TOEFL TPO 9 Speaking Task 3 Sample: Using the professor's example, explain what an establishing shot is and how it is used.

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

13 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

Reading Passage

The Establishing Shot Film directors use different types of camera shots for specific purposes. An establishing shot is an image shown briefly at the beginning of a scene, usually taken from far away, that is used to provide context for the rest of the scene. One purpose of the establishing shot is to communicate background information to the viewer, such as the setting—where and when the rest of the scene will occur. It also establishes the mood or feeling of the scene. Due to the context that the establishing shot provides, the characters and events that are shown next are better understood by the viewer.

Question

Using the professor's example, explain what an establishing shot is and how it is used.

User Samples & Evaluation Results

Evaluation Result

1.Sub Scores

Delivery: 2 Language Use: 2 Topic Development: 2

2.Estimated Scores

Estimated Score: 15

3.Delivery

The speaker's delivery could be improved by focusing on clearer pronunciation and reducing pauses. Some words were difficult to understand, and the flow of speech was occasionally disrupted by pauses. To enhance the delivery, the speaker should practice speaking at a consistent pace and work on enunciating words more clearly.

4.Topic Development

The response provided some information about the establishing shot and its purpose, but it could be better organized and more coherent. The speaker should focus on clearly explaining the concept of an establishing shot, using the professor's example to illustrate its use in setting the scene and mood for the audience. Additionally, providing more specific details from the reading passage and listening clip would help strengthen the response. To improve topic development, the speaker should practice organizing their thoughts and making clear connections between ideas while providing sufficient support or examples.

5.Language Use

Original: ~~It's a technique that movie films, they needed them to create a picture before running a movie.~~ Establishing shots are techniques used in films to create an initial image before the movie begins. (Changed sentence structure and removed unnecessary words for clarity) ~~Thus, allow audience to have a better understanding about the characters or the event.~~ This helps the audience gain a better understanding of the characters and events. (Simplified sentence structure and corrected grammar) The professor uses his own examples to illustrate this concept. When he went to see a movie and he saw an image of a big city with large buildings and car old fashions, and he then realized it was 1940s, and the city was gloomy and darkness. Then the professor also felt gloom and dark, and the professor realized what could occur in the movie after he saw, seeing the pictures. And then, this is what the established shot will want to tell the audience, this is because they want the audience to have a feeling.

Revised (140 words):

Establishing shots are techniques used in films to create an initial image before the movie begins. This helps the audience gain a better understanding of the characters and events. The professor uses his own example to illustrate this concept. He describes seeing an image of a large city with tall buildings and old-fashioned cars, which led him to realize that it was set in the 1940s. The city appeared gloomy and dark, creating a mysterious atmosphere. As a result, when the action began with detectives talking in an office, the professor already knew that it took place in a big city during the 1940s and anticipated a dark and mysterious storyline. The establishing shot effectively conveyed this information to the audience, allowing them to better understand and engage with the film's narrative.

6.Mind Map

Establishing shots
- Techniques
- Initial image
- Audience understanding
Professor's example
- Large city
- 1940s setting
- Gloomy atmosphere
- Detectives in office
Purpose of establishing shots
- Convey information
- Set mood and context

7.Key Words

Word	Phonetic Symbols	Parts of Speech	English Definition	Sample Sentence
Establishing shot	/ɪˈstæblɪʃɪŋ ʃɒt/	Noun	A wide-angle shot at the beginning of a scene in a film, used to set the context.	The establishing shot effectively introduced the audience to the movie's setting and created a mysterious mood.
Atmosphere	/ˈætməsˌfɪr/	Noun	The pervading tone or mood of a place, situation, or work of art.	The gloomy atmosphere in the film made me feel intrigued and curious about the story.
Narrative	/ˈnærətɪv/	Noun	A spoken or written account of connected events; a story.	The film's narrative was engaging and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
Context	/ˈkɒntɛkst/	Noun	The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea.	Understanding the context of a scene helps viewers better appreciate its significance.
Coherent	/koʊˈhɪrənt/	Adjective	Logical and consistent; forming a unified whole.	The speaker's coherent explanation made it easy to understand the concept of establishing shots.