IELTS Writing Task 2: The Influence of Advertising

Question. Some people believe that advertising has too much influence on what people buy. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Band 9 model answer

Advertising is everywhere in modern life, and many argue it pushes people into unnecessary spending. I largely agree that its influence is excessive, though consumers are not powerless.

On one hand, advertising is designed to manipulate desire. Through celebrity endorsements and emotional appeals, companies persuade people that they need products they had never considered, which encourages debt and wasteful consumption, particularly among the young.

On the other hand, advertising also informs. It tells consumers about new products, prices and choices, and in competitive markets this knowledge can help people make better decisions.

In conclusion, while advertising provides useful information, I believe its persuasive power over buying habits is too great, and consumers must develop the critical awareness to resist it.