Campus life: 20 TOPIK II reading passages, each with translated sentences and comprehension questions.
☕ Studying Between Coffee Orders
대학교 이 학년인 서연 씨는 학교 앞 작은 카페에서 주말마다 아르바이트를 해요.
Seoyeon, a second-year university student, works part-time every weekend at a small café in front of her school.
오전에는 손님이 많아서 쉴 틈 없이 커피를 만들며 주문을 받아요.
In the morning there are many customers, so she takes orders while making coffee without a moment to rest.
하지만 오후 세 시가 지나면 가게가 조용해져서 공부할 시간이 조금 생겨요.
But after three in the afternoon the café gets quiet, and she has a little time to study.
그래서 서연 씨는 계산대 옆에 단어 카드를 놓고 손님이 없을 때마다 외워요.
So Seoyeon keeps vocabulary cards next to the register and memorizes them whenever there are no customers.
사장님도 일만 제대로 하면 공부해도 괜찮다고 말씀하셨어요.
The owner also said it was fine for her to study as long as she does her work properly.
덕분에 지난 학기에는 아르바이트를 하면서도 장학금을 받을 수 있었어요.
Thanks to that, last semester she was able to receive a scholarship even while working part-time.
서연 씨는 요즘 같은 카페에서 일하는 친구들에게 이 방법을 알려 주고 있어요.
These days Seoyeon is sharing this method with her friends who work at the same café.
When does Seoyeon study?
- In the quiet afternoon ✓
- In the busy morning
- In the evening when the owner is away
- At night after class
Why is Seoyeon able to study next to the register?
- Because no customers ever come
- Because she must get a scholarship
- Because the owner allowed it ✓
- Because her friends do her work
Which of the following matches the passage?
- She works at the café every weekday
- She got a scholarship last semester ✓
- The café closes at three p.m.
- She got vocabulary cards from a friend
📝 Writing a Scholarship Application
민호 씨는 대학교 삼 학년이고 학비를 스스로 마련하고 있어요.
Minho is a third-year university student who pays his own tuition.
이번 학기에는 학비 부담을 조금이라도 줄이고자 학교 장학금에 지원했어요.
This semester, he applied for a school scholarship in order to reduce the burden of tuition even a little.
지원서에는 성적표와 함께 한 장짜리 자기소개서를 내야 했어요.
Along with his transcript, he had to submit a one-page personal statement.
민호 씨는 무엇을 써야 할지 몰라서 학생 상담 센터를 찾아갔어요.
Not knowing what to write, Minho went to the student counseling center.
상담 선생님은 멋진 말보다 자신의 경험을 솔직하게 쓰는 것이 중요하다고 하셨어요.
The counselor said that writing honestly about his own experience mattered more than fancy words.
그래서 민호 씨는 아르바이트와 공부를 함께 하면서 배운 점을 차분하게 적었어요.
So Minho calmly wrote about what he had learned while balancing a part-time job and his studies.
결과는 다음 달에 나오지만 민호 씨는 끝까지 최선을 다해서 마음이 편해요.
The results come out next month, but Minho feels at ease because he did his best to the end.
Why did Minho apply for the scholarship?
- To work at the counseling center
- To get his transcript
- To give his parents a gift
- To reduce his tuition burden ✓
What advice did the counselor give?
- To write honestly about his experience ✓
- To use many fancy words
- To make the statement long
- To quit his part-time job
Which of the following matches the passage?
- Minho has already received the scholarship
- No personal statement was needed
- His parents pay his tuition
- The results are not out yet ✓
📋 A Course Registration Guide for Freshmen
매년 이월이 되면 신입생들은 수강 신청 때문에 많이 긴장해요.
Every February, new students get very nervous about course registration.
인기 있는 수업은 신청이 시작되고 몇 분 만에 자리가 다 차기 때문이에요.
That is because popular classes fill up within a few minutes after registration opens.
사 학년인 하은 씨도 일 학년 때 필수 과목을 놓쳐서 고생한 적이 있어요.
Haeun, now a fourth-year student, also had a hard time as a freshman after missing a required course.
그래서 올해는 후배들이 혼자서도 따라 할 수 있게끔 그림을 넣은 안내서를 만들었어요.
So this year she made an illustrated guide so that younger students could follow it on their own.
안내서에는 시간표를 미리 짜는 방법과 신청 순서가 쉽게 정리되어 있어요.
The guide clearly lays out how to plan a timetable in advance and the steps for registering.
학과 게시판에 올린 뒤로 많은 신입생들이 고맙다는 메시지를 보냈어요.
After she posted it on the department board, many freshmen sent her thank-you messages.
하은 씨는 내년에도 내용을 고쳐서 다시 올릴 생각이에요.
