• meeting guests and serving drinks in a five-star hotel

Dewi works as a bartender in a five-star hotel. She usually starts work in the afternoon. When she arrives, she puts on her uniform and goes to the bar.

First, Dewi checks the bar. She makes sure that the glasses are clean and that everything is in the right place. She checks the bottles and makes sure there are enough drinks. She also prepares ice, cuts fruit and prepares lemons and oranges.

When the bar opens, Dewi welcomes the guests with a smile. She says hello and asks them what they would like to drink. She listens carefully and prepares their drinks.

Dewi often talks to the guests while she works. Some guests ask about the drinks menu. Others want to know about local drinks. Sometimes, they ask Dewi to choose a drink for them. She gives simple advice and helps them choose.

Dewi also talks to guests about their holiday, their day or places to visit. She remembers regular guests and often remembers what they like to drink. She is friendly and polite, but she also gives guests space when they want to relax.

Sometimes, a guest has had too much to drink. Dewi stays calm and speaks to the guest politely. She may offer the guest some water and ask them to sit down. If necessary, she asks her manager for help. She always wants to keep the guest and other people safe.

In the evening, the bar can be very busy. Dewi works quickly, but she stays calm and friendly. She keeps the bar clean and makes sure that the guests have good service.

At the end of her shift, Dewi cleans the bar. She washes the glasses, checks the bottles and puts everything away. Then she changes her clothes and goes home.

Dewi likes her job because she meets people from many different countries. She enjoys talking to guests and making them feel welcome.

____________________________

Vocabulary:

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Match the words with the definitions

1. a bartender
2. to relax
3. a regular guest
4. to prepare a drink
5. to stay calm
6. a shift
7. to give advice
8. a bottle
9. to serve a drink
10. to choose
11. to be polite
12. the drinks menu
13. to make sure
14. to give somebody space
15. in the right place
16. to keep somebody safe
17. reading comprehension
18. to change clothes
19. to speak politely
20. to enjoy talking
21. to make somebody feel welcome
    

A. to help someone stay safe
B. to like talking to people
C. a person who works in a bar and makes drinks
D. to check that something is OK
E. a list of drinks in a bar
F. to let someone be alone
G. to take off your old clothes and put on other clothes
H. a guest who comes often
I. to make a drink ready
J. where something should be
K. to give a drink to a guest
L. a container for drinks
M. to say which thing you want
N. to rest and feel calm
O. the time when you work
P. to speak in a nice and respectful way
Q. understanding what you read
R. to make someone feel happy and comfortable in a place
S. to tell someone what you think is good
T. to be nice and respectful to people
U. to not become angry or worried

___________________________

Answer:
1-C, 2-N, 3-H, 4-I, 5-U, 6-O, 7-S, 8-L,
9-K, 10-M, 11-T, 12-E, 13-D, 14-F, 15-J,
16-A, 17-Q, 18-G, 19-P, 20-B, 21-R

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Match the definitions with the words:

1. to help someone stay safe
2. to like talking to people
3. a person who works in a bar and makes drinks
4. to check that something is OK
5. a list of drinks in a bar
6. to let someone be alone
7. to take off your old clothes and put on other clothes
8. a guest who comes often
9. to make a drink ready
10. where something should be
11. to give a drink to a guest
12. a container for drinks
13. to say which thing you want
14. to rest and feel calm
15. the time when you work
16. to speak in a nice and respectful way
17. understanding what you read
18. to make someone feel happy and comfortable in a place
19. to tell someone what you think is good
20. to be nice and respectful to people
21. to not become angry or worried
    

A. to serve a drink
B. a bartender
C. in the right place
D. a bottle
E. to make sure
F. to prepare a drink
G. the drinks menu
H. to give advice
I. to choose
J. a regular guest
K. to be polite
L. to give somebody space
M. to relax
N. to stay calm
O. to speak politely
P. to keep somebody safe
Q. a shift
R. to change clothes
S. to enjoy talking
T. to make somebody feel welcome
U. reading comprehension

_____________________________

Answer:

1-P, 2-S, 3-B, 4-E, 5-G, 6-L, 7-R, 8-J,
9-F, 10-C, 11-A, 12-D, 13-I, 14-M, 15-Q,
16-O, 17-U, 18-T, 19-H, 20-K, 21-N

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True or false:

1. Dewi talks to guests about places to visit.
2. Dewi makes breakfast for the hotel guests.
3. She checks the bottles before the bar opens.
4. Dewi has a dog at the hotel bar.
5. She gives guests space when they want to relax.
6. Dewi changes her clothes before she goes home.
7. Dewi arrives at work by bicycle every afternoon.
8. Some guests ask her to choose a drink for them.
9. Dewi washes the glasses at the end of her shift.
10. Dewi works as a receptionist at the hotel.
11. She asks guests what they would like to drink.
12. Dewi finishes work at lunchtime every day.
13. She can ask her manager for help when there is a problem.
14. Dewi prepares lemons and oranges for the bar.
15. Dewi spends her free time playing football.
16. Dewi works as a bartender in a five-star hotel.
17. Dewi studies English during her shift.
18. Dewi never speaks to tourists.
19. Dewi takes the bottles home after work.
20. Dewi always works outside the hotel.

__________________________

True: 1,3,5,6,8,9,11,13,14,16,

_________________________

Correct version:

1. Dewi talks to guests about places to visit.
2. Dewi makes breakfast for the hotel guests. True is: Dewi prepares drinks for the hotel guests.
3. She checks the bottles before the bar opens.
4. Dewi has a dog at the hotel bar. True is: Dewi works at the hotel bar without a dog.
5. She gives guests space when they want to relax.
6. Dewi changes her clothes before she goes home.
7. Dewi arrives at work by bicycle every afternoon. True is: Dewi usually starts work in the afternoon.
8. Some guests ask her to choose a drink for them.
9. Dewi washes the glasses at the end of her shift.
10. Dewi works as a receptionist at the hotel. True is: Dewi works as a bartender at the hotel.
11. She asks guests what they would like to drink.
12. Dewi finishes work at lunchtime every day. True is: Dewi usually works in the afternoon and evening.
13. She can ask her manager for help when there is a problem.
14. Dewi prepares lemons and oranges for the bar.
15. Dewi spends her free time playing football. True is: Dewi enjoys meeting and talking to guests.
16. Dewi works as a bartender in a five-star hotel.
17. Dewi studies English during her shift. True is: Dewi talks to guests during her shift.
18. Dewi never speaks to tourists. True is: Dewi often talks to guests from different countries.
19. Dewi takes the bottles home after work. True is: Dewi checks the bottles and puts everything away at the end of her shift.
20. Dewi always works outside the hotel. True is: Dewi works inside the hotel bar.

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Multiple choice – one answer only

1. When does Dewi usually start work?
   a) In the afternoon
   b) In the morning
   c) At midnight
2. What does Dewi check before the bar opens?
   a) The hotel rooms
   b) The swimming pool
   c) The glasses and bottles
3. What do some guests ask Dewi to do?
   a) Choose a drink
   b) Clean their room
   c) Call a taxi
4. What does Dewi sometimes offer a guest who has had too much to drink?
   a) Coffee
   b) Water
   c) Food
5. What does Dewi do at the end of her shift?
   a) Opens the bar
   b) Goes to another hotel
   c) Cleans the bar
6. What does Dewi prepare before the bar opens?
   a) Ice and fruit
   b) Breakfast
   c) Hotel rooms
7. What does Dewi do when guests arrive?
   a) She closes the bar.
   b) She welcomes them with a smile.
   c) She asks them to leave.
8. What do some guests want to know about?
   a) Hotel jobs
   b) Sports games
   c) Local drinks
9. What does Dewi do when the bar is very busy?
   a) She works quickly and stays calm.
   b) She goes home.
   c) She stops serving guests.
10. Why does Dewi like her job?
    a) She gets free drinks.
    b) She meets people from many different countries.
    c) She works only in the morning.

____________________________

Answer:
1-A, 2-C, 3-A, 4-B, 5-C, 6-A, 7-B, 8-C, 9-A, 10-B

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Who or What?

1. Who checks the bar before it opens?
   
   YOU WRITE:
   Dewi
   
2. Who welcomes the guests with a smile?
3. What does Dewi cut before the bar opens?
4. What does Dewi prepare for the drinks?
5. Who asks about local drinks?
6. What does Dewi offer a guest who has had too much to drink?
7. Who can Dewi ask for help?
8. What does Dewi wash at the end of her shift?
9. What does Dewi check at the end of her shift?
10. Who does Dewi enjoy talking to?

___________________________

Answer:
1. Dewi, 2. Dewi, 3. fruit, 4. ice, 5. Some guests, 6. water,
7. her manager, 8. the glasses, 9. the bottles, 10. guests.

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Put the events in the correct order

a) Dewi talks to the guests.
b) Dewi goes home.
c) Dewi checks the bar.
d) Dewi cleans the bar.
e) Dewi welcomes the guests.
f) Dewi prepares ice and cuts fruit.
g) Dewi washes the glasses and checks the bottles.

__________________________

Answer: 1-c, 2-f, 3-e, 4-a, 5-d, 6-g, 7-b

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Match sentence halves

1. Dewi works
2. She prepares
3. She welcomes
4. Some guests ask
5. Dewi remembers
6. She gives guests
7. She asks her manager
8. She washes
9. Dewi talks
10. She checks
    

a) the glasses.
b) in a five-star hotel.
c) ice and fruit.
d) regular guests.
e) for help.
f) space when they want to relax.
g) the guests with a smile.
h) about local drinks.
i) to guests about their holiday.
j) the bottles before the bar opens.

___________________________

Answer:
1-b, 2-c, 3-g, 4-h, 5-d, 6-f, 7-e, 8-a, 9-i, 10-j
___________________________

Correct order:

1. Dewi works in a five-star hotel.

2. She prepares ice and fruit.

3. She welcomes the guests with a smile.

4. Some guests ask about local drinks.

5. Dewi remembers regular guests.

6. She gives guests space when they want to relax.

7. She asks her manager for help.

8. She washes the glasses.

9. Dewi talks to guests about their holiday.

10. She checks the bottles before the bar opens.

#################

Find the information:

1. Something Dewi checks: __________
2. Something she prepares: __________
3. Something she cuts: __________
4. Something she talks to guests about: __________
5. Something guests ask about: __________
6. Something she offers: __________
7. Someone she asks for help: __________
8. Something she washes: __________
9. Something she puts away: __________
10. Something she remembers about regular guests: __________

————————————-

Answers:

1. Something Dewi checks: the bottles
2. Something she prepares: ice
3. Something she cuts: fruit
4. Something she talks to guests about: their holiday
5. Something guests ask about: local drinks
6. Something she offers: water
7. Someone she asks for help: her manager
8. Something she washes: the glasses
9. Something she puts away: everything
10. Something she remembers about regular guests: what they like to drink

#################

Find the word that does not belong in each group:

1. glass – manager – bottle – ice
2. lemon – orange – water – fruit
3. guest – bottle – bartender – manager
4. friendly – quickly – polite – smile
5. uniform – holiday – local drinks – places to visit
6. wash – country – cut – prepare
7. drink – bar – hotel – restaurant
8. calm – bottle – friendly – polite
9. guest – water – ice – lemon
10. country – check – prepare – welcome

_______________________

Answer:
1. manager, 2. water, 3. bottle, 4. quickly,
5. uniform, 6. country, 7. drink, 8. bottle,
9. guest, 10. country

______________________

Correct answers:

1. glass – manager – bottle – ice
   manager – The other three are things in a bar.
2. lemon – orange – water – fruit
   water – The other three are connected with fruit.
3. guest – bottle – bartender – manager
   bottle – The other three are people.
4. friendly – quickly – polite – calm
   quickly – The other three describe a person.
5. holiday – local drinks – places to visit – uniform
   uniform – The other three are topics Dewi talks about with guests.
6. wash – country – cut – prepare
   country – The other three are actions.
7. bar – hotel – restaurant – drink
   drink – The other three are places.
8. calm – bottle – friendly – polite
   bottle – The other three describe Dewi’s behaviour.
9. water – ice – guest – lemon
   guest – The other three are connected with drinks.
10. check – prepare – welcome – country
    country – The other three are actions.

