Read the following passage about advertising and mark the letter A, B, C, D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the...

Read the following passage about advertising and mark the letter A, B, C, D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 23 to 30.

The issue of advertising targeted at children has become a significant concern globally, especially in the United States. The average child in the US watches around 16,000 commercials annually, raising questions about the effects of such exposure. While some view advertising as a tool to teach children critical thinking, many critics argue that it negatively influences their behavior and values. They believe that advertising shapes children’s choices based on emotional appeal rather than logical decision-making.

One prominent example of child-targeted marketing is Subway’s recent $41 million campaign to promote healthy eating among children. This campaign, which supports Michelle Obama’s initiative against childhood obesity, is a clear attempt to position Subway as a healthier alternative to McDonald’s. In contrast to the $42 million McDonald’s spent on promoting Happy Meals, Subway’s strategy focuses on encouraging children to make healthier food choices. Although Subway’s offerings are healthier than some fast-food chains, critics still raise concerns about the ethical implications of marketing directly to children.

Advertising is often seen as a powerful force that manipulates emotions, undermining children’s ability to make informed decisions. Critics like Susan Linn argue that advertisements encourage children to choose products based on superficial qualities, such as celebrity endorsements, rather than their actual value. This process can erode critical thinking and promote impulse buying, leading to unhealthy habits and poor decision-making. For Linn, no moral grounds exist to justify targeting children with advertisements, irrespective of the product’s characteristics or content.

In response to concerns about child advertising, some advocate for media literacy programs to teach children how to critically analyze advertisements. Organizations like Media Smart aim to help children understand the commercial intent behind advertisements and become more discerning consumers. However, experts argue that children under 12 are not yet capable of fully grasping these messages. While teaching critical thinking is valuable, it remains unclear whether such education can effectively influence children’s consumer behavior.

(Adapted from The Guardian)

Question 23: Which of the following is NOT mentioned in Subway’s child-targeted marketing campaign?

A. Subway spent $41 million on the campaign B. Subway markets through social media
C. Subway offers healthier food options D. The campaign supports a public initiative