LESSON 9 – WHAT ARE YOU WEARING?

HOMEWORK READING

Exercise 1: Reading comprehension questions that go with the above reading

passage.

ESL Clothes

Clothing is something we all should wear in order to fit into society. The act of
wearing clothing is a choice in some indigenous societies while in a more modern
culture you could find yourself in trouble with the police if you choose not to wear
clothes. Clothes are easily accessible and can be bought in most high street shops.
Supermarkets are also beginning to sell clothes. Clothes are for keeping people
warm or serving as protection from the strong burning sun. Certain items of
clothing can be expensive, especially if it is made by a well-known brand or is a
particular design. While clothing is affordable for most people, the price usually
depends on the quality of the material used to make the item and its brand name. In
most countries clothing is taxed, while food is not. This is probably because
clothing can be considered as a luxury item, especially if it is of very good quality.

The type of clothing that is worn usually depends on the occasion. People that
attend a wedding usually wear formal clothes. Men often wear suits and women
wear dresses. Formal and smart clothing is often worn in times of celebration.
People often wear different clothing at work. Some jobs require people to wear a
special uniform which should be worn by all employees. A pilot, doctor or air
hostess may be required to wear a uniform so that all the staff can be easily
recognized. Other jobs are less strict and may allow people to wear casual clothes.
Construction workers are usually asked to wear protective clothing, especially
when the site is considered highly dangerous.
People often choose to wear comfortable clothing inside their own home. This
choice of clothing may be very different to the clothing they would normally wear
outside. Some people even stay in their bedclothes all day on the weekend when
they plan to relax and not go anywhere. People often wear clothing which matches
their current state of health or their age. Pregnant women are likely to wear baggy
clothes, while youths often wear tighter clothing to show their figure. Younger
females often wear high heeled shoes while elderly people tnd to wear more
comfortable shoes which will allow them to walk with ease.

1) When can items of clothing be expensive?

A) When they are from the supermarket.

B) When they are taxed too much.

C) When it is a well-known brand or design.

D) When they are in the sale.

2) What kind of job requires workers to wear protective clothing?

A) Pilots

B) Construction workers

C) Doctors

D) Air hostess

3) How do some youths usually like to wear their clothes?

A) Baggy

B) Tight

C) Short
 D) Long

4) What type of clothing is worn in times of celebration?

A) Formal

B) Casual

C) Protective

D) Bedclothes

5) Who is more likely to wear baggy clothing?

A) Youths

B) Workers

C) Pregnant ladies

D) Elderly people

Trends in the Indian fashion and textile industries

During the 1950s, the Indian fashion scene was exciting, stylish and very graceful.
There were no celebrity designers or models, nor were there any labels that were
widely recognised. The value of a garment was judged by its style and fabric rather
than by who made it. It was regarded as perfectly acceptable, even for high-society
women, to approach an unknown tailor who could make a garment for a few
rupees, providing the perfect fit, finish and style. They were proud of getting a
bargain, and of giving their own name to the end result.
The 1960s was an era full of mischievousness and celebration in the arts, music
and cinema. The period was characterised by freedom from restrictions and, in the
fashion world, an acceptance of innovative types of material such as plastic and
coated polyester. Tight-fitting kurtas [1] and churidars [2] and high coiffures were
a trend among women.

The following decade witnessed an increase in the export of traditional materials,

and the arrival in India of international fashion. Synthetics became trendy, and the
disco culture affected the fashion scene.

It was in the early 80s when the first fashion store ‘Ravissant’ opened in Mumbai.
At that time garments were retailed for a four-figure price tag. American designers
like Calvin Klein became popular. In India too, contours became more masculine,
and even the salwar kameez [3] was designed with shoulder pads.

With the evolution of designer stores came the culture of designer fashion, along
with its hefty price tags. Whatever a garment was like, consumers were convinced
that a higher price tag signified elegant designer fashion, so garments were sold at
unbelievable prices. Meanwhile, designers decided to get themselves noticed by
making showy outfits and associating with the right celebrities. Soon, fashion
shows became competitive, each designer attempting to out-do the other in theme,
guest list and media coverage.
In the last decade of the millennium, the market shrank and ethnic wear made a
comeback. During the recession, there was a push to sell at any cost. With fierce
competition, the inevitable occurred: the once hefty price tags began their
downward journey, and the fashion-show industry followed suit. However, the
liveliness of the Indian fashion scene had not ended - it had merely reached a stable
level.

Exercise 2: Complete the notes below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.

Indian fashion: 1950-2000

1950s

● No well-known designers, models or 1 ..label.................

● Elegant clothing cost little

● Women were pleased to get clothes for a 2 ..reasonable................. price

1960s

● New materials, e.g. 3 ....plastic............... and polyester

● Fitted clothing and tall hairstyles

1970s

● Overseas sales of 4 ......traditional............. fabrics rose

● Influence of international fashion

1980s

● Opening of fashion store in Mumbai

● Popularity of American designers

● Clothing had a 5 ......masculine............. shape

● Designers tried to attract attention by presenting 6 ..........showy.........

clothes and mixing with stars

1990s

● Fall in demand for expensive fashion wear

● Return to 7 ......ethnic............. clothing

SPEAKING :

1. What type of clothes do you like to wear?

I enjoy wearing casual clothes like jeans and t-shirts because they are comfortable and easy to
style. For formal events, I like to wear elegant dresses that make me feel confident. Overall, I
believe that clothing should reflect my personality and make me feel good.

2. Are clothes important to you?

Yes, clothes are important to me because they allow me to express my personal style and boost
my confidence.

3. Do you enjoy buying clothes?

Yes, I enjoy buying clothes because it's a fun way to refresh my wardrobe and try new styles. I
love exploring different stores and discovering unique pieces that express my personality.

4. What is your favorite color for clothes?

My favorite color for clothes is blue because it’s versatile and always looks good. I find that it
can be dressed up or down easily, making it suitable for various occasions.

5. Have you ever worn a uniform?

Yes, I have worn a uniform at school and for some jobs. It made getting ready easier and
helped everyone feel more connected.

6. Do you think people behave differently in different kinds of clothes?

 Yes, I think people do behave differently depending on what they wear. Clothes can influence
our mood and confidence, and certain outfits may make us feel more formal or relaxed in
different situations

7. What kind of clothes do people in your country usually wear?

In Vietnam, people usually wear the áo dài for special events and t-shirts with shorts for
everyday activities. The hot weather makes them choose light and comfortable clothes.

3.5