1. Read the text and answer the questions briefly (1 to 8 words).
The Psychological Effects of Fast Fashion on Consumers
Fast fashion has transformed how we buy and perceive clothing. With new trends emerging
at lightning speed, consumers are caught in a cycle of buying more than they need, only to discard
these items shortly after. This relentless pursuit of the latest styles has significant psychological
impacts, affecting our behaviour and well-being.
One major effect is the pressure to keep up with ever-changing trends. This pressure can
lead to a constant sense of dissatisfaction and the feeling that one's wardrobe is never complete.
Consequently, many people find themselves buying clothes impulsively, seeking a temporary
happiness boost. However, this joy is fleeting, and the cycle of desire starts anew with the next
trend.
Moreover, fast fashion fosters a throwaway culture, where clothes are viewed as disposable.
This attitude not only devalues the items themselves but can also diminish our appreciation for
craftsmanship and the labour that goes into creating clothing. Over time, this can lead to a
disconnection from the true value of our possessions, promoting materialistic values over
sustainability and quality.
The environmental and ethical implications of fast fashion also weigh heavily on
consumers' consciences. As awareness of these issues grows, so does the guilt associated with
participating in such a harmful industry. This guilt can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and
helplessness, especially among those who feel trapped by their financial limitations or social
pressures.
In response, there's a growing movement towards more sustainable and ethical fashion
choices. By understanding the psychological effects of fast fashion, consumers can begin to make
more mindful decisions, breaking the cycle of fast fashion and its negative impacts on our minds
and the planet.
1. What causes consumers to buy clothes impulsively? (1 point)
2. How does fast fashion affect consumers' satisfaction with their wardrobe? (1
point)
3. What cultural attitude does fast fashion promote regarding clothes? (1 point)
4. What emotional impact does learning about the environmental and ethical
issues of fast fashion have on consumers? (1 point)
5. How can consumers counteract the psychological effects of fast fashion? (1
point)
2. Read the text carefully. Some parts have been removed. Reconstruct the text by
filling in the gaps from the list below. Remember that there is one extra phrase that
you don’t need.
Fast fashion items often meet their end in …1… than their bright beginnings in store windows
might suggest. A significant portion of these clothes ends up in landfills, where they contribute
…2… of textile waste. Due to the low-quality, non-biodegradable materials …3… fast fashion,
these items can linger in the environment for hundreds of years, releasing toxins and contributing
to pollution. Another destination for discarded fast fashion is overseas markets. While some view
this as recycling, it can …4… in developing countries, undermining their economies and creating
environmental problems. Only a small fraction of fast fashion garments is recycled or repurposed,
highlighting the need for more sustainable practices in the industry. The journey of fast fashion
items from wardrobe to waste underscores …5… towards more environmentally friendly and
sustainable clothing choices.
A. from high-class fashion outlets
B. less glamorous settings
C. the urgent need for change
D. commonly used in
E. overwhelm local industries
F. to the growing problem
1 2 3 4 5
Writing 1
Write a letter/an e-mail of 170-220 words to your English-speaking friend. Write about each prompt. You can
decide on the order of the prompts. Use the appropriate letter/e-mail format (greeting, paragraphs, signature).
You can’t help but notice that a friend of yours on social media frequently shares his/her shopping
trips and new garment purchases. Since you know that (s)he is not any kind of media personality
or some sort of influencer, you are more than sure that this constant need for shopping is a bad
habit (or addiction?) (s)he has developed over the past few years. Write a letter to your friend and
give voice to your concerns.
In your letter / e-mail write about the following:
• What do you think about excessive shopping (especially for fashion items)?
• What are your thoughts about the so-called “throwaway” culture?
• What are the disadvantages of buying fast fashion items?
• How important is fashion in a person’s life (Or rather, how important should it be)?
• How can we make fashion more sustainable?
Writing 2
Read the comment and give your opinion about it in 100-130 words.
The idea that changing your wardrobe frequently is necessary to stay fashionable is a myth
propagated by the fashion industry. True style doesn't depend on constantly following trends.