Tapescript 2 Casual Attire

1.You will hear some information about casual things.

1.1.Pay attention to the following vocabulary and explain their meaning:

• a blast of mightiness;

• a (top) dress consultant;

• loser wear;

• to lose the fashion battle;

• a no-no;

• dungarees;

• snazzy;

• cotton chinos;

• a mesh tie;

• John Wayne;

• brogues.

1.2.Reproduce the situations in which the vocabulary was used.

2.1.Choose the correct answer:

1	The problem is that many workers and businessmen confuse casual wear with…	a) designer clothes; b) dress-wise wear ; c) evening wear ; d) loser wear .
2	Women can sabotage themselves just as well as men when it comes to….	a) casual power dressing ; b) leather skirts; c) pajamas; d) T-shirts.
3	The office is off-limits for any kind of…	a) dresses; b) jean garments; c) casual attire; d) suits .
4	Another taboo in the office is…	a) open-toe shoes; b) cotton ; c) leather; d) dress suits .
5	You can judge a male by his…	a) shoes; b) long-sleeved shirt; c) jacket; d) blazer.

2.2.Is the statement true or false?

-Jean skirts are a no-no in the office.

-Men make the grade wearing blazers and snazzy jackets.

-Women still cram themselves into leather mini-skirts and think they look professional.

-Leather jackets are not so bad for men.

-Short-sleeved shirts and blouses ate out of place in the office.

2.3.Answer the questions:

-What is the main problem with dressing down on Friday?

-What factors should a person consider choosing clothes to wear in the office?

-Can you wear sandals and cowboy boots to your work?

-What is the proper shirt to create a good impression in the office?

-What action can guaranty a perfect look in the office on Friday morning?

2.4.Write the summary of Sarah’s pieces of advice.

3.1.Do you totally agree with Sarah’s ideas about wearing casual things in the office? If no, express you view point.

3.2.Which way do businessmen and workers dress in your country?

Tapescript 3

Language of Clothes

1.You will hear some information about the importance of wearing proper clothes.

1.1.Pay attention to the following vocabulary and explain their meaning:

• to dress to impress;

• to fit into a group;

• dressing up;

• taste in clothes;

• to want acceptance;

• to go against group style;

• to lose one’s looks;

• to retain one’s look at any cost.

1.2.Reproduce the situations in which the vocabulary was used.

2.1.Choose the correct answer:

1	Nowadays even at work people are dressed for…	a) pleasure; b) success; c) prestige ; d) comfort .
2	‘Power’ dressing is only really found in areas like…	a) sales; b) army; c) teaching; d) IT.
3	Dressing up or down depends on…	a) money; b) circumstances; c) social status; d) relatives.
4	People dress extremely smartly and expensively when they feel…	a) confident; b) gloomy; c) insecure; d) good .
5	Trying to retain good looks at any cost makes old people look…	a) ridiculous; b) special; c) smart-casual; d) attractive.

2.2.Is the statement true or false?

-The kinds of things people wear nowadays are more ‘smart-casual’ than formal.

-A more casual look is out of the question for people in the highest positions.

-If people around you wear designer clothes you’re likely to do it too.

-The factor that plays the decisive role in what Johanna wears is group style.

-Children insist on wearing clothes of a particular style or brand because they need acceptance.

-Nick thinks attractive people are more successful in life.

-Beauty is an enormous advantage in life.

2.3.Answer the questions:

-What are the areas where formal clothes are still popular?

-What is a more and more common sight on TV?

-What are other factors that influence people’s choice of clothe (apart from their work place)?

-When does Johanna wear colourful clothes?

-What does the lady wear feeling not very self-expressive?

2.4.Write the summary of Johanna’s and Nick’s ideas.

3.1.Do you think the clothes you wear really enable people ‘read’ your personality?

3.2.Do you agree that taste in clothes is ‘a pretty subjective issue’? Why?

3.3.Is dressing correctly far more difficult than dressing formally or informally? Can you recollect a case when your style let you down/ improved the situation?

Tapescript 4