Daily life 7: 20 TOPIK II reading passages, each with translated sentences and comprehension questions.
🎓 Preparing a Speech for Graduation
졸업식에서 대표로 연설을 하게 된 수빈이는 며칠 동안 원고를 고민했어요.
Subin, chosen to give the representative speech at graduation, agonized over the draft for several days.
친구들과 지낸 시간을 떠올리며 진심을 담아 글을 썼어요.
She wrote sincerely, recalling the time she had spent with her friends.
연설 전날 밤에는 너무 긴장돼서 잠을 잘 이루지 못했어요.
The night before the speech, she was so nervous she couldn't sleep well.
막상 무대에 올라가서는 침착하게 연설을 잘 마쳤어요.
But once she got on stage, she calmly finished the speech well.
연설이 끝나자 강당에 있던 사람들이 모두 큰 박수를 보냈어요.
When the speech ended, everyone in the auditorium gave a big round of applause.
몇몇 친구들은 수빈이의 연설을 듣고 눈물을 흘리기도 했어요.
Some of her friends even shed tears after hearing Subin's speech.
수빈이는 며칠 동안 고민한 보람이 있었다고 느꼈어요.
Subin felt that the days she had spent agonizing had been worth it.
What did Subin write her speech about?
- Her plans for the future
- Her favorite subjects
- Advice from her teachers
- The time she spent with her friends ✓
How did Subin feel the night before the speech?
- So nervous she couldn't sleep well ✓
- Calm and relaxed
- Bored
- Confident and excited
What happened after the speech ended?
- No one reacted at all
- Everyone gave a big round of applause ✓
- Her friends were bored by the speech
- The teacher asked her to give it again
📝 Preparing for a Certification Exam
저는 이직을 준비하면서 자격증 시험을 치르기로 결심했어요.
While preparing to change jobs, I decided to take a certification exam.
퇴근한 후에도 매일 두 시간씩 공부하는 습관을 들였어요.
I made a habit of studying two hours every day even after work.
문제집을 여러 번 풀면서 자주 틀리는 부분을 정리했어요.
By solving practice books multiple times, I organized the parts I often got wrong.
시험 날짜가 다가올수록 부담스럽지만 최선을 다하려고 해요.
As the exam date approaches it feels more pressuring, but I'm trying to do my best.
요즘은 주말마다 실제 시험처럼 시간을 재면서 모의고사를 풀고 있어요.
These days, every weekend I do mock exams while timing myself as in the real test.
가족들도 제 결심을 응원해 주면서 집안일을 조금씩 나눠 맡아 줬어요.
My family has also supported my decision and taken on some of the housework.
합격해서 원하는 분야로 옮길 수 있으면 좋겠어요.
I hope I pass and can move into the field I want.
Why did I decide to take the certification exam?
- Because I had free time
- Because my company required it
- Because a friend suggested it
- While preparing to change jobs ✓
What did I organize while solving the practice books?
- My exam application
- A study schedule
- A list of exam locations
- The parts I often got wrong ✓
What do I do every weekend these days?
- Do untimed mock exams
- Go to a study group
- Do timed mock exams ✓
- Go to work
🧁 Organizing a Charity Bake Sale
지역 도서관에서는 기부금을 모으기 위해 빵 판매 행사를 열기로 했어요.
The local library decided to hold a bake sale to raise donations.
자원봉사자들이 각자 집에서 쿠키와 케이크를 구워 왔어요.
The volunteers each baked cookies and cakes at home and brought them.
생각보다 많은 사람들이 찾아와서 준비한 빵이 금세 다 팔렸어요.
More people than expected came, and the baked goods sold out quickly.
모인 돈은 전부 어려운 이웃을 돕는 데 쓰이기로 했어요.
All the money collected was decided to be used to help neighbors in need.
행사가 끝난 후 자원봉사자들은 함께 남아서 행사장을 깨끗이 정리했어요.
After the event, the volunteers stayed behind together and cleaned up the venue.
도서관 직원들은 도와준 모든 사람에게 감사의 인사를 전했어요.