Haeun plans to update the content and post it again next year.
Why do freshmen get nervous during course registration?
- There are no required courses
- Popular classes fill up quickly ✓
- The guide is too difficult
- Registration lasts a whole month
Why did Haeun make the guide?
- To be praised by older students
- To organize her own timetable
- To help younger students do it alone ✓
- It was an assignment from the department
Which of the following matches the passage?
- Haeun missed a required course as a freshman ✓
- Haeun is a freshman this year
- The guide has no pictures
- Freshmen complained about the guide
✏️ Tutoring a Middle School Student
도윤 씨는 일주일에 두 번 중학생에게 수학을 가르치는 과외 아르바이트를 해요.
Doyun has a part-time tutoring job teaching math to a middle school student twice a week.
처음 만났을 때 학생은 수학을 싫어해서 문제를 보자마자 한숨부터 쉬었어요.
When they first met, the student hated math and would sigh as soon as he saw a problem.
도윤 씨는 어려운 공식 대신 생활 속 예를 들어 천천히 설명해 주었어요.
Instead of difficult formulas, Doyun explained things slowly using examples from everyday life.
그러자 학생은 조금씩 질문을 하기 시작했고 숙제도 빠뜨리지 않았어요.
Then the student gradually started asking questions and never skipped his homework.
지난주 시험에서 학생의 수학 점수는 처음으로 칠십 점을 넘었어요.
On last week's test, the student's math score went above seventy for the first time.
학생 어머니는 도윤 씨에게 고맙다며 작은 케이크를 선물하셨어요.
The student's mother thanked Doyun and gave him a small cake.
도윤 씨는 조금이나마 학생에게 도움이 된 것 같아서 무척 뿌듯했어요.
Doyun felt very proud, thinking he had been of help to the student, even if only a little.
What did the student do at first when he saw a math problem?
- He asked a question right away
- He sighed ✓
- He did his homework first
- He memorized formulas
What is the most likely reason the student changed?
- His mother bought him a cake
- The tests suddenly got easier
- Doyun explained with easy examples ✓
- Doyun did his homework for him
Which of the following matches the passage?
- Doyun tutors every day
- The student liked math from the start
- Doyun teaches the student English
- The student scored over seventy in math ✓
🎪 Running a Booth at the University Festival
지난달 우리 학교에서 사흘 동안 대학 축제가 열렸어요.
Last month, our university held a festival for three days.
우리 학과는 떡볶이와 음료를 파는 작은 가게를 운영하기로 했어요.
Our department decided to run a small stand selling tteokbokki and drinks.
준비 기간에는 재료를 사고 메뉴판을 만들고 천막을 세우는 등 할 일이 끝이 없었어요.
During the preparation period, there was no end of things to do, such as buying ingredients, making a menu board and putting up a tent.
수업이 끝나면 저녁 늦게까지 학과 사무실에 모여서 준비했어요.
After classes, we gathered in the department office and prepared until late in the evening.
축제 첫날에는 비가 와서 손님이 적었지만 둘째 날부터는 줄이 길게 섰어요.
On the first day it rained and there were few customers, but from the second day on a long line formed.
번 돈은 모두 학과 후배들을 위한 장학금으로 기부했어요.
We donated all the money we earned to a scholarship for younger students in our department.
몸은 힘들었지만 친구들과 함께 무언가를 해냈다는 기쁨이 컸어요.
It was physically tiring, but the joy of accomplishing something together with friends was great.
What did this department do at the festival?
- Sold tteokbokki and drinks ✓
- Put on a show in a tent
- Made and sold menu boards
- Decorated the department office
Why were there few customers on the first day?
- Because they ran short of ingredients
- Because they opened late
- Because it rained ✓
- Because the food was expensive
Which of the following matches the passage?
- The festival lasted one day
- The money earned was donated to a scholarship ✓
- They prepared only on weekends
- There were few customers on day two too
📚 Why Students Cram Before Exams
시험 기간이 되면 대학 도서관은 밤늦게까지 학생들로 가득 차요.
When exam period comes, university libraries are packed with students until late at night.
많은 학생들이 평소에는 여유를 부리다가 시험 직전에 한꺼번에 공부하는 경향이 있어요.
Many students tend to take it easy normally and then study everything at once right before the exam.
이런 공부 방법을 한국에서는 흔히 벼락치기라고 불러요.
In Korea, this way of studying is commonly called byeorakchigi.
벼락치기를 하면 짧은 시간에 많은 내용을 외울 수는 있어요.
Cramming does let you memorize a lot of material in a short time.
하지만 잠이 부족해져서 시험 당일에 오히려 실수가 늘어나기도 해요.
