Famous Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu once said this.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."
To achieve fluency in a new language is certainly not an easy feat.
At times, it seems like an impossible dream to reach.
At times, it feels as if it is not really worth our time and continuous effort.
We've all been there.
The start of something new always gives us mixed feelings, especially when it comes to exploring unfamiliar territories. The key point to take note of here is to advance consistently instead of intensively.
When it comes to mastering the Korean language, you can progress from an absolute beginner to someone who can read and understand basic Korean at your pace before you transition into an advanced Korean learner.
One way to kickstart your Korean language journey as a beginner is to register for the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) I where you will be tested on the listening and reading components.
That's why in this article, we will be sharing with you 5 important tips to ace your TOPIK I.
Tip 1: Master the Hangeul system (Memorize the basic vowels and consonants)
First things first. You have to learn the 24 basic letters in the Hangeul system (한글) which includes fourteen consonants and ten vowels.
Once you have memorized the basic letters, you'll be able to form meaningful syllables and capture the meaning of the words that you come across.
From there, you'll then be able to read and identify basic Korean words and sentences as well as master the correct pronunciation of the words that you are learning.
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This will help you immensely when you are answering the listening and reading components in your TOPIK I paper. Don't miss out on this article to learn more about the examination patterns and studying resources of TOPIK.
Tip 2: Familiarize yourself with the types of questions that will be asked in the reading and listening components
Now, let's break down the number of questions that will be asked in the listening and reading components for TOPIK I.
The total number of questions for your TOPIK I Listening paper is 30 objective questions. Candidates are given 40 minutes to complete this section.
Continue reading to discover some of the most commonly asked questions for this section.
Question types for the listening component
- #Q1: Choosing the correct response to questions
- #Q2: Selecting the best answer that would fit the given scenario
- #Q3:Identifying the location/setting of the provided conversation
- #Q4:Choosing the best word that best describes the topic of the conversation
- #Q5:Pick out the picture that is in alignment with the conversation from the four given pictures
- #Q6:Selecting the correct statement that matches the given conversation
- #Q7:Identifying the core idea of the main character (male/female) dialogues
- #Q8:Answering two questions after listening to an elaborated conversation
The total number of questions for your TOPIK I Reading paper is 40 objective questions. The test duration for this section is 60 minutes.
Question types for the reading component
- #Q1: Choosing the common topic between two given questions (keywords/related words)
- #Q2: Selecting the most accurate vocabulary or grammar structure that goes into the empty bracket of the sentence
- #Q3: Answering the question based on the given advertisement/notice
- #Q4: Identifying the sentence/statement that agrees with the given reading
- #Q5: Picking the core idea of the reading
- #Q6: Selecting the correct answers based on the script
- #Q7: Choosing the right sentence order (4 sentences)
Tip 3: Build your foundation in learning basic vocabulary and grammar concepts
Do you have any idea what are some of the most important words that we use on a daily basis?
Verbs.
That's because we always constantly doing something, or in the process of planning something or describing something that has happened in the past.
In other words, without the usage of proper verbs and sentence conjugation, you won't be able to express yourself effectively with 100% clarity in any language.
Based on the reference from The Korean Verbs Guide that is published by Talk To Me In Korean, here are some general rules of verb conjugation in Korean.
- Formality levels ( 존댓말 for polite speech level and 반말 for casual speech)
- Action verbs vs descriptive verbs ( to be something vs to do something)
- Present tense (사랑해요)
- Past tense (사랑했어요)
- Future tense ( 사랑할 거예요)
- Present progressive Present status (사랑 하고 있어요)
- Imperative speech (Positive/Negative) (... 하세요/하지마세요)
- Modifier (은 /는/이/가/)
- Expressing I want.....(....고 싶다)
- Expressing I can..... (...수있다)
- Whether or not (....는지)
- Telling someone that (....다고)
- Telling someone to (...라고 )
Once you have mastered these rules, you will be able to swiftly take your reading and listening comprehension skills to the next level. It will help you to immediately understand the that you are reading or listening to in the right context.
Photo: Xframe
Important takeaway: It's best to come out with an engaging and thorough note-taking system when you are revising new words, grammar systems and sentences so that you can refer to them anytime.
Learn more about the latest marking scheme for your TOPIK I and TOPIK II papers.
Tip 4: Practice, practice and practice doing sample TOPIK I papers/mock questions within the time frame
Theoretical knowledge is best manifested when you put it into actual practice.
We are not kidding on this one.
Get ready to invest in lots of actual past year papers and mock questions so that you get a comprehensive view of what will be asked and build your confidence in answering the questions during the process.
You can always look out for TOPIK exercises and reference books in your nearest bookstores or libraries.
It is only by doing these questions repeatedly that you'll figure out where are you most likely to make a mistake and how you can improve the next time.
Also, when you are browsing the sample questions and mock questions, highlight and go through the detailed explanation of the given answers and check if you are on the right track. For instance, you may discover that you need to improve on identifying the right keywords during your listening component to help you deduce the best answer in the quickest manner.
Furthermore, when you review and analyse previous TOPIK I questions, you'll be able to recognize the recurring questioning pattern or familiar themes that are popular throughout the years.
You'll gain many insights into the overview of TOPIK after you have read this article.
Tip 5: Go through the sample answers and grading system with your Korean tutor
At times, you may still feel uncertain about certain questions' requirements and the rationale of the provided answers during your self-revision.
This is where you need the guidance of an experienced Korean tutor.
Your Superprof Korean tutor will guide you to master the right answering techniques for your listening and reading components according to these evaluation criteria:
TOPIK I (Level 1-Passing mark is over 80 points)
- Candidates need to possess the ability to carry out basic conversations related to daily survival skills, self-introduction, buying things, ordering food etc.
- Candidates have to demonstrate an understanding of content related to personal and familiar matters such as their hobbies, family, occupation, weather etc.
- Candidates can create simple sentences based on 800 basic vocabulary words and possess a good comprehension of basic grammar.
- Candidates are able to understand and construct simple and practical sentences/expressions that are used in everyday life.
TOPIK I (Level 2- Passing mark is over 140 points)
- Candidates are able to understand and conduct simple conversations that are related to their daily routines such as seeking assistance and making a phone call as well as the utilization of public facilities.
- Candidates possess a higher vocabulary level (able to use around 1500 to 2000 vocabulary words) and can identify the right order of sentences on personal and familiar topics.
- Candidates can distinguish and direct apply formal and informal expressions depending on the situation.
Important note: The full mark for TOPIK I is 200 points (100 points for each component) and the result of the test is valid for two years. So make sure you know what score you should aim for and choose the right time to register for the test.
That being said, we highly recommend you to connect with a private Korean tutor through Superprof Malaysia to have a flexible and effective TOPIK preparation.
The tutors at Superprof are certified and reviewed in terms of their teaching quality and teaching experience.
With three simple steps, you can embark on a pleasant learning journey regardless of the city where you are based at.
- Step 1: SEARCH for your desired Korean tutor that matches your preferences in terms of your location, learning mode, hourly rate and teaching methodology.
- Step 2: CONTACT the tutor after you have thoroughly reviewed the tutors' profiles.
- Step 3: ORGANISE your future lessons with your Korean tutor through a flexible messaging platform.
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Once you have applied all these tips to ace your TOPIK I, you can read this article to start preparing for your TOPIK II.
Take it from us that TOPIK I serves as a stepping stone to propel you to greater heights in your Korean language learning adventure.
The key is to start now. Having a clear vision and goal as a beginner enables you to stay motivated and consistent. Before you know it, you'll be riding high on this thousand-mile journey!
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