Contoh teks eksplanasi (Explanation Text) Dan Soal Latihan Berbasis HOTS (Higher-Order Thinking Skills)

 

Explanation Text 1 :

How to Make Tempe Mendoan

Tempe mendoan is a popular traditional snack from Central Java, Indonesia, known for its soft texture and savory taste. The name "mendoan" comes from the Javanese word "mendo" which means half-cooked, referring to the way it's briefly fried. Here's how you can make this delightful treat at home.

 

Explanation Text: How to Make Tempe Mendoan

Tempe mendoan, a popular Indonesian snack, is a true culinary delight, celebrated for its unique texture and rich flavor. Unlike other fried tempe dishes that are crispy, mendoan is intentionally cooked only until it's soft and limp. This distinctive characteristic is what makes it so special.

The process of making tempe mendoan begins with preparing the main ingredient: tempe. The tempe is sliced very thinly and then coated in a special batter. This batter is the heart of the dish, typically a mix of rice flour and all-purpose flour to achieve a light, pliable texture. Spices such as coriander, garlic, and turmeric are finely ground and mixed into the batter, giving it a vibrant yellow color and an aromatic, savory flavor. The key to a good mendoan batter is its consistency—it should be thin enough to coat the tempe without becoming too thick or heavy.

Next, the coated tempe slices are carefully placed into a pan with a generous amount of hot oil. However, unlike deep-frying, the tempe is fried very quickly, often for just a minute or two on each side. The goal is to cook the batter just enough for it to set, leaving the tempe inside still soft. This is where the name "mendoan" truly comes to life. The frying process is a delicate balance of heat and timing, as overcooking would turn it into a crispy snack, losing its signature quality. The half-cooked nature of mendoan gives it a tender, melt-in-your-mouth feel that is perfect with its spicy soy-based dipping sauce.

Finally, the mendoan is served hot, fresh from the pan. It is traditionally accompanied by a spicy dipping sauce made from sweet soy sauce, chopped chilies, and shallots. The contrast between the warm, soft tempe and the tangy, spicy sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The simplicity and speed of its preparation, combined with its unique taste, explain why tempe mendoan has become a beloved snack throughout Indonesia.

 

HOTs Questions and Answers

1.        Based on the text, what is the most significant factor that distinguishes tempe mendoan from other fried tempe dishes?

a. The use of sweet soy sauce as a dipping sauce.

b. The specific type of flour used in the batter.

c. The intentionally brief frying time, which results in a soft texture.

d. The addition of turmeric and coriander in the batter.

e. The traditional way it is served, hot and fresh.

 

Jawaban    : c. The intentionally brief frying time, which results in a soft texture.

Penjelasan : Pertanyaan ini meminta Anda untuk menganalisis dan membandingkan informasi. Poin utama yang membedakan tempe mendoan dari tempe goreng lainnya adalah proses penggorengannya yang sengaja dibuat "setengah matang" (half-cooked) untuk mempertahankan tekstur lembutnya, seperti yang dijelaskan dalam teks. Pilihan lain adalah detail pendukung, bukan faktor pembeda utama.

 

2.        The author mentions the batter's consistency should be "thin enough to coat the tempe without becoming too thick or heavy." Infer the most likely consequence if the batter were too thick.

a. The tempe would not absorb the spices properly.

b. The final product would be crispy and lose its "mendoan" quality.

c. The cooking time would be significantly reduced.

d. The dipping sauce would not complement the dish.

e. The tempe would become too soft and break apart.

 

Jawaban    : b. The final product would be crispy and lose its "mendoan" quality.

Penjelasan : Ini adalah soal inferensi. Jika adonan terlalu tebal, akan membutuhkan waktu lebih lama untuk matang. Proses memasak yang lebih lama ini akan membuat tempe menjadi lebih renyah, bertentangan dengan karakteristik utama mendoan yang lembut.

 

3.        The text explains that the name "mendoan" comes from the Javanese word "mendo." Which of the following best reflects the cause-and-effect relationship described in the text?

a. The use of a special batter causes the dish to be named "mendoan."

b. The dish is named "mendoan" because its half-cooked state reflects the meaning of "mendo."

c. The savory flavor of the dish is the effect of using "mendo" tempe.

d. The quick frying process is the effect of using a thin batter.

e. The popularity of the dish is the effect of its unique name.