The library staff thanked everyone who had helped.
반응이 좋아서 도서관은 내년에도 같은 행사를 열 계획이에요.
Since the response was good, the library plans to hold the same event next year as well.
Why did the library hold the bake sale?
- To celebrate its anniversary
- To raise donations ✓
- To promote a new cookbook
- To attract new members
What happened to the baked goods?
- Most of them went unsold
- They sold out quickly ✓
- They were given away for free
- They were donated to a shelter directly
What does the library plan to do in the future?
- Stop holding bake sales
- Start a new cooking class
- Hold the same event next year ✓
- Buy new books with the money raised
🚌 Planning the Team Retreat
입사 삼 년 차인 서연 씨는 이번에 처음으로 팀 워크숍 준비를 맡게 됐어요.
Seoyeon, in her third year at the company, was put in charge of preparing the team retreat for the first time.
장소만 정하면 된다고 생각해서 처음에는 가볍게 시작했어요.
She thought all she had to do was choose a place, so at first she took it lightly.
그런데 막상 일정을 짜려니까 신경 쓸 것이 생각보다 훨씬 많았어요.
But when she actually set out to plan the schedule, there was far more to take care of than she had expected.
팀원 열두 명의 일정을 맞추고 숙소와 버스도 예약해야 했어요.
She had to coordinate the schedules of twelve team members and also book lodging and a bus.
게다가 해산물을 못 먹는 사람이 두 명 있어서 식당을 두 번이나 바꿨어요.
On top of that, two people couldn't eat seafood, so she changed restaurants twice.
힘들 때마다 작년에 워크숍을 준비했던 선배가 자기 메모를 보여 주며 도와주었어요.
Whenever things got hard, a senior colleague who had organized last year's retreat helped her by showing her own notes.
워크숍이 끝난 뒤 팀장님은 서연 씨 덕분에 모두 즐거웠다며 고마워하셨어요.
After the retreat, the team leader thanked Seoyeon, saying everyone had a great time thanks to her.
Why did Seoyeon change restaurants twice?
- Some members couldn't eat seafood ✓
- The restaurants were fully booked
- The team leader wanted another place
- The bus couldn't reach the restaurant
Who helped Seoyeon when things got hard?
- The owner of the lodging
- A newly hired junior colleague
- A senior who organized last year's retreat ✓
- An employee of the bus company
Which of the following matches the text?
- Seoyeon has organized it every year
- Preparing the retreat took more work than expected ✓
- Everyone's schedules matched from the start
- The team leader wasn't satisfied with it
🦵 Recovering from a Sprained Ankle
주말에 등산을 하다가 재민이는 발목을 삐끗했어요.
While hiking on the weekend, Jaemin sprained his ankle.
병원에서는 최소 이 주 동안 무리하지 말라고 했어요.
The hospital told him not to strain it for at least two weeks.
재민이는 답답했지만 다리를 올려놓고 얼음찜질을 하며 쉬었어요.
Jaemin felt frustrated, but he rested with his leg elevated, icing it.
이 주 후에 병원에 다시 갔더니 많이 나았다는 말을 들었어요.
When he went back to the hospital after two weeks, he was told it had healed a lot.
의사는 이제 가벼운 걷기부터 천천히 시작해도 된다고 했어요.
The doctor said he could now slowly start with light walking.
재민이는 매일 저녁 집 근처 공원을 조금씩 걸으며 발목에 힘을 길렀어요.
Every evening, Jaemin walked a little in the park near his home to strengthen his ankle.
한 달 뒤에는 다시 산에 오를 수 있을 만큼 발목이 튼튼해졌어요.
A month later, his ankle had become strong enough for him to climb mountains again.
How did Jaemin sprain his ankle?
- While hiking ✓
- While playing soccer
- While running on a treadmill
- While getting off a bus
What did Jaemin do to help his ankle heal?
- He kept exercising as usual
- He ignored the doctor's advice
- He wrapped it in a hot towel
- He rested with his leg elevated and iced it ✓
What did the doctor tell Jaemin after two weeks?