But you end up short on sleep, so mistakes can actually increase on the day of the exam.
또 급하게 외운 내용은 시험이 끝나면 금방 잊어버리기 쉬워요.
Also, things memorized in a hurry are easily forgotten soon after the exam ends.
그래서 전문가들은 하루에 조금씩이라도 꾸준히 복습하는 습관을 권해요.
That is why experts recommend the habit of reviewing steadily, even just a little each day.
What kind of study method is byeorakchigi?
- Reviewing a little every day
- Studying together with friends
- Studying only in the library
- Studying everything right before the exam ✓
Why do mistakes increase on exam day when you cram?
- Because of lack of sleep ✓
- Because there is little to memorize
- Because the library is too crowded
- Because the exam is short
What is the writer's main point?
- You should stay up all night before exams
- Libraries should stay open late
- Cramming is the best method
- A habit of steady review is important ✓
📈 From a Failed Midterm to a Strong Final
수빈 씨는 대학교에 들어와서 처음 본 중간고사에서 경제학 점수를 아주 낮게 받았어요.
On the first midterm she took after entering university, Subin got a very low score in economics.
공식만 외우고 그래프가 무슨 뜻인지는 제대로 이해하지 못했기 때문이에요.
That was because she had only memorized formulas without really understanding what the graphs meant.
충격을 받은 수빈 씨는 교수님을 찾아가서 공부 방법을 여쭤봤어요.
Shocked, Subin went to see her professor and asked about how to study.
교수님은 배운 내용을 친구에게 직접 설명해 보라고 하셨어요.
The professor told her to try explaining what she had learned to a friend.
수빈 씨는 그 뒤로 친구 두 명과 매주 모여서 돌아가며 한 단원씩 설명했어요.
After that, Subin met with two friends every week, and they took turns explaining one unit each.
한 학기 동안 친구들과 서로 가르치며 공부한 결과 기말고사에서는 반에서 가장 높은 점수를 받았어요.
As a result of spending the whole semester studying with her friends and teaching one another, she got the highest score in the class on the final exam.
수빈 씨는 이제 남에게 설명할 수 있어야 제대로 아는 것이라고 믿어요.
Subin now believes that you only truly understand something when you can explain it to others.
Why did Subin do poorly on the midterm?
- The professor didn't teach
- She didn't understand what the graphs meant ✓
- She hadn't memorized any formulas
- She was sick on exam day
What did the professor tell Subin to do?
- Stay up the night before the exam
- Drop the economics class
- Explain what she learned to a friend ✓
- Borrow a friend's notes
Which of the following matches the passage?
- Subin did well on the final ✓
- Subin asked the professor by email
- Subin's midterm score was high
- Subin prepared for the final all alone
🗳️ A Dorm Rule Decided by Students
우리 학교 기숙사에는 밤 열두 시 전에 들어와야 하는 규칙이 있었어요.
Our university dormitory had a rule that you had to be back before midnight.
하지만 도서관이나 아르바이트 때문에 늦게 돌아오는 학생들은 이 규칙이 불편했어요.
But students who came back late because of the library or part-time jobs found this rule inconvenient.
그래서 기숙사 학생회는 규칙을 바꿀지 학생들의 의견을 묻기로 했어요.
So the dorm student council decided to ask students whether the rule should be changed.
일주일 동안 투표가 진행되었고 대부분의 학생들이 참여했어요.
The vote was held over a week, and most of the students took part.
결국 출입 시간 제한은 학생들의 투표에 의해 없어졌어요.
In the end, the curfew was abolished by the students' vote.
대신 밤 열한 시 이후에는 복도에서 조용히 해야 한다는 새 규칙이 생겼어요.
Instead, a new rule was made that you have to be quiet in the hallways after eleven at night.
학생들은 자신들이 직접 정한 규칙이라서 더 잘 지키려고 노력해요.
Because it is a rule they decided themselves, the students try harder to follow it.
Why did students find the old rule inconvenient?
- The hallways were too noisy
- Some students came back late ✓
- The dorm fees were too high
- They couldn't take part in a vote
How was the curfew abolished?
- The university president abolished it
- The dorm manager abolished it
- By the students' vote ✓
- A library staff member abolished it
Which of the following matches the passage?
- You still have to be back before midnight
- The vote lasted only one day
- Students don't follow the new rule
- You must be quiet in the halls after eleven ✓
🌏 My First Lectures as an Exchange Student
저는 작년 봄에 교환 학생으로 한국의 한 대학교에 왔어요.
Last spring I came to a university in Korea as an exchange student.
한국어를 이 년 동안 공부했기 때문에 수업을 어느 정도 따라갈 수 있을 거라고 생각했어요.
