Task 1:

The author grabs the reader's attention by comparing Bali's modern image with its
secretive cultural customs. The passage starts off with a surprising detail about "large
wicker baskets on the side of the road" and then goes on to explain that these baskets
actually hold roosters for cockfighting. This contrast between the calm, contemporary view
of Bali and the brutal, undercover tradition of cockfighting creates a captivating conflict. It
makes the reader curious about the huge difference between the peaceful image shown to
tourists and the reality of this ancient, aggressive practice. This contradiction makes the
reader want to know more, making them question what they thought they knew about Bali
and urging them to keep reading to discover more hidden parts of the island's culture.

The author uses really detailed descriptions and knowledge about Bali's cockfighting
tradition to make it come alive in our minds. He use phrases like "Inside each basket was a
cockerel" and "People weave them on their doorsteps" to help us picture exactly what it
looks like. He also explains that cockfighting is an old tradition in Bali and is a part of their
religious ceremonies. The author's use of vivid descriptions and cultural insights helps us
understand just how important and widespread cockfighting is in Bali. It also keeps us
interested in the story because we can imagine it so clearly.

The author uses historical facts and emotional details to make the reader more interested
in the text. The text talks about the violent past of Bali, like when the Dutch took over and
the civil war in the 1960s. It describes the Balinese people as fierce and savage, and
mentions a mass suicide after the Dutch came. By including these historical events, the
author helps us understand why the Balinese act the way they do now. It gives us a better
picture of their culture. The sad and intense moments in the story, like the mass suicide
and civil war, make us feel for the Balinese people and want to learn more. This mix of
history and emotions makes the text more powerful and makes us think.
Task 2:

Traveling is a great way to see the world in different ways. The saying "When in Rome, do as
the Romans do" means that it's good to follow the customs of the place you're visiting. By
really getting into a local culture, you can learn a lot about how people live and what they
value. This can help you make real connections with the people you meet. When you
respect their traditions, locals will be happy to have you around and you'll have more
authentic experiences. Trying out a new culture can also help you grow as a person by
pushing you out of your comfort zone and making you more aware of different ways of life.
But be careful - if you don't understand the customs, you might accidentally do something
offensive. And if you try too hard to fit in, you might lose sight of who you are. So it's
important to learn about the customs and manners of the place you're going to, so you can
blend in while still being true to yourself.

Task 3:
Task 5

It's important to keep our traditions alive, but we also need to think about whether they are
safe, fair, and right. Traditions help us feel like we belong and connect us to our past, like
celebrating holidays or going to festivals. But some traditions can be risky or not fair. For
example, bullfighting in Spain is a big part of their culture, but it's not good for the animals
or for people's safety. And in India, arranged marriages are a tradition, but sometimes
people are forced into them, which is not right. We also need to think about how some
traditions exclude certain people, like women not being allowed in certain religious places.
So, we should honor our traditions, but we also need to make sure they are safe, fair, and
inclusive for everyone.
Task 4:

The author uses descriptive language and sensory details to create a feeling of suspense
and fear. For example, phrases like "a big, grumpy snuffling sound" and "suddenly, all the
cells in my brain were wide awake and running around like crazy ants when you disturb
their home" vividly show how Bryson feels scared. Comparing his brain cells to disturbed
ants effectively shows how anxious he is.When the writer describes the sounds and
images of breaking branches and heavy pushing through the trees, it makes the suspense
even stronger. This makes the reader feel like they are right there with Bryson, feeling his
fear and not knowing what danger is lurking.

The conversation between Bryson and his friend Stephen Katz brings a sense of
truthfulness and amusement to the scene, showing their immediate reactions to the
perceived danger. In the exchange, Bryson whispered, “Stephen, are you awake?”, to
which Stephen replied in a tired but normal voice, “Yup.". Bryson then asked, "What was
that?", and Stephen humorously responded, "How would I know?". Bryson continued, "It
sounded big.", and Stephen amusingly replied, "Everything sounds big in the woods.". This
relaxed and funny conversation stands out against the seriousness of the situation, making
the characters relatable and grounding the scene in reality. Stephen's lighthearted remark
about the exaggerated sounds in the woods adds a touch of humor, captivating the reader
by offering a brief break from the tension.

Despite the tension, Bryson’s funny way of making fun of himself adds an interesting part
to the story. Bryson talks about his knife as "a knife that is good for spreading butter on
pancakes, but definitely not good enough to protect yourself from a 400-pound hungry
animal."This funny description of the knife not only shows how unprepared Bryson is, but
also makes the reader like him more. The contrast between the ordinary use of the knife
and the dangerous situation adds humor, making the reader smile and enjoy the story even
more. In conclusion, the authour uses language and structure effectively to create a vivid,
exciting, and interesting story. His use of detailed descriptions, realistic conversations,
short sentences, and humor all work together to make the reader feel like they are right
there with him in the woods, experiencing both the danger and the humor.
Task 6:

The idea of third culture kids (TCKs) is really interesting. It's all about kids who grow up in
different cultures than their parents. I think TCKs have a really wide view of the world and
they appreciate different cultures a lot. This is super important in our globalized world.
TCKs are really good at fitting in and understanding different social situations. They're also
really good at communicating with others. But there are some downsides too. Sometimes
TCKs feel confused about their identity and like they don't fully belong to any one culture.
This can make them feel lonely. Moving around a lot also makes it hard for TCKs to make
long-lasting friendships. For those who live this unique lifestyle, I think it's important to
embrace all the different parts of who they are. They should try to find communities, both
online and offline, where they can connect with others who have similar experiences. It's
also important for TCKs to understand that their diverse background is actually a strength,
not a weakness. By doing this, TCKs can really thrive. Being a TCK gives them a special way
of looking at the world. And by using their unique skills and experiences, they can help
people from different cultures understand and work together better.
Task 7:

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, I want to talk about the importance of filial piety in our modern society. Filial piety is
all about respecting our parents, elders, and ancestors. Some might think that this idea
doesn't fit in today's world of fast technology and changing social rules. But from my own
experiences, I believe otherwise. Growing up, I was taught to honor and respect my
parents' sacrifices and wisdom. This taught me to be grateful and responsible, which made
our family bonds stronger.

However, we can't ignore the problems between children and parents nowadays. The
differences in values and the influence of digital media often make the generation gap even
bigger. This leads to misunderstandings and conflicts. Many young people want to be
independent and express themselves, sometimes going against traditional family
expectations. On the other hand, some parents struggle to adapt to the changing world
and hold onto old ideas of authority and control.

To bridge this gap, it's really important to have open communication and respect for each
other. Children should try to understand their parents' experiences and perspectives. They
should see the value in their guidance and understand the historical context of their
beliefs. At the same time, parents need to recognize their children's individuality and
independence. They should support their dreams and be open to change. By practicing
empathy and listening to each other, parent-child relationships can improve a lot. This
creates a happy family where everyone feels valued and understood.

In conclusion, even though filial piety may seem old-fashioned, its main ideas of respect
and gratitude are still important. By adapting these values to fit our modern world and
encouraging conversations, we can make our family bonds stronger and promote a culture
of respect and understanding. Thank you.