TOPIK II Listening: Catching Sarcasm in Professional Settings

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반어법 / 풍자 / 말투 / 뉘앙스 파악
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TOPIK II Prep
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TL;DR
  • In TOPIK II listening, sarcasm often hides criticism inside polite praise, exaggerated agreement, or “too-perfect” wording.
  • Catch the mismatch between literal words and tone, context, result, or follow-up comment.
  • In professional settings, sarcasm is usually indirect: listen for hesitation, contrast markers, and uncomfortable politeness.
🎧
🎧 Audio Practice
Use the scripts in this lesson for TTS recording or partner reading. For every track, use the 2-pass method: first pass answer without pausing, second pass confirm by catching keywords, tone shifts, and discourse markers. After checking answers, shadow the sarcastic line once with natural intonation.

🔑 The Big Picture

Sarcasm in professional Korean conversations is rarely loud or openly insulting. In TOPIK II listening, it often appears as indirect criticism, ironic praise, or a polite comment that means the opposite of its surface meaning.
The key skill is not translating every word. The key skill is noticing incongruity:
  • The speaker says something positive, but the situation is clearly negative.
  • The speaker agrees too strongly, but the follow-up shows disagreement.
  • The speaker uses polite language, but the tone or context signals dissatisfaction.
  • The speaker praises a result that obviously caused a problem.
Common Korean cues include:
  • 참 잘하셨네요 in a context where someone clearly made a mistake
  • 대단하시네요 when the result is not actually impressive
  • 덕분에 일이 더 쉬워졌네요 when the situation became harder
  • 역시 기대를 저버리지 않으시네요 when someone repeatedly disappoints expectations
  • 그렇게 하시면 되겠네요 when the speaker actually thinks the plan is careless

🧩 Core Concepts / Patterns

1. Literal praise + negative context

A speaker may use praise words such as 잘하다, 대단하다, 훌륭하다, 친절하다 while the situation proves the opposite.
Example:
  • 직원 A: 보고서 파일이 또 안 열리네요.
  • 직원 B: 아, 이번에도 정말 꼼꼼하게 확인하셨네요.
  • Meaning: B is criticizing A for not checking the file carefully.

2. Exaggerated agreement

Sarcasm often sounds “too agreeable.” The speaker appears to accept a bad idea, but the exaggeration makes the real meaning negative.
Example:
  • 네, 회의 자료 없이 발표하면 아주 설득력 있겠네요.
  • Real meaning: Presenting without materials will not be persuasive.

3. Polite ending + sharp implication

In professional settings, sarcasm is softened by polite endings:
  • -네요
  • -시네요
  • -겠네요
  • -군요
  • -는 편이네요
These endings do not automatically mean kindness. They can make criticism sound indirect.

4. Contrast markers after praise

Listen carefully after words such as:
  • 그런데
  • 다만
  • 하지만
  • 그러고 보니
  • 덕분에
  • 오히려
  • 결국
These often reveal that the earlier “praise” was not sincere.

5. Professional sarcasm is often about responsibility

Typical workplace topics:
  • Missed deadlines
  • Poor preparation
  • Repeated mistakes
  • Unclear instructions
  • Overconfidence
  • Slow responses
  • “Helpful” actions that cause extra work

✅ Exam Strategy

The 2-pass method for sarcasm questions

  1. First pass: identify the surface meaning.
      2. Write down whether the sentence sounds positive, neutral, or negative.
  1. Second pass: compare with context.
      2. Ask whether the result, tone, or next sentence supports that surface meaning.
  1. Confirm with markers.
      2. Listen for 참, 아주, 덕분에, 역시, 오히려, 그런데, 다만, 결국.
  1. Choose the implied meaning, not the dictionary meaning.
      2. If the words are positive but the situation is negative, the answer is often criticism.

TOPIK-style answer logic

When answer choices include:
  • A literal positive interpretation
  • A direct negative interpretation
  • An unrelated emotion
  • A minor detail
Choose the option that matches the speaker’s implied attitude. Sarcasm questions often test attitude, intention, or reason for discomfort.

⚠️ Pitfalls

  • Mistaking politeness for sincerity: Honorifics and polite endings can carry sarcasm.
  • Ignoring the previous line: Sarcasm usually depends on what just happened.
  • Choosing the strongest negative answer: Sarcasm can be mild, disappointed, or teasing, not always angry.
  • Missing exaggerated adverbs: 참, 아주, 정말, 역시 can signal irony when the context is bad.
  • Treating every “덕분에” as gratitude: In sarcasm, 덕분에 may mean “because of you, things got worse.”

