Grammar is not just about rules—it’s about how we tell stories, describe the world, and connect with others. And what better story to tell than the one hidden in Pawon Temple, a small but beautifully designed Buddhist temple located between Borobudur and Mendut in Magelang, Central Java?
Pawon Temple may be modest in size, but it holds great historical value. Built in the 9th century during the Syailendra Dynasty, it is believed to be part of a sacred triad with Borobudur and Mendut, possibly used for ceremonial or spiritual purposes. The name “Pawon” itself is thought to be derived from the Javanese word for ‘kitchen’, suggesting it may have functioned as a place for ritual offerings.
This unique background provides a rich context to explore various English grammar structures.
Example (Present Simple for Description):
“Pawon Temple stands quietly among tropical trees and displays intricate stone carvings on its outer walls.”
The present simple tense is used to describe facts and present conditions—perfect for writing about cultural sites.
Example (Past Simple + Time Adverbs):
“The temple was built over a thousand years ago and served as a ritual site for Buddhist pilgrims.”
Here, learners practice using past simple to recount historical facts clearly and chronologically.
Example (Present Perfect + Passive Voice):
“Pawon Temple has been recognized as part of a UNESCO World Heritage area due to its cultural significance.”
This introduces the present perfect passive, a common structure in academic or formal writing.
Example (Relative Clauses):
“The temple, which is located near Borobudur, attracts visitors interested in ancient Buddhist traditions.”
Relative clauses provide extra information and help develop more detailed, fluent sentences.
Example (Modals for Possibility and Suggestion):
“Visitors may find moments of peace here, and students should learn how culture and language can work together.”
Using modals encourages learners to express ideas beyond facts—such as feelings, possibilities, and advice.
By teaching grammar through the context of Pawon Temple, learning becomes experiential and culturally rooted. Students are not only learning sentence structures—they are discovering how to use English to tell the stories of their land, their history, and their heritage.
Because every temple holds a story, and every story deserves to be told with the right words.