40. Today, the high sales of popular consumer goods reflect the power of advertising and not the real needs of the society in which they are sold.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample Answer 1

Band 8.5

Undoubtedly, the past 15 years have marked a more rapid evolution in the advertising industry than the preceding three decades. Like many others, I believe that the promotion of unnecessary items has surged with the extensive use of distinct platforms.

Advertising, in its multifaceted nature, offers myriad advantages. Chief among them is the effective dissemination of information about newly launched products, reaching consumers through various platforms and channels. However, this heightened visibility often leads to impulsive buying behavior, as consumers succumb to the allure of these products without meticulous consideration of their budget constraints.

Moreover, advertising agencies strategically harness the skills and experience of celebrities to elevate their promotional campaigns. A survey conducted by the Times of India underscores this trend, revealing that 70% of American agencies prefer to enlist sports personalities in their ads. This deliberate choice is grounded in the belief that these individuals not only bring a level of expertise to their roles but also possess the maturity necessary to navigate and convey complex messages.

Nevertheless, consumers must exercise caution and discernment while navigating the seductive world of advertising. Many items purchased impulsively may turn out to be defective or expired, leading to dissatisfaction and regret. It is imperative for consumers to cultivate an informed and critical approach to their buying decisions, scrutinizing products beyond the glossy sheen of advertising.

In conclusion, the significant evolution of the advertising industry over the past 15 years necessitates an equally evolved and discerning consumer base. While advertising serves as a powerful tool for product visibility, consumers must adopt a thoughtful and analytical stance to ensure their purchases align with their needs and expectations, mitigating the potential drawbacks associated with impulsive buying and persuasive advertising tactics. 

Difficult Words/Phrases with Example Sentences:

Multifaceted (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.

Example: Education is a multifaceted process that involves more than just memorizing facts.

Myriad (adjective): Very large or numerous.

Example: The internet offers a myriad of resources for research.

Dissemination (noun): The act of spreading information or knowledge.

Example: The public needs accurate information to be disseminated widely.

Impulsive (adjective): Acting or done suddenly without careful thought.

Example: She made an impulsive decision to quit her job.

Succumb (verb): To give in to something, especially something undesirable.

Example: He finally succumbed to peer pressure and tried smoking.

Scrutinizing (verb): Examining something carefully and critically.

Example: The police are scrutinizing the evidence.

Discernment (noun): The ability to judge wisely and to make sensible decisions.

Example: It takes discernment to choose the right college.

Seductive (adjective): Attractively tempting or alluring.

Example: The city lights have a seductive power.

Defective (adjective): Not working properly; faulty.

Example: The product was recalled because it was defective.

Discerning (verb): To detect subtle differences or details.

Example: A wine connoisseur can discern the different grape varietals in a blend.

40. Today, the high sales of popular consumer goods reflect the power of advertising and not the real needs of the society in which they are sold.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sample Answer 2

Band 8.5

The effect of advertising on consumer behaviour has been the topic of extensive discussion. Some argue that advertising is primarily responsible for the high sales of popular consumer goods, rather than the genuine requirements of society. Despite the fact that advertising plays a significant role in shaping consumer preferences, I believe that it is not the sole determinant, as actual societal requirements also impact purchasing decisions.

          Advertising has substantial influence over product promotion and consumer preferences. Companies create a desire for their products through persuasive marketing strategies and endeavour to establish strong brand identities. Clever advertising campaigns can affect consumer perceptions and create a sense of necessity or desire for particular products. The shear volume and pervasiveness of advertisements contribute to the perception that advertising is the primary driver of sales.

However, it is essential to recognise that advertising does not create all consumer needs and desires. There are actual societal requirements, and businesses frequently seek to meet them with their products and services. The pursuit of solutions to practical problems, convenience, comfort, and quality drives the purchasing decisions of consumers. Certain goods' availability and popularity can be attributed to their capacity to effectively meet these requirements.                                          

               In addition, consumers are not passive recipients of marketing messages. They have the freedom to make decisions based on their own preferences, values, and practical considerations. While advertising may raise awareness and shape perceptions, it is ultimately up to individuals to determine whether a product meets their requirements and provides value for their money. Additionally, positive word-of-mouth recommendations, product evaluations, and personal experiences impact purchasing decisions, indicating that advertising alone cannot sustain long-term sales success.

            In conclusion, while advertising has an undeniable impact on consumer decisions, it would be an oversimplification to attribute high sales to advertising alone. Real societal requirements and personal preferences also play a significant role in determining consumer behaviour. Understanding consumer trends and behaviours requires balancing the influence of advertising with a critical evaluation of authentic requirements.

Difficult Words/Phrases with Example Sentences:

Pervasive (adjective): Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people.

Example: The internet has become pervasive in modern society.

Shape (verb): To influence or control the development of something.

Example: Education can shape a person's future.

Shear volume (phrase): The total amount of something.

Example: The shear volume of emails I receive is overwhelming.

Determinant (noun): A factor that decides or influences something.

Example: Income is a major determinant of social class.

Pervasiveness (noun): The state of being widespread or affecting everything.

Example: The pervasiveness of social media has raised concerns about privacy.

Solutions (noun): Ways to fix a problem or satisfy a need.

Example: We need to find solutions to climate change.

Convenience (noun): The state of being easy or handy to use or do.

Example: Online shopping offers great convenience.

Passive (adjective): Not taking action or not showing strong feelings or opinions.

Example: The audience remained passive during the presentation.

Word-of-mouth (adjective): Spread by people talking to each other, rather than through advertising or other official channels.

Example: The restaurant received great word-of-mouth reviews.

Oversimplification (noun): An explanation that ignores important details or complexities.

Example: The article was criticized for its oversimplification of the issue.