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Complete each sentence with information from the text – one word only:

1. Dewi usually starts work in the __________.
2. Before the bar opens, she checks the __________.
3. She cuts fruit and prepares __________.
4. Dewi welcomes guests with a __________.
5. Some guests ask about the __________ menu.
6. Dewi remembers what regular guests like to __________.
7. If a guest has had too much to drink, Dewi may offer __________.
8. When the bar is busy, Dewi works quickly but stays __________.
9. At the end of her shift, she washes the __________.
10. Dewi likes her job because she meets people from many different __________.
11. Dewi sometimes talks to guests about their __________.
12. Before she goes home, Dewi puts everything __________.

——————————————

Correct version:

1. Dewi usually starts work in the afternoon.
2. Before the bar opens, she checks the bottles.
3. She cuts fruit and prepares ice.
4. Dewi welcomes guests with a smile.
5. Some guests ask about the drinks menu.
6. Dewi remembers what regular guests like to drink.
7. If a guest has had too much to drink, Dewi may offer water.
8. When the bar is busy, Dewi works quickly but stays calm.
9. At the end of her shift, she washes the glasses.
10. Dewi likes her job because she meets people from many different countries.
11. Dewi sometimes talks to guests about their holiday.
12. Before she goes home, Dewi puts everything away.

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Complete the table with information from the text:

—————————————-

Full version:

###################

Find a word or phrase in the text with the opposite meaning:

1. dirty → _c_l_e_a_n_
2. slowly → __________
3. forget → __________
4. impolite → __________
5. unsafe → __________
6. dislike → __________

_________________________

Answers:
1. clean, 2. quickly, 3. remembers, 4. polite, 5. safe, 6. like
##################

What happens next?

1. Dewi checks the bar before it opens. What does she do after that?
   a) She goes home.
   b) She welcomes the guests.
   c) She changes her clothes again.
2. A guest has had too much to drink. What might Dewi do?
   a) She brings the guest another drink.
   b) She offers the guest some water.
   c) She asks the guest to serve other people.
3. The bar is very busy. What does Dewi do?
   a) She stops working for a few minutes.
   b) She asks all the guests to leave.
   c) She works quickly and stays calm.
4. A guest asks about local drinks. What does Dewi do?
   a) She tells the guest to read a book.
   b) She gives the guest some simple advice.
   c) She changes the drinks menu.
5. A regular guest comes to the bar. What does Dewi remember?
   a) What the guest likes to drink.
   b) Where the guest lives.
   c) When the guest goes to work.
6. A guest wants to relax. What does Dewi do?
   a) She gives the guest some space.
   b) She talks to the guest all evening.
   c) She asks the guest to help her.
7. Dewi has a problem with a guest. What does she do if she needs help?
   a) She asks another guest for help.
   b) She goes home.
   c) She asks her manager for help.
8. The bar is going to open. What does Dewi prepare?
   a) Hotel rooms and beds.
   b) Ice and fruit.
   c) Breakfast and lunch.
9. Dewi finishes her shift. What does she do before she goes home?
   a) She cleans the bar and washes the glasses.
   b) She leaves the bar quickly.
   c) She talks to every guest again.
10. Dewi talks to guests about their holiday. What else can she talk about?
    a) Hotel jobs in other countries.
    b) Places to visit.
    c) Her plans for the next year.

___________________________

Answer:
1-B, 2-B, 3-C, 4-B, 5-A, 6-A,
7-C, 8-B, 9-A, 10-C

___________________________

Corrrect answers:

1. Dewi checks the bar before it opens. What does she do after that? She welcomes the guests.
2. A guest has had too much to drink. What might Dewi do? She offers the guest some water.
3. The bar is very busy. What does Dewi do? She works quickly and stays calm.
4. A guest asks about local drinks. What does Dewi do? She gives the guest some simple advice.
5. A regular guest comes to the bar. What does Dewi remember? What the guest likes to drink.
6. A guest wants to relax. What does Dewi do? She gives the guest some space.
7. Dewi has a problem with a guest. What does she do if she needs help? She asks her manager for help.
8. The bar is going to open. What does Dewi prepare? Ice and fruit.
9. Dewi finishes her shift. What does she do before she goes home? She cleans the bar and washes the glasses.
10. Dewi talks to guests about their holiday. What else can she talk about? Places to visit.

##################

Yes, no or not in the text

1. Dewi prepares ice before the bar opens. ___
2. Dewi works only with guests from her own country. ___
3. Dewi sometimes talks to guests about their holiday. ___
4. Dewi has worked at the hotel for ten years. ___
5. Dewi checks that the glasses are clean. ___
6. Dewi never helps guests choose a drink. ___
7. Dewi cuts fruit before the bar opens. ___
8. Dewi gives every guest the same drink. ___
9. Dewi sometimes offers water to a guest. ___
10. Dewi wears a uniform when she works. ___
11. Dewi remembers some regular guests. ___
12. Dewi always sits down when the bar is busy. ___
13. Dewi asks her manager for help when necessary. ___
14. Dewi talks to guests about places to visit. ___
15. Dewi cleans the swimming pool after her shift. ___
16. Dewi washes the glasses at the end of her shift. ___
17. Dewi goes home by bus after work. ___
18. Dewi enjoys meeting people from different countries. ___
19. Dewi checks the weather before she starts work. ___
20. Dewi has a favourite drink. ___

—————————————

Correct answers:

1. Dewi prepares ice before the bar opens. YES
2. Dewi works only with guests from her own country. NO
3. Dewi sometimes talks to guests about their holiday. YES
4. Dewi has worked at the hotel for ten years. NOT IN THE TEXT
5. Dewi checks that the glasses are clean. YES
6. Dewi never helps guests choose a drink. NO
7. Dewi cuts fruit before the bar opens. YES
8. Dewi gives every guest the same drink. NO
9. Dewi sometimes offers water to a guest. YES
10. Dewi wears a uniform when she works. YES
11. Dewi remembers some regular guests. YES
12. Dewi always sits down when the bar is busy. NO
13. Dewi asks her manager for help when necessary. YES
14. Dewi talks to guests about places to visit. YES
15. Dewi cleans the swimming pool after her shift. NO
16. Dewi washes the glasses at the end of her shift. YES
17. Dewi goes home by bus after work. NOT IN THE TEXT
18. Dewi enjoys meeting people from different countries. YES
19. Dewi checks the weather before she starts work. NOT IN THE TEXT
20. Dewi has a favourite drink. NOT IN THE TEXT

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Interview with Dewi – match the questions and answers

Questions

1. What is your job?
2. When does your working day begin?
3. What happens before the bar opens?
4. How do you greet hotel guests?
5. What information do visitors sometimes ask for?
6. How do you help guests with their choice?
7. What subjects come up in your conversations?
8. What happens when someone has had too much alcohol?
9. Who can support you in a difficult situation?
10. How is the bar in the evening?
11. What happens when your working time ends?
12. What do you like about your job?

Answers

a) I listen to them and give simple advice.
b) I enjoy meeting people from many countries and making them feel welcome.
c) I usually start in the afternoon.
d) My manager can help me when necessary.
e) I clean the bar, wash the glasses, check the bottles, and put things away.
f) I am a bartender in a five-star hotel.
g) I stay calm, speak politely, and may give the person some water.
h) They sometimes want to know about local drinks and the drinks menu.
i) We talk about their holiday, their day, and places to visit.
j) It can be very busy, but I work quickly and stay friendly.
k) I smile, say hello, and ask what they would like.
l) I check the glasses and bottles, prepare ice, and cut fruit.

__________________________
Answers:
1-F, 2-C, 3-L, 4-K, 5-H, 6-A,
7-I, 8-G, 9-D, 10-J, 11-E, 12-B
__________________________

Full dialogue:

Interviewer: What is your job?
Dewi: I am a bartender in a five-star hotel.

Interviewer: When does your working day begin?
Dewi: I usually start in the afternoon.

Interviewer: What happens before the bar opens?
Dewi: I check the glasses and bottles, prepare ice, and cut fruit.

Interviewer: How do you greet hotel guests?
Dewi: I smile, say hello, and ask what they would like.

Interviewer: What information do visitors sometimes ask for?
Dewi: They sometimes want to know about local drinks and the drinks menu.

Interviewer: How do you help guests with their choice?
Dewi: I listen to them and give simple advice.

Interviewer: What subjects come up in your conversations?
Dewi: We talk about their holiday, their day, and places to visit.

Interviewer: What happens when someone has had too much alcohol?
Dewi: I stay calm, speak politely, and may give the person some water.

Interviewer: Who can support you in a difficult situation?
Dewi: My manager can help me when necessary.

Interviewer: How is the bar in the evening?
Dewi: It can be very busy, but I work quickly and stay friendly.

Interviewer: What happens when your working time ends?
Dewi: I clean the bar, wash the glasses, check the bottles, and put things away.

Interviewer: What do you like about your job?
Dewi: I enjoy meeting people from many countries and making them feel welcome.

####################

####################

####################

####################

BONUS TEXT IN B2:

Interviewer: What does your job involve?
Dewi: I work as a bartender in a five-star hotel, where I am responsible for preparing drinks, looking after guests, and maintaining a high standard of service.

Interviewer: What does a typical working day look like for you?
Dewi: I usually begin my shift in the afternoon. Before the bar opens, I make sure everything is properly prepared, including the glasses, bottles, ice, and fresh fruit.

Interviewer: How do you approach guests when they arrive?
Dewi: I greet them warmly, ask what they would like, and pay close attention to their requests. I try to create a friendly atmosphere from the moment they arrive.

Interviewer: What kind of questions do guests usually ask you?
Dewi: Many guests want to know more about the drinks on our menu. They may also ask about local drinks or ask me to recommend something suitable for them.

Interviewer: How do you help guests who are unsure what to order?
Dewi: I ask a few simple questions about their preferences and then make a recommendation. I try to give useful advice without making the decision for them.

Interviewer: Do you often have conversations with guests?
Dewi: Yes, especially when the bar is not too busy. We might talk about their holiday, their plans for the day, or interesting places they could visit.

Interviewer: How do you deal with regular guests?
Dewi: I try to remember their preferences, particularly the drinks they usually order. Guests appreciate it when you remember small details about them.

Interviewer: What do you do if a guest has had too much to drink?
Dewi: I remain calm and speak to the guest politely. I may offer some water and suggest that they sit down. If the situation becomes difficult, I ask my manager for assistance.

