The IELTS Reading section tests your ability to understand and analyze written texts. One increasingly popular topic in recent years is sustainable fashion. This article will provide you with a practice reading passage on “Sustainable fashion brands to watch,” along with questions and answers to help you prepare for the IELTS exam.
Based on recent trends and the growing importance of sustainability in the fashion industry, it’s highly likely that you may encounter a similar topic in your IELTS Reading test. Let’s dive into a practice exercise to enhance your skills in this area.
Practice Reading Passage: Sustainable Fashion Brands Making Waves
The Rise of Eco-Friendly Fashion
In recent years, the fashion industry has faced increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact. From water pollution to textile waste, the negative consequences of fast fashion have become impossible to ignore. In response, a new wave of sustainable fashion brands has emerged, promising stylish clothing with a reduced ecological footprint. These companies are revolutionizing the industry by prioritizing eco-friendly materials, ethical production methods, and circular economy principles.
One standout brand in this space is Patagonia, long known for its commitment to sustainability. The company has taken bold steps, such as using recycled materials in its products and offering repair services to extend the life of its garments. Patagonia’s “Worn Wear” program encourages customers to buy used clothing, further reducing the demand for new production.
Another innovator is Reformation, a Los Angeles-based company that has gained popularity for its trendy yet sustainable clothing. Reformation uses eco-friendly fabrics like Tencel and deadstock materials, which would otherwise end up in landfills. The brand also provides detailed information about the environmental impact of each garment, allowing consumers to make informed choices.
Everlane, known for its “radical transparency” approach, has made waves with its commitment to ethical production. The company provides detailed information about its factories and costs, ensuring fair labor practices throughout its supply chain. Everlane has also introduced innovative materials like recycled plastic bottles in its ReNew line of outerwear.
For those seeking sustainable denim, Nudie Jeans offers an excellent option. The Swedish brand uses organic cotton and offers free repairs for life on their jeans, encouraging customers to wear their garments for as long as possible. Nudie Jeans also has a take-back program, where old jeans are repurposed or recycled into new products.
In the luxury sector, Stella McCartney has been a pioneer in sustainable fashion. The brand has never used leather or fur and continuously innovates with eco-friendly materials like recycled nylon and sustainable viscose. Stella McCartney’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond materials, encompassing energy-efficient stores and carbon-neutral operations.
Veja, a French footwear brand, has gained a cult following for its stylish yet sustainable sneakers. The company sources organic cotton directly from farmer associations in Brazil and Peru, uses wild rubber from the Amazon, and ensures fair wages for its workers. Veja’s transparent approach to production has set a new standard in the footwear industry.
As consumers become more conscious of their environmental impact, these sustainable fashion brands are not just surviving but thriving. They prove that style and sustainability can go hand in hand, offering hope for a more eco-friendly future in fashion. With continued innovation and consumer support, these brands are poised to reshape the industry and pave the way for a more sustainable approach to clothing production and consumption.
Reading Comprehension Questions
True/False/Not Given
- Patagonia encourages customers to purchase second-hand clothing.
- Reformation uses only organic cotton in its products.
- Everlane provides information about its production costs to consumers.
- Nudie Jeans offers a lifetime warranty on all its products.
- Stella McCartney uses leather in some of its luxury products.
Multiple Choice
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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a sustainable practice used by the brands in the passage?
A) Using recycled materials
B) Offering repair services
C) Providing detailed environmental impact information
D) Using nuclear energy in production -
According to the passage, Veja sources its organic cotton from:
A) China and India
B) Brazil and Peru
C) France and Italy
D) The United States and Canada
Matching Information
Match the following features to the correct brand. You may use each brand more than once.
- Uses wild rubber in its products
- Known for “radical transparency”
- Offers free repairs for life on certain products
- Never uses leather or fur in its products
- Uses deadstock materials
A) Patagonia
B) Reformation
C) Everlane
D) Nudie Jeans
E) Stella McCartney
F) Veja
Short Answer Questions
Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- What type of economy principles do sustainable fashion brands prioritize?
- What program does Patagonia have that encourages the purchase of used clothing?
- What material does Everlane use in its ReNew line of outerwear?
Answer Key and Explanations
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True – The passage states that “Patagonia’s ‘Worn Wear’ program encourages customers to buy used clothing.”
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False – Reformation uses eco-friendly fabrics like Tencel and deadstock materials, not only organic cotton.
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True – The passage mentions that Everlane “provides detailed information about its factories and costs.”
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False – Nudie Jeans offers free repairs for life specifically on their jeans, not all products.
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False – The passage clearly states that Stella McCartney “has never used leather or fur.”
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D – Nuclear energy is not mentioned in the passage as a sustainable practice used by these brands.
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B – The passage states that Veja “sources organic cotton directly from farmer associations in Brazil and Peru.”
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F – Veja
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C – Everlane
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D – Nudie Jeans
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E – Stella McCartney
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B – Reformation
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circular economy
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Worn Wear
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recycled plastic bottles
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Misreading details: Pay close attention to specific information about each brand. For example, don’t confuse which brand offers which specific sustainable practice.
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Overlooking qualifiers: Words like “some,” “all,” or “never” can change the meaning of a statement. Always check for these when answering True/False/Not Given questions.
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Assuming information: Stick to what’s explicitly stated in the passage. Don’t make assumptions based on general knowledge about sustainability or fashion.
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Misinterpreting “Not Given”: Remember, “Not Given” means the information isn’t provided in the passage, not that it’s false.
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Exceeding word limits: In short answer questions, make sure you use only the specified number of words from the passage.
Key Vocabulary
- Sustainability: (noun) the ability to maintain something at a certain rate or level
- Eco-friendly: (adjective) not harmful to the environment
- Ethical: (adjective) morally correct and acceptable
- Circular economy: (noun) an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources
- Deadstock: (noun) leftover fabric from fashion houses and textile mills
- Radical transparency: (noun) the practice of being completely open and honest about all aspects of a business
- Viscose: (noun) a type of rayon fabric made from wood pulp
Grammar Focus
Pay attention to the use of present perfect tense in sentences like:
“These companies have emerged…” and “Patagonia has taken bold steps…”
This tense is used to describe actions that started in the past and continue to have relevance in the present, which is particularly appropriate when discussing ongoing trends and developments in sustainable fashion.
Tips for IELTS Reading Success
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Practice time management: Allocate your time wisely among the different sections of the reading test.
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Skim and scan: Quickly read through the passage to get a general idea, then scan for specific information when answering questions.
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Use context clues: If you encounter unfamiliar words, try to understand their meaning from the surrounding context.
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Pay attention to transition words: Words like “however,” “moreover,” and “in contrast” can signal important shifts in the text’s argument or focus.
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Read the questions carefully: Make sure you understand exactly what each question is asking before you start looking for the answer.
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Don’t panic if you encounter unfamiliar topics: Remember, all the information you need to answer the questions is in the passage.
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Review your answers: If you have time at the end, go back and check your responses for any careless mistakes.
By practicing with passages like this one on sustainable fashion brands, you’ll be well-prepared for the various question types and topics that may appear in your IELTS Reading test. Remember to stay calm, manage your time effectively, and apply these strategies to maximize your score.
For more IELTS preparation tips and resources, including practice exercises for describing fashion trends, check out our article on how to describe a recent trend in fashion or lifestyle.