Questions and sample answers
Why is fast fashion so popular?
Because it is cheap and always changing. Shoppers can follow the newest trends for a small price, and online stores deliver in a few days. For young people with limited budgets, this is very attractive, even if the clothes do not last long. Social media also pushes people to wear something new in every photo, which increases demand.
What are the problems caused by cheap clothes?
The main ones are waste and pollution. Garments are often worn only a few times before they are thrown away, and producing them uses a lot of water and chemicals. In addition, workers in some factories earn very little and face poor conditions. Consumers rarely see these hidden costs, which makes the problem harder to solve.
Should people buy fewer clothes?
I think so, yes. Buying quality items that last for years is better for both the wallet and the environment. A smaller wardrobe also saves time, since you can mix a few good pieces. Of course, this requires changing the habit of shopping for fun.
Is it more important to look fashionable or to be comfortable?
For daily life, I choose comfort. Being at ease helps you feel confident. Still, appearance matters in certain situations such as interviews, so I think the ideal is clothes that are both neat and comfortable. My own experience is that uncomfortable shoes spoil the whole day, however stylish they look. Comfort comes first.
What can be done to reduce clothing waste?
People can repair, swap or donate old clothes, and second-hand shops can become more popular. Companies should be required to use recyclable materials and to report how many items they destroy. Governments could also add small taxes on very cheap, disposable garments. Small personal choices matter as well, because demand drives production.
Useful vocabulary
- disposable — made to be thrown away after use
- second-hand — previously owned by someone else
- wardrobe — all the clothes a person owns
- trend — a popular style at a certain time
- sustainable — not harmful to the environment over time
- garment — an item of clothing
- sweatshop — a factory with low pay and poor conditions
- recycle — process materials so they can be used again
Tips for this topic
- Link price to consequence: cheap price leads to waste.
- Use first conditional for solutions: “If people repair clothes, they will…”.
- Mention personal behaviour, such as a second-hand purchase, to sound natural.
Study guides
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.