Task 1
The diagram shows the traditional techniques used for carving wooden shoes known as clogs. The process consists of six main stages, which are done by hand rather than using automated processes.
The first stage is to obtain wood from either poplar or willow trees. The wood is cut into pieces of the correct size using a saw. Next, each clog is roughly outlined using an axe. After this, the clog maker takes a long knife to cut the shoe to the exact shape it should be. Once the exterior is finished, the next stage in the process is to bore out the interior of the clogs using a spoon drill to make space for the foot. Once this is done, the shoes are nearly finished. Sandpaper is used to smooth down the wood on both the interior and the exterior of the clog. The final task for the clog maker is to decorate the completed wooden shoe using various different colours, although this is an optional stage.The clog is then ready to be worn.
This completes the process of making traditional wooden footwear, or clogs, by hand. (188 words)
Task2
Today we live in a globalised world and the development of global culture is often at the expense of local traditions. There are certainly many people who show indifference to local customs in favour of embracing global ideas, but there are still many who see the value in maintaining them, myself included.
It is easy to argue that people are strongly influenced by the effects of globalisation.Technology in particular seems to dominate the leisure time of young people, whether it be gadgets or the internet. As a result, there are trends which can be described as global in all aspects of culture.For instance, many people now prefer listening to music by Ed Sheeran orBeyonce rather than the traditional music of their country, which is often seen as outdated by comparison.
Similarly, many would rather try exotic 'foreign' foods than use traditional recipes, which they might see as dull or old-fashioned. However, it would be a mistake to think that every one thinks this way. Older people especially feel nostalgia for how things used to be done. For example, in the UK, the Royal Family are as popular as ever, and thousands of people turn out to see them wherever they go.It should also be remembered that many of today's global pop stars were themselves inspired by more traditional genres of music. Ed Sheeran, for example, embodies many musical traditions, such as folk music and busking. In the same way, it is still common to see performances of more traditional forms of music, such as classical and jazz.
My own opinion is that there is truth in both views. There are certainly people so focused on global trends that there is no space in their lives for, or interest in, preserving the past.On the other hand, there are many who prefer to live their lives more nostalgically and value the traditions that have been handed down. I would say that I belong more to this second group of people, although I admit I would struggle without the internet. (343 words)
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