TOPIK Writing Question 53: Describing a Graph in Korean

Question 53 on the TOPIK II exam requires writing a concise 200–300 syllable analytical report summarizing survey data, visual charts, and causal factors without including personal opinions. To score high marks, you must use standard graph-describing formulas, write exclusively in plain written style (-(느)ㄴ다), and structure your paragraph logically from overall survey introduction to numerical trends, underlying causes, and future outlook. Because all data is provided directly in the prompt, mastering fixed connective patterns ensures a rapid, error-free response.

The standard structural template for Question 53

Question 53 is widely regarded by experienced test takers as the most predictable section of the entire TOPIK II examination. Unlike the creative essay in Question 54, Question 53 requires no original argumentation, personal anecdotes, or philosophical reflection. Your sole objective is to convert visual data into precise, objective Korean prose.

A high-scoring response follows a four-part linear framework: introducing the survey organization and topic, reporting primary numerical changes or comparative proportions, explaining the stated underlying causes, and concluding with anticipated future developments. Memorizing the fixed syntactic patterns for each stage allows you to write your response smoothly within ten to twelve minutes during the actual exam.

• Component 1: Introduction citing the surveying body and research subject using standard citation formulas.
• Component 2: Numerical progression describing primary increases, decreases, or percentage distributions.
• Component 3: Causal explanation detailing why the observed shifts occurred using cause-and-effect markers.
• Component 4: Future outlook describing projected trends using plain-style prospective phrasing.
• Official guidelines: Verify official writing criteria, score weighting, and answer sheet formats at topik.go.kr.

Opening formulas: Introducing the survey source and subject

The opening sentence must state who conducted the survey, who the participants were, and what topic was investigated. Rather than creating novel phrasing, rely on proven institutional formulas that immediately signal formal competence to the evaluator. A crisp introduction sets the stage for a fluent summary.

A standard introductory template combines the researching institution with 「-에서 ...을/를 대상으로 ...에 대해 실시한 설문 조사 결과에 의하면」 (According to the results of a survey conducted by [Institution] on [Participants] regarding [Topic]). This formula smoothly incorporates all introductory prompt labels into a single natural sentence, setting a polished academic tone without wasting syllable space.

Describing increases, decreases, and percentage shifts

The second phase of Question 53 conveys the data figures shown in the graphs. To achieve high marks, vary your vocabulary rather than repeating the same simple verb across multiple sentences. Demonstrating lexical variety in data description signals advanced linguistic control.

When describing an upward trend, use dynamic verbs such as 「증가하다」 (to increase), 「크게 늘어나다」 (to rise significantly), or 「급증하다」 (to surge). When describing declines, use terms like 「감소하다」 (to decrease), 「줄어들다」 (to shrink), or 「하락하다」 (to drop). When linking initial figures to end figures, employ the prepositional pair 「-(으)로 ...에서 ...으로 증가하였다」 to indicate starting points and final endpoints clearly.

Interactive Graph Writing ExercisesPractice writing graph summaries with guided phrase templates and sample answersOpen it →

Explaining underlying causes and future prospects

Most Question 53 prompts include a secondary diagram explaining the reasons behind the primary trend, followed by a future projection. Connect these elements logically using standard cause-and-effect constructions.

Introduce the causal factors with introductory phrases like 「이러한 증가의 원인으로는...을/를 들 수 있다」 (As the cause of this increase, one can cite...). If multiple reasons are provided, connect them using connective suffixes like 「-(으)며」 or coordinating markers like 「뿐만 아니라」. Conclude the paragraph with a brief forward-looking statement such as 「앞으로도 이러한 추세가 계속될 것으로 전망된다」 (It is projected that this trend will continue in the future).

Pay strict attention to manuscript grid paper (원고지) conventions while writing. Leave the very first square of your response blank to mark the opening of your paragraph, but do not indent any subsequent lines. Place periods and commas in their own individual grid box without leaving an extra blank box after them. For numbers and percentages, write two numeric digits per grid square (such as '25' or '50') and give the percentage sign '%' its own dedicated square. Observing these visual layout rules signals polished exam preparedness.

Can I include my personal opinion in Question 53?

No, you must never include personal reflections, feelings, or subjective opinions in Question 53. Expressions like 「제 생각에는」 (In my opinion) or 「바람직하다고 생각한다」 (I think it is desirable) violate the objective reporting requirement and will result in strict score penalties. Question 53 is strictly an objective summary of provided visual facts; save your personal arguments for Question 54.

What speech style is mandatory for Question 53?

Question 53 must be written exclusively in the plain written register (해라체), ending in forms such as 「-(느)ㄴ다」 for verbs, 「-다」 for adjectives, and 「-(이)다」 for nouns. Never use polite conversational endings (-(스)ㅂ니다 or -아요/어요). Maintaining consistent plain style throughout the entire 200–300 syllable text is a prerequisite for achieving a top-tier score.

What happens if I write fewer than 200 or more than 300 syllables?

The standard response length for Question 53 is 200 to 300 syllables on the official grid answer sheet. If your writing falls substantially short of the 200-syllable threshold, you will lose points for incomplete structural development. If you write beyond 300 syllables, you risk running out of manuscript space and wasting valuable time needed for Question 54. Aim to finish between 230 and 270 syllables, while maintaining accurate spelling, spacing, and complete data coverage.

TOPIK II Intermediate and Advanced LexiconReview formal academic vocabulary and data reporting verbs commonly used in essay questionsOpen it →