Listening: Catching Transition Words (그래서, 반면, 과연)

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접속어 / 논리 흐름 / 예측 듣기
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Section
TOPIK Listening
✅
TL;DR
  • Transition words tell you how the next sentence connects to the previous idea.
  • In TOPIK listening, words like 그래서, 반면, and 과연 often reveal the answer before all details are finished.
  • Train yourself to predict the logic first, then confirm with keywords on the second pass.
🎧
🎧 Audio Practice
Use the scripts in the Practice Hub for TTS recording or partner reading. For each track: first pass = answer without pausing; second pass = confirm by catching the transition word and the phrase right after it; optional third pass = shadow the sentence with the transition word.

🔑 The Big Picture

TOPIK listening is not only about recognizing vocabulary. Many correct answers depend on following the speaker’s logic flow. Transition words are small signals that tell you whether the speaker is giving a result, contrast, doubt, conclusion, or correction.
For this lesson, focus on three high-value signals:
  • 그래서 = “so / therefore” → result, reason-to-outcome, next action
  • 반면 = “on the other hand / whereas” → contrast between two people, options, facts, or opinions
  • 과연 = “indeed / really / I wonder whether” → expectation, doubt, suspense, or confirmation

🧩 Core Concepts / Patterns

1. 그래서: reason → result

When you hear 그래서, prepare for an outcome, decision, or consequence.
  • 비가 많이 왔습니다. 그래서 행사가 취소되었습니다.
  • 길이 막혔습니다. 그래서 약속 시간에 늦었습니다.
TOPIK skill: The answer is often the result, not the background reason.

2. 반면: A and B are different

When you hear 반면, compare the two sides carefully. The test may ask which statement is true, or which option matches one side.
  • 지하철은 빠른 반면, 버스는 경치를 볼 수 있습니다.
  • 형은 조용한 반면, 동생은 활발합니다.
TOPIK skill: Do not mix information from Side A with Side B.

3. 과연: expectation, doubt, or confirmation

과연 often appears when the speaker wonders if something will really happen, or confirms a surprising result.
  • 이번 시험에서 과연 누가 1등을 할까요?
  • 모두가 걱정했지만, 결과는 과연 성공이었습니다.
TOPIK skill: Listen for the speaker’s attitude: doubt, curiosity, surprise, or confirmation.

✅ Exam Strategy

  1. Before the transition word: identify the topic.
  1. At the transition word: predict the direction.
      • 그래서 → “What happened as a result?”
      • 반면 → “What is different?”
      • 과연 → “Is the speaker wondering, doubting, or confirming?”
  1. After the transition word: focus on the answer-bearing phrase.
  1. Second pass: check the exact noun, verb, and negative expression.
  1. Avoid keyword traps: TOPIK often repeats a word from the script in a wrong option but changes the logic.

⚠️ Pitfalls

  • Do not translate word by word only. A familiar word can appear in the wrong option.
  • Do not ignore the sentence after 그래서. That sentence usually carries the answer.
  • Do not combine both sides of 반면. Keep Side A and Side B separate.
  • Do not treat 과연 as simple “really” every time. It can signal curiosity, uncertainty, or confirmation.
  • Do not answer after the first keyword. Wait for the transition word to reveal the relationship.

🎧 Listening Script Bank

Use these formats when making your own drills:
  • Reason + 그래서 + result
  • Side A + 반면 + Side B
  • Question/expectation + 과연 + result or uncertainty
  • Problem + 그래서 + solution
  • Common belief + 반면 + unexpected contrast
📝
Practice Hub: Transition Words in TOPIK Listening — 50 Questions
Complete all 5 sets. Each set has 10 questions. For every item, listen once without pausing, choose the answer, then listen again and underline the transition word.

