Fair Trade & Ethical Shopping

IELTS Speaking Parts 2 & 3 • 30-Minute Interactive Lesson

⏱️ Total Time: 30 mins

grower cooperative middleman sweatshop supplier export traceable fairness loyalty deceive

____ a. sweatshop ____ b. cooperative ____ c. export

____ a. deceive ____ b. loyalty ____ c. traceable

____ a. loyalty ____ b. grower ____ c. supplier

____ a. taking unfair advantage of employees for gain ____ b. purchasing goods where makers receive just payment ____ c. agricultural methods that protect the environment

____ a. a buyer who chooses goods produced without context of harm ____ b. public opinion about a business's character ____ c. the connected path goods travel from creation to sale

____ a. public opinion about a business's character ____ b. purchasing goods where makers receive just payment ____ c. taking unfair advantage of employees for gain

____ a. the connected path goods travel from creation to sale ____ b. agricultural methods that protect the environment ____ c. a buyer who chooses goods produced without context of harm

____ a. agricultural methods that protect the environment ____ b. taking unfair advantage of employees for gain ____ c. public opinion about a business's character

____ a. purchasing goods where makers receive just payment ____ b. agricultural methods that protect the environment ____ c. the connected path goods travel from creation to sale

📊 Guess The Number • Fact 1

____ a. 0.56 percent ____ b. 5.6 percent ____ c. 56 percent

📊 Guess The Number • Fact 2

____ a. 3.64 million euros ____ b. 36.4 million euros ____ c. 364 million euros

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Task Card

1 min prep • 90-120s talk

Describe something you bought because you knew where it came from or how it was made.

You should say:

• what it was
• where you bought it
• what you knew about it before you bought it
• and explain why this information was important to you.

Record your answer below (Graded by AI):

[Bài tập luyện nói]

"Well, to be honest, I bought a hand-woven cotton shirt last month mainly because I knew where it came from. I picked it up at a small boutique shop near my apartment. Before making the purchase, I spoke with the shopkeeper and checked the label, so I knew it was crafted by a local worker using natural dyes without harsh chemical processes. This background detail was really important to me because I truly want to support fair treatment for craftspeople instead of supporting cheap mass production. Knowing exactly how it was produced gave me genuine peace of mind, and I felt completely satisfied spending a bit extra for it. In the past, I used to grab fast-fashion items without checking their origin, but nowadays I prefer products that are built to last and made with respect for workers. Overall, knowing the story behind the shirt made the whole buying experience feel much more meaningful."

1

Why do some shoppers pay more for goods that are made in a fair way?

"Well, to be honest, many shoppers are willing to pay extra because they want to support ethical production. They feel good knowing their money goes directly to the real makers rather than an unfair middleman. Also, products made ethically often have superior craftsmanship, so people view them as a worthwhile investment. I think when people realize how hard farm workers work, spending a little extra just feels like the right thing to do."

2

Is it the shopper's job or the government's job to make sure that workers are paid fairly?

"I'd say it's mostly the government's job, though shoppers also play a part. Governments have the authority to enforce strict regulations and punish companies that underpay their staff. Shoppers can try to make conscious choices, but it's hard for ordinary people to inspect every single supply chain. So, while buyers can show support with their money, official rules are essential to guarantee fair wages across all industries."

3

Do the labels on products always tell shoppers the whole truth?

"Honestly, no, not always. Some companies use clever marketing on their packaging to mislead consumers into thinking a product is greener or fairer than it actually is. For instance, they might highlight one natural ingredient while completely hiding bad working conditions in their factories. So, while basic tags give general information, shoppers often need to do some research and look beyond the label to get the full story behind what they buy."

4

Would you stop buying from a company if you learned that it treated its workers badly?

"Yes, I definitely would. If I found out a brand was exploiting its workforce, I'd immediately boycott their products and look for ethical alternatives. To be fair, it can sometimes be inconvenient to change your shopping habits, but I'd feel guilty supporting a business with poor workplace standards. I think taking a personal stand like that sends a strong signal that companies must take responsibility and treat their workers with respect."