Listening Vocab: School Life & Academic Counseling

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Keywords
학교 / 전공 / 성적 / 장학금 / 수강신청
Lesson #
S
Done
Section
TOPIK Listening
💡
TL;DR
  • TOPIK listening school-life dialogues often center on 수업, 전공, 성적, 장학금, 수강신청, 상담.
  • Identify the speaker relationship quickly: student–teacher, student–advisor, student–office staff, or classmates.
  • Listen for the student's problem first, then catch the advice or next action.
🎧
🎧 Audio Practice
Use the 2-pass method. First pass: listen for the school situation and choose the answer without pausing. Second pass: replay and catch the key academic words, such as 전공, 성적, 장학금, 수강신청, and 상담. Optional: shadow the student's question to practice natural problem-stating.

🔑 The Big Picture

TOPIK listening often uses university and school situations because they create clear problems: a student needs advice, misses a class, asks about grades, applies for a scholarship, or registers for courses.
The goal is not to understand every word. The goal is to catch:
  • Where the conversation happens: classroom, office, counseling room
  • Who is speaking: student, professor, advisor, staff
  • What the academic problem is
  • What the student should do next

🧩 Core Concepts / Patterns

1. Core school-life vocabulary

Korean
Meaning
Listening clue
전공
major
choosing/changing a field of study
성적
grade / score
checking results or improving performance
장학금
scholarship
money support, application documents
수강신청
course registration
choosing classes, registration period
상담
counseling/advising
asking for advice from a teacher/advisor

2. Common listening situations

  • Student–professor: assignment, test, grade, absence
  • Student–advisor: major choice, course plan, counseling
  • Student–office staff: scholarship, certificate, registration
  • Classmates: homework, presentation, study plan

3. Useful question patterns

  • 전공을 바꾸고 싶어요. = I want to change my major.
  • 성적을 확인하고 싶어요. = I want to check my grade.
  • 장학금을 신청하려면 무엇이 필요해요? = What do I need to apply for a scholarship?
  • 수강신청은 언제 시작해요? = When does course registration start?
  • 교수님과 상담하고 싶어요. = I want to consult with the professor.

✅ Exam Strategy

  1. Catch the academic noun first. It usually tells you the topic.
  1. Identify the student’s problem. Is it a missed deadline, low grade, schedule conflict, or missing document?
  1. Listen for required action. 제출하다, 신청하다, 확인하다, 상담하다, 다시 오다.
  1. Do not confuse similar school terms. 수업 = class, 수강신청 = course registration, 성적 = grade.
  1. Use the second pass for details. Dates, room numbers, and documents usually decide the answer.

⚠️ Pitfalls

  • Do not choose “test” just because you hear 성적. The topic may be checking a grade or applying for a scholarship.
  • Do not confuse 전공 with 과목. 전공 is a major; 과목 is a subject/course.
  • Do not miss deadline words: 오늘까지, 내일까지, 이번 주 금요일까지.
  • Do not ignore who gives the instruction. Staff often explain procedures; professors often explain assignments or grades.

🎧 Model Listening Script

Track 1
Student: 교수님, 이번 시험 성적을 확인하고 싶습니다.
Professor: 네, 성적은 오늘 오후에 학교 홈페이지에서 볼 수 있어요.
Student: 감사합니다. 오후에 확인하겠습니다.
Question: What should the student do?
Answer: Check the grade on the school website this afternoon.
Track 2
Student: 장학금을 신청하려면 어떤 서류가 필요해요?
Staff: 신청서하고 성적표가 필요합니다. 내일까지 제출하세요.
Student: 네, 내일까지 내겠습니다.
Question: What documents are needed?
Answer: Application form and grade transcript.
📝
Practice Hub — 50 TOPIK Listening Questions

