The IELTS Reading section tests your ability to understand complex texts and answer questions accurately. One increasingly common topic in recent years is sustainability in various industries, with the fashion sector being a particular focus. Based on the frequency of this theme in past exams and its growing relevance, there’s a high likelihood of encountering similar passages in future IELTS tests.
Today, we’ll explore a practice reading text on “Sustainability challenges in the fashion industry.” This topic not only aligns with current global concerns but also provides an excellent opportunity to enhance your reading skills and expand your vocabulary in an area that’s both timely and important.
Sustainability challenges in fashion
Practice Reading Text
Sustainable Fashion: Challenges and Opportunities
The fashion industry, long celebrated for its creativity and economic significance, now faces unprecedented scrutiny over its environmental and social impacts. As one of the world’s largest polluters, the sector is grappling with a range of sustainability challenges that demand urgent attention and innovative solutions.
One of the most pressing issues is the industry’s substantial carbon footprint. The production of textiles, particularly synthetic fibers like polyester, relies heavily on fossil fuels and energy-intensive processes. According to recent studies, the fashion industry accounts for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions, surpassing even international flights and maritime shipping combined. This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for a shift towards more sustainable materials and manufacturing methods.
Water pollution presents another critical challenge. The dyeing and treatment of textiles often involve harmful chemicals that, when improperly managed, contaminate local water sources. In some textile-producing regions, rivers have become toxic, posing severe health risks to communities and decimating aquatic ecosystems. Addressing this issue requires not only stricter regulations but also investments in clean technologies and closed-loop water systems.
The problem of textile waste has reached alarming proportions, fueled by the rise of “fast fashion” and changing consumer behaviors. Each year, millions of tons of clothing end up in landfills, where synthetic materials can take centuries to decompose. This wasteful cycle is exacerbated by the poor quality of many fast fashion items, which are often discarded after just a few wears. Developing effective recycling technologies and promoting a circular economy model within the industry are crucial steps in tackling this issue.
Labor rights and working conditions in the fashion supply chain remain a persistent concern. Despite increased awareness following high-profile disasters like the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh, many garment workers still face unsafe working environments, low wages, and exploitation. Ensuring fair labor practices across global supply chains is a complex challenge that requires collaboration between brands, governments, and NGOs.
However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. Many fashion brands are now exploring sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and innovative fabrics made from agricultural waste. Others are investing in blockchain technology to improve supply chain transparency and traceability.
Consumers, too, are becoming more conscious of their purchasing decisions, driving demand for sustainable and ethically produced clothing. This shift is encouraging the growth of secondhand markets, rental services, and brands focused on durability and timeless design.
The road to a truly sustainable fashion industry is long and complex, but the momentum for change is building. As technology advances and awareness grows, the sector has the potential to transform from a major polluter into a model of circular economy and responsible production. The future of fashion lies not just in style, but in sustainability.
Questions
True/False/Not Given
- The fashion industry contributes more to global carbon emissions than international aviation and shipping combined.
- All synthetic fibers used in clothing production are derived from fossil fuels.
- Water pollution from textile production primarily affects developed countries.
- Fast fashion has contributed to an increase in textile waste.
- The Rana Plaza disaster led to immediate improvements in working conditions across the global fashion industry.
Multiple Choice
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a major sustainability challenge in the fashion industry?
A) Carbon emissions
B) Water pollution
C) Textile waste
D) Noise pollutionThe text suggests that addressing labor rights issues in the fashion industry requires:
A) Action from brands alone
B) Government regulation only
C) Collaboration between multiple stakeholders
D) Consumer boycotts
Matching Information
Match the following statements (8-11) with the correct paragraph (A-H) from the passage. Write the correct letter A-H in boxes 8-11 on your answer sheet.
- An example of a specific disaster that highlighted poor working conditions in the fashion industry.
- The mention of innovative materials being developed from agricultural byproducts.
- A statistic comparing the fashion industry’s carbon emissions to other sectors.
- A description of how textile production can affect local water sources.
