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TOPIK II writing: questions 51–54
Writing is a third of TOPIK II: 4 questions, 50 minutes, 100 points. Here is what each question asks, how it is graded and where points are lost.
The four questions
51. Complete a practical text
10 · One sentence per blank (㉠, ㉡)A short real-life text — a notice, an email, a message — has two blanks. Write one sentence for each that fits what comes before and after it.
참석하실 분은 금요일까지 신청해 주시기 바랍니다.
How to write it
- Read the whole text first: the sentence after the blank usually tells you what the blank must say.
- Copy the register of the text. A formal notice ends in -습니다; a friendly message can end in -아요/어요.
- Write a full, simple sentence. One correct sentence beats a long one with errors.
Costs points
Answering with a single word or switching register, e.g. -아요 inside a formal notice.
52. Complete an explanatory paragraph
10 · One sentence per blank (㉠, ㉡)A short paragraph that explains an idea has two blanks. Write one sentence for each that keeps the logic of the paragraph.
How to write it
- Look at the connective before the blank (그러나, 따라서, 예를 들어): it tells you whether the sentence agrees, contrasts or gives an example.
- Use the written style: -다, -ㄴ다/-는다.
- Reuse words from the paragraph rather than inventing new ideas.
Costs points
Spoken endings (-아요, -습니다) in a written paragraph — they lose points even when the meaning is right.
53. Describe a chart
30 · 200–300 charactersYou get a chart or survey with some notes and describe what it shows: the main figures, the trend or comparison, and the reasons or outlook given in the notes.
조사 결과를 보면 … (으)로 나타났다.
How to write it
- Open with what was surveyed: "○○에 대한 조사 결과를 보면…"
- Describe every figure and note you were given, and nothing you were not.
- End with the reasons or the outlook from the notes, not your opinion.
Costs points
Adding a title or a personal opinion, or leaving out a figure from the chart.
54. Write an argumentative essay
50 · 600–700 charactersYou get a topic and two or three guiding questions. Write an essay that answers each question with reasons and examples, in an introduction, body and conclusion.
How to write it
- Answer the guiding questions in the order they are asked; each one is worth a paragraph.
- Plan for 3–4 minutes before writing: the structure is graded as much as the content.
- Link paragraphs with connectives (먼저, 또한, 따라서, 이처럼) and keep the -다 style throughout.
Costs points
Skipping one of the guiding questions, or stopping well short of 600 characters.
How it is graded
Questions 53 and 54 are graded by examiners on three official criteria. Questions 51 and 52 are graded on whether each sentence fits the text and is correct.
- 내용 및 과제 수행Content and taskDid you do what was asked, completely and relevantly — every figure in 53, every guiding question in 54?
- 글의 전개 구조StructureIs it organised: an opening, development and conclusion, linked with fitting connectives?
- 언어 사용Language useRange and accuracy of grammar and vocabulary, the right written style, and the length limits.
A time plan for 50 minutes
- 51 and 52: about 10 minutes together.
- 53: about 15 minutes.
- 54: about 25 minutes, including a few minutes of planning.
- Writing is in the same session as listening, so you cannot borrow time from another section.
On the computer test (IBT)
The internet-based TOPIK II has three writing tasks (one sentence-completion task and two essays), typed on a keyboard in the same 50 minutes. The criteria are the same.
Questions
How many points is TOPIK II writing worth?
100 of the 300 points on paper: questions 51 and 52 are worth 10 each, 53 is worth 30 and 54 is worth 50.
How long must answers 53 and 54 be?
53: 200–300 characters. 54: 600–700 characters. Characters are counted on the answer grid, spaces included; an answer well outside the range loses points.
Can I use -아요/어요 in 53 and 54?
No. Both are written texts and must use the written style -다 (-ㄴ다/-는다).
Is writing needed for TOPIK I?
No. TOPIK I has listening and reading only. Writing is part of TOPIK II.
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