TOPIK II Reading Practice: Fill in the Blank & Explanation
Practice TOPIK II Reading with a free Korean fill-in-the-blank question about working from home. Learn how to choose the correct connecting word with detailed English explanations.
Can you choose the correct connecting word in a Korean reading passage? In this free TOPIK II Reading practice from Seoul X On, you'll read about working from home, fill in the blank with the most appropriate expression, and see exactly why it's right.
Where can I practice TOPIK II reading 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 reading practice question helps you understand logical connections between Korean sentences and choose the correct linking expression.
1. Watch the TOPIK II Reading Practice Video
📖 ▶ Watch the TOPIK II Reading Practice Video
Read the passage carefully and try to choose the correct answer before checking the explanation!
2. TOPIK II Reading Practice Question
Question
다음을 읽고 ( )에 들어갈 말로 가장 알맞은 것을 고르십시오.
Read the passage and choose the most appropriate word to fill in the blank.
Reading Passage
최근에는 집에서 일하는 사람들이 늘어나고 있다. 재택근무를 하면 출퇴근 시간을 줄일 수 있고 원하는 공간에서 편하게 일할 수 있다. 하지만 동료들과 직접 만나지 못해 의사소통에 어려움을 겪기도 한다. ( ) 재택근무를 효율적으로 하기 위해서는 온라인 회의나 소통 방법을 개선할 필요가 있다.
Answer Choices
① 오히려
② 따라서
③ 게다가
④ 설령
3. Correct Answer
✅ ② 따라서 (Therefore)
The correct answer is ② because "따라서" connects the communication problem described in the passage to the suggested solution.
4. Detailed Explanation
The passage discusses the advantages and disadvantages of working from home. Remote work saves commuting time and allows people to work comfortably in their preferred environment. However, it can also cause communication difficulties because employees cannot meet their colleagues in person.
The key phrases are "의사소통에 어려움을 겪기도 한다" (may experience communication difficulties) and "소통 방법을 개선할 필요가 있다" (need to improve communication methods).
The expression "따라서" (therefore) is used to introduce a logical result or conclusion based on the information mentioned earlier.
Let's compare the two sentences:
Problem: 하지만 동료들과 직접 만나지 못해 의사소통에 어려움을 겪기도 한다.
However, people may experience communication difficulties because they cannot meet their colleagues in person.
Solution: 따라서 재택근무를 효율적으로 하기 위해서는 온라인 회의나 소통 방법을 개선할 필요가 있다.
Therefore, to work from home efficiently, it is necessary to improve online meetings and communication methods.
The second sentence suggests a solution based on the problem described in the first sentence. Therefore, ② is the correct answer.
Let's look at the answer choices:
| Answer | Meaning | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ① 오히려 | Rather / On the contrary | Incorrect. It introduces an unexpected or contrasting result, not the logical conclusion needed here. |
| ② 따라서 ✅ | Therefore / Thus | Correct. It connects the communication problem to the need for better communication methods. |
| ③ 게다가 | Moreover / In addition | Incorrect. It adds information rather than introducing a conclusion or solution. |
| ④ 설령 | Even if / Even though | Incorrect. It introduces a hypothetical or concessive condition, which does not fit the sentence structure. |
Remember: In TOPIK II Reading, pay attention to the logical relationship between sentences. "따라서" (therefore) introduces a result or conclusion, while "게다가" (moreover) adds information and "오히려" (rather) often expresses contrast.
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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.
