Essay Question:

Global fashion trends have a great influence on people’s lives.
Is this a positive or negative development?

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Band 8+ Sample Essay:

In recent years, global fashion trends have become a powerful force shaping people’s lifestyles, values, and spending habits. While some believe that this influence promotes creativity and cultural connection, others argue it encourages materialism and social pressure. In my opinion, global fashion trends bring both positive and negative effects, but the drawbacks tend to outweigh the benefits.

On the positive side, international fashion trends allow people to express their individuality and connect with global culture. Through clothing, individuals can show their personality, creativity, and even social identity. For instance, young people in different countries now mix traditional outfits with modern styles, creating unique looks that celebrate both heritage and innovation. Moreover, fashion has become a global industry that provides millions of jobs — from design and marketing to retail — contributing significantly to many countries’ economies.

However, the negative aspects of global fashion are more concerning. One major issue is the rise of consumerism. Influenced by social media and advertising, people often feel pressured to buy new clothes to keep up with the latest trends, even when they do not need them. This habit leads to wasteful spending and growing levels of textile pollution, as fast fashion brands produce low-quality garments that are quickly discarded. Additionally, fashion trends can create unrealistic beauty standards, especially among young people, who may develop low self-esteem when they cannot match the images promoted by celebrities and influencers.

In conclusion, global fashion trends have both positive and negative impacts on society. While they encourage creativity and economic growth, they also promote overconsumption and social pressure. Therefore, it is important for individuals to enjoy fashion responsibly and for governments to support sustainable clothing industries.

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Structure Breakdown:

• Introduction: Paraphrase question + give balanced opinion.
• Body 1: Positive effects → creativity, cultural exchange, economy.
• Body 2: Negative effects → consumerism, waste, unrealistic standards.
• Conclusion: Restate opinion + call for balance/sustainability.

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📝 Essay Outline (4 Paragraphs)

1️⃣ Introduction

• Paraphrase the question
• State your opinion clearly

Global fashion has become a strong influence on how people dress and live. Some people think this is positive because it allows self-expression, while others believe it causes waste and social pressure. In my view, global fashion has both advantages and disadvantages, but the negative effects are more serious.

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2️⃣ Body Paragraph 1 – Positive Effects

Topic sentence: Start with the positive side.
Supporting ideas: creativity, cultural exchange, employment

On the positive side, global fashion trends help people express themselves and share cultures. Today, young people mix traditional and modern clothing styles, which shows creativity and pride in their culture. The fashion industry also creates many jobs in design, advertising, and sales. This supports the economy and gives people career opportunities around the world.

✅ Linking words: On the positive side, also, in addition, moreover

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3️⃣ Body Paragraph 2 – Negative Effects

Topic sentence: Now explain the negative side.
Supporting ideas: consumerism, waste, beauty pressure

However, there are also serious drawbacks. Many people feel pressure to follow the latest trends, which leads to overbuying and waste. This “fast fashion” culture harms the environment because factories produce large amounts of cheap clothing that is quickly thrown away. In addition, fashion trends often create unrealistic beauty standards. Young people may compare themselves to models online and feel unhappy with their appearance.

✅ Linking words: However, on the other hand, as a result, in addition

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4️⃣ Conclusion

Topic sentence: Summarize your opinion and give a final thought.

In conclusion, global fashion brings both benefits and problems. It encourages creativity and economic growth, but it also causes overconsumption and social pressure. People should enjoy fashion wisely, and companies should promote more sustainable and responsible production.

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🌟 Useful Vocabulary

Category	Words & Phrases
Positive	self-expression, cultural exchange, creativity, individuality, economic growth
Negative	consumerism, fast fashion, waste, pollution, unrealistic standards, social pressure
Linking	on the other hand, in addition, as a result, however, therefore

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