Yesterday, I took the Intermediate Level of the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean). Last November, I passed Level 2 of the Basic Level and this time, my goal was to pass Level 4. (I need to pass Level 5 eventually as a requirement for my Ph.D. degree). In the past month, I realized this goal was probably not realistic. When I was doing the practice tests, I realized that despite all the studying I had done, there was a lot of grammar and vocabulary I still didn't know and although I had been studying it for a while now, still not enough time to learn it.Taking the test was proof of this. A lot of the questions seemed to include the vocabulary and grammar I didn't know well. I was slowed down by this and rushed to finish the Writing section and didn't get to finish the last five or six questions of the Reading section, so had to guess. I also realized that I had never practiced doing the tests within the required time limit because I had been so focused on trying to learn the unfamiliar vocabulary and grammar in the practice tests. Once I learn the Intermediate-level vocabulary and grammar better, I will need to do this.
My hope is that I at least passed Level 3. If not, at least I will know what level I am at and what I'll need to do to pass Level 4. I've said it before...learning Korean is very good training for me.
In Seoul, the TOPIK is held at Kyung Hee University. The university grounds are beautiful as it is, but it being Springtime, all the trees were in full bloom.
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