some action needs to be taken regarding advertisements targeting children, I believe that strict regulations and education would be more beneficial than a complete ban. This approach would help protect children’s health while still allowing for some positive aspects of advertising.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, many people think that advertisements for children should be stopped because they are bad for kids’ health and well-being. I agree with this idea because I think these ads can really hurt children.
Firstly, many advertisements for kids show unhealthy foods. They always show tasty snacks, candies, and sodas that are not good for children’s health. When kids see these ads, they want to eat these foods, which can make them overweight or sick. For example, in my country, there are many TV ads for sweet drinks, and now more children are getting diabetes.
Secondly, some advertisements make children feel bad about themselves. They show perfect-looking people or expensive toys that not everyone can have. This can make kids feel sad or want things their families can’t afford. I have seen my young cousin always asking for new toys she sees in ads, and it makes her upset when she can’t get them.
However, not all ads are bad for children. Some advertisements teach good things like brushing teeth or eating vegetables. These kinds of ads can help children learn good habits. But I think there are more bad ads than good ones for kids.
In conclusion, I believe that stopping advertisements for children is a good idea. It can help protect their health and make them feel better about themselves. Maybe instead of ads, we can have more educational programs for kids on TV and the internet.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position and well-developed ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logically organized with a clear progression of ideas and effective use of paragraphing.
- Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary used accurately and appropriately.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Wide range of structures used flexibly with rare minor errors.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects are more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally well organized with clear overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, with some less common lexical items used.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mix of simple and complex sentence forms with good control and few errors.
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses the task, but the format is simple and arguments may be underdeveloped.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Overall progression is clear, but may not always be well maintained.
- Lexical Resource: Adequate vocabulary for the task, but limited range and some inaccuracies.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Limited range of structures with some errors that may cause occasional difficulty for the reader.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Consumer-driven (adjective) – /kənˈsjuːmə drɪvn/: Dominated or influenced by consumers’ wants and needs.
Detrimental (adjective) – /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/: Tending to cause harm.
Bombardment (noun) – /bɒmˈbɑːdmənt/: A continuous attack with questions, criticisms, or information.
Impressionable (adjective) – /ɪmˈpreʃənəbl/: Easily influenced or affected by others.
Stringent (adjective) – /ˈstrɪndʒənt/: Strict, precise, and exacting.
Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/: Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
Media literacy (noun) – /ˈmiːdiə ˈlɪtərəsi/: The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media in various forms.
Materialistic (adjective) – /məˌtɪəriəˈlɪstɪk/: Excessively concerned with material possessions and wealth.
Manipulative (adjective) – /məˈnɪpjələtɪv/: Characterized by unscrupulous control of a situation or person.
Educational programs (noun phrase) – /ˌedjʊˈkeɪʃənl ˈprəʊɡræmz/: Television or online content designed to educate viewers, especially children.
In conclusion, the topic of advertising’s effects on children’s health remains a critical issue in IELTS Writing Task 2. Candidates should be prepared to discuss various aspects, including the impact on physical and mental health, potential benefits of responsible advertising, and possible regulatory measures. To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones such as:
- The role of parents in mediating children’s exposure to advertising
- The impact of digital advertising on children’s online experiences
- Balancing commercial interests with child protection in advertising regulations
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.