This is going to be the last post for this year. If you’re wondering if I’m a bit of a workaholic, I’m beginning to think that I am. However, the intentions behind posting this during the Christmas holidays are partly due to the fact that among my New Year’s resolutions, I intend to find some time to get out on my bicycle more often, among other things.

This is part of the first class I’m going to give in 2025 where we’ll be covering the topic of ‘Fashion and Consumerism’. The podcast relates to the history of fashion, which I hope my students will find engaging enough to spark conversation.

First, have a look at the video. It’s not perfect, but it took me ages to put together. Use it as an introduction. After that, listen again in the listening activity you will find further down.

After the listening activity, I’m sure there will be some time for a little crossword, just to get familiar with a lot of the vocabulary from the podcast. So, you’ll find the activity below.

Last of all, I’ve placed a set of speaking post-its where you’ll find some questions that can be answered by B2s (purple) or by C1s (yellow).

Happy New Year!!!!!

Here’s the listening

55

Created by blogdeserena

B2/C1 Listening Multiple choice Fashion Through the Ages

You will listen to my podcast about the evolution of fashion

Choose the best option according to what you hear.

 

Activity by Serena

1.

2. Certain fabrics and colours were not available to certain people during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Why?

Because there were laws against it.

Because it was too expensive.

For both the reasons above.

3. Purple was an extremely rare colour. This was due to ..

that it had to be produced in a different country.

the production costs.

that only people from the nobility were allowed to wear it.

4. During a wedding ceremony, farmers would usually wear...

their best clothes.

an outfit they had bought for this ocassion.

their working clothes.

5. Why did Elizabeth I pass the wool cap decree?

So that everybody could wear a woolly cap on Sundays and holidays.

As a social marker to distinguish the elite from the commoners.

To promote sheep farming.

6. What was the main reason behind the 60s youth explosion.

People could wear what they wanted.

There were more fashion designers.

Young people had more income.

7. What does mass production refer to?

There was a wider range of clothes shops.

Garments and accessories were produced at cheaper prices and in larger quantities.

That everybody could buy whatever they wanted.

8. Which, of the options below, are  related to a negative impact on the environment cause by fast fashion?

It uses up natural resources.

It produces different types of contamination.

Both options are correct.

9. Why does the podcast mention certain factories in developing countries?

Due to the working conditions they offer.

Due to that their produce is too low.

Due to that they contaminate the environment.

10. The podcast mentions a change among some parts of the society concerning shopping habbits. Which, from among the options below, was NOT mentioned?

Looking for brands that promote fairer practices.

Repurposing products.

Only shopping for local products.

Your score is

LinkedIn Facebook Twitter VKontakte

Here’s the crossword with vocabulary from the podcast

Speaking cards to spark conversation