Fashion & Trends – B1 English Listening Exercise

1 (A) It does not weigh as much as she thought it would.

• Explanation: The vlogger states that she was worried the jacket would be “bulky” (heavy/big), but she was surprised that it is “incredibly lightweight” (does not weigh much). Option B is a trap because she bought a “neutral olive green” jacket instead of her usual “bright colors.” Option C is a trap because she says the jacket is “extremely thick,” not thin.

2 (B) It feels exceptionally smooth and comfortable to wear.

• Explanation: The vlogger says she can’t describe “how soft it is” and that it feels like “wrapping a warm cloud around your neck.” This is paraphrased as “exceptionally smooth and comfortable.” Option A is a trap; she says it is a “cashmere blend,” not 100% sheep wool. Option C is the opposite of the truth; she admits the scarf was “a little bit pricey” (expensive), not cheap.

3 (C) Present the special winter socks she purchased.

• Explanation: At the end of the video, she mentions she bought some “thermal socks” and promises to “show you those in the next vlog.” Option A is a trap; she mentions “skiing next month,” but that is where she will wear the jacket, not the topic of her next video. Option B is plausible for a fashion vlog but is never mentioned.

Vlogger: Welcome back to my channel, guys! Today, I have a massive winter haul for you. I bought all of these items online last week, and I am so excited to finally unbox them.

First up is this huge puffer jacket. I was honestly a bit worried it would be too bulky, but um, it is actually incredibly lightweight! Despite being light, it is extremely thick, so it will definitely keep the freezing wind out when I go skiing next month. Also, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and get it in a neutral olive green instead of my usual bright colors.

Next, I picked up this oversized scarf. You guys, I can’t even describe how soft it is! It feels just like wrapping a warm cloud around your neck. The material is a cashmere blend. It was a little bit pricey, to be honest, but the quality makes it totally worth the money.

I also bought some thermal socks to keep my feet warm, but the video is getting long, so I’ll show you those in the next vlog. Let me know in the comments which item you like best!

1 (B) It damages easily and needs to be replaced quickly.

• Explanation: The host says cheap clothes have “terrible” quality, use the “cheapest materials,” and might “get a hole in it after just one or two washes,” which is paraphrased as damaging easily. Option A is the trap; the host says buying cheap clothes actually “costs you more money in the long run.” Option C is plausible but the host doesn’t mention how the clothes feel, only how quickly they break.

2 (A) Production factories pollute the water with dangerous substances.

• Explanation: The host states that factories “release toxic chemicals directly into local rivers.” “Toxic chemicals” are paraphrased as “dangerous substances,” and rivers represent the water. Option B is a trap; the host mentions mountains of clothing waste because they are “thrown in the trash,” but does not mention burning them. Option C is plausible for factories but is never mentioned in the audio.

3 (C) Think carefully about the real impact before buying cheap items.

• Explanation: At the end, the host advises, “next time you see a five-dollar shirt, ask yourself: is it really worth the true price?” This means you should think carefully about the impact. Option A is a trap; a five-dollar shirt is used as an example, but there is no strict rule to stop buying them entirely based on a specific price. Option B is a great real-world solution to fast fashion, but it is not mentioned in this podcast.

Host: Welcome back to ‘Style Talks’. Today, we are discussing a very important topic: the hidden costs of ‘Fast Fashion’. We all love finding a good bargain, right? Buying a trendy t-shirt for just five dollars feels amazing. However, those incredibly cheap prices usually come with a dark side.

First of all, the quality is often terrible. To keep costs low, companies use the cheapest materials available. This means your new sweater might lose its shape or get a hole in it after just one or two washes. You end up throwing it away and buying another one, which actually costs you more money in the long run.

But more importantly, fast fashion is an absolute disaster for our planet. The factories that produce these massive amounts of clothing release toxic chemicals directly into local rivers. Furthermore, because these clothes are worn a few times and then thrown in the trash, we are creating huge mountains of clothing waste every single day. So, next time you see a five-dollar shirt, ask yourself: is it really worth the true price?

1 (A) A specific soft color that is currently very popular.

• Explanation: The editor introduces “pastel green” (a specific soft color) and calls it the “absolute biggest trend of the year” (currently very popular). Option B is a trap; the editor mentions looking like a “giant walking tree” as a funny fear that people have, not the goal. Option C is a trap because “runway shows” are mentioned, but only to say where the trend started, not how to become a model.

2 (B) Begin by using small extra items like bags.

• Explanation: For people who want to “play it safe” (nervous about trying), the editor says the “best way to start is with accessories,” such as a “handbag” (paraphrased as small extra items like bags). Option A is the exact opposite of her advice; she says, “You don’t need to wear it from head to toe.” Option C is plausible in real life but is not mentioned in the audio.

3 (C) Wearing it together with a simple light brown outfit.

