If you think that examinations are overrated, think again.
While it's true that it may cause many days of uneasiness, sleepless nights or even excitement (to some), it certainly serves a primary purpose.
To test how well you understand a field of study.
It's the one thing that sets you apart especially if you are venturing into something technical, professional or something that requires you to be skilful. Likewise, when it comes to learning a language like Korean, there's also a special test that you can go through to evaluate your Korean language proficiency.
It's none other than the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK)!
In this article, we will be looking at the tested components of TOPIK, how you will be tested for different levels of this examination, and some tips to score well.
What's Your Purpose Of Sitting For TOPIK?
Before we go in-depth into the components of TOPIK, let's talk about why TOPIK is relevant to you.
To many TOPIK aspiring test-takers worldwide, the act of registering for TOPIK can mean many things, but mostly it is a sign of commitment and passion for the Korean language.
More global Korean learners are opting for TOPIK due to these two main reasons.
Reason 1: Proof of language proficiency for study/work purposes
South Korea is increasingly becoming a popular spot for undergraduate and postgraduate studies for many international pre-university students including Malaysia.
While some programmes may be taught in English, most programmes are fully conducted in the Korean language.
Photo by Yu Kato on Unsplash
Also, when it comes to work, written and spoken Korean are equally important. From handling business contracts, presenting during a corporate meeting, to drafting project proposals, you need to possess a good comprehension level of the Korean language because you are constantly dealing with native speakers.
Hence, the TOPIK qualification acts as a good indicator to evaluate your actual language proficiency in terms of speaking, listening, reading and writing components.
Reason 2: Expand your language ability (Achieve a new goal)
Speaking from personal experience, sitting for TOPIK is one of the best decisions that I made when I started to learn Korean.
It enabled me to diversify my Korean learning techniques and studying materials throughout the test preparation and gave me a new motivation to study Korean more effectively.
Most importantly, you will experience a great sense of achievement when you passed TOPIK I and TOPIK II progressively.
What Is The Latest Format And Structure for TOPIK I and TOPIK II?
Now that you have identified your motivation to sit for this test, it's time to get down to business to conquer it by breaking down the tested components for both levels of TOPIK.
Before that, you should also know that TOPIK is usually conducted three times a year (for international learners outside South Korea). So be sure to check the schedules of the test each year before registering so that you can plan your lessons in advance.
TOPIK I
For TOPIK I, candidates will only be tested for two components: Listening and Reading.
The listening component has 30 multiple choice questions and the test duration is 40 minutes.
On the other hand, the reading component has 40 multiple choice questions and the test duration is 60 minutes.
The full score for TOPIK I is 200. Do take note that both the listening and reading components for TOPIK I will be conducted together in one session (Usually in the morning without breaks in between).
TOPIK II
For TOPIK II, candidates will be tested on another additional component: Listening, Reading and Writing.
This round, there will be a total of 50 multiple-choice questions under the listening component. The test duration is now 60 minutes.
When it comes to the writing component, candidates are required to answer four short essay questions. The test duration for this section is 50 minutes.
The final component that will be tested for TOPIK II is the reading component. There will be 50 multiple choice questions and candidates are required to finish this section within 70 minutes.
The full score for TOPIK II is 300 marks.
Important note: Both the listening and writing components will be conducted during the first session, while the reading component will take place during the second session. Make sure you don't enter the examination hall with an empty stomach.
Learn more about the marking scheme for your TOPIK papers.
How Can You Register For TOPIK Step By Step In Malaysia?
Given that TOPIK is a language proficiency test that is catered to international Korean learners across the globe, every country has their distinctive registration procedures, test venues and regulations.
Fret not, Malaysian aspiring candidates. We got you covered!
Here are the five steps that you can follow to have a smooth TOPIK registration process.
Step 1: Download the official TOPIK registration form from the UKM TOPIK portal
There is only one official venue to sit for TOPIK in Malaysia. The venue is none other than the Pusat Pengajian Bahasa & Linguistik at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), which is located in Bangi, Selangor.
This means all the official TOPIK announcements will be released by UKM every year, such as the official dates, registration forms, rules and regulations, changes in format etc.
