Beginning Clothing (Textiles and Apparel)
Power of One – Career Research
An expository paper is one that explains why or informs about something. The writer should
present information in a way that enhances the reader’s understanding of the topic.
Effective expository writing is usually, but not always, characterized by the following:
 Well chosen supporting details
 Logical, understandable organizational pattern
 Use of transitions to connect ideas
 Commitment to the topic (voice)
 An introduction and conclusion
Assignment: Research and write a paper on a career in the clothing/textile/fashion
industry. Include the training required and how to obtain that training (what
schools/programs offer the training), the job availability and the typical salary. Also
include what might be a drawback to a career in this field and where this career fits
in the Career Pathways. A bibliography page must be included.
More tips:
1. Follow a typical five paragraph essay format (although your paper may be longer
than five paragraphs). The first paragraph should introduce the career. At the
end of your first paragraph you should briefly state what your following
paragraphs will be about.
2. Each paragraph after that should focus on one aspect of the career. Follow
your thesis statement when organizing your paragraphs. Use transitions to
connect these paragraphs.
3. Use your voice. Your reader should get a clear picture of your career, the
training required and all of the other requirements as listed above.
4. End with a concluding paragraph that summarizes what you previously stated in
your paper. Make this a strong paragraph.
Your paper should be typed, double spaced, with a font size of 12 (no larger!). Remember,
you are graded on the six trait writing model as well as following directions. Your grammar,
spelling, and punctuation matter, as does word choice, logical organization, voice, etc. Some
common errors are:
Their, there, they’re
To, too, two
Gonna, cuz….
Your best resource for this project may be WOIS (Washington Occupation Information
System) however other websites will have information as well. See page 16 of your planner
for information on how to access the WOIS site.
Possible Clothing and Textile Careers include (but are not limited to): Fashion Designer,
Fashion Trend Forecaster, Fashion Editor, Retail Sales/Customer Service, Fashion Buyer,
Tailor, Textile Designer, Textile Engineer, Textile Color Chemist, Upholsterer, Interior
Designer, Sewing Machine Operator, Seamstress, Alterations, Milner, Shoe Designer…..
Textile and Apparel Portfolio Requirement
As this is a Tech-Prep articulated course, all students will be required to
develop a portfolio of work. This portfolio will need to be maintained
throughout the three levels of Clothing classes. Students should keep all
work and will be required to have a notebook specific for this course. This
notebook may be kept in the classroom in the students supply drawer.
Students will also be required to complete classroom competencies with a
score of 3 or 4 (scale of 0 to 4) or they will be required to re-do that
particular competency. Ample time and opportunity will be provided to reach
these competencies. The student may also need to come to Tutorial to get
extra help.
Notebook Requirements:
Minimum of 1 ½ inch binder (need not be new)
Cover Page identifying students’ name and year of graduation
Dividers with the following labels:
Textiles
Art Elements
Samples
Projects and Evaluations (students will take photos their
projects)
Career
A detailed checklist will be provided of portfolio requirements and should be
kept in the notebook. Students will be required to turn in this portfolio at
least twice during the trimester.