Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Drew345]

Anyone know the deduction rules for being short of words on the TOPIK essays?

I am preparing for the intermediate / advanced TOPIK. I am level 3, maybe level 4 with some luck.
There is no possible way I can complete the 600 word essay on the test (the final big essay). First I was thinking that I would just write what I could (200 or 300 words) after finishing the rest of the writing test. But now I wonder, if the deduction for the essay being short is too great, my 300 words would just count as zero anyway. In that case, it would be better to just write nothing instead of wasting time writing 300 words.

What is the deduction for being short of words? (Note: replace "words" with "characters" or "syllables" in above post to be more accurate for Korean writing)

Thanks

[furtakk]

Here is the grading outline:

http://i.imgur.com/PslymO6.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/jwxmBpR.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/RTIQeNS.jpg

I'm sure it has changed slightly for the new test. You can probably find the grading outline on the TOPIK website.

From what I remember, you get docked quite substantially for being under the required character length.

[neilio]

if it's handwritten, chances are they won't 'count' every word. Probably just eyeball. Do what you did as a kid, widen the margins, double space btn words, and lines, etc. Start preparing filler sentences/clauses.... "The interesting part about ......", "I often ask myself the question ,,,,"..

[Fox]

[Drew345]

Thank for the inputs. I am practicing on the proper writing grid (printed some out for myself.)
I am wondering about the deduction for being short on characters, say, for writing 300 out of 600. If the deduction is too great, then no use in starting the 600 character essay. If the deduction is not great, then I might get some valuable points out of it. I am not planning on padding the essay with fluff or long endings.
I am wanting to pass the intermediate level. The test is the same for intermediate and advance levels, so the 600 word essay is primarily for people needing the advanced levels. Thus my question about even trying it or not for a few extra points.
It would be great if we knew their grading rule like "for every __ characters short deduct __ points."
Thanks

[furtakk]

Under the old grading scheme, structure/length/etc made up 15/30 points for the essay. I assume it is similar for the new version. Technically you could lose points in various categories for being under the minimum, especially if you are greatly under the minimum. If you look at the third link above, you'll find an example of a really bad essay.

They scored 8/30, which could be construed as a waste of time.

That said, the old test had a lot of multiple choice questions where you could make up points. The new version of the test places a lot more weight on the essays from what I know. Even if you're aiming for intermediate, it would be beneficial to you to at least finish the essay.

[raewon]

Now that the combined score in each section is used to decide your level (there are no longer required cut off scores in each section that need to be met), the points in the writing section become even more valuable. The writing section is difficult, but if you try your best, you may be pleasantly surprised with the results. In my case, I was able to achieve one point more than the cut off mark for a level - which I wouldn't have attained had I left the writing section blank. Besides, the best way to note improvement is to try your best now and compare your score in that section when you take the test again (assuming you have plans to do that).

Good luck.