- He should stay in bed for another month
- He could go hiking right away
- He could start with light walking ✓
- He needed surgery
🤝 Mentoring a New Coworker
팀에 새로 들어온 신입 사원의 멘토를 지훈이가 맡게 됐어요.
Jihun was assigned to be the mentor for the new employee who joined the team.
처음에는 신입 사원이 낯설어해서 지훈이는 천천히 업무를 알려 줬어요.
At first, the new employee felt unfamiliar with everything, so Jihun slowly taught him the work.
점심시간에도 같이 밥을 먹으며 회사 생활에 대해 이야기해 줬어요.
Even during lunch, they ate together and Jihun talked to him about life at the company.
한 달이 지나자 신입 사원은 업무에 많이 익숙해졌어요.
After a month passed, the new employee had become much more accustomed to the work.
이제 신입 사원은 혼자서도 맡은 일을 척척 해낼 수 있게 되었어요.
Now the new employee was able to handle his assigned tasks smoothly on his own.
어느 날 신입 사원은 지훈이에게 고맙다며 커피 한 잔을 건넸어요.
One day, the new employee handed Jihun a cup of coffee to thank him.
지훈이는 누군가를 가르치면서 자신도 많이 배웠다는 것을 깨달았어요.
Jihun realized that he had also learned a lot while teaching someone else.
What did Jihun do at first with the new employee?
- He slowly taught him the work ✓
- He left him to figure things out alone
- He gave him a written manual only
- He assigned him to another team
What happened after a month?
- The new employee became much more accustomed to the work ✓
- The new employee quit
- Jihun was replaced as mentor
- The team was reorganized
What did Jihun realize while being a mentor?
- That teaching didn't suit him
- That the new employee disliked the work
- That the lunch break was too short
- That he had also learned a lot ✓
😴 Dealing with Jet Lag After a Trip
미국 여행에서 돌아온 후 서준이는 며칠 동안 시차 적응에 어려움을 겪었어요.
After returning from a trip to the US, Seojun had a hard time adjusting to the time difference for several days.
밤에는 잠이 안 오고 낮에는 계속 졸려서 회사 생활이 힘들었어요.
He couldn't sleep at night and kept feeling sleepy during the day, making work life difficult.
친구는 낮에는 햇빛을 많이 쬐고 카페인을 줄이라고 조언해 줬어요.
A friend advised him to get plenty of sunlight during the day and reduce caffeine.
일주일 정도 지나자 서준이의 몸은 다시 정상적인 리듬을 되찾았어요.
After about a week, Seojun's body regained its normal rhythm.
그 뒤로 서준이는 밤에 푹 자고 낮에도 피곤하지 않게 일할 수 있었어요.
After that, Seojun slept soundly at night and could work without feeling tired during the day.
서준이는 조언해 준 친구에게 고마워서 저녁을 사 주었어요.
Grateful to the friend who had given him advice, Seojun treated the friend to dinner.
다음 여행 때는 출발 며칠 전부터 미리 생활 리듬을 조절해 보기로 했어요.
For his next trip, he decided to try adjusting his daily rhythm a few days before departure.
What problem did Seojun have after returning from his trip?
- He lost his luggage
- He forgot his work password
- He caught a cold
- He had a hard time adjusting to the time difference ✓
What did his friend advise him to do?
- Sleep as much as possible during the day
- Get sunlight during the day and reduce caffeine ✓
- Take strong sleeping pills
- Avoid going outside for a week
What did Seojun decide to do for his next trip?
- Adjust his daily rhythm before departing ✓
- Make his trips shorter
- Drink a lot of coffee on the plane
- Rest for a week after coming back
🔊 Dealing with a Noisy Neighbor
저는 요즘 윗집에서 나는 소음 때문에 밤에 잠을 설치고 있어요.
These days I've been having trouble sleeping at night because of the noise from upstairs.
처음에는 직접 찾아가서 조용히 부탁드렸어요.
At first I went there in person and quietly asked them.
그래도 나아지지 않아서 관리사무소에 도움을 요청했어요.