Since I had studied Korean for two years, I thought I could follow the classes to some extent.
그런데 첫 전공 수업에서 교수님이 너무 빨리 말씀하셔서 과제 마감 날짜조차 알아듣지 못했어요.
But in my first major class the professor spoke so fast that I couldn't even catch the assignment deadline.
수업이 끝나고 옆자리 학생에게 조심스럽게 물어봤더니 친절하게 적어 주었어요.
After class I carefully asked the student next to me, and she kindly wrote it down for me.
그 학생은 그 뒤로도 수업 자료를 함께 보며 어려운 단어를 설명해 주었어요.
After that, she kept going over the class materials with me and explaining difficult words.
한 학기가 지나자 저는 발표까지 한국어로 할 수 있게 되었어요.
After one semester, I was even able to give presentations in Korean.
지금도 그 친구와는 가장 친한 사이로 지내고 있어요.
Even now, she and I are the closest of friends.
What couldn't the writer understand in the first major class?
- The assignment deadline ✓
- The professor's name
- The location of the classroom
- The exam scope
Why was it hard for the writer to follow the class?
- The writer knew no Korean at all
- There were no class materials
- The professor spoke too fast ✓
- The student next to them was unkind
Which of the following matches the passage?
- The writer started Korean after arriving
- The writer later presented in Korean ✓
- The writer came to Korea last fall
- The writer no longer keeps in touch with her
⏰ A Morning of Bad Luck on Exam Day
현우 씨는 기말고사 날 아침에 알람이 울리지 않아서 늦잠을 잤어요.
On the morning of his final exam, Hyunwoo overslept because his alarm didn't go off.
급하게 나왔지만 버스는 막 떠났고 택시도 잡히지 않았어요.
He rushed out, but the bus had just left and he couldn't catch a taxi either.
겨우 강의실에 도착했을 때는 시험이 이미 십 분 전에 시작된 뒤였어요.
When he finally reached the lecture room, the exam had already started ten minutes earlier.
자리에 앉아 가방을 열었는데 믿고 있던 볼펜마저 잉크가 나오지 않았어요.
He sat down and opened his bag, but even the pen he had been counting on had run out of ink.
당황한 현우 씨를 보고 옆에 앉은 학생이 말없이 자기 펜을 빌려주었어요.
Seeing Hyunwoo flustered, the student sitting next to him silently lent him her own pen.
현우 씨는 마음을 가라앉히고 끝까지 문제를 풀었어요.
Hyunwoo calmed himself down and worked through the questions to the end.
시험이 끝난 뒤 현우 씨는 그 학생에게 커피를 사며 고마움을 전했어요.
After the exam, Hyunwoo bought her a coffee to thank her.
Why did Hyunwoo oversleep?
- He studied until late
- The bus didn't come
- He was very sick
- His alarm didn't go off ✓
What did the student next to him do for Hyunwoo?
- Lent him her pen ✓
- Got him a taxi
- Brought him the test paper
- Bought him a coffee
Which of the following matches the passage?
- He came to school by taxi
- He couldn't finish the exam
- His pen worked fine
- He arrived after the exam started ✓
📩 Waiting for the Library Job Result
예린 씨는 학교 도서관에서 일하는 근로 장학생에 지원했어요.
Yerin applied to be a work-study student at the university library.
수업 사이에 일할 수 있고 조용한 곳이라서 꼭 하고 싶은 아르바이트였어요.
It was a job she really wanted, because she could work between classes and the place was quiet.
면접에서는 책을 정리해 본 경험이 있는지와 일할 수 있는 시간을 물어봤어요.
In the interview, they asked whether she had experience organizing books and what hours she could work.
발표 날 예린 씨는 하루 종일 휴대폰을 손에서 놓지 못했어요.
On the day of the announcement, Yerin couldn't put her phone down all day.
저녁에 합격 문자를 확인하는 순간 예린 씨는 자리에서 벌떡 일어났어요.
The moment she saw the acceptance text in the evening, Yerin jumped up from her seat.
예린 씨는 바로 부모님께 전화를 걸어 기쁜 소식을 전했어요.
Yerin immediately called her parents and shared the good news.
다음 주부터 예린 씨는 일주일에 세 번 도서관 안내 데스크에서 일할 거예요.
Starting next week, Yerin will work at the library's information desk three times a week.
Why did Yerin want this job?
- The pay was very high
- She could work between classes ✓
- It was very close to home
- A friend worked there too
What did Yerin do when she saw the acceptance text?
- She dropped her phone
- She texted a friend
- She jumped up from her seat ✓
- She ran to the library
Which of the following matches the passage?
