Describe a good advertisement that you think is useful - IELTS Speaking Part 2, 3

In today’s information-driven world, advertisements play a crucial role in attracting customer attention and showcasing products. A useful advertisement not only draws attention but also leaves a positive impression and encourages viewers to take action. If you have ever come across an ad that resonates emotionally, this speaking topic will be a great opportunity for you to express your thoughts confidently.

This guide will analyze the topic in-depth and provide useful vocabulary and model answers to help you succeed in the IELTS Speaking exam.

Prompt: Describe a good advertisement that you think is useful

You should say:

• Where you can see it;

• What it shows;

• Why you think it is useful;

• And explain how you feel about it.

Cue Card topics are essential in IELTS Speaking Part 2. You will be asked to talk about a topic for 2 to 3 minutes. To achieve a high band score, focus on your language use, grammar structures, pronunciation, and fluency. Below is a suggested outline:

Where you can see it:

• "Dumb Ways to Die" campaign by Metro Trains in Melbourne, Australia. 

• This public service announcement creatively promotes train safety.

What it shows:

• The advertisement features a catchy and humorous song accompanied by animated characters 

• These characters are engaging in various comically disastrous activities, leading to their untimely and absurd deaths. 

• The message: "Be Safe Around Trains. A message from Metro."

• The advertisement conveys a serious safety message in an entertaining and memorable way. It grabs the viewer's attention and leaves a lasting impression. 

• The jingle is catchy that it becomes difficult to forget, serving as a constant reminder to be cautious around trains.

Why you think it is useful:

• The advertisement's use of humor, relatable scenarios, and memorable characters → become widely popular and shareable on social media. 

• Successfully raised awareness about train safety among a diverse audience, from children to adults.

And explain how you feel about it:

• A powerful safety message, making it useful and highly impactful in promoting train safety awareness.

• I find this advertisement highly practical and relevant to my current needs, make a real difference in improving the quality of my life.

Sample Answer:

I would like to describe an advertisement that I found incredibly effective – the ad for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.

I came across it earlier this year while browsing for a new phone. I saw the ad on tech websites, as well as on Instagram and YouTube.

The ad showcased the phone’s modern features, especially its foldable design. It looks like a regular smartphone but folds in half vertically.

What stood out was how the ad featured everyday people using the phone in various ways – from taking amazing photos to recording dance videos. It also highlighted the phone’s fashion appeal, blending technology and style seamlessly. The ad was visually appealing and showed how functional and stylish the device is.

I found it very persuasive because it portrayed the phone as both a high-end product and a practical tool for daily life. I have been interested in it ever since, although I am still saving up to buy it.

Vocabulary:

• None other than: exactly the one mentioned

• Browse through: look casually

• Stumble upon: find unexpectedly

• Cutting-edge: advanced

• Foldable: can be folded

• Depict: show

• Walks of life: different backgrounds

• Versatility: usefulness in various situations

• Capture photos: take pictures

• Unique selling point: feature that makes a product stand out

• Sleek design: stylish appearance

• Have one’s eye on: plan to buy something

Q: What do you think of online advertising?

Online advertising is a dominant and necessary part of today’s digital world. It allows businesses to reach a wide audience efficiently. Ads can be customized to match users’ interests, making them more relevant. However, poorly designed ads can be annoying, especially popups that interrupt browsing.

Vocabulary:

• Pervasive: widespread

• Integral: essential

• Intrusive: disruptive

• Incessant: nonstop

Q: How have advertisements changed since you were a child?

One noticeable change is the use of celebrities. In the past, few public figures were involved in ads. Today, celebrity endorsements are common and help capture attention. Another big change is the quality of visuals. Ads now use advanced graphics and computer-generated images to make a bigger impact.

Vocabulary:

• Grab attention: attract interest

• Celebrity endorsement: celebrity promotion

• Renowned people: famous individuals

• Creative graphics: innovative visuals

Q: Do you think advertisements are a good or bad influence on children?

I believe advertisements can negatively influence children. Ads often target them with bright visuals and catchy songs. This leads children to constantly request expensive toys, creating stress for parents. Over time, it may affect how children value things, making them overly focused on material items. It’s important for parents to set limits and promote creativity.

Vocabulary:

• Influence: effect

• Overpriced: too expensive

• Barrage of want: constant asking

• Distort: alter perception

• Sense of value: understanding of worth

General Vocabulary

Common Collocations and Idioms

• Dispel the myth: correct a false belief

• Engaging manner: attractive way

• Bombarded with: overloaded with

• Drowning in ads: overwhelmed by ads

• Tug at your heartstrings: evoke emotions

• Resorting to shocking imagery: using shocking visuals

• Worm one’s way into: become ingrained

• Emotionally resonant: emotionally impactful

Master IELTS Speaking With IDP

Beyond strong content and ideas, remember to thank the examiner or share a personal thought to end on a memorable note. A strong closing can make a positive impression and boost your Speaking score.

When choosing to take the IELTS with IDP, you can select between the Academic and General Speaking test formats based on your goals. IDP offers flexible schedules and allows you to choose your Speaking test date.

Register for your IELTS test online with IDP today!