TOPIK II Listening: Distinguishing Facts from Opinions

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Keywords
사실 확인 / 의견 구분 / 경청
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Section
TOPIK II Prep
✅
TL;DR
  • TOPIK II listening often asks whether you heard a fact (confirmed information) or an opinion (judgment, prediction, preference, or suggestion).
  • Facts usually answer what happened / what is true now; opinions usually include evaluative language such as 좋다, 필요하다, 아쉽다, -것 같다, -아야 하다.
  • On the first pass, choose the main meaning; on the second pass, confirm whether the key sentence is objective information or the speaker’s viewpoint.
🎧
🎧 Audio Practice
Use each Track as TTS material. First, listen once without pausing and choose the answer. Second, listen again and underline keywords that show fact or opinion. Optional third pass: shadow the sentence that gave the answer.

🔑 The Big Picture

In TOPIK II listening, many wrong answers are tempting because they repeat words from the audio. The real task is often to decide whether the speaker is reporting confirmed information or expressing a viewpoint.
  • Fact / 사실: information that can be checked.
    • 회의는 세 시에 시작됩니다.
    • 신청자가 작년보다 20% 늘었습니다.
  • Opinion / 의견: the speaker’s judgment, feeling, recommendation, prediction, or interpretation.
    • 회의 시간을 앞당기는 것이 좋겠습니다.
    • 신청자가 늘어난 것은 홍보 효과가 컸기 때문이라고 봅니다.
The TOPIK trap: an answer may contain the same topic words but change a fact into an opinion, or an opinion into a fact.

🧩 Core Concepts / Patterns

1. Fact signals

Listen for objective markers:
  • numbers, dates, times, places: 오전 10시, 35명, 다음 주 금요일
  • completed or scheduled actions: 실시했습니다, 열릴 예정입니다, 발표되었습니다
  • institutional information: 정부는 발표했다, 학교는 공지했다
  • comparison based on data: 작년보다 증가했다, 가장 높았다

2. Opinion signals

Listen for language that shows evaluation or judgment:
  • evaluation: 좋다, 나쁘다, 중요하다, 아쉽다, 효과적이다
  • recommendation/necessity: -아야 하다, 필요가 있다, -는 것이 좋다
  • prediction/uncertainty: -것 같다, -ㄹ 것으로 보인다, 예상된다
  • personal stance: 저는 …라고 생각합니다, 제 생각에는, …라고 봅니다

3. Mixed sentences

Some sentences contain both:
  • Fact: “온라인 신청자가 30% 늘었습니다.”
  • Opinion: “그래서 앞으로 온라인 홍보를 더 강화해야 합니다.”
When a question asks “speaker’s opinion,” do not choose the fact even if it is true.

✅ Exam Strategy

  1. Label the question type before listening.
      • 사실과 일치하는 것은?
      • 남자의 의견으로 맞는 것은?
      • 여자가 주장하는 것은?
  1. During the first pass, catch the speaker’s purpose.
      • reporting, complaining, recommending, predicting, comparing?
  1. During the second pass, confirm the answer with one key sentence.
      • Fact answer: confirmed by a concrete detail.
      • Opinion answer: confirmed by judgment or recommendation language.
  1. Reject “word-copy” distractors.
      • Same noun, different stance = wrong.
      • Same topic, exaggerated conclusion = wrong.

⚠️ Pitfalls

  • Choosing an answer only because it repeats a keyword from the audio.
  • Treating 예정입니다 as an opinion. It is usually a scheduled fact.
  • Treating -것 같습니다 as a confirmed fact. It is usually opinion, inference, or uncertainty.
  • Missing contrast markers like 하지만, 그런데, 반면에. The real opinion often comes after the contrast.
  • Confusing the interviewer’s question with the main speaker’s final opinion.

🎧 Listening Skill: Fact vs Opinion Checklist

Before choosing, ask:
  • Can this be verified from the audio? → likely fact
  • Is the speaker judging, recommending, predicting, or explaining why? → likely opinion
  • Did the answer change a number, time, actor, or cause? → likely wrong
  • Did the answer turn “should” into “did,” or “did” into “should”? → likely wrong
📝
Practice Hub — 50 TOPIK II Listening Questions
Complete all 5 sets. Each set has 10 questions. Answers are hidden in toggles.

