Sports: 20 TOPIK II reading passages, each with translated sentences and comprehension questions.
⚾ First Time in the Cheering Section
지난 토요일에 저는 야구를 좋아하는 친구 수아를 따라 처음으로 야구장에 갔어요.
Last Saturday, I followed my baseball-loving friend Sua to a ballpark for the first time.
표는 수아가 미리 예매해 두었는데, 우리 자리는 일루 쪽 홈팀 응원석이었어요.
Sua had booked the tickets in advance, and our seats were in the home team's cheering section on the first-base side.
수아는 경기 전날 저에게 홈팀 유니폼을 꼭 입고 오라고 여러 번 당부했어요.
The day before the game, Sua told me several times to be sure to wear a home team jersey.
제가 규칙을 잘 모른다고 하자 옆자리 아주머니께서 그럼 유니폼은 왜 입었냐고 웃으며 물으셨어요.
When I said I didn't really know the rules, the woman next to me laughed and asked why I was wearing a jersey, then.
저는 “친구가 여기는 홈팀 응원석이라거든요.” 하고 조금 쑥스럽게 대답했어요.
A little embarrassed, I answered, “My friend told me this is the home team's cheering section.”
경기가 시작되자 관중들이 선수마다 다른 응원가를 부르며 한목소리로 응원해서 정말 놀랐어요.
When the game started, I was amazed to see the crowd cheering as one, singing a different cheer song for each player.
처음에는 따라 부르기가 어색했지만, 아주머니께서 가사를 알려 주셔서 금방 익숙해졌어요.
At first it felt awkward to sing along, but the woman taught me the lyrics, so I soon got used to it.
그날 이후 저는 경기 자체보다 응원하는 재미에 빠져 야구장에 자주 가게 되었어요.
Since that day, hooked on the fun of cheering more than the game itself, I've been going to the ballpark often.
Why did the writer wear a jersey to the game?
- The friend told the writer to wear a home jersey ✓
- The writer's favorite player is on the home team
- The woman next to them told them to
- The jersey was a gift from the ballpark
Why did the writer quickly get used to the cheering?
- Sua taught the songs beforehand
- Every player had the same song
- The woman taught the lyrics ✓
- The writer had often been to ballparks
Which of the following matches the text?
- The writer booked the tickets
- It was the writer's first time at a ballpark ✓
- The writer knew the rules well
- The crowd sang one song for every player
🏃 Leading a Running Crew
요즘 한강 주변에서는 퇴근 후에 함께 달리는 러닝 크루를 쉽게 볼 수 있어요.
These days, you can easily spot running crews along the Han River who run together after work.
저는 삼 년째 동네 러닝 크루에서 활동하다가 올봄에 처음으로 모임을 이끄는 역할을 맡았어요.
After three years in my neighborhood running crew, this spring I took on the role of leading the group for the first time.
이전 대장님은 떠나시면서 기록보다 사람을 먼저 챙기라는 조언을 남기셨어요.
When the previous leader left, she gave me some advice: look after people before records.
특히 “누가 중간에 걷는다거든 눈치 주지 말고 옆에서 같이 걸어 주세요.”라고 당부하셨어요.
In particular, she urged me, “If anyone says they're going to walk partway, don't make them feel bad; walk beside them.”
처음에는 그 말이 천천히 달려도 된다는 핑계처럼 들려서 크게 신경 쓰지 않았어요.
At first, her words sounded like an excuse to run slowly, so I didn't pay much attention.
그런데 빠른 사람들 위주로 달리자 신입 회원들이 한두 명씩 모임에 나오지 않기 시작했어요.
But once we ran at the pace of the fast runners, new members began dropping out one or two at a time.
그제야 저는 대장님의 말뜻을 깨닫고 속도별로 조를 나누어 뒤처지는 사람이 없게 했어요.
Only then did I understand what she meant, and I split us into groups by pace so no one would be left behind.
지금은 회원 수가 오히려 늘었고, 서로의 속도를 존중하는 분위기가 모임의 자랑이 되었어요.
Now our membership has actually grown, and our atmosphere of respecting each other's pace has become the group's pride.
What did the previous leader especially urge the writer to do?
- Have everyone run fast for records
- Train new members separately
- Move meetings to before work ends
- Walk beside members who walk ✓
Why did new members stop coming to the group?
- The group ran at the fast runners' pace ✓
- The group got a new leader
- The Han River was too far away
- The group was split by pace
What is the writer's main point?
- Running crews should value records most
- New members should practice alone first
- Running is better in the morning than after work
- Running together means respecting each other's pace ✓
⚽ The Sunday Morning Soccer Club
한국에는 주말 이른 아침에 동네 운동장에서 축구를 하는 조기 축구회가 많아요.
In Korea, there are many early-morning soccer clubs that play at neighborhood fields early on weekend mornings.
저는 작년 가을에 회사 선배의 권유로 우리 동네 조기 축구회에 들어갔어요.
Last fall, at a senior coworker's suggestion, I joined the early-morning soccer club in my neighborhood.
지난 일요일 새벽 다섯 시에 운동화를 챙기는데, 룸메이트가 왜 이렇게 일찍 나가냐고 물었어요.
Last Sunday at five in the morning, as I was grabbing my sneakers, my roommate asked why I was leaving so early.
저는 “오늘 옆 동네 팀과 친선 경기를 한다거든요.”라고 짧게 대답했어요.
I answered briefly, “I heard we're playing a friendly match with the team from the next neighborhood today.”