Since it still didn't improve, I asked the management office for help.
관리사무소에서 중재해 준 덕분에 소음이 많이 줄었어요.
Thanks to the management office mediating, the noise decreased a lot.
며칠 뒤 윗집 이웃이 과일을 들고 찾아와서 그동안 미안했다고 사과했어요.
A few days later, the upstairs neighbor came by with some fruit and apologized for everything.
알고 보니 어린 아이들이 집 안에서 뛰어서 생긴 소음이었어요.
It turned out the noise came from their young children running around inside.
이제는 저도 이웃의 사정을 조금 더 이해하게 돼서 마음이 편해요.
Now I understand my neighbor's situation a little better too, so I feel at ease.
Why couldn't I sleep well at night?
- Because of a streetlight
- Because of the heat
- Because of work stress
- Because of noise from upstairs ✓
What did I do first?
- Wrote a complaint letter
- Called the police
- Moved out immediately
- Went there in person and asked quietly ✓
What caused the noise?
- Children running inside ✓
- Construction upstairs
- Loud music
- Guests every night
💻 Setting Up a Home Office
재택근무를 시작하게 된 나영이는 집에 작은 업무 공간을 만들기로 했어요.
Nayoung, who started working from home, decided to set up a small workspace at home.
먼저 창가 쪽에 책상과 편안한 의자를 놓았어요.
First, she placed a desk and a comfortable chair by the window.
조명이 부족해서 스탠드도 하나 새로 샀어요.
Since the lighting wasn't enough, she also bought a new desk lamp.
공간을 다 꾸미고 나니 집에서도 일에 훨씬 더 집중할 수 있었어요.
After finishing the setup, she could concentrate on work much better even at home.
출근 준비를 하거나 회사까지 이동할 필요가 없어서 아침 시간도 여유로워졌어요.
Since she didn't have to get ready for work or commute to the office, her mornings became more relaxed too.
하지만 하루 종일 집에만 있다 보니 가끔은 답답한 기분이 들었어요.
But staying at home all day sometimes made her feel cooped up.
그래서 나영이는 점심시간마다 잠깐 동네를 산책하기로 했어요.
So Nayoung decided to take a short walk around the neighborhood every lunchtime.
Where did Nayoung place her desk and chair?
- In the kitchen
- In the bedroom closet
- In the garage
- By the window ✓
Why did Nayoung buy a new desk lamp?
- Her old one broke
- It was a gift from a coworker
- The lighting wasn't enough ✓
- It matched her desk color
Why did Nayoung decide to take a walk every lunchtime?
- A doctor told her to exercise
- She had to buy lunch outside
- She had plans to meet a coworker
- Staying home all the time made her feel cooped up ✓
🤝 Reconciling After an Argument
저는 지난주에 친한 친구와 사소한 오해로 크게 다퉜어요.
Last week I had a big fight with a close friend over a small misunderstanding.
며칠 동안 서로 연락하지 않아서 마음이 불편했어요.
We didn't contact each other for several days, so I felt uncomfortable.
결국 제가 먼저 용기를 내서 진심 어린 사과 문자를 보냈어요.
In the end, I gathered the courage first and sent a sincere apology text.
친구도 자기 잘못을 인정해서 우리는 다시 예전처럼 가까워졌어요.
My friend also admitted their own fault, so we became close again like before.
주말에는 둘이 자주 가던 카페에서 만나 그동안 못 한 이야기를 나눴어요.
On the weekend, we met at the café we used to go to often and talked about everything we hadn't been able to say.
이야기를 해 보니 서로 상대의 말을 오해하고 있었다는 것을 알게 됐어요.
As we talked, we realized we had each misunderstood what the other had said.
이번 일을 통해 오해가 생기면 바로 대화하는 것이 중요하다는 것을 배웠어요.
Through this, I learned that it's important to talk right away when a misunderstanding arises.
Why did I and my friend have a big fight?
- Over a job
- Over money
- Over a small misunderstanding ✓
- Over a family issue
What did I do first?
