Speaking June 30

Describe a person who you think wears unusual clothes

Come to think of it, there’s a senior student, Ray who caught my eye at a cultural festival last semester. Oddly enough, he wears traditional Hanfu every Tuesday—and not just for special events, but as his regular attire. He walks through campus in flowing silk robes with embroidered crane patterns, paired with a silk belt and cloth shoes.

Believe it or not, he even coordinates his hairstyle and carries a wooden fan to complete the look. He’s not part of a drama club or performance troupe; he genuinely prefers ancient styles over modern fashion.

Frankly speaking, seeing someone in full Han dynasty garb on an ordinary school day feels like stepping back in time. His dedication to historical clothing and willingness to stand out in a sea of Western-style clothes is exactly what makes his wardrobe so unusual.

Come to think of it, there’s a senior student, Ray, who caught my eye at a cultural festival last semester.
/kʌm tuː θɪŋk ɒv ɪt, ðeəz ə ˈsiː.niə ˈstjuː.dənt, reɪ, huː kɔːt maɪ aɪ æt ə ˈkʌl.tʃərəl ˈfɛs.tɪ.vəl lɑːst sɪˈmɛs.tə/

Oddly enough, he wears traditional Hanfu every Tuesday—and not just for special events, but as his regular attire.
/ˈɒd.li ɪˈnʌf, hiː weəz trəˈdɪʃ.ən.əl ˈhæn.fuː ˈɛv.ri ˈtjuːz.deɪ — ænd nɒt dʒʌst fə ˈspɛʃ.əl ɪˈvɛnts, bət æz hɪz ˈrɛɡ.jʊ.lə əˈtaɪə/

He walks through campus in flowing silk robes with embroidered crane patterns, paired with a silk belt and cloth shoes.
/hiː wɔːks θruː ˈkæm.pəs ɪn ˈfləʊ.ɪŋ sɪlk rəʊbz wɪð ɪmˈbrɔɪ.dəd kreɪn ˈpæt.ənz, peəd wɪð ə sɪlk bɛlt ænd klɒθ ʃuːz/

Believe it or not, he even coordinates his hairstyle and carries a wooden fan to complete the look.
/bɪˈliːv ɪt ɔː nɒt, hiː ˈiː.vən kəʊˈɔː.dɪ.neɪts hɪz ˈheə.staɪl ænd ˈkær.iz ə ˈwʊd.ən fæn tuː kəmˈpliːt ðə lʊk/

He’s not part of a drama club or performance troupe; he genuinely prefers ancient styles over modern fashion.
/hiːz nɒt pɑːt əv ə ˈdrɑː.mə klʌb ɔː pəˈfɔː.məns truːp; hiː ˈdʒɛn.ju.ɪn.li prɪˈfɜːz ˈeɪn.ʃənt staɪlz ˈəʊ.və ˈmɒd.ən ˈfæʃ.ən/

Frankly speaking, seeing someone in full Han dynasty garb on an ordinary school day feels like stepping back in time.
/ˈfræŋk.li ˈspiː.kɪŋ, ˈsiː.ɪŋ ˈsʌm.wʌn ɪn fʊl hæn ˈdɪn.ə.sti ɡɑːb ɒn ən ˈɔː.dɪ.nər.i skuːl deɪ fiːlz laɪk ˈstɛp.ɪŋ bæk ɪn taɪm/

His dedication to historical clothing and willingness to stand out in a sea of Western-style clothes is exactly what makes his wardrobe so unusual.
/hɪz ˌdɛd.ɪˈkeɪ.ʃən tuː hɪˈstɒr.ɪ.kəl ˈkləʊ.ðɪŋ ænd ˈwɪl.ɪŋ.nəs tuː stænd aʊt ɪn ə siː əv ˌwɛs.tən ˈstaɪl kləʊðz ɪz ɪɡˈzækt.li wɒt meɪks hɪz ˈwɔː.drəʊb səʊ ʌnˈjuː.ʒu.əl/

part 3

What are the differences between clothes worn by old people and those by young people？

I believe older adults typically select garments with comfort and practicality in mind. Loose-fit trousers and muted-tone tops are favoured because they’re easy to launder and allow unrestricted movement. By contrast, young people tend to prioritise aesthetic appeal and trend alignment, often opting for tailored cuts, bolder colours or performance fabrics. This divergence stems from differing priorities of durability and convenience versus self-expression and style innovation.

