Listening Drill: Short Directions & Instructions

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TL;DR

Short-direction listening questions test whether you can catch place, direction, command, and required action quickly.

Listen for verbs such as 가다, 오다, 놓다, 쓰다, 기다리다, 내리다, 타다, 누르다.

Use a 2-pass method: first answer without pausing, then confirm with keywords and direction markers.

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🎧 Audio Practice

Use the scripts below for TTS or partner reading. For each track:

First pass: listen once without pausing and choose the answer.

Second pass: listen again and underline the place, direction word, command verb, or required action.

Optional shadowing: repeat the final instruction aloud to train speed and accuracy.

🔑 The Big Picture

Short directions and instructions are common in TOPIK Listening because they test practical comprehension under time pressure. The sentence may sound simple, but the answer often depends on one small keyword: 왼쪽, 오른쪽, 앞, 뒤, 먼저, 다음, -지 마세요, or -아/어 주세요.

For this lesson, your goal is not to understand every word perfectly. Your goal is to identify:

Where? 장소: 교실, 도서관, 역, 병원, 우체국

Which direction? 방향: 왼쪽, 오른쪽, 앞, 뒤, 건너편, 옆

What action? 행동: 가다, 오다, 기다리다, 앉다, 쓰다, 내다, 누르다

What should not be done? 금지: 들어가지 마세요, 만지지 마세요, 늦지 마세요

🧩 Core Concepts / Patterns

1. Direction markers

왼쪽으로 가세요. Go to the left.

오른쪽에 있어요. It is on the right.

앞에 놓으세요. Put it in front.

뒤로 오세요. Come to the back.

건너편으로 가세요. Go across / to the opposite side.

2. Command and request endings

-(으)세요: polite command or instruction

예: 여기 앉으세요.

-아/어 주세요: request

예: 이름을 써 주세요.

-지 마세요: prohibition

예: 문을 열지 마세요.

3. Sequence words

먼저 first

그다음 / 다음에 next

그리고 and then

마지막으로 finally

When directions include sequence words, the answer usually asks what to do first, next, or last.

4. TOPIK-style distractors

Distractors often change only one detail:

left vs. right

go vs. wait

put on the desk vs. put under the desk

write name vs. write phone number

do it now vs. do it later

✅ Exam Strategy

Predict the target before listening. If the question asks "What should the person do?", focus on verbs.

Catch location + action together. "도서관 앞에서 기다리세요" means both where and what matter.

Do not choose from one keyword only. If you hear "오른쪽" but the option says "오른쪽으로 가서 표를 사세요," confirm whether buying a ticket was actually said.

Listen for negative commands. -지 마세요 reverses the expected action.

Use the second pass to check distractors. Ask: Did the option change the direction, place, order, or action?

⚠️ Pitfalls

Confusing 앞 and 뒤 when the speaker talks quickly.

Missing 먼저, then choosing the second action as the first action.

Hearing a noun correctly but missing the verb.

Ignoring -지 마세요 and choosing the action that is forbidden.

Choosing an answer because it contains a word from the script, even though the direction or action is wrong.

📝

Practice Hub — 50 TOPIK Listening Questions

There are exactly 50 questions below, organized into 5 sets × 10 questions. Read each track aloud or record it with TTS, then answer before opening the answer toggles.

Set 1 — Places and simple directions

Track 1

Narrator: 은행은 이 건물 2층에 있습니다. 계단으로 올라가서 오른쪽으로 가세요.

Question: Where should the person go after going upstairs?

① Left ② Right ③ Outside ④ Downstairs

Track 2

Narrator: 화장실은 복도 끝에 있습니다. 여기서 똑바로 가세요.

Question: What should the person do?

① Turn left ② Go straight ③ Go downstairs ④ Wait here

Track 3

Narrator: 도서관은 학교 앞에 있습니다. 길을 건너지 마세요.

Question: What should the person not do?

① Go to school ② Cross the street ③ Enter the library ④ Ask a teacher

Track 4

Narrator: 우체국은 편의점 옆에 있어요. 편의점을 찾은 후에 오른쪽을 보세요.

Question: Where is the post office?

① Next to the convenience store ② Behind the school ③ Inside the bank ④ Across from the station

Track 5

Narrator: 회의실은 엘리베이터 앞에 있습니다. 엘리베이터에서 내려서 바로 앞을 보세요.

Question: Where is the meeting room?

① In front of the elevator ② Behind the elevator ③ On the first floor ④ Next to the stairs

Track 6

Narrator: 약국에 가려면 병원 뒤쪽으로 가세요. 병원 앞에는 없습니다.

Question: Where is the pharmacy?