- Visited in person
- Called a mutual friend
- Sent a sincere apology text ✓
- Wrote a letter
What did I learn from this experience?
- Not to trust friends too much
- To talk right away when a misunderstanding arises ✓
- That letters are better than texts
- To leave a long time after a fight
💰 Managing a Tight Travel Budget
저는 이번 여행에서 예산이 넉넉하지 않아서 계획을 꼼꼼히 세웠어요.
Since my budget wasn't generous for this trip, I planned meticulously.
비싼 식당 대신 현지 시장에서 저렴한 음식을 사 먹기로 했어요.
Instead of expensive restaurants, I decided to buy cheap food at the local market.
숙소도 시설이 소박하지만 위치가 좋은 곳으로 골랐어요.
I also chose accommodation with modest facilities but a good location.
덕분에 돈을 아끼면서도 알찬 여행을 할 수 있었어요.
Thanks to that, I was able to have a fulfilling trip while saving money.
교통비를 줄이려고 가까운 곳은 대부분 걸어서 다녔어요.
To cut transportation costs, I walked to most nearby places.
걸어 다니다 보니 관광 안내서에 없는 작은 골목과 가게들도 발견할 수 있었어요.
Walking around, I was able to discover small alleys and shops that weren't in the guidebooks.
다음 여행도 이번처럼 꼼꼼하게 계획해서 알뜰하게 다녀오고 싶어요.
I want to plan my next trip carefully like this one and travel frugally again.
Why did I plan meticulously?
- Because the trip was long
- Because my budget wasn't generous ✓
- Because I was traveling alone
- Because the destination was far
What did I prioritize when choosing accommodation?
- Luxury facilities
- A good location ✓
- A pool
- Free breakfast
What did I do to cut transportation costs?
- Rented a bike
- Shared taxis
- Bought a transit pass
- Walked to nearby places ✓
🏠 Adjusting to Working from Home
저는 재택근무를 시작한 지 한 달이 됐지만 아직 적응이 힘들어요.
It's been a month since I started working from home, but it's still hard to adjust.
집에서는 자꾸 딴생각이 들어서 업무 집중력이 떨어졌어요.
At home I keep getting distracted, so my focus on work has dropped.
그래서 매일 정해진 시간에 책상에 앉는 규칙을 만들었어요.
So I made a rule to sit at my desk at a fixed time every day.
규칙을 지키다 보니 조금씩 재택근무에 익숙해지고 있어요.
By keeping the rule, I'm gradually getting used to working from home.
또 침실과 일하는 공간을 나누려고 거실 한쪽에 작은 책상을 따로 놓았어요.
I also put a separate small desk in a corner of the living room to keep my work space apart from my bedroom.
퇴근 시간이 되면 노트북을 덮고 일을 더 하지 않으려고 노력해요.
When it's time to finish work, I close my laptop and try not to work any more.
아직 완벽하지는 않지만 집에서도 일과 휴식의 균형을 찾아가는 중이에요.
It's not perfect yet, but I'm finding a balance between work and rest even at home.
How long has it been since I started working from home?
- A week
- A month ✓
- A year
- Three days
What rule did I make to improve focus?
- Working only in the morning
- Taking a walk every hour
- Turning off my phone completely
- Sitting at my desk at a fixed time ✓
What did I do to separate my work space?
- Started working at a nearby café
- Brought a big desk into the bedroom
- Put a small desk in a corner of the living room ✓
- Rented a shared office
🧾 Resolving a Billing Dispute
저는 지난달 요금 청구서에 이상한 금액이 찍혀 있는 것을 발견했어요.
I found a strange amount printed on last month's billing statement.
고객센터에 전화해서 자세히 설명해 달라고 요청했어요.
I called customer service and asked them to explain in detail.
상담원은 착오가 있었다며 정중히 사과하고 금액을 정정해 줬어요.
The representative apologized politely, saying there had been a mistake, and corrected the amount.
문제가 잘 해결돼서 저는 마음이 놓였어요.
Since the problem was resolved well, I felt relieved.
