Youtube Exercise » English Grammar Homework

B2-C1

The true cost of fast fashion

The Economist

1.5M views 7 years ago

Warm-up Questions

What do you think the phrase “fast fashion” means?
When you buy clothes, what matters most to you: price, style, quality, or sustainability?
What costs might be “hidden” behind cheap clothing prices?

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The true cost of fast fashion

Fast fashion and the waste problem (00:00 – 02:00)

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1. What happens to most of the clothing product mentioned early in the video?

It gets repaired and reused locally
It is turned into new luxury fashion
It ends up in landfill
It is stored for future use

2. About what percentage of discarded clothes do sorting plants globally deal with?

Around 25%
Around 50%
Around 75%
Around 5%

3. What change has the plant noticed about clothing materials over time?

The materials have become higher quality
The materials are mostly natural fibers now
The quality of the material being used has gone down
The materials have become more expensive but stronger

The true cost of fast fashion

Renting clothes to reduce waste (02:00 – 03:57)

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1. Why does the speaker feel pressure to have a new outfit?

Because the weather changes quickly
Because her job requires a uniform
Because she dislikes repeating outfits in real life
Because she posts often on Instagram

2. How long can you rent clothes for in the borrowing service described?

1 or 2 days
7 or 14 days
4 or 8 days
3 or 6 days

3. According to the video, on average how many clothes are worn on a regular basis?

About 60%
Only 20%
Nearly 90%
About 40%

The true cost of fast fashion

A different business model: buy less, repair more (03:57 – 06:51)

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1. What does the speaker say the industry does to make people buy products they don’t need?

It bans online shopping
It stimulates demand and creates urgency to buy now
It raises prices to reduce consumption
It limits store opening hours

2. What is described as a “race to the bottom”?

Competing to open more recycling plants
Competing on price and quality in an unsustainable way
Competing to make the fastest delivery times
Competing to use only local materials

3. What does the video say is needed to tackle the throwaway culture?

Countries need to ban exports of used clothes
Brands and consumers need to change their behaviors
People need to stop buying jeans completely
Only recycling plants need to expand

The true cost of fast fashion

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1. Which statement best summarizes the problem described with fast fashion?

People buy fewer clothes but keep them longer
Most clothing is recycled efficiently around the world
People buy more clothes, wear them less, and dispose of them quickly
Clothes are manufactured in small quantities to avoid waste

2. What is one main idea behind clothing rental services in the video?

To replace recycling plants completely
To encourage people to buy more new outfits
To increase how much each clothing item is used by sharing
To make clothing more expensive and exclusive

3. What solution does the video suggest for reducing environmental impact?

Focus only on exporting discarded clothes
Wear clothes only on special occasions
Stop producing any new clothing immediately
Buy once, buy well, and mend clothing for a longer lifespan

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

The true cost of fast fashion

Why do you think people wear many garments only a few times before getting rid of them?
Do you think renting clothes could work for everyday fashion, or only for special events? Why?
Should governments regulate fast fashion (for example, waste rules or production standards), or should change be driven mainly by consumers and brands?
What is one realistic change you could make in your clothing habits to reduce waste?