TOPIK II Reading Practice: Understanding a News Headline & Explanation
Practice TOPIK II Reading with a free Korean news headline question. Learn how to interpret shortened newspaper headlines, identify key expressions, and choose the correct answer.
Can you understand a Korean newspaper headline? In this free TOPIK II Reading practice from Seoul X On, you'll read a short news headline, choose the statement that best explains its meaning, 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 Korean newspaper headlines and identify their meaning using key expressions.
1. Watch the TOPIK II Reading Practice Video
📖 ▶ Watch the TOPIK II Reading Practice Video
Read the headline carefully and try to choose the correct answer before checking the explanation!
2. TOPIK II Reading Practice Question
Question
다음 신문 기사의 제목을 가장 잘 설명한 것을 고르십시오.
Choose the statement that best explains the following newspaper headline.
News Headline
일회용품 사용 줄이기, 시민 참여 확산
Reducing Single-Use Products: Growing Public Participation
Answer Choices
① 일회용품 사용을 줄이려는 시민들의 참여가 늘고 있다.
② 일회용품 생산량이 감소하면서 가격이 오르고 있다.
③ 시민들이 일회용품 사용을 줄이는 데 어려움을 겪고 있다.
④ 일회용품 사용을 제한하는 정책이 폐지될 예정이다.
3. Correct Answer
✅ ① 일회용품 사용을 줄이려는 시민들의 참여가 늘고 있다. (More citizens are taking part in efforts to reduce single-use products.)
The correct answer is ① because it accurately explains the growing public participation in efforts to reduce the use of disposable products.
4. Detailed Explanation
The newspaper headline describes an increasing number of citizens participating in efforts to reduce the use of disposable products.
The key phrases are "일회용품 사용 줄이기" (reducing the use of disposable products) and "시민 참여 확산" (growing public participation).
In Korean newspaper headlines, words such as "확산" (spread or expansion) are often used to describe a trend that is becoming more widespread.
Here, "시민 참여 확산" means that more citizens are getting involved in efforts to reduce single-use products.
Let's compare the headline with the correct answer:
News Headline: 일회용품 사용 줄이기, 시민 참여 확산
Reducing Single-Use Products: Growing Public Participation
Correct Meaning: 일회용품 사용을 줄이려는 시민들의 참여가 늘고 있다.
More citizens are taking part in efforts to reduce single-use products.
Both expressions communicate the same main idea. Therefore, ① is the correct answer.
Let's look at the answer choices:
| Answer | Meaning | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ① 일회용품 사용을 줄이려는 시민들의 참여가 늘고 있다. ✅ | More citizens are taking part in efforts to reduce single-use products. | Correct. This matches the headline's message about growing citizen participation. |
| ② 일회용품 생산량이 감소하면서 가격이 오르고 있다. | The production of disposable products is decreasing while their prices are rising. | Incorrect. The headline does not mention production or prices. |
| ③ 시민들이 일회용품 사용을 줄이는 데 어려움을 겪고 있다. | Citizens are having difficulty reducing their use of disposable products. | Incorrect. The headline emphasizes growing participation, not difficulties. |
| ④ 일회용품 사용을 제한하는 정책이 폐지될 예정이다. | The policy restricting the use of disposable products is expected to be abolished. | Incorrect. The headline does not mention any policy changes or cancellations. |
Remember: In TOPIK II Reading, Korean newspaper headlines often omit grammatical particles and sentence endings. Focus on key nouns and expressions, such as "줄이기" (reducing) and "확산" (spread or expansion), to understand the main message.
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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.
