Understand

a. The basic assumption behind these advertisements is that there is an ideal physical appearance and that those who don’t conform to it are ugly and failures.

b. Advertisements such as these honestly try to help people who have real physical problems

c. If you buy these products, the advertisements imply, you will be irresistible to the opposite sex.

d. If we can improve people’s appearance, the world will be a happier place.

e. These advertisements encourage people to come to terms with their physical appearance, including their less attractive features, and are therefore a good thing.

f. They all imply that you would look fine if it weren’t for that one little imperfection.

g. These are ordinary advertisements aimed at ordinary people.

h. Advertisements such as these have no motive other than to make money for the manufacturers.

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i. The subtle effect of this type of advertising is to increase people’s feelings of inadequacy.

j. You would have to be naïve to buy one of these products.

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Now compare your answers with a partner. Justify your opinions on any points about which you disagree. If you ticked It depends, say what it depends on.