• Explanation: The editor suggests wearing the blazer “over a simple beige dress.” Beige is paraphrased as “light brown.” Option A is a trap; the “white t-shirt and jeans” are mentioned as a good match for the handbag or scarf, not the blazer. Option B is plausible for an elegant look, but it is never mentioned in the audio.

Editor: Welcome back to our weekly style update. I’m your host, and today we are talking about the absolute biggest trend of the year. If you’ve looked at any recent runway shows, you already know what it is. It’s pastel green! This soft, calming shade is completely dominating the fashion world right now.

Now, I know what you might be thinking. Green can be a tricky color to wear. You might be worried about looking like a giant walking tree. But don’t panic! You don’t need to wear it from head to toe. If you want to play it safe, the best way to start is with accessories. A pastel green handbag or a light scarf can add a beautiful pop of color to a plain white t-shirt and jeans.

For those who are feeling a bit braver, try a pastel green oversized blazer over a simple beige dress. It looks incredibly elegant and fresh. So, go ahead and add a little touch of nature to your daily wardrobe this season!

1 (A) Visit the second floor to buy cheap summer clothes.

• Explanation: The announcer tells shoppers to “make your way up to the second floor” to find “summer apparel” that is “heavily discounted” (paraphrased as cheap summer clothes). Option B is a trap; the audio mentions the weather is “cooling down,” but they are selling summer clothes, not winter coats. Option C is a trap; “tropical getaway” is mentioned as a reason to buy clothes, not something they are selling.

2 (B) They cannot be brought back for a refund or swap.

• Explanation: The announcer states that all clearance purchases are “strictly final,” meaning the store “cannot accept any returns or exchanges.” This is paraphrased in option B as “cannot be brought back for a refund or swap.” Option A is the trap because it says the exact opposite of the store’s policy. Option C is plausible for special sales, but it is never mentioned in the audio.

3 (A) They will shut down half an hour before the mall closes.

• Explanation: The audio states that the fitting rooms will “close thirty minutes before the mall shuts its doors.” “Thirty minutes” is paraphrased as “half an hour.” Option B is plausible but never mentioned. Option C is a trap; the second floor is mentioned, but the fitting rooms are not being moved.

Announcer: Attention shoppers! Welcome to the Grand Plaza Mall. As the weather begins to cool down, we are thrilled to announce our massive end-of-season clearance event starting right now!

If you are planning a tropical getaway or just want to update your vacation wardrobe for next year, please make your way up to the second floor. For a limited time, all of our summer apparel, including designer swimwear, sunglasses, and light linen dresses, are heavily discounted. You can discover incredible markdowns of up to seventy percent off the original retail price.

However, please keep in mind that these special offers are only valid while supplies last. Due to the huge price reductions, all clearance purchases are strictly final, meaning we cannot accept any returns or exchanges. Lastly, the fitting rooms on the second floor will close thirty minutes before the mall shuts its doors tonight. Thank you for shopping with us, and don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to save big!

1 (B) They are bright, metallic, and tall.

• Explanation: The MC says Elena is wearing “shiny silver high heels.” “Shiny silver” is paraphrased as “bright, metallic,” and “high” means “tall.” Option A is a trap because the MC mentions “green” for her dress and “leather” for her clutch bag, not her shoes. Option C is plausible for footwear but contradicts the fact that she is wearing high heels.

2 (B) Dark blue casual trousers.

• Explanation: The MC states that Marcus is wearing “dark navy chinos” (navy is a dark blue color, and chinos are a type of casual trousers). Option A is the trap; the MC explicitly says he is wearing chinos “instead of standard jeans.” Option C is a trap because while chinos give a “polished appearance,” they are not formal suit pants.

3 (B) A relaxed daytime outing on the weekend.

• Explanation: The MC says Marcus is showcasing the “casual weekend collection” and looks ready for a “Sunday brunch.” This is paraphrased as a “relaxed daytime outing on the weekend.” Option A is a trap because the formal “evening look” belongs to the first model, Elena. Option C is plausible for some clothing, but his outfit (denim jacket and t-shirt) is not for a professional meeting.

MC: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Annual Charity Fashion Show! We have some gorgeous outfits to show you tonight. Let’s welcome our first model, Elena, to the stage.

Wow, doesn’t she look absolutely stunning? Elena is wearing an elegant silk dress that falls just below the knee. It’s a beautiful emerald green, which is definitely the color of the season. To complete the outfit, she is stepping out in a pair of shiny silver high heels. And, um, notice the accessory—she’s carrying a small, matching leather clutch that really ties the whole evening look together.

Next up, we have Marcus stepping onto the runway, showcasing our new casual weekend collection. He is wearing a fitted denim jacket over a plain white t-shirt. Down below, instead of standard jeans, he has chosen a pair of dark navy chinos for a slightly more polished appearance. Well, he definitely looks ready for a stylish Sunday brunch!

Let’s give a huge round of applause for both of our wonderful models!