Describe Your Favorite Advertisement - Why Do You Like It?
Speaking Test | Part 2 | IELTS Cue Card
Here are some top tips for answering this speaking topic question, describe your favorite advertisement (or favourite advertisement).
- First, take a few seconds to think about the advertisement and what you like about it.
- Then, make some brief notes about what you want to say.
- Next, give a brief overview of the advertisement, including what it is for and how it is presented.
- Finally, focus on one or two key aspects that you like, and explain why you find them effective.
By following these tips, you will be able to give a confident and detailed answer that will impress the examiner.
Describe Your Favorite Advertisement
- What was it was advertising?
- Where did you see it?
- What was in it?
Sample Answer | My Favorite Advertisement
My favorite advertisement was the Microsoft advertisements for women inventors, well it wasn’t actually advertising women inventors – but it was about all the things that women have invented over the years.
It wasn’t really focused on any one Microsoft product; it was just a branded advert for Microsoft – no particular product.
I saw it on YouTube one day while I was watching something else and it caught my attention – simply because rather than the usual advertisement trying to sell you something or telling you how great a company is.
This ad was designed to target young girls and simply make them think about what is possible, and how our perceptions can sometimes be incorrect about certain things.
I thought it was a good advertisement because it showed young girls talking about inventing things and how they were always taught at school that men were the main inventors.
But then the ad goes on to show all the things that women have invented, such as windshield wipers, the first computer algorithm, and lots of other things you would probably never have guessed were invented by women.
If I remember correctly, there were more similar ads produced to celebrate the International Women’s day, and such ads seemed appropriate because the message was all about empowering young girls to realize that they too could invent something important – or something which would change the lives of everybody.
I guess you would call them inspirational ads and most of the biggest brands produce them frequently. I think they’re much more captivating than a lot of other commercial advertising which is put out on TV and other media channels.
Follow-up question
In general, do you like seeing advertisments like that for products?
As I said describiing my favorite advertisement, that’s the type of ad I prefer – something different – with a positive message and not just a conventional product ad pushing the latest model or version of a product.
What is your favorite advertisement?
Sample Answer
There are so many advertisements out there, but my all-time favorite is the famous "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" commercial for Coca-Cola. It's so moving and inspirational, and the background music captures the spirit of brotherhood and unity. Plus, I love Coke, so that doesn't hurt either!
Why do you like it?
I just love this ad. It's incredibly inspirational and about people accepting each other - something I can get behind! Plus, it features one of the most classic songs ever, which is always a plus. And, um, yeah, I guess I love Coke, too! It doesn't matter whether you like Coke or not because it as a creative ad that transcends the product itself.
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Can you describe an advertisement you really liked?
I guess my favorite advertisement would be the ad for Pringles because it's an unusual way of showing someone that you think they're awesome.
Where did this advertisement appear (magazine, television, internet)?
This ad appeared in magazines, I believe. It was probably on TV too.
How old were you when you saw this advertisement?
I don't know exactly when I first saw this ad, but I guess I would've been about 11 -12 years old.
How did the advertisement make you feel?
It made me feel like I should be more confident in myself and that there is nothing wrong with being confident either, even if it's over the top. It made me laugh at how stupid Tony was but also made me think about people close to me who are awesome, so I guess it makes you smile, but thinking.
Why did this advertisement impact you positively or negatively?
I thought it was funny, so it impacted me positively. But it wasn't a profound impact - it was just funny! Maybe if someone younger saw it, they wouldn't get what he's doing, so they may have a negative reaction because of that. Maybe their mom could explain it to them, though, haha!
Do you remember seeing any other similar advertisements?
No, not that I recall .
What do you think about the advertisement's message?
The end made me laugh at how stupid Tony was but also made me think about people close to me who are awesome, so I guess it makes you smile, but thinking.
Do you think the advertising campaign successfully delivered its message to its target market?
Yes, definitely. It's funny enough where everyone can enjoy it, and it's a simple message that anyone can understand and apply to their daily lives.
How do you think this ad would compare to other ads in the same category?
It's different from any other that I've seen, and it's also one of my favorites.
What is your reaction when you see a commercial like this? Do you typically choose to purchase products like these or avoid them?
I don't buy something just because of an ad - but if I was interested in that product or something similar, I probably would buy it. I don't think many people purchase stuff just because they see an advert - they usually buy things they need or want.
Related Questions & Sample Answers
Why do you think some people hate advertisements?
I don't know about hating advertisements but some people dislike advertisements because they feel like they are being bombarded with them constantly. They may also find them annoying and disruptive to their daily activities. Others may dislike advertisements because they can be misleading or manipulative, trying to persuade people into buying products or services they don't really need. This can create a sense of distrust towards companies and brands.
How effective do you think online advertising is for companies? Why?
Online advertising can be very effective for companies since it allows them to reach a larger audience and target specific demographics. With the rise of social media and digital marketing, companies now have more ways to promote their products or services online. This type of advertising also offers real-time data and analytics, allowing companies to track the success of their campaigns and make necessary adjustments.
Why do you think people generally have a negative view towards advertisements, especially regarding what they deem 'useless advertisements'?
To start with, I believe people often dislike advertisements because they can be intrusive and disrupt the viewing experience. For instance, when you're watching a fascinating TV show or navigating the internet, unwanted ads popping up can be quite bothersome. Making people watch useless advertisements during a commercial break on TV is often why they generate a negative view.
Have you noticed any change in the way advertisements are presented online versus on TV? Which medium do you think is more effective for engaging with the audience?
When comparing internet advertisements to TV advertisements, I've noticed that online ads tend to be more targeted based on user behavior and preferences. This customization can make them more engaging than a TV advertisement, as they're more likely to align with one's interests. That said, this targeting leads to concerns about privacy and overexposure to watching advertisements, contributing to what many call 'too much advertising.' In my opinion, although internet ads can be more personalized and engaging, TV ads have a broader reach, making them effective in their own right.
Can you share an example of a great online advertisement that caught your attention? What made it stand out for you?
A great online advertisement that comes to mind is one that used interactive technology to allow users to participate virtually. It stood out because it was more of an immersive experience than a traditional ad, making it not only memorable but also enjoyable. Such creativity is what I think makes for great online advertisements as opposed to those that are simply trying to sell something without adding any value to the viewer's experience.
Considering the concerns about inappropriate adverts, what measures do you think should be taken to ensure ads are suitable for all audiences?
Regarding inappropriate ads and ensuring suitability for all audiences, I believe more stringent regulations and review processes should be in place. For instance, platforms could implement better age verification systems and give users more control over the types of ads they see. Some parents complain about their children watching several advertisements because they consider them to be inappropriate. Also, advertisers should be held accountable for the content of their ads to ensure they adhere to standards of decency and appropriateness.
What's your favorite advertisement?