2008年英语专业四级:对话2

M:We're having a debate on advertising Thursday evening,and I have to take part.
W:That's interesting. I should like to hear what people think about advertising.
M:What's there to soy? We must have advertising, mustn't we?
W:Why?
M:Well, we wouldn't know what there was to buy if we didn't have advertisements.
W:Yet, that's true, up to a point. Advertisements provide information that we need. If someone has produced a new article, naturally the seller wants to tell us about it.
M:Yes, and the advertisements tell us which product is the best.
W:Do they? I don't think so.Every manufacturer says that his product is the best, or at least tries to give the impression.Only one can be the best, so the others are misleading, aren't they?
M:Well,in a way, I suppose, but we don't have to believe them,do we?
W:Are you saying that advertisements aren't effective? I don't think that intelligent businessmen would spend millions of dollars on advertising if nobody believes the advertisements, do you?
M:Perhaps not,but after all,it's their money that they're spending.
W:Is it?I think not.The cost of advertising is added to the price of the article.You and I and all the other people who buy the article pay for the advertising.
M:Well,I suppose we get something for our money-some information.
W:Yes, but don't forget it's often misleading information,and sometimes harmful.
M:Harmful?
W:What about advertisements designed to persuade young people to smoke cigarettes? Wouldn't you say they're harmful?
M:You've given me a lot to think about. I'm quite looking forward to the debate now!