I believe older adults typically select garments with comfort and practicality in mind.
/aɪ bɪˈliːv ˈəʊldə(r) əˈdʌlts ˈtɪpɪkəli səˈlɛkt ˈɡɑːmənts wɪð ˈkʌmfət ænd ˌpræk.tɪˈkæl.ə.ti ɪn maɪnd/

Loose-fit trousers and muted-tone tops are favoured because they’re easy to launder and allow unrestricted movement.
/ˈluːs fɪt ˈtraʊzəz ænd ˈmjuːtɪd təʊn tɒps ɑː ˈfeɪvəd bɪˈkɒz ðeə(r) ˈiːzi tuː ˈlɔːndə ænd əˈlaʊ ˌʌn.rɪˈstrɪk.tɪd ˈmuːvmənt/

By contrast, young people tend to prioritise aesthetic appeal and trend alignment, often opting for tailored cuts, bolder colours or performance fabrics.
/baɪ ˈkɒntrɑːst, jʌŋ ˈpiːpəl tɛnd tuː praɪˈɒrətaɪz iːsˈθetɪk əˈpiːl ænd trɛnd əˈlaɪnmənt, ˈɒfən ˈɒptɪŋ fə ˈteɪləd kʌts, ˈbəʊldə ˈkʌləz ɔː pəˈfɔːməns ˈfæbrɪks/

This divergence stems from differing priorities of durability and convenience versus self-expression and style innovation.
/ðɪs daɪˈvɜːdʒəns stɛmz frəm ˈdɪfərɪŋ praɪˈɒrətiz ɒv dʒʊərəˈbɪlɪti ænd kənˈviːniəns ˈvɜːsəs sɛlfɪkˈsprɛʃən ænd staɪl ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/

What kind of clothes do people wear in the workplace？

Actually, in service industries and manufacturing roles uniforms are essential. Nurses and lab technicians wear scrubs or lab coats together with non-slip footwear, hotel staff have standardised jackets and name badges, and factory workers don coveralls, safety helmets and steel-toe boots. Beyond branding, these outfits meet strict hygiene and safety standards—so they’re not just about looking the part but also about protecting both staff and clients.

Actually, in service industries and manufacturing roles uniforms are essential.
/ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li, ɪn ˈsɜː.vɪs ˈɪn.də.striz ənd ˌmæn.jʊˈfæk.tʃər.ɪŋ rəʊlz ˈjuːnɪfɔːmz ɑː ɪˈsɛn.ʃəl/

Nurses and lab technicians wear scrubs or lab coats together with non-slip footwear, hotel staff have standardised jackets and name badges, and factory workers don coveralls, safety helmets and steel-toe boots.
/ˈnɜː.sɪz ənd læb tɛkˈnɪʃ.ənz weə skrʌbz ɔː læb kəʊts təˈɡɛð.ər wɪð nɒnˈslɪp ˈfʊt.weər, həʊˈtɛl stɑːf hæv ˈstæn.dəˌdaɪzd ˈʤæk.ɪts ənd neɪm ˈbædʒ.ɪz, ænd ˈfæk.təri ˈwɜː.kəz dɒn ˈkʌv.ər.ɔːlz, ˈseɪf.ti ˈhɛl.mɪts ænd ˈstiːl.təʊ buːts/

Beyond branding, these outfits meet strict hygiene and safety standards—so they’re not just about looking the part but also about protecting both staff and clients.
/bɪˈjɒnd ˈbræn.dɪŋ, ðiːz ˈaʊt.fɪts miːt strɪkt ˈhaɪ.dʒiːn ənd ˈseɪf.ti ˈstæn.dədz—səʊ ðeə nɒt ʤʌst əˈbaʊt ˈlʊk.ɪŋ ðə pɑːt bət ˈɔːl.səʊ əˈbaʊt prəˈtɛk.tɪŋ bəʊθ stɑːf ənd ˈklaɪ.ənts/

Do you think it is a good idea to buy clothes online？

Buying clothes online offers unparalleled convenience and selection. With just a few clicks, you can browse thousands of items across multiple brands without leaving your dorm room or apartment. Many e-retailers provide detailed filters—by size, style, colour—which makes finding exactly what you want much quicker than trekking through crowded shopping malls. That said, the sheer volume of choices can be overwhelming, so it’s wise to read customer reviews and check return policies before clicking “buy.”

