Some people believe that advertisements encourage unnecessary spending, while others say they provide useful information. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

 

IELTS Writing Task 2 – Do Advertisements Encourage Unnecessary Spending or Provide Useful Information?

📝 Ideas with Explanation

✅ Arguments in Favor of Advertisements Encouraging Unnecessary Spending

1️⃣ Creates Artificial Needs & Impulse Buying – Advertisements often persuade people to buy things they do not actually need.
🔹 Example: Many consumers purchase the latest smartphone models every year, even if their current device works perfectly.

2️⃣ Manipulative Marketing Tactics – Companies use emotional appeals, celebrity endorsements, and limited-time offers to convince people to spend money.
🔹 Example: Fast fashion brands use advertisements to promote frequent shopping, leading to excessive consumerism.

3️⃣ Encourages Debt & Financial Burden – Many people fall into financial trouble by purchasing expensive items on credit due to persuasive advertising.
🔹 Example: Luxury brands use advertising to promote status symbols, making individuals spend beyond their means.

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✅ Arguments in Favor of Advertisements Providing Useful Information

1️⃣ Helps Consumers Make Informed Decisions – Advertisements provide details about new products, features, and pricing, helping customers compare options.
🔹 Example: Online ads allow buyers to compare specifications and prices of electronic gadgets before making a purchase.

2️⃣ Supports Businesses & Economic Growth – Companies rely on advertising to attract customers, increasing sales and contributing to job creation.
🔹 Example: Small businesses use social media ads to reach wider audiences, boosting their growth.

3️⃣ Raises Awareness About Important Products & Services – Advertisements inform the public about healthcare, insurance, education, and essential services.
🔹 Example: Government ads promote health campaigns, such as COVID-19 vaccination drives, to protect public health.

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📌 Sample Answer

Introduction (Paraphrased Using Passive Voice):

It can be observed that advertisements are considered by some to encourage unnecessary spending, while others believe they provide valuable information to consumers. While advertising often persuades individuals to make impulsive purchases, it also plays a crucial role in informing the public about products and services. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my opinion.

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Body Paragraph 1 – How Advertisements Lead to Unnecessary Spending

Commencing with the argument that advertising promotes unnecessary spending, many marketing strategies are designed to persuade consumers into purchasing items they do not actually need. Companies use psychological tactics such as celebrity endorsements and limited-time offers to create a sense of urgency. For example, many people upgrade their smartphones annually due to aggressive marketing, even when their current device is fully functional. Moreover, advertisements often promote luxury products as status symbols, leading individuals to spend beyond their financial capacity. Thus, excessive exposure to advertising can result in impulsive spending and financial strain.

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Body Paragraph 2 – How Advertisements Provide Useful Information

On the other hand, advertisements play an essential role in helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions. Businesses provide detailed information about their products, allowing customers to compare options and choose the best value for money. For instance, online advertisements enable buyers to compare smartphone specifications, ensuring they select the most suitable device. Additionally, advertising benefits society by promoting awareness of essential services such as healthcare and education. Therefore, advertisements are not solely manipulative but also serve as an effective tool for spreading valuable information.

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Conclusion:

To conclude, while advertisements sometimes encourage unnecessary spending through persuasive techniques, they also provide crucial information that helps consumers make better choices. In my opinion, advertisements are beneficial if consumers approach them with awareness and financial discipline. Therefore, rather than banning advertisements, educating people about smart spending habits would be a more effective solution.

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📌 Vocabulary for a High Band Score (7.5+)

✅ Advertising & Consumerism Vocabulary:

• Impulse buying
• Psychological marketing tactics
• Consumer awareness
• Persuasive techniques
• Financial discipline
• Market comparison

✅ Advanced Linkers & Phrases:

• Commencing with the argument that…
• On the other hand, advertisements play an essential role in…
• A clear example of this is…
• Thus, excessive exposure to advertising can result in…
• To conclude, while advertisements sometimes encourage unnecessary spending…