Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. an aesthetic
    • ex. The aesthetic of the new café is very pleasant, with soft lights and comfortable chairs.
  2. bedazzled
    • ex. Amy’s backpack was bedazzled with shiny stickers and colorful stones.
  3. secondhand
    • ex. Mike bought a secondhand bike from his neighbor because it was much cheaper than a new one.
  4. a resurgence
    • ex. There is a resurgence of interest in old music records, and many people are buying them again.
  5. a cash cow
    • ex. The smartphone business is the company’s cash cow because it makes the most money.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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The Y2K aesthetic is back. From bedazzled jeans and colorful sandals to baby t-shirts and miniskirts, fashion from the early 2000s is becoming popular again. This trend is mostly popular among Generation Z, people born between 1997 and 2012. Many young people are now searching for these styles in secondhand stores.

According to experts, this resurgence is part of a 20-year fashion cycle. Fashion often repeats every 20 years. Fashion professor Lauren Downing Peters at Columbia College Chicago says younger people are now interested in styles their parents once wore. These old trends feel new and fun to them. Social media has also helped bring back these trends. Many influencers and students post photos online wearing Y2K fashion with bright, bold, and brand-heavy clothes, making the style even more popular.

As a result, many secondhand shops now focus on Y2K items, looking for things like miniskirts and old, colorful tops. These shops often offer cash or store credit to people who bring in these clothes. Because of this, many people are selling their old clothes. These items might be a cash cow for them. 

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Y2K Aesthetic and Fashion Trends

  • Do you like the Y2K fashion style? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Why do you think young people like old fashion trends? Discuss.
  • How do you think social media has changed the way people dress? Discuss.

Secondhand Clothes and Items

  • Have you ever bought secondhand clothes? Discuss.
  • What do you think are the benefits of buying secondhand clothes? Discuss.
  • Would you sell your old clothes if they became popular again? Why or why not? Discuss.