며칠 뒤 정정된 청구서가 도착해서 금액을 다시 한번 꼼꼼히 확인했어요.
A few days later the corrected bill arrived, and I carefully checked the amount once more.
이번 일을 겪고 나서 매달 청구서를 받으면 내역을 자세히 살펴보는 습관이 생겼어요.
After this experience, I've gotten into the habit of examining the details whenever I get my monthly bill.
작은 실수라도 그냥 넘기지 않고 확인하는 것이 중요하다고 느꼈어요.
I felt that it's important to check even small mistakes instead of just letting them go.
What did I find on the billing statement?
- A strange amount ✓
- A missing signature
- A wrong address
- A late payment notice
How did the representative resolve it?
- Asked me to visit in person
- Refused to change anything
- Transferred me to another department
- Apologized and corrected the amount ✓
What habit did I develop after this experience?
- Paying fees in advance
- Examining bill details closely ✓
- Calling customer service often
- Throwing away all receipts
💐 Supporting a Friend Through Illness
제 친구가 갑자기 입원했다는 소식을 듣고 저는 깜짝 놀랐어요.
I was shocked to hear the news that my friend had suddenly been hospitalized.
저는 매일 병문안을 가서 친구 곁을 지켜 줬어요.
I visited every day and stayed by my friend's side.
친구가 힘들어할 때마다 따뜻한 말로 위로해 줬어요.
Whenever my friend struggled, I comforted them with warm words.
친구가 건강을 되찾는 모습을 보니 저도 정말 기뻤어요.
Seeing my friend regain their health, I was truly happy too.
퇴원하는 날 친구는 제 손을 잡고 곁에 있어 줘서 고맙다고 말했어요.
On the day they were discharged, my friend took my hand and thanked me for being by their side.
그 말을 듣자 그동안 걱정했던 마음이 눈 녹듯이 사라졌어요.
As soon as I heard that, all the worry I had felt melted away.
이번 일로 힘들 때 곁에 있어 주는 것이 진정한 우정이라는 것을 깨달았어요.
Through this, I realized that being there when someone is struggling is true friendship.
What news shocked me?
- That my friend moved abroad
- That my friend was hospitalized ✓
- That my friend lost their job
- That my friend got married
What did I do every day for my friend?
- Visited the hospital ✓
- Called on the phone only
- Sent flowers
- Cooked meals
What did my friend say to me on the day they were discharged?
- You don't have to come anymore
- Let's go on a trip together
- I have to be hospitalized again
- Thanks for being by my side ✓
🗺️ Navigating a Language Barrier Abroad
저는 해외여행 중에 말이 통하지 않아서 길을 찾는 데 어려움을 겪었어요.
While traveling abroad, I had difficulty finding my way because the language didn't work.
지도 앱을 켜고 손짓으로 방향을 물어봤어요.
I opened a map app and asked for directions using hand gestures.
마침 한국어를 조금 할 줄 아는 현지인을 만나서 도움을 받았어요.
Luckily I met a local who could speak a little Korean and got help.
언어가 달라도 마음은 통한다는 것을 느낀 하루였어요.
It was a day when I felt that even with different languages, hearts can connect.
그날 저녁 저는 숙소에서 현지 언어의 간단한 인사말과 숫자를 공부했어요.
That evening at my lodging, I studied simple greetings and numbers in the local language.
다음 날 배운 말로 시장에서 과일을 사 보니 상인이 환하게 웃어 주었어요.
The next day, when I tried buying fruit at the market using the words I'd learned, the vendor gave me a bright smile.
다음 여행을 가기 전에는 그 나라의 말을 조금이라도 미리 배워 가려고 해요.
Before my next trip, I plan to learn at least a little of the country's language in advance.
Why did I have trouble finding my way?
- Because it was too dark
- Because my phone died
- Because it was raining heavily
- Because the language didn't work ✓
Who helped me?
- A tour guide
- A local who spoke a little Korean ✓
- A police officer
- A hotel employee
What did I do that evening?
