Describe an advertisement that you don’t like: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

When did you see it?
What is it about?
Where you saw it/how you came to know about it?
Why you didn’t like it?

8 unique answers with expert feedback

What impact do you think advertisements have on society?

Advertisements can significantly influence societal norms and values. They often shape perceptions of beauty, health, and lifestyle, leading to unrealistic expectations. This can create pressure, especially among young people, to conform to certain ideals, which may not be healthy or attainable.

How do you think advertising regulations could be improved?

I believe advertising regulations could be improved by enforcing stricter guidelines on health claims and the portrayal of beauty standards. Advertisements should be required to provide accurate information and avoid promoting harmful products, especially those targeting vulnerable populations like young girls.

Have you ever been influenced by an advertisement? Can you share an example?

Yes, I have been influenced by advertisements in the past. For instance, I once bought a skincare product after seeing a celebrity endorsement. However, I later realized that the product did not work as promised, which made me more critical of advertisements and their claims.

Band 6-7

00:00

This is quite an interesting topic, an advertisement that I didn't like was one about fairness creams. It was a fairness cream ad and I initially saw this ad when I was a kid while watching TV serials during that time, there were ads that came in between and that was I think most of the source of ads that I had. So I watched this one ad where a fairness cream was used and after that, after the cream was used, the person became fair and everyone really appreciated the beauty of that person and I think I did not like that kind of beauty standards even though I was a kid. I grew up in India where we have complexions of different types and people are of different colours. So I had friends and I have been involved with people from having different skin types. So when I saw that, I was really enraged because it did not really match my thinking and I did not like the idea that fairness is related to being beautiful because beauty comes in all skin types and colours and that is something I have had a belief from right as a kid and growing up, I saw these standards increasing which really hurt my feelings and I had different opinions. So growing up, yes, I never liked these kinds of advertisements that showed a particular set of beauty standards.

Follow up questions

How do you think advertisements influence beauty standards?

Advertisements have a significant impact on societal beauty standards. They often promote unrealistic ideals, leading people to feel inadequate if they don't meet those standards. This can affect self-esteem and body image, especially among young viewers who are impressionable.

Have you seen any advertisements that promote diverse beauty standards?

Yes, there are advertisements that celebrate diversity and showcase people of different skin tones, body types, and features. These ads often empower individuals by promoting the idea that beauty comes in all forms, which can positively influence public perception and self-acceptance.

What changes would you like to see in advertising regarding beauty?

I would like to see more inclusive advertising that represents a wide range of skin tones, body shapes, and features. Advertisements should focus on individuality and self-acceptance rather than conforming to narrow beauty ideals. This could help foster a healthier self-image among viewers.

Band 6-7

00:00

So, it is about an ad which is so irritating to see in televisions and mobile phones. It reappears again and again in YouTube ads and TV ads. So it is about a game which we play with cards. It is called Rummy. The ad is called Rummy Circle about the website or a game, I guess. It is too irritating and repetitive in YouTube ads and televisions while watching any channels. It is not recommended to below 18 as it is money laundering and money scamming maybe. Because we put money in that and we get scammed a lot. Investing in that is not a great idea. It is like gambling and it is illegal in most of the countries and it is illegal for peoples. So they might scam you a lot. I don't like about the ad is what they promote that ad as a good thing and good source of investment and you can win prizes by playing that game. But it is not good and it is not correct to play that game by investing money in that. You can play that game for free, free of cost and without investing in that. It is not good choice of playing that game.

Follow up questions

What do you think makes advertisements effective or ineffective?

I believe effective advertisements capture attention and convey a clear message. They resonate with the audience's emotions or needs. In contrast, ineffective ads can be repetitive, misleading, or annoying, like the Rummy Circle ad I mentioned, which fails to provide genuine value.

How do you think advertisements influence people's behavior?

Advertisements can significantly influence behavior by shaping perceptions and desires. They often create a sense of urgency or need, leading people to make impulsive decisions. In the case of gambling ads, they can normalize risky behavior, which is concerning, especially for younger audiences.

What regulations do you think should be in place for gambling advertisements?

I think there should be strict regulations to prevent misleading claims and protect vulnerable individuals. Advertisements should clearly state the risks involved and not target underage audiences. Transparency about the nature of the game and potential losses is crucial to ensure responsible gambling.

Practice other cue cards

Band 6-7

00:00

Well, I think that advertisement gives us some knowledge to know about more things. But I saw an advertisement at my age 12 that is about the discrimination between fair skin or black skin. There are some beauty products which are telling that fair skins are too much good rather than black skin or dark skin. But I think this is not a good message for society. So I think that it is not good to advertise this for the beauty products to everyone. But the Indian typical thinking that the fair skin is only the good human being posture. But they can't see the heart too. So that's why I do not like that advertisement at all.

Follow up questions

What impact do you think such advertisements have on society?

I believe that such advertisements can reinforce negative stereotypes and lead to self-esteem issues among individuals with darker skin tones. They can perpetuate the idea that beauty is only associated with fair skin, which is harmful and can affect people's mental health and societal perceptions.

How can advertisements promote a more inclusive message?

Advertisements can promote inclusivity by showcasing diverse skin tones and celebrating beauty in all forms. They should focus on positive attributes like confidence and personality rather than physical appearance. Brands can also use real people instead of models to reflect the diversity of society.

Have you seen any advertisements that promote body positivity?

Yes, I've seen several advertisements that promote body positivity. For example, some brands feature models of various sizes, shapes, and skin tones, emphasizing that beauty comes in all forms. These ads encourage self-acceptance and challenge traditional beauty standards, which is a positive shift in advertising.

