Fast Fashion Reading Comprehension

After reading the Fast Fashion Fact File, answer the following questions.
1. In your own words, describe what is meant by the term ‘fast fashion’.

2. Identify three factors pre-1950s that limited the number of clothing items that people
would buy and own.

1.

2.

3.

3. Explain how the release of the paper clothing by the Scott Paper Company gave rise to
the fast fashion industry.

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4. The Fact File states that ‘new technologies and rapid globalisation meant that it was
cheaper to design and manufacture clothes.’
Infer or investigate the ‘new technologies’ that made it possible to design and
manufacture cheaper clothing.

5. The Fact File states that globalisation helped develop the fast fashion industry in the
mid-20th century. Things could be transported by plane, more quickly and people could
easily communicate between different continents. However, globalisation also enabled
fashion retailers to outsource their manufacturing to countries where paying the
workers cost them less.
The fast fashion industry is accused of sweatshop labour, where factory workers are
paid below the minimum wage in developed countries, forced to work long hours and
in unsafe environments and without access to paid leave.
Suggest a reason why the fast fashion industry would require sweatshop labour to
remain viable.

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6. List three other problems associated with fast fashion that were listed in the Fact File.

1.

2.

3.

7. List the four suggestions made in the Fact File for how we can shop more sustainably.

1.

2.

3.

4.

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8. List the five suggestions made in the Fact File for making your wardrobe more
sustainable.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

9. The term sustainability refers to the idea that humans will interact and use the Earth’s
resources in a way that ensures that future generations will not suffer the consequences
of our current decisions and that there will be enough resources left for the future.
Explain how the suggestions above help ensure sustainability.

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10. Suggest two other ideas for how people can be more sustainable with their shopping
habits and wardrobes.

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