• my visit to Rang Solok Baralek Gadang in West Sumatra

Dear Peter,

I want to tell you about a special event I visited during my trip through West Sumatra. It was called Rang Solok Baralek Gadang. The event took place in Solok from 10 to 12 September 2026. I was happy to be there because I wanted to see more of the local culture and daily life.

The festival took place in a large area of rice fields. This was one of the things I liked most. We were not in a city centre or inside a large building. We were surrounded by green fields, small roads and local people. Farmers and other people from the area were part of the event. The rice fields made the festival feel very connected to local life.

There were many traditional activities during the event. I saw people wearing traditional clothes and taking part in dances and music. There was also Silek, a traditional Minangkabau martial art. Another interesting part was Randai. It is a traditional performance with music, movement and stories. Many people watched the performances, and the atmosphere was friendly and lively.

I also saw traditional games and kites. There were small stalls where local people sold food, drinks and other products. Many families came to the festival, so it was not only an event for tourists. It was also a meeting place for people from the local area.

For me, the best part was being able to see local culture in a real village and farming setting. I could see how important rice is for the people of Solok. The festival helped me understand more about Minangkabau culture and life in West Sumatra.

I was very happy that I visited Rang Solok Baralek Gadang. It was a different experience from the usual tourist attractions, and I will remember it for a long time.

Best wishes,

Wolfgang

_____________________________

Vocabulary:

Word / Phrase	A1 definition
an event	something special that people come to see or do
to be surrounded	to have people or things all around you
to be connected to local life	to be an important part of life in the local area
traditional	from the culture and history of a place
an activity	something that people do
activities	more than one activity
to take part in something	to join an activity or event
martial art	a sport or fighting skill from a country or culture
a performance	when people dance, act, sing or play music for other people
a friendly atmosphere	a place or event where people are kind and nice to each other
a kite	a light object that flies in the air on a long string
a food stall	a small place where people sell food
a farming setting	a place with farms, fields and farming activities
an experience	something that happens to you and that you see, do or feel
usual	normal; something that happens or is seen often
to remember	to keep something in your mind and not forget it

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Match the words with the definitions

Words

1. an event
2. to be surrounded
3. traditional
4. an activity
5. to take part in something
6. martial art
7. a performance
8. a friendly atmosphere
9. a kite
10. a food stall
11. a farming setting
12. an experience
13. usual
14. to remember
15. to be connected to local life

Definitions

A. something that happens to you and that you see, do or feel
B. a small place where people sell food
C. to join an activity or event
D. normal; something that happens or is seen often
E. something special that people come to see or do
F. from the culture and history of a place
G. to keep something in your mind and not forget it
H. a place with farms, fields and farming activities
I. a light object that flies in the air on a long string
J. something that people do
K. to have people or things all around you
L. a sport or fighting skill from a country or culture
M. when people dance, act, sing or play music for other people
N. a place or event where people are kind and nice to each other
O. to be an important part of life in the local area

____________________________

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

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Match the definitions with the words

Definitions

1. Something that happens to you and that you see, do or feel.
2. A small place where people sell food.
3. To join an activity or event.
4. Normal; something that happens or is seen often.
5. Something special that people come to see or do.
6. From the culture and history of a place.
7. To keep something in your mind and not forget it.
8. A place with farms, fields and farming activities.
9. A light object that flies in the air on a long string.
10. Something that people do.
11. To have people or things all around you.
12. A sport or fighting skill from a country or culture.
13. When people dance, act, sing or play music for other people.
14. A place or event where people are kind and nice to each other.
15. To be an important part of life in the local area.

Words

A. a farming setting
B. a kite
C. an activity
D. a food stall
E. an event
F. an experience
G. a performance
H. a friendly atmosphere
I. martial art
J. to be connected to local life
K. to be surrounded
L. to remember
M. to take part in something
N. traditional
O. usual

________________________________

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

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

True or false

1. Rang Solok Baralek Gadang took place from 10 to 12 September 2026.
2. Wolfgang visited the festival because he wanted to see more of the local culture.
3. The festival took place inside a large building.
4. Local farmers were part of the event.
5. Wolfgang saw people wearing traditional clothes.
6. Silek is a traditional Minangkabau dance.
7. Randai includes music, movement and stories.
8. The festival was only for tourists.
9. Local people sold food, drinks and other products at small stalls.
10. The festival took place in a large area of rice fields.
11. Wolfgang did not see any traditional games.
12. Many families came to the festival.
13. The atmosphere at the festival was unfriendly and quiet.
14. Wolfgang saw traditional kites at the event.
15. The festival helped Wolfgang understand more about Minangkabau culture.
16. Wolfgang went to the festival mainly to visit museums.
17. Rice was an important part of local life in the area.
18. Wolfgang said the festival was the same as the usual tourist attractions.
19. People from the local area came to the festival.
20. Wolfgang was unhappy that he visited Rang Solok Baralek Gadang.

