The topic of banning advertising to children is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past exam trends and expert predictions, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests due to its relevance to modern society and child development concerns. Let’s examine a specific 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 opinion?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to express their opinion on whether advertisements aimed at children should be prohibited. Key points to consider:
- The main topic is advertising directed at children
- The task is to agree or disagree with banning such advertisements
- Candidates should explain the extent of their agreement/disagreement
- Supporting reasons and examples are necessary
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
In today’s consumer-driven society, the debate over restricting advertisements targeting children has gained significant traction. While some argue for a complete ban on such marketing practices, I believe that a more nuanced approach is necessary, involving strict regulation rather than an outright prohibition.
Undoubtedly, there are valid concerns about the negative impact of advertising on children. Young minds are particularly susceptible to manipulation, and aggressive marketing tactics can lead to unrealistic expectations, materialism, and even health issues if unhealthy products are promoted. Moreover, children may pressure their parents to purchase advertised items, creating family tensions and financial strain.
Children Watching TV Ads
However, a blanket ban on all child-directed advertisements could have unintended consequences. Firstly, it would deprive children of information about products and services that may be beneficial or educational. Advertisements can serve an informative function, introducing children to new concepts, technologies, or cultural phenomena. Secondly, many child-focused businesses, such as toy manufacturers or educational software companies, rely on advertising to reach their target audience. A complete ban could stifle innovation and competition in industries that cater to children’s needs.
Instead of an outright ban, I propose implementing stringent regulations on advertising to children. This could include:
- Limiting advertising during children’s programming
- Prohibiting the use of cartoon characters or celebrities to promote unhealthy products
- Requiring clear disclaimers and age-appropriate messaging
- Encouraging the promotion of educational and healthy products
Regulating Children's Advertising
By adopting this balanced approach, we can protect children from exploitative marketing practices while still allowing responsible advertising that can benefit both children and businesses. This strategy would address the core concerns without resorting to an overly restrictive policy that may have negative repercussions on various sectors of the economy and society.
In conclusion, while the intention behind banning advertisements targeting children is understandable, a more measured approach through strict regulation would be more effective and beneficial for all stakeholders involved.
(Word count: 309)
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
The issue of whether advertisements aimed at children should be banned is a complex one. While there are good reasons to consider such a ban, I believe that completely prohibiting these advertisements may not be the best solution.
On one hand, advertisements targeting children can be harmful. Children are easily influenced and may not understand the persuasive nature of ads. This can lead to them wanting things they don’t need or pestering their parents to buy expensive products. Also, some ads promote unhealthy foods, which could contribute to childhood obesity.
However, banning all ads for children could have some negative effects. Many TV shows and websites for kids are funded by advertising. Without this money, there might be less educational content available for children. Additionally, some ads can be informative, teaching kids about new products or services that could be beneficial for them.
Child Asking Parent for Toy
Instead of a total ban, I think stricter rules for advertising to children would be a better approach. For example, ads for unhealthy foods could be limited during children’s TV shows. Companies could be required to make their ads more honest and clear, so children can better understand what is being sold to them.
In conclusion, while advertising to children can be problematic, a complete ban might cause other issues. Stricter regulations and more responsible advertising practices could protect children while still allowing useful information to reach them and their parents.
(Word count: 234)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Advertising to children is a big problem today. Some people want to stop all ads for kids. I think this idea has good and bad points.
Ads for children can be bad because kids don’t always know they are being sold something. They might want many things they see in ads and ask their parents to buy them. This can make parents spend too much money. Also, some ads show unhealthy food, which is not good for children’s health.
But stopping all ads for kids might cause problems too. Many TV shows and websites for children get money from ads. If there are no ads, there might be less good things for kids to watch or learn from. Some ads can also teach children about new things that could help them.
I think instead of stopping all ads, we should make better rules. For example, ads for unhealthy food should not be shown when kids are watching TV. Ads should also be more honest and easy for children to understand.
In the end, I believe that making stricter rules for ads is better than stopping them completely. This way, we can protect children but still let them learn about new things from some ads.
(Word count: 192)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a nuanced view on regulation rather than an outright ban.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphing is skillful, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used naturally (e.g., “susceptible to manipulation”, “stifle innovation”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used accurately. Complex sentences are frequent and error-free.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant supporting ideas and examples.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows good competence but with some limitations:
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Task Response: The main ideas are relevant, but some aspects are not fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some cohesive devices are overused or under-used.
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Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task, with some attempts at less common words.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with only occasional errors.
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Development of Ideas: Main ideas are extended and supported, but not always with sufficient depth.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates a modest attempt at the task:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but the format is simple and the position is not always clear.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The writing is generally coherent, but linking devices are basic and repetitive.
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Lexical Resource: Vocabulary is limited but adequate for basic communication on the topic.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentence structures are simple with frequent errors, though meaning is generally clear.
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Development of Ideas: Basic ideas are presented but lack elaboration or specific examples.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Susceptible (adjective) /səˈseptəbl/ – easily influenced or harmed by something
- Manipulation (noun) /məˌnɪpjuˈleɪʃən/ – the action of controlling or influencing someone cleverly or unscrupulously
- Stringent (adjective) /ˈstrɪndʒənt/ – (of regulations, requirements, or conditions) strict, precise, and exacting
- Stifle (verb) /ˈstaɪfəl/ – restrain or suppress (an action or idea)
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Exploitation (noun) /ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃən/ – the action of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work
- Repercussion (noun) /ˌriːpəˈkʌʃən/ – an unintended consequence of an event or action, especially an unwelcome one
- Disclaimer (noun) /dɪsˈkleɪmər/ – a statement that denies responsibility or affiliation
- Prohibition (noun) /ˌprəʊɪˈbɪʃən/ – the action of forbidding something, especially by law
- Regulate (verb) /ˈreɡjuleɪt/ – control or maintain the rate or speed of (a machine or process) so that it operates properly
Conclusion
The topic of banning advertising to children is a complex and nuanced issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. By analyzing the sample essays and understanding the scoring criteria, you can improve your writing skills and approach similar questions with confidence.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The impact of social media advertising on young people
- Regulating junk food advertisements during children’s TV programs
- The role of parents in mediating children’s exposure to advertisements
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice and reflection. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning will help you develop your skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.
Should advertising aimed at children be banned? provides additional insights on this topic, while Should governments regulate the sale of unhealthy food? explores a related issue that often intersects with advertising to children. For a broader perspective on advertising regulation, you might find Should advertising targeted at children be regulated? helpful in expanding your understanding of the subject.