- She will work three times a week ✓
- She didn't have an interview
- She was told she wasn't accepted
- She already works at the library
🎒 The Rumor About Taking Time Off
기말고사가 끝난 날 지훈 씨는 학생 식당에서 같은 과 친구 소희 씨를 만났어요.
On the day finals ended, Jihun ran into Sohui, a friend from his department, at the student cafeteria.
소희 씨는 자리에 앉자마자 “너 다음 학기에 휴학한다면서?” 하고 물었어요.
As soon as she sat down, Sohui asked, “I heard you're taking a leave of absence next semester, right?”
지훈 씨는 아직 교수님께만 말씀드렸는데 소문이 벌써 퍼진 것에 놀랐어요.
Jihun was surprised that the rumor had already spread, since he had only told his professor.
사실 지훈 씨는 일 년 동안 휴학하고 등록금을 모으면서 진로를 고민해 볼 생각이었어요.
In fact, Jihun was planning to take a year off to save up for tuition and think about his career path.
주변에서는 졸업이 늦어지면 취업에 불리하다며 걱정하는 사람도 많았어요.
Many people around him were worried, saying that graduating late would hurt his job prospects.
하지만 지훈 씨는 무엇을 하고 싶은지도 모른 채 졸업하는 것이 더 불안했어요.
But Jihun felt more anxious about graduating without even knowing what he wanted to do.
이야기를 들은 소희 씨는 잠시 쉬어 가는 것도 공부의 일부라며 지훈 씨를 응원해 주었어요.
After hearing him out, Sohui encouraged Jihun, saying that taking a break is also part of learning.
지훈 씨는 친구의 말 덕분에 자신의 결정에 조금 더 자신감을 갖게 되었어요.
Thanks to his friend's words, Jihun became a little more confident in his decision.
What did Sohui check with Jihun?
- Whether he did well on finals
- Whether he was taking leave next semester ✓
- Whether he had met the professor
- Whether he had gotten a job
Why did Jihun decide to take a leave of absence?
- He wanted to graduate quickly
- His grades were too low
- He needed time to think about his path ✓
- His professor recommended it
Which of the following matches the passage?
- Jihun told everyone about his plan
- Sohui said a leave would hurt his job search
- Jihun will graduate next semester
- Sohui supported Jihun's decision ✓
🍽️ Mistakes on the First Day of a Part-Time Job
다은 씨는 방학 동안 등록금에 보태려고 동네 식당에서 아르바이트를 시작했어요.
During the vacation, Daeun started a part-time job at a neighborhood restaurant to help pay her tuition.
첫날은 점심시간이라 손님이 몰려서 정신이 하나도 없었어요.
On her first day it was lunchtime and customers poured in, so she was completely frazzled.
다은 씨는 주문을 두 번이나 잘못 받았고 그릇까지 떨어뜨려 깨뜨리고 말았어요.
Daeun took orders wrong twice and even ended up dropping and breaking a bowl.
손님들 앞에서 너무 창피해서 쉬는 시간에 몰래 눈물을 흘리기도 했어요.
She felt so embarrassed in front of the customers that she even cried secretly during her break.
그때 사장님은 처음에는 누구나 실수하기 마련이라며 다은 씨를 위로하셨어요.
Then the owner comforted Daeun, saying that everyone is bound to make mistakes at first.
사장님도 젊은 시절 첫 아르바이트에서 쟁반을 통째로 엎은 적이 있다고 하셨어요.
The owner said that she, too, had once knocked over an entire tray at her first part-time job when she was young.
그 말을 듣고 나니 다은 씨는 마음이 한결 가벼워졌어요.
After hearing that, Daeun felt much lighter.
한 달이 지난 지금 다은 씨는 단골손님들의 주문을 외울 만큼 익숙해졌어요.
Now, a month later, Daeun has gotten so used to the work that she remembers the regular customers' orders.
Why did Daeun cry during her break?
- She was embarrassed by her mistakes ✓
- The owner scolded her harshly
- There were too few customers
- She didn't get paid
What did the owner tell Daeun?
- Not to come in from tomorrow
- To pay for the broken bowl
- That she had made mistakes too ✓
- That she didn't need to memorize orders
Which of the following matches the passage?
- Daeun got one order wrong on day one
- Daeun is now used to the work ✓
- Daeun started working during the semester
- The owner didn't know about her mistakes
🧮 Doing the Math on Two Part-Time Jobs
건우 씨는 다음 학기에 할 아르바이트를 두 곳 중에서 고르고 있었어요.
Geonwoo was choosing between two places for a part-time job next semester.
한 곳은 시내에 있는 학원으로 시급이 높았지만 집에서 버스로 한 시간이나 걸렸어요.
One was a private academy downtown with a high hourly wage, but it took a whole hour by bus from his home.
