🟣 Debating Social Issues in Korean (찬반 토론) – Advanced Level (TOPIK 5–6)
.jpg "Debating Social Issues in Korean (찬반 토론) – Advanced Level (TOPIK 5–6)")
Have you ever tried debating in Korean? It’s not just about knowing words—it’s about structuring arguments logically, respecting cultural norms, and using polite yet persuasive language. Let’s explore how you can do it like a native speaker.
🎯 Learning Goal
- Understand advanced vocabulary and expressions for formal debates
- Learn how to structure arguments and counterarguments in Korean
- Grasp cultural nuances in Korean debate etiquette
- Practice building persuasive statements for TOPIK speaking/writing
Table of Contents
- 1. Key Expressions
- 2. Reading Passage & Vocabulary
- 3. Grammar Tip
- 4. Say What?
- 5. Teacher’s Tip
- 6. Practice Dialogue
- 7. Pop Quiz
- 8. Did You Know?
- 9. Your Turn: Immediate Homework
✨ Key Expressions
- 찬성하다 – to agree / support
- 반대하다 – to oppose / disagree
- ~에 따르면 – according to ~
- 근거를 제시하다 – to provide evidence
- 결론적으로 – in conclusion
- 반론을 제기하다 – to raise a counterargument
📖 Reading Passage & Vocabulary
지문 (Korean):
최근 한국 사회에서는 주 4일 근무제 도입을 둘러싸고 뜨거운 논쟁이 이어지고 있다. 찬성 측은 일과 삶의 균형을 통해 생산성이 오히려 높아질 수 있다고 주장하는 반면, 반대 측은 기업의 비용 증가와 경제 전반의 효율 저하를 우려한다. 이러한 논의는 한국 사회가 직면한 노동 환경 변화와 밀접하게 연관되어 있다.
Translation (English):
Recently, there has been heated debate in Korean society regarding the introduction of a four-day workweek. Proponents argue that it could improve productivity through better work-life balance, while opponents worry about increased corporate costs and decreased overall efficiency. This discussion is closely related to the changing labor environment in Korea.
어휘/표현 정리:
- 논쟁 – debate, controversy
- 균형 – balance
- 생산성 – productivity
- 효율 저하 – decrease in efficiency
- 노동 환경 – labor environment
📘 Grammar Tip
When presenting contrasting opinions, use -지만 or -반면에 to show opposition.
Example: “일과 삶의 균형이 중요하지만, 기업 비용이 증가할 수 있습니다.” (Work-life balance is important, but company costs may increase.)
💬 Say What?
In Korean debates, it’s common to hear “제 생각에는…” (In my opinion) or “제 경험으로 볼 때…” (From my experience). These phrases make arguments sound personal and less confrontational, fitting Korean cultural communication styles.
👩🏫 Teacher’s Tip
Many of my advanced students on italki struggle with sounding “too aggressive” in Korean debates. Remember: being persuasive in Korean often means being polite and indirect. Use hedging phrases like “~것 같습니다” (I think that…) rather than blunt statements.
🗣 Practice Dialogue
A: 주 4일 근무제에 찬성하시나요?
A (EN): Do you support the four-day workweek?
B: 네, 삶의 질이 높아질 거라고 생각합니다.
B (EN): Yes, I think it will improve quality of life.
A: 하지만 기업의 비용은 증가하지 않을까요?
A (EN): But won’t company costs increase?
B: 생산성 향상으로 그 비용을 상쇄할 수 있다고 봅니다.
B (EN): I believe higher productivity can offset those costs.
A: 흥미로운 관점이네요. 반론으로는 무엇이 있을까요?
A (EN): Interesting point. What counterarguments exist?
B: 일부 산업에서는 근무일 감소가 어려울 수 있다는 지적이 있습니다.
B (EN): Some industries point out that reducing workdays may be difficult.
📝 Pop Quiz
Answer
비용 문제 때문에 새로운 정책에 반대합니다.2. Translate: “According to experts, productivity will increase.”
Answer
전문가들에 따르면 생산성이 향상될 것입니다.3. Fill in the blank: “Work-life balance is important, ______ company costs may increase.” (지만 / 반면에)
Answer
Work-life balance is important, 하지만 company costs may increase.💡 Did You Know?
Korea’s average annual working hours are among the highest in the OECD. Recent discussions on the four-day workweek reflect changing attitudes toward work-life balance.
✍️ It's Your Turn
Choose one current social issue in your country. Write two sentences supporting it and two opposing it in Korean. Try to use at least three expressions from today’s lesson.
🧾 Final Thoughts
Mastering debate skills in Korean sharpens both your language and critical thinking. By practicing with real issues, you’ll not only prepare for TOPIK but also engage deeply with Korean society.
Practice on italki: Book a lesson to practice live debates and receive feedback on your argumentation skills!
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