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Read an Academic Passage Test #573

Read an Academic Passage

The Psychology of Color in Marketing

The use of color in marketing is a carefully considered strategy based on the psychological impact colors have on human emotion and behavior. Companies invest heavily in selecting colors for their logos, products, and advertising campaigns, understanding that color can influence consumer perceptions and purchasing decisions. This field, known as color psychology, suggests that specific colors can evoke predictable feelings, although these responses can be shaped by personal experience and cultural background.

For example, in many Western cultures, the color red is often associated with energy, passion, and urgency. This is why it is frequently used for clearance sales or to draw attention to important calls to action. In contrast, blue is commonly linked to feelings of trust, security, and stability, making it a popular choice for banks, insurance companies, and technology firms aiming to project reliability. Similarly, green often signifies health, nature, and tranquility, so it is widely used for organic products and environmental brands.

The application of color psychology extends beyond branding and advertising. Retailers meticulously design store interiors to create a particular mood. The color of a button on a website can even affect conversion rates, with studies showing that certain colors encourage more clicks than others. Ultimately, color is a powerful, non-verbal communication tool that helps brands establish their identity, connect with their target audience, and subtly guide consumer behavior from the moment of first impression to the final point of sale.

1. What is the main topic of the passage?
A) The cultural differences in color perception.
B) How companies use color to influence consumers.
C) The most popular colors used in advertising.
D) The historical development of color psychology.
2. The word "evoke" in the passage is closest in meaning to
A) prevent
B) justify
C) bring to mind
D) change
3. What can be inferred about a global company using color in its marketing?
A) It can use the same color strategy in every country.
B) It should focus only on using the color blue for trust.
C) It may need to adjust its color choices for different cultures.
D) It will have more success using red than any other color.
4. According to the passage, why do financial institutions often use the color blue?
A) To create a sense of urgency for customers.
B) To show a connection to nature and health.
C) To project an image of security and dependability.
D) To stand out from their competitors' branding.
5. Why does the author mention store interiors and website buttons in paragraph 3?
A) To argue that color is most important in digital marketing.
B) To provide additional examples of color psychology in practice.
C) To contrast physical retail with online shopping experiences.
D) To introduce a new theory about consumer behavior.

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