Reading
Choose a word for the blank
Seemile Easy TOPIK I · reading · pp. 90–96
Understand the task
A short blank can test vocabulary or grammar. Before comparing words, identify the blank’s job: is it a noun naming an object, a predicate describing an action, a time adverb or a particle linking a noun to the rest of the sentence? Read the second sentence too, because it often provides the clue missing from the first.
Identify the part of speech required by the blank, then check which word fits the nearby particle, ending and meaning.
How to solve this question type
- Use the words around the blank to identify the required part of speech.
- For a particle, determine the noun’s relationship to the predicate: destination, action location, recipient, addition or restriction.
- Check the meaning of the entire passage after inserting your answer. A grammatically possible option can still be logically wrong.
Grammar and expressions
N에 / N에서
에 marks destinations, times and locations of existence; 에서 commonly marks where an action happens.
도서관에 가요. 도서관에서 공부해요.
I go to the library. I study at the library.
N에게 / 한테 / 께
Indicate a recipient. 한테 is common in conversation; 께 is honorific.
친구에게 편지를 써요.
I write a letter to a friend.
N도 / N만
도 adds ‘also’; 만 limits the scope to ‘only’. Keep their meanings distinct.
일요일에만 쉬어요.
I rest only on Sundays.
Vocabulary for this type
- 항상
- always
- 자주
- often
- 가끔
- sometimes
- 제일
- most
- 가방
- bag
- 지갑
- wallet
A worked example
학교( ) 한국어를 공부합니다. → 에서
I study Korean (at) school. → 에서.
- The noun names the location of an action, 공부하다.
- 에서 expresses where the studying happens; 에 would fit a destination or state of being instead.
- Do not choose a particle merely because it can occur after 학교 in a different sentence.
Try it yourself
Practice 1
아침에 일어나서 물을 ( ).
I get up in the morning and drink water.
Choose the best word.
- 읽습니다
- 입습니다
- 마십니다
- 걷습니다
Answer and explanation
3. 마십니다
물 and 마시다 form a natural object and verb pair.
- 읽습니다 means read; 물 is not something you read.
- 입습니다 means put on or wear clothing, not drink water.
- 마십니다 means drink and is the natural predicate with 물을.
- 걷습니다 means walk; it does not take water as its object here.
Review your reasoning
- Option 1: 읽습니다 means read; 물 is not something you read.
- Option 2: 입습니다 means put on or wear clothing, not drink water.
- Option 3: 마십니다 means drink and is the natural predicate with 물을.
- Option 4: 걷습니다 means walk; it does not take water as its object here.
Try the question again with the explanation closed. Identify the exact phrase that supports the answer, then explain which detail makes each other option unsuitable.