🎧 Listening Scripts for Skill Building

Track 1

A: 김 대리님, 회의 자료는 준비되셨나요?
B: 아, 아직 인쇄를 못 했습니다. 파일도 조금 수정해야 해서요.
A: 그렇군요. 발표 10분 전에 수정이라니, 준비성이 정말 뛰어나시네요.
B: 죄송합니다. 바로 처리하겠습니다.

Track 2

A: 박 과장님, 고객사에 보낸 견적서에 금액이 잘못 적혀 있었습니다.
B: 지난번에도 비슷한 일이 있었죠?
A: 네, 이번에는 제가 확인했다고 생각했는데 놓쳤습니다.
B: 역시 꼼꼼하게 확인하시는군요. 덕분에 고객사에 다시 설명해야겠네요.

Track 3

A: 오늘 발표는 자료 없이 말로만 진행해도 될까요?
B: 물론이죠. 복잡한 수치를 그냥 기억에만 의존하면 아주 설득력 있겠네요.
A: 아, 자료를 준비하는 편이 낫겠군요.
B: 네, 최소한 핵심 표는 필요합니다.

Track 4

A: 팀장님, 제가 일정표를 바꿔서 모두에게 공유했습니다.
B: 그런데 개발팀에는 공유가 안 된 것 같네요.
A: 아, 그 팀은 나중에 말씀드리려고 했습니다.
B: 중요한 팀을 빼고 공유하시다니, 소통 방식이 참 효율적이네요.

Track 5

A: 이번 보고서는 분량을 줄이려고 근거 자료를 대부분 뺐습니다.
B: 그러면 결론만 남은 셈이네요.
A: 네, 읽기 쉬울 것 같아서요.
B: 근거 없는 결론이라, 읽는 사람 입장에서는 참 믿음직스럽겠네요.
📝
Practice Hub: 50 TOPIK II Listening Questions
Use the tracks below as listening prompts. Each set has 10 questions, for 50 questions total. Answers are hidden in toggles.

Set 1 — Identify the sarcastic line

Track 1A
A: 최 대리님, 어제 요청한 회의록은 어디에 있나요?
B: 아, 아직 정리하지 못했습니다. 회의 내용이 많아서요.
A: 그렇군요. 회의가 끝난 지 이틀밖에 안 됐으니 아주 빠르게 처리하고 계시네요.
  1. Which sentence is sarcastic?
    1. 어제 요청한 회의록은 어디에 있나요?
    2. 아직 정리하지 못했습니다.
    3. 회의가 끝난 지 이틀밖에 안 됐으니 아주 빠르게 처리하고 계시네요.
    4. 회의 내용이 많아서요.
  1. What does A actually imply?
    1. B is processing the work quickly.
    2. B is late with the meeting notes.
    3. The meeting was too short.
    4. The notes are unnecessary.
Track 1B
A: 이번 제안서에는 고객 요구 사항이 빠져 있네요.
B: 시간이 부족해서 우선 디자인부터 넣었습니다.
A: 고객 요구는 빼고 색깔은 맞추셨군요. 정말 핵심을 잘 잡으셨네요.
  1. Which sentence carries irony?
    1. 고객 요구 사항이 빠져 있네요.
    2. 시간이 부족해서 우선 디자인부터 넣었습니다.
    3. 정말 핵심을 잘 잡으셨네요.
    4. 이번 제안서에는 고객 요구 사항이 빠져 있네요.
  1. What is A criticizing?
    1. B focused on appearance instead of essential requirements.
    2. B used too many customer requirements.
    3. B made the design too simple.
    4. B finished the proposal too early.
Track 1C
A: 서버 점검 공지는 고객에게 보냈나요?
B: 아, 내부 직원들에게만 보냈습니다.
A: 고객은 모르고 직원만 아는 점검이라니, 안내 방식이 참 친절하네요.
  1. What is sarcastic in A’s last line?
    1. A genuinely praises the notice as kind.
    2. A criticizes the notice for excluding customers.
    3. A says internal staff should not receive notices.
    4. A thinks the server check is unnecessary.
  1. Which clue best shows sarcasm?
    1. Customers were not informed.
    2. The notice was sent early.
    3. Staff complained loudly.
    4. The server was already repaired.
Track 1D
A: 면접 자료는 지원자별로 정리하셨나요?
B: 아니요, 그냥 한 파일에 모두 넣었습니다.
A: 개인정보가 한 파일에 다 들어 있다니, 보안 의식이 대단하시네요.
  1. What does A mean?
    1. B handled security very well.
    2. B should combine all documents.
    3. B lacks proper security awareness.
    4. B prepared too many files.
  1. Which phrase is used sarcastically?
    1. 지원자별로
    2. 한 파일에
    3. 보안 의식이 대단하시네요
    4. 면접 자료
Track 1E
A: 오늘 회의실 예약하셨죠?
B: 예약은 못 했지만 비어 있을 것 같습니다.
A: 확인하지 않고 확신하시다니, 계획이 아주 철저하시네요.
  1. What is A’s attitude?
    1. Admiration
    2. Mild criticism
    3. Relief
    4. Curiosity only
  1. What problem is being pointed out?
    1. The meeting room is too large.
    2. B did not confirm the reservation.
    3. A changed the meeting time.
    4. The meeting was canceled.
Answers — Set 1
  1. 3 — The phrase “아주 빠르게” is ironic because the notes are already late.
  1. 2 — A implies that B is not handling the task quickly enough.
  1. 3 — “핵심을 잘 잡으셨네요” sounds positive but criticizes the missing customer requirements.
  1. 1 — The essential content was ignored in favor of design.
  1. 2 — “친절하네요” is sarcastic because customers were not notified.
  1. 1 — The negative context makes the praise ironic.
  1. 3 — A criticizes B’s weak security awareness.
  1. 3 — “대단하시네요” is sarcastic in this context.
  1. 2 — A is not admiring B; A is criticizing the lack of confirmation.
  1. 2 — The reservation was assumed, not confirmed.

