My Stay in the Rainforest
Last year, I made a life-changing decision to leave my job and embark on a voluntary journey to Borneo to work in the rainforest. When people express their desire to undertake a similar adventure, I encourage them by saying, "If you truly want to do it, just take the plunge." Often, their response is, "I can't." However, if the desire is genuine, there are always ways to make it happen.
After completing a three-day training program, I joined an environmental project alongside a group of young individuals. The accommodation was extremely basic, requiring us to construct our own sleeping quarters—a simple bed, a cloth roof, and a net to ward off insects.
While the environment was never perilous, it was undeniably challenging. We faced tasks we initially believed were beyond our capabilities, but we managed to overcome them. I experienced some of my most challenging moments there, but, conversely, some of the most rewarding ones as well, making me feel truly alive. Surprisingly, I didn't miss the comforts of home as much as I had anticipated. With food, water, a place to stay, a few sets of clothes, and engaging conversations, we had everything we needed in this breathtakingly beautiful place.
A profound realization came from one of the teenagers in our group: "Before coming here, I placed great importance on my clothing and social circles. I was always preoccupied with thoughts of shoes. Yet, in reality, none of that matters here. People accept me for who I am, for my beliefs and thoughts, not for the clothes I wear." This statement perfectly encapsulated the essence of my experience.
Part A. Circle the correct answer – A, B, C, or D. (1 pt. each)
1. What is the writer, Claire, trying to do in the text?
a) Give the reader information about Borneo
b) Advise people not to work in the Borneo rainforest
c) Describe how she felt when she was in Borneo
d) Explain what kind of work she did in Borneo