Set 1 — Identify the fact

Track 1
  1. A: 박람회가 언제 열립니까?
    B: 다음 주 금요일부터 사흘 동안 시청 앞 광장에서 열립니다.
    Question: Which statement is a fact?
    ① It should be moved indoors. ② It will be held for three days. ③ It seems unpopular. ④ The speaker thinks it is too long.
  1. Announcer: 올해 도서관 이용자는 작년보다 15% 증가했습니다.
    Question: Which statement is a fact?
    ① Library use increased by 15%. ② The library must hire more staff. ③ The speaker likes the library. ④ Reading habits are getting worse.
  1. A: 새 버스 노선은 언제부터 운행돼요?
    B: 다음 달 1일부터 운행됩니다.
    Question: Which statement is a fact?
    ① The route is inconvenient. ② The route begins next month. ③ More routes are needed. ④ The speaker prefers the subway.
  1. Narrator: 이번 조사에는 대학생 500명이 참여했습니다.
    Question: Which statement is a fact?
    ① The survey was unnecessary. ② 500 university students participated. ③ The result is surprising. ④ Students should answer honestly.
  1. A: 영화제 입장권은 어디에서 살 수 있어요?
    B: 공식 홈페이지에서만 예매할 수 있습니다.
    Question: Which statement is a fact?
    ① Tickets are too expensive. ② Tickets can only be booked on the official website. ③ The website should be improved. ④ The speaker wants a discount.
  1. Announcer: 오늘 오전 9시부터 일부 지하철역의 엘리베이터 점검이 시작됐습니다.
    Question: Which statement is a fact?
    ① The inspection started at 9 a.m. ② The inspection is annoying. ③ All stations are closed. ④ Elevators should be replaced.
  1. A: 발표 순서가 바뀌었나요?
    B: 네, 김 교수님 발표가 마지막으로 변경됐습니다.
    Question: Which statement is a fact?
    ① Professor Kim’s presentation was moved to last. ② The change was a bad decision. ③ The presentation will be boring. ④ The speaker wanted to present first.
  1. Narrator: 환경 캠페인 참가 신청은 오늘 자정에 마감됩니다.
    Question: Which statement is a fact?
    ① The campaign is meaningful. ② Registration closes at midnight. ③ More people should join. ④ The deadline feels too early.
  1. A: 이 제품은 어디에서 만들었습니까?
    B: 부산 공장에서 생산되었습니다.
    Question: Which statement is a fact?
    ① It was produced in Busan. ② The product is high quality. ③ The factory should expand. ④ The speaker trusts the brand.
  1. Announcer: 내일 오전에는 전국적으로 비가 내릴 예정입니다.
    Question: Which statement is a fact?
    ① It is scheduled to rain tomorrow morning. ② Rain is unpleasant. ③ People should stay home. ④ The weather seems strange.
Answers — Set 1
  1. ② — “사흘 동안” is a concrete schedule.
    2. ① — “15% 증가했습니다” is data.
    3. ② — “다음 달 1일부터” is scheduled fact.
    4. ② — participant number is factual.
    5. ② — “홈페이지에서만” limits the booking method.
    6. ① — time and action are stated.
    7. ① — order change is confirmed.
    8. ② — deadline is factual.
    9. ① — production location is factual.
    10. ① — weather forecast schedule is information, not preference.