Set 2 — Infer the speaker’s intention

Track 2A
A: 고객이 요청한 수정 사항은 반영됐나요?
B: 세 가지 중 두 가지만 반영했습니다. 하나는 중요하지 않은 것 같아서요.
A: 고객이 직접 요청한 걸 중요하지 않다고 판단하셨군요. 판단력이 참 남다르시네요.
  1. What is A’s main intention?
    1. To praise B’s independent judgment
    2. To criticize B for ignoring a customer request
    3. To ask B to reduce the number of edits
    4. To confirm that the customer changed their mind
  1. What should B probably do next?
    1. Remove the other two edits
    2. Reflect the missing request or confirm it with the customer
    3. Send the file without changes
    4. Ask another team to cancel the project
Track 2B
A: 왜 회의 시간이 갑자기 바뀌었나요?
B: 제가 편한 시간으로 조정했습니다. 모두 괜찮을 것 같아서요.
A: 본인 일정만 기준으로 정하시다니, 팀워크가 아주 인상적이네요.
  1. What does A imply?
    1. B showed excellent teamwork.
    2. B should have considered others’ schedules.
    3. The meeting time is perfect for everyone.
    4. A wants to cancel all meetings.
  1. Which word strengthens the sarcastic tone?
    1. 갑자기
    2. 모두
    3. 아주
    4. 시간
Track 2C
A: 이번 설문 결과 분석은 표본 수가 8명뿐이네요.
B: 그래도 대략적인 흐름은 알 수 있지 않을까요?
A: 네, 8명으로 전체 고객을 판단하면 꽤 과학적이겠네요.
  1. What does A actually think?
    1. The sample size is too small.
    2. The analysis is scientifically strong.
    3. Eight customers are too many.
    4. The survey question is too long.
  1. What is the sarcastic expression?
    1. 대략적인 흐름
    2. 전체 고객
    3. 꽤 과학적이겠네요
    4. 설문 결과
Track 2D
A: 보고서 제목이 지난달 제목과 똑같네요.
B: 형식을 맞추려고 그대로 사용했습니다.
A: 내용까지 헷갈리게 만드는 일관성이라니, 참 좋은 전략이네요.
  1. What is A criticizing?
    1. The report is too short.
    2. The repeated title may confuse readers.
    3. The format is too colorful.
    4. The title is too formal.
  1. What does “참 좋은 전략” mean here?
    1. A sincere compliment
    2. A request for a new strategy
    3. An ironic criticism
    4. A neutral summary
Track 2E
A: 출장비 영수증은 모두 제출하셨나요?
B: 일부는 잃어버렸지만 금액은 기억합니다.
A: 영수증 없이 기억만으로 처리하면 회계팀이 참 편하겠네요.
  1. What does A imply?
    1. The accounting team will appreciate the memory-based report.
    2. Missing receipts will make accounting difficult.
    3. Receipts are no longer required.
    4. The business trip was unnecessary.
  1. What is A’s intention?
    1. To encourage B to estimate freely
    2. To warn B that proper proof is needed
    3. To praise B’s memory
    4. To ask about travel destinations
Answers — Set 2
  1. 2 — A criticizes B for deciding that a customer request was unimportant.
  1. 2 — The missing request must be handled or confirmed.
  1. 2 — “팀워크가 아주 인상적” is sarcastic because B acted alone.
  1. 3 — “아주” exaggerates the praise and supports the sarcastic tone.
  1. 1 — A doubts the reliability of a sample of only eight people.
  1. 3 — “꽤 과학적이겠네요” is ironic.
  1. 2 — A worries that the repeated title will confuse readers.
  1. 3 — The phrase is not sincere; it criticizes the choice.
  1. 2 — “참 편하겠네요” means the opposite: it will be inconvenient.
  1. 2 — A is pointing out the need for proper receipts.

