IGCSE English as a Second Language
Exercise 1
Read the article about James Taylor, a teenage fashion designer, and then answer the following
questions.
James Taylor: teenage fashion designer
Teenage fashion designer James Taylor recently won his first major design competition and is
planning to launch his own sustainable clothing brand soon. He and his sister enjoyed creating
outfits from a young age with their grandparents, and the family often spent weekends
customising clothes, but it was watching a documentary about fast fashion that made James
want to try designing his own collection. He convinced his parents to buy him a sewing machine.
There was a small room in the basement where he could have set up his workspace. However, it
was too dark to be practical, so instead, every weekend, he transformed the dining room table
into his design studio. Whenever he felt discouraged, his older sister would remind him that
creativity takes time to develop.
Later on, he discovered various sustainable materials with different properties, including a
plant-based fabric with excellent durability and minimal environmental impact.
James enjoyed various creative activities, including photography for the school yearbook. He
attended art classes at a local community center and was invited to join a prestigious art
academy, which he seriously considered. He wasn't completely sure as it would require
relocating to another city, and he was really committed to his fashion design. As his parents
always encouraged him to follow his passion, he declined the offer and continued designing
whenever he could.
He used his sewing machine extensively over the next couple of years and eventually needed
better equipment. He spent six months working at a local clothing store to earn enough money
for a professional-grade machine. He was then able to buy the expensive equipment and
materials that he needed to take his designs to another level.
Shortly after upgrading his equipment, he heard about a young designers' competition taking
place nearby. Although he worried that his sustainable approach might not appeal to
mainstream judges, he still entered. A few days before the competition, he received an email
with event information, including a list of the judges. He recognized one of the names – top
fashion designer Sofia Blackwell, who James had read about in a magazine. James found her
details online and messaged her to ask if she had any advice for new designers. Sofia replied,
explaining how important it was to stay true to your vision, and said she would look forward to
seeing his work at the event.
On the competition day, James arrived early with his collection. The theme was "Future
Fashion," which aligned perfectly with his sustainable designs, and the audience enjoyed
viewing innovative creations from all participants. James was amazed to place 3rd out of 25
designers. All participants received a certificate, and the top five were offered internship
opportunities. Sofia, who chaired the judging panel, awarded the main prize. James was also
presented with a special recognition award for the most innovative use of sustainable materials.
James met up with Sofia afterwards, who explained how valuable it was to understand both the
creative and business aspects of fashion. James also picked up a brochure about a fashion
workshop that, by coincidence, Sofia was leading, called "Design for Change." Sofia was running
a popular session called "Sustainable Fashion," and another designer was teaching one called
"Getting Started in Fashion," aimed at beginners, so James decided to attend the former. He
completed the workshop and thoroughly enjoyed it. He says the principles he learned, such as
how important it is to consider environmental impact without compromising style, have played
a significant role in developing his design philosophy and will guide him in his future career.
1 Who introduced James to clothing customisation?
.................................................................................................................................................... [1]
2 Where did James prefer to work on his designs at first?
.................................................................................................................................................... [1]
3 Which creative activity was James involved with at school?
.................................................................................................................................................... [1]
4 How long did it take James to save up money for better equipment?
.................................................................................................................................................... [1]
5 Where did James get the information he needed to contact Sofia Blackwell?
.................................................................................................................................................... [1]
6 What was the competition theme when James was participating?
.................................................................................................................................................... [1]
7 What things did James receive after the competition? Give two details.
..........................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................... [2]
8 Which part of the fashion workshop did Sofia teach?
.................................................................................................................................................... [1]
9 What advice has helped James in his fashion design? Give four details.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................... [4]
[Total: 13]
Exercise 2
Read the article about four teenagers (A–D) who have reached the final of the Young Fashion
Innovator competition. Then answer Question 10(a)–(j).
Young Fashion Innovator Competition
Find out more about this year's finalists in their own words
A Zara: upcycling specialist
I honestly can't remember the exact age I started redesigning clothes, but I guess I was about
nine or ten. I begged my parents to let me cut up some old clothes, which they reluctantly
agreed to. Then I was invited to a sustainable fashion show, where to my surprise, I discovered
the concept of upcycling – it has the perfect balance of creativity and sustainability. When I was
thirteen, I got accepted into a specialized art program on the other side of the city. This meant
commuting for hours each day and spending less time with my friends. At first, it was
challenging having such long days. But it's been worth it – studying there has really helped me
develop my technical skills, as well as connect with other young designers in the program. I'm
busy preparing for the Young Fashion Innovator competition now, as well as for end-of-year
exams. I have to say there's been more sewing than studying lately, but the competition will be
over soon and I can focus more on academics.
B Omar: streetwear designer
Well, the Young Fashion Innovator competition is taking place in my neighborhood, and I've
actually displayed my work in the gallery where the competition is happening, so that's making
me feel more comfortable. I was born in France, but came to the UK while my parents were
completing their graduate studies. During this time, I got the chance to apprentice with one of
the best streetwear designers in the country, and although we'd planned to return to France, I
was making such good connections in the fashion industry that we decided to settle in the UK.
As well as designing clothes, I love digital art, and I've recently started learning jewelry making
because I wanted to create complete looks, although I haven't had time to incorporate that into
my current collection yet. For the competition, I'll be showing pieces that I hope will resonate
with people – the collection has a good mix of practical everyday items and some statement
pieces too, which express my cultural background.
C Nadia: accessories designer
I was shocked when I found out I was in the final. I didn't expect to get that far so I didn't start
creating my showcase collection until I received the confirmation. Most of the other
competitors have been working on theirs for much longer! I'm the youngest competitor, but I've
been making accessories for several years. I only started designing because that was what my
older sister did. Lots of us siblings would make friendship bracelets together at home. Then, as
my siblings moved on to other interests, I kept creating. I only paused when my art teacher
suggested I explore other forms of design. After experimenting with different materials, I
returned to accessories with renewed inspiration. I now have a small online shop where I sell
my creations. I spend about three hours daily designing and making pieces. It's challenging to
balance that with school, but I manage. One of the best things about having my shop is that I
get direct feedback from customers about what they like.
D Theo: eco-textile innovator
I've been interested in sustainable textiles since I was fourteen, and have spent those years
researching materials and techniques, always trying to find new eco-friendly solutions. I'm
fortunate enough to have my work featured in a national sustainable fashion magazine, which is
a huge honor. I've participated in group exhibitions with other young innovators, which I
thought would prepare me for this competition. I quickly discovered that it's quite different. I'm
used to collaborating with others on projects, but presenting my personal work to judges isn't
the same at all. In the preliminary round, I looked at all the accomplished people evaluating my
work, and I immediately felt very nervous. Afterwards, I remembered what my mentor said
about focusing on the materials' story rather than trying to impress people. I might try this
approach in the final round.
Question 10
For each question, write the correct letter A, B, C or D on the line.
Which young fashion innovator …
(a) explains a technique that helped them handle their anxiety? .......... [1]
(b) says that they decided to start designing because of their family members? .......... [1]
(c) suggests that they need to spend more time on their schoolwork? .......... [1]
(d) mentions that they've been featured in a publication? .......... [1]
(e) describes how their family changed a plan to help support their fashion career? .......... [1]
(f) mentions the amount of preparation they've done compared to other people? .......... [1]
(g) explains that their interest in fashion developed unexpectedly? .......... [1]
(h) gives a reason why they also pursue another creative skill? .......... [1]
(i) describes the way in which their education has affected their development? .......... [1]
(j) mentions a past event they think will increase their confidence? .......... [1]
[Total: 10]