Set 2 — Identify the opinion

Track 2
  1. A: 이번 축제에 대해 어떻게 생각하세요?
    B: 프로그램은 다양하지만 안내 표지판이 부족해서 개선이 필요하다고 봅니다.
    Question: What is the speaker’s opinion?
    ① The festival has many programs. ② Signs need improvement. ③ The festival was canceled. ④ The speaker bought tickets online.
  1. A: 재택근무에 찬성하세요?
    B: 업무 집중도가 높아질 수 있어서 일주일에 이틀 정도는 허용하는 것이 좋겠습니다.
    Question: What is the speaker’s opinion?
    ① Remote work is already allowed daily. ② Two days a week would be good. ③ Workers came late today. ④ The company moved offices.
  1. Narrator: 전문가는 “청소년 독서 시간을 늘리려면 학교 도서관 운영 시간을 연장해야 한다”고 말했습니다.
    Question: What is the expert’s opinion?
    ① Libraries opened yesterday. ② Library hours should be extended. ③ Students borrowed 100 books. ④ The school built a new library.
  1. A: 이 앱을 계속 사용할 건가요?
    B: 기능은 편리하지만 개인정보 보호 설명이 더 자세해야 한다고 생각해요.
    Question: What is the speaker’s opinion?
    ① The app is convenient. ② Privacy explanations should be more detailed. ③ The app was deleted. ④ The speaker forgot the password.
  1. A: 박물관 야간 개장에 대해 어떻게 보세요?
    B: 직장인들도 방문할 수 있으니 계속 운영하는 게 좋다고 봅니다.
    Question: What is the speaker’s opinion?
    ① Night opening should continue. ② The museum closed last year. ③ Workers entered free. ④ The museum is downtown.
  1. A: 대학 등록금 문제는 어떻게 해결해야 할까요?
    B: 학생 부담을 줄이려면 장학금 제도를 확대할 필요가 있습니다.
    Question: What is the speaker’s opinion?
    ① Scholarships need expansion. ② Tuition was paid yesterday. ③ Students received emails. ④ The university has five departments.
  1. Narrator: 시민 단체는 “일회용품 사용을 줄이기 위해 카페 보증금 제도를 다시 도입해야 한다”고 주장했습니다.
    Question: What is the group’s opinion?
    ① Cafes sold drinks. ② Deposit systems should be reintroduced. ③ Disposable cups were counted. ④ The group met at noon.
  1. A: 이번 발표는 어땠어요?
    B: 자료는 충분했지만 결론이 분명하지 않아 설득력이 조금 약했다고 생각해요.
    Question: What is the speaker’s opinion?
    ① The conclusion lacked clarity. ② The speaker printed the handout. ③ The presentation began at 3. ④ There were ten slides.
  1. A: 공공자전거를 더 늘려야 할까요?
    B: 이용자는 많지만 보관 장소가 부족하니 먼저 주차 공간을 확보해야 합니다.
    Question: What is the speaker’s opinion?
    ① Parking space should be secured first. ② Users rented bikes yesterday. ③ The city sold bikes. ④ The station is near the park.
  1. A: 온라인 수업의 장점은 뭐라고 생각하세요?
    B: 이동 시간이 줄어드는 점은 좋지만 토론 수업에는 대면 방식이 더 효과적인 것 같습니다.
    Question: What is the speaker’s opinion?
    ① In-person classes seem more effective for discussion. ② Online classes started Monday. ③ Students logged in late. ④ The classroom is on the third floor.
Answers — Set 2
  1. ② — “개선이 필요하다” is recommendation.
    2. ② — “허용하는 것이 좋겠다” is opinion.
    3. ② — “연장해야 한다” is a claim.
    4. ② — “더 자세해야 한다” is judgment.
    5. ① — “계속 운영하는 게 좋다” is opinion.
    6. ① — “확대할 필요가 있다” is recommendation.
    7. ② — “도입해야 한다” is the group’s claim.
    8. ① — “설득력이 약했다” is evaluation.
    9. ① — “먼저 확보해야 한다” is priority judgment.
    10. ① — “더 효과적인 것 같다” is opinion.

Set 3 — Choose fact or opinion

Track 3
  1. B: 신청자는 작년보다 늘었지만, 홍보 방식은 아직 개선해야 합니다.
    Question: “Applicants increased compared with last year” is: ① fact ② opinion
  1. B: 이 정책은 시민 생활에 도움이 될 것 같습니다.
    Question: The statement is: ① fact ② opinion
  1. Announcer: 전시회는 이번 주 일요일까지 무료로 관람할 수 있습니다.
    Question: The statement is: ① fact ② opinion
  1. B: 회의 시간이 너무 길어서 다음부터는 핵심 안건만 다루는 게 좋겠습니다.
    Question: “The meeting should cover only key agenda items” is: ① fact ② opinion
  1. Narrator: 조사 결과, 응답자의 62%가 대중교통을 이용한다고 답했습니다.
    Question: The statement is: ① fact ② opinion
  1. B: 가격은 조금 높지만 품질을 생각하면 충분히 살 만하다고 봅니다.
    Question: The statement is: ① fact ② opinion
  1. Announcer: 새 공원에는 어린이 놀이터와 산책로가 설치되었습니다.
    Question: The statement is: ① fact ② opinion
  1. B: 학생들의 참여를 높이려면 수업 방식이 더 다양해져야 합니다.
    Question: The statement is: ① fact ② opinion
  1. A: 오늘 설명회에는 몇 명이 왔습니까?
    B: 모두 120명이 참석했습니다.
    Question: The statement is: ① fact ② opinion
  1. B: 이 제도는 장기적으로 비용을 줄이는 데 효과적일 것으로 보입니다.
    Question: The statement is: ① fact ② opinion
Answers — Set 3
  1. ① — increase is stated as data.
    2. ② — “도움이 될 것 같습니다” is prediction/judgment.
    3. ① — free viewing period is factual.
    4. ② — “좋겠습니다” is recommendation.
    5. ① — survey percentage is factual.
    6. ② — “살 만하다” is evaluation.
    7. ① — installed facilities are factual.
    8. ② — “다양해져야 합니다” is recommendation.
    9. ① — attendance number is factual.
    10. ② — “효과적일 것으로 보입니다” is inference.

