🇰🇷 Make a TOPIK Study Plan with Me || Resources + Preparation Tips
How to Prepare for TOPIK II: A Study Plan
Introduction to TOPIK II Preparation
- The speaker discusses their preparation for the TOPIK II exam, originally scheduled for April but postponed to November.
- They emphasize the importance of setting a target score, specifically aiming for a level four in the exam.
Understanding TOPIK Levels
- The TOPIK consists of six levels, with TOPIK I aimed at beginners and TOPIK II targeting intermediate to advanced speakers.
- Scoring a four indicates proficiency in using public facilities, socializing, and understanding basic news content.
Assessing Current Proficiency
- The speaker admits they are not currently at a level four but is working towards it by creating an effective study plan.
Resource Selection for Study Plan
- Identifying useful resources is crucial; not all books on hand will aid in achieving the desired score.
- The speaker has selected specific books that align with their study goals, including both non-TOPIK and TOPIK-related materials.
Recommended Non-TOPIK Resources
- The Ewha series is highlighted as beneficial; they are nearing completion of level three before starting level four.
- The Seoul National 4a book will also be utilized since its content correlates with the required proficiency level.
Skill-Specific Resources
- Academic reading and listening resources from Yonsei University are included to enhance vocabulary and comprehension skills.
- The "Generation Gap" book is favored for its academic essays that help expand vocabulary relevant to past exams.
Focus on TOPIK-Specific Materials
- An intermediate-level TOPIK book focusing on vocabulary and grammar is introduced as part of the study plan.
TOPIK Preparation Resources and Study Plan
Recommended Study Materials
- The speaker recommends a book that analyzes questions from the TOPIK exam, providing strategies to identify correct answers and includes numerous practice questions. They express their intention to complete it in preparation for the November exam.
- Another resource mentioned is "TOPIK in 30 Days," which contains a frequency list of approximately 2,200 words essential for the exam. The speaker notes they have extensively used this book, indicated by many sticky notes, although they plan to learn vocabulary through Memrise instead.
- The speaker highlights their italki tutor as a crucial resource for TOPIK preparation. Initially sought for specific classes, they switched to general Korean lessons but plan to return to TOPIK-focused sessions as the exam approaches.
- The tutor's methods are praised for including essay writing and grammar corrections, which help improve vocabulary usage aimed at achieving higher scores on the TOPIK.
Understanding the Importance of Test Strategies
- The speaker emphasizes that knowing Korean alone is insufficient for scoring well on the TOPIK; test-taking strategies are vital. They compare it to taking the SAT—being knowledgeable does not guarantee high scores without understanding test formats and common question types.
- It’s highlighted that candidates must practice mental stamina since the exam lasts three hours. Merely knowing Korean will not accurately reflect one's language proficiency if one lacks familiarity with test conditions.
Creating an Effective Study Plan
- After selecting resources, the speaker suggests inventorying chapters or units from each material to create a structured study plan leading up to the exam date (November 14).
- They recommend outlining how many lessons need completion within approximately 20 weeks before the exam while considering realistic pacing based on personal study habits.
- Acknowledging potential challenges in completing all materials, they suggest evaluating whether to increase study time or reduce resources while remaining comfortable with possibly not finishing everything before the exam.
Incorporating Practice and Breaks into Study Schedule
- As part of planning, it's important to schedule time off from studying specifically dedicated to taking practice exams under timed conditions. This helps simulate actual testing experiences.