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.