막내인 저는 경기 전에 운동장에 선을 긋고 물과 간식을 준비해야 했어요.
As the youngest member, I had to mark the lines on the field and get the water and snacks ready before the game.
경기에서는 지고 말았지만, 끝난 뒤 두 팀이 함께 해장국을 먹으며 금세 친해졌어요.
We ended up losing the game, but afterward the two teams ate hangover soup together and quickly became friends.
나이도 직업도 다른 사람들이 공 하나로 어울리는 모습이 저에게는 무척 신선했어요.
Seeing people of different ages and jobs come together over a single ball felt very fresh to me.
이제는 일요일 새벽에 알람이 울려도 피곤하기보다 설레는 마음이 먼저 들어요.
Now, when my alarm goes off early on Sunday, I feel excited before I feel tired.
Why did the writer leave so early on Sunday morning?
- The writer planned to exercise with the roommate
- There was a friendly match with a nearby team ✓
- The writer was having breakfast with a coworker
- The writer had to buy new sneakers
What happened after the game?
- The teams played one more game
- The writer's team won a prize
- The teams ate together and became friends ✓
- The writer cleaned up the field alone
Which of the following matches the text?
- A coworker got the writer to join the club ✓
- The writer's team won the friendly
- The writer is the oldest in the club
- The roommate is also a club member
⛳ A Night of Screen Golf
한국에서는 실내에서 화면을 보며 골프를 치는 스크린 골프가 인기 있는 여가 활동이에요.
In Korea, screen golf, where you play golf indoors while watching a screen, is a popular leisure activity.
저는 골프채를 한 번도 잡아 본 적이 없어서 그런 곳은 저와 상관없다고 생각했어요.
I had never even held a golf club, so I thought places like that had nothing to do with me.
그런데 지난 금요일에 팀원들이 퇴근 후에 스크린 골프를 치러 간다기에 저도 용기를 내어 따라갔어요.
But last Friday, since I heard my teammates were going to play screen golf after work, I worked up the courage and went along.
막상 가 보니 공을 치면 화면 속 필드로 날아가는 모습이 마치 게임 같았어요.
Once I got there, the way the ball flew onto the course on the screen when I hit it felt just like a video game.
처음에는 공이 자꾸 옆으로 빗나가서 동료들에게 미안한 마음이 들었어요.
At first, my ball kept veering off to the side, and I felt sorry toward my coworkers.
하지만 팀장님이 자세를 하나하나 고쳐 주시고 동료들도 잘 친 공마다 박수를 쳐 주었어요.
But my team leader corrected my stance point by point, and my coworkers clapped every time I hit a good shot.
점수는 꼴찌였지만, 회사에서는 잘 몰랐던 동료들의 다정한 모습을 알게 된 밤이었어요.
My score was the lowest, but it was a night when I discovered a warm side of my coworkers I hadn't seen at the office.
요즘 저는 다음 모임에서 창피하지 않도록 주말마다 연습장에 다니고 있어요.
These days, I go to a driving range every weekend so I won't be embarrassed at the next get-together.
Why did the writer go to the screen golf place?
- The writer had learned golf for years
- The writer heard teammates were going ✓
- The team leader ordered the writer to come
- The weekend driving range was closed
Why did the writer feel sorry toward the coworkers?
- The writer arrived late
- The writer asked to change the rules
- The ball kept veering to the side ✓
- The writer corrected the leader's stance
Which of the following matches the text?
- The writer had played golf before
- Screen golf is played outdoors
- The coworkers laughed at the writer's mistakes
- The writer got the lowest score that night ✓
🎣 Night Fishing with My Father
은퇴하신 아버지는 요즘 바다낚시에 푹 빠져 계세요.
My retired father is completely hooked on sea fishing these days.
어머니 말씀으로는 아버지께서 주말마다 친구분들과 밤낚시를 가신다길래 저도 한번 따라가 봤어요.
My mother said he goes night fishing with his friends every weekend, so I tagged along once.
토요일 저녁에 도착한 방파제에는 벌써 불빛을 켠 낚시꾼들이 줄지어 앉아 있었어요.
When we arrived at the breakwater on Saturday evening, anglers with their lights on were already sitting in a row.
아버지는 미끼를 끼우는 법부터 낚싯줄을 던지는 법까지 차분하게 가르쳐 주셨어요.
My father calmly taught me everything, from how to put on the bait to how to cast the line.
몇 시간 동안 물고기는 한 마리도 잡히지 않았지만, 아버지는 전혀 조급해하지 않으셨어요.
For hours, we didn't catch a single fish, but my father wasn't impatient at all.
오히려 기다리는 시간 덕분에 평소에 못 했던 이야기를 나눌 수 있다며 웃으셨어요.
Instead, he smiled and said that the waiting let us talk about things we usually never get to.
실제로 그날 밤 저는 아버지의 젊은 시절 꿈에 대해 처음으로 자세히 듣게 되었어요.
In fact, that night I heard about my father's dreams from his youth in detail for the first time.
결국 작은 물고기 한 마리만 잡았지만, 돌아오는 길에 다음 달에도 함께 오자고 약속했어요.
In the end we caught only one small fish, but on the way home we promised to come again next month.
What led the writer to go night fishing?
- Hearing about it from the mother ✓
- The father asked many times
- The father's friends offered to teach
- The writer needed a hobby after retiring
Why wasn't the father impatient?
- He knew a fish would bite soon
- His friends caught plenty for him
- Waiting gave them time to talk ✓
- He normally doesn't fish at night
Which of the following matches the text?
