Advertising targeting children has become a prevalent topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past exam trends and analysis of recent test papers, this issue is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that advertisements targeting children should be banned. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to express their opinion on banning advertisements aimed at children. Key points to consider:
- The main focus is on advertisements specifically targeting children
- Candidates need to clearly state their position (agree/disagree/partially agree)
- Reasons and examples should be provided to support the argument
- Both sides of the issue can be discussed before reaching a conclusion
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In today’s consumer-driven society, the issue of advertising directed at children has become increasingly contentious. While some argue for an outright ban on such advertisements, I believe that a more nuanced approach is necessary, involving stricter regulations rather than a complete prohibition.
Undoubtedly, there are valid concerns regarding advertisements targeting young audiences. Children, with their developing cognitive abilities, are often unable to critically evaluate marketing messages, making them particularly vulnerable to manipulation. This can lead to the formation of unrealistic expectations, materialistic attitudes, and even health issues if unhealthy products are being promoted. Moreover, excessive advertising can place undue pressure on parents, creating tension within families when children demand advertised products.
However, a complete ban on child-focused advertisements may be an overly drastic measure with unintended consequences. Advertising plays a crucial role in informing consumers about new products, including educational materials, healthy food options, and age-appropriate entertainment. A blanket ban could potentially deprive children and parents of valuable information about products that could benefit child development. Additionally, many children’s television programs and educational initiatives rely on advertising revenue to sustain their operations, and a total ban could jeopardize these valuable resources.
Instead of an outright ban, I propose implementing more stringent regulations on advertisements targeting children. This could include:
- Limiting the frequency and duration of advertisements during children’s programming
- Establishing clear guidelines on the types of products that can be advertised to children
- Requiring advertisers to include educational elements or health information in their messages
- Encouraging media literacy programs in schools to help children critically evaluate advertising
By adopting these measures, we can strike a balance between protecting children from exploitative marketing practices and preserving the benefits that responsible advertising can offer.
In conclusion, while the concerns about child-targeted advertising are valid, a complete ban may be too extreme. A more effective approach would be to implement comprehensive regulations that protect children while still allowing for the dissemination of useful information through carefully controlled advertising channels.
Children watching TV advertisement
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Advertisements targeting children have become a big issue in modern society. Some people think these ads should be completely banned. I partially agree with this idea, but I think some ads can be allowed if they are carefully controlled.
There are several reasons why ads for children could be harmful. Firstly, children are easily influenced and may not understand that ads are trying to sell them things. This can make them want products they don’t really need. Secondly, ads for unhealthy foods like sweets and fast food can lead to bad eating habits and health problems for kids. Lastly, when children see lots of ads for expensive toys or gadgets, they might pressure their parents to buy these things, causing family conflicts.
However, banning all ads for children might not be the best solution. Some ads can actually be helpful or educational. For example, ads for books or educational toys can encourage children to learn. Also, many TV shows and websites for kids depend on money from ads to keep running. If all ads were banned, these shows and sites might disappear.
I think a better solution is to have strict rules for ads aimed at children. The government could limit how many ads can be shown during kids’ TV shows. They could also ban ads for unhealthy foods or very expensive toys. Companies should be required to make their ads more honest and educational. For instance, toy ads could show how the toys really work, not just exciting scenes that might not be real.
In conclusion, while ads for children can be problematic, a total ban might not be necessary. Instead, strict regulations and more responsible advertising practices can help protect children while still allowing some useful ads to reach them and their parents.
Children learning media literacy in classroom
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, many advertisements are made for children. Some people think these ads should not be allowed at all. I think this is partly true, but not completely.
Ads for kids can be bad for some reasons. First, children are young and don’t always know ads are trying to sell things. They might want to buy many things they see in ads. Second, some ads show unhealthy foods like candy or fast food. This can make children want to eat these foods too much. Also, when kids see ads for expensive toys, they might ask their parents to buy them, which can cause problems at home.
But stopping all ads for children might not be good. Some ads can be helpful. For example, ads about books or educational toys can be good for children. Also, many TV shows for kids get money from ads. If there are no ads, these shows might stop.
I think it’s better to have strong rules for ads for children. The government can make rules about how many ads can be shown on kids’ TV. They can also stop ads for unhealthy food. Companies should make their ads more honest and show how toys really work.
In conclusion, while ads for children can be bad, stopping all of them might not be the best idea. Instead, having strong rules and making companies more responsible can help protect children while still allowing some good ads.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position
- Presents a well-developed response with relevant, extended and supported ideas
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Demonstrates high levels of grammatical accuracy throughout
- Skillfully manages paragraphing and cohesion
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed/unclear
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some inaccuracies
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Has generally good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors
- Arranges information coherently and there is clear overall progression
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but the development is not always clear and there may be no conclusions drawn
- Uses limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task
- May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
- Some structures are accurate but errors predominate, and punctuation may be faulty
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- contentious (adjective) /kənˈten.ʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement
- nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuː.ɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- cognitively (adverb) /ˈkɒɡ.nə.tɪv.li/ – in a way that relates to thinking and reasoning
- materialistic (adjective) /məˌtɪə.ri.əˈlɪs.tɪk/ – excessively concerned with material possessions
- blanket ban (noun phrase) /ˈblæŋ.kɪt bæn/ – a complete prohibition of something
- stringent (adjective) /ˈstrɪn.dʒənt/ – strict, precise, and exacting
- media literacy (noun phrase) /ˈmiː.di.ə ˈlɪt.ər.ə.si/ – the ability to identify different types of media and understand the messages they’re sending
- exploitative (adjective) /ɪkˈsplɔɪ.tə.tɪv/ – using someone unfairly for your own advantage
- dissemination (noun) /dɪˌsem.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/ – the act of spreading information widely
- cognitive abilities (noun phrase) /ˈkɒɡ.nə.tɪv əˈbɪl.ɪ.tiz/ – the mental skills and processes related to knowledge, attention, memory, and reasoning
In conclusion, the issue of advertisements targeting children is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the nuances of this subject and practicing with sample essays of different band scores, test-takers can improve their writing skills and prepare for similar questions in the exam. As you prepare, consider practicing with variations of this topic, such as the impact of social media advertising on children or the role of government in regulating child-targeted marketing. Remember to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further discussion with fellow IELTS candidates.
Should the government regulate fast food advertising to children? This related topic can provide additional insights into the broader issue of advertising and its impact on children’s health and well-being.
