Part A

You will complete an extended response on the day of the task in response to the stimulus:

There is something stubborn about taste, something homebound, almost old-fashioned. It’s like
taste has not quite caught up with our modern world where you Zoom into a city with one click.
Taste is something you just can’t do at a distance. You almost have to be up close… And taste, of
course, brings us close. So today on the show, we’ve got two stories about just how far our longing
for taste can take us, from the snacks that transport us around the world… to the dishes that
bring us back home.

Extract from podcast, Tasting at a Distance

Stimulus:

The pedestrian textual reference:

Figurative language

Ethos, pathos,

Modality:

Ideas from stimulus

1. Taste brings us together but technology cannot replace the authenticity of being up
close with humans.

Discursive text

Introduction

Ah, taste, a charmingly homebound phenomenon that seems to linger nostalgically in the past
while our modern world rushes forward that allows us to zoom into a city with a click. Taste
holds the power to transport us to various cultural cuisines but struggles to keep pace with the
relentless advancement of technology. These tech giants, with their zealous pursuit of replicating
the authenticity of taste, unwittingly chip away at the very connections that define our humanity.
Yet amidst the cacophony of conflicting viewpoints, it becomes imperative for us to embrace a
perspective that acknowledges the multifaceted nature of taste and enables us to develop a
nuanced and sophisticated understanding of its significance in our lives.

Positive 1- Authentic Cultural Exploration:

● Imagine being at home with your family, sitting at the dining table, and being enveloped
by the enticing aromas of Middle Eastern dishes being prepared. It's as if you're
transported to the majestic mountains of Lebanon. Memories of family breakfasts, where
potatoes were baked in the outdoor oven while discussing the day's adventures, flood
your mind

● But how far can our longing for taste truly take us? It can take us quite far, even to places
like Haymarket, Chinatown in Sydney.

● The air is filled with the aromas of steaming rice, boiling noodles, and sizzling duck,
while nearby, the tantalizing scent of curry from an Indian restaurant permeates the
surroundings.

● However, our modern world has tried to replicate this experience

● Delivery of food to your house will smell of riveted steel, of harsh antiseptic, too clean
and hard. How does that sound? Sounds like where our future is heading. (rhetorical
question, sensory imagery)

● Virtual experiences and artificial simulations cannot replicate the depth of genuine taste
experiences.

Negative-1 The Erosion of Authentic Connections from technology

● On the contrary, it is important to recognise the negative aspect of taste when combined
with technology and its erosion of authentic connections.
 ● Unfortunately, the proliferation of technology has aimed to replace these authentic
connections and create an artificial world in which taste can be replicated.

● Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat have become our
virtual tombs, distancing us from genuine human interaction.

● The rise of virtual reality is particularly concerning, as major companies like Apple have
recently developed headsets that immerse individuals in artificial worlds, disconnected
from their physical surroundings, where people sit like the dead with the multicoloured
lights touching their faces but never really touching them. Does that seem normal to you?

● These experiences are ultimately artificial, limiting our ability to truly connect with
others and experience genuine emotions. Authentic taste, on the other hand, transcends
these limitations

● It is up to us to decide whether we choose real, authentic connections or the dismal

artificial substitute.

Conclusion

● That is why we should consider, striking a balance between technology and genuine
human connections is essential.

● Mindful technology usage and setting boundaries help preserve the essence of taste and
foster genuine connections, so "We can reunite with the dishes that bring us back home"
(stimulus).
Part B- Write a reflection on the piece you composed for Part A explaining how one of
the texts you have studied in Module C influenced your ideas and stylistic choices.

Reflection text

Intro

● In crafting my discursive piece, I embarked on a journey to explore the profound power

of taste to bring humans together, through the stimulus of "tasting at a distance", and its
relationship with modern technology.

● I delved into how the experience of taste has been eroded by technology upon careful
examination of Ray Bradbury's prose fiction ‘the pedestrian’.

● Utilising the text theme’s of isolationism and technological supplantation of humanity,

my text explores the transformative impact of technology on our world through the
erosion of authentic human connections.
 ● As I carefully balanced both sides of the discussion, I aimed to foster an exploration of
what taste can truly do for society and how technology influences this.

Body 1

● Through a considered appraisal of Bradbury’s prose fiction piece ‘The Pedestrian’, I was
able to skillfully utilise the literary element of descriptive imagery, to carefully shape
meaning throughout my text.

● Bradbury states, "The tombs, ill-lit by television light, where the people sat like the dead,
the grey or multicoloured lights touching their faces, but never really touching them."

