What does the saying "clothes make the person" really mean? What does our fashion tell us about ourselves? Clothing and adornment can reveal people's occupation, which schools they attend, their status in society, and what type of environment they live in. Globalization and the influence of western culture have made dramatic changes in many people's style of dress, yet in some parts of the world traditional clothing is preferred.

You will be assigned topics that influence the style and purpose of fashion in various societies. Use what you have learned to write an article for a Western Teen magazine reporting on styles of fashion in other cultures. To prepare your article you will research the distinctive features and notable examples of your assigned topic.

Look at the photograph below. Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.

A Ghanaian woman at a festival wearing traditional cloth and metal and bead bracelets; her arms and face are adorned with body painting.

• How would you describe the clothing and adornment this woman is wearing?
• Why is it useful to know that this photograph was taken at a festival?
• What does her clothing reveal about the culture in which she lives?

Use the World Cultures Today articles listed below to research the cultural influences on fashion in at least four different parts of the world. As you read note the similarities and differences among the cultures you have chosen. Remember that your magazine article will need to include specific facts and cultural details from you readings.

Use the Main Idea and Details chart to take notes on your research. Write your assigned topic in the large rectangle. Fill in the remaining boxes with details that illustrate the influence your topic has on clothing styles.

Write your magazine article. Remember to clearly explain your findings and support your statements with facts and examples from the readings. You may also want to include a catchy title or "hook" to gain the interest of your readers.

Your teacher will use these questions to assess your performance:

• Did you state your topic clearly?
• Did you include facts and examples that demonstrate your research?
• Does your article flow logically?
• Did you follow rules of grammar and writing style?