The topic of regulating advertising targeted at children is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past exam trends and current societal concerns, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a specific question related to this topic and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays
Analyzing the Question
Let’s focus on the following question, which 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 opinion?
This question requires you to express your opinion on whether advertising aimed at children should be prohibited. It’s crucial to:
- Clearly state your position
- Provide reasons and examples to support your argument
- Consider counterarguments
- Maintain a balanced approach
Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a high-quality essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:
The debate over banning advertisements targeting children has gained significant traction in recent years. While some argue for a complete prohibition, I believe that a more nuanced approach of strict regulation rather than an outright ban is more appropriate and effective.
Firstly, it is undeniable that children are particularly vulnerable to the persuasive techniques employed in advertising. Their cognitive abilities are still developing, making it challenging for them to distinguish between entertainment and commercial intent. This vulnerability can lead to pestering parents for unnecessary products, fostering materialism, and even contributing to childhood obesity when unhealthy foods are promoted. Therefore, some form of control is indeed necessary to protect children’s well-being.
However, a complete ban on child-targeted advertising could have unintended consequences. Many educational programs and child-focused media rely on advertising revenue to sustain their operations. A blanket ban might lead to a reduction in quality content available for children. Moreover, advertising can sometimes serve an informative purpose, introducing children to new products or services that may be beneficial for their development.
Instead of an outright ban, I propose implementing stringent regulations on advertisements targeting children. These regulations could include:
- Restricting advertising during peak children’s viewing hours
- Prohibiting the use of cartoon characters or celebrities to promote unhealthy products
- Mandating clear labeling to differentiate advertisements from content
- Requiring advertisers to include educational elements in their messages
By implementing these measures, we can strike a balance between protecting children and maintaining the benefits that responsible advertising can offer. This approach allows for the continuation of age-appropriate marketing while safeguarding children from exploitative practices.
In conclusion, while the concern over child-targeted advertising is valid, a nuanced regulatory approach is preferable to an outright ban. This strategy can protect children’s interests while preserving the positive aspects of responsible advertising. (309 words)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay would likely score in the Band 8-9 range for the following reasons:
- Task Response: The essay clearly addresses all parts of the task, presenting a nuanced view that partially agrees with the statement.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of linking words.
- Lexical Resource: It uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Now, let’s look at an essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
In today’s world, advertisements are everywhere, and many of them target children. Some people think these ads should be banned completely. I partly agree with this idea, but I think some ads can be okay if they are controlled properly.
One reason why ads for kids should be banned is because children are easily influenced. They might not understand that ads are trying to sell them things, and they could want products that are not good for them. For example, many ads show unhealthy snacks or expensive toys. This can make children ask their parents to buy these things all the time, which can be annoying for parents and bad for kids’ health.
However, not all ads for children are bad. Some advertisements can teach kids useful things or tell them about good products. For instance, ads for books or educational toys can encourage children to learn. Also, if all ads for kids were banned, some TV shows and websites for children might not have enough money to keep running.
I think the best solution is to have strict rules for ads that target children. The government could make laws about what kinds of products can be advertised to kids and when these ads can be shown. They could also make sure that ads don’t trick children or make false promises. This way, we can protect kids from bad ads but still allow good ones.
In conclusion, while banning all ads for children might seem like a good idea, I believe that having strong regulations is a better approach. This can help keep children safe while still allowing some helpful advertisements. (253 words)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay would likely score in the Band 6-7 range for the following reasons:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, though the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
- Lexical Resource: It uses an adequate range of vocabulary, with some attempts at less common words.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Vulnerable (adjective, /ˈvʌl.nər.ə.bəl/): Easily harmed or influenced
- Cognitive abilities (noun phrase, /ˈkɒɡ.nə.tɪv əˈbɪl.ə.tiz/): Mental skills used in thinking and learning
- Materialism (noun, /məˈtɪə.ri.ə.lɪ.zəm/): The belief that owning things is the most important thing in life
- Stringent (adjective, /ˈstrɪn.dʒənt/): Very strict or severe
- Nuanced (adjective, /ˈnjuː.ɑːnst/): Characterized by subtle differences
- Exploitative (adjective, /ɪkˈsplɔɪ.tə.tɪv/): Using someone unfairly for your own advantage
- Regulatory (adjective, /ˈreg.jə.lə.tər.i/): Controlling an activity or process by means of rules
- Persuasive techniques (noun phrase, /pəˈsweɪ.sɪv tekˈniːks/): Methods used to convince someone
- Blanket ban (noun phrase, /ˈblæŋ.kɪt bæn/): A complete prohibition on something
- Age-appropriate (adjective, /eɪdʒ əˈprəʊ.pri.ət/): Suitable for people of a particular age
Conclusion
The topic of regulating advertising targeted at children is a complex and relevant issue for IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for this and similar topics, consider practicing with variations such as:
- The impact of social media advertising on children
- Regulating food advertisements for children
- The role of parents in mediating children’s exposure to advertisements
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below for feedback and further discussion.
For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
- Should Governments Ban Advertising Aimed at Children?
- The Influence of Advertising on Children
- The Impact of Social Media on Privacy
By studying these sample essays and practicing regularly, you can improve your writing skills and be well-prepared for the IELTS Writing Task 2 exam.
