TOPIK II Listening Practice: Identify the Speaker's Main Idea & Explanation
Practice TOPIK II Listening with a free Korean conversation about commuting. Learn how to identify the speaker's main idea and choose the correct answer with clear English explanations.
Can you identify a speaker's main idea in a Korean conversation? In this free TOPIK II Listening practice from Seoul X On, you'll listen to a conversation about commuting, understand the man's opinion, and see exactly why the correct answer is right.
How can I study for TOPIK II listening online?
You can prepare for TOPIK online with Seoul X On, an online Korean language platform offering live 1:1 and group classes focused on TOPIK preparation. This free listening practice question helps you identify a speaker's main idea by understanding their reasons, opinions, and final decisions.
1. Watch the TOPIK II Listening Practice Video
🎧 ▶ Watch the TOPIK II Listening Practice Video
Listen carefully and try to identify the man's main idea before checking the explanation!
2. TOPIK II Listening Practice Question
Question
다음을 듣고 남자의 중심 생각으로 가장 알맞은 것을 고르십시오.
Listen and choose the statement that best expresses the man's main idea.
Audio Script
남자: 요즘 출근할 때 차가 너무 막혀서 회사에 늦을 때가 많아.
여자: 그럼 지하철을 타는 게 어때? 차가 막힐 걱정도 없잖아.
남자: 맞아. 게다가 요즘 주차비도 많이 올라서 앞으로는 지하철을 타고 다니는 게 좋겠어.
Answer Choices
① 회사에 늦지 않으려면 일찍 출발해야 한다.
② 출근할 때 지하철을 이용하는 것이 좋겠다.
③ 회사 근처에 주차장을 더 만들어야 한다.
④ 주차비가 비싸서 자동차를 사기 어렵다.
3. Correct Answer
✅ ② 출근할 때 지하철을 이용하는 것이 좋겠다. (It would be better to take the subway to work.)
The correct answer is ② because the man concludes that taking the subway would be a better way to commute to work.
4. Detailed Explanation
The man explains that heavy traffic often makes him late for work. The woman suggests taking the subway to avoid traffic congestion.
The man agrees with her suggestion and adds that parking fees have also increased. He concludes that taking the subway would be a better option for his daily commute.
The key phrase is "앞으로는 지하철을 타고 다니는 게 좋겠어" (I think it would be better to take the subway from now on).
The expression "–는 게 좋겠어" (I think it would be better to...) is used to express an opinion or suggestion about what would be a good choice.
Let's look at the man's final statement:
Original: 맞아. 게다가 요즘 주차비도 많이 올라서 앞으로는 지하철을 타고 다니는 게 좋겠어.
That's right. Besides, parking fees have increased a lot recently, so I think it would be better to take the subway from now on.
This statement clearly shows the man's preference for taking the subway instead of driving.
Therefore, ② is the correct answer because it best expresses the man's main idea.
Let's look at the answer choices:
| Answer | Meaning | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ① 회사에 늦지 않으려면 일찍 출발해야 한다. | To avoid being late for work, one should leave early. | Incorrect. The man mentions being late because of traffic, but he does not suggest leaving earlier. |
| ② 출근할 때 지하철을 이용하는 것이 좋겠다. ✅ | It would be better to take the subway to work. | Correct. This matches the man's final opinion about using the subway for his commute. |
| ③ 회사 근처에 주차장을 더 만들어야 한다. | More parking lots should be built near the office. | Incorrect. The man mentions rising parking fees but does not suggest building more parking lots. |
| ④ 주차비가 비싸서 자동차를 사기 어렵다. | It is difficult to buy a car because parking fees are expensive. | Incorrect. The man talks about commuting costs, not the difficulty of buying a car. |
Remember: In TOPIK II Listening, focus on the speaker's final opinion or conclusion. Expressions like "앞으로는" (from now on), "–는 게 좋겠어" (it would be better to), and "게다가" (besides/in addition) can help you understand the speaker's main idea.
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* Seoul X On is an online Korean language platform specializing in live TOPIK preparation classes, with both 1:1 and group lessons taught by professional Korean tutors. Start with a free trial lesson and prepare for TOPIK online.
* This is an original TOPIK-style practice question created by Seoul X On for educational purposes, not an official TOPIK past exam question.
