Spotting Advert Tricks

Life Skills · Money & Finance · ages 7-9

Name ______________________ Date ____________

Every advert shows something you truly need.
Circle one: True False
Which of these adverts is using an attention-grabbing trick?
- A crisp advert with flashing lights and a silly song
- A plain list of ingredients on a crisp packet
- A small grey price tag on a shelf
What does 'value for money' mean?
- Buying the most expensive thing you can find
- Getting a fair amount for what you pay
- Buying anything with bright packaging
An advert shows a famous football player using a shampoo. What trick is this?
- Using a celebrity to make it look cool
- Giving a special offer
- Showing the price clearly
Two same size juice boxes. Brand A costs $3. Brand B costs $2. Which is better value?
- Brand A
- They are the same
- Brand B
Ben saw an ad with his favourite game character on a toy box. He really wanted it, even though he already had a toy just like it. Why did he want it?
- He was completely out of toys
- The ad made him feel excited, not because he needed it
- The toy was on sale for less than usual
Pack A has 8 stickers for $2. Pack B has 4 stickers for $2. How many more stickers does Pack A give you for the same money?
Answer: ______________
Sam says: 'This game costs more, so it must be better.' Is Sam right?
- Yes, price always shows quality
- Only celebrities know if it's good
- Not always. A higher price does not always mean better quality

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

False · Adverts often make things look exciting so you want them, even if you don't need them.
A crisp advert with flashing lights and a silly song · Flashing lights and a silly song are exciting and easy to notice, just like bright colours and fun music. That is the attention-grabbing trick.
Getting a fair amount for what you pay · Value for money means checking that what you get is worth what you pay.
Using a celebrity to make it look cool · Celebrities make a product look exciting or trustworthy, even if it isn't any better.
Brand B · Same size, but Brand B costs less, so it's the better value.
The ad made him feel excited, not because he needed it · Adverts can make you want something just by looking fun, even when you don't need it.
4 · 8 minus 4 is 4. Pack A gives 4 more stickers for the same price, so it's better value.
Not always. A higher price does not always mean better quality · Checking value for money means comparing what you get, not just looking at the price.