Buying clothes online offers unparalleled convenience and selection.
/ˈbaɪ.ɪŋ kləʊðz ˈɒn.laɪn ˈɒf.əz ʌnˈpær.ə.leld kənˈviː.ni.əns ænd səˈlɛk.ʃən/

With just a few clicks, you can browse thousands of items across multiple brands without leaving your dorm room or apartment.
/wɪð dʒʌst ə fjuː klɪks, juː kæn braʊz ˈθaʊ.zəndz əv ˈaɪ.təmz əˈkrɒs ˈmʌl.tɪ.pəl brændz wɪˈðaʊt ˈliː.vɪŋ jɔː dɔːm ruːm ɔː əˈpɑːt.mənt/

Many e-retailers provide detailed filters—by size, style, colour—which makes finding exactly what you want much quicker than trekking through crowded shopping malls.
/ˈmɛ.ni iː.rɪˈteɪ.ləz prəˈvaɪd dɪˈteɪld ˈfɪl.təz — baɪ saɪz, staɪl, ˈkʌ.lər — wɪtʃ meɪks ˈfaɪn.dɪŋ ɪɡˈzækt.li wɒt juː wɒnt mʌʧ ˈkwɪk.ə ðən ˈtrɛk.ɪŋ θruː ˈkraʊ.dɪd ˈʃɒp.ɪŋ mɔːlz/

That said, the sheer volume of choices can be overwhelming, so it’s wise to read customer reviews and check return policies before clicking “buy.”
/ðæt sɛd, ðə ʃɪə ˈvɒl.juːm əv ˈtʃɔɪ.sɪz kæn biː ˌəʊ.vəˈwɛl.mɪŋ, səʊ ɪts waɪz tuː riːd ˈkʌs.tə.mə rɪˈvjuːz ænd tʃɛk rɪˈtɜːn ˈpɒl.ə.siz bɪˈfɔː ˈklɪk.ɪŋ “baɪ.”

Do you think young people wear unusual clothes more than other age groups？

I believe young people are more inclined to adopt unconventional styles as a form of rebellion and self-identity. During adolescence they experiment with vivid colours, avant-garde silhouettes or subcultural looks like goth or streetwear. This contrasts with middle-aged and older adults, who typically prefer conservative or classic attire. The youthful drive to stand out and signal group membership explains why non-traditional clothing is especially prevalent among the young.

I believe young people are more inclined to adopt unconventional styles as a form of rebellion and self-identity.
/aɪ bɪˈliːv jʌŋ ˈpiːpəl ɑː mɔː ɪnˈklaɪnd tuː əˈdɒpt ˌʌnkənˈvɛnʃənəl staɪlz æz ə fɔːm əv rɪˈbɛljən ænd ˌsɛlf aɪˈdɛn-tɪ-ti/

During adolescence they experiment with vivid colours, avant-garde silhouettes or subcultural looks like goth or streetwear.
/ˈdjʊərɪŋ ˌædəˈles(ə)ns ðeɪ ɪkˈspɛrɪmənt wɪð ˈvɪvɪd ˈkʌləz ˌævɒŋ ˈɡɑːd ˌsɪluˈɛts ɔː ˌsʌbˈkʌltʃərəl lʊks laɪk ɡɒθ ɔː ˈstriːtˌwɛə/

This contrasts with middle-aged and older adults, who typically prefer conservative or classic attire.
/ðɪs ˈkɒntrɑːsts wɪð ˌmɪdəlˈeɪdʒd ænd ˈəʊldə(r) əˈdʌlts huː ˈtɪpɪkəli prɪˈfɜː kənˈsɜːvətɪv ɔː ˈklæsɪk əˈtaɪə/