Set 1 — 그래서: identify the result

1. Track 1
A: 오늘 아침에 눈이 많이 왔어요. 그래서 버스가 평소보다 늦게 왔어요.
What happened as a result?
① It became warmer ② The bus arrived late ③ A bought a bus ticket ④ A went by subway
2. Track 2
Narrator: 민수 씨는 어제 밤늦게까지 공부했습니다. 그래서 오늘 수업 시간에 조금 졸았습니다.
What was the result?
① He studied in class ② He was sleepy in class ③ He missed yesterday’s class ④ He taught a class
3. Track 3
A: 회의 자료에 문제가 있었어요. 그래서 제가 다시 인쇄했어요.
What did A do?
① Printed the materials again ② Canceled the meeting ③ Sent an email late ④ Found a new office
4. Track 4
Narrator: 그 식당은 가격이 싸고 음식도 맛있습니다. 그래서 점심시간마다 사람이 많습니다.
Why is the restaurant crowded?
① It is quiet ② It has cheap and tasty food ③ It is open only at night ④ It moved near school
5. Track 5
A: 지갑을 집에 두고 왔어요. 그래서 친구에게 돈을 조금 빌렸어요.
What did A do because of the problem?
① Went home immediately ② Lent money to a friend ③ Borrowed some money ④ Bought a new wallet
6. Track 6
Narrator: 이번 주말에는 도서관 공사가 있습니다. 그래서 토요일과 일요일에는 이용할 수 없습니다.
What is the result of construction?
① The library opens earlier ② The library cannot be used on the weekend ③ The library has new books ④ The library is crowded
7. Track 7
A: 감기에 걸렸어요. 그래서 오늘은 운동하지 않고 집에서 쉬려고 해요.
What will A do?
① Exercise outside ② Rest at home ③ Visit a gym ④ Meet friends at a park
8. Track 8
Narrator: 신청자가 예상보다 많았습니다. 그래서 강의실을 더 큰 곳으로 바꾸었습니다.
What changed?
① The class time ② The teacher ③ The classroom size ④ The application date
9. Track 9
A: 휴대전화 배터리가 없었어요. 그래서 연락을 못 했어요.
Why couldn’t A contact someone?
① The phone number was wrong ② The battery was dead ③ The person was busy ④ The message was deleted
10. Track 10
Narrator: 이 제품은 사용법이 간단합니다. 그래서 나이가 많은 분들도 쉽게 사용할 수 있습니다.
What is true about the product?
① It is difficult to use ② It is only for young people ③ It is easy to use ④ It is expensive
Answers — Set 1
  1. ② — 그래서 introduces the result: the bus arrived late.
  1. ② — Studying late caused sleepiness in class.
  1. ① — The problem led A to print again.
  1. ② — The reason before 그래서 explains the crowd.
  1. ③ — A borrowed money because the wallet was at home.
  1. ② — Construction causes weekend closure.
  1. ② — Illness leads to resting at home.
  1. ③ — Many applicants caused a larger room change.
  1. ② — The dead battery prevented contact.
  1. ③ — Simple use leads to easy use for older adults.