Set 1 — Choose the topic

Choose the main topic of each track.
  1. Track 1 A: 이번 학기 수강신청은 언제 시작해요? B: 다음 주 월요일 오전 10시에 시작합니다.
      2. 1) course registration 2) lunch menu 3) weather 4) medicine
  1. Track 2 A: 전공을 바꾸고 싶어요. B: 먼저 지도 교수님과 상담하세요.
      2. 1) changing major 2) buying books 3) taking medicine 4) losing a bag
  1. Track 3 A: 장학금을 신청하려면 성적표가 필요해요? B: 네, 신청서도 내야 합니다.
      2. 1) scholarship application 2) train ticket 3) restaurant order 4) movie time
  1. Track 4 A: 어제 수업에 못 왔어요. 숙제가 있었나요? B: 네, 보고서를 써야 해요.
      2. 1) missed class homework 2) hospital visit 3) bank account 4) travel plan
  1. Track 5 A: 이번 시험 성적이 언제 나와요? B: 금요일에 나옵니다.
      2. 1) test grade 2) clothing size 3) bus route 4) room cleaning
  1. Track 6 A: 발표는 몇 분 동안 해야 해요? B: 한 사람당 5분입니다.
      2. 1) presentation time 2) coffee price 3) medicine dosage 4) flight gate
  1. Track 7 A: 도서관에서 전공 책을 빌릴 수 있어요? B: 네, 학생증이 필요해요.
      2. 1) borrowing major books 2) changing clothes 3) ordering food 4) dental treatment
  1. Track 8 A: 상담 예약을 하고 싶어요. B: 교수님은 목요일 오후에 시간이 있습니다.
      2. 1) advising appointment 2) shopping refund 3) subway transfer 4) haircut
  1. Track 9 A: 이 과목은 너무 어려워요. B: 스터디 모임에 들어가 보세요.
      2. 1) difficult course advice 2) birthday party 3) market price 4) lost wallet
  1. Track 10 A: 졸업하려면 몇 과목을 더 들어야 해요? B: 두 과목을 더 들어야 합니다.
      2. 1) graduation requirement 2) hotel check-in 3) post office package 4) cafe order
Answers — Set 1
  1. 1 — 수강신청 and start time signal course registration.
  1. 1 — 전공을 바꾸다 means changing major.
  1. 1 — 장학금, 성적표, 신청서 signal scholarship application.
  1. 1 — missed class and homework/report are the topic.
  1. 1 — 시험 성적 is test grade.
  1. 1 — 발표 and 5 minutes are presentation details.
  1. 1 — 전공 책 and borrow point to school/library context.
  1. 1 — 상담 예약 and professor availability.
  1. 1 — difficult course and study group advice.
  1. 1 — graduation and remaining courses.

Set 2 — Choose the correct next action

What should the student do?
  1. Track 11 Student: 전공을 바꾸고 싶어요. Advisor: 먼저 상담 신청서를 쓰세요.
      2. 1) write a counseling request form 2) buy coffee 3) go to the airport 4) clean the room
  1. Track 12 Student: 장학금 서류는 언제까지 내야 해요? Staff: 내일 오후 5시까지 내세요.
      2. 1) submit documents by tomorrow 5 p.m. 2) call a friend 3) return a movie ticket 4) take medicine
  1. Track 13 Student: 성적을 확인하고 싶어요. Staff: 학교 홈페이지에 들어가세요.
      2. 1) check the school website 2) wait at the bus stop 3) order lunch 4) write a postcard
  1. Track 14 Student: 수강신청을 못 했어요. Staff: 오늘 안에 사무실로 오세요.
      2. 1) go to the office today 2) visit a dentist 3) buy shoes 4) wash clothes
  1. Track 15 Student: 발표 자료를 늦게 내도 돼요? Professor: 아니요, 오늘 밤까지 보내세요.
      2. 1) send presentation materials by tonight 2) cancel class 3) change major 4) buy a ticket
  1. Track 16 Student: 과제를 어디에 내요? Teacher: 수업 게시판에 올리세요.
      2. 1) upload it to the class board 2) bring medicine 3) meet at the station 4) call the bank
  1. Track 17 Student: 추천서를 받을 수 있을까요? Professor: 다음 주에 다시 오세요.
      2. 1) come again next week 2) finish lunch 3) board the plane 4) change seats
  1. Track 18 Student: 결석계를 내야 하나요? Staff: 네, 병원 확인서를 함께 내세요.
      2. 1) submit absence form with hospital certificate 2) rent a car 3) buy fruit 4) ask for a haircut
  1. Track 19 Student: 이 수업을 취소하고 싶어요. Staff: 취소 기간을 먼저 확인하세요.
      2. 1) check the cancellation period 2) study in the cafe 3) send a package 4) find a wallet
  1. Track 20 Student: 시험 장소가 어디예요? Staff: 학생회관 2층입니다.
      2. 1) go to the second floor of the student center 2) go to a market 3) sit by the window 4) take bus 8 only
Answers — Set 2
  1. 1 — 상담 신청서를 쓰세요.
  1. 1 — 내일 오후 5시까지.
  1. 1 — 홈페이지에 들어가세요.
  1. 1 — 오늘 안에 사무실로 오세요.
  1. 1 — 오늘 밤까지 보내세요.
  1. 1 — 수업 게시판에 올리세요.
  1. 1 — 다음 주에 다시 오세요.
  1. 1 — 결석계 plus 병원 확인서.
  1. 1 — 취소 기간을 확인하세요.
  1. 1 — 학생회관 2층.