① In front of the hospital ② Behind the hospital ③ Inside the school ④ Next to the bank

Track 7

Narrator: 버스 정류장은 지하철역 건너편에 있습니다. 횡단보도를 건너세요.

Question: What should the person do?

① Cross at the crosswalk ② Take the subway ③ Turn back ④ Wait inside the station

Track 8

Narrator: 사무실은 3층 왼쪽 끝 방입니다. 계단으로 올라가서 왼쪽으로 가세요.

Question: Which direction should the person go on the third floor?

① Right ② Left ③ Straight outside ④ Down

Track 9

Narrator: 카페는 서점 안에 있지 않습니다. 서점 옆 건물 1층에 있습니다.

Question: Where is the cafe?

① Inside the bookstore ② On the first floor of the next building ③ Behind the bookstore ④ On the second floor

Track 10

Narrator: 안내 데스크는 문을 들어오면 바로 오른쪽에 있습니다.

Question: Where is the information desk?

① Immediately on the right ② Immediately on the left ③ Outside the door ④ At the end of the hallway

Answers — Set 1

② — 오른쪽으로 가세요 gives the direction after going upstairs.

② — 똑바로 가세요 means go straight.

② — 길을 건너지 마세요 means do not cross the street.

① — 편의점 옆 means next to the convenience store.

① — 엘리베이터 앞 is in front of the elevator.

② — The pharmacy is 병원 뒤쪽, not in front.

① — 횡단보도를 건너세요 means cross at the crosswalk.

② — The instruction says 왼쪽으로 가세요.

② — It is 서점 옆 건물 1층, not inside the bookstore.

① — 바로 오른쪽 means immediately on the right.

Set 2 — Commands and required actions

Track 11

Narrator: 시험지를 받으면 먼저 이름을 쓰세요. 문제는 아직 풀지 마세요.

Question: What should the person do first?

① Solve the questions ② Write their name ③ Leave the room ④ Ask a question

Track 12

Narrator: 책은 책상 위에 놓고 가방은 의자 밑에 두세요.

Question: Where should the bag be placed?

① On the desk ② Under the chair ③ In front of the door ④ Next to the book

Track 13

Narrator: 표를 산 후에 2번 출구로 나가세요. 출구 앞에서 친구를 만나세요.

Question: What should the person do after buying a ticket?

① Go to Exit 2 ② Meet a teacher ③ Buy a book ④ Enter the classroom

Track 14

Narrator: 음식은 여기에서 드시면 안 됩니다. 밖에 있는 식당에서 드세요.

Question: What should the person do?

① Eat here ② Eat at the restaurant outside ③ Bring food inside ④ Throw away the ticket

Track 15

Narrator: 신청서를 다 쓰면 직원에게 주세요. 책상 위에 놓지 마세요.

Question: What should the person do with the form?

① Give it to the staff member ② Put it on the desk ③ Take it home ④ Copy it

Track 16

Narrator: 문이 닫혀 있으면 초인종을 누르세요. 문을 세게 두드리지 마세요.

Question: What should the person do if the door is closed?

① Ring the bell ② Knock loudly ③ Call a taxi ④ Open the window

Track 17

Narrator: 수업이 끝나면 의자를 책상 밑에 넣어 주세요. 불도 꺼 주세요.

Question: What should the person do with the chair?

① Put it under the desk ② Put it on the desk ③ Leave it outside ④ Move it to the hall

Track 18

Narrator: 사진을 찍기 전에 여기 줄을 서세요. 한 사람씩 들어가세요.

Question: What should the person do before taking a photo?

① Stand in line ② Run inside ③ Sit down ④ Write a name

Track 19

Narrator: 컴퓨터를 사용한 후에는 전원을 꺼 주세요. 화면만 닫지 마세요.

Question: What should the person do after using the computer?

① Turn off the power ② Only close the screen ③ Move the desk ④ Print a ticket

Track 20

Narrator: 늦게 오면 뒤쪽 문으로 조용히 들어오세요. 앞문은 사용하지 마세요.

Question: Which door should a late person use?

① Front door ② Back door ③ Side window ④ Main gate outside

Answers — Set 2

② — 먼저 이름을 쓰세요 identifies the first action.

② — 가방은 의자 밑에 gives the bag location.

① — After buying a ticket, go to 2번 출구.

② — The person should eat at the outside restaurant.

① — 직원에게 주세요 means give it to the staff member.

① — 초인종을 누르세요 means ring the bell.

① — The chair goes 책상 밑에.

① — 줄을 서세요 means stand in line.

① — 전원을 꺼 주세요 means turn off the power.