Band 6-7

00:00

Recently, while watching cricket match between India and Pakistan, I came across an advertisement which is promoting a betting app, I watched it on television and I didn't like this advertisement because it is spreading some false information and also it is easier to attract children towards betting which is not so good. Betting is a type of gambling, it involves very much risk and children of young age who are interested in watching cricket also do watch all these ads and get spoiled at a very young age, getting addicted to betting is a threat for today's children, these sites are being continuously promoted on social media, television and even on magazines which is not a very good idea and this could lead to loss of money, not only their own money but also the money their parents earn by doing a lot of hard work, this should be banned by government, promoting such sites is illegal and also involves a lot of risks, so I didn't like this advertisement, this is the reason.

Follow up questions

What impact do you think advertisements have on children's behavior?

Advertisements can significantly influence children's behavior by shaping their perceptions and interests. When children see ads promoting gambling or betting, they may become curious and develop a desire to engage in those activities, which can lead to risky behaviors and poor decision-making.

How can governments regulate harmful advertisements?

Governments can regulate harmful advertisements by implementing strict advertising laws, especially for products like gambling. This includes banning ads during children's programming, requiring clear warnings about risks, and enforcing penalties for companies that violate these regulations to protect vulnerable audiences.

What alternatives could be used in advertising to promote responsible behavior?

Alternatives in advertising could include promoting educational content about the risks of gambling, showcasing positive role models, and encouraging healthy activities. Advertisements could focus on sportsmanship, teamwork, and the importance of making informed choices rather than promoting risky behaviors like betting.

Show all 8 answers

Cue 1:When did you see it?

Mention the specific time or occasion when you first encountered the advertisement.
Provide context about your environment or mood at that time to make it relatable.

Example

I first saw this advertisement about three months ago while watching television in the evening. It was during prime time, and I was looking forward to a relaxing night after a long day at work.

Cue 2:What is it about?

Give a brief overview of the product or service being advertised.
Highlight any specific features or claims made in the advertisement that stood out.

Example

The advertisement was promoting a new brand of instant noodles that claimed to be healthier and tastier than others on the market. It featured a catchy jingle and colorful visuals of people enjoying the noodles at a picnic.

Cue 3:Where you saw it/how you came to know about it?

Specify the medium through which you saw the advertisement, such as television, social media, or billboards.
Explain how this medium influenced your perception of the advertisement.

Example

I saw this advertisement on television, which is a common way for brands to reach a wide audience. However, the over-the-top presentation and unrealistic scenarios made me skeptical about the product.

Cue 4:Why you didn’t like it?

Discuss specific reasons for your dislike, such as misleading claims or annoying presentation.
Relate your feelings to broader issues, like consumer trust or advertising ethics.

Example

I didn’t like the advertisement because it seemed very exaggerated and unrealistic. The claims about the noodles being '100% healthy' felt misleading, especially since instant noodles are generally not considered nutritious. Additionally, the jingle was so catchy that it became annoying after a few times of hearing it.

Conclusion

Summarize your overall feelings about the advertisement.
Reflect on how this experience might influence your future purchasing decisions.

Example

In conclusion, this advertisement left a negative impression on me. It made me more cautious about believing flashy ads in the future, and I prefer to research products before making a purchase.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language makes your answer unclear and unengaging. Specific details help the examiner understand your perspective better.

Tip

Provide concrete examples and specific details about the advertisement to make your answer more vivid and interesting.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Failing to address all the cues can lead to an incomplete answer. Each cue is designed to guide your response.

Tip

Make sure to answer all the cues in a structured way, ensuring you cover when, what, where, and why.

Overly Negative Tone

Being excessively negative can come off as unprofessional. It's important to express your dislike constructively.

Tip

Explain your reasons for disliking the advertisement while also acknowledging any positive aspects, if applicable.

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Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

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Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

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Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

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Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.

All Answers

Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

Band 6-7

Band 5-6

Yeah, there are several kinds of advertisements in social media, especially in YouTube and also in Instagram. Some other social media platforms are showing this advertisement, for example, some kind of charities from India, also from other provinces, it will always, once we will see, it always show for us and if we will see completely, continuously they will call and they will ask by forcefully for money or other things. I faced this last six months onward in my mobile, just by mistakely I attached for that advertisement and continuously they are sending for me notification and also they are calling to my phone number and WhatsApp continuously and it is not at all good for me, also whenever I open my social media, continuously I am getting notification and in WhatsApp, they are continuously, they are sending so many messages, unwanted messages, I attended the calls and given reply for them, don't provide any notification without my interest, but still I am getting so

Band 5-6

I was advertised when I see television and live match during live match and it is related to Red Bull but I don't think it is really because Red Bull required to lots of money about energy drink but I don't think so Red Bull is considered to be good. But on my TV I watch this type of ad and I think this ad is not really so it is a bad impression on children so I disagree with them. May be this type of ad is banned in my India because this type of ad is make a bad impression to our life. So I watch this ad and I think it is very really but it is not realistic so after I know about this type of ad I get very disagree. So I don't like this type of ads.

Band 5-6

Media play very important role to spread news around the world, whether it related to news or sometimes they also show the advertisement related to their work, but sometime they don't look at their advertisement impact on society. So here advertisement I would like to talk about which I don't like, Advertisement is very important to spread news among the society, if the news is totally positive way, so we get positive result instead of this. The other time when I talk about the tobacco and cigarette related advertisement which hardly deadly impact on the society, so that kind of news or advertisement I always don't like to see, because not only one particular person, but sometimes the children are always encourage after watching that kind of cigarette or tobacco advertisement, they directly just go through the shop and directly buy that kind of which directly impact on their physical mental health.