๐ Written Ability Test (WAT)/Essay Analysis Guide
๐ Topic: Should There Be Global Guidelines for the Advertising of Alcohol and Tobacco Products?
๐ Understanding the Topicโs Importance
This essay is crucial for B-schools as it explores ethical, economic, and regulatory aspects relevant to policymaking, CSR, and public health.
๐ Effective Planning and Writing
- โณ Time Allocation:
- ๐ Planning: 5 minutes
- โ๏ธ Writing: 20 minutes
- ๐ Review: 5 minutes
- ๐ก Preparation Tips:
- ๐ Identify key statistics like mortality rates and economic impact.
- ๐ Research international regulations and case studies.
๐ฏ Introduction Techniques for Essays
- Contrast Approach: “While nations like Norway enforce strict tobacco ad bans, others struggle to regulate the digital promotion of harmful products. This disparity calls for global guidelines to address advertising ethics.”
- Problem-Solution Approach: “The unrestricted advertising of tobacco and alcohol fuels preventable deaths. A unified global framework could mitigate this public health crisis.”
๐ Structuring the Essay Body
- ๐ Achievements: Highlight reduced consumption from regulations (e.g., plain packaging success).
- โ๏ธ Challenges: Discuss lobbying pressures, inconsistent laws, and loopholes in digital media.
- ๐ Future Outlook: Propose solutions like international treaties and AI-driven ad monitoring.
๐ก Concluding Effectively
- Balanced Conclusion: “Global guidelines, while challenging to implement, are critical for balancing public health and economic needs.”
- Solution-Oriented Conclusion: “By harmonizing regulations and leveraging technology, we can address advertisingโs public health impact without stifling industry growth.”
๐ Analyzing Successes and Shortcomings
- โ Achievements: Regulatory successes in Europe and Australia.
- โ ๏ธ Ongoing Challenges: Digital advertising loopholes and economic resistance.
- ๐ Global Context: WHOโs Framework Convention on Tobacco Control as a model for alcohol.
โจ Recommendations for Sustainable Progress
- ๐ Establish international advertising standards under WHO.
- ๐ค Employ AI tools to detect ad violations.
- ๐ค Encourage corporate CSR to align with public health goals.
โ๏ธ Sample Short Essays
- Balanced Perspective (100 words):
“Global guidelines for alcohol and tobacco advertising are a double-edged sword. While necessary for public health, they face economic and enforcement challenges. Countries like Australia and France offer successful models of regulation. To address modern advertisingโs digital shift, AI-based monitoring and international cooperation are essential. Striking a balance between health and commerce is the key to sustainable progress.” - Solution-Oriented (100 words):
“Preventable deaths from alcohol and tobacco demand urgent action. Global guidelines, modeled on WHOโs tobacco control framework, could ensure ethical advertising. Digital tools can address enforcement gaps, while phased implementation minimizes economic impact. Public health should take precedence, with responsible advertising ensuring a healthier future.” - Global Comparison (100 words):
“The contrast between Australiaโs strict tobacco regulations and the U.S.โs lenient alcohol ad policies underscores the need for global standards. A unified approach could harmonize public health priorities with economic goals. Countries must collaborate under WHO leadership to enforce ethical advertising practices while respecting cultural differences.”