 

Jawaban    : b. The dish is named "mendoan" because its half-cooked state reflects the meaning of "mendo."

Penjelasan : Pertanyaan ini menguji pemahaman Anda tentang hubungan sebab-akibat. Nama "mendoan" adalah akibat dari cara memasak tempe yang setengah matang ("mendo"), bukan sebaliknya. Pilihan ini secara langsung menghubungkan nama dengan prosesnya, seperti yang dijelaskan dalam teks.

 

4.        Why is the frying process for tempe mendoan described as a "delicate balance of heat and timing"?

a. To ensure the tempe slices don't stick to each other.

b. To prevent the tempe from absorbing too much oil.

c. To achieve the perfect level of crispiness.

d. To cook the batter without making the tempe crispy.

e. To make sure the dish is served hot.

 

Jawaban    : d. To cook the batter without making the tempe crispy.

Penjelasan : Ini adalah soal pemahaman mendalam. Frasa "delicate balance" merujuk pada perlunya kontrol yang hati-hati dalam menggoreng. Tujuannya adalah untuk mematangkan adonan luar, tetapi menghentikan proses sebelum tempe menjadi renyah. Ini menunjukkan keseimbangan yang diperlukan untuk mempertahankan tekstur lembut yang khas.

 

5.        Which of the following scenarios would most likely disrupt the "harmonious blend of flavors" mentioned in the text?

a. Serving the tempe mendoan without the spicy dipping sauce.

b. Using a different type of flour for the batter.

c. Serving the mendoan when it's no longer hot.

d. Slicing the tempe thicker than recommended.

e. Frying the tempe for a slightly longer time.

 

Jawaban    : a. Serving the tempe mendoan without the spicy dipping sauce.

Penjelasan : Soal ini menguji kemampuan Anda untuk menganalisis elemen-elemen kunci dalam teks. Teks secara eksplisit menyatakan bahwa "contrast between the warm, soft tempe and the tangy, spicy sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors." Oleh karena itu, menghilangkan saus akan menghilangkan kontras yang menciptakan harmoni tersebut, paling signifikan merusak pengalaman rasa yang dijelaskan.

 

Explanation Text 2.:  The Process of Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is an experience that goes far beyond academic pursuits. It’s a journey of personal growth, cultural immersion, and career enhancement. The process, while daunting, can be navigated successfully with careful planning and a clear understanding of each step.

 

Explanation Text: The Process of Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is a transformative journey, offering students an unparalleled opportunity to broaden their horizons both academically and personally. While the prospect of living and learning in a foreign country is exciting, the process involves a series of complex and interconnected steps that require meticulous planning and preparation.

The initial stage of this process is research and selection. Prospective students must first determine their academic goals, financial capacity, and preferred location. This involves researching various universities, their program offerings, admission requirements, and tuition fees. It's also crucial to consider the cost of living and scholarship opportunities. The choice of country and university will shape the rest of the application process, so it's a decision that must be made with great care.

Following the selection phase, students must move on to the application process. This is often the most demanding part. Applications typically require a variety of documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, and proof of English proficiency (like TOEFL or IELTS scores). A compelling personal statement is vital, as it allows the applicant to articulate their motivations and demonstrate their suitability for the program. The deadlines for these applications are strict and can vary significantly between institutions and countries.

Once an offer of admission is received, the focus shifts to securing a student visa and preparing for departure. This is a logistical stage that involves a significant amount of paperwork. Students must provide evidence of their admission, financial stability to cover tuition and living expenses, and sometimes a medical examination. The visa application process can be lengthy, so it is imperative to begin it well in advance. Simultaneously, students should arrange for accommodation, travel tickets, and health insurance. Understanding the local culture and basic language phrases before departure can also ease the transition and prevent culture shock.

In conclusion, the path to studying abroad is a detailed and multi-layered one. Each step, from the initial research to the final preparations for travel, builds upon the last. Successfully navigating this process is not just about meeting academic requirements but also about demonstrating resourcefulness, foresight, and a genuine readiness to embrace a new environment.