Set 3 — Vocabulary recognition

Choose the meaning of the Korean word.
  1. 전공 1) major 2) medicine 3) wallet 4) weather
  1. 성적 1) grade 2) airport 3) shirt 4) seat
  1. 장학금 1) scholarship 2) library card 3) umbrella 4) menu
  1. 수강신청 1) course registration 2) haircut 3) parcel delivery 4) bank transfer
  1. 상담 1) counseling/advising 2) refund 3) boarding 4) cooking
  1. 과제 1) assignment 2) passport 3) medicine 4) fruit
  1. 보고서 1) report 2) ticket 3) jacket 4) phone number
  1. 출석 1) attendance 2) address 3) discount 4) receipt
  1. 결석 1) absence 2) payment 3) train 4) taste
  1. 졸업 1) graduation 2) fever 3) market 4) color
Answers — Set 3
  1. 1 — 전공 = major.
  1. 1 — 성적 = grade.
  1. 1 — 장학금 = scholarship.
  1. 1 — 수강신청 = course registration.
  1. 1 — 상담 = counseling/advising.
  1. 1 — 과제 = assignment.
  1. 1 — 보고서 = report.
  1. 1 — 출석 = attendance.
  1. 1 — 결석 = absence.
  1. 1 — 졸업 = graduation.

Set 4 — Speaker relationship

Who are probably speaking?
  1. Track 31 A: 교수님, 성적에 대해 질문이 있습니다. B: 네, 말해 보세요.
      2. 1) student and professor 2) customer and clerk 3) patient and doctor 4) passenger and driver
  1. Track 32 A: 수강신청 기간이 지났어요. B: 학생지원실에 문의하세요.
      2. 1) student and school staff 2) chef and guest 3) barber and customer 4) pilot and passenger
  1. Track 33 A: 이번 발표 같이 준비할까요? B: 좋아요. 자료는 제가 찾을게요.
      2. 1) classmates 2) doctor and patient 3) bank staff and customer 4) police officer and driver
  1. Track 34 A: 전공 때문에 고민이에요. B: 그럼 상담 시간을 잡읍시다.
      2. 1) student and advisor 2) waiter and customer 3) pharmacist and customer 4) traveler and hotel staff
  1. Track 35 A: 장학금 신청서는 어디에 내요? B: 이 창구에 내시면 됩니다.
      2. 1) student and office staff 2) friends at home 3) dentist and patient 4) market seller and buyer
  1. Track 36 A: 선생님, 숙제를 내일까지 내도 돼요? B: 네, 괜찮아요.
      2. 1) student and teacher 2) passenger and clerk 3) customer and banker 4) guest and hotel worker
  1. Track 37 A: 오늘 수업 필기 좀 보여 줄 수 있어? B: 그래, 사진으로 보내 줄게.
      2. 1) classmates 2) staff and customer 3) doctor and nurse 4) announcer and passenger
  1. Track 38 A: 졸업 요건을 확인하고 싶습니다. B: 학번을 알려 주세요.
      2. 1) student and school staff 2) cook and guest 3) pharmacist and customer 4) hairdresser and customer
  1. Track 39 A: 발표 순서는 제가 정하겠습니다. B: 네, 교수님.
      2. 1) professor and student 2) bank staff and customer 3) driver and passenger 4) seller and buyer
  1. Track 40 A: 다음 학기에 어떤 과목을 듣는 게 좋을까요? B: 전공 필수부터 들으세요.
      2. 1) student and advisor 2) friends ordering food 3) doctor and patient 4) clerk and shopper
Answers — Set 4
  1. 1 — 교수님 and 성적 question.
  1. 1 — 수강신청 and school office.
  1. 1 — classmates preparing a presentation.
  1. 1 — major concern and counseling.
  1. 1 — scholarship form at office window.
  1. 1 — teacher and homework deadline.
  1. 1 — sharing class notes.
  1. 1 — graduation requirements and student number.
  1. 1 — professor sets presentation order.
  1. 1 — course advice from advisor.

