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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it.

Advertising plays a significant role in influencing our purchasing decisions. Some argue that advertising is highly effective in convincing us to make purchases, while others believe that it has become so pervasive that we tend to ignore it. In my opinion, both perspectives hold some truth, but ultimately, advertising continues to be a powerful tool for shaping consumer behavior.

On one hand, advertising has proven to be remarkably successful in swaying consumers. Through captivating visuals, catchy slogans, and celebrity endorsements, advertisers have the ability to create a strong desire for their products. For example, a popular soft drink brand may use an appealing commercial featuring a well-known celebrity to entice consumers to buy their product. Such tactics often lead to impulse purchases, demonstrating the persuasive power of advertising.

On the other hand, the ubiquity of advertising has led to a phenomenon where people tend to disregard its messages. With the constant bombardment of advertisements on various platforms such as television, social media, and billboards, individuals may develop a tendency to tune out these marketing efforts. As a result, the impact of some advertisements may be diminished, as consumers become desensitized to their content.

In my view, while it is true that some advertising may lose its effectiveness due to overexposure, the overall influence of advertising remains potent. Companies continue to allocate substantial budgets for advertising, indicating their belief in its ability to drive consumer behavior. Furthermore, the rise of targeted advertising and personalized marketing strategies has allowed advertisers to create more relevant and engaging content, increasing the likelihood of capturing consumer attention.

In conclusion, advertising is a formidable force in shaping consumer behavior. While some may argue that it is losing its impact, the evidence of its continued success in driving consumer decisions suggests otherwise. As consumers, we should remain vigilant and critical of the messages conveyed through advertising, while acknowledging its undeniable influence on our choices.

Model Essay #2:

Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it.

Advertising has long been a subject of debate regarding its effectiveness in influencing consumer behavior. While some believe that advertising is highly persuasive, others argue that its prevalence has led to widespread indifference. In my view, while advertising does have the power to sway consumer decisions, its overabundance has indeed resulted in many people disregarding its messages.

Proponents of advertising's persuasiveness point to the immense success of marketing campaigns in driving consumer purchases. Advertisers employ various techniques such as emotional appeals, social proof, and scarcity tactics to create a sense of urgency and desire for their products. For instance, limited-time offers and testimonials from satisfied customers are commonly used to persuade individuals to make purchases.

On the other hand, the saturation of advertising in modern society has led to what some refer to as "advertising fatigue." With advertisements inundating every facet of daily life, from online pop-ups to sponsored content on social media, people have become adept at tuning out these messages. Consequently, many individuals have developed a resistance to the persuasive intent of advertising, leading to a decline in its overall impact.

In my opinion, while advertising continues to play a role in influencing consumer behavior, its effectiveness has been compromised by its omnipresence. The sheer volume of advertisements that individuals encounter on a daily basis has desensitized them to the intended messages. As a result, a significant portion of advertising may go unnoticed or be dismissed by consumers, diminishing its ability to drive purchasing decisions.

In conclusion, while advertising remains a powerful force in the consumer landscape, its omnipresence has led many individuals to overlook or disregard its influence. As a result, the impact of advertising in persuading consumers to make purchases has been significantly diluted. It is essential for advertisers to recognize the changing dynamics of consumer attention and adapt their strategies to effectively engage and influence their target audience.

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