- Called my family in Korea
- Bought a new map
- Booked a guided tour
- Studied simple greetings in the local language ✓
🛠️ Renovating an Old Apartment
저는 오래된 아파트를 사서 직접 수리하기로 했어요.
I bought an old apartment and decided to renovate it myself.
낡은 벽지를 뜯어내고 새 벽지로 바꾸는 데 며칠이 걸렸어요.
It took several days to tear off the old wallpaper and replace it with new wallpaper.
예상보다 비용이 많이 들어서 계획을 조금 줄여야 했어요.
Since the cost was higher than expected, I had to scale back the plan a bit.
그래도 완성된 집을 보니 고생한 보람이 있었어요.
Still, seeing the finished home made the hard work worthwhile.
이사하는 날 가족들은 제가 직접 고친 집이라는 말을 듣고 깜짝 놀랐어요.
On moving day, my family was surprised to hear that I had fixed up the place myself.
특히 밝은 색 벽지 덕분에 거실이 훨씬 넓어 보인다고 칭찬해 줬어요.
They especially praised how much bigger the living room looked thanks to the light-colored wallpaper.
다음에는 미뤄 둔 부엌 수리도 조금씩 직접 해 볼 생각이에요.
Next, I'm planning to do the kitchen repairs I put off myself too, little by little.
What did I decide to do with the apartment?
- Renovate it myself ✓
- Rent it out immediately
- Sell it right away
- Hire a company to renovate it
Why did I have to scale back the plan?
- Because materials weren't available
- Because I ran out of time
- Because the cost was higher than expected ✓
- Because of a neighbor's complaint
What did my family praise?
- That the kitchen looks brand new
- That the living room looks much bigger ✓
- That the house was cheap
- That the furniture is pretty
🕊️ Mediating a Disagreement Between Coworkers
같은 팀의 두 동료가 프로젝트 방향을 두고 심하게 부딪쳤어요.
Two coworkers on the same team clashed seriously over the direction of the project.
저는 두 사람의 이야기를 각각 차분히 들어 봤어요.
I calmly listened to each of the two people's stories separately.
서로의 입장을 이해할 수 있도록 중간에서 의견을 조율했어요.
I coordinated their opinions in the middle so they could understand each other's positions.
결국 두 사람은 타협점을 찾아서 다시 협력하게 됐어요.
In the end, the two found a compromise and began cooperating again.
그 뒤로 두 사람은 회의에서 서로의 의견을 끝까지 듣고 나서 말하기 시작했어요.
After that, in meetings the two began to speak only after hearing each other's opinions to the end.
덕분에 팀 분위기도 한결 부드러워지고 프로젝트도 순조롭게 진행됐어요.
Thanks to that, the team atmosphere became much gentler and the project went smoothly.
저는 갈등을 해결하려면 먼저 잘 들어 주는 것이 중요하다는 것을 배웠어요.
I learned that to resolve a conflict, it's important to listen well first.
What did the two coworkers clash over?
- A budget issue
- The direction of the project ✓
- A schedule conflict
- Who would lead the meeting
How did I mediate?
- Told them to stop working together
- Listened to each side calmly and coordinated ✓
- Reported it to management right away
- Ignored the conflict
Which of the following matches the text?
- One of the two coworkers left the team
- The team atmosphere got worse
- The project went smoothly ✓
- All the meetings were canceled
⏰ Shorter Team Meetings
우리 팀은 매주 월요일 아침에 회의를 해요.
Our team holds a meeting every Monday morning.
그런데 회의가 길어져서 점심시간이 지나도 끝나지 않는 적이 있었어요.
But there were times when the meeting ran so long that it still hadn't ended even after lunchtime.
회의가 끝나면 모두 피곤해서 오후 업무에 집중하기가 어려웠어요.
When the meeting was over, everyone was tired and found it hard to focus on the afternoon's work.
그래서 새로 온 팀장님이 몇 가지 규칙을 만드셨어요.
So our new team leader made a few rules.
회의 자료는 하루 전에 미리 읽어 오고, 한 사람이 삼 분 넘게 말하지 않기로 했어요.