Set 4 — Avoid word-copy distractors

Track 4
  1. A: 새 도서관은 다음 달 문을 열지만, 좌석 수가 충분한지는 더 지켜봐야 합니다.
    Question: Which is correct?
    ① The library opened last month. ② The library will open next month. ③ The speaker says seats are certainly enough. ④ The speaker opposes libraries.
  1. B: 전기차 충전소가 늘어난 것은 사실이지만, 지방에는 아직 부족하다고 생각합니다.
    Question: Which is the speaker’s opinion?
    ① Charging stations increased. ② Rural areas still lack charging stations. ③ Electric cars were banned. ④ The stations opened at 8.
  1. Announcer: 참가비는 무료입니다. 다만 사전 신청을 하지 않으면 입장할 수 없습니다.
    Question: Which is correct?
    ① Participation costs money. ② Pre-registration is required. ③ The announcer thinks it is expensive. ④ Registration is unnecessary.
  1. B: 음식물 쓰레기 배출량은 줄었지만, 아직 시민들의 참여가 더 필요합니다.
    Question: Which is the speaker’s opinion?
    ① Food waste decreased. ② More citizen participation is needed. ③ Citizens stopped recycling. ④ Waste increased sharply.
  1. A: 이번 연구 결과를 어떻게 보십니까?
    B: 표본이 작아서 일반화하기는 어렵지만, 문제를 이해하는 데는 도움이 됩니다.
    Question: Which is the speaker’s opinion?
    ① The sample is small. ② It helps understand the issue. ③ The study had 1,000 people. ④ The research was canceled.
  1. Narrator: 새 법안은 다음 주 국회에서 논의될 예정입니다.
    Question: Which is correct?
    ① The bill will be discussed next week. ② The speaker dislikes the bill. ③ The bill already passed. ④ Discussion is unnecessary.
  1. B: 관광객 수는 회복됐지만 지역 상권까지 효과가 이어지려면 시간이 더 필요할 것 같습니다.
    Question: Which is the speaker’s opinion?
    ① Tourist numbers recovered. ② More time may be needed for local business effects. ③ Tourists disappeared. ④ Shops closed today.
  1. A: 새로운 시험 방식은 어떤가요?
    B: 문제 수는 줄었지만 난이도는 오히려 높아진 것 같습니다.
    Question: Which is the speaker’s opinion?
    ① The number of questions decreased. ② The difficulty seems higher. ③ The exam was postponed. ④ Students took two exams.
  1. Announcer: 오늘 강연은 온라인으로도 생중계됩니다.
    Question: Which is correct?
    ① The lecture will also be livestreamed online. ② Online lectures are better. ③ The speaker dislikes livestreams. ④ The lecture is not happening.
  1. B: 할인 행사는 매출을 올리는 데 효과가 있었지만, 브랜드 이미지를 생각하면 너무 자주 해서는 안 됩니다.
    Question: Which is the speaker’s opinion?
    ① The discount event helped sales. ② Discounts should not be held too often. ③ Sales fell. ④ The brand changed its name.
Answers — Set 4
  1. ② — future opening is stated; seat sufficiency is uncertain.
    2. ② — “부족하다고 생각합니다” is opinion.
    3. ② — “사전 신청을 하지 않으면 입장할 수 없습니다” is factual condition.
    4. ② — “참여가 더 필요합니다” is recommendation.
    5. ② — “도움이 됩니다” is evaluation.
    6. ① — “논의될 예정입니다” is scheduled fact.
    7. ② — “필요할 것 같습니다” is inference.
    8. ② — “높아진 것 같습니다” is opinion.
    9. ① — livestream is factual information.
    10. ② — “너무 자주 해서는 안 됩니다” is recommendation.