The youthful drive to stand out and signal group membership explains why non-traditional clothing is especially prevalent among the young.
/ðə ˈjuːθfʊl draɪv tuː stænd aʊt ænd ˈsɪɡnəl ɡruːp mɛmˈbɜːʃɪp ɪksˈpleɪnz waɪ ˌnɒntrəˈdɪʃənəl ˈkləʊðɪŋ ɪz ɪˈspɛʃəli ˈprɛvələnt əˈmʌŋ ðə jʌŋ/

Do you think that the style of the clothing is more important than its comfort？

I think comfort generally outweighs style, especially for everyday wear. When you’re juggling lectures, lab work and social events, restrictive fabrics or high heels can become a real burden. Of course, looking good matters, but if you’re constantly tugging at your clothes or rubbing sore feet, you won’t perform at your best. Comfort ultimately sustains confidence throughout the day.

I think comfort generally outweighs style, especially for everyday wear.
/aɪ θɪŋk ˈkʌmfət ˈdʒɛnərəli ˌaʊtˈweɪz staɪl, ɪˈspɛʃəli fə ˈɛvriˌdeɪ wɛə/

When you’re juggling lectures, lab work and social events, restrictive fabrics or high heels can become a real burden.
/wɛn jɔː ˈdʒʌɡlɪŋ ˈlɛkʃəz, læb wɜːk ænd ˈsəʊʃəl ɪˈvɛnts, rɪˈstrɪktɪv ˈfæbrɪks ɔː haɪ hiːlz kæn bɪˈkʌm ə rɪəl ˈbɜːdən/

Of course, looking good matters, but if you’re constantly tugging at your clothes or rubbing sore feet, you won’t perform at your best.
/ɒv kɔːs, ˈlʊkɪŋ ɡʊd ˈmætəz, bət ɪf jɔː ˈkɒnstəntli ˈtʌɡɪŋ æt jɔː kləʊðz ɔː ˈrʌbɪŋ sɔː fiːt, juː wəʊnt pəˈfɔːm æt jɔː bɛst/

Comfort ultimately sustains confidence throughout the day.
/ˈkʌmfət ˈʌltɪmətli səˈsteɪnz ˈkɒnfɪd(ə)ns θruːˈaʊt ðə deɪ/

What factors affect people＇s decisions when buying clothes？

I think cost is a major consideration for most buyers, especially students on a tight budget. Even if a garment catches their eye, they’ll compare price tags across brands or wait for sales before committing. Quality-to-price ratio matters too—people look for durable fabrics that justify a higher spend. In my case, I often wait for end-of-season discounts to pick up versatile pieces, ensuring I don’t overstretch my finances while still building a functional wardrobe.

I think cost is a major consideration for most buyers, especially students on a tight budget.
/aɪ θɪŋk kɒst ɪz ə ˈmeɪdʒə kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃ(ə)n fɔː məʊst ˈbaɪə(r)z, ɪˈspɛʃəli ˈstjuːdənts ɒn ə taɪt ˈbʌdʒɪt/

Even if a garment catches their eye, they’ll compare price tags across brands or wait for sales before committing.
/ˈiːvən ɪf ə ˈɡɑːmənt ˈkætʃɪz ðeə aɪ, ðeɪl kəmˈpeə praɪs tæɡz əˈkrɒs brændz ɔː weɪt fɔː seɪlz bɪˈfɔː kəˈmɪtɪŋ/

Quality-to-price ratio matters too—people look for durable fabrics that justify a higher spend.
/ˌkwɒl.ə.ti tə ˈpraɪs ˈreɪʃiəʊ ˈmætəz tuː—ˈpiːpl lʊk fɔː ˈdjʊərəbl ˈfæbrɪks ðæt ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ ə ˈhaɪə spɛnd/

In my case, I often wait for end-of-season discounts to pick up versatile pieces, ensuring I don’t overstretch my finances while still building a functional wardrobe.
/ɪn maɪ keɪs, aɪ ˈɒf(ə)n weɪt fɔː ˌɛnd əv ˈsiːzən ˈdɪskaʊnts tuː pɪk ʌp ˈvɜːsətaɪl ˈpiːsɪz, ɪnˈʃʊərɪŋ aɪ dəʊnt ˌəʊvəˈstrɛtʃ maɪ ˈfaɪnænsɪz waɪl stɪl ˈbɪldɪŋ ə ˈfʌŋkʃən(ə)l ˈwɔːdrəʊ/