Unit 62: Fashion, Identity & Sustainability

Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2)

Question: You have seen this announcement on an international student magazine:

WRITE A REVIEW

The Future of Fashion: Style vs. Sustainability

Is the clothing we wear still a way to express our identity, or has it become a symbol of environmental destruction? We are looking for reviews of books, documentaries, or articles that explore the relationship between fashion, consumerism, and the planet.

Your review should evaluate how effectively the work explores the tension between personal style and ethical responsibility, and whether it changes the reader's perspective on their own shopping habits.

Write your review in 220–260 words.

Tips (en español)

• Structure: Divide tu review en 4 párrafos: 1. Introducción (contexto y obra), 2. Resumen del contenido, 3. Evaluación crítica (lo bueno y lo malo), 4. Conclusión y recomendación final.
• Register: Mantén un tono semi-formal o formal. Evita jerga excesiva pero usa un vocabulario sofisticado para demostrar nivel C1. No uses contracciones (use it is instead of it's).
• Linking: No te limites a and o but. Usa conectores de contraste (whereas, nonetheless) y de adición (furthermore, moreover) para que el texto fluya orgánicamente.
• Hedging (Lenguaje cauteloso): En lugar de decir "The book is bad", usa "The book could have been more engaging" o "It might be argued that...". Esto demuestra matiz y sofisticación.
• Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a resumir. El examinador quiere ver tu opinión crítica. Compara la intención del autor con los resultados obtenidos.
• Time management: Dedica 5 minutos a planificar (brainstorming de vocabulario), 35 minutos a escribir y 10 minutos a revisar errores gramaticales y de ortografía.

Useful language

Model answer

🔊

Review: The Price of Style – A Wake-up Call for the Modern Consumer

In an era defined by "fast fashion," the documentary The Price of Style explores the complex intersection between personal identity and environmental ethics. Directed by Elena Rossi, the film examines how the fleeting trends of the fashion industry contribute to global ecological degradation.

The documentary begins by tracing the lifecycle of a single garment, from organic cotton plantations to the overflowing landfills of the Global South. It masterfully juxtaposes the glamour of the catwalk with the harsh reality of industrial waste. While the visual storytelling is striking, the film's primary strength lies in its ability to challenge the viewer's sense of self. It asks a fundamental question: can we truly express our identity through disposable clothing?

However, the film is not without its flaws. At times, the tone becomes overly didactic, which may alienate viewers who feel they are being lectured rather than informed. Furthermore, while it addresses the environmental impact extensively, it offers relatively few practical solutions for the average consumer, leaving one feeling somewhat overwhelmed.

Ultimately, The Price of Style is a profound, albeit unsettling, piece of filmmaking. Although it lacks a clear roadmap for sustainable living, it succeeds in its primary mission: stripping away the illusion of mindless consumerism. It is a must-watch for anyone who wishes to reconcile their love for fashion with their conscience. I would highly recommend it to those seeking a more conscious approach to their lifestyle.

Marking checklist

• Content: Does the review answer all parts of the prompt? (e.g., evaluating the tension between style and ethics and recommending it).
• Communicative Achievement: Is the tone appropriate for a magazine review? Does it engage the reader and use the correct conventions (e.g., an engaging title)?
• Organisation: Is the text logically organised into paragraphs? Are cohesive devices (linking words) used to connect ideas smoothly?
• Language: Is there a wide range of vocabulary (C1 level)? Are there complex grammatical structures (e.g., inversion, conditionals, passive voice) and is the spelling/punctuation accurate?