- There were hardly any anglers there
- They caught only one fish that day ✓
- The father is just learning to fish
- The writer said they'd never go again
🏓 Grandpa's Table Tennis Tournament
올해 일흔다섯이신 할아버지는 매일 아침 동네 복지관에서 탁구를 치세요.
My grandfather, who is seventy-five this year, plays table tennis at the neighborhood community center every morning.
지난달 할아버지께서 구에서 열리는 어르신 탁구 대회에 나가신다고 하셔서 가족들이 모두 걱정했어요.
Last month, Grandpa said he would enter the district's seniors' table tennis tournament, and the whole family worried.
제가 무리하시다가 다치시면 어떡하냐고 말리자 할아버지는 껄껄 웃으셨어요.
When I tried to stop him, asking what would happen if he overdid it and got hurt, Grandpa just laughed heartily.
그러고는 “나이 들면 시합에도 못 나간다남?” 하시며 오히려 연습 시간을 늘리셨어요.
Then he said, “What, so you can't enter a match once you're old?” and actually increased his practice time.
대회 날 저는 응원 도구를 챙겨 가족들과 함께 체육관에 갔어요.
On the day of the tournament, I packed some cheering gear and went to the gym with my family.
할아버지는 첫 경기에서 자신보다 열 살이나 어린 상대를 만났지만 끈질기게 공을 받아 내며 이기셨어요.
In his first match, Grandpa faced an opponent a full ten years younger, but he stubbornly returned every ball and won.
비록 준결승에서 지셨지만, 경기가 끝나자 다른 선수들도 다가와 할아버지께 박수를 보냈어요.
Although he lost in the semifinals, when the match ended, other players came over and applauded him too.
그날 이후 저는 나이를 이유로 누군가의 도전을 먼저 막지 않으려고 해요.
Since that day, I try not to be the first to stop someone from taking on a challenge because of their age.
Why was the family worried about Grandpa?
- He had never played table tennis
- The tournament was in a faraway city
- The community center had closed
- He might overdo it and get hurt ✓
What did Grandpa mean by his remark?
- Age doesn't stop you from competing ✓
- He will give up because of his age
- He wants the family to compete instead
- He will cut back on practice
Which of the following matches the text?
- Grandpa won the tournament
- His first opponent was older than him
- The family couldn't go to the gym
- Grandpa lost in the semifinals ✓
🤼 Ssireum at the Village Festival
저는 어린 시절 방학마다 할머니가 계신 시골 마을에서 지냈어요.
As a child, I spent every school vacation in the countryside village where my grandmother lives.
올봄 오랜만에 마을에 내려가자 옆집 할아버지께서 반갑게 맞아 주셨어요.
This spring, when I went down to the village after a long time, the old man next door gave me a warm welcome.
할아버지는 “올 단오에는 마을 씨름판이 다시 열린다네.” 하고 기쁜 소식을 전해 주셨어요.
He shared the happy news: “I hear the village ssireum match is being held again this Dano.”
마을 씨름판은 젊은 사람들이 도시로 떠나면서 십 년 넘게 열리지 못했다고 해요.
I heard the village ssireum match hadn't been held for over ten years because young people had left for the cities.
단옷날 모래판 주위에는 마을 어르신들뿐만 아니라 구경 온 가족들도 가득했어요.
On Dano day, the sand ring was surrounded not only by village elders but also by families who had come to watch.
샅바를 잡은 두 선수가 힘을 겨루다 한 사람이 넘어지자 사방에서 환호성이 터졌어요.
Two wrestlers gripping each other's belts matched strength, and when one fell, cheers erupted from all sides.
우승한 청년은 옛날처럼 황소는 아니었지만 쌀 한 가마니를 상으로 받았어요.
The young man who won didn't get a bull like in the old days, but he received a big sack of rice as a prize.
사라져 가던 놀이가 다시 사람들을 한자리에 모으는 모습을 보며 마음이 뭉클했어요.
Watching a fading tradition bring people together in one place again, I was deeply moved.
Why hadn't the ssireum match been held for so long?
- There was no place for a sand ring
- Young people had left for the cities ✓
- The village elders disliked ssireum
- They couldn't find a bull for the prize
What did the winner receive?
- A bull
- A new wrestling belt
- A big sack of rice ✓
- A certificate from the village head
What is the writer's main point?
- It was moving to see tradition reunite people ✓
- Only young people enjoy ssireum
- Everyone must go to the countryside on Dano
- Ssireum prizes should be bigger
🏊 My First Triathlon
저는 작년 겨울부터 수영과 자전거, 달리기를 이어서 하는 철인 삼종 경기를 준비했어요.
Starting last winter, I prepared for a triathlon, where you swim, bike and run one after another.
명절에 가족들이 모였을 때 제 계획을 말하자 모두 깜짝 놀랐어요.
When I told my family about my plan during a holiday gathering, everyone was stunned.
특히 할아버지께서는 “네가 정말 그 먼 거리를 완주한다느냐?” 하고 몇 번이나 되물으셨어요.
My grandfather in particular asked me again and again, “Are you truly saying you'll finish that whole distance?”
사실 저는 수영을 잘 못해서 처음에는 수영장 한 바퀴도 쉬지 않고 가기 힘들었어요.
Honestly, I wasn't a good swimmer, so at first it was hard to do even one lap of the pool without stopping.
그래서 퇴근 후에는 수영, 주말에는 자전거와 달리기로 일정을 나누어 꾸준히 연습했어요.
