To what extent do you agree? In today's consumeristic society, people never miss seeing advertisements. I generally agree with the opinion that advertising has a significant influence on people because ads create trends and define value systems. Advertising makes people want products and services by presenting ideal images of lifestyle. For example, cosmetics companies use elegant models to show the beauty standard, driving people concerned about spotless skin, toned body and rich hair. Similarly, electronic companies nowadays provide home appliances connected to the internet and picture a more convenient life. Corporations publicise their values in a various way, including bill boards, flashy web ads and using influencers on social media. None of people are not exposed to companies' marketing strategies, and people's perspectives are more or less influenced. Another important point to note is the imbalance of information. People are spoiled for choice to the extent where people cannot distinguish the difference. Advertisements claim their product is the best, and people tend to trust products by the frequency of ads instead of its quality. On the other hand, people's consumption pattern is subject to other aspects. Word of mouth still does affect people's behaviour. People line up for restaurants others go. Schoolchildren want toys the friends have. People look up customer reviews at online shops. Other people's behaviour and opinion do affect people's mindset. Another influencial factor on customer behaviours is personal sense of values. Vegetarians avoid meat for health or other reasons. Environmental activists might choose local products to do less harm on nature. Old folks might keep driving an old model car. People develop preferences on their own, and are partly insusceptible to advertisements. To summarise, although vairous personal and social factors can affect people's choice, advertisements play an important role in people's behaviour.

The book I am currently reading is 'The Alchemist'. Almost about to finish it. Some of my favourite quotes from the book are: “Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.” “When we love, we always strive to become better than we are.” “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” (I resonate with this so much) “People are afraid to pursue their most important dreams because they feel they don't deserve them, or that they'll be unable to achieve them. Our hearts become fearful just thinking of loved ones who go away forever, of moments that could have been good but weren't, or of treasures that might have been found but were forever hidden in the sands.” Reading this book feels like a journey.

Today was a very busy day.

Which word best fits in the blank: "To start a business, you need a solid _____ plan." a) business b) marketing c) strategic d) financial

In a job interview, what is a common question about your "strengths and ____________"?

She ...... like coffee. . . . . . . ******************

The day dawned a bit overcast, a gentle change from the usual blazing sun. I was lost in a book when Mom burst in, carrying a massive haul – a whole tray of Campbell's soup cans! Dad had scored a great deal a few days ago in an online promotion. Mom, on the other hand, is all about fresh, homemade meals and has her own conspiracy ideas about canned soup. I hope they don't end up squabbling over it – I love soup in all its forms!

I really like reading. I've been reading a lot of books since childhood. There were absolutely different genres: from fiction to non-fiction and textbook. In the past, I preferred such topic as psychology, marketing and art. But I tired of learning something constantly. Now I'm all about Russian and foreign fiction: from classic to modern. Also, I try to read English books, but it is completely another experience. I have recently finished "Eat, pray, love" Elizabeth Gilbert and will write a short review here soon. Don't switch :)