Interviewer: What is it like when the bar becomes very busy?
Dewi: It can be stressful, but I have learned to stay organized and work efficiently. Even during busy periods, I try to remain friendly and give every guest good service.

Interviewer: What do you do at the end of your shift?
Dewi: I clean the bar, wash the glasses, check the bottles, and make sure everything is stored properly. After that, I change my clothes and go home.

Interviewer: What do you enjoy most about your profession?
Dewi: I particularly enjoy meeting people from different countries. Every guest is different, and I like making people feel comfortable and welcome during their stay.

#################

#################

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Please use the box below
to write your feedback.
Only I can read it.
It is not public.

Please tell me:

• Are the texts and exercises OK?
• Are the topics OK?
• Is the level OK?
• Is it too easy or too difficult?
• Do you want texts about other topics?

Thank you! I appreciate your feedback.

##################

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Remember how babies
learn a language:

Babies learn a language by listening.
They use their ears to hear sounds.
Their brain remembers these sounds.
Babies connect sounds with people and things.
They listen to their parents.
Then they copy the sounds they hear. They imitate words.
Slowly, babies learn to speak.

So,
LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN………………

• Toraja, a must-see

Before starting the exercise make sure you are familiar
with past simple
(negation, question, short answer)!

In 2023, I _____ (travel) to Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. During my visit, I _____ (have) the chance to see a Toraja funeral and a Toraja wedding. It _____ (be) a very special experience. The wedding _____ (have) two parts. First, the couple _____ (have) a Christian wedding ceremony in a church. After that, the family _____ (hold) a traditional Toraja wedding.

In the morning, the bride and groom _____ (go) to the church with their parents and other family members. Many friends and relatives also _____ (come). The bride _____ (wear) a beautiful white dress, and the groom _____ (wear) a dark suit. The pastor _____ (lead) the ceremony. The couple _____ (say) their wedding promises and _____ (exchange) rings. They also _____ (pray) with their families.

After the church ceremony, everyone _____ (go) to the village for the traditional wedding. The bride and groom _____ (change) into traditional Toraja clothes. Their clothes _____ (have) beautiful colours and special designs.

The traditional wedding _____ (take) place in the village square. Around the square, there _____ (be) open huts where local people _____ (sit) and _____ (watch) the celebration. The couple and their parents _____ (sit) on a kind of terrace above the square. From there, they _____ (can) look down at the people below.

Music _____ (fill) the village square. People _____ (play) traditional instruments, and groups of people _____ (dance). The dancers _____ (move) to the music while many people _____ (watch) them. Family members, friends and local people _____ (enjoy) the celebration together.

After the ceremony, the guests _____ (walk) up to the couple. We _____ (congratulate) the bride and groom and _____ (wish) them a happy life together. I _____ (be) the only European guest at the wedding. The family _____ (be) very happy to have me there. They _____ (be) interested in me and _____ (ask) me to take a photo with the couple. I _____ (be) very happy about this special moment.

In the background, many women _____ (be) busy preparing the food for the guests. They _____ (cook) and _____ (prepare) many dishes for the large group of people. Everyone _____ (have) an important job at the wedding.

I really _____ (enjoy) the wedding. It _____ (be) a wonderful way to see Toraja family life, music, dancing and traditions.

____________________________

Correct version:

In 2023, I >travelled< to Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. During my visit, I >had< the chance to see a Toraja funeral and a Toraja wedding. It >was< a very special experience. The wedding >had< two parts. First, the couple >had< a Christian wedding ceremony in a church. After that, the family >held< a traditional Toraja wedding.

In the morning, the bride and groom >went< to the church with their parents and other family members. Many friends and relatives also >came<. The bride >wore< a beautiful white dress, and the groom >wore< a dark suit. The pastor >led< the ceremony. The couple >said< their wedding promises and >exchanged< rings. They also >prayed< with their families.

After the church ceremony, everyone >went< to the village for the traditional wedding. The bride and groom >changed< into traditional Toraja clothes. Their clothes >had< beautiful colours and special designs.

The traditional wedding >took< place in the village square. Around the square, there >were< open huts where local people >sat< and >watched< the celebration. The couple and their parents >sat< on a kind of terrace above the square. From there, they >could< look down at the people below.

Music >filled< the village square. People >played< traditional instruments, and groups of people >danced<. The dancers >moved< to the music while many people >watched< them. Family members, friends and local people >enjoyed< the celebration together.

After the ceremony, the guests >walked< up to the couple. We >congratulated< the bride and groom and >wished< them a happy life together. I >was< the only European guest at the wedding. The family >was< very happy to have me there. They >were< interested in me and >asked< me to take a photo with the couple. I >was< very happy about this special moment.

In the background, many women >were< busy preparing the food for the guests. They >cooked< and >prepared< many dishes for the large group of people. Everyone >had< an important job at the wedding.

I really >enjoyed< the wedding. It >was< a wonderful way to see Toraja family life, music, dancing and traditions.

___________________________

Vocabulary:

• a funeral – a time when people come together after someone dies
• a wedding – a day when two people get married
• an experience – something that happens to you
• a bride – a woman who is getting married
• a groom – a man who is getting married
• a family member – a person in your family
• a relative – a person in your family
• a suit – a set of clothes, usually a jacket and trousers
• a pastor – a Christian person who leads church services
• a wedding promise – words that a couple says at a wedding
• a special design – a special way something is made or looks
• a village square – an open place in the middle of a village
• an open hut – a simple building with a roof and open sides
• a celebration – a happy event for a special day
• a terrace – a flat area outside or above the ground
• in the background – behind the main person or thing in a picture
• a dish – food served on a plate or in a bowl

###################

Answer each question with ONE word from the text:

1. Where did the writer travel in 2023?
   
   >>>YOU WRITE:
   >>>Tana
   
2. Where did the Christian wedding ceremony take place?
3. Who led the ceremony?
4. What did the bride wear?
5. What did the groom wear?
6. What did the couple exchange?
7. Where did the traditional wedding take place?
8. What did the couple wear at the traditional wedding?
9. What had beautiful colours and special designs?
10. What was around the village square?
11. Who sat in the open huts?
12. Who sat on the terrace?
13. What filled the village square?
14. What did people play?
15. What did groups of people do?
16. Who congratulated the bride and groom?
17. Who was the only European guest?
18. What did the family ask the writer to take?
19. What did the women prepare?
20. What did everyone have at the wedding?

_________________________

Correct answers:

1. Where did the writer travel in 2023?
   Tana
2. Where did the Christian wedding ceremony take place?
   church
3. Who led the ceremony?
   pastor
4. What did the bride wear?
   dress
5. What did the groom wear?
   suit
6. What did the couple exchange?
   rings
7. Where did the traditional wedding take place?
   square
8. What did the couple wear at the traditional wedding?
   clothes
9. What had beautiful colours and special designs?
   clothes
10. What was around the village square?
    huts
11. Who sat in the open huts?
    people
12. Who sat on the terrace?
    couple
13. What filled the village square?
    Music
14. What did people play?
    instruments
15. What did groups of people do?
    danced
16. Who congratulated the bride and groom?
    We
17. Who was the only European guest?
    writer
18. What did the family ask the writer to take?
    photo
19. What did the women prepare?
    food
20. What did everyone have at the wedding?
    job

###################

Find the information in the text and complete the sentences:

1. The writer travelled to __________ __________ in 2023.
2. Tana Toraja is in __________ __________.
3. The writer saw a Toraja funeral and a Toraja __________.
4. The wedding had __________ parts.
5. The couple had a Christian wedding ceremony in a __________.
6. The bride wore a beautiful __________ dress.
7. The groom wore a dark __________.
8. The couple exchanged __________.
9. The traditional wedding took place in the village __________.
10. The couple changed into traditional Toraja __________.
11. Around the square, there were open __________.
12. The couple and their parents sat on a kind of __________.
13. People played traditional __________.
14. Groups of people __________.
15. The writer was the only __________ guest.
16. The family asked the writer to take a __________ with the couple.
17. Many women were busy preparing the __________.
18. The women __________ and prepared many dishes.
19. Everyone had an important __________ at the wedding.
20. The writer really __________ the wedding.

—————————————

Correct version:

1. The writer travelled to Tana Toraja in 2023.
2. Tana Toraja is in South Sulawesi.
3. The writer saw a Toraja funeral and a Toraja wedding.
4. The wedding had two parts.
5. The couple had a Christian wedding ceremony in a church.
6. The bride wore a beautiful white dress.
7. The groom wore a dark suit.
8. The couple exchanged rings.
9. The traditional wedding took place in the village square.
10. The couple changed into traditional Toraja clothes.
11. Around the square, there were open huts.
12. The couple and their parents sat on a kind of terrace.
13. People played traditional instruments.
14. Groups of people danced.
15. The writer was the only European guest.
16. The family asked the writer to take a photo with the couple.
17. Many women were busy preparing the food.
18. The women cooked and prepared many dishes.
19. Everyone had an important job at the wedding.
20. The writer really enjoyed the wedding.

##################

True or false:

1. The traditional wedding took place in the village square.
2. The writer travelled to Tana Toraja during the rainy season.
3. The bride and groom went to the church alone.
4. The pastor led the Christian ceremony.
5. The couple prayed with their families.
6. The couple and their parents sat below the people in the square.
7. Many women were preparing food in the background.
8. The writer was one of several European guests at the wedding.
9. The bride wore a beautiful red dress.
10. The family asked the writer to take a photo with the couple.
11. The writer saw both a Toraja funeral and a Toraja wedding.
12. The wedding had three parts.
13. The dancers moved to the traditional music.
14. The couple exchanged flowers during the church ceremony.
15. The traditional wedding took place after the church ceremony.
16. The writer travelled to Tana Toraja in 2025.
17. The family was very happy to have the writer there.
18. The women prepared food only for the bride and groom.
19. The groom wore a white shirt and jeans.
20. The wedding gave the writer a chance to see Toraja family life and traditions.

________________________

True: 1,4,5,7,10,11,13,15,17,20

________________________

Correct version:

1. The traditional wedding took place in the village square.
2. The writer travelled to Tana Toraja during the rainy season.
   True is: The writer travelled to Tana Toraja in 2023.
3. The bride and groom went to the church alone.
   True is: The bride and groom went to the church with their parents and other family members.
4. The pastor led the Christian ceremony.
5. The couple prayed with their families.
6. The couple and their parents sat below the people in the square.
   True is: The couple and their parents sat on a kind of terrace above the square.
7. Many women were preparing food in the background.
8. The writer was one of several European guests at the wedding.
   True is: The writer was the only European guest at the wedding.
9. The bride wore a beautiful red dress.
   True is: The bride wore a beautiful white dress.
10. The family asked the writer to take a photo with the couple.
11. The writer saw both a Toraja funeral and a Toraja wedding.
12. The wedding had three parts.
    True is: The wedding had two parts.
13. The dancers moved to the traditional music.
14. The couple exchanged flowers during the church ceremony.
    True is: The couple exchanged rings during the church ceremony.
15. The traditional wedding took place after the church ceremony.
16. The writer travelled to Tana Toraja in 2025.
    True is: The writer travelled to Tana Toraja in 2023.
17. The family was very happy to have the writer there.
18. The women prepared food only for the bride and groom.
    True is: The women prepared many dishes for the large group of guests.
19. The groom wore a white shirt and jeans.
    True is: The groom wore a dark suit.
20. The wedding gave the writer a chance to see Toraja family life and traditions.

