28 October 2025 IELTS Speaking Part 2 and 3 an Advertisement You Didn’t Like Sample Answer

Part 2 (Cue Card) 

Describe an advertisement you didn’t like. You should say:

– what the advertisement was about
– where and when you saw it
– what you didn’t like about it

and explain how you felt after seeing it.

One advertisement that really got on my nerves was a television commercial for a fairness cream. I came across it last year while watching a reality show on Star Plus, and honestly, it rubbed me the wrong way right from the start.

The advert showed a young woman being rejected at a job interview because of her dark skin tone. Later, after using the cream, she suddenly became fairer and more “confident.” The idea that beauty or success depends on skin colour was absolutely outdated and offensive.

What irritated me most was how the brand played on people’s insecurities just to sell a product. Instead of promoting self-love or inner confidence, it reinforced unrealistic beauty standards. The acting was over the top, the storyline felt far-fetched, and the music made it seem unnecessarily dramatic — as if having fair skin was the ultimate achievement in life.

It was purely a marketing gimmick, trying to convince people that they’re not good enough unless they look a certain way. I found it highly manipulative and ethically wrong.

What made it even worse was that a well-known Bollywood actress endorsed it. People tend to look up to celebrities, and when they promote such shallow ideas, it sets a poor example for young audiences who are already struggling with body image issues. I honestly feel brands should draw a line when exploiting sensitive topics for profit.

After watching it, I felt both angry and disappointed. I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that, even today, companies still try to sell fairness as a symbol of beauty or success. It was definitely a wake-up call about how manipulative marketing can be. Frankly speaking, I switched channels in a heartbeat and promised myself I’d never support such brands again.

Part 3 (Discussion) 

Why do companies use advertisements?
Companies advertise mainly to get their products on people’s radar. It helps them create brand awareness and convince customers that they can’t live without what’s being sold. In today’s cut-throat market, advertising helps businesses stay ahead of the curve and boost sales. It’s also about shaping perception — even an ordinary product can look appealing with clever marketing.

What kinds of advertisements attract people’s attention the most?

People usually notice ads that strike a chord emotionally or make them laugh. Humour, catchy tunes, and eye-catching visuals always work like a charm. These days, short and relatable ads, especially ones with a surprising twist or a strong message, tend to go viral. The more genuine and creative the ad feels, the more likely it is to stick in people’s minds.

Why do some people find certain ads annoying?
Some ads get on people’s nerves because they’re too repetitive, loud, or misleading. Pop-up ads online, for instance, interrupt what you’re doing and feel quite intrusive. Also, when brands exaggerate or make unrealistic claims, viewers feel tricked. That’s why many people skip ads the moment they appear.

How has advertising changed with the rise of social media?
Advertising has done a complete U-turn with social media. It’s become more interactive, targeted, and personal. Influencers now promote brands in a subtle way, making it look natural. Also, companies track what people search for and show customised ads — it’s clever, but at times, a bit creepy. Overall, it’s much more digital, dynamic, and data-driven now.

Do you think advertisements influence people’s spending habits?
Absolutely, they do. Ads plant ideas in people’s minds and create a sense of need, even for things they didn’t plan to buy. Many people buy on impulse after seeing appealing visuals or discounts. In a way, advertisements pull the strings of consumer behaviour quite effectively.

Should there be stricter rules about what can be shown in advertisements?
Definitely. Some ads cross the line by promoting unhealthy products or unrealistic beauty standards. There should be stricter rules to protect children and vulnerable audiences. Honest, informative advertising builds trust, while manipulative marketing only damages a brand’s reputation in the long run.