We decided to read the meeting materials a day in advance and that no one would speak for more than three minutes.
처음에는 불편해하는 사람도 있었지만, 지금은 회의가 삼십 분 안에 끝나요.
At first some people found it uncomfortable, but now meetings end within thirty minutes.
남은 시간에 각자 일을 할 수 있어서 모두 만족하고 있어요.
Everyone is satisfied because we can use the remaining time for our own work.
According to the new rules, when should the meeting materials be read?
- After the meeting ends
- During lunchtime
- For three minutes during the meeting
- The day before the meeting ✓
Why did the team leader make the rules?
- Long meetings made afternoon work hard ✓
- Team members were often late
- There were too few materials
- The leader wanted to have lunch with the team
Which of the following matches the text?
- Meetings are held every Friday morning
- Everyone liked the rules from the start
- One person may speak for up to thirty minutes
- Meetings now end within thirty minutes ✓
📊 Year-End Closing Season
저는 작은 무역 회사의 회계팀에서 일하고 있어요.
I work on the accounting team at a small trading company.
매년 십이월이 되면 한 해의 장부를 정리하느라 무척 바빠져요.
Every December, I get very busy organizing the year's books.
올해는 동료 한 명이 육아 휴직 중이라서 일이 더 많았어요.
This year there was even more work because one coworker was on parental leave.
확인할 서류가 계속 쌓여서 일찍 퇴근하려도 퇴근할 수가 없었어요.
Documents to check kept piling up, so even when I tried to leave early, I just couldn't.
그래서 팀장님께 상황을 솔직하게 말씀드리고 도움을 요청했어요.
So I honestly explained the situation to my team leader and asked for help.
팀장님은 다른 팀에서 직원 한 명을 이 주 동안 보내 주셨어요.
The team leader sent over an employee from another team for two weeks.
덕분에 마감을 무사히 마치고 연말에는 가족과 저녁을 먹을 수 있었어요.
Thanks to that, I got through the closing without trouble and could have dinner with my family at the end of the year.
Why was there more work this year?
- The company moved to a new office
- A coworker was on parental leave ✓
- The team leader quit
- Last year's books were all lost
What did the writer do to solve the problem?
- Came in alone every weekend
- Asked the coworker to return early
- Asked the team leader for help ✓
- Put off checking documents until next year
Which of the following matches the text?
- The writer left early every day
- December is the team's quietest month
- The writer couldn't see family at year's end
- Someone from another team helped for two weeks ✓
📚 The Mystery Construction Next Door
지난달부터 우리 집 옆 빈 가게에서 공사가 시작됐어요.
Since last month, construction has been going on in the empty shop next to our house.
동네 사람들은 그곳에 무엇을 만들려는지 모두 궁금해했어요.
Everyone in the neighborhood wondered what they were planning to build there.
어떤 사람은 식당이 생길 거라고 했고, 어떤 사람은 카페일 거라고 했어요.
Some said a restaurant would open, and others said it would be a cafe.
그런데 어느 날 트럭에서 커다란 책장이 여러 개 내려졌어요.
But one day, several large bookshelves were unloaded from a truck.
알고 보니 구청에서 주민을 위한 작은 도서관을 만들고 있었어요.
It turned out that the district office was building a small library for residents.
도서관이 문을 연 뒤로 아이들은 학교가 끝나면 그곳에 모여 책을 읽어요.
Since the library opened, children gather there to read after school.
저도 주말마다 그곳에 들러 조용히 책을 읽게 되었어요.
I, too, now drop by there every weekend to read quietly.
What was unloaded from the truck one day?
- Cafe chairs and tables
- Restaurant kitchen equipment
- Boxes of children's toys
- Several large bookshelves ✓
What changed after the library opened?
- Children gather to read after school ✓
- More restaurants and cafes opened
- The writer started working at the library
- Residents began opposing the construction
Which of the following matches the text?
- In the end, a small cafe opened there
- Residents knew from the start it was a library
- The writer goes there every weekday evening
- The district office built a library for residents ✓