Set 2 — 반면: separate the two sides

11. Track 11
A: 저는 커피를 좋아하는 반면, 제 동생은 차를 더 좋아해요.
What does A’s younger sibling prefer?
① Coffee ② Tea ③ Juice ④ Milk
12. Track 12
Narrator: 지하철은 빠른 반면, 버스는 창밖 풍경을 볼 수 있다는 장점이 있습니다.
What is a benefit of the bus?
① It is always faster ② You can see the scenery ③ It never stops ④ It is cheaper than walking
13. Track 13
A: 이 옷은 디자인이 예쁜 반면, 가격이 좀 비싸요.
What is the speaker’s concern?
① Size ② Color ③ Price ④ Weather
14. Track 14
Narrator: 온라인 수업은 장소가 자유로운 반면, 집중하기 어렵다는 단점이 있습니다.
What is the disadvantage of online class?
① It is expensive ② It is hard to concentrate ③ It has no teacher ④ It requires travel
15. Track 15
A: 형은 말이 적은 반면, 저는 사람들과 이야기하는 것을 좋아해요.
What is true about A?
① A is quiet ② A likes talking with people ③ A dislikes people ④ A has no sibling
16. Track 16
Narrator: 이 지역은 낮에는 따뜻한 반면, 밤에는 기온이 많이 내려갑니다.
When does the temperature drop?
① In the morning ② At lunch ③ At night ④ In summer only
17. Track 17
A: 작년 축제는 사람이 적었던 반면, 올해는 훨씬 더 많은 사람들이 왔어요.
What is true about this year’s festival?
① Fewer people came ② More people came ③ It was canceled ④ It was quiet
18. Track 18
Narrator: 이 책은 내용이 쉬운 반면, 연습 문제가 많아서 시간이 오래 걸립니다.
Why does the book take a long time?
① The content is difficult ② It has many practice questions ③ It has no pictures ④ It is written in English
19. Track 19
A: 저는 계획을 세운 후에 여행하는 것을 좋아하는 반면, 친구는 즉흥적인 여행을 좋아해요.
What kind of travel does the friend like?
① Planned travel ② Business travel ③ Spontaneous travel ④ Group tours only
20. Track 20
Narrator: 작은 가게는 물건 종류가 적은 반면, 손님에게 더 친절하게 설명해 줍니다.
What is a strength of small stores?
① They have many branches ② They explain things kindly ③ They sell every item ④ They close late
Answers — Set 2
  1. ② — 반면 contrasts A’s coffee preference with the sibling’s tea preference.
  1. ② — The bus side is scenery.
  1. ③ — Pretty design contrasts with high price.
  1. ② — The disadvantage after 반면 is difficulty concentrating.
  1. ② — A likes talking; the older brother is quiet.
  1. ③ — Warm daytime contrasts with cold night.
  1. ② — This year contrasts with last year: more people came.
  1. ② — Easy content contrasts with many exercises.
  1. ③ — The friend prefers spontaneous travel.
  1. ② — Small stores have fewer goods but kinder explanations.

Set 3 — 과연: catch attitude and expectation

21. Track 21
A: 이번 대회에서 과연 누가 우승할까요? 모두 실력이 좋아서 예상하기 어렵습니다.
What is the speaker doing?
① Confirming a winner ② Wondering who will win ③ Announcing a rule ④ Refusing to join
22. Track 22
Narrator: 사람들은 새 제품의 효과를 의심했습니다. 그런데 사용해 보니 과연 효과가 있었습니다.
What did people learn?
① The product was effective ② The product was canceled ③ The product was expensive ④ The product was late
23. Track 23
A: 내일 비가 온다고 했는데, 과연 소풍을 갈 수 있을까요?
What does A wonder?
① Whether the picnic can happen ② Whether the lunch is delicious ③ Whether the school is open ④ Whether the ticket is cheap
24. Track 24
Narrator: 많은 학생들이 그 문제를 어려워했습니다. 선생님도 과연 몇 명이나 맞힐지 궁금해했습니다.
What was the teacher curious about?
① How many students would answer correctly ② Who would arrive late ③ Which book was missing ④ Why the class was canceled
25. Track 25
A: 광고에서는 정말 조용한 청소기라고 했어요. 집에서 써 보니 과연 소음이 거의 없네요.
What is confirmed?
① The vacuum is quiet ② The vacuum is heavy ③ The ad was wrong ④ The house is dirty
26. Track 26
Narrator: 모두가 그 선수가 다쳤다고 걱정했습니다. 과연 오늘 경기에 나올 수 있을지 관심이 모였습니다.
What are people interested in?
① Whether the player can play today ② Where the player lives ③ How much tickets cost ④ When the stadium opens
27. Track 27
A: 이 작은 가게가 유명하다고 들었어요. 과연 음식 맛이 어떨지 기대돼요.
What does A expect to find out?
① The food taste ② The owner’s age ③ The table color ④ The bus schedule
28. Track 28
Narrator: 새로 나온 앱은 사용하기 쉽다고 알려졌습니다. 기자가 직접 써 보니 과연 처음 쓰는 사람도 쉽게 사용할 수 있었습니다.
What was confirmed?
① Beginners can use the app easily ② The app cannot be downloaded ③ The app has no useful function ④ The reporter disliked the app
29. Track 29
A: 시간이 얼마 남지 않았는데, 과연 우리가 제시간에 도착할 수 있을까요?
What is A unsure about?
① Arriving on time ② Buying a clock ③ Meeting yesterday ④ Taking a photo
30. Track 30
Narrator: 전문가들은 이 영화가 인기를 끌 것이라고 예상했습니다. 개봉 후 과연 많은 관객이 극장을 찾았습니다.
What happened after release?
① Many viewers came ② The movie was delayed ③ Experts changed jobs ④ The theater closed
Answers — Set 3
  1. ② — 과연 marks curiosity about the winner.
  1. ① — 과연 confirms the expected effect.
  1. ① — A wonders whether the picnic is possible.
  1. ① — The teacher is curious how many will get it right.
  1. ① — The quietness is confirmed.
  1. ① — People wonder whether the injured player can play.
  1. ① — A is curious about the food taste.
  1. ① — The app’s easy use is confirmed.
  1. ① — A doubts whether they can arrive on time.
  1. ① — The expected popularity was confirmed.

