Advertisements

Hello, listeners, welcome to IELTS TIME! Today, we’re looking at one of those everyday topics that shows up often in Part 1—advertisements.

To get us started, here’s a short sample dialogue featuring Joseph, our regular contributor, answering five common questions on this topic. Listen closely to how he keeps his responses relaxed, personal, and clear.

Let’s jump in.

Do you like advertisements?

Hmm, not really. Most of the time, they just feel like interruptions, especially on YouTube or when I’m watching something online. But I’ll admit, some of them can be pretty creative or funny, so it depends.

What kind of ads do you see most often?

Lately, it’s mostly online ads — like on Instagram or YouTube. I see a lot of ads for tech gadgets, clothes, or food delivery apps. The algorithms really seem to know what I’m into.

Have you ever bought something because of an advertisement?

Yeah, I have. I remember seeing an ad for wireless earbuds on Instagram, and after checking a few reviews, I ended up buying them. The ad definitely caught my attention first, though.

Do you think advertisements are effective?

Yeah, for sure. Even if people don’t buy something right away, ads still kind of plant the idea in your head. Like, you might not need a new phone now, but after seeing the ad a few times, you start thinking about it.

Do you think advertisements influence people’s choices?

Definitely. They’re designed to do exactly that, right? Whether it’s the music, the visuals, or the message, ads try to make things look more appealing and convince you that you need them — even if you don’t.

Alright—some really solid answers from Joseph there. Let’s jump straight into it and break things down question by question.

The first one: “Do you like advertisements?”

Joseph said he doesn’t usually enjoy them because they interrupt whatever he’s watching—but he did admit that some ads are actually pretty funny or creative. That’s a nice touch of balance, and it sounds natural.

Another way to approach this could be by focusing on the creativity of advertising. For example:

“Actually, I enjoy watching ads, especially the clever ones. Some of them are really well-produced and almost feel like short films. It’s interesting how they use storytelling to catch your attention in such a short time.”

This kind of response shows a bit more interest in the craft of advertising, and it’s a great way to slip in language like “storytelling” and “well-produced” without sounding too formal.

Next up: “What kind of ads do you see most often?”

Joseph talked about social media ads—Instagram, YouTube, that kind of thing—and mentioned gadgets and delivery apps. Totally relatable and personal, which is great for Part 1.

But if you want to push the language just a little, you might say something like:

“I mostly see targeted ads online—especially on Instagram. It’s almost scary how accurate they are. I’ll look something up once, and suddenly it’s all over my feed. They clearly track your interests to personalize the ads.”

This adds awareness of how advertising works online today. Words like “targeted” and “personalized” show a good grasp of everyday digital vocabulary, without getting technical.

Then we had: “Have you ever bought something because of an advertisement?”

Joseph gave a strong, specific example—he saw an ad for earbuds, did a bit of research, and eventually bought them. That’s exactly what you want: a real situation, clearly explained.

But you could also take a more cautious angle and say:

“Not directly, but I think ads do influence me over time. Even if I don’t buy something right away, the brand sticks in my mind. So maybe it’s more like a slow push than a sudden decision.”

That response suggests the ad’s effect is more subtle—which adds an interesting layer to your answer. And words like “brand” and “sticks in my mind” help paint a clearer picture.

On to the fourth question: “Do you think advertisements are effective?”

Joseph said yes, and made a great point about how even if you don’t buy something immediately, the ad stays with you. That’s a smart observation and a very natural way to explain influence.

You might also say something like:

“Yes, absolutely. Good advertising grabs your attention and creates a certain feeling around a product. You might not realize it, but that emotional connection can make you choose one brand over another without even thinking about it.”

This kind of response brings in that emotional side of advertising—how it’s not just about information, but feeling. And that’s something examiners love to hear in Part 1: thoughtful, slightly reflective answers.

And finally: “Do you think advertisements influence people’s choices?”

Joseph gave a strong yes—pointing out how ads are designed to make things seem appealing, even when we don’t really need them. Great point, and it reflects everyday experience.

Here’s another approach that brings in a bit of psychological insight:

“Definitely. Ads use all sorts of persuasive techniques—like showing a product being used by influencers or linking it to a certain lifestyle. That kind of messaging taps into our emotions and can shape our choices without us even noticing.”

That’s still conversational, but adds more depth and helps you use words like “persuasive,” “influencers,” or “lifestyle” in a way that feels completely natural.

And that wraps up today’s episode. As you’ve heard, even simple questions can lead to rich, personal responses—whether you’re talking about the kind of ads you see every day or reflecting on how they subtly shape your choices.

The key takeaway? You don’t need complicated vocabulary or rehearsed answers. What makes a response effective is clarity, a touch of personality, and just enough detail to show you’re thinking beyond the surface.

So whether you love ads, tune them out, or find them oddly fascinating, there’s always a way to express your opinion naturally and confidently in the IELTS speaking room.

Thanks for tuning in—keep practicing, stay positive, and as always, keep speaking.