🔎 한국어로 읽고 싶어요? 👉 [한국어로 읽기]
Hello. Today, let’s learn about the TOPIK writing test. TOPIK writing is too hard, isn’t it?
Almost every student says this.
“I can read, but I can’t write. Can I just skip writing?”
Writing feels hard — I know that feeling well. But here is the good news: with a few simple methods, you can write much more easily. Why? Because TOPIK writing is not a test for people who are “very good at Korean.”
It is a test for people who write by the rules. So we will not start with difficult grammar. We will solve your problems one by one, slowly.
One thing first: this is an intermediate test (TOPIK II). If levels 1–2 still feel hard, review beginner words and grammar first. If your basic grammar is wrong, every sentence becomes wrong — and a good score becomes very hard. 🔎 Review the basics first 👉 [TOPIK I study]
Today, in Part 1, you only need to learn one thing: What kind of test is TOPIK writing?
How many questions are on the TOPIK writing test?
The TOPIK II writing test has 4 questions, and you have 50 minutes.
| Question | What you write | Length | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | Two short sentences in a short text (message, notice) | Short | 10 |
| 52 | Two sentences in an explanation text | Short | 10 |
| 53 | A description of a graph or chart | 200–300 characters | 30 |
| 54 | A long essay about a topic (your opinion) | 600–700 characters | 50 |
Together, the four questions are 100 points.
What should you study first?
Look at the points again.
Question 53 (30 points) + Question 54 (50 points) = 80 points.
That is 80 of the 100 writing points in just two questions.
So we will not study in order from Question 51. We will start with Question 53, because it follows a clear pattern. Even a student who just finished the beginner level can write it well with practice.
This is our first promise: start with the easiest points, one by one.
Don’t worry: a low writing score is okay
Many students think: “Do I need level 3 in writing?” No. There is no “writing level 3” in TOPIK.
Your level comes from the total of listening + reading + writing.
| Level | Total score (out of 300) |
|---|---|
| Level 3 | 120 or more |
| Level 4 | 150 or more |
| Level 5 | 190 or more |
| Level 6 | 230 or more |
There is also no minimum score for one section. So even if your writing is a little weak, you can still reach your level with points from listening and reading.
Don’t be afraid. Our goal is not “perfect writing.” Our goal is to get the points you can get in writing. With this idea, you are already halfway there.
Test writing is different from speaking
One more important thing. In TOPIK writing, you do not write the way you speak.
· Speaking: 사람이 많아요. → Writing: 사람이 많다.
· Speaking: 시간이 필요해요. → Writing: 시간이 필요하다.
This writing style is called 문어체 (written style). It looks difficult, but the rule is simple.
For today, just remember: test sentences end with “-다.” We will practice this easily in Part 2.
(You may see people online say you must write with “-습니다.” But for TOPIK 53 and 54, the “-다” written style is standard. More on this in Part 2.)
How this series works
- Part 1 (today): What kind of test is TOPIK writing? ✅
- Part 2: Make test sentences (“-아요/어요” → “-다”)
- Part 3: How to use the answer sheet and count characters
- Part 4: What graders look at when they give points in TOPIK writing.
- After that: Question 53 → 51·52 → 54, one step at a time!
Follow slowly. You do not need to do everything well at once.
Summary
- TOPIK writing has 4 questions, 50 minutes, 100 points.
- Question 53 + 54 = 80 points → start here.
- Your level comes from the total score. A low writing score is okay.
- Write with “-다” (written style).
Great job today! Practice slowly, one step at a time, and you can reach the level you want.
If you have a question, leave a comment. 🥰
See you in Part 2! 🌱
🔎 Still finding levels 1–2 hard? Review the basics first 👉 [ TOPIK I study ]
❓ FAQ
Q: How many questions are on the TOPIK writing test, and how many points?
A: There are 4 questions, 50 minutes, and 100 points in total. Questions 53 and 54 are worth 80 points, so they matter the most.
Q: Which question should I study first?
A: Start with Question 53 (the biggest points), then 51 and 52, and Question 54 last.
Q: If my writing score is low, can I still get a level?
A: Yes. Your level comes from the total of listening, reading, and writing, and there is no minimum score for a single section. Even if writing is weak, you can reach your level with points from listening and reading.
Q: Can I write test sentences the way I speak?
A: No. Write in the written style that ends with “-다” (for example, 많아요 → 많다), not the speaking style. We practice this in Part 2.
- How to Use TOPIK Writing Paper (원고지): 5 Simple Rules (Part 3)
- Korean Liberation Day(Gwangbokjeol): Do Koreans Still Dislike Japan? – Part 2
- August 15 in Korea: The Day Korea Got Its Light Back (광복절Gwangbokjeol, Part 1)
- TOPIK Writing Style: Turn Speaking Into “-다” Sentences (3 Simple Rules)-Part 2
- TOPIK Writing Explained: 4 Questions, 100 Points, Where to Start (Part 1)