###################

Match the people (1–10) with the correct actions (a–j):

1. The pastor
2. The bride
3. The groom
4. The couple
5. The dancers
6. Local people
7. The guests
8. The family
9. The writer
10. The women

a. prepared many dishes
b. wore a beautiful white dress
c. led the church ceremony
d. moved to the music
e. wore a dark suit
f. asked the writer to take a photo
g. played traditional instruments
h. exchanged rings
i. congratulated the bride and groom
j. enjoyed the special moment

____________________________

Answer key:
1 c, 2 b, 3 e, 4 h, 5 d, 6 g, 7 i, 8 f, 9 j, 10 a

____________________________

Full version:

The pastor led the church ceremony.

The bride wore a beautiful white dress.

The groom wore a dark suit.

The couple exchanged rings.

The dancers moved to the music.

Local people played traditional instruments.

The guests congratulated the bride and groom.

The family asked the writer to take a photo with the couple.

The writer was very happy about the special moment.

The women prepared many dishes for the guests.

####################

Number the events from 1–10 in the correct order:

1. The bride and groom changed into traditional Toraja clothes.
2. The couple exchanged rings in the church.
3. The guests congratulated the bride and groom.
4. The bride and groom went to the church with their families.
5. The women prepared food for the guests.
6. The family held the traditional Toraja wedding.
7. People played traditional instruments and danced.
8. The couple and their parents sat on a terrace above the square.
9. The family asked the writer to take a photo with the couple.
10. The pastor led the church ceremony.

_________________________

Answer key: 4, 3, 8, 1, 10, 6, 7, 5, 9, 2
_________________________

Correct version:

The bride and groom went to the church with their families.

The pastor led the church ceremony.

The couple exchanged rings in the church.

The bride and groom changed into traditional Toraja clothes.

The family held the traditional Toraja wedding.

The couple and their parents sat on a terrace above the square.

People played traditional instruments and danced.

The guests congratulated the bride and groom.

The family asked the writer to take a photo with the couple.

The women prepared food for the guests.

##################

What Happened? – Match the Two Halves

1. In the morning, the bride and groom went to the church
2. The pastor
3. The couple said their wedding promises
4. After the church ceremony, everyone went to the village
5. The bride and groom changed
6. The traditional wedding took place
7. The couple and their parents sat
8. People played traditional instruments
9. The dancers moved to the music
10. After the ceremony, the guests walked up
11. We congratulated the bride and groom
12. The family asked the writer
13. Many women were busy preparing the food
14. The women cooked and prepared many dishes
    

a. and wished them a happy life together.
b. to take a photo with the couple.
c. in the village square.
d. with their parents and other family members.
e. to traditional Toraja clothes.
f. to the couple.
g. and groups of people danced.
h. and prepared many dishes for the large group of people.
i. led the ceremony.
j. while many people watched them.
k. on a kind of terrace above the square.
l. for the traditional wedding.
m. for the guests.
n. and exchanged rings.

________________________

Answer key:
1 d, 2 i, 3 n, 4 l, 5 e, 6 c, 7 k, 8 g,
9 j, 10 f, 11 a, 12 b, 13 m, 14 h
________________________

Full version:

1. In the morning, the bride and groom went to the church with their parents and other family members.
2. The pastor led the ceremony.
3. The couple said their wedding promises and exchanged rings.
4. After the church ceremony, everyone went to the village for the traditional wedding.
5. The bride and groom changed into traditional Toraja clothes.
6. The traditional wedding took place in the village square.
7. The couple and their parents sat on a kind of terrace above the square.
8. People played traditional instruments and groups of people danced.
9. The dancers moved to the music while many people watched them.
10. After the ceremony, the guests walked up to the couple.
11. We congratulated the bride and groom and wished them a happy life together.
12. The family asked the writer to take a photo with the couple.
13. Many women were busy preparing the food for the guests.
14. The women cooked and prepared many dishes for the large group of people.

##################

Interview – match the questions and answers

Questions

1. Where did you travel in 2023?
2. What did you see during your visit?
3. How many parts did the wedding have?
4. Where was the Christian ceremony?
5. Who led the ceremony?
6. What did the couple exchange?
7. What clothes did the bride and groom wear?
8. Where did the traditional wedding take place?
9. What did people do during the celebration?
10. Who congratulated the bride and groom?
11. Why did the family ask you to take a photo?
12. How did you feel about the wedding?

Answers

a. The village square was the place for the traditional wedding.
b. The guests gave their congratulations to the bride and groom.
c. I was very happy about this special moment.
d. Traditional Toraja clothes were their clothes for the second ceremony.
e. The pastor was the leader of the ceremony.
f. There were two parts to the wedding.
g. Traditional music and dancing were part of the celebration.
h. A Toraja funeral and a Toraja wedding were part of my visit.
i. The family was interested in me and wanted a photo with the couple.
j. The Christian ceremony took place in a church.
k. The couple exchanged rings.
l. My destination was Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

_________________________

Answer key:
1 l, 2 h, 3 f, 4 j, 5 e, 6 k, 7 d,
8 a, 9 g, 10 b, 11 i, 12 c
________________________

Correct version:

1. Interviewer: Where did you travel in 2023?
   Writer: My destination was Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
2. Interviewer: What did you see during your visit?
   Writer: A Toraja funeral and a Toraja wedding were part of my visit.
3. Interviewer: How many parts did the wedding have?
   Writer: There were two parts to the wedding.
4. Interviewer: Where was the Christian ceremony?
   Writer: The Christian ceremony took place in a church.
5. Interviewer: Who led the ceremony?
   Writer: The pastor was the leader of the ceremony.
6. Interviewer: What did the couple exchange?
   Writer: The couple exchanged rings.
7. Interviewer: What clothes did the bride and groom wear?
   Writer: Traditional Toraja clothes were their clothes for the second ceremony.
8. Interviewer: Where did the traditional wedding take place?
   Writer: The village square was the place for the traditional wedding.
9. Interviewer: What did people do during the celebration?
   Writer: Traditional music and dancing were part of the celebration.
10. Interviewer: Who congratulated the bride and groom?
    Writer: The guests gave their congratulations to the bride and groom.
11. Interviewer: Why did the family ask you to take a photo?
    Writer: The family was interested in me and wanted a photo with the couple.
12. Interviewer: How did you feel about the wedding?
    Writer: I was very happy about this special moment.

##################

Fill in, words below:

travelled · wedding · two · church · led · exchanged ·
village · clothes · square · danced ·
terrace · congratulated ·
photo · food

1. In 2023, I __________ to Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
2. During my visit, I had the chance to see a Toraja funeral and a Toraja __________.
3. The wedding had __________ parts.
4. The couple had a Christian wedding ceremony in a __________.
5. The pastor __________ the ceremony.
6. The couple said their wedding promises and __________ rings.
7. After the church ceremony, everyone went to the __________ for the traditional wedding.
8. The bride and groom changed into traditional Toraja __________.
9. The traditional wedding took place in the village __________.
10. People played traditional instruments, and groups of people __________.
11. The couple and their parents sat on a kind of __________ above the square.
12. The guests walked up to the couple and __________ them.
13. The family asked me to take a __________ with the couple.
14. Many women were busy preparing the __________ for the guests.

——————————————

Correct version:

1. In 2023, I –travelled– to Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
2. During my visit, I had the chance to see a Toraja funeral and a Toraja –wedding-.
3. The wedding had –two– parts.
4. The couple had a Christian wedding ceremony in a –church-.
5. The pastor –led– the ceremony.
6. The couple said their wedding promises and –exchanged– rings.
7. After the church ceremony, everyone went to the –village– for the traditional wedding.
8. The bride and groom changed into traditional Toraja –clothes-.
9. The traditional wedding took place in the village –square-.
10. People played traditional instruments, and groups of people –danced-.
11. The couple and their parents sat on a kind of –terrace– above the square.
12. The guests walked up to the couple and –congratulated– them.
13. The family asked me to take a –photo– with the couple.
14. Many women were busy preparing the –food– for the guests.

##################

##################

Summary in B2:

A Toraja Wedding

In 2023, I travelled to Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, where I had the opportunity to experience both a Toraja funeral and a traditional wedding. The wedding was particularly memorable because it brought together Christian traditions and important elements of Toraja culture.

The day began with a Christian ceremony in a local church. The bride wore an elegant white dress, while the groom was dressed in a dark suit. Their parents, relatives, and friends attended the ceremony. The pastor led the service, during which the couple exchanged rings, made their wedding promises, and prayed together with their families.

After the church ceremony, the celebrations continued in the village. The bride and groom changed into colourful traditional Toraja clothes featuring distinctive designs. The main celebration took place in the village square, which was surrounded by open huts where local people gathered to watch. The couple and their parents sat on a raised terrace overlooking the square.

Traditional music and dancing created a lively atmosphere as family members, friends, and villagers celebrated together. Afterwards, guests approached the couple to offer their congratulations and good wishes.

As the only European guest, I attracted considerable interest from the family. They invited me to have a photograph taken with the newlyweds, which became one of the most memorable moments of my visit. Meanwhile, women prepared a variety of dishes for the guests.

The wedding gave me a fascinating insight into Toraja family life, traditions, and community spirit.

##################

##################

Please use the box below
to write your feedback.
Only I can read it.
It is not public.

Please tell me:

• Are the texts and exercises OK?
• Are the topics OK?
• Is the level OK?
• Is it too easy or too difficult?
• Do you want texts about other topics?

Thank you! I appreciate your feedback.

##################

##################

##################

Remember how babies
learn a language:

Babies learn a language by listening.
They use their ears to hear sounds.
Their brain remembers these sounds.
Babies connect sounds with people and things.
They listen to their parents.
Then they copy the sounds they hear. They imitate words.
Slowly, babies learn to speak.

So,
LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN………………

• very exhausting, very……………..

Before starting the exercise make sure you are familiar
with past simple
(negation, question, short answer)!

Fill in, verbs in past simple:

In 2023, I _____ (visit) the Baduy people in Banten, Indonesia. It _____ (be) a very special experience, but it _____ (be) also one of the most exhausting journeys I have ever made.

When I _____ (arrive), I first _____ (meet) the oldest and most important man in the village. He _____ (be) the village leader. Before I could visit the area, I _____ (have) to ask him for permission. He _____ (welcome) me and _____ (explain) some of the rules. I _____ (learn) that the Baduy area has two main parts, or circles.

The Outer Baduy area is open to visitors. Tourists can walk through the villages, meet people and learn about their traditional way of life. The Inner Baduy area is much more traditional. Tourists are not allowed to enter this area. The people there follow their old traditions very strictly.

After getting permission, I _____ (start) my walk through the Outer Baduy area. The walk _____ (take) about five hours, and it _____ (be) extremely difficult. I _____ (have) to walk thousands of steps. The path _____ (go) constantly up and down, with steep hills in both directions. I _____ (climb) up one hill and then _____ (walk) down again, only to climb another hill a few minutes later.

The path _____ (go) through the jungle, across small streams and over rough ground. There _____ (be) no normal roads and no cars. Some parts _____ (be) narrow, uneven and slippery. After several hours, my legs _____ (become) very tired. The heat and humidity _____ (make) everything even harder. I _____ (be) sweating heavily and _____ (need) to stop several times to rest.

