IELTS VocabMaster

Describe an advertisement with a famous person in it.

Describe an advertisement with a famous person in it. You should say: - what the advertisement was - who the famous person was - where you saw it - and explain how you felt about it

Part 2 model answer

An advertisement that really stuck in my mind was a TV commercial for a mobile network operator in Bangladesh, featuring one of our national cricket team's star players. I first saw it during a cricket match broadcast last year, and later it kept popping up on YouTube and Facebook as well.

The ad was set during Eid. It showed the cricketer travelling back to his home village after a long tour abroad. On the way, his phone keeps buzzing with video calls from fans, friends, and his family. At one point, the train stops in a small station, and he sees a group of village boys playing cricket with a broken bat. He gets off, plays a few shots with them, and the boys are absolutely thrilled. Finally, he reaches home, and his elderly mother is waiting at the door. The ad ended with a message about how the network keeps people connected with their loved ones, no matter where they are.

I liked it for several reasons. First of all, it was really emotional, and honestly, it gave me goosebumps, especially the scene with his mother. Secondly, it felt very Bangladeshi, with the village scenery, the train journey, and the Eid atmosphere, so it was easy to relate to. And of course, cricket is like a religion in our country, so seeing a famous player in such a humble, everyday situation made it even more appealing.

That

Part 3 discussion

Why do companies use famous people in advertisements?

Companies use celebrities because people already know and trust them, so their presence immediately attracts attention. Fans often want to copy their favourite stars, so they're more likely to buy the products they promote. Celebrities also make a brand look more attractive and successful. In short, it's a quick way to build trust and increase sales.

Do you think celebrity advertisements are effective?

Yes, they're often very effective, especially among young people who look up to celebrities. However, if a celebrity is involved in a scandal, it can actually damage the brand's image. Also, some people are becoming more aware that celebrities are just paid to say nice things. So their effectiveness depends on the celebrity's reputation and how genuine the ad feels.

Should celebrities be responsible for the products they advertise?

I believe they should be, at least to some extent. Since many people trust them, celebrities shouldn't promote harmful or low-quality products just for money. For example, advertising unhealthy food or risky betting apps can mislead young fans. They should research a product properly before agreeing to endorse it.

How has advertising changed in recent years?

Advertising has shifted heavily from TV and newspapers to social media and online platforms. Companies now use targeted ads based on people's online behaviour, so the ads are much more personalised. Social media influencers have also become a major part of advertising. As a result, ads are now everywhere, and it's almost impossible to avoid them.

Are there too many advertisements nowadays?

I'd say yes. Whether we're watching TV, using apps, or walking down the street, we're constantly surrounded by ads. Too many ads can be annoying and even encourage people to buy things they don't really need. On the other hand, advertising helps businesses grow and keeps many online services free, so it's a bit of a trade-off.