Set 5 — TOPIK-style integrated questions

Track 5
  1. A: 이번 박람회는 작년보다 참가 기업이 많아졌네요.
    B: 네, 하지만 방문객이 길을 찾기 어렵다는 의견이 많아서 안내 인력을 더 배치해야 한다고 생각합니다.
    Question: Which is the woman’s opinion?
    ① Participating companies increased. ② More guide staff should be placed. ③ Visitors arrived yesterday. ④ The fair was canceled.
  1. Announcer: 시는 다음 달부터 야간 버스 노선을 두 개 추가합니다. 전문가들은 이용자가 많을 것으로 예상되지만 안전 관리도 강화해야 한다고 말합니다.
    Question: Which is an opinion?
    ① Two night bus routes will be added. ② The routes start next month. ③ Safety management should be strengthened. ④ The city announced the plan.
  1. A: 보고서에 따르면 청년층의 문화 활동 지출이 줄었다고 합니다.
    B: 그래서 저는 무료 공연 정보를 더 쉽게 찾을 수 있는 플랫폼이 필요하다고 봅니다.
    Question: Which is the man’s opinion?
    ① Youth cultural spending decreased. ② A platform for free performance information is needed. ③ A report was published yesterday. ④ Young people stopped all cultural activity.
  1. Narrator: 오늘 토론자는 “무인 주문기가 편리한 것은 사실이지만, 노인 이용자를 위한 안내 직원도 필요하다”고 말했습니다.
    Question: Which is the speaker’s claim?
    ① Kiosks are convenient. ② Guide staff are needed for elderly users. ③ Kiosks were removed. ④ Elderly users paid less.
  1. A: 이번 조사에서 응답자의 절반 이상이 지역 축제에 만족한다고 답했습니다.
    B: 그렇지만 교통 혼잡이 심했으니 다음에는 셔틀버스를 늘리는 게 좋겠습니다.
    Question: Which is the woman’s opinion?
    ① More than half were satisfied. ② Shuttle buses should be increased. ③ The survey had no responses. ④ Traffic was never crowded.
  1. Announcer: 새 복지관은 오늘 개관했습니다. 주민들은 시설이 넓어져 편리하지만 프로그램 종류는 더 다양해져야 한다고 말했습니다.
    Question: Which is an opinion?
    ① The welfare center opened today. ② The facility became larger. ③ Programs should become more diverse. ④ Residents used the center.
  1. A: 온라인 예약률이 높아졌다고 들었습니다.
    B: 맞아요. 하지만 현장 예약만 가능한 노인들도 있으니 오프라인 창구를 유지해야 합니다.
    Question: Which is the speaker’s opinion?
    ① Online reservation rate increased. ② Offline counters should be maintained. ③ Elderly people never reserve. ④ Online booking was stopped.
  1. Narrator: 연구진은 미세먼지 농도가 낮아졌다고 발표했습니다. 그러나 시민 건강을 위해 대중교통 이용 장려 정책은 계속되어야 한다고 밝혔습니다.
    Question: Which is an opinion?
    ① Fine dust levels decreased. ② Researchers made an announcement. ③ Public transport encouragement policies should continue. ④ The study ended last year.
  1. A: 이번 강좌는 접수 시작 하루 만에 마감됐습니다.
    B: 수요가 이렇게 많다면 같은 강좌를 한 번 더 여는 것이 좋겠습니다.
    Question: Which is the speaker’s opinion?
    ① Registration closed in one day. ② The same course should be offered again. ③ The course has no demand. ④ Registration begins tomorrow.
  1. Announcer: 정부는 올해 외국인 유학생 지원 예산을 확대했습니다. 대학 관계자들은 예산 확대보다 실제 상담 인력 확충이 더 시급하다고 지적했습니다.
    Question: Which is the university officials’ opinion?
    ① The government expanded the budget. ② More counseling staff is more urgent. ③ Foreign students left the country. ④ The budget was reduced.
Answers — Set 5
  1. ② — “배치해야 한다고 생각합니다” is opinion.
    2. ③ — “강화해야 한다” is recommendation.
    3. ② — “필요하다고 봅니다” is opinion.
    4. ② — “필요하다” is the claim; convenience is a fact/accepted point.
    5. ② — “늘리는 게 좋겠습니다” is recommendation.
    6. ③ — “다양해져야 한다” is opinion.
    7. ② — “유지해야 합니다” is recommendation.
    8. ③ — “계속되어야 한다” is opinion.
    9. ② — “여는 것이 좋겠습니다” is opinion.
    10. ② — “더 시급하다” is judgment.

✅ Final Review

To master this skill, do not translate every sentence. Instead, classify the answer choice:
  • Fact: concrete, checkable information from the audio.
  • Opinion: judgment, recommendation, prediction, or interpretation.
  • Trap: repeated vocabulary with changed stance, number, actor, or certainty.
For TOPIK II, the safest habit is: listen for the speaker’s final stance, then verify it with one exact phrase.