EXTRAORDINARIA 2025

 

Is second-hand shopping truly sustainable?

1        Buying second-hand clothing is becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger generations. It combines a love for fashion with concerns about the environment. Buying second-hand gives clothes a second life, reducing waste and the need for new clothing production, which uses a lot of resources. It is also more affordable, letting shoppers find quality items at lower prices. Many people enjoy the creative freedom it offers, as second-hand stores often have one-of-a-kind pieces that aren’t available in mainstream stores.

2        Second-hand shopping promotes recycling, but it is not a perfect solution. Many people donate clothes to charity shops, hoping they will be reused. Unfortunately, only about 20% of those clothes are sold in the same country. The rest are often sold to companies that export them to developing countries like Ghana and Ethiopia. While some clothes are reused, many become waste, polluting rivers and seas or releasing harmful gases as they decompose. This issue is particularly challenging for countries lacking the resources to manage such waste effectively.

3        The second-hand market has also moved online, with apps and platforms making it easier to purchase and sell used clothes. Businesses are also encouraging this trend. For example, IKEA launched a take-back program where customers can return used furniture in exchange for store credit. Furthermore, some fashion brands now offer vouchers for trading in used items, making second-hand shopping more accessible. However, these changes may also lead to overconsumption, as people buy second-hand items without considering whether they really need them, which goes against the idea of sustainability.

4        There are economic and social impacts too. Second-hand shopping creates jobs in charity shops, online platforms, and resale businesses. However, the export of unsold clothes can hurt local industries in importing countries, making them dependent on foreign products and weakening local craftsmanship. Socially, buying second-hand promotes sustainability and mindful consumption, encouraging people to think about the life cycle of their clothes.

5        To make fashion truly sustainable, experts suggest “Buy less, choose well, make it last.” This means selecting high-quality clothing and taking care of it to extend its life. For example, wearing jeans 60 times instead of 30 can cut their environmental impact in half. Small changes like these can make a big difference in reducing waste and protecting the planet.

Adapted from The Oxford Student, January 2024

 

Question 1 [2 points]

Indicate clearly by writing the words TRUE or FALSE whether the following statements are true or false according to the text and write down the sentence or the part of the text that you consider justifies your answer. The evidence must make sense and be grammatically and lexically coherent.

No points will be given if the evidence is not correct or if the handwriting is not sufficiently clear.

A.   Most clothes donated to charity shops are sold in the same country where they were donated.

   B.   Wearing jeans more times can decrease their environmental impact.

   C.   The growing popularity of second-hand clothing is mostly due to older generations.

   D.   The second-hand market exists only in physical stores.

Question 2 [2 points].

 Choose and answer only TWO of the following questions in your own words according to the text.

A.   What are some benefits of buying second-hand clothing mentioned in the text? (Give at least two examples)

B.   What happens to most donated clothes that are not sold locally, and why do some countries struggle with the clothing they receive?

C.   How are IKEA and some fashion brands encouraging second-hand shopping, and what is one possible negative consequence of this trend?

Question 3 [1.5 points].

Find in the text a word or phrase that corresponds to the meaning, definition, or opposite of each of the following.

A.   A synonym for “unique” (paragraph 1):

B.   A word that means “to give clothes or other items to a charity or organization” (paragraph 2):

C.   A synonym for “to buy” (paragraph 3):

D.   An antonym for “to strengthen” (paragraph 4):

Question 4 [1.5 points].

Choose the correct option - A, B, C, or D - for each question. Indicate your choice clearly in your answer sheet, either by writing the letter A, B, C, or D or by copying the letter and the sentence  that follows. No points will be given if the handwriting is not sufficiently clear.

1.  What is one positive social effect of second-hand shopping mentioned in the text?

A.   It helps people understand how long clothes can last.

B.   It stops people from buying fast fashion.

C.   It increases the demand for new clothes from local factories.

D.   It allows people to donate clothes easily.

2.  What advice do experts give for making fashion more sustainable?

A.   Buy cheap clothes and replace them often.

B.   Buy fewer but higher-quality items and take care of them.

C.   Always buy second-hand clothes instead of new.

D.   Choose clothes based only on current fashion trends.

3.  Why do some people prefer second-hand shopping for their personal style?

A.   It encourages them to buy clothes from famous designers.

B.   It allows them to find unique clothing pieces not available in regular stores.

C.   It limits their choices to environmentally friendly items only.

D.   It ensures they can always find the latest trends.

Option 2. Written comprehension.

 

The rise of women’s sports

1        Women’s sports are gaining unprecedented attention and respect on a global scale. Events like the 2023 Nebraska-Omaha volleyball match, which set a world record with 92,003 fans, and the Women’s World Cup Final, watched by over two billion people, highlight this transformation. Athletes like Simone Biles and Lina Nielsen are driving media interest, expanding audiences, and inspiring future generations.

