In the IELTS Speaking test's part 2, you will need to talk for 2 minutes about a topic given on a cue card. It often requires you to talk about your own experiences. This part tests how well you can speak English, understand the topic, think deeply, and share your stories interestingly and clearly. In this blog, we'll help you with how to approach one of these topics: "Describe an advertisement that you don’t like".
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IELTS Speaking test format
The Speaking test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of 3 parts.
Part 1: The first part of the test where the examiner will ask you some general questions about familiar topics like work, family, studies, and hobbies.
Part 2: You will be given a cue card with a topic. You will be given one minute to take notes on the topic and will be given a pencil and paper to prepare your response. You will then speak on the topic for two minutes.
Part 3: In the interview, you will have a two-way discussion with the examiner where they will ask questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2.
Explore more: Prepare for IELTS Speaking test
Describe an advertisement that you don’t like – IELTS cue card topic (Speaking part 2)
In this task you will be given a cue card, for example: With the topic “Describe an advertisement that you don’t like”
You can form your answer based on an advertisement that you don’t find good or logical, It could be about any advertisement that you never liked.
Note: This topic requires you to share a story that illustrates your ability to make a conversation with others to build a connection with others.
Describe an advertisement that you don’t like – IELTS cue card (Sample question)
Describe an advertisement that you don’t like
When did you see it?
What is it about?
How did you come to know about it?
Why didn’t you like it?
Describe an advertisement you don’t like – IELTS cue card (Sample answers)
Preparing for the IELTS Speaking section involves being able to express your thoughts clearly and effectively at various levels of language proficiency. Here are a few sample answers for the cue card question for your reference "Describe an advertisement you don't like" according to bands 6, 7, and 8.
Sample response for band 6
Introduction:
A few months ago, I saw an advertisement on television about a fast-food product.
When did you see it?
It was during the evening news when this ad popped up.
What is it about?
The advertisement was about a new, oversized burger that the company was promoting as the ultimate meal option.
How did you come to know about it?
I was watching my favourite TV show when this showed up in a break, this ad showcased a group of people having an exaggeratedly good time eating this burger, suggesting that it's the best thing you could ever eat.
Why didn’t you like it?
I didn't like the advertisement for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it was overly loud and flashy, with too much happening on the screen, which I found quite distracting and a bit annoying. Secondly, the message it conveyed about eating habits bothered me. It seemed to glorify overeating and unhealthy food choices, which I think is irresponsible, especially considering current issues with obesity and health.
Overall, the ad left a bad taste in my mouth, both literally and figuratively. It was not only the presentation that I found off-putting but also the underlying message about food consumption.
Sample answer for band 7
Introduction:
Recently, I encountered an online advertisement that caught my attention for all the wrong reasons.
When did you see it?
I came across it while browsing through a news website.
What is it about?
It was for a new series of luxury watches.
How did you come to know about it?
I was reading the news online and this showed up, it featured an array of celebrities flaunting these watches, set against the backdrop of big-budget locations.
Why didn’t you like it?
I didn’t like this ad because the message it had was that owning one of these watches proves to achieve a certain status in society. What I found particularly distasteful about this advertisement was its blatant appeal to materialism and the idea that happiness and success are directly linked to owning expensive items. Additionally, the ad utilised high-pressure tactics, suggesting that time was running out to join this exclusive club of watch owners.
In essence, the advertisement was not just selling a watch; it was selling a lifestyle that seemed shallow and unattainable for the average person. This approach, in my view, reflects unhealthy societal values and places undue importance on material wealth as a measure of personal worth.
Sample response for band 8
Introduction:
In an era where digital marketing reigns supreme, I recently encountered an advertisement on a social media platform that was particularly jarring.
When did you see it?
I came across it when I was scrolling Instagram in my free time.
What is it about?
It was for a new dietary supplement that promised miraculous weight loss results without any scientific backing.
How did you come to know about it?
I saw many ads while I scrolled through my Instagram, but this ad grabbed my attention as it was lame and very unrealistic.
Why didn’t you like it?
This advertisement was meticulously crafted, using a combination of emotionally charged testimonials, pseudo-scientific jargon, and before-and-after photos to create a compelling yet misleading narrative. The product was portrayed as a revolutionary solution to weight loss struggles, bypassing the need for diet or exercise. I don't like this ad because it takes advantage of people who are worried about their weight. It wrongly suggests that you can simply buy a product to be healthy, ignoring the real facts about eating right and staying fit. Also, the ad doesn't talk about any proof that the product works or mention if it could be unsafe to use.
Ultimately, this advertisement represents the ethical dilemmas faced by the advertising industry today. It manipulates emotions and disseminates false hope, undermining the importance of informed health choices and perpetuating a cycle of dependency on quick fixes rather than fostering a culture of wellness and genuine self-care.
With the help of these answers, you can understand the progression in language complexity, coherence, and the ability to critically engage with the topic, reflecting the characteristics expected at bands 6, 7, and 8, respectively.
Additionally, if you are looking for more answers related to the IELTS test then you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will surely guide you through your queries.
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