● This powerful simile and descriptive imagery exemplified the superficiality of

technology's influence and its inability to fulfil our innate need for genuine human
connection.

● In my text, I incorporated descriptive imagery in my own writing to evoke introspection

and prompt readers to contemplate the authenticity of their own connections in a
technologically driven world. By using phrases like "lights touching their faces, but never
really touching them,"

● I aimed to convey the limitations of technology in evoking genuine emotions or

establishing meaningful connections.

Body 2-

● In my text, I painted a sensory experience, immersing readers in the tantalising aromas

and flavours of different dishes. By crafting sentences like "The air is filled with the
aromas of steaming rice, boiling noodles, and sizzling duck," I aimed to evoke a sense of
culinary exploration and the joy of indulging in authentic food.

● This was heavily influenced by the complete opposite, harsh, uninviting, cold tone in
Bradbury’s text, present in “crystal frost in the air; it cut the nose and made the lungs
blaze like a Christmas tree inside”.

● Additionally, I employed humour and rhetorical questions to engage the audience and
draw attention to the omnipresence of technology even in our everyday activities.
 Through phrases like "Amidst the crowd, there's always that one child who's engrossed in
an iPad, but at least he's walking, right?"

● I subtly highlighted the pervasive nature of technology, even in simple moments like
walking. These stylistic choices aimed to provoke thought and encourage readers to
reflect on the impact of technology on their own lives and connections.

Imaginative text

Ortienation:

The orientation sets the scene with the comforting ambiance of the protagonist's home,
emphasizing the stubborn nature of taste and its resistance to the fast-paced modern world.

● "Amidst the comforting ambiance of mum's warm coffee cup on the wooden table and
the gentle movement of plates gliding across the soft tablecloth, there lingered a sense of
something stubborn about taste." Authentic human connections were woven into the very
fabric of taste, bridging the gap between distant lands and the familiar dishes that bring us
back home

Rising Action:

The fierce firefly light interrupts the peaceful atmosphere, representing the intrusion of
technology into the protagonist's life.

"A fierce firefly light appeared in the living room. It’s as if the devil box has a mind of its own."

● The protagonist's parents express their desperation to watch television, while the
protagonist suggests finishing their grandmother's homemade dish.

"Let’s go watch the television in the living room... No, let's finish grandmother’s homemade dish
she cooked for us." “ I hope it tastes good this time. A little chuckle from my brother.

Climax:
 ● The news report introduces major tech company Tomb Industries and their AI
development, captivating the protagonist's parents.

"Breaking news, major tech company Tomb Industries have now developed AI that now has the
ability to become your personal home assistant. All you have to do is scan this QR card on your
phone."

● The allure of technological advancements and the multicoloured lights touching their
faces mesmerise the protagonist's parents, signifying their surrender to technology's
influence.

Quote: "The allure of the technological advancements showcased on the news seemed
irresistible... their gaze fixated on the multicoloured lights touching their faces but never truly
touching their souls."

● The couch emits a harsh antiseptic smell, symbolising the detachment and artificiality of
technology.

● Quote: "The couch now smelled of harsh antiseptic, riveted steel, too hard and metallic."

Resolution:

The protagonist explores a world where taste has been digitised, encountering empty streets and
the invasion of AI robots and delivery services.

"Massive trucks and drone delivery services roamed the streets, carrying the AI robots that had
become the object of desperate desire."

The protagonist returns home, only to find the intrusion of AI within their own abode,
symbolising the conflict between authenticity and digitization.

"But my heart sank as I discovered that even our home had succumbed to the invasion of AI."
● The open-ended conclusion leaves uncertainty about the future of taste and its potential
revival.

"The open-ended conclusion echoed the uncertainty that lingered in the air—had taste, the
foundation of genuine human connection, become a relic of a bygone era or a flickering flame
waiting to be reignited?"
Reflection text:

The stimulus of "tasting at a distance" and the desire to examine the relationship between taste,
technology, and human connection drive the narrative.

● The inspiration drawn from Ray Bradbury's 'The Pedestrian' guides the stylistic choices
and exploration of technology's impact on authentic human connections.

● Analysis of Bradbury's Quote:

● Through a considered appraisal of Bradbury’s prose fiction piece ‘The Pedestrian’. The
use of descriptive imagery in Bradbury's 'The Pedestrian' reflects the superficiality of
technology's influence and its inability to fulfil genuine human connection.

● The simile of people sitting "like the dead" and the lights touching their faces but not
never really touching their faces exemplify the limitations of technology in evoking
genuine emotions and establishing meaningful connections.