When I _____ (reach) the villages, I _____ (see) how different the Baduy way of life _____ (be). The traditional Baduy do not use metal and avoid many modern things. There are no TVs, radios or mobile phones in their traditional communities. They live in simple houses and use natural materials. They have very few modern things and follow the traditions of their ancestors.

Despite the difficult walk, I _____ (enjoy) the beautiful nature. I _____ (see) green forests, traditional houses and people living a very simple life. The area _____ (be) quiet, and I _____ (feel) very far away from modern life.

After five hours, I _____ (be) completely exhausted. My legs _____ (be) tired, but I _____ (be) very happy that I _____ (make) the journey. Visiting the Baduy people _____ (show) me a very different way of life. The thousands of steps, the jungle and the constant climb up and down _____ (make) the journey extremely hard, but it _____ (be) an experience I will never forget.

——————————

Correct version:

In 2023, I visited the Baduy people in Banten, Indonesia. It was a very special experience, but it was also one of the most exhausting journeys I have ever made.

When I arrived, I first met the oldest and most important man in the village. He was the village leader. Before I could visit the area, I had to ask him for permission. He welcomed me and explained some of the rules. I learned that the Baduy area has two main parts, or circles.

The Outer Baduy area is open to visitors. Tourists can walk through the villages, meet people and learn about their traditional way of life. The Inner Baduy area is much more traditional. Tourists are not allowed to enter this area. The people there follow their old traditions very strictly.

After getting permission, I started my walk through the Outer Baduy area. The walk took about five hours, and it was extremely difficult. I had to walk thousands of steps. The path went constantly up and down, with steep hills in both directions. I climbed up one hill and then walked down again, only to climb another hill a few minutes later.

The path went through the jungle, across small streams and over rough ground. There were no normal roads and no cars. Some parts were narrow, uneven and slippery. After several hours, my legs became very tired. The heat and humidity made everything even harder. I was sweating heavily and needed to stop several times to rest.

When I reached the villages, I saw how different the Baduy way of life was. The traditional Baduy do not use metal and avoid many modern things. There are no TVs, radios or mobile phones in their traditional communities. They live in simple houses and use natural materials. They have very few modern things and follow the traditions of their ancestors.

Despite the difficult walk, I enjoyed the beautiful nature. I saw green forests, traditional houses and people living a very simple life. The area was quiet, and I felt very far away from modern life.

After five hours, I was completely exhausted. My legs were tired, but I was very happy that I had made the journey. Visiting the Baduy people showed me a very different way of life. The thousands of steps, the jungle and the constant climb up and down made the journey extremely hard, but it was an experience I will never forget.

#####################

#####################

Verbs in text, irregular ones in bold:

#####################

Vocabulary:

• exhaustion – a very tired feeling
• an experience – something that happens to you
• exhausting – making you very tired
• a journey – a trip from one place to another
• to ask for permission – to ask if you can do something
• rules – things that tell you what you can or cannot do
• to enter an area – to go into a place
• to follow traditions strictly – to do traditions exactly as people usually do them
• permission – the right to do something
• a stream – a small river
• rough ground – ground that is not smooth
• narrow – not wide
• uneven – not flat or smooth
• slippery – difficult to stand or walk on because it is smooth or wet
• humidity – water in the air
• a community – a group of people who live in the same place
• an ancestor – a person in your family who lived a long time ago
• despite – even though something is true

#####################

True or false

1. The path crossed small streams and rough ground.
2. The village leader gave the writer a map of the area.
3. The writer enjoyed seeing the beautiful nature.
4. The writer travelled to the Baduy area during the rainy season.
5. The Inner Baduy area is much more traditional than the Outer Baduy area.
6. The writer’s legs felt fresh after several hours of walking.
7. Traditional Baduy communities do not use TVs, radios or mobile phones.
8. The writer had to ask for permission before visiting the area.
9. The writer decided that the difficult journey was not worth making.
10. The writer had to walk thousands of steps during the journey.
11. The village leader was the oldest and most important man in the village.
12. The path through the area was wide and completely smooth.
13. The writer was happy that he had made the journey.
14. The writer learned that the Baduy area has three main parts.
15. The writer visited the Baduy people in Banten, Indonesia.
16. The writer’s legs became very tired after several hours.
17. The people in the Inner Baduy area follow modern lifestyles.
18. The writer spent the whole journey travelling by car.
19. The writer thought the natural surroundings were boring.
20. Traditional Baduy communities have many modern electronic devices.

____________________________

True: 1,3,5,7,8,10,11,13,15,16,

____________________________

Full version:

1. The path crossed small streams and rough ground.
2. The village leader gave the writer a map of the area. True is: The village leader explained some of the rules.
3. The writer enjoyed seeing the beautiful nature.
4. The writer travelled to the Baduy area during the rainy season. True is: The writer visited the Baduy people in 2023.
5. The Inner Baduy area is much more traditional than the Outer Baduy area.
6. The writer’s legs felt fresh after several hours of walking. True is: The writer’s legs became very tired after several hours.
7. Traditional Baduy communities do not use TVs, radios or mobile phones.
8. The writer had to ask for permission before visiting the area.
9. The writer decided that the difficult journey was not worth making. True is: The writer was happy that he had made the journey.
10. The writer had to walk thousands of steps during the journey.
11. The village leader was the oldest and most important man in the village.
12. The path through the area was wide and completely smooth. True is: Some parts were narrow, uneven and slippery.
13. The writer was happy that he had made the journey.
14. The writer learned that the Baduy area has three main parts. True is: The Baduy area has two main parts, or circles.
15. The writer visited the Baduy people in Banten, Indonesia.
16. The writer’s legs became very tired after several hours.
17. The people in the Inner Baduy area follow modern lifestyles. True is: The people there follow their old traditions very strictly.
18. The writer spent the whole journey travelling by car. True is: The path went through the jungle, across small streams and over rough ground.
19. The writer thought the natural surroundings were boring. True is: The writer enjoyed the beautiful nature.
20. Traditional Baduy communities have many modern electronic devices. True is: There are no TVs, radios or mobile phones in their traditional communities.

####################

Matching questions and answers

Questions

1. Where did the writer visit the Baduy people?
2. When did the writer visit the Baduy people?
3. Who was the oldest and most important man in the village?
4. What did the writer have to ask for before visiting the area?
5. How many main parts does the Baduy area have?
6. Which Baduy area is open to visitors?
7. How long did the walk take?
8. What did the path go through?
9. What made the walk even harder?
10. What modern things are not found in traditional Baduy communities?
11. What did the writer see during the journey?
12. How did the writer feel after five hours?

Answers

A. The village leader.
B. Five hours.
C. Banten, Indonesia.
D. Green forests, traditional houses and people living a simple life.
E. In 2023.
F. Permission.
G. Two main parts, or circles.
H. The Outer Baduy area.
I. The jungle, small streams and rough ground.
J. The heat and humidity.
K. TVs, radios and mobile phones.
L. Completely exhausted.

____________________________

Answers:

____________________________

Correct matches:

1. Where did the writer visit the Baduy people? – Banten, Indonesia.
2. When did the writer visit the Baduy people? – In 2023.
3. Who was the oldest and most important man in the village? – The village leader.
4. What did the writer have to ask for before visiting the area? – Permission.
5. How many main parts does the Baduy area have? – Two main parts, or circles.
6. Which Baduy area is open to visitors? – The Outer Baduy area.
7. How long did the walk take? – Five hours.
8. What did the path go through? – The jungle, small streams and rough ground.
9. What made the walk even harder? – The heat and humidity.
10. What modern things are not found in traditional Baduy communities? – TVs, radios and mobile phones.
11. What did the writer see during the journey? – Green forests, traditional houses and people living a simple life.
12. How did the writer feel after five hours? – Completely exhausted.

#####################

Find what the bold word refers to in the text:

1. “It was a very special experience.”
   It = __________________
2. “He was the village leader.”
   He = __________________
3. “I had to ask him for permission.”
   him = __________________
4. “He welcomed me and explained some of the rules.”
   He = __________________
5. “The people there follow their old traditions very strictly.”
   there = __________________
6. “The walk took about five hours, and it was extremely difficult.”
   it = __________________
7. “I had to walk thousands of steps.”
   I = __________________
8. “The path went constantly up and down…”
   The path = __________________
9. “Some parts were narrow, uneven and slippery.”
   Some parts = __________________
10. “They live in simple houses and use natural materials.”
    They = __________________
11. “They have very few modern things…”
    They = __________________
12. “The area was quiet…”
    The area = __________________
13. “…and I felt very far away from modern life.”
    I = __________________
14. “My legs were tired, but I was very happy…”
    My legs = __________________
15. “…but it was an experience I will never forget.”
    it = __________________

———————————————–

Correct version:

1. “It was a very special experience.”
   It = the journey
2. “He was the village leader.”
   He = the village leader
3. “I had to ask him for permission.”
   him = the village leader
4. “He welcomed me and explained some of the rules.”
   He = the village leader
5. “The people there follow their old traditions very strictly.”
   there = in the Inner Baduy area
6. “The walk took about five hours, and it was extremely difficult.”
   it = the walk
7. “I had to walk thousands of steps.”
   I = the writer
8. “The path went constantly up and down…”
   The path = the path through the Outer Baduy area
9. “Some parts were narrow, uneven and slippery.”
   Some parts = some parts of the path
10. “They live in simple houses and use natural materials.”
    They = the traditional Baduy
11. “They have very few modern things…”
    They = the traditional Baduy
12. “The area was quiet…”
    The area = the Baduy area
13. “…and I felt very far away from modern life.”
    I = the writer
14. “My legs were tired, but I was very happy…”
    My legs = the writer’s legs
15. “…but it was an experience I will never forget.”
    it = the journey

#########################

Choose the correct ending

1. In 2023, the writer visited …
2. The village leader was …
3. Before visiting the area, the writer had to …
4. The Baduy area has …
5. The Outer Baduy area …
6. The Inner Baduy area …
7. The walk through the Outer Baduy area took …
8. The path went constantly …
9. Some parts of the path were …
10. The heat and humidity …
11. Traditional Baduy communities do not use …
12. The traditional Baduy live …
13. The writer saw …
14. After five hours, the writer was …
15. The journey showed the writer …

Endings

A. completely exhausted.
B. up and down.
C. two main parts, or circles.
D. very few modern things.
E. the Baduy people in Banten, Indonesia.
F. ask the village leader for permission.
G. about five hours.
H. made everything even harder.
I. green forests and traditional houses.
J. is open to visitors.
K. a very different way of life.
L. the oldest and most important man in the village.
M. in simple houses and use natural materials.
N. narrow, uneven and slippery.
O. TVs, radios or mobile phones.

_____________________________

Answers:
1 E, 2 L, 3 F, 4 C, 5 J, 6 D,
7 G, 8 B, 9 N, 10 H, 11 O,
12 M, 13 I, 14 A, 15 K
_____________________________

Correct version:

1. In 2023, the writer visited the Baduy people in Banten, Indonesia.
2. The village leader was the oldest and most important man in the village.
3. Before visiting the area, the writer had to ask the village leader for permission.
4. The Baduy area has two main parts, or circles.
5. The Outer Baduy area is open to visitors.
6. The Inner Baduy area has very few modern things.
7. The walk through the Outer Baduy area took about five hours.
8. The path went constantly up and down.
9. Some parts of the path were narrow, uneven and slippery.
10. The heat and humidity made everything even harder.
11. Traditional Baduy communities do not use TVs, radios or mobile phones.
12. The traditional Baduy live in simple houses and use natural materials.
13. The writer saw green forests and traditional houses.
14. After five hours, the writer was completely exhausted.
15. The journey showed the writer a very different way of life.

