Question

Advertising is a paid form of communication to inform and persuade people to buy:
(A) An idea
(B) A product
(C) A service
(D) A fantasy
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D)
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only

Hint:

Think about the different types of ads you see. You see ads for cars (products), for mobile phone plans (services), and for social causes like "Save the Planet" (ideas). Fantasy is a tool used in these ads, but not the actual thing being sold.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the core things that advertising aims to sell or promote. Advertising is a form of marketing communication used to persuade an audience.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze what advertising can promote:
- (A) An idea: Advertising is frequently used to promote ideas, causes, or opinions. Examples include public service announcements (e.g., against drunk driving) or political campaigns. This is correct.
- (B) A product: This is the most common purpose of advertising, promoting tangible goods for sale, from cars to soap. This is correct.
- (C) A service: Advertising is also used to promote intangible services, such as banking, insurance, or travel packages. This is correct.
- (D) A fantasy: While advertisements often use fantasy, imagery, and emotional appeals to create a desirable brand image or lifestyle, the fantasy itself is a persuasive technique, not the item being sold. The transaction involves buying a product, service, or adopting an idea that the fantasy is associated with. Therefore, it is not a direct object of the purchase in the same way as the other three.
The primary objectives of advertising are to persuade people to buy products, use services, or adopt ideas.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Advertising is used to persuade people to buy products, services, and ideas. Thus, the correct combination is (A), (B), and (C). This corresponds to option (2).