Ideas for ielts topic - Topic Advertising - Sample 1

ADVERTISING

 
Topic:  Some people believe that advertising is essential for economic growth and consumer choice, while others think it manipulates people and encourages materialism. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

🔍 Understanding the Scope of the Topic:
This is a "discuss both views and give your opinion" question.
Main topic: The impact of advertising.
Viewpoint 1: Advertising is essential for economic development and consumer variety.
Viewpoint 2: Advertising manipulates people and fosters materialism.
Your role: Present both perspectives objectively and clearly state your own opinion, supporting it with explanations and examples.
 
✍️ Developing Balanced Ideas:
Viewpoint 1 – Positive Effects of Advertising:
Boosts the economy by increasing demand and sales.
Encourages competition, leading to innovation and better products.
Informs consumers about choices, promotions, and availability.
Supports media and entertainment industries.
Viewpoint 2 – Negative Effects of Advertising:
Encourages unnecessary consumption and materialism.
Targets vulnerable groups (e.g., children) to shape desires artificially.
Can distort self-image and values (e.g., ideal body types, luxury standards).
Uses manipulative techniques like emotional appeals and false scarcity.
 
📌 Forming Your Opinion:
For example, you could take a balanced stance, like:
"While advertising plays a vital role in economic systems, its negative influence on societal values and consumer psychology cannot be overlooked."
 
📝 Suggested Essay Structure:
Introduction:
Paraphrase the question.
Mention both views.
Clearly state your opinion.
Body Paragraph 1 – In Favor of Advertising:
Support economic activity.
Promote consumer awareness and choice.
Example: New product launches create jobs and offer options.
Body Paragraph 2 – Against Advertising:
Induces overconsumption and unrealistic expectations.
Influences children and promotes brand obsession.
Example: Fast food or fashion ads creating social pressure.
Body Paragraph 3 – Your Opinion (Optional or Combined):
Acknowledge merits of advertising.
Stress the need for regulation and ethical standards.
Personal viewpoint supported with a relevant example.
Conclusion:
Summarise both arguments.
Restate your opinion clearly.
 
🧾 Topical Vocabulary & Paraphrases:

Concept	Paraphrases & Vocabulary
Advertising	Marketing, promotion, commercials, brand campaigns
Economic growth	Economic expansion, financial development, prosperity
Consumer choice	Buyer autonomy, product variety, purchasing freedom
Materialism	Consumerism, overconsumption, wealth-centered values
Manipulation	Persuasion tactics, psychological influence, coercion

Sample:

In today's consumer-driven world, advertising plays an increasingly influential role. Some argue that it is vital for economic development and consumer freedom, while others believe it encourages materialism and manipulates public perception. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own balanced viewpoint.

On one hand, advertising is often seen as a key driver of economic growth. By informing the public about new products and services, it stimulates demand, which in turn creates employment and supports innovation. Companies compete not only in product quality but also in marketing strategies, which can lead to better options for consumers. For example, the smartphone industry thrives partly due to aggressive advertising that highlights unique features, prompting technological advancement and price competitiveness.

On the other hand, critics argue that advertising exploits human psychology to promote excessive consumption. Many campaigns appeal to emotions, suggesting that happiness or social acceptance can be achieved through purchasing specific products. This can lead to unhealthy spending habits and reinforce superficial values, especially among young people. A clear example is the fashion and beauty industry, which often promotes unrealistic standards and encourages people to measure self-worth through possessions.

In my opinion, while advertising undeniably supports economic activity, its influence must be managed carefully. It should focus on informing rather than manipulating, and ethical guidelines should be enforced to protect vulnerable groups, particularly children. Governments and industry bodies can play a role by regulating misleading claims and promoting socially responsible marketing.

In conclusion, although advertising contributes to both economic vitality and consumer awareness, its potentially harmful social impact cannot be ignored. A balanced approach—where promotion is coupled with responsibility—is essential for harnessing its benefits without encouraging materialism.