So I split my schedule, swimming after work and biking and running on weekends, and trained steadily.
대회 당일 바다 수영 구간에서는 파도가 높아서 몇 번이나 포기하고 싶었어요.
On race day, the waves were high in the sea swimming section, and I wanted to give up several times.
그럴 때마다 결승선에서 기다리겠다고 하신 할아버지의 얼굴을 떠올리며 힘을 냈어요.
Each time, I pictured my grandfather, who had said he would wait at the finish line, and kept going.
기록은 늦었지만 결승선을 통과했을 때 할아버지께서 누구보다 크게 박수를 쳐 주셨어요.
My time was slow, but when I crossed the finish line, my grandfather clapped louder than anyone.
Why did the grandfather most likely keep asking again?
- He wanted the exact race date
- He could hardly believe the plan ✓
- He wanted to race too
- He thought the writer swam well
What did the writer find hardest at first?
- Biking on weekends
- Running after work
- Swimming without stopping ✓
- Telling the family the plan
Which of the following matches the text?
- The writer quit during the sea swim
- The grandfather also took part
- The writer won a prize for a fast time
- The writer crossed the finish line ✓
🥋 An Adult in a Taekwondo Class
서른 살이 넘어서 태권도를 배우기 시작했을 때, 도장에는 어린이들이 대부분이었어요.
When I started learning taekwondo after turning thirty, most of the people at the studio were children.
첫날 저는 흰 띠를 매고 초등학생들 사이에 서 있는 것이 무척 어색했어요.
On the first day, standing among elementary school kids with a white belt on felt very awkward.
관장님은 첫 수업에서 태권도는 예의로 시작해서 예의로 끝난다는 말을 강조하셨어요.
In the first class, the master stressed the saying that taekwondo begins with courtesy and ends with courtesy.
실제로 아이들은 도장에 들어오고 나갈 때마다 허리를 숙여 공손하게 인사했어요.
Sure enough, the kids bowed politely every time they came into or left the studio.
발차기가 서툰 저를 보고 한 아이가 다가와 다리를 드는 법을 차근차근 알려 주었어요.
Seeing how clumsy my kicks were, one child came over and patiently showed me how to raise my leg.
그 아이의 진지한 표정을 보니 나이와 상관없이 먼저 배운 사람이 선배라는 도장 문화가 이해되었어요.
Seeing that child's serious face, I understood the studio culture where whoever learned first is the senior, regardless of age.
여섯 달이 지난 지금 저는 노란 띠를 매고 새로 온 아이들에게 인사하는 법을 알려 줘요.
Now, six months later, I wear a yellow belt and teach the new kids how to bow.
운동을 배우러 갔지만, 저는 그곳에서 다른 사람을 존중하는 태도를 더 많이 배웠어요.
I went there to learn a sport, but what I learned more was an attitude of respecting others.
What did the master stress in the first class?
- Courtesy matters in taekwondo ✓
- Kicks must be high
- Adults need separate classes
- Belt color matters most
What made the writer understand the studio culture?
- The master explained it privately
- The writer earned a yellow belt
- A child taught the writer to kick ✓
- Another adult joined
What is the writer's main point?
- Taekwondo only suits children
- Taekwondo taught the writer respect ✓
- Exercise only works if started young
- At the studio, older people are seniors
🏅 Autumn Sports Day
한국의 초등학교에서는 가을에 온 가족이 함께 즐기는 운동회를 여는 곳이 많아요.
In Korea, many elementary schools hold a sports day in the fall that the whole family enjoys together.
올해 가을 운동회를 앞두고 초등학교 삼 학년인 딸 하은이가 이어달리기 반 대표로 뽑혔어요.
Ahead of this year's fall sports day, my daughter Haeun, a third grader, was chosen to represent her class in the relay.
전화로 소식을 들은 시어머니께서는 옆에 계신 시아버지께 “우리 하은이가 대표로 뛴다는구나!” 하고 기쁘게 전하셨어요.
Hearing the news on the phone, my mother-in-law happily told my father-in-law beside her, “Well, our Haeun is running as the class representative!”
운동회 날 아침, 시어머니는 직접 싼 김밥을 들고 누구보다 일찍 학교에 도착하셨어요.
On the morning of sports day, my mother-in-law arrived at the school earlier than anyone, carrying gimbap she had made herself.
운동장에서는 아이들이 청팀과 백팀으로 나뉘어 줄다리기와 공 굴리기를 하며 목청껏 응원했어요.
On the field, the kids split into blue and white teams, played tug-of-war and ball rolling, and cheered at the top of their lungs.
마지막 이어달리기에서 하은이는 바통을 받자마자 넘어졌지만 곧바로 일어나 끝까지 달렸어요.
In the final relay, Haeun fell right after taking the baton, but she got right back up and ran to the end.
하은이네 팀은 졌지만, 넘어지고도 포기하지 않은 아이에게 관중석에서 큰 박수가 쏟아졌어요.
Haeun's team lost, but the stands showered the girl who fell and didn't give up with loud applause.
집에 돌아오는 길에 하은이는 내년에는 넘어지지 않겠다며 밝게 웃었어요.
On the way home, Haeun smiled brightly and said she wouldn't fall next year.
Why was the mother-in-law delighted?
- Her granddaughter's team won
- Her granddaughter made gimbap
- Sports day was on a weekend
- Her granddaughter became the relay runner ✓
Why did the crowd applaud Haeun?