____________________________

Answers:

1 T, 2 T, 3 F, 4 T, 5 T, 6 F, 7 T,
8 F, 9 T, 10 T, 11 F, 12 T, 13 F, 14 T,
15 T, 16 F, 17 T, 18 F, 19 T, 20 F

####################
Corrected version:

1. Rang Solok Baralek Gadang took place from 10 to 12 September 2026.
2. Wolfgang visited the festival because he wanted to see more of the local culture.
3. The festival took place inside a large building. True is: The festival took place in a large area of rice fields.
4. Local farmers were part of the event.
5. Wolfgang saw people wearing traditional clothes.
6. Silek is a traditional Minangkabau dance. True is: Silek is a traditional Minangkabau martial art.
7. Randai includes music, movement and stories.
8. The festival was only for tourists. True is: The festival was also a meeting place for local people, not only tourists.
9. Local people sold food, drinks and other products at small stalls.
10. The festival took place in a large area of rice fields.
11. Wolfgang did not see any traditional games. True is: Wolfgang saw traditional games and kites.
12. Many families came to the festival.
13. The atmosphere at the festival was unfriendly and quiet. True is: The atmosphere at the festival was friendly and lively.
14. Wolfgang saw traditional kites at the event.
15. The festival helped Wolfgang understand more about Minangkabau culture.
16. Wolfgang went to the festival mainly to visit museums. True is: Wolfgang went to the festival mainly to see more of the local culture and daily life.
17. Rice was an important part of local life in the area.
18. Wolfgang said the festival was the same as the usual tourist attractions. True is: Wolfgang said the festival was different from the usual tourist attractions.
19. People from the local area came to the festival.
20. Wolfgang was unhappy that he visited Rang Solok Baralek Gadang. True is: Wolfgang was very happy that he visited Rang Solok Baralek Gadang.

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

Multiple Choice – choose the correct answer: A, B or C.

1. Where did Rang Solok Baralek Gadang take place?
   A. In a large hotel
   B. In a large area of rice fields
   C. In a city centre
2. When did the festival take place?
   A. 12–14 September 2026
   B. 8–10 September 2026
   C. 10–12 September 2026
3. Why did Wolfgang visit the event?
   A. To see local culture and daily life
   B. To visit a museum
   C. To go shopping
4. What was around the festival area?
   A. Large buildings
   B. Green rice fields
   C. Busy airports
5. What did Wolfgang see people wearing?
   A. Sports clothes
   B. School uniforms
   C. Traditional clothes
6. What is Silek?
   A. A Minangkabau martial art
   B. A traditional game
   C. A local drink
7. What is Randai?
   A. A type of food
   B. A farming tool
   C. A traditional performance
8. What does Randai include?
   A. Food and drinks
   B. Music, movement and stories
   C. Boats and fishing
9. Who sold things at small stalls?
   A. Local people
   B. Hotel guests
   C. Foreign visitors
10. Who came to the festival?
    A. Only tourists
    B. Only farmers
    C. Many families
11. What did Wolfgang see at the event?
    A. Traditional kites
    B. Large boats
    C. Modern cars
12. How was the atmosphere?
    A. Empty and quiet
    B. Friendly and lively
    C. Cold and serious
13. What did Wolfgang learn more about?
    A. European culture
    B. Modern technology
    C. Minangkabau culture
14. What was special for Wolfgang?
    A. It was in a village and farming setting.
    B. It was inside a large building.
    C. It was only for tourists.
15. What was important for local people?
    A. Museums
    B. Rice
    C. Shopping centres

__________________________

Answer Key:
1 B, 2 C, 3 A, 4 B, 5 C, 6 A, 7 C, 8 B, 9 A,
10 C, 11 A, 12 B, 13 C, 14 A, 15 B

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Cause and Effect – match each cause with the correct effect.

1. Wolfgang wanted to see local culture.
2. The festival took place in rice fields.
3. Local farmers joined the event.
4. People wore traditional clothes.
5. Wolfgang watched Silek.
6. Wolfgang watched Randai.
7. Many families came to the festival.
8. Local people had small stalls.
9. The atmosphere was friendly.
10. Wolfgang saw the rice fields.
11. The festival was not only for tourists.
12. Wolfgang visited Rang Solok Baralek Gadang.