######################

Cause and Effect

Cause = why something happens.
Effect = what happens because of it.

Example:
Cause: The path was steep.
Effect: The walk was very difficult.

Now match each cause (1–12) with the correct effect (A–L).

Causes

1. The writer wanted to visit the Baduy area.
2. The village leader welcomed the writer.
3. The Outer Baduy area is open to visitors.
4. The path went constantly up and down.
5. The writer walked thousands of steps.
6. The path went through the jungle, across small streams and over rough ground.
7. Some parts of the path were narrow, uneven and slippery.
8. The heat and humidity made the walk harder.
9. The writer walked for several hours.
10. Traditional Baduy communities avoid many modern things.
11. The writer saw the beautiful nature.
12. The journey was extremely difficult.

Effects

A. The writer learned some of the rules.
B. Tourists can walk through the villages.
C. The writer had to ask the village leader for permission.
D. The writer enjoyed the beautiful nature.
E. The writer had to walk carefully.
F. The area had no normal roads and no cars.
G. The writer climbed up and down hills many times.
H. The writer’s legs became very tired.
I. The writer needed to stop several times to rest.
J. There were no TVs, radios or mobile phones in their traditional communities.
K. The writer felt very far away from modern life.
L. The writer was completely exhausted.

___________________________

Answers:
1 C, 2 A, 3 B, 4 G, 5 H, 6 F,
7 E, 8 I, 9 I, 10 J, 11 D, 12 L
__________________________

Correct matches:

The writer wanted to visit the Baduy area. The Effect is: The writer had to ask the village leader for permission.

The village leader welcomed the writer. The Effect is: The writer learned some of the rules.

The Outer Baduy area is open to visitors. The Effect is: Tourists can walk through the villages.

The path went constantly up and down. The Effect is: The writer climbed up and down hills many times.

The writer walked thousands of steps. The Effect is: The writer’s legs became very tired.

The path went through the jungle, across small streams and over rough ground. The Effect is: The area had no normal roads and no cars.

Some parts of the path were narrow, uneven and slippery. The Effect is: The writer had to walk carefully.

The heat and humidity made the walk harder. The Effect is: The writer needed to stop several times to rest.

The writer walked for several hours. The Effect is: The writer was sweating heavily.

Traditional Baduy communities avoid many modern things. The Effect is: There were no TVs, radios or mobile phones in their traditional communities.

The writer saw the beautiful nature. The Effect is: The writer enjoyed the beautiful nature.

The journey was extremely difficult. The Effect is: The writer was completely exhausted.

#####################

Compare the Outer Baduy area and the Inner Baduy area. Complete the sentences using information from the text.

1. The Outer Baduy area is open to __________, but tourists are not allowed to enter the Inner Baduy __________.
2. Tourists can walk through the Outer Baduy __________, but they cannot enter the Inner Baduy __________.
3. In the Outer Baduy area, tourists can meet __________, but they are not allowed to enter the Inner Baduy area.
4. The Outer Baduy area is open to visitors, while the Inner Baduy area is much more __________.
5. People in the Inner Baduy area follow their old __________ very strictly, while tourists can learn about the Baduy traditional way of __________.
6. The Outer Baduy area is open to __________, but the Inner Baduy area is not open to __________.
7. Tourists can visit the __________ Baduy area, but they are not allowed to enter the __________ Baduy area.
8. The Outer Baduy area allows tourists to walk through the __________, while tourists cannot enter the Inner Baduy __________.
9. The Baduy area has two main __________, or circles: the Outer Baduy and the Inner Baduy.
10. Tourists can enter the Outer Baduy area, but they are not allowed to __________ the Inner Baduy area.

——————————————–

Answers: 1 visitors, area; 2 villages, area; 3 people; 4 traditional; 5 traditions, life; 6 visitors, visitors; 7 Outer, Inner; 8 villages, area; 9 parts; 10 enter

___________________________

Correct version:

The Outer Baduy area is open to visitors, but tourists are not allowed to enter the Inner Baduy area.

Tourists can walk through the Outer Baduy villages, but they cannot enter the Inner Baduy area.

In the Outer Baduy area, tourists can meet people, but they are not allowed to enter the Inner Baduy area.

The Outer Baduy area is open to visitors, while the Inner Baduy area is much more traditional.

People in the Inner Baduy area follow their old traditions very strictly, while tourists can learn about the Baduy traditional way of life.

The Outer Baduy area is open to visitors, but the Inner Baduy area is not open to visitors.

Tourists can visit the Outer Baduy area, but they are not allowed to enter the Inner Baduy area.

The Outer Baduy area allows tourists to walk through the villages, while tourists cannot enter the Inner Baduy area.

The Baduy area has two main parts, or circles: the Outer Baduy and the Inner Baduy.

Tourists can enter the Outer Baduy area, but they are not allowed to enter the Inner Baduy area.

######################

Matching questions and answers

Questions

1. Where did the writer travel in 2023?
2. Who was the village leader?
3. What did the writer need before visiting the area?
4. How many main parts does the Baduy area have?
5. Which part is open to tourists?
6. How long did the walk take?
7. What did the path go through?
8. What made the journey harder?
9. What happened to the writer’s legs after several hours?
10. What modern things are missing in traditional Baduy communities?
11. What did the writer see in the area?
12. How did the writer feel after the journey?

Answers

A. Green forests, traditional houses and people living a simple life.
B. The oldest and most important man in the village.
C. Permission from the village leader.
D. Two main parts, or circles.
E. The Outer Baduy area.
F. About five hours.
G. The jungle, small streams and rough ground.
H. The heat and humidity.
I. They became very tired.
J. TVs, radios and mobile phones.
K. Beautiful nature and a different way of life.
L. Completely exhausted but very happy.

__________________________

Answers:
1 E, 2 B, 3 C, 4 D, 5 E, 6 F,
7 G, 8 H, 9 I, 10 J, 11 A, 12 L

###################

Put the events in order

A. The writer started the walk through the Outer Baduy area.
B. The writer became completely exhausted.
C. The writer met the village leader.
D. The writer saw traditional houses and green forests.
E. The writer asked for permission to visit the area.
F. The writer learned about the two main parts of the Baduy area.
G. The writer walked through the jungle and across small streams.
H. The writer reached the villages.

__________________________

Answers: C, E, F, A, G, H, D, B

__________________________

Correct version:

1. (C) The writer met the village leader.
2. (E) The writer asked for permission to visit the area.
3. (F) The writer learned about the two main parts of the Baduy area.
4. (A) The writer started the walk through the Outer Baduy area.
5. (G) The writer walked through the jungle and across small streams.
6. (H) The writer reached the villages.
7. (D) The writer saw traditional houses and green forests.
8. (B) The writer became completely exhausted.

###################

Read each statement. Match it with the correct evidence from the text.

Statements

1. The writer had a very special time in Banten.
2. The village leader had an important role.
3. The writer needed approval before going into the area.
4. There are two different parts of the Baduy land.
5. Visitors can go into one part of the Baduy area.
6. The five-hour walk was very hard.
7. The path was difficult in some places.
8. The weather conditions made the walk more difficult.
9. Traditional Baduy people have very few things from modern life.
10. The writer liked the natural surroundings.

Evidence

A. “The heat and humidity made everything even harder.”
B. “I learned that the Baduy area has two main parts, or circles.”
C. “They have very few modern things and follow the traditions of their ancestors.”
D. “He was the village leader.”
E. “Despite the difficult walk, I enjoyed the beautiful nature.”
F. “Some parts were narrow, uneven and slippery.”
G. “Before I could visit the area, I had to ask him for permission.”
H. “The Outer Baduy area is open to visitors.”
I. “The walk took about five hours, and it was extremely difficult.”
J. “It was a very special experience, but it was also one of the most exhausting journeys I have ever made.”

____________________________

Answers:
1 J, 2 D, 3 G, 4 B, 5 H,
6 I, 7 F, 8 A, 9 C, 10 E

___________________________

Full version:

1. The writer had a very special time in Banten. Evidence: “It was a very special experience, but it was also one of the most exhausting journeys I have ever made.”
2. The village leader had an important role. Evidence: “He was the village leader.”
3. The writer needed approval before going into the area. Evidence: “Before I could visit the area, I had to ask him for permission.”
4. There are two different parts of the Baduy land. Evidence: “I learned that the Baduy area has two main parts, or circles.”
5. Visitors can go into one part of the Baduy area. Evidence: “The Outer Baduy area is open to visitors.”
6. The five-hour walk was very hard. Evidence: “The walk took about five hours, and it was extremely difficult.”
7. The path was difficult in some places. Evidence: “Some parts were narrow, uneven and slippery.”
8. The weather conditions made the walk more difficult. Evidence: “The heat and humidity made everything even harder.”
9. Traditional Baduy people have very few things from modern life. Evidence: “They have very few modern things and follow the traditions of their ancestors.”
10. The writer liked the natural surroundings. Evidence: “Despite the difficult walk, I enjoyed the beautiful nature.”

#####################

Interview, match question and answer:

Questions

1. Where did you travel in 2023?
2. Who was the oldest and most important man in the village?
3. What did you need before the visit?
4. How many main parts does the Baduy area have?
5. Which part is open to tourists?
6. How long did the walk take?
7. What was the path like?
8. What made the journey harder?
9. What happened to your legs after several hours?
10. What modern things are not in traditional Baduy communities?
11. What did you see in the area?
12. How did you feel after five hours?

Answers

A. The heat and humidity made the journey harder.
B. I visited the Baduy area in Banten, Indonesia.
C. The Outer Baduy area is open to tourists.
D. I was completely exhausted, but I was very happy.
E. The village leader was the oldest and most important man in the village.
F. The path had narrow, uneven and slippery parts.
G. Traditional Baduy communities have no TVs, radios or mobile phones.
H. The Baduy area has two main parts, or circles.
I. I had permission from the village leader.
J. My legs became very tired.
K. I noticed green forests, traditional houses and people living a simple life.
L. The walk lasted about five hours.

____________________________

Answers:
1 B, 2 E, 3 I, 4 H, 5 C, 6 L, 7 F,
8 A, 9 J, 10 G, 11 K, 12 D

____________________________

Corrrect dialogue:

Interviewer: Where did you travel in 2023?
Writer: I visited the Baduy area in Banten, Indonesia.

Interviewer: Who was the oldest and most important man in the village?
Writer: The village leader was the oldest and most important man in the village.

Interviewer: What did you need before the visit?
Writer: I had permission from the village leader.

Interviewer: How many main parts does the Baduy area have?
Writer: The Baduy area has two main parts, or circles.

Interviewer: Which part is open to tourists?
Writer: The Outer Baduy area is open to tourists.

Interviewer: How long did the walk take?
Writer: The walk lasted about five hours.

Interviewer: What was the path like?
Writer: The path had narrow, uneven and slippery parts.

Interviewer: What made the journey harder?
Writer: The heat and humidity made everything harder.