Set 3 — Choose the best summary

Track 3A
A: 이번 발표 자료에 출처 표시가 없네요.
B: 인터넷에서 흔히 볼 수 있는 자료라 괜찮을 줄 알았습니다.
A: 출처 없이 쓰면 오히려 더 전문적으로 보이겠네요.
  1. Which summary is correct?
    1. A recommends removing all sources.
    2. A criticizes B for not citing sources.
    3. B found rare internal data.
    4. A thinks the presentation is already perfect.
  1. What is the implied meaning of A’s last sentence?
    1. The presentation will look less professional without sources.
    2. The internet is always reliable.
    3. Sources should be hidden from clients.
    4. The presentation needs fewer slides.
Track 3B
A: 신입 직원 교육 자료는 업데이트됐나요?
B: 작년 자료를 그대로 써도 큰 문제는 없을 것 같습니다.
A: 정책이 세 번이나 바뀌었는데 그대로 쓰면 아주 최신 자료겠네요.
  1. Which summary is correct?
    1. A thinks last year’s material is fully updated.
    2. A criticizes the plan to reuse outdated material.
    3. B already updated the policy three times.
    4. The training is canceled.
  1. Which detail creates the sarcastic contrast?
    1. The material is for new employees.
    2. The policy changed three times.
    3. The speaker is a manager.
    4. The training room is small.
Track 3C
A: 행사 안내문에 장소가 빠져 있습니다.
B: 참가자들이 링크를 클릭하면 알 수 있을 겁니다.
A: 장소를 숨겨 두는 안내문이라니, 참가자들이 참 쉽게 오겠네요.
  1. Which summary is correct?
    1. A praises the notice because it is short.
    2. A says the notice is unclear because the place is missing.
    3. B already called every participant.
    4. Participants should not come to the event.
  1. What is the function of “참 쉽게”?
    1. It sincerely praises the easy directions.
    2. It ironically points out difficulty.
    3. It introduces a new location.
    4. It means the event is free.
Track 3D
A: 이번 계약서 검토는 법무팀 확인 없이 진행됐나요?
B: 네, 일정이 급해서 저희 팀에서 먼저 보냈습니다.
A: 법무팀을 거치지 않은 계약서라, 위험 관리가 아주 확실하네요.
  1. Which summary is correct?
    1. A praises B for reducing risk.
    2. A criticizes sending a contract without legal review.
    3. B says the legal team approved the contract.
    4. A wants to remove the legal team.
  1. What does A most likely want?
    1. A legal review before proceeding
    2. A shorter contract title
    3. A faster lunch meeting
    4. A different font size
Track 3E
A: 고객 문의 답변이 일주일 뒤에 나갔네요.
B: 정확히 답하려고 시간이 걸렸습니다.
A: 일주일 동안 기다리게 하면 고객 만족도가 아주 올라가겠네요.
  1. Which summary is correct?
    1. A thinks delayed responses improve satisfaction.
    2. A criticizes the late response to the customer.
    3. B answered the customer immediately.
    4. The customer asked no question.
  1. Which phrase is sarcastic?
    1. 정확히 답하려고
    2. 시간이 걸렸습니다
    3. 고객 만족도가 아주 올라가겠네요
    4. 문의 답변
Answers — Set 3
  1. 2 — A criticizes the missing citations.
  1. 1 — A means that missing sources reduce professionalism.
  1. 2 — The material is outdated because policies changed.
  1. 2 — This detail makes “최신 자료” ironic.
  1. 2 — The notice lacks essential location information.
  1. 2 — “참 쉽게” means the opposite in context.
  1. 2 — A criticizes sending the contract without legal review.
  1. 1 — The safest next step is legal review.
  1. 2 — A criticizes the delay.
  1. 3 — The phrase is ironic because waiting a week hurts satisfaction.

