These days, people receive a lot of advertising (for example, emails, texts messages and phone calls) that they have not asked for.
Why do businesses advertise in this way? Is this a good thing or a bad thing?
📌 Note: This question appeared in the IELTS Writing exam on 24 May, 2025 in Canada.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
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In recent years, many people have found themselves overwhelmed by unsolicited advertisements in the form of emails, text messages, and phone calls. There are a number of reasons why businesses adopt this strategy, and in my opinion, this development is largely negative.
There are two key reasons why companies continue to use these direct advertising methods. Firstly, these forms of communication are highly cost-effective. Unlike traditional advertisements on TV or in newspapers, emails and messages can be sent at little to no cost and reach a massive audience instantly. This allows even small businesses to market their products and services without a large advertising budget. Secondly, digital tools make it easier than ever for companies to collect user data through websites and social media platforms. As a result, advertisements can be tailored to individual preferences, increasing the likelihood of a sale. For businesses, this kind of targeted marketing is more efficient and potentially more profitable.
Despite these advantages for companies, I believe the impact on consumers is generally negative. Unsolicited advertisements are often seen as intrusive and irritating. Receiving frequent messages or calls from unknown numbers can be a source of stress for many people, especially when such communication happens during work hours or personal time. Moreover, constant exposure to advertising can lead to impulsive buying and financial strain, particularly among younger or vulnerable individuals. There are also privacy concerns, as many people are unaware of how their personal data is being used or shared without consent.
In conclusion, while businesses rely on direct advertising due to its low cost and targeted nature, I believe the overall effect on individuals is harmful, due to privacy invasion, stress, and the encouragement of unnecessary consumption.
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✅ Band 9 Insights Based on IELTS Writing Criteria
1. Task Response
✔ Fully addresses both questions — explains why it happens and gives a clear opinion.
✔ Arguments are well-developed with logical examples and consequences.
Example: “Receiving frequent messages or calls from unknown numbers can be a source of stress for many people…”
2. Coherence and Cohesion
✔ Clear structure as per your demo: Introduction → Causes → Evaluation → Conclusion.
✔ Linking expressions used naturally: Firstly, Secondly, Despite these advantages, Moreover, In conclusion.
✔ Each paragraph has one clear central idea.
3. Lexical Resource
✔ Strong vocabulary: unsolicited advertisements, intrusive, impulsive buying, tailored to individual preferences, privacy invasion.
✔ Word choice is appropriate and topic-specific without sounding forced.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
✔ A range of complex and compound sentence structures used effectively.
✔ No grammatical or punctuation errors.
Example: “There are also privacy concerns, as many people are unaware of how their personal data is being used or shared without consent.”
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