For many students preparing for the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK), selecting the right study materials is a crucial step in navigating the challenges of the exam. While numerous textbooks are available, one that stands out is TOPIK II Pass Recipe, first published in 2019. The book has garnered significant attention, becoming a best-seller on the Yes24 platform, where it held the top spot for two consecutive months in February and March. As of this week, it continues to dominate as the No. 1 steady seller for TOPIK textbooks.
A key feature that has made the book popular among students is its ranking system, which categorizes words, expressions, and reading/listening topics based on their likelihood of appearing in the exam. This system draws from materials used in exams up to the 35th iteration of TOPIK, when the structure of the test was standardized.
“The rankings are based on a reference from exams before the 35th TOPIK, when the overall structure was finalized,” explained Lee Tae-hwan, the author of TOPIK II Pass Recipe. “While the exam doesn’t reuse old questions, it follows a question bank system. Questions are categorized by topic and drawn from these pools.”
While Lee notes that the rankings may evolve over time, he believes that adhering to them remains a useful strategy for preparation, as no drastic changes are anticipated. The book is organized by test levels, starting from Level 3 and progressing through Levels 4, 5, and 6. This format aligns with the goals of most test takers, many of whom aim for Levels 3 or 4 to meet university admission requirements.
Lee, a professor at Gachon University’s Department of Teaching Korean as a Foreign Language and a co-author of the TOPIK II Pass Recipe mock test book, emphasizes that exam preparation is about more than just memorizing textbooks. His advice is rooted in his extensive experience teaching Korean to international students.
“The key to success in TOPIK is not only choosing the right study materials but also gaining practical experience,” Lee stated. “Taking the test multiple times helps you identify weaknesses and areas for improvement. When studying alone, you are your own best judge.”
Lee elaborated further on the importance of hands-on experience during a recent interview with The Korea JoongAng Daily. Below are some insights from the conversation, edited for clarity.
Changes in the TOPIK Exam
Since the release of TOPIK II Pass Recipe, there have been notable changes in the exam format, particularly in the writing section. Lee observed that the difficulty of questions, especially those in Question 53 (related to graph interpretation) and Question 54 (the essay), has increased. For example, topics such as the aging population now often incorporate complex, multi-faceted themes, such as the generational divide in adapting to rapid technological changes.
“The questions have become more interdisciplinary, combining topics like aging and cultural lag, which adds a layer of complexity,” Lee said. “This shift raises the level of difficulty, but it’s crucial for students to prepare for such combinations.”
Effective Vocabulary Memorization
In the past, the TOPIK exam included a dedicated vocabulary and grammar section, but this has changed. However, Lee advises students to revisit older exams (before the 35th TOPIK) available on the official TOPIK website for a comprehensive study of the relevant vocabulary and grammar.
He also emphasized that simply memorizing word definitions is not enough. “When students learn new words, they often fail to recognize the expressions these words are commonly paired with,” Lee explained. “For instance, understanding that ‘boram’ (sense of fulfillment) is typically used with verbs like ‘feel’ is just as important as knowing the word itself.”
Preparing for Listening Section Challenges
The listening section of the TOPIK exam can be particularly challenging, especially the questions at the end, where each listening passage often has multiple questions. Lee advises students to take notes during the first playback and then review them when the audio is replayed. He also suggests looking for patterns in the listening passages, such as the repetition of key phrases in the first and last sentences, which can aid in comprehension.
“For more advanced students, recognizing these patterns can be a game-changer,” Lee noted. “The recurrence of certain sentence structures can help students anticipate the types of information the questions will focus on.”
Strategies for Tackling the Writing Section
Lee pointed out that the essay in Question 54 remains a challenge even for higher-level test takers. His recommendation is to categorize potential essay topics into broad, specific, and more detailed themes, and then practice writing on those topics. This approach allows students to develop a flexible strategy for whatever topic they may encounter on test day.
“It’s essential to practice structuring essays with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion,” Lee said. “While using advanced vocabulary might seem appealing, it’s more important to ensure clarity and coherence in your writing.”
Looking Ahead: The Digitalization of TOPIK
The Ministry of Education plans to digitize the TOPIK exam by 2035, including the development of an automated scoring system and computer-generated questions. While Lee acknowledges that much work remains before this can be realized, he believes it is an achievable goal, given the rapid advancements in AI technology.
As for how these changes will impact future test takers, Lee noted that the shift to digital may reduce the emphasis on current events in the exam’s content. “This could alleviate some pressure on test takers,” he said, “but I don’t think it will drastically affect overall scores.”
