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TOPIK book recommendations

 
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jazzmaster



Joined: 30 Sep 2013

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 5:56 pm    Post subject: TOPIK book recommendations Reply with quote

Can anyone recommend a TOPIK book that has a lot of practice parts. I have the Complete Guide to the TOPIK book but I'm looking for something more like a workbook with activities that will make me use the things I'm learning. Right now I'm struggling to remember things just by memorizing.
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furtakk



Joined: 02 Jun 2009

PostPosted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 7:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Doing real practice tests and studying vocab was always the most useful for me. They are all available for free online. I would make flash cards with ANKI for my phone/pc.

The only book that truly helped me was the Advanced Grammar book by Darakwon. Covers most of the grammar that appears on the advanced test. The TOPIK format has changed since I've last written it though so not sure how much of an emphasis is put on the advanced grammar stuff.

http://www.amazon.com/Korean-Grammar-Use-Advanced-Cd/dp/8927731166
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aq8knyus



Joined: 28 Jul 2010
Location: London

PostPosted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 1:31 am    Post subject: Re: TOPIK book recommendations Reply with quote

jazzmaster wrote:
Can anyone recommend a TOPIK book that has a lot of practice parts. I have the Complete Guide to the TOPIK book but I'm looking for something more like a workbook with activities that will make me use the things I'm learning. Right now I'm struggling to remember things just by memorizing.


You can download past papers from the website with the audio files and answer keys.

The writing section is usually the trickiest and I recently bought a book that explains how to write the all the different essays and fill the blank questions.

Also unlike other books which just re-print the model essays, this book actually helps you build and organise your sentences.

http://www.kyobobook.co.kr/product/detailViewKor.laf?mallGb=KOR&ejkGb=KOR&barcode=9791195454532
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Stan Rogers



Joined: 20 Aug 2010

PostPosted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 3:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Korean students hate studying that shit.

Here is the research to back it up.

http://www.koreatimesus.com/s-korean-students-think-english-curriculum-impractical/
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Drew345



Joined: 24 May 2005

PostPosted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 4:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here's a convenient place to download past papers in a nice format

http://www.topikguide.com/previous-papers
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jazzmaster



Joined: 30 Sep 2013

PostPosted: Thu Mar 05, 2015 9:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for all the links and advice.

If I'm getting married do I need to pass the TOPIK test to prove my Korean ability?
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aq8knyus



Joined: 28 Jul 2010
Location: London

PostPosted: Fri Mar 06, 2015 10:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

jazzmaster wrote:
Thanks for all the links and advice.

If I'm getting married do I need to pass the TOPIK test to prove my Korean ability?


You have to have a pass at TOPIK level 1 unless you have lived in Korea for a year, studied Korean formally in Korea or if you and your partner are proficient in the same foreign language.
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World Traveler



Joined: 29 May 2009

PostPosted: Fri Mar 06, 2015 6:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

And if you want the F-5 you need to pass level 2 (new rule).
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jazzmaster



Joined: 30 Sep 2013

PostPosted: Fri Mar 06, 2015 6:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

So I can get an F visa so long as we can both communicate in English, but if I want an F5 visa I need to pass the topik level 2 test. Is this correct? And what kind of F visa would I initially be on?
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aq8knyus



Joined: 28 Jul 2010
Location: London

PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 4:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

jazzmaster wrote:
So I can get an F visa so long as we can both communicate in English, but if I want an F5 visa I need to pass the topik level 2 test. Is this correct? And what kind of F visa would I initially be on?


You don't need one for an F6.

I thought you would be exempt from the TOPIK for an F5, but WT seems to know the new rules better.
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World Traveler



Joined: 29 May 2009

PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 9:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ask wooden nickels. He has a K-wife but couldn't get the F-5 due to insufficient Korean ability. I think it's not just TOPIK level 2. In some cases (or maybe all- not sure) the foreigner has to answer some interview questions done in Korean in order to be approved. I know of a few people (many who have been in Korea over a decade) who were blocked from getting the F-5 because of not knowing enough Korean.
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aq8knyus



Joined: 28 Jul 2010
Location: London

PostPosted: Sat Mar 07, 2015 9:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

World Traveler wrote:
Ask wooden nickels. He has a K-wife but couldn't get the F-5 due to insufficient Korean ability. I think it's not just TOPIK level 2. In some cases (or maybe all- not sure) the foreigner has to answer some interview questions done in Korean in order to be approved. I know of a few people (many who have been in Korea over a decade) who were blocked from getting the F-5 because of not knowing enough Korean.


That makes sense, the F5 is essentially permanent residency and so you will need to have some Korean ability.

He would be fine for the F6 though right? I think the TOPIK requirement is only for migrant wives or those who haven't been to Korea yet.
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Weigookin74



Joined: 26 Oct 2009

PostPosted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 6:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

World Traveler wrote:
And if you want the F-5 you need to pass level 2 (new rule).


Is it more difficult than before? Passing level two seems reasonable. I'm prob just slightly under it, buit could pass it with some minimal effort.
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World Traveler



Joined: 29 May 2009

PostPosted: Mon Mar 09, 2015 5:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Weigookin74 wrote:
Is it more difficult than before?

You mean the test itself? Yes. It was recently revised to become more difficult. One person said the new level two is about as hard as what the old level three used to be (but that is just one person's opinion). The TOPIK test became more difficult to pass (at all levels apparently). One other thing to note is a foreigner should be on a lesser F series visa for several years before changing to the F-5.
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