How TOPIK II Writing Is Scored: A Complete 100-Point Breakdown

Overview of the TOPIK II Writing Section

The TOPIK II writing section (쓰기) is worth 100 points out of a total possible 300 across all three sections (읽기, 듣기, 쓰기). Unlike the reading and listening sections, which are multiple choice, writing is scored by human raters — meaning it is both the most challenging and the most subjective section.

Understanding exactly how your score is determined can help you focus your preparation where it matters most.

The Four Tasks and Their Points

Task	Type	Points
51번	Fill-in-the-blank (practical writing)	10
52번	Fill-in-the-blank (practical writing)	10
53번	Short essay explaining data (graph/chart)	30
54번	Long opinion essay (600-700 characters)	50
Total		100

As you can see, tasks 53 and 54 together account for 80 points — the vast majority of your writing score. This is where your study time should be concentrated.

Tasks 51 and 52: Sentence Completion (10 Points Each)

Each task has two blanks (ㄱ and ㄴ) worth about 5 points each. Question 51 is a short practical text, such as a notice, invitation, message or email. Question 52 is a short explanatory paragraph on a general topic, written in the plain -다 style. Raters check whether:

• The content fits the context logically
• The grammar and vocabulary are appropriate
• The sentence connects naturally with the surrounding text

For example, if question 51 is a notice about a library closing for repairs, your sentence should match the polite style of the notice (e.g., ~ㅂ니다/습니다 or ~(으)니 참고하시기 바랍니다). In question 52, the paragraph is in the plain -다 style, so your blank must be too: writing -습니다 there is a common way to lose points.

These tasks are short and predictable, so with practice they are among the most reliable points on the paper.

Tasks 53 and 54: The Three Scoring Categories

Both task 53 and task 54 are scored across three categories:

1. 내용 및 과제 수행 — Content and task completion
2. 글의 전개 구조 — Organization and structure
3. 언어 사용 — Language use

However, the point distribution differs:

Category	53번 (30 pts)	54번 (50 pts)
내용 및 과제 수행	7	12
글의 전개 구조	7	12
언어 사용	16	26
Total	30	50

Notice that 언어 사용 (language use) carries the most weight in both tasks — over half the points. This is critical to understand.

내용 및 과제 수행 (Content and Task Completion)

Raters ask: Did the writer actually answer the question and cover all required points?

For task 53, you are usually given a graph or chart and must describe the data, including trends, comparisons, and sometimes a conclusion. If the chart shows two variables, you need to address both.

For task 54, you are given a topic (often a social issue) and must present your opinion with reasons and examples. Raters look for:

• A clear position or argument
• Relevant supporting points
• Coverage of all parts of the prompt

Common point losses:

• Ignoring part of the prompt (e.g., the chart has three categories but you only discuss two)
• Writing off-topic or adding irrelevant personal stories
• Failing to state a clear opinion in task 54

글의 전개 구조 (Organization and Structure)

Raters ask: Is the essay logically organized with clear flow?

They look for:

• A recognizable introduction, body, and conclusion
• Logical paragraph transitions
• Appropriate use of connecting expressions (접속 부사 and 연결 어미)

Good connectors to practice:

• 또한 (also), 반면에 (on the other hand), 그러므로 (therefore)
• ~(으)ㄹ 뿐만 아니라 (not only... but also)
• ~기 때문에 (because), ~(으)므로 (since/because — written style)

For task 53, a typical structure is:

1. Introduction: State what the data is about
2. Body: Describe the key data points and trends
3. Conclusion: Summarize or provide a brief implication

Example opening for 53: 아래 그래프는 한국 대학생의 여가 활동에 대한 조사 결과이다.

For task 54, a standard structure is:

1. Introduction: Present the topic and your position
2. Body paragraph 1: First reason with explanation
3. Body paragraph 2: Second reason or counterargument
4. Conclusion: Restate your position

Common point losses:

• No clear paragraph breaks
• Jumping between ideas without transitions
• Missing a conclusion entirely
• Repeating the same point instead of developing new ones

언어 사용 (Language Use)

This is the highest-weighted category, and raters evaluate:

• Grammar accuracy: Are your sentences grammatically correct?
• Vocabulary range: Do you use varied, appropriate vocabulary?
• Advanced grammar patterns: Do you go beyond basic structures?
• Written style: Do you use formal written Korean (not spoken style)?

This last point catches many learners. TOPIK writing requires formal written style. You should avoid:

Spoken Style (Avoid)	Written Style (Use)
~거예요	~것이다
~니까	~기 때문에 / ~(으)므로
그래서 (overused)	따라서 / 그러므로
진짜, 너무	매우, 상당히
~잖아요	~(으)ㄴ/는 것이다

Advanced grammar patterns that impress raters include:

• ~(으)ㄹ 뿐만 아니라: 건강에 좋을 뿐만 아니라 경제적이기도 하다.
• ~(으)ㄴ/는 반면(에): 대도시는 편리한 반면에 생활비가 높다.
• ~에 따르면: 조사 결과에 따르면 80%의 학생이 찬성하였다.
• ~(으)ㄹ 수밖에 없다: 이러한 상황에서는 변화가 필요할 수밖에 없다.

Common point losses:

• Using 해요체 instead of formal written endings (~ㅂ니다/습니다 or ~(이)다 style)
• Repeated basic grammar (only using ~고 and ~아서/어서 to connect clauses)
• Spelling errors in common words
• Using the same vocabulary repeatedly instead of synonyms

How Writing Affects Your TOPIK Level

TOPIK II determines your level based on your total score across all three sections (읽기 + 듣기 + 쓰기, maximum 300):

Level	Minimum Total Score
3급	120
4급	150
5급	190
6급	230

Since writing is one-third of your total, it can make or break your level. Consider this scenario:

• A learner scores 70 in reading and 65 in listening (135 total).
• With a writing score of 55, the total is 190 → Level 5.
• With a writing score of 40, the total is 175 → Level 4.

That 15-point difference in writing changed the outcome by a full level.

For learners targeting level 5 or 6, a strong writing score is almost always necessary. It is very difficult to compensate for a weak writing section with reading and listening alone.

Practical Tips for Maximizing Your Score

• Always address every part of the prompt. Read the question twice before writing.
• Use a clear structure. Even a simple 서론-본론-결론 framework helps.
• Prioritize 언어 사용. Since it carries the most points, practice advanced grammar patterns and written-style endings daily.
• Write in ~(이)다 체. This is the standard essay style: 중요하다, 필요한 것이다, 증가한 것으로 나타났다.
• Practice with a timer. You have 50 minutes for all four writing tasks. Budget roughly 5 minutes for 51-52, 15 minutes for 53, and 25-30 minutes for 54.
• Learn set phrases for introductions and conclusions. For example: 이상으로 살펴본 바와 같이 (as examined above) is a reliable closing phrase.

With consistent practice and a clear understanding of what raters are looking for, the writing section becomes far less intimidating — and a powerful tool for reaching your target level.