Summary Completion
Complete the summary below using words from the box. Write your answers in boxes 12-15 on your answer sheet.
| circular | fossil fuels | recycling | synthetic |
|---|---|---|---|
| landfills | organic | secondhand | transparent |
The fashion industry faces several sustainability challenges. The production of (12) __ fibers relies heavily on (13) __ and contributes significantly to carbon emissions. The rise of fast fashion has led to increased textile waste in (14) __. To address these issues, some brands are exploring sustainable materials and investing in technologies to make supply chains more (15) __.
Answer Key and Explanations
True – The passage states that the fashion industry “accounts for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions, surpassing even international flights and maritime shipping combined.”
Not Given – While the text mentions that synthetic fibers like polyester rely on fossil fuels, it doesn’t state that all synthetic fibers are derived from fossil fuels.
Not Given – The passage doesn’t specify which countries are primarily affected by water pollution from textile production.
True – The text states, “The problem of textile waste has reached alarming proportions, fueled by the rise of ‘fast fashion’ and changing consumer behaviors.”
False – While the Rana Plaza disaster is mentioned, the passage suggests that many garment workers still face poor working conditions, indicating that immediate widespread improvements did not occur.
D – Noise pollution is not mentioned in the passage as a major sustainability challenge in the fashion industry.
C – The text states, “Ensuring fair labor practices across global supply chains is a complex challenge that requires collaboration between brands, governments, and NGOs.”
E – Paragraph 5 mentions the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh as an example of a disaster highlighting poor working conditions.
G – Paragraph 7 mentions “innovative fabrics made from agricultural waste” as an example of sustainable materials being explored.
B – Paragraph 2 provides a statistic comparing the fashion industry’s carbon emissions to international flights and maritime shipping.
C – Paragraph 3 describes how textile production can contaminate local water sources with harmful chemicals.
synthetic
fossil fuels
landfills
transparent
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking key qualifiers: Pay attention to words like “some,” “many,” or “often” that may affect the accuracy of statements.
- Making assumptions: Stick to the information provided in the text and avoid drawing conclusions based on your own knowledge.
- Misinterpreting comparisons: Carefully analyze any statistical comparisons to ensure you understand what is being compared.
- Generalizing specific examples: Be cautious about applying information about one aspect of the industry to the entire sector.
Vocabulary
- Scrutiny (noun) /ˈskruːtəni/: Close examination or inspection.
- Grappling (verb) /ˈɡræplɪŋ/: Struggling or contending with a problem or challenge.
- Footprint (noun) /ˈfʊtprɪnt/: The impact or effect of something, especially in an environmental context.
- Decimating (verb) /ˈdesɪmeɪtɪŋ/: Destroying or severely reducing.
- Exacerbated (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪtɪd/: Made worse or more severe.
- Persistent (adjective) /pərˈsɪstənt/: Continuing to exist or occur over a long period.
Grammar Focus
Complex sentences with multiple clauses are common in academic texts. For example:
“Despite increased awareness following high-profile disasters like the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh, many garment workers still face unsafe working environments, low wages, and exploitation.”
This sentence structure includes:
- A concessive clause: “Despite increased awareness…”
- A main clause: “many garment workers still face…”
- A list within the main clause: “unsafe working environments, low wages, and exploitation”
Practice constructing similar complex sentences to improve your writing skills for the IELTS exam.
Tips for Success in IELTS Reading
- Time management is crucial. Allocate your time wisely across all sections of the reading test.
- Skim the text quickly before attempting the questions to get a general idea of the content.
- Read the questions carefully and underline key words to focus your attention when searching for answers.
- Practice regularly with a variety of text types and question formats to improve your skills and speed.
- Expand your vocabulary, especially in topics related to current global issues like sustainability, as these are increasingly common in IELTS texts.
Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes from a combination of strong vocabulary, effective time management, and regular practice. By focusing on these areas and familiarizing yourself with common topics like sustainability in various industries, you’ll be well-prepared for the challenges of the IELTS Reading test.
For more practice on related topics, check out our articles on sustainability challenges in global supply chains and the impacts of sustainable fashion on traditional manufacturing.