Effects

A. He saw a traditional Minangkabau martial art.
B. He could see local products.
C. He learned more about Minangkabau culture.
D. The event felt connected to local life.
E. He saw people in traditional clothes.
F. The festival had a lively atmosphere.
G. He saw farming as part of local life.
H. He could learn about daily life.
I. They were part of the event.
J. He saw music, movement and stories.
K. The event was also for local people.
L. He remembered the experience for a long time.

_________________________

Answer Key

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

Match the sentence halves

1. Wolfgang visited a special event
2. The festival took place
3. He wanted to see more
4. The area was surrounded
5. Local farmers were
6. People wore
7. Silek is
8. Randai is a traditional performance
9. Many people watched
10. Local people sold
11. Many families came
12. The festival was also
13. Wolfgang could see how important rice was
14. He will remember the festival

A. traditional clothes.
B. part of the event.
C. in Solok, West Sumatra.
D. for the people of Solok.
E. in a large area of rice fields.
F. with music, movement and stories.
G. more about Minangkabau culture.
H. a traditional Minangkabau martial art.
I. the performances.
J. food, drinks and other products.
K. a meeting place for local people.
L. from the usual tourist attractions.
M. from 10 to 12 September 2026.
N. for a long time.

___________________________

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

___________________________

Correct version:

Wolfgang visited a special event in Solok, West Sumatra.

The festival took place in a large area of rice fields.

He wanted to see more about local culture and daily life.

The area was surrounded by green fields, small roads and local people.

Local farmers were part of the event.

People wore traditional clothes.

Silek is a traditional Minangkabau martial art.

Randai is a traditional performance with music, movement and stories.

Many people watched the performances.

Local people sold food, drinks and other products.

Many families came to the festival.

The festival was also a meeting place for local people.

Wolfgang could see how important rice was for the people of Solok.

He will remember the festival for a long time.

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

Find the Information in the text and complete the sentences

1. Rang Solok Baralek Gadang took place from __________ to __________ September 2026.
2. The festival took place in a large area of __________.
3. Wolfgang was surrounded by green fields, small roads and __________.
4. Farmers and other people from the area were __________ of the event.
5. People took part in dances and __________.
6. Silek is a traditional Minangkabau __________ art.
7. Randai is a traditional __________.
8. Local people sold food, drinks and other __________.
9. Many __________ came to the festival.
10. Wolfgang learned more about Minangkabau culture and __________.
11. Wolfgang saw people wearing __________ clothes.
12. The atmosphere at the festival was friendly and __________.
13. Wolfgang could see how important __________ was for the people of Solok.
14. The festival was different from the usual tourist __________.

——————————————–

Correct version:

1. Rang Solok Baralek Gadang took place from 10 to 12 September 2026.
2. The festival took place in a large area of rice fields.
3. Wolfgang was surrounded by green fields, small roads and local people.
4. Farmers and other people from the area were part of the event.
5. People took part in dances and music.
6. Silek is a traditional Minangkabau martial art.
7. Randai is a traditional performance.
8. Local people sold food, drinks and other products.
9. Many families came to the festival.
10. Wolfgang learned more about Minangkabau culture and life.
11. Wolfgang saw people wearing traditional clothes.
12. The atmosphere at the festival was friendly and lively.
13. Wolfgang could see how important rice was for the people of Solok.
14. The festival was different from the usual tourist attractions.

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

Who or What? What does the _word _ refer to?

1. _It_ was called Rang Solok Baralek Gadang. → ____________________
2. _This_ was one of the things Wolfgang liked most. → ____________________
3. _W_e were surrounded by green fields. → _____________________
4. _It_ is a traditional performance. → ____________________
5. _They_ came to the festival. → ____________________
6. _It_ was also a meeting place for local people. → ____________________
7. _I_ could see how important rice was. → ____________________
8. _It_ was a different experience from the usual tourist attractions. → ____________________
9. _This_ was the best part for Wolfgang. → ____________________
10. _They_ were part of the event. → ____________________
11. _It_ helped Wolfgang understand more about Minangkabau culture. → ____________________
12. _We_ were not in a city centre. → ____________________
13. _It_ was called Rang Solok Baralek Gadang. → ____________________
14. _They_ sold food, drinks and other products. → ____________________

—————————————-

Correct answers:

1. It was called Rang Solok Baralek Gadang. → Rang Solok Baralek Gadang
2. This was one of the things I liked most. → The large area of rice fields
3. We were not in a city centre or inside a large building. → Wolfgang and the people with him
4. It is a traditional performance with music, movement and stories. → Randai
5. They were part of the event. → Farmers and other people from the area
6. It was also a meeting place for people from the local area. → The festival
7. I could see how important rice is for the people of Solok. → Wolfgang
8. It was a different experience from the usual tourist attractions. → The festival
9. This was one of the things I liked most. → The large area of rice fields
10. They came to the festival. → Many families
11. It helped me understand more about Minangkabau culture and life in West Sumatra. → The festival
12. We were surrounded by green fields, small roads and local people. → Wolfgang and the people with him
13. It was called Rang Solok Baralek Gadang. → The special event
14. They sold food, drinks and other products. → Local people

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

Find the evidence – find a sentence or phrase in the text that gives the answer.