Set 4 — Mixed signals: choose the logic

31. Track 31
A: 컴퓨터가 갑자기 꺼졌어요. 그래서 저장하지 못한 파일을 잃어버렸어요.
Which logic is used?
① Contrast ② Result ③ Doubt ④ Example
32. Track 32
Narrator: 이 카메라는 가벼운 반면, 배터리 사용 시간이 짧습니다.
Which statement is correct?
① It is heavy and has a long battery life ② It is light but the battery life is short ③ It is cheap but large ④ It is old but popular
33. Track 33
A: 사람들이 모두 기다리고 있습니다. 과연 발표 결과가 어떻게 나올까요?
What does 과연 show?
① A result already happened ② The speaker is wondering about the result ③ Two things are being contrasted ④ The speaker is giving directions
34. Track 34
Narrator: 시장은 물건이 다양한 반면, 주차하기가 어렵습니다.
What is the problem with the market?
① Few items ② Difficult parking ③ Bad location ④ Expensive tickets
35. Track 35
A: 예약 시간이 지났어요. 그래서 다른 시간으로 바꿔야 해요.
What must A do?
① Change to another time ② Wait for a bus ③ Buy a new phone ④ Visit a bank
36. Track 36
Narrator: 모두가 실패할 거라고 생각했습니다. 하지만 결과는 과연 성공이었습니다.
What does 과연 emphasize here?
① The result confirmed a notable outcome ② The event has not happened ③ Two people disagree ④ The reason is unknown
37. Track 37
A: 저는 집에서 공부하면 편한 반면, 집중이 잘 안 돼요.
What is the contrast?
① Comfortable but hard to focus ② Noisy but cheap ③ Far but beautiful ④ New but broken
38. Track 38
Narrator: 안내 방송을 듣지 못했습니다. 그래서 기차가 어느 승강장에 오는지 몰랐습니다.
What did the person not know?
① The ticket price ② The platform ③ The weather ④ The station name
39. Track 39
A: 시험 문제가 생각보다 쉬웠어요. 그래서 시간이 조금 남았어요.
What happened as a result?
① A ran out of time ② A had some time left ③ A forgot the test ④ A left the school
40. Track 40
Narrator: 이 방법은 시간이 적게 드는 반면, 정확도가 조금 낮을 수 있습니다.
What is a possible weakness?
① It may be less accurate ② It takes too much time ③ It requires no effort ④ It is always perfect
Answers — Set 4
  1. ② — 그래서 signals result.
  1. ② — 반면 separates light weight from short battery life.
  1. ② — 과연 shows curiosity about the announcement result.
  1. ② — The negative side after 반면 is parking difficulty.
  1. ① — Missing the reservation time causes a schedule change.
  1. ① — 과연 confirms the surprising successful result.
  1. ① — Comfort contrasts with poor concentration.
  1. ② — Not hearing the announcement caused uncertainty about the platform.
  1. ② — Easy questions caused time to remain.
  1. ① — The weakness after 반면 is lower accuracy.