2        Media platforms play a crucial role in this growth. Social media giants like TikTok amplify visibility, as seen with Chelsea Women’s Football Club, which outperformed most Premier League clubs on the platform. Podcasts like Chelsea FC Women’s We Are Chelsea deepen engagement by offering behind-the-scenes access to players. Free-to-air television has also increased visibility, especially among older viewers, with nearly half of UK viewers agreeing that having the chance to watch women’s sports on TV makes them more likely to do so. Younger audiences, however, prefer social media, requiring brands to adopt multi-channel strategies to reach diverse age groups.

3        Financial growth is reshaping women’s sports. Sponsorships, ticket sales, and broadcast deals have surged, with profits projected to surpass $1 billion by 2025. Despite this growth, only 1% of sponsorship funding goes to women’s sports, highlighting the need for more investment. Female athletes, as relatable role models, promote diversity and inclusion, making them ideal ambassadors for brands.

4        Brands can support women’s sports using diverse strategies. Enhancing media visibility through partnerships with broadcasters can draw larger audiences, while sponsoring female athletes and their accomplishments helps bridge the gender fan gap. Additionally, supporting local programs gets young people into sports, creating future athletes and loyal fans.

5        Participation is another key factor in driving interest. Initiatives aimed at encouraging young girls to get involved in sports help them feel more connected. Greater participation not only develops future athletes but also creates loyal fans who continue to support women’s sports over time.

6        Cultural shifts are also impactful. Businesses like “The Sports Bra,” a Portland bar exclusively airing women’s sports, have inspired similar spaces. In Spain, the success of the Kings League—a fast-paced, seven-player competition—has led to the Queens League. This format, featuring female players, combines entertainment and sports, normalizing women’s participation. Similarly, cricket’s Hundred franchise, introduced in England, features men’s and women’s matches on the same day, creating inclusive experiences that attract diverse audiences.

7        Challenges remain, including limited media coverage compared to men’s sports and persistent stereotypes. Overcoming this requires increased sponsorship investment and more representation of women’s sports in high-profile platforms.

Adapted from The Daily Cardinal, March 2024 

Question 1 [2 points].

Indicate clearly by writing the words TRUE or FALSE whether the following statements are true or false according to the text and write down the sentence or the part of the text that you consider justifies your answer. The evidence must make sense and be grammatically and lexically coherent.

No points will be given if the evidence is not correct or if the handwriting is not sufficiently clear.

 

A.   Sponsorship money for women’s sports is currently equal to that of men’s sports.

B.   Interest in women’s sports remains limited to local audiences.

C.   Getting more girls to play sports helps create future athletes and fans who stay loyal to women’s sports.

D.   The Queens League inspired the creation of the Kings League in Spain

 

Question 2 [2 points].

 Choose and answer only TWO of the following questions in your own words according to the text.

A.   What role do media platforms play in promoting women’s sports, and why is it important for brands to use different media platforms?

B.   What are three ways brands can support women’s sports, and what are the positive results of these actions?

C.   What obstacles still prevent women’s sports from achieving full equality, and what needs to change to overcome them?

Question 3 [1.5 points].

Find in the text a word or phrase that corresponds to the meaning, definition, or opposite of each of the following.

A.   A synonym for “change” (paragraph 1):

B.   A word that means “to achieve higher results than others in a particular activity or competition” (paragraph 2):

C.   A word that means “impressive things that are done or achieved after a lot of work” (par 4):

D.   A synonym for “to mix” (paragraph 6):

Question 4 [1.5 points].

Choose the correct option - A, B, C, or D - for each question. Indicate your choice clearly in your answer sheet, either by writing the letter A, B, C, or D or by copying the letter and the sentence  that follows. No points will be given if the handwriting is not sufficiently clear.

1.  Why are female athletes appealing as ambassadors for brands?

A.  They bring in the same level of sponsorship funding as male athletes.

B.  They focus on breaking attendance and viewership records.

C.  They mainly participate in globally watched events.

D.  They represent diversity and connect with audiences through their values.

2.  What do Queens League and cricket’s Hundred franchise have in common?

A.  Both originated in Spain.

B.  Both combine men’s and women’s matches on the same day.

C.  Both aim at normalizing women’s participation in sports.

D.  Both exclusively focus on promoting female players.

3.  How does the text suggest "The Sports Bra" has influenced the business industry?

A.  It has increased the number of women-owned businesses in the sports industry.

B.  It has led to the creation of similar specialized sports bars.

C.  It has influenced the creation of more female sports leagues, such as the Queens League.

D.  It has decreased the need for investment in women’s sports.

PART 2 [3 points]

Written production.

Choose ONE of the two options below and write a short composition (120-150 words). Compositions up to 200 words won’t be penalized.

Remember that compositions MUST NOT be signed. 

Option 1 

Write an opinion essay on the following topic: Do you think social media is more helpful or harmful for teenagers? Give reasons to justify your opinion.  

Option 2 

Write a story about something that happened to you in the past.

Your story must begin with this sentence: It all started with a phone call late at night.