IELTS Speaking Part 3 Masterclass

[Point] I believe that to some degree advertising unhealthy products should be allowed, but with certain restrictions. [Extension 1] For example, it should not be allowed to advertise these products in a way that appeals to young people. There must be restrictions from targeting people who are too young to make informed choices. [Point 2] I believe that the advertising should also have to contain information about the dangers of using and abusing these products, such as health warnings on cigarette packets, or warnings about obesity and heart disease caused by fast food.

[Point] I believe that viral and word of mouth advertising can be the most effective way to promote and sell products and services. [Extension 1] People now are very aware that TV and magazine advertising shows a fantasy rather than a reality. When they receive advertising being shared by friends, it has more credibility since it comes from the people they know. [Point 2] Viral advertising is also more effective in reaching a larger audience as consumers will share it themselves and these advertisements can reach people who would avoid more traditional forms of advertising.

[Point] TV advertisements tend to be much faster and simpler than magazine advertising because it has to catch viewers' attention quickly and be remembered in less than 20 seconds, whereas magazine advertising will have more information. [Extension] Generally, people don't have the patience for TV ads, so the advertisers will try to make it very easy to understand and notice. In contrast, people may spend more time reading a magazine, meaning that the advertisers can give a lot more information about their product to persuade customers to favour their product.

[Point] There are many forms of advertising in my country but I believe the most popular ones are Internet and billboard advertisements. [Extension 1] Internet sites and mobile apps will usually have advertising built into them, which is displayed when you view the site or open the app. [Extension 2] There are also many billboard advertisements all over the cities and on the roads. The popular brands will put up pictures and logos of their products around the city and the roads to make sure that people recognize the brand and to make it more appealing to customers.

[Point] It is not good for children to be exposed to advertisements, but I don't think that it is a massive problem either. [Extension 1] Children do live in the real world and enjoy many kinds of media just like adults, which means that they will see advertising all the time. Although it is not good, it is just a part of normal life in the modern world. [Point 2] The responsibility for how this affects children must ultimately stay with the parents who should teach their children the power and danger of advertising.

[Point 1] Adverts can be misleading. [Extension] To entice consumers, many ads portray their products in a very good light. For example, burgers may be big and juicy on TV, but not so when purchased. [Point 2] On the other side, we can learn about what products are available and products that suit us. [Extension] Advertising is how companies can communicate with the public and the information can be useful. There may be an offer or a new product that would be helpful to us that we would not know about without seeing the ad.

[Point 1] One major change is that many adverts are now online. [Extension] Companies have realized that many people are constantly on their gadgets. This means online advertising ensures their potential customers catch a glimpse of their product daily, unlike relying on TV ads that are often just viewed at home in the evening. [Point 2] There are also much more celebrity endorsers now compared to before. [Extension] There weren't many options for advertisers 30 years ago. But now, companies can not only choose to work with A-list celebrities to sell products, but they also can try rising stars from talent shows as these endorsers might be more trustworthy in some cases.

[Point] I believe that advertising can definitely have a negative effect on the environment in a number of obvious ways, but also more subtly. [Extension 1] I would say that the most immediate effect on the environment from advertising would be the light and visual pollution from putting billboards and advertisements all over the cities and suburbs. [Extension 2] Perhaps the less obvious effect would be the pollution from the energy sources used to generate and maintain so much advertising. Public television screens and electrical neon signs require a lot of power, generating increased carbon dioxide emissions.