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TOEFL TPO 12 Speaking Task 1 Sample: Some people believe it's essential for a person's education to learn to play a musical instrument. Others don't believe music education is important. Which view do you agree with? Explain why.

Historical user samples and AI evaluation results from an older TOEFL format.

1 archived user samples

Older TOEFL Format

This task is from a previous version of the TOEFL exam. The current TOEFL has a different structure. These archived samples remain available as a reference for practice.

Task Overview

Question

Some people believe it's essential for a person's education to learn to play a musical instrument. Others don't believe music education is important. Which view do you agree with? Explain why.

User Samples & Evaluation Results

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1

User Sample #1

Evaluation Result

1.Sub Scores

  • Delivery: 3

  • Topic Development: 2

  • Language Use: 2

2.Estimated Scores

  • Total Score: 20

3.Delivery The speaker's speech is mostly clear, but there are some occasional pauses that could be improved. To enhance the delivery, the speaker should focus on maintaining a consistent pace and minimizing unnecessary pauses. Additionally, practicing pronunciation can help improve the overall clarity of the speech.

4.Topic Development The response provided by the speaker is somewhat coherent and organized, but it lacks sufficient support and examples to fully develop the topic. To improve topic development, the speaker should provide more specific reasons for their view and include relevant examples to support their argument. This will help create a more convincing and well-rounded response.

5. Grammar

I believe that people should learn to play a musical instrument because it helps people relax and slow down, get entertained, and also learn about history and all the other stuff. Because, for example, if you're learning a classical piece, then you get to know about the composers and the music at that time and everything else about this piece, so you could play it with emotion. And while you're playing it, you should really enjoy it, and then that's what makes it very entertaining for you.

5. Language Use

Original:

I believe that people should learn to play a musical instrument because it helps people relax and slow down, get entertained, and also learn about history and all the other stuff. Because, for example, if you're learning a classical piece, then you get to know about the composers and the music at that time and everything else about this piece, so you could play it with emotion. And while you're playing it, you should really enjoy it, and then that's what makes it very entertaining for you.

Revised:

I agree that learning to play a musical instrument is essential for a person's education. One reason is that it helps individuals relax and unwind, providing a healthy outlet for stress relief. For example, playing the piano or guitar after a long day can help clear one's mind and improve overall well-being.

Another reason is that music education allows people to gain a deeper understanding of history and culture. By learning classical pieces, students become familiar with the composers and the historical context in which the music was created. This knowledge enables them to perform with greater emotion and appreciation, making the experience more enjoyable and enriching.

I agree that learning to play a musical instrument is essential for a person's education. One reason is that it helps individuals relax and unwind (revised for clarity), providing a healthy outlet for stress relief (revised to emphasize the benefit). For example, playing the piano or guitar after a long day can help clear one's mind (revised for natural flow) and improve overall well-being (revised for strong conclusion).

Another reason is that music education allows people to gain a deeper understanding of history and culture (revised for clarity). By learning classical pieces, students become familiar with the composers (revised for smooth transition) and the historical context in which the music was created (revised for proper grammar). This knowledge enables them to perform with greater emotion and appreciation (revised for natural flow), making the experience more enjoyable and enriching (revised for strong conclusion).

Corrected:

I believe agree that people should learn learning to play a musical instrument because is essential for a person's education. One reason is that it helps people individuals relax and slow down, get entertained, unwind (revised for clarity), providing a healthy outlet for stress relief (revised to emphasize the benefit). For example, playing the piano or guitar after a long day can help clear one's mind (revised for natural flow) and also learn about improve overall well-being (revised for strong conclusion).

Another reason is that music education allows people to gain a deeper understanding of history and all the other stuff. Because, culture (revised for example, if you're clarity). By learning a classical piece, then you get to know about pieces, students become familiar with the composers (revised for smooth transition) and the historical context in which the music at that time was created (revised for proper grammar). This knowledge enables them to perform with greater emotion and everything else about this piece, so you could play it with emotion. And while you're playing it, you should really enjoy it, appreciation (revised for natural flow), making the experience more enjoyable and then that's what makes it very entertaining enriching (revised for you.strong conclusion).

7. Mind Map

  • Preference/Opinion

    • Learning musical instruments
  • Main Point

    • Benefits of learning musical instruments
      • Relaxation and slowing down
      • Entertainment
      • Learning about history and culture
  • Supporting Examples

    • Classical music pieces
      • Knowledge about composers and music history
      • Playing with emotion
  • Conclusion

    • Learning musical instruments is enjoyable and educational

8. Key Words

WordPhonetic SymbolsParts of SpeechEnglish DefinitionEnglish TranslationSample Sentence
Instrument/ˈɪnstrəmənt/NounA device used to produce musicN/ALearning to play a musical instrument can be both relaxing and entertaining.
Composer/kəmˈpoʊzər/NounA person who writes musicN/AStudying the works of famous composers helps us understand the history of music.
Emotion/ɪˈmoʊʃən/NounA strong feeling such as love, anger, joy, or fearN/APlaying a musical instrument with emotion allows the performer to connect with the audience on a deeper level.
Relaxation/ˌriːlækˈseɪʃən/NounThe act or process of becoming less tense, anxious, or stressedN/APracticing a musical instrument can provide relaxation after a long day at work.
Entertainment/ˌɛntərˈteɪnmənt/NounThe action of providing or being provided with amusement or enjoymentN/APlaying a musical instrument is not only educational but also a great form of entertainment.

9. Additional Examples

  1. Playing a musical instrument can improve cognitive skills, as it requires focus and coordination between the hands and the brain.

  2. Learning to play an instrument can boost self-confidence, as it allows individuals to express themselves creatively and achieve personal goals.

  3. Playing music with others fosters social connections and teamwork, as musicians must listen to each other and collaborate to create harmonious sounds.

  4. The discipline required to practice and master a musical instrument can translate into other areas of life, such as work or school.

  5. Exposure to different genres of music through learning an instrument can broaden one's cultural understanding and appreciation for diverse styles of music.

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