Incorporating Descriptive Imagery:

Inspired by Bradbury's use of descriptive imagery, the reflective piece incorporates similar
techniques to evoke introspection and prompt readers to reflect on their own connections.
The phrase "Their gaze fixated on the multicoloured lights touching their faces but never truly
touching their souls" conveys the limitations of technology in fostering genuine emotions and
meaningful connections.

Drawing Parallels to Bradbury's Description:

The reflection piece incorporates Bradbury's idea of the lack of warmth and vibrance in
artificially experienced taste in the modern world.
Through sensory imagery, the piece conveys the loss of warmth and life when experiencing
something artificial and fake.
The description of the couch smelling of "harsh antiseptic, riveted steel, too hard and metallic"
symbolises the emotional impact of technology on the human condition, reflecting a lack of
authenticity.

Conclusion:
The imaginative piece explores the significance of taste in fostering connections and the
challenges it faces in a technologically advanced society.
The influence of Ray Bradbury's 'The Pedestrian' inspires the use of various literary devices to
depict how technology impacts our sense of taste in the modern world.

Persuasive text

Introduction:

In an age defined by technological progress, there is a noticeable disparity between the relentless
march of innovation and the enduring essence of human connection. Taste, as a deeply personal
and intimate experience, has remained somewhat impervious to the advancements of our modern
world. While technology allows us to “zoom into a city with one click”, taste resists distance and
demands physical proximity. It is a reminder that true connection and understanding require
more than digital interfaces.

Rediscovering the Art of Shared Meals:

The importance of prioritising technology-free zones during meals to cultivate meaningful

conversations and rekindle human connection.

● Where the tomb-like houses are illit by television light touching their faces, but
never really touching them, it is imperative to question the ethics of these tech
giants.

66% of people in the world own a mobile phone and an average of 5 hours are spent each day on
a mobile phone,
 We need to rekindle the joy of human connection and nourish not only our bodies but also our
souls. It is logical!

Resisting the Erosion of Cultural Identity:

● Global snack delivery platforms and virtual dining experiences risk diluting the richness
and authenticity of traditional cuisines.

● The smell and freshness of food cannot be replaced by delivery platforms; they can only
provide a clean and antiseptic experience.

● The commodification of cultural delicacies can lead to a loss of cultural heritage and an
erosion of local food ecosystems.

● The importance of seeking out and supporting local food markets, traditional recipes, and
community-based initiatives to preserve and celebrate culinary traditions.

Nurturing Human Connection through Offline Activities:

Technology can inadvertently isolate us from meaningful human interactions.

Offline activities such as community cooking classes, potluck gatherings, and volunteering at
local food-related events foster human connections.
The importance of engaging in these offline pursuits to nourish social bonds, build relationships,
and reaffirm the significance of human connections.
The contrast between smart home cooking solutions and shared cooking experiences highlights
the need to prioritize genuine interactions.

Conclusion:

● Recognising the negative effects of technology-induced isolation and reevaluating

priorities in the pursuit of happiness.

● Emphasising the art of shared meals, resisting the erosion of cultural identity, and
nurturing human connections through offline activities.
● Call to action to recalibrate our relationship with technology, restore the essence of being
human, and prioritise genuine connections and shared experiences.
Ethical appeal: Urging a balanced coexistence with technology that acknowledges its potential
while prioritizing human connections.

Reflective text

The stimulus of "tasting at a distance" prompted an exploration of how technology has eroded
authentic human connections, as depicted in the persuasive piece.
Ray Bradbury's 'The Pedestrian' served as a source of inspiration, influencing the stylistic
choices and ideas in the persuasive piece.

Bradbury's quote about the tombs ill-lit by television light, where people sat like the dead,
highlighted the superficiality of technology's influence and its inability to fulfill the need for
genuine human connection. This quote resonated deeply and was incorporated into the
persuasive piece.

Descriptive imagery as well as a commanding tone was used in my piece “Where the
tomb-like houses are illit by television light touching their faces, but never really touching
them, it is imperative to question the ethics of these tech giants. This conveys the
limitations of technology in evoking genuine emotions and establishing meaningful connections.

● Bradbury's idea of a lack of warmth and life in taste when experienced in the modern
world was incorporated into the reflective piece, and sensory imagery was used to convey
the artificiality of taste when technology replaces authentic human connections.
● The food you order at your door, will smell too clean, like harsh antiseptic and fake”

The goal of both the reflective and persuasive pieces was to engage the audience, prompt
introspection, and encourage them to question their experiences of taste and connections in a
technologically driven world.

