Advertising in Modern Life
Vocabulary
Reach each word out loud.
tier
/tɪər/
noun
levels within a system
Example:
I signed up for the highest tier of streaming service so I won't have advertisements.

justification
/ˌdʒʌs tə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən/
noun
a reason, explanation, or fact that justifies or defends something
Example:
My daughters justification for not cleaning her bedroom was that she had homework to finish first.

invasive
/ɪnˈveɪ sɪv/
adjective
characterized or involving invasion; offensive; intrusive
Example:
The hotel cleaning crew were being invasive when they walked into my room without knocking.

evolution
/ˌɛv əˈlu ʃən/
noun
slow, steady change or development
Example:
The evolution of technology has changed how we communicate with each other.

exposure
/ɪkˈspoʊ ʒər/
noun
state of experiencing something directly
Example:
Exposure to different cultures can help us understand each other better.

Story
Read the story out loud or play the audio and follow along.
Audio generated by AI
Advertising in Modern Life
Advertising has always been part of daily life, but many people feel it has become more invasive in recent years. Today, we see ads not only on TV and billboards but also in elevators, gas pumps, and even in schools. Some people complain that there is no way to escape the constant exposure to brands and their marketing messages. This has created growing frustration among consumers.
One area where advertising has changed the most is in streaming services. At first, many people paid for premium subscriptions to avoid commercials. However, now companies are introducing ads even for paying customers. Some platforms offer different tiers: a cheaper option with ads and a more expensive one without. This strategy has left customers wondering why they are paying for both ads and access.
Companies argue that advertising brings in essential revenue. They claim that without it, prices for streaming, news, and even mobile apps would rise too high. For example, many free apps are supported by ads, and without them, the apps might not survive. Still, critics believe this justification hides the fact that companies want to increase profits rather than simply cover costs.
Looking ahead, advertising may spread into new areas of life. Experts predict that ads could appear in virtual reality platforms, smart home devices, or even on car dashboards. While some people see this as a natural evolution of marketing, others fear it will make private spaces feel less personal. The debate continues as companies search for new ways to capture people’s attention, and consumers search for ways to protect their time and focus.
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Written by:
Thomas
Lesson updated:
November 6, 2025