Essential TOPIK II Grammar (Levels 3–4)
TOPIK II reading tests grammar directly in questions 1 to 4 (fill-in-the-blank) and indirectly in questions 16 to 18 (paragraph fill-in). Knowing the most frequently tested patterns saves time on these questions and improves comprehension across the entire reading section.
This guide covers the grammar patterns that appear most often at the Level 3 to 4 range. These are the patterns you should know confidently before test day.
Connectors (접속 부사)
Connectors link sentences and signal logical relationships. They are heavily tested in reading questions 16 to 18 and sentence ordering questions 13 to 15. Choosing the wrong connector changes the entire meaning of a passage.
| Korean | Meaning | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|
| 그러나 | However | Contrast with the previous statement |
| 따라서 | Therefore | Logical conclusion or result |
| 게다가 | Moreover, in addition | Adding supporting information |
| 반면에 | On the other hand | Contrasting two different situations |
| 그런데 | But, by the way | Introducing a contrasting or unexpected point |
| 즉 | In other words, that is | Restating or clarifying the previous point |
| 한편 | Meanwhile, on the other hand | Introducing a different perspective or topic |
| 그러므로 | Therefore (formal) | Formal conclusion, common in academic passages |
| 그래서 | So, therefore | Cause and effect (less formal than 따라서) |
| 하지만 | But, however | Contrast (less formal than 그러나) |
Common Grammar Endings
These endings appear in reading questions 1 to 4 (grammar fill-in-the-blank) and throughout reading passages. Understanding their meaning is essential for reading comprehension at the Level 3 to 4 range.
| Pattern | Meaning | Example Context |
|---|---|---|
| -기 때문에 | Because (of) | Stating a reason. "비가 오기 때문에" = Because it rains |
| -(으)ㄹ 뿐만 아니라 | Not only... but also | Adding to a point. Common in persuasive passages |
| -는 반면에 | While, whereas | Contrasting two clauses within one sentence |
| -(으)ㄴ/는 셈이다 | It amounts to, practically speaking | Summarizing an outcome. "실패한 셈이다" = It amounts to failure |
| -(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다 | Cannot help but, have no choice but to | Expressing inevitability |
| -기 마련이다 | It is bound to, it is natural that | Expressing something expected or inevitable |
| -(으)ㄴ/는 데 비해 | Compared to | Making comparisons. Common in reading passages |
| -는 한 | As long as | Conditional. "노력하는 한" = As long as you try |
| -(으)ㄹ 뿐이다 | Only, merely | Limiting the scope. "바라볼 뿐이다" = Can only watch |
| -기는커녕 | Far from, let alone | Negating an expectation strongly |
Expressions Tested in Context
Beyond individual grammar points, TOPIK II tests your ability to recognize how expressions function within a passage. These patterns often appear in questions 3 to 4 (choose the grammar with similar meaning) and questions 28 to 31 (advanced fill-in-the-blank).
| Pattern | Meaning | Where Tested |
|---|---|---|
| -(으)ㄴ/는 바와 같이 | As (mentioned/shown) | Referencing earlier information. Common in academic texts |
| -에 따르면 | According to | Citing sources. Appears in news-style passages |
| -(으)ㄹ 정도로 | To the extent that | Emphasizing degree. Common in descriptive passages |
| -는 데(에) 있어서 | In terms of, when it comes to | Narrowing scope. Common in argument passages |
| -에 불과하다 | Is merely, is nothing more than | Minimizing significance. Common in opinion passages |
How to Study Grammar for TOPIK II
- Learn in context, not in isolation. Memorizing grammar definitions is not enough. Practice with real TOPIK II reading passages to see how patterns appear in the test.
- Focus on recognition speed. On test day, you do not have time to analyze each grammar point from scratch. You need to recognize patterns instantly. Repeated exposure through practice questions builds this speed.
- Group similar patterns together. Learn contrast patterns (그러나, 반면에, 하지만) as a group. Learn cause-effect patterns (-기 때문에, 따라서, 그래서) as a group. This helps you distinguish between them on the test.
- Review wrong answers carefully. When you get a grammar question wrong in practice, identify exactly why the correct answer is right and why your choice was wrong. This targeted review is more effective than re-reading grammar textbooks.
Practice Grammar in Context
Solvi provides free TOPIK II reading practice with questions from 11 official past exams. Every question includes bilingual explanations that break down why each answer is correct or incorrect. Practice TOPIK II.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grammar is tested on TOPIK II?
TOPIK II tests intermediate and advanced grammar including connectors (-는데, -(으)므로, -더니), sentence endings (-는 법이다, -기 마련이다), and complex expressions. Grammar appears in both reading passages and listening comprehension.
Do I need to memorize all Korean grammar for TOPIK II?
No. Focus on the 30-40 most commonly tested patterns. TOPIK II grammar questions test recognition in context, not isolated memorization.
Related: Advanced Grammar (5–6) · Reading Guide · How to Practice · Scoring & Levels
Last updated: March 22, 2026