Interviewer: What happened to your legs after several hours?
Writer: My legs became very tired.

Interviewer: What modern things are not in traditional Baduy communities?
Writer: Traditional Baduy communities have no TVs, radios or mobile phones.

Interviewer: What did you see in the area?
Writer: I noticed green forests, traditional houses and people living a simple life.

Interviewer: How did you feel after five hours?
Writer: I was completely exhausted, but I was very happy.

##################

##################

##################

##################

Please use the box below
to write your feedback.
Only I can read it.
It is not public.

Please tell me:

• Are the texts and exercises OK?
• Are the topics OK?
• Is the level OK?
• Is it too easy or too difficult?
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Thank you! I appreciate your feedback.

##################

##################

##################

Remember how babies
learn a language:

Babies learn a language by listening.
They use their ears to hear sounds.
Their brain remembers these sounds.
Babies connect sounds with people and things.
They listen to their parents.
Then they copy the sounds they hear. They imitate words.
Slowly, babies learn to speak.

So,
LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN………………

• Toraja, a must-see

Before starting the exercise make sure you are familiar
with past simple
(negation, question, short answer)!

#################

#################

###################

Fill in the correct form of the verb in brackets – past simple:

In 2023, I ______ (travel) to Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. I ______ (visit) the area during the dry season and ______ (see) a traditional Rambu Solo funeral ceremony. It ______ (be) a very special experience, and I ______ (learn) a lot about Toraja culture.

When I ______ (arrive), many people ______ (be) already there. Family members ______ (come) from different places for the ceremony. They ______ (prepare) food and places for the guests. People from the village also ______ (help) the family.

The ceremony ______ (last) for several days. Many people ______ (come) to the funeral. They ______ (talk), ______ (eat) together, ______ (pray), and ______ (remember) the person who ______ (die). I also ______ (see) traditional clothes, songs, and dances.

I ______ (see) many buffaloes and pigs at the ceremony. Some animals ______ (be) killed during the funeral. Their meat ______ (be) shared with family members, guests, and people from the village. The animals ______ (be) an important part of the ceremony, and I ______ (understand) that the family ______ (want) to share the food with the community.

I also ______ (learn) something interesting about buffalo horns. After a buffalo ______ (be) killed, its horns ______ (could / be) kept and placed on the front of a traditional house. When I ______ (walk) past some houses, I ______ (see) many horns next to each other. The horns ______ (show) the family’s wealth and social position. In general, a house with more buffalo horns ______ (show) that the family ______ (have) a higher position in society.

Later, I ______ (visit) an area with graves in rocks. I ______ (see) wooden figures called tau tau near some graves. They ______ (represent) people who ______ (die). I ______ (find) the graves and the wooden figures very interesting.

The funeral ______ (show) me how important family and community ______ (be) in Toraja culture. Many people ______ (come) together to remember a family member and ______ (support) each other. It ______ (be) one of the most interesting cultural experiences of my trip to Indonesia.

———————————-

Correct version:

In 2023, I __t_r_a_v_e_l_l_e_d__ (travel) to Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. I __v_i_s_i_t_e_d__ (visit) the area during the dry season and __s_a_w__ (see) a traditional Rambu Solo funeral ceremony. It __w_a_s__ (be) a very special experience, and I __l_e_a_r_n_e_d__ (learn) a lot about Toraja culture.

When I __a_r_r_i_v_e_d__ (arrive), many people __w_e_r_e__ (be) already there. Family members __c_a_m_e__ (come) from different places for the ceremony. They __p_r_e_p_a_r_e_d__ (prepare) food and places for the guests. People from the village also __h_e_l_p_e_d__ (help) the family.

The ceremony __l_a_s_t_e_d__ (last) for several days. Many people __c_a_m_e__ (come) to the funeral. They __t_a_l_k_e_d__ (talk), __e_a_t__ (eat) together, __p_r_a_y_e_d__ (pray), and __r_e_m_e_m_b_e_r_e_d__ (remember) the person who __d_i_e_d__ (die). I also __s_a_w__ (see) traditional clothes, songs, and dances.

I __s_a_w__ (see) many buffaloes and pigs at the ceremony. Some animals __w_e_r_e__ (be) killed during the funeral. Their meat __w_a_s__ (be) shared with family members, guests, and people from the village. The animals __w_e_r_e__ (be) an important part of the ceremony, and I __u_n_d_e_r_s_t_o_o_d__ (understand) that the family __w_a_n_t_e_d__ (want) to share the food with the community.

I also __l_e_a_r_n_e_d__ (learn) something interesting about buffalo horns. After a buffalo __w_a_s__ (be) killed, its horns __c_o_u_l_d__ (could) be kept and placed on the front of a traditional house. When I __w_a_l_k_e_d__ (walk) past some houses, I __s_a_w__ (see) many horns next to each other. The horns __s_h_o_w_e_d__ (show) the family’s wealth and social position. In general, a house with more buffalo horns __s_h_o_w_e_d__ (show) that the family __h_a_d__ (have) a higher position in society.

Later, I __v_i_s_i_t_e_d__ (visit) an area with graves in rocks. I __s_a_w__ (see) wooden figures called tau tau near some graves. They __r_e_p_r_e_s_e_n_t_e_d__ (represent) people who __d_i_e_d__ (die). I __f_o_u_n_d__ (find) the graves and the wooden figures very interesting.

The funeral __s_h_o_w_e_d__ (show) me how important family and community __w_e_r_e__ (be) in Toraja culture. Many people __c_a_m_e__ (come) together to remember a family member and __s_u_p_p_o_r_t_e_d__ (support) each other. It __w_a_s__ (be) one of the most interesting cultural experiences of my trip to Indonesia.

#####################

True or false:

1. The ceremony lasted for only one day.
2. The writer saw a traditional Rambu Solo funeral ceremony.
3. The writer travelled to Tana Toraja in 2023.
4. The meat was kept only for the family.
5. The writer visited the area during the rainy season.
6. Buffalo horns showed the family’s wealth and social position.
7. Family members came from different places for the ceremony.
8. The wooden figures near the graves were called buffaloes.
9. The writer saw traditional clothes, songs, and dances.
10. Tana Toraja is in Java, Indonesia.
11. The writer saw a traditional wedding ceremony.
12. People from the village helped the family.
13. The writer saw modern clothes, songs, and dances.
14. The writer saw wooden figures called tau tau near some graves.
15. Tana Toraja is in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
16. Family members stayed at home during the ceremony.
17. Buffalo horns showed the family’s age.
18. The ceremony lasted for several days.
19. The writer visited the area during the dry season.
20. The writer travelled to Tana Toraja in 2022.

_________________________

False: 1,4,5,8,10,11,13,16,17,20

__________________________

Correct version:

1. The ceremony lasted for only one day. True is: The ceremony lasted for several days.
2. The writer saw a traditional Rambu Solo funeral ceremony.
3. The writer travelled to Tana Toraja in 2023.
4. The meat was kept only for the family. True is: The meat was shared with family members, guests, and people from the village.
5. The writer visited the area during the rainy season. True is: The writer visited the area during the dry season.
6. Buffalo horns showed the family’s wealth and social position.
7. Family members came from different places for the ceremony.
8. The wooden figures near the graves were called buffaloes. True is: The wooden figures near the graves were called tau tau.
9. The writer saw traditional clothes, songs, and dances.
10. Tana Toraja is in Java, Indonesia. True is: Tana Toraja is in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
11. The writer saw a traditional wedding ceremony. True is: The writer saw a traditional Rambu Solo funeral ceremony.
12. People from the village helped the family.
13. The writer saw modern clothes, songs, and dances. True is: The writer saw traditional clothes, songs, and dances.
14. The writer saw wooden figures called tau tau near some graves.
15. Tana Toraja is in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
16. Family members stayed at home during the ceremony. True is: Family members came from different places for the ceremony.
17. Buffalo horns showed the family’s age. True is: Buffalo horns showed the family’s wealth and social position.
18. The ceremony lasted for several days.
19. The writer visited the area during the dry season.
20. The writer travelled to Tana Toraja in 2022. True is: The writer travelled to Tana Toraja in 2023.

#######################

Match the sentence halves:

1. The writer travelled to Tana Toraja
2. The writer visited the area
3. Family members came from different places
4. People from the village
5. The ceremony lasted
6. Many people came to the funeral
7. The meat was shared with
8. Buffalo horns showed the family’s
9. The wooden figures were called
10. The funeral showed the writer how important family and community
    

A. for the ceremony.
B. wealth and social position.
C. tau tau.
D. during the dry season.
E. helped the family.
F. were in Toraja culture.
G. family members, guests, and people from the village.
H. for several days.
I. in 2023.
J. to remember the person who died.

____________________________

Answers:
1–I, 2–D, 3–A, 4–E, 5–H,
6–J, 7–G, 8–B, 9–C, 10–F
____________________________

Correct version:

The writer travelled to Tana Toraja I. in 2023.

The writer visited the area D. during the dry season.

Family members came from different places A. for the ceremony.

People from the village E. helped the family.

The ceremony lasted H. for several days.

Many people came to the funeral J. to remember the person who died.

The meat was shared with G. family members, guests, and people from the village.

Buffalo horns showed the family’s B. wealth and social position.

The wooden figures were called C. tau tau.

The funeral showed the writer how important family and community F. were in Toraja culture.

#################

Put the events in the correct order:

A. The writer saw wooden figures called tau tau near some graves.
B. The writer learned about buffalo horns and their meaning.
C. The writer travelled to Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi.
D. The writer saw buffaloes and pigs at the funeral.
E. The writer arrived and saw many people at the ceremony.
F. The writer learned how important family and community were in Toraja culture.
G. The writer saw traditional clothes, songs, and dances.

______________________

Answers: C – E – G – D – B – A – F
______________________

(C) The writer travelled to Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi.

(E) The writer arrived and saw many people at the ceremony.

(G) The writer saw traditional clothes, songs, and dances.

(D) The writer saw buffaloes and pigs at the funeral.

(B) The writer learned about buffalo horns and their meaning.

(A) The writer saw wooden figures called tau tau near some graves.

(F) The writer learned how important family and community were in Toraja culture.

################

Find the differences between text A and text B.

Text A

In 2023, I travelled to Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. I visited the area during the dry season and saw a traditional Rambu Solo funeral ceremony. It was a very special experience, and I learned a lot about Toraja culture.

Text B

In 2022, I travelled to Tana Toraja in West Sulawesi, Indonesia. I visited the area during the rainy season and saw a traditional wedding ceremony. It was a very interesting experience, and I learned a lot about Toraja history.

_______________________

Differences:

1. 2023 → 2022
2. South Sulawesi → West Sulawesi
3. dry season → rainy season
4. Rambu Solo funeral ceremony → wedding ceremony
5. special → interesting
6. culture → history

#################

What do the words refer to?