1. How do we know that the festival was connected to farming?
2. How do we know that local people took part?
3. How do we know that the festival had traditional activities?
4. How do we know that Randai is not simply a dance?
5. How do we know that the festival was not only for tourists?
6. How do we know that families attended?
7. How do we know that Wolfgang enjoyed the setting?
8. How do we know that rice is important in the area?
9. How do we know that the atmosphere was positive?
10. How do we know that Wolfgang learned something from the festival?
11. How do we know that Wolfgang wanted to experience local life?
12. How do we know that the festival included activities for local people?
13. How do we know that Wolfgang saw traditional culture at the event?
14. How do we know that Wolfgang thought the festival was memorable?

___________________________________

Answers:

1. How do we know that the festival was connected to farming?
   “The festival took place in a large area of rice fields.”
2. How do we know that local people took part?
   “Farmers and other people from the area were part of the event.”
3. How do we know that the festival had traditional activities?
   “There were many traditional activities during the event.”
4. How do we know that Randai is not simply a dance?
   “It is a traditional performance with music, movement and stories.”
5. How do we know that the festival was not only for tourists?
   “Many families came to the festival, so it was not only an event for tourists.”
6. How do we know that families attended?
   “Many families came to the festival.”
7. How do we know that Wolfgang enjoyed the setting?
   “This was one of the things I liked most.”
8. How do we know that rice is important in the area?
   “I could see how important rice is for the people of Solok.”
9. How do we know that the atmosphere was positive?
   “The atmosphere was friendly and lively.”
10. How do we know that Wolfgang learned something from the festival?
    “The festival helped me understand more about Minangkabau culture and life in West Sumatra.”
11. How do we know that Wolfgang wanted to experience local life?
    “I was happy to be there because I wanted to see more of the local culture and daily life.”
12. How do we know that the festival was also important for local people?
    “It was also a meeting place for people from the local area.”
13. How do we know that Wolfgang saw traditional culture at the event?
    “I saw people wearing traditional clothes and taking part in dances and music.”
14. How do we know that Wolfgang thought the festival was memorable?
    “I will remember it for a long time.”

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

Short answers – answer the questions with short answers.

1. Where did the festival take place?
2. Why did Wolfgang want to visit the festival?
3. What could Wolfgang see around the festival?
4. Who was part of the event?
5. What did people wear?
6. What is Silek?
7. What is Randai?
8. What did local people sell?
9. Who came to the festival?
10. How was the atmosphere?
11. What was important for the people of Solok?
12. Why will Wolfgang remember the festival?
13. When did the festival take place?
14. What traditional activities did Wolfgang see?
15. What did the festival help Wolfgang understand?

_________________________

Correct answers:

1. Where did the festival take place? → In Solok, West Sumatra.
2. Why did Wolfgang want to visit the festival? → To see local culture and daily life.
3. What could Wolfgang see around the festival? → Green fields, small roads and local people.
4. Who was part of the event? → Farmers and other local people.
5. What did people wear? → Traditional clothes.
6. What is Silek? → A traditional Minangkabau martial art.
7. What is Randai? → A traditional performance.
8. What did local people sell? → Food, drinks and other products.
9. Who came to the festival? → Many families.
10. How was the atmosphere? → Friendly and lively.
11. What was important for the people of Solok? → Rice.
12. Why will Wolfgang remember the festival? → It was a different experience.
13. When did the festival take place? → From 10 to 12 September 2026.
14. What traditional activities did Wolfgang see? → Dances, music, Silek, Randai, games and kites.
15. What did the festival help Wolfgang understand? → Minangkabau culture and life in West Sumatra.

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

Fill in the Vocabulary

to remember · a farming setting · traditional · activities ·
food stalls · to be surrounded · a performance ·
an event · kites · activity·
to take part in something ·
a friendly atmosphere · martial art ·
to be connected to local life ·
an experience · usual

Rang Solok Baralek Gadang

Rang Solok Baralek Gadang was __________ in Solok, West Sumatra. It took place from 10 to 12 September 2026. Wolfgang wanted __________ and see more of the local culture and daily life.

