MYP 2 Language and Literature · Advertising & Media

The language of advertising

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  1. Question 1

    An ad for a family car states: "Our airbags exceed all federal safety standards, proven in over 500 crash tests." Which type of appeal is this advertiser primarily using?
    No clue? Show me the answer
    Correct answerCorrect!Incorrect
    ALogical appeal, because it relies on facts, numbers and testing data to persuade

    Step-by-step walkthrough

    Choose a solution method

    Method #1Direct reasoning

    Step 1: Identify the language used

    The phrase includes a specific number, '500 crash tests', and a reference to meeting standards. This is factual, measurable evidence rather than a feeling-based description.

    Step 2: Match to appeal type

    Logical appeals use statistics, specifications and evidence to convince through reasoning, which is exactly what this phrase does.

    Step 3: Consider what is missing

    There is no emotional imagery, personal story, or reference to trust and authority figures, so emotional and ethical appeals are not the focus here.

    Step 4: Confirm the answer

    Since the phrase relies entirely on numerical proof, the logical appeal is the correct classification.

    Method #2Process of elimination

    Step 1: Rule out fear-based emotional appeal

    While safety could evoke worry, the sentence itself gives data, not fear-inducing imagery, so this option misreads the language used.

    Step 2: Rule out ethical appeal

    There is no mention of moral duty, awards, or expert endorsement, so an ethical appeal is not supported by this text.

    Step 3: Rule out nostalgic imagery

    The sentence contains no reference to memories or family trips, so this option invents content that is not present.

    Step 4: Confirm remaining option

    Only the logical appeal option accurately matches the statistical, evidence-based language in the sentence.

  2. Question 2

    A skincare brand's slogan reads: "Dermatologist-approved for over 30 years." Which appeal type does this slogan primarily rely on?
    No clue? Show me the answer
    Correct answerCorrect!Incorrect
    BEthical appeal, because it borrows credibility from experts and a long-standing reputation

    Step-by-step walkthrough

    Choose a solution method

    Method #1Direct reasoning

    Step 1: Identify the key phrase

    The phrase mentions 'dermatologist-approved' and '30 years', both of which point to expert authority and established history.

    Step 2: Connect to appeal categories

    Ethical appeals target trust and credibility, often through expert endorsement or a brand's long history, matching this exact wording.

    Step 3: Check for other appeal signals

    There are no numbers describing product performance and no sensory or nostalgic imagery, so logical and emotional appeals do not fit.

    Step 4: Confirm the answer

    The slogan is built entirely around borrowed authority and reputation, making ethical appeal the correct choice.

    Method #2Process of elimination

    Step 1: Rule out logical appeal

    No statistics or measurable claims about skin improvement appear in the slogan, so this option does not match the text.

    Step 2: Rule out nostalgic emotional appeal

    There is no reference to childhood memories or past feelings, so this reading adds meaning that is not there.

    Step 3: Rule out sensory emotional appeal

    The slogan does not describe texture, smell or touch, so sensory language is not the basis of this claim.

    Step 4: Confirm remaining option

    Only the ethical appeal option correctly identifies the use of professional endorsement and reputation.

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