TOPIK II Reading Section Guide
The TOPIK II reading section (읽기) has 50 multiple-choice questions in 70 minutes, scored out of 100 points. It is administered in Session 2, after the listening and writing sections. Each correct answer is worth 2 points.
Question Types by Number
| Questions | Type |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Grammar fill-in-the-blank |
| 3–4 | Choose grammar with similar meaning |
| 5–8 | Identify what a notice, ad, or sign is about |
| 9–12 | Short passage comprehension (poster, graph, paragraph) |
| 13–15 | Sentence ordering |
| 16–18 | Paragraph fill-in-the-blank |
| 19–24 | Passage pairs (2 questions per passage) |
| 25–27 | Match newspaper headline to article description |
| 28–31 | Advanced fill-in-the-blank (longer passages) |
| 32–34 | Advanced comprehension (longer passages) |
| 35–38 | Main idea and theme identification |
| 39–41 | Sentence insertion |
| 42–50 | Long passage sets (3 passages, multiple questions each) |
How Difficulty Progresses
Questions 1–12 are the most accessible: short texts, practical vocabulary, and straightforward grammar. These should be completed quickly to save time for later questions.
Questions 13–34 introduce longer passages and more complex reasoning. Sentence ordering (13–15) tests your understanding of logical flow. Paragraph fill-in-the-blank (16–18, 28–31) requires understanding context to choose the correct phrase or connector.
Questions 35–50 are the hardest. Main idea questions (35–38) present abstract or academic passages. Sentence insertion (39–41) requires you to identify exactly where a sentence fits within a passage. The final set (42–50) uses long, dense passages with multiple questions that test deep comprehension. This is where most time is spent.
Time Management
A common strategy: allocate roughly 15 minutes for questions 1–18, 25 minutes for 19–41, and 30 minutes for 42–50. If you are stuck on a question, mark it and move on. Returning to it later is better than losing time that could be spent on easier questions ahead.
What to Focus On
- Connectors and transition words. Many fill-in-the-blank and ordering questions test whether you understand words like 그러나 (however), 따라서 (therefore), 게다가 (moreover), and 반면에 (on the other hand).
- Reading speed. Practice reading Korean passages at natural speed without translating each word into your first language.
- Passage structure.Identify the main claim, supporting evidence, and counterarguments. Questions 35–50 frequently ask about the author's purpose or the passage's central idea.
Practice Reading Questions
Solvi provides free TOPIK II reading practice with questions from 11 official past exams. Every question includes instant feedback and bilingual explanations. Start practicing reading.
When you are ready to practice under time pressure, try a timed reading mock exam with the full 70-minute countdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the TOPIK II reading section?
The reading section has 50 multiple-choice questions with a 70-minute time limit. All questions are based on written passages that increase in difficulty.
What types of passages appear on TOPIK II reading?
Passages range from short notices and advertisements (questions 1–12) to academic and editorial texts (questions 35–50). Common formats include news articles, informational texts, and opinion pieces.
Related: Essential Grammar · Listening Guide · Writing Guide · How to Practice
Last updated: March 20, 2026