The influence of Bradbury's 'The Pedestrian' guided the use of descriptive imagery,
thought-provoking elements, and a commanding tone in the persuasive piece.
Informative text

In our modern world defined by technological advancements, the significance of human

connection can sometimes be overshadowed. However, taste, as a deeply personal and intimate
experience, remains resistant to the digital realm. While technology allows us to effortlessly
connect with others across great distances, taste insists on physical proximity and presence. It
serves as a reminder that genuine connection and understanding require more than virtual
interfaces.

Rediscovering the Art of Shared Meals:

Virtual gatherings and shared dining experiences have become increasingly prevalent, but they
cannot fully replicate the warmth and connection that come from physically sharing a meal
together. In the midst of a world where screens dominate our lives, it is crucial to consciously
prioritise the art of shared meals.

Allocating technology-free zones during meals can cultivate meaningful conversations with
loved ones and reignite the joy of human connection. If we do not commit towards this, there
will be a rapid increase in people that sit like the dead in their tomb-like houses illit by
television light touching their faces, but never really touching them.

Research shows that an average of 5 hours are spent on mobile phones each day, with 66% of
people worldwide owning a mobile phone.

Resisting the Erosion of Cultural Identity:

The global reach of technology has opened up access to a vast array of cuisines and culinary
experiences. While this exposure can be enriching, it also poses the risk of diluting the
authenticity of traditional cuisines and eroding cultural identity. Global snack delivery platforms
and virtual dining experiences may offer convenience, but they cannot capture the essence of
freshly cooked food or the vibrant aromas that fill the air.

To counteract this, it is important to actively seek out and support local food markets, traditional
recipes, and community-based initiatives. By doing so, we preserve and celebrate our diverse
culinary traditions, reconnect with our roots, and forge genuine connections that extend beyond
the digital realm.
Nurturing Human Connection through Offline Activities:

While technology provides efficiency and convenience, it can unintentionally isolate us from
meaningful human interactions. Cooking apps and smart home solutions may streamline our
culinary experiences, but they should not replace the joy of shared cooking and learning from
one another. It is essential to allocate time for offline activities that foster human connections.

Engaging in community cooking classes, hosting potluck gatherings, or volunteering at local

food-related events are opportunities to nourish our social bonds, build genuine relationships,
and reaffirm the importance of human connections in a technology-driven world.

Conclusion:

In our quest for happiness and fulfillment, it is crucial to recognize the potential negative effects
of technology-induced isolation. By emphasising the art of shared meals, resisting the erosion of
cultural identity, and nurturing human connections through offline activities, we can strike a
balance in our relationship with technology. Let us strive to restore the fundamental essence of
being human by prioritising genuine connections and embracing the richness that arises from
physical presence and shared experiences

Reflection text

In crafting my informative piece, I embarked on a journey to inform the audience of the

profound power of taste, its ability to bring humans together, and its potential to transport us to
various cultural cuisines. The stimulus of "tasting at a distance", compelled me to delve into
how our modern world, where you zoom into a city with a click, has eroded authentic human
connections. The prescribed prose fiction text of Ray Bradbry’s ‘ the pedestrian’ inspired my
stylistic choices and ideas This text explores the transformative impact of technology on our
world and the erosion of authentic human connections. Through direct 2nd person language
reference to the audience, and logical statistics, I aimed to engage and offer a sense of
introspection on this issue.

Through a considered appraisal of Bradbury’s prose fiction piece ‘The Pedestrian’, I was able to
skillfully utilise the literary element of descriptive imagery, to carefully shape meaning
throughout my text. His words resonated deeply with me, particularly when Bradbury states,
"The tombs, ill-lit by television light, where the people sat like the dead, the grey or multicolored
lights touching their faces, but never really touching them." This powerful simile and descriptive
imagery exemplified the superficiality of technology's influence, its inability to fulfill our innate
need for genuine human connection. Similarly, I stated “ there will be a rapid increase in people
that sit like the dead in their tomb-like houses illit by television light touching their faces, but
never really touching them. This acts as a reminder that technology is becoming so widespread
that it is disconnecting people from the authentic connections of taste. To emphasize this I
successfully utilised logical statistics, to support my claim and inform the audience of the extent
that technology is infiltrating our lives in the modern world. This is seen in “5 hours are spent on
mobile phones each day, with 66% of people worldwide owning a mobile phone”

In conclusion, my informative piece serves as an exploration of taste, its significance in fostering

connections, and the challenges it faces in a technologically advanced society. The influence of
Ray Bradbury's 'The Pedestrian' inspired me to employ descriptive imagery and
thought-provoking elements in my writing