Ads! Ads! Ads

Fact 3

Ads! Ads! Ads!

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Glossary

classified: (adj.) organized in categories in a newspaper. Ads are everywhere! You see them on television, at the movies, in magazines in newspapers and on social media. Classified ads is a type of advertising that allows private individuals, like you and me, to sell and buy things and services.

Do you ever read classified ads? Where do you see them?

The first thing to do if you’re writing a classified ad is to try to get the attention of the reader. Your ad is going to appear with many others on a page, or perhaps on a notice board at school or in the supermarket. Which of these ads is more attractive? Why?

Here’s another example.

What is the ad selling? Why does the seller want you to come and see them? Do you think the ad would attract you more if Daniela added a picture, like this?

Glossary

cute: (adj.) attractive.

Another thing you can do to attract the reader’s attention is to vary the size and the letters. Put important things in bold, and you can use different colors. Which of these two ads is more interesting?

Glossary

provide: (v.) supply someone with something or make available for use. Once an ad has the readers’ attention, it needs to include details to continue to interest the reader. Look at this ad. It gives you a lot of information. Which of these things would you like for YOUR next party?

Here’s another example of why the details in ads are important. Imagine it’s a hot time of year and you’re on vacation at home. Inflatable pools are a good way to spend time with your friends. Which of these two pools would be best for you? Why?

Glossary

bargain: (n.) a thing offered for sale at a very low price.

The next important thing a classified ad needs is clear contact details! Suppose you are looking for guitar classes in your neighborhood and you find these ads. One has a lot of interesting details, but it’s no good if you don’t know how to get in touch!

These two ads are for amusement parks. Which one gives the best information?

Fairview Amusement Park. Come and have fun! Glossary

grill: (n.) a device on a cooker that produces heat for cooking food.

Here’s another example. This ad gets it all right! What can you do at the Summer Hobby Camp? Would you like to go to this summer camp? Why? Why not?

Are you interested in dancing? What type of dancing do you like? African? Folk? Moon walk? Tap? Ballet?

Have you ever done street dancing? Look at this ad. Do the classes sound interesting?

Would you like to go to a sports camp? Does this ad catch your attention? Why? Does it give you enough information? Would you like to know more?

Advertising is about sending a message, and selling something, so we need to be careful. Sometimes the ad is not truthful. We need to tell the difference between reality and fantasy. Ask yourself, is the ad making a false claim? What about this one? Glossary

claim: (v.) ask for something you gained or achieved.

Here’s another example of false advertising. Can you see what’s wrong?

So remember when you are watching TV ads, or reading classified ads: Watch out for the false claims!