Set 4 — Distinguish sarcasm from sincere praise

Track 4A
A: 이번 자료는 핵심 수치가 한눈에 보이네요.
B: 지난번 피드백을 반영해서 표를 다시 만들었습니다.
A: 좋습니다. 훨씬 이해하기 쉬워졌어요.
  1. Is A’s final comment sarcastic?
    1. Yes, because A says “좋습니다.”
    2. Yes, because all praise in the workplace is sarcastic.
    3. No, because the context supports sincere praise.
    4. No, because B speaks first.
  1. Which detail supports the answer?
    1. B reflected previous feedback.
    2. The table was deleted.
    3. The meeting was canceled.
    4. A changed the deadline.
Track 4B
A: 이번 자료는 핵심 수치가 빠져 있네요.
B: 표가 복잡해 보여서 뺐습니다.
A: 수치를 빼니 의사결정이 훨씬 쉬워지겠네요.
  1. Is A’s final comment sarcastic?
    1. Yes, because missing key data makes decisions harder.
    2. Yes, because tables are always unnecessary.
    3. No, because A likes short documents.
    4. No, because B removed complexity.
  1. What is A really saying?
    1. The document is more useful now.
    2. The missing data is a serious problem.
    3. The decision has already been made.
    4. The table should be colorful.
Track 4C
A: 어제 고객 미팅 잘 마무리하셨다면서요?
B: 네, 고객이 추가 계약도 검토하겠다고 했습니다.
A: 대단하네요. 준비를 많이 하신 보람이 있네요.
  1. Is A’s comment sarcastic?
    1. Yes, because “대단하네요” always means sarcasm.
    2. No, because the positive result supports sincere praise.
    3. Yes, because contracts are negative.
    4. No, because A is asking about the weather.
  1. Which context clue matters most?
    1. The customer may consider an additional contract.
    2. The meeting was yesterday.
    3. A uses a polite ending.
    4. B says “네.”
Track 4D
A: 어제 고객 미팅은 어떻게 됐나요?
B: 제가 자료를 잘못 가져가서 제품 설명을 거의 못 했습니다.
A: 준비를 많이 하신 보람이 있었겠네요.
  1. Is A’s comment sarcastic?
    1. Yes, because the meeting went poorly.
    2. No, because A praises preparation sincerely.
    3. No, because B brought many materials.
    4. Yes, because all meetings are sarcastic.
  1. What does A imply?
    1. B’s preparation was effective.
    2. B’s mistake undermined the meeting.
    3. The customer bought the product.
    4. The product explanation was too long.
Track 4E
A: 오늘 회의 진행이 매끄러웠습니다. 발언 순서도 잘 정리됐고요.
B: 다행입니다. 어제 순서를 다시 확인했습니다.
A: 네, 덕분에 시간이 절약됐습니다.
  1. Is “덕분에” sarcastic here?
    1. Yes, because “덕분에” is always negative.
    2. No, because the result was actually positive.
    3. Yes, because meetings are always inefficient.
    4. No, because A did not attend.
  1. Which version would make “덕분에” sarcastic?
    1. 덕분에 시간이 절약됐습니다.
    2. 덕분에 모두가 이해하기 쉬웠습니다.
    3. 덕분에 회의가 두 시간이나 길어졌네요.
    4. 덕분에 발표가 명확했습니다.
Answers — Set 4
  1. 3 — The context supports sincere praise.
  1. 1 — B improved the material by reflecting feedback.
  1. 1 — The key data is missing, so the positive wording is ironic.
  1. 2 — A criticizes the missing data.
  1. 2 — The customer’s positive response supports sincere praise.
  1. 1 — The good result makes the praise genuine.
  1. 1 — A’s words conflict with the poor meeting outcome.
  1. 2 — The wrong materials caused a serious problem.
  1. 2 — “덕분에” is sincere when the result is positive.
  1. 3 — A two-hour delay makes “덕분에” ironic.