다른 한 곳은 학교 안에 있는 복사실로 시급은 조금 낮았지만 걸어서 오 분이면 갈 수 있었어요.
The other was the copy center on campus, where the hourly wage was a bit lower but he could get there in five minutes on foot.
처음에는 당연히 시급이 높은 학원이 낫다고 생각했어요.
At first he assumed the academy with the higher wage was obviously better.
그런데 왕복 두 시간을 더해서 계산해 보니 이야기가 달라졌어요.
But when he added the two-hour round trip into the calculation, things looked different.
네 시간을 일하려고 여섯 시간을 쓰니까 실제로는 시급이 훨씬 낮은 셈이었어요.
Since he would spend six hours to work four, it effectively amounted to a much lower hourly wage.
게다가 교통비까지 생각하면 두 곳에서 받는 돈은 거의 차이가 없었어요.
On top of that, once he factored in transportation costs, there was almost no difference in pay between the two.
결국 건우 씨는 남는 시간에 공부도 할 수 있는 학교 복사실을 선택했어요.
In the end, Geonwoo chose the campus copy center, where he could also study in his spare time.
What was the problem with the academy job?
- The hourly wage was too low
- The working hours were too short
- It was inconvenient being on campus
- The commute took a long time ✓
What is the best reason Geonwoo chose the copy center?
- He could save time and study too ✓
- It paid more than the academy
- A friend worked there
- He could get transportation money
Which of the following matches the passage?
- The academy is on campus
- Geonwoo chose the academy job
- Both paid the same hourly wage
- The copy center is a five-minute walk away ✓
📧 An Email About a Grade
나래 씨는 이번 학기 성적을 확인하다가 전공 과목 점수가 예상보다 낮은 것을 발견했어요.
While checking her grades for the semester, Narae found that her score in a major course was lower than she had expected.
기말 보고서를 열심히 썼기 때문에 무언가 잘못된 게 아닌가 싶었어요.
Since she had worked hard on her final paper, she wondered whether something had gone wrong.
하지만 친구들은 교수님께 메일을 보내 봤자 성적은 바뀌지 않을 거라며 말렸어요.
But her friends tried to stop her, saying that even if she emailed the professor, her grade wouldn't change.
나래 씨도 괜히 불평하는 학생으로 보일까 봐 며칠 동안 고민했어요.
Narae also worried for a few days that she might look like a student who complains for no reason.
그래도 이유라도 알고 싶어서 예의를 갖춰 짧은 메일을 보냈어요.
Still, wanting to at least know the reason, she politely sent a short email.
이틀 뒤 교수님은 보고서 점수가 빠진 채 입력되었다며 사과하는 답장을 보내 주셨어요.
Two days later, the professor sent a reply apologizing, saying her paper score had been left out when the grades were entered.
점수를 다시 계산하자 나래 씨의 성적은 한 단계 올라갔어요.
When the score was recalculated, Narae's grade went up one level.
나래 씨는 이 일로 궁금한 것이 있으면 정중하게 물어보는 것이 중요하다는 것을 배웠어요.
Through this, Narae learned that it is important to ask politely when you have a question.
What did Narae's friends tell her?
- To go see the professor in person
- That emailing would be useless ✓
- To rewrite the paper
- That the grade would change soon
Why was Narae's score low?
- She turned in the paper late
- She didn't take the final exam
- Her paper score wasn't entered ✓
- She often missed class
What is the writer's main point?
- It's good to ask politely about doubts ✓
- It's better not to ask about grades
- Exams matter more than papers
- You should always follow friends' advice
📢 I'm Telling You, the Exam Scope Changed
중간고사를 사흘 앞둔 밤, 재원 씨는 기숙사 방에서 열심히 교과서를 읽고 있었어요.
Three nights before the midterm, Jaewon was busy reading his textbook in his dorm room.
그때 룸메이트인 태민 씨가 들어오더니 시험 범위가 바뀌었다고 알려 주었어요.
Then his roommate Taemin came in and told him that the exam scope had changed.
재원 씨는 장난이라고 생각하고 웃으면서 들은 척도 하지 않았어요.
Jaewon thought it was a joke, laughed, and didn't even pretend to listen.
그러자 태민 씨는 “진짜로 칠 장까지 나온다니까!” 하며 휴대폰을 내밀었어요.
Then Taemin held out his phone, saying, “I'm telling you, it really goes up to chapter seven!”
휴대폰에는 교수님이 학과 게시판에 올린 공지가 떠 있었어요.
On the phone was a notice the professor had posted on the department board.
재원 씨가 수업에 빠진 날 발표된 공지라서 재원 씨만 모르고 있었던 거예요.
The notice had been announced on a day Jaewon missed class, so he was the only one who didn't know.