Set 5 — TOPIK-style prediction and distractors

41. Track 41
A: 이번 안내문은 글씨가 너무 작습니다. 그래서 어르신들이 읽기 어렵다는 의견이 많았습니다.
Which option best matches the content?
① The notice is easy for older adults to read ② Many said the small letters are hard to read ③ The notice was written by older adults ④ The letters were changed yesterday
42. Track 42
Narrator: 자동문은 편리한 반면, 정전이 되면 열리지 않을 수 있습니다.
What should the listener understand?
① Automatic doors are convenient but may not open during a power outage ② Automatic doors are always dangerous ③ Power outages make doors faster ④ The door was repaired today
43. Track 43
A: 팀원들이 열심히 준비했는데, 과연 발표가 잘 끝날 수 있을지 걱정돼요.
What is A’s feeling?
① Confidence with no worry ② Concern about whether the presentation will go well ③ Anger about team members ④ Satisfaction after the presentation
44. Track 44
Narrator: 행사 장소가 갑자기 바뀌었습니다. 그래서 참가자들에게 문자 메시지를 보냈습니다.
Why were text messages sent?
① The place changed suddenly ② The event ended early ③ Participants requested photos ④ The tickets were expensive
45. Track 45
A: 이 문제는 계산은 간단한 반면, 조건을 정확히 읽어야 합니다.
What is important for this problem?
① Reading the conditions carefully ② Ignoring the conditions ③ Using a dictionary ④ Drawing a picture only
46. Track 46
Narrator: 새로운 정책이 발표되었습니다. 시민들은 과연 생활이 얼마나 달라질지 관심을 보이고 있습니다.
What are citizens interested in?
① How life will change ② Who wrote the textbook ③ Where the office moved ④ Why the weather is cold
47. Track 47
A: 비행기 출발 시간이 앞당겨졌어요. 그래서 공항에 더 일찍 가야 해요.
What must A do?
① Go to the airport earlier ② Buy a bus card ③ Cancel the flight ④ Pack after arrival
48. Track 48
Narrator: 종이책은 눈이 편한 반면, 전자책은 여러 권을 한꺼번에 가지고 다니기 쉽습니다.
What is said about e-books?
① They are comfortable for the eyes ② They are easy to carry in large numbers ③ They cannot be read outside ④ They are always heavier
49. Track 49
A: 지난번에는 시간이 부족해서 실패했어요. 이번에는 연습을 많이 했는데, 과연 성공할 수 있을까요?
What does A wonder?
① Whether success is possible this time ② Whether last time was successful ③ Whether practice is useless ④ Whether time is already enough
50. Track 50
Narrator: 박물관은 월요일에 쉽니다. 그래서 월요일에 방문하려던 사람들은 다른 날을 선택해야 합니다.
What should Monday visitors do?
① Choose another day ② Enter through another door ③ Buy two tickets ④ Visit before sunrise
Answers — Set 5
  1. ② — 그래서 connects small letters to difficulty for older adults.
  1. ① — 반면 contrasts convenience with possible outage problems.
  1. ② — 과연 shows worry about whether the presentation will succeed.
  1. ① — Place change caused messages to be sent.
  1. ① — Simple calculation contrasts with careful condition reading.
  1. ① — Citizens wonder how life will change.
  1. ① — Earlier departure causes earlier airport arrival.
  1. ② — E-books are easy to carry in large numbers; paper books are comfortable for eyes.
  1. ① — A wonders whether success is possible this time.
  1. ① — Monday closure means visitors should choose another day.

✅ Final Review Checklist

  • Can you hear 그래서 and immediately listen for the result?
  • Can you hear 반면 and keep the two sides separate?
  • Can you hear 과연 and identify curiosity, doubt, or confirmation?
  • On the second pass, can you point to the exact phrase that proves the answer?

🧠 Quick Self-Scoring

  • 45–50 correct: Strong TOPIK logic tracking. Practice faster prediction.
  • 35–44 correct: Good foundation. Review distractors and replay missed tracks.
  • Below 35 correct: Repeat Sets 1–3 slowly, then redo Sets 4–5 without looking at the answers.