You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
In many countries, people now wear Western clothes (suits, jeans) rather than traditional clothing. Why? Is this a positive or negative development?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
It is true that throughout the world, Western styles of clothing are preferred to traditional dress. There are some important factors which account for this trend, and I consider it to be a largely positive development.
There are two principal reasons for the growing popularity of Western clothes worldwide. Firstly, Western fashions are suited to modern working life. Denim overalls are practical and serviceable for those who work with machines, while businessmen and retail staff are expected by their employers to wear smart suits or uniforms based on Western designs. Secondly, the influence of the media – particularly Hollywood films – is responsible for the tendency of youngsters to associate Western clothes fashions with a life of glamour and success. These images are now universally popularised and the names of brands such as Gucci, Nike and Versace are known almost everywhere.
I consider that this trend has largely positive consequences. Jeans and T- shirts, and even baseball caps, are worn by people of all ages everywhere. Such Western clothes are versatile, and may be worn for many work and leisure activities. They are usually hard-wearing, although this depends on the quality and price. Another positive aspect is that, because Western styles are now mass-produced by the international clothing industry, they are therefore affordable, with the added advantage of offering a wide choice of designs and colours. It is regrettable that traditional costumes, such as the Ao Dai in Vietnam, are declining in popularity, since they are part of the cultural heritage of a country. However, in the modern world, this is an inevitable result of globalisation.
In conclusion, the widespread adoption of Western styles of clothes is a result of our modern way of life. As they are practical and affordable, this trend is largely positive.
293 words
Vocab Highlights
growing [adjective]: increasing
suited [adjective]: right or appropriate for somebody or something.
denim [noun]: a strong cotton cloth, usually blue, and often used to make jeans.
overalls [noun]: a loose piece of clothing, made in one piece, like a shirt and trousers, usually blue and used by workers doing dirty work.
serviceable [adjective]: suitable to be used
retail staff [noun]: employees who sell products to the public.
associate [verb]: make a connection in your mind between people or things.
glamour [noun]: an attractive or exciting quality that makes something or somebody seem special.
popularized [verb]: made popular, so that a lot of people know about something.
versatile [adjective]: having many different uses.
hard-wearing [adjective]: that lasts a long time and remains in a good condition.
mass-produced [adjective]: produced in large quantities, using machinery.
affordable [adjective]: cheap enough so that people can buy it.
regrettable [adjective]: that you are sorry about and wish had not happened.
cultural heritage [noun]: the history and traditions that a country or society has had for many years and are considered to be important.
inevitable [adjective]: that you cannot prevent or avoid.
widespread [adjective]: existing or happening in many places or among many people.
adoption [noun]: the decision to start using something, especially an idea or plan.