 

HOTs Questions and Answers

6.        Based on the text, what is the most logical reason that a "compelling personal statement is vital" in the application process?

a. It replaces the need for academic transcripts.

b. It demonstrates the applicant's financial capability.

c. It serves as a tool for the applicant to show their unique personality and motivation.

d. It is a substitute for the letters of recommendation.

e. It proves the applicant's proficiency in the English language.

 

Jawaban    : c. It serves as a tool for the applicant to show their unique personality and motivation.

Penjelasan : Pertanyaan ini meminta Anda untuk menganalisis dan memahami tujuan dari sebuah personal statement. Teks menyatakan bahwa personal statement "allows the applicant to articulate their motivations and demonstrate their suitability." Ini menunjukkan bahwa tujuannya adalah untuk menonjolkan motivasi dan kesesuaian diri, yang merupakan aspek unik dari setiap pelamar. Pilihan lain tidak sesuai dengan deskripsi ini.

 

7.        A student has been accepted to a university abroad but fails to secure a student visa in time. Based on the text, what might be the most probable cause for this failure?

a. They did not have a compelling personal statement.

b. They failed to submit a letter of recommendation.

c. They began the visa application process too close to their departure date.

d. They chose a university that was too expensive.

e. They did not have a medical examination.

 

Jawaban    : c. They began the visa application process too close to their departure date.

Penjelasan : Ini adalah soal pemecahan masalah dan inferensi. Teks secara eksplisit menyatakan bahwa "The visa application process can be lengthy, so it is imperative to begin it well in advance." Oleh karena itu, penyebab yang paling mungkin dari kegagalan ini adalah kurangnya perencanaan waktu. Pilihan a dan b tidak relevan karena visa diajukan setelah penerimaan, dan pilihan d dan e adalah kemungkinan, tetapi pilihan c secara langsung merujuk pada saran waktu yang diberikan dalam teks.

 

8.        The text suggests that understanding "the local culture and basic language phrases" can ease the transition. What is the implied challenge that this advice is meant to address?

a. The difficulty of the academic curriculum.

b. The high cost of living in a new country.

c. The loneliness of being far from home.

d. The emotional stress of adapting to a new environment.

e. The complexity of the visa application process.

 

Jawaban    : d. The emotional stress of adapting to a new environment.

Penjelasan : Ini adalah soal pemahaman kontekstual. Frasa "ease the transition" dan "prevent culture shock" secara implisit merujuk pada tantangan emosional dan psikologis yang dihadapi saat beradaptasi dengan budaya baru. Pilihan lain adalah tantangan yang ada, tetapi tidak secara langsung ditangani oleh saran yang diberikan.

 

9.        How does the structure of the text contribute to the reader's understanding of the topic?

a. It presents the information chronologically, showing a clear cause-and-effect chain.

b. It lists the steps in no particular order, allowing the reader to choose their focus.

c. It compares studying abroad to other experiences, highlighting its uniqueness.

d. It focuses solely on the positive aspects of the process. e. It provides a simple, one-step guide to studying abroad.

 

Jawaban    : a. It presents the information chronologically, showing a clear cause-and-effect chain.

Penjelasan : Ini adalah soal analisis struktur teks. Teks dibagi menjadi tahap-tahap yang berurutan: penelitian dan seleksi, aplikasi, dan visa/persiapan keberangkatan. Struktur ini secara logis mengikuti urutan waktu yang diperlukan untuk proses tersebut, memungkinkan pembaca untuk memahami bahwa setiap langkah adalah prasyarat untuk langkah berikutnya.

 

10.    Based on the overall tone of the text, what is the author's primary purpose?

a. To discourage students from studying abroad due to the complexity.

b. To provide a simple recipe for studying abroad.

c. To inform and guide prospective students through the multi-stage process.

d. To persuade students that studying abroad is easy.

e. To criticize the difficult and lengthy application process.

 

Jawaban    : c. To inform and guide prospective students through the multi-stage process.

Penjelasan : Pertanyaan ini menguji pemahaman Anda tentang tujuan penulis. Teks menjelaskan setiap langkah dari proses secara detail dan memberikan saran yang bermanfaat, seperti "meticulous planning and preparation" dan "begin it well in advance." Tujuannya adalah untuk memberikan informasi dan panduan, bukan untuk menghakimi, menakut-nakuti, atau menyederhanakan prosesnya.