재원 씨는 태민 씨에게 사과하고 그날 밤 두 사람은 함께 새 범위를 공부했어요.
Jaewon apologized to Taemin, and that night the two of them studied the new scope together.
그 뒤로 재원 씨는 매일 아침 학과 게시판부터 확인하는 습관이 생겼어요.
Since then, Jaewon has gotten into the habit of checking the department board first thing every morning.
What did Taemin tell Jaewon?
- That the exam date was postponed
- That the exam scope had changed ✓
- That the professor was canceling class
- That they were changing dorm rooms
Why was Jaewon the only one who didn't know about the notice?
- He had lost his phone
- Taemin had lied to him
- He missed class the day it was announced ✓
- There was no notice on the board
Which of the following matches the passage?
- Jaewon studied the new scope alone
- Taemin missed class and didn't know
- Jaewon still doesn't check the board
- At first Jaewon didn't believe Taemin ✓
🌳 Saving the Old Ginkgo Tree
우리 학교 인문대 앞에는 학교보다 나이가 많은 은행나무 한 그루가 서 있어요.
In front of the humanities building at our school stands a ginkgo tree that is older than the school itself.
가을이면 학생들은 노랗게 물든 나무 아래에서 사진을 찍고 시험 공부도 했어요.
Every autumn, students took photos and studied for exams under the tree when it turned yellow.
그런데 지난봄 그 자리에 새 강의동을 지으면서 나무를 베어 낸다는 계획이 발표됐어요.
But last spring a plan was announced to cut the tree down to build a new lecture hall on that spot.
수많은 졸업생의 추억이 담긴 나무를 베어 낸다니 저와 친구들은 믿을 수가 없었어요.
My friends and I couldn't believe they were going to cut down a tree that held the memories of so many graduates.
우리는 나무를 살릴 방법을 찾아 달라는 서명을 받고 학교에 의견서를 냈어요.
We collected signatures asking the school to find a way to save the tree and submitted a written opinion.
건축학과 학생들은 나무를 그대로 두고 건물을 조금 옆으로 옮기는 설계안까지 만들었어요.
Architecture students even drew up a design that kept the tree and moved the building a little to the side.
몇 달 동안 논의한 끝에 학교는 설계를 바꾸고 나무를 지키기로 했어요.
After months of discussion, the school decided to change the design and protect the tree.
올가을 새 건물 앞에서 다시 노랗게 물든 은행나무를 보니 마음이 뿌듯했어요.
This autumn, seeing the ginkgo turn yellow again in front of the new building made me proud.
What did the architecture students do?
- They made a design that moved the building ✓
- They replanted the ginkgo somewhere else
- They helped build the new lecture hall
- They held a photo exhibit under the tree
Why did the students collect signatures?
- Because they wanted the new hall built quickly
- Because they wanted to hold a school festival
- Because they wanted to protect the ginkgo ✓
- Because there was no place to study
Which of the following matches the text?
- The ginkgo was cut down in the end
- The school changed the design and kept the tree ✓
- The ginkgo was planted after the school was built
- The new hall was built as first planned
🎓 Choosing a Double Major
삼 학년이 된 보람 씨는 복수 전공을 신청할지 고민하고 있었어요.
Boram, now a third-year student, was debating whether to apply for a double major.
보람 씨의 전공은 경영학인데 사실 오래전부터 철학 수업을 좋아했어요.
Boram's major was business administration, but she had actually liked philosophy classes for a long time.
부모님과 선배들은 취업에 도움이 되는 컴퓨터 공학을 복수 전공으로 하라고 권했어요.
Her parents and older students advised her to take computer engineering as a second major, since it would help her find a job.
하지만 보람 씨는 아무리 취업에 유리하다고 해도 흥미 없는 공부를 이 년 동안 할 자신이 없었어요.
But no matter how much it might help her get a job, Boram wasn't confident she could spend two years studying something that didn't interest her.
그래서 보람 씨는 두 분야의 수업을 한 과목씩 먼저 들어 보기로 했어요.
So Boram decided to first try taking one course in each of the two fields.
한 학기를 지내 보니 철학 수업에서 배운 토론 방법이 경영학 과제에도 큰 도움이 되었어요.
After a semester, she found that the discussion methods she learned in philosophy were a big help with her business assignments too.
결국 보람 씨는 철학을 복수 전공으로 신청했고 부모님도 그 결정을 존중해 주셨어요.
In the end, Boram applied for philosophy as her second major, and her parents respected that decision.
보람 씨는 남의 기준보다 자신이 오래 즐길 수 있는 공부를 고르는 것이 중요하다고 생각해요.
Boram thinks it is important to choose studies you can enjoy for a long time rather than follow other people's standards.
