Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Advertising” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Basic Concepts of Advertising

1. What is advertising?
2. Why do companies use advertising?
3. What types of advertising do you see every day?
4. How does advertising influence your buying decisions?
5. Can you name a product that you bought because of advertising?

II. Advertising Techniques

6. What are some common techniques used in advertising?
7. How do colors affect advertising?
8. Why do advertisements use celebrities?
9. How important is humor in advertising?
10. What is the role of storytelling in advertising?

III. Advertising Media

11. What are the different media used for advertising?
12. Do you prefer online or TV advertisements?
13. How do social media platforms change advertising?
14. What is the impact of billboards on advertising?
15. How do podcasts use advertising?

IV. The Effects of Advertising

16. How does advertising affect people’s opinions?
17. Can advertising create false expectations?
18. How does advertising affect children?
19. What are the positive effects of advertising?
20. Can advertising promote harmful products?

V. Ethical Issues in Advertising

21. What are some ethical issues in advertising?
22. Should there be limits on advertising to children?
23. How can false advertising be harmful?
24. What role does honesty play in advertising?
25. How can companies ensure ethical advertising practices?

VI. The Future of Advertising

26. How do you think advertising will change in the next 10 years?
27. What role will technology play in future advertising?
28. How will virtual reality change advertising?
29. Do you think personalized advertising is effective?
30. What new trends do you see in advertising today?

VII. Advertising and Culture

31. How does culture influence advertising?
32. Can advertising change cultural norms?
33. How do different countries advertise the same product?
34. What cultural symbols are often used in advertising?
35. How can advertising respect cultural differences?

VIII. Personal Experiences with Advertising

36. What is the most memorable advertisement you have seen?
37. How do you feel when you see ads on social media?
38. Have you ever participated in an advertisement campaign?
39. What do you think about ads that target your interests?
40. How do you react to annoying advertisements?

IX. Advertising in Different Industries

41. How does advertising differ between food and technology?
42. What are some unique advertising strategies in the fashion industry?
43. How do car companies advertise their vehicles?
44. What role does advertising play in the entertainment industry?
45. How do health and beauty products use advertising?

X. The Role of Consumers in Advertising

46. How can consumers influence advertising?
47. What is the role of reviews in advertising?
48. How can consumers protect themselves from misleading ads?
49. What power do consumers have over companies through advertising?
50. How can consumers support ethical advertising?

XI. Advertising and Social Issues

51. How can advertising raise awareness about social issues?
52. What are some examples of ads that promote social change?
53. How can advertising address environmental issues?
54. What role do non-profit organizations play in advertising?
55. How can advertising help promote health and wellness?

XII. Personal Opinions on Advertising

56. What do you think is the best advertisement you have seen?
57. How do you feel about advertisements that make you feel guilty?
58. Do you think advertising is necessary in our society?
59. How do you think you would change advertising if you could?
60. What do you hope to see in future advertisements?
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