- She fell but ran to the end ✓
- She crossed the finish line first
- She won the tug-of-war for her team
- She helped up a friend who fell
Which of the following matches the text?
- Haeun gave up after falling
- The mother-in-law couldn't come
- The school's sports day was in spring
- Haeun's team lost the relay ✓
♟️ The Janggi Players in the Park
우리 동네 공원 정자에는 날씨가 좋은 날마다 장기를 두는 할아버지들이 모여요.
On every nice day, old men gather at the pavilion in our neighborhood park to play janggi, Korean chess.
저는 어릴 때 할아버지께 장기를 배운 적이 있어서 산책하다가 가끔 구경을 해요.
I learned janggi from my grandfather as a child, so I sometimes stop to watch while taking a walk.
어느 날 제가 휴대폰으로 장기를 둔다고 말씀드리자 한 할아버지께서 신기해하셨어요.
One day, when I mentioned that I play janggi on my phone, one of the old men was fascinated.
할아버지는 “요즘 젊은이들은 전화기로 장기를 둔다는군.” 하시며 친구분들에게 제 말을 전하셨어요.
He passed my words on to his friends, saying, “So young people these days play janggi on their phones!”
그러더니 저에게 직접 한 판 두어 보자며 맞은편 자리를 내주셨어요.
Then he offered me the seat across from him, suggesting we play a game in person.
화면으로만 두던 저에게는 나무 장기짝을 손으로 옮기는 느낌이 생각보다 훨씬 좋았어요.
Having only played on a screen, I found moving the wooden pieces by hand felt far better than I expected.
비록 제가 지고 말았지만, 할아버지들은 제가 둔 수를 하나하나 짚으며 친절하게 설명해 주셨어요.
I lost in the end, but the old men went through my moves one by one and kindly explained them.
그 후로 주말마다 정자에 들러 할아버지들과 장기를 두는 것이 저의 작은 즐거움이 되었어요.
Since then, stopping by the pavilion every weekend to play janggi with them has become a small joy of mine.
Why was the old man fascinated?
- The writer had never seen janggi
- The writer plays janggi on a phone ✓
- The writer beat him at janggi
- Many young people played in the park
What did the old men do after the game?
- Learned phone janggi from the writer
- Gave the writer wooden pieces
- Explained the writer's moves ✓
- Said they'd never play together again
Which of the following matches the text?
- The writer lost the game to the old man ✓
- The writer first learned janggi in the park
- The old men meet only on rainy days
- The writer no longer goes to the pavilion
🌊 Jumping into the Winter Sea
제 친구 도윤이는 매년 일월이 되면 바닷가에서 열리는 겨울 바다 수영 축제에 참가해요.
Every January, my friend Doyun takes part in a winter sea swimming festival held at the beach.
올해는 도윤이가 같이 가자고 하는 바람에 얼떨결에 저도 신청을 하고 말았어요.
This year, Doyun asked me to come along, and I ended up signing up before I knew it.
축제 전날 뉴스에서 기온이 영하 십 도까지 떨어진다는데도 도윤이는 전혀 걱정하지 않았어요.
Even though the news said the day before that it would drop to ten below zero, Doyun wasn't worried at all.
오히려 추울수록 더 기억에 남는다며 저에게 따뜻한 차와 수건만 꼭 챙기라고 했어요.
Instead, saying the colder it is the more memorable it gets, he just told me to be sure to bring hot tea and a towel.
축제 당일 해변은 산타 옷이나 동물 옷을 입은 참가자들로 가득해서 분위기가 무척 들떠 있었어요.
On the day, the beach was packed with participants in Santa suits and animal costumes, and the mood was very lively.
준비 운동을 마치고 신호에 맞춰 바다로 뛰어들자 온몸이 얼어붙는 것 같았어요.
After warming up, we ran into the sea at the signal, and my whole body felt like it was freezing solid.
겨우 일 분 정도 물속에 있었지만, 밖으로 나오자 이상하게도 몸이 가볍고 개운했어요.
I was in the water for barely a minute, but when I came out, strangely, my body felt light and refreshed.
추위를 함께 견딘 사람들과 서로 박수를 쳐 주던 순간은 아마 오래 잊지 못할 거예요.
I probably won't forget for a long time the moment we clapped for each other after braving the cold together.
Why wasn't Doyun worried?
- He didn't trust the forecast
- He thought colder meant more memorable ✓
- The festival was held indoors
- He wasn't planning to go in the water
How did the writer feel after coming out of the sea?
- So cold they went straight home
- Vowed never to come again
- Light and refreshed ✓
- Heavy and tired
Which of the following matches the text?
- Doyun joined for the first time
- The writer stayed in the water ten minutes
- Mild weather was forecast
- The writer joined the festival for the first time ✓
⛷️ A Ski Lesson from My Brother-in-Law
저는 운동 신경이 없어서 겨울마다 친구들이 스키장에 가자고 해도 늘 핑계를 댔어요.
I'm not very athletic, so every winter when my friends suggested going skiing, I always made excuses.
그런데 올겨울에는 스키 강사 자격증이 있는 매형이 직접 가르쳐 주겠다며 저를 불렀어요.
But this winter, my brother-in-law, who is a certified ski instructor, invited me, saying he would teach me himself.
강사인 매형이 하루 종일 옆에서 가르쳐 준다는데야 더 이상 거절할 핑계가 없었어요.
Given that an actual instructor said he'd teach me by my side all day, I had no more excuses to refuse.
