Topic 234: Learn English Through Advertising

Let’s try to think of a tricky advertisement for a company promising to make you rich

VENUE: The Hub (entrance level), Adelaide University, every second Friday afternoon from 5 to 6:30 pm. (The Hub is open to the public until 7pm weekdays. The Hub is a relaxation and personal study space in the university).

FIND US: Look for a furry animal toy on the table in The Hub, Adelaide University. The Hub is about 100 metres inside the main university entrance (next to the Art Gallery), on the right hand side, off North Terrace.

Note: We will probably be at an inside table to the right of The Hub entrance. If the entrance level tables at The Hub are busy, we may have to hunt for a table. If you can’t see us, ring Thor on 0479 154 831.

TOPICS: Each time there is a different topic with 10 talking points to help with ideas. It’s not a lecture, it’s a conversation. The goal is to push you a little to speak more than daily phrases. For details on each topic see the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1678127882281980.

[On alternate Fridays there is also an ideas discussion group called INTERESTING TOPICS open to anyone: see https://www.facebook.com/groups/497784706090301 ]

THE ORGANIZER Thor May, thormay@yahoo.com; https://independent.academia.edu/ThoroldThorMay

Thor does this as an interest project. He is happy for people to disagree with his views and suggestions. He is not posing as an expert on particular topics, though he does know a lot about the English language. The purpose of the meetup is to practice speaking English. Since 1976 Thor has taught English Language and Linguistics to adults in 7 countries. He has had over 40 jobs, from dockyard labourer to university lecturer. His PhD is on barriers to teaching productivity. His hobbies are exploring ideas, keeping fit and hopelessly trying to learn some Mandarin Chinese.

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Topic 234: Learn English Through Advertising

13 February 2026

Recommended viewing: 7Trendz (11 July 2017) “World’s Funniest Commercials of All Time” @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSRieuzms24 (5,531,732 views) .

Talking Points

1. Think of an advertising slogan to go with the picture.
2. Let’s try to think of a funny advertisement for an English language school.
3. Let’s try to think of a stupid advertisement for a company promising to reduce your weight.
4. Let’s try to think of a tricky advertisement for a company promising to make you rich.
5. Let’s try to think of a risky advertisement for a company selling adventure holidays
6. Let’s try to think of a crazy advertisement for a company offering a new career path.
7. Let’s try to think of an unbelievable advertisement for a country trying to attract immigrants.
8. Let’s try to think of a scary advertisement for a strange food restaurant looking for customers.
9. Let’s try to think of a click-bait advertisement for an influencer promising that you can live forever.
10. Let’s try to think of a sly advertisement selling super cheap real estate