② — Late people should use the 뒤쪽 문.

Set 3 — Sequence and order

Track 21

Narrator: 먼저 번호표를 뽑으세요. 그다음에 의자에 앉아서 기다리세요.

Question: What should the person do first?

① Sit down ② Take a number ticket ③ Meet a friend ④ Open the door

Track 22

Narrator: 교실에 들어오면 가방을 뒤에 놓고 책을 꺼내세요.

Question: What should the person do after putting the bag in the back?

① Take out a book ② Leave the classroom ③ Close the window ④ Buy a bag

Track 23

Narrator: 먼저 1층에서 접수하세요. 그리고 3층 검사실로 올라가세요.

Question: Where should the person go after registering?

① First floor desk ② Third-floor exam room ③ Basement parking lot ④ Outside pharmacy

Track 24

Narrator: 영화를 보기 전에 표를 보여 주세요. 그리고 안쪽 자리부터 앉으세요.

Question: What should the person do before watching the movie?

① Show the ticket ② Sit outside ③ Buy popcorn only ④ Turn on the light

Track 25

Narrator: 손을 씻고 앞치마를 입으세요. 그 후에 요리를 시작하세요.

Question: What should the person do before starting to cook?

① Wash hands and wear an apron ② Eat first ③ Clean the floor only ④ Open the window

Track 26

Narrator: 먼저 버스에서 내리세요. 그리고 오른쪽 길로 5분쯤 걸어가세요.

Question: What should the person do after getting off the bus?

① Walk on the right road ② Take another bus immediately ③ Cross to the left ④ Wait at school

Track 27

Narrator: 이름을 쓰고 나서 날짜도 쓰세요. 마지막으로 서명하세요.

Question: What should the person do last?

① Write the name ② Write the date ③ Sign the form ④ Erase the form

Track 28

Narrator: 먼저 창문을 닫으세요. 그다음에 에어컨을 켜세요.

Question: What should the person do before turning on the air conditioner?

① Close the window ② Open the door ③ Turn off the light ④ Move the chair

Track 29

Narrator: 도착하면 저에게 전화하세요. 그 후에 로비에서 기다리세요.

Question: What should the person do after calling?

① Wait in the lobby ② Go home ③ Buy coffee ④ Take a taxi

Track 30

Narrator: 먼저 안내문을 읽으세요. 질문이 있으면 손을 들고 말하세요.

Question: What should the person do first?

① Raise a hand ② Read the notice ③ Speak loudly ④ Leave the room

Answers — Set 3

② — 먼저 번호표를 뽑으세요 gives the first step.

① — After putting the bag down, 책을 꺼내세요.

② — After registering, go up to the 3층 검사실.

① — 표를 보여 주세요 happens before watching the movie.

① — The person must wash hands and wear an apron first.

① — After getting off the bus, walk on the 오른쪽 길.

③ — 마지막으로 서명하세요 identifies the last action.

① — Close the window before turning on the air conditioner.

① — After calling, wait in the lobby.

② — 먼저 안내문을 읽으세요 gives the first action.

Set 4 — Negative instructions and traps

Track 31

Narrator: 이 방에는 들어가지 마세요. 옆 방에서 기다리세요.

Question: What should the person do?

① Enter this room ② Wait in the next room ③ Go outside ④ Open the window

Track 32

Narrator: 전시품은 만지지 마세요. 사진은 찍어도 됩니다.

Question: What is not allowed?

① Taking photos ② Touching the exhibit ③ Looking at the exhibit ④ Standing here

Track 33

Narrator: 지금은 컴퓨터를 끄지 마세요. 파일을 먼저 저장하세요.

Question: What should the person do first?

① Turn off the computer ② Save the file ③ Delete the file ④ Move the computer

Track 34

Narrator: 여기서 뛰지 마세요. 아이들이 많으니까 천천히 걸으세요.

Question: What should the person do?

① Run here ② Walk slowly ③ Sit down ④ Take a photo

Track 35

Narrator: 이 엘리베이터는 사용하지 마세요. 오른쪽 계단을 이용하세요.

Question: What should the person use?

① This elevator ② The right-side stairs ③ The left-side restroom ④ The front door

Track 36

Narrator: 오늘은 5번 창구로 가지 마세요. 2번 창구에서 접수하세요.

Question: Where should the person register?

① Window 5 ② Window 2 ③ Exit 5 ④ Room 2 upstairs

Track 37

Narrator: 책에 이름을 쓰지 마세요. 종이에만 이름을 써 주세요.

Question: Where should the person write their name?

