The IELTS Reading test is known for its challenging passages and diverse topics. One particularly relevant and recurrent topic is environmental sustainability, especially in the context of fast fashion. Understanding this subject can not only help you in your IELTS but also broaden your knowledge on a topic of global significance.
Fast fashion is a term used to describe the rapid production of cheap clothing to meet the latest trends. However, it has significant adverse effects on environmental sustainability, a fact that has increasingly caught public attention. Given its timeliness and relevance, this topic has appeared frequently in IELTS examinations and may likely continue to do so.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a reading passage about the impact of fast fashion on environmental sustainability, complete with questions and answers to help you practice for the IELTS Reading test.
Practice IELTS Reading Passage: “The Impact of Fast Fashion on Environmental Sustainability”
Passage
The Fashion Industry: Environmental Impact and Sustainability
The fashion industry, particularly the fast fashion sector, has a substantial impact on the environment. Fast fashion is characterized by the rapid production of inexpensive clothing in response to the latest trends. This model encourages disposable fashion, leading to severe environmental repercussions.
Firstly, the manufacturing of fast fashion garments requires vast amounts of resources, especially water. For instance, it takes approximately 2,700 liters of water to produce a single cotton t-shirt. This high water consumption places immense pressure on freshwater resources globally.
Secondly, the use of synthetic fibers like polyester is prevalent in fast fashion. Polyester is derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. The production process is both energy-intensive and polluting. Moreover, polyester garments shed microplastics when washed, which eventually make their way into the ocean, posing a threat to marine life.
Another significant issue is the waste generated by the fast fashion industry. It is estimated that on average, each person discards around 31.75 kilograms of clothing annually. Most of these discarded garments end up in landfills where they can take decades to decompose. Additionally, the chemicals used in textile processing can leach into the soil, causing further environmental degradation.
Efforts to address these issues include the slow fashion movement, which advocates for sustainable and ethical fashion practices. This movement emphasizes quality over quantity, encouraging consumers to buy fewer, longer-lasting items. Brands that adhere to slow fashion principles often use sustainable materials and transparent manufacturing processes.
Governments and NGOs are also pushing for more stringent regulations and practices to mitigate the environmental impact of fast fashion. These initiatives aim to reduce waste, manage resources more sustainably, and ensure cleaner production processes.
Questions
Multiple Choice
-
According to the passage, what is one of the main characteristics of fast fashion?
- A. High cost of clothing
- B. Long production time
- C. Rapid production of inexpensive clothes in response to trends
- D. Emphasis on quality over quantity
-
What is the impact of using synthetic fibers in fast fashion?
- A. Reduced water consumption
- B. Minimal environmental impact
- C. Shedding of microplastics into the ocean
- D. Faster decomposition in landfills
True/False/Not Given
-
Fast fashion clothing can decompose within a year in landfills.
- A. True
- B. False
- C. Not Given
-
The slow fashion movement focuses on producing inexpensive clothes quickly.
- A. True
- B. False
- C. Not Given
Summary Completion
Complete the summary using the list of words below.
The fast fashion industry has a significant environmental impact due to its (5) __ consumption of resources and production of waste. A single cotton t-shirt requires approximately 2,700 liters of (6) __. The use of synthetic fibers such as (7) __ contributes to marine pollution due to the shedding of microplastics. Efforts to combat these issues include the (8) __ fashion movement, which promotes sustainable and ethical practices.
Words: polyester, water, high, slow, plastic, rapid
Answers and Explanation
Multiple Choice
-
C – Rapid production of inexpensive clothes in response to trends
- Explanation: The passage clearly states that fast fashion involves the rapid production of inexpensive clothing in response to the latest trends.
-
C – Shedding of microplastics into the ocean
- Explanation: The passage mentions that synthetic fibers like polyester shed microplastics when washed, which eventually pollute the oceans.
True/False/Not Given
-
B – False
- Explanation: The passage says that discarded garments can take decades to decompose, not within a year.
-
B – False
- Explanation: The slow fashion movement emphasizes quality over quantity and does not focus on producing clothes quickly or inexpensively.
Summary Completion
-
rapid
- Explanation: The fast fashion industry is described as having a high consumption of resources and producing a lot of waste rapidly.
-
water
- Explanation: The passage mentions the significant amount of water needed to produce a single t-shirt.
-
polyester
- Explanation: The text discusses polyester as a synthetic fiber that contributes to marine pollution.
-
slow
- Explanation: Slow fashion is presented as a movement promoting sustainable and ethical fashion practices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is misinterpreting the text. Always ensure to read the question carefully and refer back to the passage to find the answer. Secondly, be mindful of the instructions for each question type, as they can differ slightly and may affect how you should respond.
Vocabulary
- Rapid (adj.) /ˈræp.ɪd/: fast or quick.
- Microplastics (n.) /ˌmaɪ.krəʊˈplæstɪks/: small plastic particles that pollute the environment.
- Sustainable (adj.) /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/: able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
- Transparent (adj.) /trænˈspær.ənt/: open and honest; not secretive.
Grammar Focus
Passive Voice
The passage uses passive voice effectively to highlight the processes and impacts rather than focusing on the actors. For example:
- “It is estimated that on average, each person discards around 31.75 kilograms of clothing annually.”
Formula: Subject + form of “to be” + past participle
- Example: “Cotton t-shirts are produced using large quantities of water.”
Tips for Achieving High Marks in IELTS Reading
- Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with different types of questions by practicing regularly.
- Enhance Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary will help in understanding passages and answering questions accurately.
- Time Management: Practice reading within set time limits to improve your speed and accuracy.
For further reading on sustainable fashion, see our related article on Could Better Design Cure Our Throwaway Culture?
By understanding and practicing with such highly relevant topics, you will be well-prepared for your IELTS Reading test. Good luck!