스키장에 도착하자 매형은 먼저 넘어지는 법과 안전하게 일어나는 법부터 알려 주었어요.
When we got to the ski resort, he first taught me how to fall and how to get up safely.
오전 내내 초보자 코스에서 수십 번 넘어지면서 다리가 후들거렸어요.
All morning I fell dozens of times on the beginner slope, and my legs were shaking.
하지만 점심을 먹은 뒤에는 신기하게도 속도를 줄이며 천천히 내려올 수 있게 되었어요.
But after lunch, amazingly, I was able to slow down and come down the slope slowly.
매형은 잘 타는 것보다 다치지 않고 즐기는 것이 먼저라고 여러 번 강조했어요.
He stressed several times that enjoying it without getting hurt comes before skiing well.
이제는 제가 먼저 친구들에게 이번 주말에 스키장에 가자고 연락을 해요.
Now I'm the one who contacts my friends first to suggest going skiing this weekend.
Why did the writer go skiing this winter?
- The brother-in-law offered to teach ✓
- Friends kept asking
- The writer wanted to become an instructor
- Someone said the writer was athletic
What did the brother-in-law teach first?
- How to pick up speed
- How to turn sharply
- How to fall and get up ✓
- How to choose skis
Which of the following matches the text?
- The writer kept falling all afternoon
- The writer now suggests skiing first ✓
- Speed matters most, he said
- The writer has long loved skiing
🏹 Finding Calm at the Archery Range
요즘 저는 회사 일 때문에 머릿속이 늘 복잡해서 한 가지 일에 오래 집중하지 못했어요.
Lately my head was always so full of work that I couldn't focus on one thing for long.
그런 이야기를 하자 회사 후배가 마음을 가라앉히는 데 좋은 운동이 있다며 웃었어요.
When I mentioned this, a junior coworker smiled and said there was a sport that is good for calming the mind.
후배는 “동네 뒷산 활터에서 주말마다 초보자 강습을 한다는데요.” 하고 알려 주었어요.
She told me, “I hear the archery range on the hill behind our neighborhood holds beginner lessons every weekend.”
처음 찾아간 활터에서는 활을 쏘기 전에 과녁을 향해 인사하는 것부터 배웠어요.
At the archery range, the first thing I learned was to bow toward the target before shooting.
과녁은 생각보다 훨씬 멀어서 첫날 쏜 화살은 하나도 과녁 근처에 가지 못했어요.
The target was much farther than I expected, so not a single arrow I shot on the first day got near it.
머리가 지긋한 회원분들은 팔 힘보다 숨을 고르는 것이 먼저라고 말씀해 주셨어요.
The older members told me that steadying my breath comes before arm strength.
한 달쯤 지난 어느 날 처음으로 화살이 과녁에 맞는 소리를 들었을 때 가슴이 뛰었어요.
About a month later, when I heard an arrow hit the target for the first time, my heart raced.
지금은 활을 당기는 짧은 순간만큼은 다른 걱정을 모두 잊을 수 있어요.
Now, at least for the short moment I draw the bow, I can forget all my other worries.
What was the first thing learned at the archery range?
- Shooting arrows far
- Making a bow by hand
- Building arm strength
- Bowing toward the target ✓
Why did this person start archery?
- Because a busy mind made it hard to focus ✓
- Because they wanted to enter a contest
- Because they wanted to meet friends on weekends
- Because their shoulders and back often hurt
Which of the following matches the text?
- Arrows hit the target well from the first day
- The members said arm strength matters most
- This person introduced the range to a junior
- An arrow first hit the target about a month later ✓
📺 A National Team Match at Dawn
해외에서 열리는 국가대표 축구 경기는 시차 때문에 한국에서는 새벽에 중계될 때가 많아요.
Because of the time difference, national team soccer matches held abroad are often broadcast in Korea in the middle of the night.
지난달에도 중요한 경기가 새벽 세 시에 시작해서 고등학생인 남동생은 밤새 기다렸어요.
Last month, too, an important match started at three in the morning, so my younger brother, a high school student, waited up all night.
어머니께서는 내일 학교에 가야 하니 그만 자라고 몇 번이나 말씀하셨어요.
My mother told him several times to go to sleep since he had school the next day.
그러자 동생은 “경기만 보고 바로 잔다니까는.” 하며 텔레비전 앞을 떠나지 않았어요.
My brother replied, “I'm telling you, I'll go to bed right after the game,” and wouldn't leave the TV.
결국 어머니도 포기하시고 과일을 깎아 오셔서 우리 셋은 나란히 앉아 응원했어요.
In the end, Mom gave up too and brought some cut fruit, and the three of us sat side by side cheering.
후반전 막바지에 극적인 동점골이 들어가자 우리는 새벽인 것도 잊고 소리를 질렀어요.
When a dramatic equalizer went in near the end of the second half, we forgot it was the middle of the night and shouted.
창밖에서도 같은 순간에 여기저기서 환호성이 들려와서 온 동네가 함께 보는 것 같았어요.
At that same moment, cheers rang out from all around outside the window, as if the whole neighborhood were watching together.
다음 날 동생은 교실에서 졸았다고 했지만, 그 새벽은 우리 가족의 즐거운 추억이 되었어요.
The next day my brother said he dozed off in class, but that dawn became a happy memory for our family.
Why wouldn't the brother leave the TV?
- Mom brought fruit
- He wanted to watch the whole match ✓
- He had no school the next day
- The match started in the evening
What was heard outside when the equalizer went in?