① In the book ② On the paper only ③ On the desk ④ On the wall

Track 38

Narrator: 버스 안에서는 전화하지 마세요. 내린 후에 전화하세요.

Question: When should the person make the call?

① On the bus ② After getting off ③ Before boarding ④ While paying

Track 39

Narrator: 문을 닫지 마세요. 학생들이 곧 들어옵니다.

Question: What should the person not do?

① Close the door ② Wait for students ③ Enter soon ④ Look at the door

Track 40

Narrator: 이 의자에 앉지 마세요. 저쪽 의자에 앉으세요.

Question: Where should the person sit?

① On this chair ② On that chair over there ③ On the floor ④ At the desk

Answers — Set 4

② — The person should not enter this room; they should wait next door.

② — 만지지 마세요 means do not touch.

② — Do not turn off the computer now; save the file first.

② — 천천히 걸으세요 means walk slowly.

② — The elevator is prohibited; use the right-side stairs.

② — Register at 2번 창구, not window 5.

② — Write the name only on the paper.

② — Call after getting off the bus.

① — 문을 닫지 마세요 means do not close the door.

② — Do not sit on this chair; sit on that chair over there.

Set 5 — Mixed TOPIK-style short directions

Track 41

Narrator: 박물관에 들어가면 안내 책자를 먼저 받으세요. 표는 나중에 보여 주세요.

Question: What should the person do first?

① Show the ticket ② Receive a guide booklet ③ Leave the museum ④ Buy food

Track 42

Narrator: 4번 버스를 타고 시청 앞에서 내리세요. 내린 후에 왼쪽으로 가세요.

Question: Which direction should the person go after getting off?

① Left ② Right ③ Straight back ④ Downstairs

Track 43

Narrator: 회의가 시작되면 휴대 전화를 꺼 주세요. 통화는 밖에서 하세요.

Question: What should the person do when the meeting starts?

① Turn off the phone ② Call inside ③ Open the window ④ Leave immediately

Track 44

Narrator: 우산은 입구 옆에 있는 통에 넣어 주세요. 교실 안으로 가지고 오지 마세요.

Question: Where should the umbrella be put?

① In the container next to the entrance ② Inside the classroom ③ Under the desk ④ On the chair

Track 45

Narrator: 지하 1층으로 내려가서 안내판을 보세요. 매표소는 안내판 왼쪽에 있습니다.

Question: Where is the ticket office?

① Left of the sign ② Right of the sign ③ On the second floor ④ Next to the elevator upstairs

Track 46

Narrator: 물건을 고른 후에 계산대로 오세요. 여기에서 돈을 내지 마세요.

Question: Where should the person pay?

① At the counter ② Here ③ Outside ④ At the entrance

Track 47

Narrator: 수업 자료는 앞에서 가져가세요. 하지만 시험지는 선생님이 나누어 줍니다.

Question: What should the person take from the front?

① Class materials ② Test papers ③ A chair ④ A ticket

Track 48

Narrator: 병원 예약을 바꾸려면 1번을 누르세요. 예약을 확인하려면 2번을 누르세요.

Question: Which number should the person press to change an appointment?

① 1 ② 2 ③ 3 ④ 4

Track 49

Narrator: 운동화를 신지 않으면 체육관에 들어갈 수 없습니다. 먼저 운동화를 신으세요.

Question: What should the person do first?

① Put on sneakers ② Enter the gym ③ Take off shoes ④ Buy a ticket

Track 50

Narrator: 버스가 오면 바로 타지 마세요. 사람들이 내린 후에 타세요.

Question: When should the person get on the bus?

① Immediately when it arrives ② After people get off ③ Before people get off ④ After buying a book

Answers — Set 5

② — 먼저 받으세요 refers to the guide booklet.

① — After getting off, go 왼쪽으로.

① — When the meeting starts, turn off the phone.

① — The umbrella goes in the container next to the entrance.

① — The ticket office is to the left of the sign.

① — Pay at the 계산대, not here.

① — Class materials are taken from the front; test papers are distributed by the teacher.

① — Press 1 to change an appointment.

① — Put on sneakers first before entering the gym.

② — Do not board immediately; board after people get off.

🧠 Review Checklist

Can you identify the required action from -(으)세요 and -아/어 주세요?

Can you notice when -지 마세요 makes an option wrong?

Can you separate the first action from the next action when you hear 먼저, 그다음, or 마지막으로?

Can you confirm both the place/direction and the verb, not just one keyword?

🎯 Final Takeaway

For short directions and instructions, accuracy comes from pairing two pieces of information: where and what to do. On the first pass, choose quickly from the main verb. On the second pass, confirm the direction, place, sequence word, or negative command that proves the answer.