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

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

In this lesson, you’ll learn a simple two-pass routine that finds answers faster than slow “full reading.” We’ll also map how exam writers build traps with connectors and synonyms.

• 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 훨씬 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 TOPIK Reading items use everyday formats—notice, email, poster, short article. Recognize the format → predict the question type.

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

📑 Open Contents (Two-pass routine · Purpose · Connectors · Time rules · Traps · Mini practice · Tips · Links)

• 1) The Two-Pass Routine
• 2) Purpose-First Thinking
• 3) Connector Signals = Logic Map
• 4) Time Rules (Finish More, Guess Less)
• 5) Synonym & Paraphrase Traps
• 6) Mini Practice (3 Items)
• 7) Teacher’s Tips
• 8) Official Resources
• 9) Related Posts in the Series
• 10) italki Reading Routine Coaching

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, in the part the question points to.

쉬운 설명: 1번은 제목·첫 문장·마지막 문장으로 큰 그림을 잡고, 2번은 질문이 언급한 부분만 골라서 다시 읽습니다.

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 먼저 찾고, 그 목적과 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/그러나 근처나 그래서/따라서 앞뒤를 먼저 확인하세요. 단서문이 자주 숨어 있습니다.

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 choices).

쉬운 문제 먼저 빠르게 풀고, 어려운 문제는 1분 넘기지 말고 표시 후 나중에 돌아오세요. 끝에서 3–5분은 돌아보기 + 찍기 시간입니다.

5) Synonym & Paraphrase Traps

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

지문 단어를 그대로 복사하지 않습니다. 의미가 같은 말 묶음(예: 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 잘 보면 풀 수 있는 유형입니다.

7) Teacher’s Tips

👩‍🏫 Smarter notes, calmer reading

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

메모는 그림처럼 기호로만! 긴 지문은 보기부터 빠르게 확인하고, 연결어 근처에서 답을 찾으세요.

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

8) Official & Credible Resources

Where to check official info & practice materials

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

9) Related Posts in the TOPIK Starter Series

Connect this reading strategy to the rest of your exam toolkit:

• Part 1 — Overview & How to Prepare
• Part 5 — Themed Vocabulary Packs (Bank · Hospital · Housing)
• Part 7 — Grammar Mini-Maps

Tip: open 1–2 of these in new tabs, then come back here to finish today’s mini practice.

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

Before you go → Try the two-pass routine on one short notice, then review your mistakes. / 공지 1개에 두 번 읽기를 적용하고, 틀린 이유를 꼭 확인해 보세요.

• Bookmark this blog (Ctrl/⌘+D). Re-reading compounds your progress. / 즐겨찾기 후 반복 읽기하면 실력이 안정적으로 올라갑니다.

10) italki Reading Routine Coaching

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 that match your level.

✍️ 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 안정화하고, 시험장에서 흔들리지 않는 자신감을 만들어 보세요.

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

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