SETTING THE STAGE: 

“My Journey to TOPIK II: Starting The Final Countdown”

___ Let’s Start the discussion with the 

Story: 

Reasons for Choosing TOPIK II: 

There are two main reasons which I really want to share. 

1:  I belong to a multilingual country. Even in my surroundings I have always explored people speaking in different languages. So from childhood to adulthood I ended up with an understanding of more than 3 languages. So I always have that thought back in mind to explore new languages. 

2 : It has always been my concern to pursue my higher education outside my country to explore more and to understand different cultures and also I want to become self independent. So as a student when I thought about moving abroad for studies I started finding universities which provide quality of education with affordability. So the Republic of Korea provides both in their education system. 

This is how my journey of language learning started. And I decided to go for the TOPIK Exam. 

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF TOPIK EXAM: 

Let’s have an introduction for TOPIK: 

TOPIK stands for “Test of proficiency in Korean” ( 한국어능력시험). This test is designed to test the ability of non-native speakers to listen, read and Write. 

• Why should we take the TOPIK Exam?

This exam helps you to find a job, provides extra points when you apply for an admission or scholarship in Korean universities. Also helpful in different career opportunities around the country.

This exam enhances your language abilities and as a non- native speaker you can have the best conversation with Korean natives for better understanding of culture and traditions. 

STRUCTURE & SCORING: 

STRUCTURE:

 TOPIK II ( level 3_4_5_6) 

TOPIK II consists of 3 parts:
Listening 

Reading 

Writing 

• The Listening part consists of 50 multiple choice questions with a total time of 60 minutes. 
• Reading part consists of 50 multiple choice questions with a total time of 70 minutes. 
• Each question in the listening and reading part is of 2 points . 

• The writing part consists of 4 essay questions in which there are two short answers and two long answers with a total time of 50 minutes. 

IN SHORT ANSWERS: Candidates are asked to write a phrase or complete a sentence (20 Points). The next sentence requires writing the short paragraphs (200-300) words related to the graph (30 points).

IN LONG ANSWERS: Candidates can choose 1 of 2 available topics to present their personal views on that topic within 600-700 words ( 50 points). 

• This is the intermediate or advanced level, the total test score is 300 and the test takes place within three hours. 

2: SCORING 

• TOPIK II (LEVEL 3)

From 120-149 points candidates will get TOPIK II level 3 . 

• TOPIK II  (LEVEL 4)

Between 150- 189 points candidate will get TOPIK II level 4 

• TOPIK II ( LEVEL 5) 

Between 190-229 points candidate will get TOPIK II level 5 

• TOPIK II  ( LEVEL 6) 

Between 230 – 300 candidate will get TOPIK II level 6 

SETTING GOALS: 

First of all you need to understand why you are taking the exam and what level you want to achieve according to your current language situation. 

For example if you want to achieve a higher level and your current language situation is not that high then you have to make a review plan according to your goal and current level. 

MY SUGGESTION: 

Always try to set goals which are easily achievable. In the beginning of preparation go for small and simple goals that enhance the level of your learning. Step by step achievement is going to help you. 

 CREATING A STUDY PLAN 

Okay so this is the most important thing which you need to understand while taking the exam. 

When I was preparing for the TOPIK exam, my study plan was on a weekly basis.

For Example: I used to study the 1st three days of the week (about reading & listening), the 2nd half of the week (about writing), and the last day of the week which is sunday. I used to review what I had learned in the whole week. 

• You can go and register for the TOPIK II exam online. Check the criteria & registration culture of your country online. 

NOTE: 

Never rely on only one source of learning. Always consider different resources because it will help you to be more versatile.

Here is the list of resources you can use for TOPIK II Exam: 

BOOKS 

• TOPIK essential grammar 150 (intermediate level) 
• KOREAN MADE SIMPLE.( A Beginner Guide) specially if you just started for TOPIK preparation. 
• Vitamin Korean (비타민 한국에) Level 1-6 . This is TOPIK 대비 겸용 한국어교재. 

APPS 

• EPS TOPIK 한국어능력시험
• Korean Flashcards and vocabulary 
• Korean Hangul Learning (This app provides KOREAN EPS Books) For TOPIK preparation.
• CATCH IT KOREAN (Beginner to Advance Level) 

WEBSITES 

• Talk to Me in Korean. They have free practice tests
• You can go for (past papers for TOPIK preparation). These free tests are available online. You can download them for free . 
• COURSERA: 

This free website is one of my favorites. They have listed all the courses from level 1 to level 6 (Beginner to Advance) . Even they provide financial aid and  certificates at the end of course). 

• From a grammar point of view (Good job Korean) website is also good .
• Here is the website which will provide you with useful information about the TOPIK exam. 

TOPIK GUIDE 

Note:  Here is the whole guide for TOPIK II preparation. This is just a simple guide to let you know about the exam nature. You will get the complete information about resources & material available for preparation in upcoming blogs.

If You have any questions related to exams or language learning feel free to contact us. 

Regards, 

Taskeen Peerzada