What did her parents and older students recommend to Boram?
- A second major in philosophy
- Quitting business administration
- Taking a semester off
- A second major in computer engineering ✓
Why did Boram first take classes in both fields?
- She wanted to try them before deciding ✓
- She lacked credits to graduate
- Her parents told her to
- Philosophy classes were ending soon
Which of the following matches the passage?
- Boram double-majored in computer engineering
- Her parents opposed her to the end
- Boram didn't like philosophy classes
- Philosophy helped with business assignments ✓
🌙 Night Shifts During Exam Season
시우 씨는 생활비를 벌려고 학교 근처 편의점에서 야간 아르바이트를 하고 있어요.
Siwoo works the night shift at a convenience store near campus to earn living expenses.
처음에는 밤에 손님이 적으니까 틈틈이 공부할 수 있을 거라고 생각했어요.
At first he thought that since there are few customers at night, he could study in between.
그런데 막상 일해 보니 물건을 정리하고 청소하느라 쉴 틈이 거의 없었어요.
But once he actually started, he hardly had a moment to rest because of stocking shelves and cleaning.
시험 기간에는 공부는커녕 잠을 잘 시간도 부족해서 수업 시간에 자꾸 졸았어요.
During exam season he didn't even have enough time to sleep, let alone study, so he kept dozing off in class.
결국 첫 번째 시험을 망친 시우 씨는 점장님께 솔직하게 사정을 말씀드렸어요.
After doing badly on his first exam, Siwoo finally explained his situation honestly to the store manager.
점장님은 시험 기간 이 주 동안만 주말 낮 근무로 바꿔 주셨어요.
The manager switched him to weekend daytime shifts just for the two weeks of exams.
덕분에 시우 씨는 평일 밤에 푹 자고 남은 시험을 차분하게 준비할 수 있었어요.
Thanks to that, Siwoo could sleep well on weeknights and calmly prepare for the rest of his exams.
시우 씨는 무조건 참기보다 어려움을 미리 말하는 것도 필요하다는 것을 깨달았어요.
Siwoo realized that rather than just enduring everything, it is also necessary to speak up about difficulties early.
Why couldn't Siwoo rest during his night shifts?
- There were a lot of customers
- He had to stock shelves and clean ✓
- The manager wouldn't let him study
- A coworker often didn't show up
What did the manager do for Siwoo?
- Raised his pay
- Told him to quit
- Changed his shifts during exams ✓
- Helped him study for exams
Which of the following matches the passage?
- Siwoo did badly on his first exam ✓
- Siwoo studied a lot on night shifts
- Siwoo hid his situation from the manager
- Siwoo kept working nights during exams
💻 Online Lectures or the Classroom?
요즘 많은 대학에서는 같은 과목을 온라인 강의와 대면 강의로 함께 열어요.
These days, many universities offer the same course both as an online lecture and as an in-person class.
이 학년인 은호 씨는 이번 학기에 두 가지 방식을 모두 경험해 봤어요.
Eunho, a second-year student, tried both formats this semester.
온라인 강의는 원하는 시간에 몇 번이든 다시 볼 수 있어서 복습하기가 편했어요.
Online lectures were convenient for review because he could rewatch them as many times as he wanted, whenever he liked.
하지만 혼자 듣다 보니 휴대폰을 보거나 딴생각을 하는 일이 많았어요.
But since he was listening alone, he often ended up looking at his phone or letting his mind wander.
대면 강의는 학교까지 오가는 시간이 드는 반면에 수업에 훨씬 더 집중할 수 있었어요.
In-person classes took time to get to and from school, but on the other hand he could concentrate on the lesson much better.
또 궁금한 점을 그 자리에서 바로 질문하고 친구들과 토론할 수 있다는 것도 장점이었어요.
Another advantage was being able to ask questions on the spot and discuss things with classmates.
그래서 은호 씨는 어려운 전공 과목은 대면 강의로, 교양 과목은 온라인 강의로 듣기로 했어요.
So Eunho decided to take difficult major courses in person and general education courses online.
결국 중요한 것은 어느 방식이 더 좋은지보다 자신에게 맞는 방법을 찾는 것이에요.
In the end, what matters is not which format is better but finding the method that suits you.
What did Eunho see as the advantage of online lectures?
- You can discuss with classmates
- Easy review by rewatching ✓
- You can concentrate better
- You can ask the professor right away
Why did Eunho decide to take his major courses in person?
- No online lecture is offered
- School is very close to home
- He can focus better on hard content ✓
- All his friends did so
What is the writer's main point?
- In-person classes are always better
- Online lectures should be abolished
- General courses aren't necessary
- Find the class format that suits you ✓