📈 Understanding Korean Proficiency Levels & TOPIK Alignment

📖 TOPIK Starter Series #6: Reading (Scan & Skim Smarter)

Do you run out of time on TOPIK Reading—even when you understand the text?

Give me 7 minutes. You’ll learn a two-pass routine that finds the answer faster than slow “full reading.” We’ll also map the exact words traps use.

• Open loop #1: The 2 sentences that reveal the main idea (explained below).
• Open loop #2: The “contrast flip” that changes the correct answer at the last moment.
• Open loop #3: A 30-second rescue plan for hard items you want to skip—without guilt.

읽기에서 시간 모자라나요? 이 글에서 빠르게(두 번 읽기) 정답을 찾는 방법을 알려 드려요. 문장은 짧게 생각은 그림처럼 떠올리면 쉬워집니다.

Read on to discover…

• Why reading less (in the right order) raises your score.
• Where exam writers hide clue sentences—and how connectors expose them.
• A pocket list of paraphrase families (cancel/modify/require/allow).

Quick note: Most items use everyday formats—notice, email, poster, short article. Recognize the format → predict the question type.

지문은 공지·이메일·광고·짧은 기사가 많아요. 형식을 먼저 보면 질문이 보입니다.

1) The Two-Pass Routine (30–60 sec per item)

① Title ➝ ② 1st sentence ➝ ③ Last sentence ➝ ④ Read questions ➝ ⑤ Targeted re-read

Pass 1 = overview (purpose + topic). Pass 2 = evidence lines only where the question points.

쉬운 설명: 1번은 제목·첫 문장·마지막 문장으로 큰 그림. 2번은 질문이 말한 부분만 다시 봅니다.

2) Purpose-First: What is this text trying to do?

• Notice/Policy → 안내/변경/취소/모집 → answer = inform/change/recruit.
• Request/Offer → 부탁/요청/제안 → answer = next action/requirement.
• Opinion/Reason → 이유/따라서/그러므로 → answer = author’s stance.

글의 목적 단어(안내·변경·요청 등)를 찾고, 그 단어와 가장 잘 맞는 선택지를 고르세요.

3) Connector Signals = Logic Map

Contrast (정답 뒤집힘)

하지만, 그러나, 반면에, 그런데

Cause → Result

그래서, 그러므로, 따라서

Definition/Example

즉, ~란, 예를 들어

Sequence

먼저, 다음으로, 마지막으로

When stuck, jump to the connector where the logic flips or concludes.

막히면 하지만/따라서 근처를 먼저 확인하세요. 단서문이 자주 있어요.

4) Time Rules (Finish More, Guess Less)

• Easy-first sweep: 20–30 sec glance → mark “⭐ easy / ⚠︎ hard / ⏭ skip”.
• Hard cap: 60 sec. Not sure? Mark & return (no guilt).
• Last 3–5 min: only returns + clean guesses (eliminate two).

쉬운 문제 먼저 해결해요. 어려운 문제는 1분 넘기지 말고 표시 후 나중에 돌아오세요.

5) Synonym & Paraphrase Traps

Choices avoid the exact word from the text. Build keyword families instead of memorizing single words.

지문 단어를 그대로 복사하지 않아요. 의미가 같은 말 묶음(취소=중단/철회)을 함께 외우세요.

Example families: change/modify ↔ 변경/수정 · cancel ↔ 취소/중단 · requirement ↔ 조건/요건 · allow ↔ 허용/가능

6) Mini Practice (3 Items)

Do this now: Set a 3-minute timer. Try without translating everything.

1. [Purpose] “다음 주 월요일부터 운영 시간이 오전 9시→10시로 변경됩니다.” What is the main purpose?
   A) Apologize   B) Recruit   C) Inform a time change ✔️   D) Cancel the service
2. [Detail] “예약은 홈페이지에서만 가능합니다.” Which is correct?
   A) Phone only   B) In-person only   C) Website only ✔️   D) Email only
3. [Inference] “비가 오더라도 행사는 실내에서 진행합니다.” What can we infer?
   A) Canceled if it rains   B) Moves indoors if it rains ✔️   C) Outdoors only   D) Time changes

Show answers / 정답 보기

1) C   2) C   3) B

모두 형식과 핵심 단어만 보면 풀 수 있는 문제예요.

👩‍🏫 Teacher’s Tips

• Symbol notes only: ❗(purpose) ⏰(time) 📍(place) 💬(request). Full sentences are too slow.
• Choices first on long items: know what evidence to hunt.
• Connector hunt: 하지만/그러나 뒤, 그래서/따라서 앞을 확인.
• Two-pass timer: 25–30 sec overview + ≤30 sec targeted re-read.

메모는 그림처럼 기호로만! 긴 문제는 보기부터 보고, 연결어 근처에서 답을 찾으세요.

Next: Part 7 reveals Grammar Mini-Maps that group look-alike forms so you stop over-reading explanations. 다음 글에서 헷갈리는 문법을 한눈에 정리합니다.

Official & Credible Resources

• 🔗 NIIED (English) → niied.go.kr/eng
• 🔗 Study in Korea — TOPIK guide → studyinkorea.go.kr
• 🔗 Korean Learners’ Dictionary (NIKL) → krdict.korean.go.kr

Related: Part 1 — Overview & How to Prepare  •  Part 4 — Listening Traps & Keyword Hacks  •  Part 5 — Themed Vocabulary Packs

← Previous: Part 5 — Themed Vocabulary Packs Next: Part 7 — Grammar Mini-Maps →

Next →

Before you go → Try the two-pass routine on one notice, then open Part 7. / 공지 1개에 두 번 읽기를 적용하고 바로 7편으로 가요.

• Bookmark this blog (Ctrl/⌘+D). Re-reading compounds your progress. / 즐겨찾기 후 반복 읽기!

Want a personal reading routine + mock-review?

We’ll calibrate your time rules, build a synonym bank, and practice targeted re-reads with real items.

✍️ Because writing accelerates language learning, I include writing feedback at no extra cost for enrolled students.

Book a Lesson on italki

읽기 루틴 + 작문 피드백으로 점수를 안정화하세요.

💡 Diagrams & highlight boxes display best on PC. / 다이어그램과 강조 박스는 PC 버전에서 가장 잘 보입니다.

Tags: TOPIK, reading strategy, scan and skim, purpose questions, connector signals, paraphrase traps

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