- A neighbor telling them to be quiet
- A radio broadcasting the match
- Cheers from all around ✓
- An announcement that the game ended
Which of the following matches the text?
- Mom ended up watching too ✓
- The brother slept after the first half
- It was evening in Korea
- The brother skipped school the next day
👟 The Office Futsal Tournament
우리 회사에서는 매년 가을에 부서끼리 겨루는 풋살 대회가 열려요.
Every fall, our company holds a futsal tournament where departments compete against each other.
올해는 제가 우리 부서 팀의 총무를 맡아서 준비물을 챙기게 되었어요.
This year, I was put in charge of managing our department's team, so I had to take care of the equipment.
대회 전날 팀장님께서 공과 조끼를 챙겼는지 세 번이나 확인하셨어요.
The day before the tournament, my team leader checked three times whether I had packed the balls and vests.
저는 웃으면서 “제가 다 챙겨 간다니까요. 걱정하지 마세요.”라고 대답했어요.
I laughed and answered, “I told you, I'm bringing everything. Don't worry.”
그런데 다음 날 경기장에서 가방을 열어 보니 공과 조끼는 있는데 제 운동화가 없었어요.
But the next day, when I opened my bag at the field, the balls and vests were there, but my own sneakers weren't.
결국 저는 옆 팀 선수에게 운동화를 빌려 한 치수 큰 신발을 신고 경기를 뛰었어요.
In the end, I borrowed sneakers from a player on another team and played in shoes one size too big.
우리 팀은 결승까지 갔지만 아쉽게 준우승에 그쳤고, 제 신발 이야기는 회사 전체에 퍼졌어요.
Our team made it to the final but sadly finished second, and the story of my shoes spread through the whole company.
그래도 그 일 덕분에 다른 부서 사람들과 쉽게 이야기를 나누게 되어 오히려 좋았어요.
Still, thanks to that, I found it easy to talk with people from other departments, so it actually turned out well.
What did the writer forget on the day of the match?
- The match balls
- Their own sneakers ✓
- The team vests
- The player list
Why did the writer say, “I told you, I'm bringing everything”?
- The leader packed everything instead
- Another team wanted to borrow a ball
- The leader kept checking the same thing ✓
- The writer wanted to quit the role
Which of the following matches the text?
- The writer's team won the tournament
- The writer couldn't play in the end
- The tournament is held every spring
- The writer's team came in second ✓
🎳 The Bowling Rematch
대학 동기인 태오와 저는 몇 년 전부터 한 달에 한 번씩 볼링을 쳐요.
My college classmate Taeo and I have been bowling once a month for several years.
늘 제가 이겼기 때문에 진 사람이 저녁을 사기로 한 규칙에 따라 밥값은 사실상 태오의 몫이었어요.
Since I always won, our rule that the loser buys dinner basically meant Taeo paid every time.
그런데 지난번 모임에서 태오가 연속으로 스트라이크를 치자 저는 깜짝 놀랐어요.
But at our last get-together, when Taeo bowled strike after strike, I was stunned.
제가 믿기지 않아 몇 번이나 묻자 태오는 “매일 퇴근하고 연습한다니깐.” 하고 웃었어요.
When I couldn't believe it and kept asking, Taeo laughed and said, “I'm telling you, I practice every day after work.”
알고 보니 태오는 회사 근처 볼링 동호회에 들어가 자세를 처음부터 다시 배웠다고 했어요.
It turned out Taeo had joined a bowling club near his office and relearned his form from scratch.
그날 저는 처음으로 태오에게 크게 져서 약속대로 저녁을 샀어요.
That day, for the first time, I lost badly to Taeo and bought dinner as promised.
밥값은 아까웠지만, 꾸준히 노력한 친구의 모습이 부럽기도 하고 자극이 되기도 했어요.
I hated paying for dinner, but seeing how steadily my friend had worked made me both envious and motivated.
그래서 저도 다음 달 복수전을 위해 이번 주부터 볼링 강습을 받기 시작했어요.
So, for next month's rematch, I started taking bowling lessons myself this week.
Why did Taeo get better?
- He practiced every day after work ✓
- The writer taught him form
- He bought an expensive new ball
- He entered many tournaments
Why did the writer start taking bowling lessons?
- Taeo invited the writer to learn
- There's a company tournament
- To win next month's rematch ✓
- An instructor praised the writer's form
Which of the following matches the text?
- The two bowl every week
- Last time, the writer bought dinner ✓
- Taeo used to always win
- Taeo didn't join a club
🧢 Joining a Women's Baseball Team
저는 어릴 때부터 야구를 좋아했지만, 직접 해 볼 기회는 한 번도 없었어요.
I've loved baseball since I was little, but I never had a chance to play it myself.
그러다 작년에 우연히 동네에 여성 사회인 야구단이 있다는 것을 알고 바로 가입했어요.
Then last year, I happened to find out there was a women's amateur baseball team in my area and joined right away.
명절에 그 이야기를 꺼내자 삼촌이 여자가 무슨 야구냐며 대수롭지 않게 웃으셨어요.
When I brought it up during the holidays, my uncle laughed it off, asking what business a woman had playing baseball.
그때 할머니께서 “누가 여자는 야구를 못 한다더냐?” 하고 단호하게 말씀하셨어요.
Then my grandmother said firmly, “And who says women can't play baseball?”
알고 보니 할머니도 젊은 시절에 학교 대표 배구 선수로 활약하셨다고 해요.
It turns out my grandmother herself was a star player on her school's volleyball team when she was young.