Set 5 — TOPIK-style detail check

Choose the correct answer.
  1. Track 41 Student: 장학금 신청서는 어디에서 받아요? Staff: 학생지원실 앞에서 받을 수 있어요.
      2. 1) in front of Student Support Office 2) library basement 3) train station 4) cafeteria
  1. Track 42 Student: 시험은 몇 시에 시작해요? Teacher: 오전 9시에 시작합니다.
      2. 1) 9 a.m. 2) 10 p.m. 3) 3 p.m. 4) 7 a.m.
  1. Track 43 Student: 보고서는 몇 장 써야 해요? Teacher: 세 장 정도 쓰세요.
      2. 1) about three pages 2) ten pages 3) one line 4) no report
  1. Track 44 Student: 수강신청은 언제 끝나요? Staff: 금요일 오후 6시에 끝납니다.
      2. 1) Friday 6 p.m. 2) Monday morning 3) Saturday noon 4) today 2 p.m.
  1. Track 45 Student: 상담 시간이 언제예요? Advisor: 목요일 3시입니다.
      2. 1) Thursday 3 o'clock 2) Tuesday 9 o'clock 3) Friday 5 o'clock 4) Sunday 1 o'clock
  1. Track 46 Student: 결석해서 죄송합니다. Teacher: 괜찮아요. 친구에게 필기를 빌리세요.
      2. 1) borrow notes from a friend 2) buy a ticket 3) change major 4) leave school
  1. Track 47 Student: 성적표를 출력하고 싶어요. Staff: 저쪽 컴퓨터를 사용하세요.
      2. 1) use the computer over there 2) go to the cafe 3) wait outside 4) call home
  1. Track 48 Student: 발표는 혼자 해요? Teacher: 아니요, 두 명씩 하세요.
      2. 1) in pairs 2) alone 3) in groups of five 4) no presentation
  1. Track 49 Student: 이 과목은 전공 필수예요? Advisor: 네, 꼭 들어야 합니다.
      2. 1) It is required. 2) It is canceled. 3) It is online only. 4) It is not for students.
  1. Track 50 Student: 장학금 결과는 언제 알 수 있어요? Staff: 다음 주에 문자로 알려 드립니다.
      2. 1) by text next week 2) by mail today 3) in class tomorrow 4) at the airport
Answers — Set 5
  1. 1 — 학생지원실 앞.
  1. 1 — 오전 9시.
  1. 1 — 세 장 정도.
  1. 1 — 금요일 오후 6시.
  1. 1 — 목요일 3시.
  1. 1 — 친구에게 필기를 빌리세요.
  1. 1 — 저쪽 컴퓨터.
  1. 1 — 두 명씩.
  1. 1 — 전공 필수 and 꼭 들어야 합니다.
  1. 1 — 다음 주에 문자로.

✅ Final Review

For school-life listening, first identify the academic topic, then the student's problem, then the required next action. Words like 전공, 성적, 장학금, 수강신청, and 상담 are high-value clues.