1. “< It > was a very special experience.” _____________
2. “< They > prepared food and places for the guests.” _____________
3. “People from the village also helped < the family >.” _____________
4. “< Their > meat was shared with family members, guests, and people from the village.” _____________
5. “< Its > horns could be kept and placed on the front of a traditional house.” _____________
6. “< The horns > showed the family’s wealth and social position.”
7. “< They > represented people who died.” _____________
8. “I found < the graves and the wooden figures > very interesting.” _____________
9. “< It > was one of the most interesting cultural experiences of my trip to Indonesia.” _____________
10. “Many people came together to remember a family member and supported < each other >.” _____________
11. “< The animals > were an important part of the ceremony.” _____________
12. “< This > showed me how important family and community were in Toraja culture.” _____________

——————————————–

Answers:

1. < It > : the visit to Tana Toraja
2. < They > : family members
3. < the family > : the family of the person who died
4. < Their > : the buffaloes and pigs
5. < its > : a buffalo
6. < The horns > : the buffalo horns
7. < They > : the wooden figures called tau tau
8. < their > : the family and community members
9. < The animals > : the buffaloes and pigs
10. < They > : many people who came to the funeral
11. < each other > : the people who came together
12. < It > : the funeral experience

##################

Read the text, find the information.
Write the answers in the table.

____________________________

Correct answers:

###################

Fact or Opinion

A fact is something that is true and can be checked in the text.

An opinion is what someone thinks or feels.
Different people can have different opinions.

1. The buffalo horns were very interesting.
2. Family members came from different places.
3. The ceremony lasted for several days.
4. The graves in the rocks were amazing.
5. Some animals were killed during the funeral.
6. The traditional clothes were beautiful.
7. The writer travelled to Tana Toraja in 2023.
8. The funeral was very special.
9. The meat was shared with family members, guests, and people from the village.
10. The funeral was one of the most interesting cultural experiences of the writer’s trip.

___________________________

Answers:
1. Opinion, 2. Fact, 3. Fact, 4. Opinion, 5. Fact,
6. Opinion, 7. Fact, 8. Opinion, 9. Fact, 10. Opinion.
___________________________

1. Opinion – The buffalo horns were very interesting. → It describes what the writer thought.
2. Fact – Family members came from different places. → This information is stated in the text.
3. Fact – The ceremony lasted for several days. → This information is stated in the text.
4. Opinion – The graves in the rocks were amazing. → It describes what the writer thought.
5. Fact – Some animals were killed during the funeral. → This information is stated in the text.
6. Opinion – The traditional clothes were beautiful. → It describes what someone thinks about the clothes.
7. Fact – The writer travelled to Tana Toraja in 2023. → This information is stated in the text.
8. Opinion – The funeral was very special. → It describes the writer’s feeling about the funeral.
9. Fact – The meat was shared with family members, guests, and people from the village. → This information is stated in the text.
10. Opinion – The funeral was one of the most interesting cultural experiences of the writer’s trip. → It describes the writer’s opinion.

##################

Choose the correct ending A or B.

1. The writer travelled to Tana Toraja
   A. in 2023.
   B. in 2022.
2. The writer visited the area
   A. during the rainy season.
   B. during the dry season.
3. Family members came from different places
   A. for the ceremony.
   B. for a holiday.
4. The family prepared food and places
   A. for the guests.
   B. for the animals.
5. People from the village
   A. helped the family.
   B. watched from far away.
6. During the funeral, people
   A. talked, ate, prayed, and remembered the person who died.
   B. worked in the fields and went home.
7. The writer saw
   A. traditional clothes, songs, and dances.
   B. modern clothes, music, and films.
8. Some buffaloes and pigs
   A. were killed during the funeral.
   B. were taken to another village.
9. The meat from the animals
   A. was shared with family members, guests, and village people.
   B. was kept only for the family.
10. Buffalo horns could be placed
    A. on the front of a traditional house.
    B. inside a guest room.
11. More buffalo horns on a house showed
    A. a higher family position in society.
    B. a bigger family house.
12. The writer saw many horns
    A. next to each other on some houses.
    B. on the ground near the graves.
13. The wooden figures near some graves were called
    A. tau tau.
    B. Rambu Solo.
14. The graves the writer visited were
    A. in rocks.
    B. under the houses.
15. The funeral showed the writer that
    A. family and community were important in Toraja culture.
    B. people in the village lived far from each other.

________________________

Correct version:

1. The writer travelled to Tana Toraja in 2023.
2. The writer visited the area during the dry season.
3. Family members came from different places for the ceremony.
4. The family prepared food and places for the guests.
5. People from the village helped the family.
6. During the funeral, people talked, ate, prayed, and remembered the person who died.
7. The writer saw traditional clothes, songs, and dances.
8. Some buffaloes and pigs were killed during the funeral.
9. The meat from the animals was shared with family members, guests, and village people.
10. Buffalo horns could be placed on the front of a traditional house.
11. More buffalo horns on a house showed a higher family position in society.
12. The writer saw many horns next to each other on some houses.
13. The wooden figures near some graves were called tau tau.
14. The graves the writer visited were in rocks.
15. The funeral showed the writer that family and community were important in Toraja culture.

##################

Match question and answer:

Questions

1. When did you visit Tana Toraja?
2. Where did you travel?
3. When did you visit the area?
4. What happened there?
5. Who arrived from different places?
6. What did the family do for the guests?
7. How long did the ceremony last?
8. What did people do during the funeral?
9. What happened to some of the animals?
10. Who received the meat?
11. What did the buffalo horns show?
12. Where could the horns go after a buffalo was killed?
13. What name did the wooden figures have?
14. Who did the wooden figures stand for?
15. What was one thing you understood from the funeral?

Answers

a. They were called tau tau.
b. I travelled there in 2023.
c. Family members, guests, and people from the village shared [to give some of something to another person; to use something together with others] the meat.
d. I saw a traditional Rambu Solo funeral ceremony.
e. They could be placed on the front of a traditional house.
f. It continued for several days.
g. Family members came from different places.
h. I learned that family and community were important in Toraja culture.
i. They showed the family’s wealth and social position.
j. I was there during the dry season.
k. Some buffaloes and pigs were killed during the funeral.
l. I visited Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
m. They talked, ate together, prayed, and remembered the person who died.
n. They represented people who died.
o. They prepared food and places for the guests.

__________________________

Answers:
1-b, 2-l, 3-j, 4-d, 5-g, 6-o,
7-f, 8-m, 9-k, 10-c, 11-i,
12-e, 13-a, 14-n, 15-h

_________________________

Correct dialogue:

1. Interviewer: When did you visit Tana Toraja?
   Writer: I travelled there in 2023.
2. Interviewer: Where did you travel?
   Writer: I visited Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
3. Interviewer: When did you visit the area?
   Writer: I was there during the dry season.
4. Interviewer: What happened there?
   Writer: I saw a traditional Rambu Solo funeral ceremony.
5. Interviewer: Who arrived from different places?
   Writer: Family members came from different places.
6. Interviewer: What did the family do for the guests?
   Writer: They prepared food and places for the guests.
7. Interviewer: How long did the ceremony last?
   Writer: It continued for several days.
8. Interviewer: What did people do during the funeral?
   Writer: They talked, ate together, prayed, and remembered the person who died.
9. Interviewer: What happened to some of the animals?
   Writer: Some buffaloes and pigs were killed during the funeral.
10. Interviewer: Who received the meat?
    Writer: Family members, guests, and people from the village shared the meat.
11. Interviewer: What did the buffalo horns show?
    Writer: They showed the family’s wealth and social position.
12. Interviewer: Where could the horns go after a buffalo was killed?
    Writer: They could be placed on the front of a traditional house.
13. Interviewer: What name did the wooden figures have?
    Writer: They were called tau tau.
14. Interviewer: Who did the wooden figures stand for?
    Writer: They represented people who died.
15. Interviewer: What was one thing you understood from the funeral?
    Writer: I learned that family and community were important in Toraja culture.

##################

##################

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Please use the box below
to write your feedback.
Only I can read it.
It is not public.

Please tell me:

• Are the texts and exercises OK?
• Are the topics OK?
• Is the level OK?
• Is it too easy or too difficult?
• Do you want texts about other topics?

Thank you! I appreciate your feedback.

##################

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Remember how babies
learn a language:

Babies learn a language by listening.
They use their ears to hear sounds.
Their brain remembers these sounds.
Babies connect sounds with people and things.
They listen to their parents.
Then they copy the sounds they hear. They imitate words.
Slowly, babies learn to speak.

So,
LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN………………

• October 10 – 12, 2026

Hi Anna,

How are you? I want to tell you about a typical day during Pchum Ben in Cambodia. It is a special time for families, and we visit the pagoda to remember our family members who are no longer alive.

I get up early because the day starts early. My mother prepares rice and other food for the pagoda. My father helps her in the kitchen. My sister and I help too. We put fruit, rice and other food into baskets.

At about seven o’clock, we have breakfast together. Then we put on clean clothes and get ready to leave. We take the food with us and go to the pagoda. Sometimes we walk, and sometimes we go by motorbike.

When we arrive, we take off our shoes and go inside. We sit with other families. We give food to the monks and listen to prayers. We also think about our grandparents and other family members who have died.

After the prayers, we talk to our relatives and friends. There are many people at the pagoda, and everyone is friendly. My sister meets some of her friends, and they play together outside.

Around midday, we go home. My mother prepares lunch, and we eat together. In the afternoon, we rest and visit some relatives.

Pchum Ben is not only about going to the pagoda. It is also a time for families to be together. I really like these days because we spend a lot of time with our family.

Best wishes,

Sokha

______________________________

Vocabulary:

• to remember – to think about a person or thing from the past
• to be alive – to still live; not to be dead
• to prepare something – to make something ready
• a basket – a container for carrying things
• to put on clothes – to dress yourself
• to get ready – to prepare yourself for something
• to take off shoes – to remove your shoes
• to listen to something – to hear something carefully
• a prayer – words that people say to God
• a relative – a person in your family
• to be friendly – to be kind and nice to other people
• to meet friends – to see your friends
• around midday – at about 12 o’clock
• to prepare lunch – to make lunch ready
• to rest – to relax and do nothing for some time

#######################

Match the words with the definitions

1. to remember
2. to be alive
3. to prepare something
4. a basket
5. to put on clothes
6. to get ready
7. to take off shoes
8. to listen to something
9. a prayer
10. a relative
11. to be friendly
12. to meet friends
13. around midday
14. to prepare lunch
15. to rest

A. to relax and do nothing for some time
B. to think about a person or thing from the past
C. a person in your family
D. to make something ready
E. to see your friends
F. at about 12 o’clock
G. to remove your shoes
H. words that people say to God
I. a container for carrying things
J. to dress yourself
K. to still live; not to be dead
L. to hear something carefully
M. to be kind and nice to other people
N. to make lunch ready
O. to prepare yourself for something

_______________________________

Answers: 1–B, 2–K, 3–D, 4–I, 5–J, 6–O, 7–G,
8–L, 9–H, 10–C, 11–M, 12–E, 13–F, 14–N, 15–A

######################

Match the definitions with the words

1. to relax and do nothing for some time
2. to think about a person or thing from the past
3. a person in your family
4. to make something ready
5. to see your friends
6. at about 12 o’clock
7. to remove your shoes
8. words that people say to God
9. a container for carrying things
10. to dress yourself
11. to still live; not to be dead
12. to hear something carefully
13. to be kind and nice to other people
14. to make lunch ready
15. to prepare yourself for something

A. a prayer
B. to get ready
C. to remember
D. to prepare lunch
E. a basket
F. to be friendly
G. to meet friends
H. to rest
I. to put on clothes
J. to be alive
K. to take off shoes
L. around midday
M. to prepare something
N. to listen to something
O. a relative