TOPIK writing guides · Question 53
TOPIK 53 writing guide: describing a graph in 200–300 characters
Question 53 (쓰기 53번) gives you a graph or table and asks you to describe it in 200–300 characters. It is worth 30 points. There is no opinion here: you report what the data shows, in order, in written style.
How TOPIK 53 is scored
| Area | Points |
|---|---|
| Content and task | 7 |
| Structure | 7 |
| Language use | 8 × 2 = 16 |
A four-step structure
- Survey line: who surveyed whom, about what.
- Biggest result: the top item with its number, then the next one.
- Contrast or change: the other group, or how the numbers changed over time.
- Reason or outlook: only if the question gives it.
Useful TOPIK 53 expressions
Opening the survey
| ~에서 ~을/를 대상으로 ~에 대해 조사하였다 | ~ surveyed ~ about ~ |
| 조사 결과 ~(으)로 나타났다 | the survey showed ~ |
Ranking and comparing
| ~이/가 ~%로 가장 높게 나타났다 | ~ was highest at ~% |
| 그 뒤를 이어 ~이/가 ~%였다 | ~ followed at ~% |
| 반면 ~은/는 ~에 그쳤다 | in contrast, ~ was only ~ |
Change over time
| ~에서 ~(으)로 증가하였다 / 감소하였다 | rose / fell from ~ to ~ |
| ~ 사이에 두 배 이상 늘었다 | more than doubled over ~ |
| 꾸준히 증가하는 추세를 보이고 있다 | shows a steady upward trend |
Reasons and outlook
| 이러한 변화는 ~기 때문이다 | this change is because ~ |
| 이러한 추세가 계속된다면 ~(으)ㄹ 것으로 보인다 | if this trend continues, ~ is expected |
TOPIK 53 model answer
The data below is invented for practice.
한국여가연구소에서 20대와 60대 1,000명을 대상으로 '주말 여가 활동'에 대해 조사하였다. 그 결과 20대는 '영상 시청'이 42%로 가장 많았고, '운동'이 25%로 그 뒤를 이었다. 반면 60대는 '산책'이 38%로 가장 높게 나타났으며 '영상 시청'은 15%에 그쳤다. 또한 '운동'을 한다고 답한 20대의 비율은 2016년 12%에서 2026년 25%로 두 배 이상 증가하였다. 이러한 변화는 건강에 대한 관심이 높아지고 운동 시설을 쉽게 이용할 수 있게 되었기 때문이다. 이러한 추세가 계속된다면 앞으로 운동을 여가로 즐기는 젊은 층은 더욱 늘어날 것으로 보인다.
296 cells on a 25-cell manuscript sheet.
Common mistakes
- Adding your own opinion (나는 ~라고 생각한다).
- Listing every number instead of the main ones.
- Using -습니다 or -어요 endings.
- Going over 300 characters.
The free sample has the scoring breakdown, the blueprint and one model essay. The full pack adds 9 more model essays with outlines and key words, the expression bank, a 50-minute plan and 10 extra prompts.
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How many points is TOPIK 53 worth?
Question 53 is worth 30 points: content and task 7, structure 7, and language use 16 (8 × 2).
How long should the TOPIK 53 answer be?
Between 200 and 300 characters on the manuscript sheet.
Should I give my opinion in TOPIK 53?
No. Describe only what the graph or table shows, plus any reasons or outlook the question gives you. Your own opinion belongs in Q54.
Next: TOPIK 54 essay guide · TOPIK 51 and 52 guide
Books and supplies for TOPIK writing
For Q54 you mostly need intermediate grammar you can use accurately, and practice on real 25-cell manuscript paper (원고지). These searches open Amazon so you can compare editions and prices.
- TOPIK II writing (쓰기) practice books
- Korean Grammar in Use: Intermediate (grammar for -다 style essays)
- Korean manuscript paper (원고지) for timed practice
- TOPIK II full practice test books
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