Set 5 — Full TOPIK-style inference practice

Track 5A
A: 이번 예산안에는 예상 비용이 너무 낮게 잡혀 있습니다.
B: 일단 승인받기 쉽게 보이려고 줄였습니다.
A: 실제보다 낮게 쓰면 나중에 문제가 생기지 않겠네요. 참 현실적인 계획입니다.
  1. What is A’s attitude?
    1. A is satisfied with the realistic budget.
    2. A is criticizing the unrealistic budget.
    3. A is asking to reduce the cost further.
    4. A is explaining accounting software.
  1. What does A imply should be done?
    1. Hide the expected cost
    2. Estimate the budget more honestly
    3. Remove the budget section
    4. Submit the plan without review
Track 5B
A: 채용 공고에 근무지가 빠져 있네요.
B: 지원자가 면접 때 물어보면 알려 주면 되지 않을까요?
A: 지원자가 기본 정보도 모르고 지원하게 하다니, 배려가 아주 깊으시네요.
  1. What does A mean?
    1. The job posting is considerate.
    2. The missing workplace information is a problem.
    3. Applicants prefer vague postings.
    4. Interviews should be shorter.
  1. Which clue signals sarcasm?
    1. Essential information is missing.
    2. The job has many applicants.
    3. The workplace is popular.
    4. The interview is tomorrow.
Track 5C
A: 이번 프로젝트 일정은 개발팀과 확인하셨나요?
B: 아직요. 하지만 저희 팀 기준으로 보면 충분합니다.
A: 실제로 개발할 팀 의견 없이 충분하다고 판단하시다니, 협업이 참 탄탄하네요.
  1. What is A criticizing?
    1. B asked the development team too many questions.
    2. B made a schedule without checking with the development team.
    3. The development team finished early.
    4. The schedule has too many holidays.
  1. What is the implied next step?
    1. Confirm the schedule with the development team
    2. Remove the development team from the project
    3. Announce the deadline immediately
    4. Shorten the project without discussion
Track 5D
A: 고객 불만 내용을 보고서에 왜 넣지 않았나요?
B: 분위기가 나빠 보일까 봐 긍정적인 의견만 정리했습니다.
A: 문제를 빼면 상황이 더 정확해 보이겠네요. 아주 객관적인 보고서입니다.
  1. What is A’s actual opinion?
    1. The report is objective.
    2. The report is biased because it excludes complaints.
    3. Customer complaints are always useless.
    4. Positive comments should be deleted.
  1. What does “아주 객관적인 보고서” mean here?
    1. Sincere praise
    2. Sarcastic criticism
    3. A legal warning
    4. A request for translation
Track 5E
A: 이번 발표 연습은 해 보셨나요?
B: 시간이 없어서 실제 발표 때 처음 해 보려고 합니다.
A: 연습 없이 바로 실전이라니, 긴장감을 살리는 방법은 확실하시네요.
  1. What is A implying?
    1. B’s plan is risky because there was no practice.
    2. B should make the presentation more exciting.
    3. Practice is forbidden for this presentation.
    4. The presentation has already finished.
  1. Which answer best captures A’s tone?
    1. Sincere admiration
    2. Indirect criticism with sarcasm
    3. Complete indifference
    4. Formal gratitude
Answers — Set 5
  1. 2 — A criticizes the unrealistically low budget.
  1. 2 — The budget should reflect expected costs honestly.
  1. 2 — A criticizes the missing workplace information.
  1. 1 — Essential information is absent, making the praise sarcastic.
  1. 2 — B did not consult the team responsible for development.
  1. 1 — The schedule should be confirmed with that team.
  1. 2 — Excluding complaints makes the report biased.
  1. 2 — The phrase means the opposite of its literal meaning.
  1. 1 — A warns that presenting without practice is risky.
  1. 2 — The tone is sarcastic and indirectly critical.

🧠 Review Checklist

  • Identify the literal meaning first, then test it against the situation.
  • Mark praise words that appear beside negative results.
  • Treat 참, 아주, 정말, 역시, 덕분에, 오히려 as possible irony signals.
  • In workplace contexts, expect criticism to be softened by polite endings.
  • Choose the answer that reflects implied attitude, not surface vocabulary.