📖 TOPIK Reading Section: 5 Proven Strategies to Maximize Your Beginner Score (Levels 1-2)

You’ve navigated the TOPIK I Vocabulary, Grammar, and the tricky Writing Q51. The final, and largest, section is **Reading (읽기)**. This section makes up half of the TOPIK I score (50 points), and unlike Listening, you control the pace.

However, many beginners panic because they try to read every single word. This guide provides **5 proven strategies** focused on efficiency and recognition to ensure you not only finish the 40 questions but also secure enough points to confidently pass TOPIK Level 2.

A TOPIK I Reading section test paper with a stopwatch

1. Master Time Management: The 1-Minute Rule ⏱️

You have 60 minutes for 40 questions in the Reading section. That gives you exactly **1 minute and 30 seconds per question**. For easy questions (1-20), you should spend **less than 1 minute** to bank time for the harder questions (30-40).

Strategy: If you cannot understand the core topic within the first 30 seconds, choose the most logical answer based on the title and move on. Wasting 3 minutes on one question means losing 3 points on three easier questions you could have answered later.

2. The Secret of Keyword Scanning (vs. Reading) 🔎

TOPIK I reading questions are not designed to test deep literary analysis; they test comprehension of common themes and functions.

2.1. Focus on Functional Words

Look for words that signal the function of the text:

But/However (하지만, 그런데): The real main idea is often after this word.
Must/Should (해야 합니다): Indicates the purpose or obligation.
Because/Therefore (그래서, 때문에): Indicates cause and effect, which is often the answer.

📚 Internal Link: Mastering the Scan

Efficient reading isn't just about vocabulary; it's about strategy. Learn the specific techniques required to scan Korean text for maximum speed and comprehension:

[MUST LEARN] TOPIK Reading Starter Series #6: Advanced Scanning and Skimming Techniques.

3. The Topic Identification Trick (Questions 1-8)

The first few questions often ask you to identify the main topic of a short text (a sign, an advertisement, etc.). The key is to look for the noun that is repeated or summarized by the sentence ending.

💡 Example Scenario

If the text contains the words **'방학' (vacation), '여행' (travel),** and **'계획' (plan)**, the main topic is almost certainly about **'방학 계획' (vacation plans)**, even if you don't know every single adjective.

4. Reading Comprehension: Focus on The Final Sentence 🔚

In short paragraph questions (around Q20-30), the most important information is often contained in the **last sentence**. Korean often uses a structure where details are presented first, and the ultimate conclusion or main point is stated at the very end.

Read the first sentence to grasp the subject.
Read the last sentence to grasp the conclusion.
Scan the middle for keywords if needed.

💡 Teacher’s Tip: Vocabulary & AdSense

Trying to memorize long lists of vocabulary is often inefficient. For better long-term retention (and to improve your reading speed for TOPIK), you need an active learning strategy. Read our detailed guide on why your current method might be failing you.

[STUDY STRATEGY] Why Your Korean Isn’t Improving (and How to Fix It).

5. Use Context Clues: Look at the Examples and Options

For questions where you fill in the blank (similar to writing Q51 but in the reading section), the surrounding sentences are gold. The options often use similar grammar structures (e.g., all are suggestions or all are past tense). Eliminate options that use the wrong tense or politeness level.

Remember that the TOPIK I exam relies heavily on vocabulary and grammar from the first 1,500 words. If you mastered our TOPIK Beginner Vocabulary guide, you already have the tools to succeed.

Quick Quiz: Identify the Main Point 💯

Read the text and choose the best option that matches the main idea (Example of an easier TOPIK I question).

❓ Reading Comprehension

저는 주말에 친구하고 같이 운동을 했습니다. 운동을 하면 건강에 좋습니다. 그래서 매주 토요일마다 운동을 합니다.

저는 친구를 만났습니다.
저는 건강을 좋아합니다.
저는 운동하는 것을 좋아합니다.
저는 주말에 친구와 운동을 합니다.

Show Answer and Rationale

정답: 3번. 저는 운동하는 것을 좋아합니다.

Rationale: 1번과 4번은 사실이지만, 문장의 핵심은 '운동하면 건강에 좋다'고 언급하며 '매주 토요일마다 운동을 한다'는 습관을 설명하는 것입니다. 즉, 필자가 운동을 선호한다는(좋아한다는) 내용이 전체를 포괄하는 주제입니다.

🗣️ From Reading to Speaking: Your TOPIK Coach

Reading proficiency is directly linked to your ability to recognize and produce natural Korean sentences. Don't just study for the test—study to live in Korea.

As your specialist tutor on Italki, I offer personalized TOPIK drill sessions focused on identifying key vocabulary and improving sentence parsing speed. Let's make every minute count.

Book Your TOPIK Strategy Session on Italki!

(Get the score you need for your D-2 Student Visa or Korean university admission.)

🔗 Stay Connected: Resources for the Next Level

If you've mastered the beginner strategies and are aiming for TOPIK Level 3 or higher, the complexity of the reading section changes dramatically. Start preparing early:

[NEXT LEVEL] Advanced TOPIK Reading/Writing Tips for Intermediate and Advanced Students.

[NEXT] TOPIK Listening Section: Mastering Pronunciation and Recognizing Native Speed.

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