The festival was held in __________. Wolfgang was happy __________ by green fields, small roads and local people. The setting seemed __________, because the festival was close to rice fields and local farming.

There were many traditional __________ during the event. One interesting __________ was Silek, a traditional Minangkabau __________. People also wore __________ clothes.

Another interesting part was Randai. It is __________ with music, movement and stories. Wolfgang also saw traditional games and __________.

There were small __________ where local people sold food, drinks and other products. Many families came to the festival, and the event had __________.

For Wolfgang, the festival was __________. It was different from the __________ tourist attractions. Wolfgang wants __________ the festival for a long time.

——————————————-
Correct version:

Rang Solok Baralek Gadang

Rang Solok Baralek Gadang was an event in Solok, West Sumatra. It took place from 10 to 12 September 2026. Wolfgang wanted to take part in something and see more of the local culture and daily life.

The festival was held in a farming setting. Wolfgang was happy to be surrounded by green fields, small roads and local people. The setting seemed to be connected to local life, because the festival was close to rice fields and local farming.

There were many traditional activities during the event. One interesting activity was Silek, a traditional Minangkabau martial art. People also wore traditional clothes.

Another interesting part was Randai. It is a performance with music, movement and stories. Wolfgang also saw traditional games and kites.

There were food stalsl where local people sold food, drinks and other products. Many families came to the festival, and the event had a friendly atmosphere.

For Wolfgang, the festival was an experience. It was different from the usual tourist attractions. Wolfgang wants to remember the festival for a long time.

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

Match the interview – questions and answers

Questions

1. Interviewer: Where did you go during your trip through West Sumatra?
2. Interviewer: Why did you visit Rang Solok Baralek Gadang?
3. Interviewer: When did the festival take place?
4. Interviewer: Where was the festival?
5. Interviewer: What could you see around the festival area?
6. Interviewer: Who joined the event?
7. Interviewer: What did people wear?
8. Interviewer: What is Silek?
9. Interviewer: What is Randai?
10. Interviewer: What did local people sell?
11. Interviewer: Who came to the festival?
12. Interviewer: How was the atmosphere?
13. Interviewer: What did you learn from the festival?
14. Interviewer: What was the best part for you?
15. Interviewer: Why will you remember the festival?

Answers

A. They offered food, drinks and other products.

B. It is a traditional Minangkabau martial art.

C. Many families attended the festival.

D. I travelled to Solok in West Sumatra.

E. It happened from 10 to 12 September 2026.

F. Green fields, small roads and local people were around the festival area.

G. It is a traditional performance with music, movement and stories.

H. I wanted to discover local culture and daily life.

I. They had traditional clothes on.

J. Farmers and other people from the area were part of it.

K. It was friendly and lively.

L. I discovered more about Minangkabau culture and life in West Sumatra.

M. The festival took place in a large area of rice fields.

N. Seeing local culture in a real village and farming setting was the best part.

O. I will keep the experience in my mind for a long time.

____________________________

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

____________________________

Interview with Wolfgang

Interviewer: Where did you go during your trip through West Sumatra?
Wolfgang: I travelled to Solok in West Sumatra.

Interviewer: Why did you visit Rang Solok Baralek Gadang?
Wolfgang: I wanted to discover local culture and daily life.

Interviewer: When did the festival take place?
Wolfgang: It happened from 10 to 12 September 2026.

Interviewer: Where was the festival?
Wolfgang: The festival took place in a large area of rice fields.

Interviewer: What could you see around the festival area?
Wolfgang: Green fields, small roads and local people were around the festival area.

Interviewer: Who joined the event?
Wolfgang: Farmers and other people from the area were part of it.

Interviewer: What did people wear?
Wolfgang: They had traditional clothes on.

Interviewer: What is Silek?
Wolfgang: It is a traditional Minangkabau martial art.

Interviewer: What is Randai?
Wolfgang: It is a traditional performance with music, movement and stories.

Interviewer: What did local people sell?
Wolfgang: They offered food, drinks and other products.

Interviewer: Who came to the festival?
Wolfgang: Many families attended the festival.

Interviewer: How was the atmosphere?
Wolfgang: It was friendly and lively.

Interviewer: What did you learn from the festival?
Wolfgang: I discovered more about Minangkabau culture and life in West Sumatra.

Interviewer: What was the best part for you?
Wolfgang: Seeing local culture in a real village and farming setting was the best part.

Interviewer: Why will you remember the festival?
Wolfgang: I will keep the experience in my mind for a long time.

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

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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………………

smfrockz@gmx.at


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