Make sure you download the right form from the UKM TOPIK portal.
Step 2: Read the instructions to fill in the form and prepare the relevant photos and information
After you have downloaded the registration form, read through the instructions carefully and take note of what you need to fill in and prepare in advance.
For example, it is important that you attach a recent photo of yourself (taken within 3 months) and make sure the size of the attachment is within the specified range as the photo will appear on your TOPIK certificate.
Remember to print the sheet out and bring the physical copy of the registration form on your actual TOPIK exam date.
Step 3: Bank in the registration fee to the person in charge
At this time of writing, the fee for TOPIK I is RM120.oo while the fee for TOPIK II is RM170.00.
The bank in detail is as follows:
- Recipient: Professor Ryu Seung Wan
- Bank: CIMB Bank
- Account Number: 8002236325
Make sure you save the soft copy of your payment proof once the payment is successful.
Step 4: Email the completed TOPIK registration form and relevant documents to the provided email address of UKM
Before emailing UKM, make sure the soft copies of your completed TOPIK registration form (In Microsoft Word format), your latest passport photo and registration fee payment proof are ready.
After introducing yourself and attaching the documents, you can send them to topikinmalaysia@gmail.com.
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Step 5: You will receive a confirmation email as soon as your TOPIK registration is verified
After a few working days, you will then receive a confirmation that indicates the success of your TOPIK registration.
Don't forget to read this article to master the tips to ace your TOPIK I.
How Are You Graded For Your TOPIK Assessments?
As you finalise your TOPIK registration and gear up your final revision for the test, we figure it's best to look at the scoring system for your TOPIK assessments.
Reviewing the passing scores and different Korean language proficiency levels under the TOPIK enables you to set a clear goal while you are studying for this test.
You can refer to the list below to have a comprehensive view of the grading for TOPIK I and TOPIK II respectively.
TOPIK I
- Level 1 [80 marks to 139 marks]
- Level 2 [140 marks to 200 marks]
TOPIK II
- Level 3 [120 marks to 149 marks]
- Level 4 [150 marks to 189 marks]
- Level 5 [190 marks to 229 marks]
- Level 6 [230 marks to 300 marks]
Find out how to take your Korean proficiency to the next level by getting a high score for your TOPIK II.
What Are Some Of The Best Learning Resources That You Can Prepare In Advance For TOPIK?
You're now in the final lap and the most crucial lap when it comes to your TOPIK preparation.
It's time to gather the right studying materials and studying techniques to ace your Korean!
Take a look at some of the resources that you can maximize throughout your revision.
#1: Textbooks and workbooks
From learning the Hangeul (Korean alphabet) to mastering vocabulary and grammar structures, you certainly need a solid point of reference.
Take your time to read through the notes and exercises of various Korean learning textbooks and workbooks. You can even opt for books that specialise in sentence patterns, idiom expressions or verbs to remember them better.
Photo: Xframe
#2: Podcasts/Audio Files
You would have noticed that listening is a recurring tested component in TOPIK I and TOPIK II.
Hence, it's important to familiarize yourself with the intonation, speech patterns, speaking speed and accents of native Korean speakers on a regular basis. Listening to podcasts and Korean learning audio files will help you to immediately capture the right pronunciation and nuance of the speaker.
#3: Private Korean tutor
Prefer a direct and more personalised learning approach?
Find a Korean tutor via Superprof and have flexible and effective Korean learning lessons!
At Superprof, you can easily find a home tutor or online tutor that offers Korean lessons and TOPIK intensive classes according to your preferences and learning pace.
You'll be able to concentrate better and have endless opportunities to ask your tutor questions without worrying about the size of the class.
Apart from arranging your lessons according to the time and location that you are comfortable with, your Superprof Korean tutor will come out with a lesson plan according to the test you are taking and your strengths and weaknesses. Your TOPIK preparation will be in good hands!
That said, you can head to the Superprof Malaysia homepage and start browsing the tutors' profiles to learn more about their teaching qualifications, teaching methodology, teaching experience, hourly rate and basic information before deciding on one.
We hope this article has been helpful. Remember to refer to this article to have a comprehensive overview of the TOPIK if you are planning to register soon. All the best!
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