그 말에 용기를 얻은 저는 주말마다 연습에 빠지지 않고 나가 공 던지는 법을 익혔어요.
Encouraged by her words, I went to practice every weekend without fail and learned how to throw.
올가을 첫 공식 경기에서 저는 대타로 나가 생애 첫 안타를 쳤어요.
In our first official game this fall, I went in as a pinch hitter and got the first hit of my life.
관중석에서 누구보다 크게 손뼉을 치신 분은 할머니와, 뜻밖에도 삼촌이었어요.
The people clapping loudest in the stands were my grandmother and, surprisingly, my uncle.
What did the grandmother mean?
- Women shouldn't play baseball
- The uncle should learn baseball
- Volleyball is better than baseball
- Women can play baseball too ✓
What gave the writer courage?
- The grandmother took the writer's side ✓
- The uncle taught baseball
- The writer got a hit in the first game
- The writer played school volleyball
Which of the following matches the text?
- The writer played baseball as a child
- The uncle didn't come to the game
- The writer was in the starting lineup
- The grandmother played volleyball when young ✓
🚴 Cycling Across the Country
한국에는 강을 따라 인천에서 부산까지 이어지는 긴 자전거길이 있어요.
In Korea, there's a long bike path that follows the rivers all the way from Incheon to Busan.
자전거길 곳곳에는 도장을 찍는 인증 부스가 있어서 수첩을 채우는 재미도 쏠쏠해요.
There are checkpoint booths along the way where you get a stamp, so filling up your booklet is a fun bonus.
올여름 대학 친구 셋이 이 길을 함께 달리기로 하고 한 달 동안 계획을 세웠어요.
This summer, three of us college friends decided to ride this route together and spent a month planning.
출발 전날 밤 친구 지훈이가 전화해서 “우진이도 끝까지 같이 간다던가?” 하고 물었어요.
The night before we left, my friend Jihun called and asked, “Did Woojin say he's coming with us all the way?”
우진이는 무릎이 좋지 않아서 중간에 기차로 돌아갈 수도 있다고 했기 때문이에요.
That was because Woojin had said his knees weren't good, so he might take the train back partway.
걱정과 달리 우진이는 속도를 조절하며 천천히 달렸고, 우리는 오르막마다 우진이를 기다려 주었어요.
Contrary to our worries, Woojin rode slowly, pacing himself, and we waited for him at every uphill.
일주일 뒤 부산에 도착했을 때 세 사람의 수첩에는 도장이 빈칸 없이 가득 찍혀 있었어요.
When we reached Busan a week later, all three of our booklets were completely filled with stamps.
빨리 가는 것보다 함께 도착하는 것이 더 소중하다는 것을 그 여행에서 배웠어요.
On that trip, I learned that arriving together matters more than getting there fast.
What did Jihun want to check on the phone?
- What time they'd leave
- Whether Woojin would come all the way ✓
- Whether return tickets were bought
- Whether the stamp booklets were packed
Why did Jihun ask that question?
- Woojin had no bike
- Woojin preferred train travel
- Woojin's knees were bad ✓
- Woojin skipped the planning
What is the writer's main point?
- Arriving together beats arriving fast ✓
- Bike trips are easier alone
- Collecting every stamp matters most
- Weak knees mean no cycling
🛶 Paddling in Time with My Brother
고등학생 남동생과 저는 사소한 일로 자주 다퉈서 어머니의 걱정이 많으셨어요.
My younger brother, a high school student, and I often fought over small things, which worried our mother a lot.
어느 날 저녁 어머니가 둘이 함께할 만한 일이 없겠느냐고 물으셨어요.
One evening, my mother asked if there might be something the two of us could do together.
저는 “강변 공원에서 주말마다 카누 강습을 한다던데요.” 하고 말씀드렸어요.
I said, “I heard the riverside park holds canoe lessons every weekend.”
이인용 카누는 두 사람이 노를 젓는 박자가 맞지 않으면 앞으로 나가지 않고 제자리에서 돌아요.
In a two-person canoe, if the two paddlers aren't in rhythm, it doesn't move forward but spins in place.
첫날 우리는 서로 네 탓이라며 소리를 지르다가 결국 강 한가운데에서 빙빙 돌기만 했어요.
On the first day we shouted that it was the other's fault and ended up just spinning around in the middle of the river.
강사님은 뒤에 앉은 사람이 앞사람의 노를 보고 박자를 맞춰야 한다고 알려 주셨어요.
The instructor told us that the person in the back should watch the front person's paddle and match the rhythm.
그 뒤로 동생이 앞에서 “하나, 둘” 하고 박자를 세고 제가 뒤에서 따라가니 카누가 미끄러지듯 나아갔어요.
After that, my brother counted “one, two” in front and I followed from behind, and the canoe glided forward.
요즘 우리는 말다툼이 생겨도 강 위에서처럼 서로의 박자를 먼저 맞춰 보려고 해요.
These days, even when we argue, we try to match each other's rhythm first, just like on the river.
What method did the instructor teach?
- Each person paddles however they like
- The back person matches the front person's paddle ✓
- The front person looks back to steer
- Paddle as fast as possible
Why didn't the canoe move forward on the first day?
- Because the river flowed too fast
- Because the canoe had a hole
- Because the two weren't in rhythm ✓
- Because there was only one paddle
Which of the following matches the text?
- The two canoed well from the first day
- The mother found the canoe lessons first
- The two fought more often after canoeing
- The two learned to work in sync by canoeing ✓