Reading 3–4 Finding the expression closest in meaning to the underlined part

Reading · Easy–Medium

Secure it. Memorize the pairs of similar grammar forms.

You choose the grammar form closest in meaning to an underlined expression. A single sentence is given with one part underlined. All four options can slot in without breaking the grammar, but only one carries exactly the same meaning. The key is to decide first which semantic category the underlined expression belongs to. Fix the broad frame — cause, condition, repeated result, concession — and keep only the options that fit that frame, and more than half are gone. What matters is not confusing pairs that look alike in form but differ in meaning. Items 3–4 of TOPIK II Reading are slightly harder than 1–2, but once you have organized and memorized the pairs of similar grammar forms, this is a stretch you can clear without slips. Building a list of near-synonymous grammar pairs and reviewing it repeatedly is the surest way to prepare.

Finding the expression closest in meaning to the underlined part

• -기만 하면 = -을 때마다 — A conditional pattern meaning that the same result repeats every time a situation occurs. Both stress that it happens without exception.
• -는 바람에 = -는 통에 — An unintended negative cause. '-는 통에' is especially common when the cause is a hectic, chaotic situation, and neither is used for good outcomes.
• -기 마련이다 = -는 법이다 — Expresses the principle that something is bound to happen. '-는 법이다' sounds more categorical.
• -더라도 = -을지라도 — A concessive pattern meaning the result does not change under any condition. '-을지라도' is more literary and formal.
• -아/어 봤자 = -아/어 봐야 — Means it is useless to try, expressing the attitude that the outcome is obvious so there is no point attempting it.
• -을 게 틀림없다 = -은/는 것이 분명하다 — A conjecture pattern expressing strong conviction. Used when visible evidence makes you judge something to be almost certain.
• -을 리가 없다 = -을 리(가) 만무하다 — Strong negative conviction that there is no chance of something. '-을 리(가) 만무하다' is more literary.
• -을 정도로 = -을 만큼 — Expresses degree — to the extent of reaching that level. Both emphasize the degree of what follows by likening it to the preceding situation.
• -기 위해서 = -고자 — Expresses the intention of achieving a purpose. '-고자' appears more often in literary and formal sentences.
• -는 데다가 = -을 뿐더러 — An additive pattern that adds one thing to another. What follows should run in the same direction (positive or negative) as what precedes it.
• -기 십상이다 = -기 쉽다 — Means there is a high chance of that negative thing happening. It is more idiomatically fixed than '-기 쉽다'.
• -자마자 = -는 대로 — Means the next action follows immediately after one action ends.
• -는 반면에 = -는 데 반해 — A pattern that contrasts two things. Used when what comes before and after are opposed or differ.

• The core meaning of the underlined expression (cause, condition, repetition, concession, and so on)
• The differences in grammatical meaning among the four options
• The grammar pair whose meaning overlaps with the underlined expression

• First decide what the underlined expression expresses (cause / condition / repetition / concession)
• Cross out the options that belong to a different category
• Substitute the remaining options into the sentence and check that the meaning reads naturally

• Picking a grammar form that only looks similar but carries a different meaning
• Burning time by substituting options one by one without first deciding what the underlined expression means

A little harder than items 1–2, but still a stretch you should secure. Organize the near-synonymous grammar pairs in advance and there is no reason to slip.