WACE Korean Background Language ATAR key terms

The skill of understanding spoken Korean and answering questions about it. In this exam you hear recordings such as conversations, announcements or interviews, often twice, and respond in Korean or English depending on the task.

Identifying the main information in a spoken or written text, such as who, what, when, where and why. Questions often ask for the gist rather than every detail, so separating central points from minor asides matters.

Locating specific details in a text or recording, for example a price, a time, a name or a reason. Skimming first for the topic, then scanning for the exact detail, saves time under exam conditions.

Working out meaning that is implied rather than stated, such as a speaker's feelings, the reason behind an action, or what will probably happen next. You combine clues in the text with background knowledge.

The speaker's stance towards what they say, for example pleased, worried, sarcastic or neutral. Tone, intonation and word choice signal this, and questions often ask you to choose the best description.

The rise and fall of pitch across a phrase. In Korean, intonation distinguishes statements from questions and can signal surprise, annoyance or uncertainty, so it carries meaning beyond the words themselves.

How words are spoken, including sound changes that occur in connected speech. Korean has rules such as nasalisation and liaison that make written and spoken forms differ, and recognising these helps listening comprehension.

Linking a final consonant of one syllable to the vowel of the next, so that 한국어 sounds like 한구거. This rule explains many differences between how words are written and how they are heard.

The final consonant or consonant cluster written at the bottom of a Korean syllable block. Recognising 받침 helps with reading aloud, spelling and understanding sound changes in speech.

The skill of understanding written Korean texts such as articles, notices, emails, blogs and literary extracts, then answering questions or completing tasks. It requires both global comprehension and attention to detail.

Reading quickly to find one specific piece of information, such as a date in a timetable or a name in an article. Your eyes move over the text without reading every word in order.

Reading quickly to get the general idea of a text before reading closely. Looking at headings, first sentences and repeated words gives a mental map that makes detailed questions easier to answer.

A meaning suggested indirectly by a text or utterance rather than stated outright. Recognising 함의 is often tested through questions about what the writer really thinks or what a character intends.

The words and situation surrounding a particular expression, which help determine its meaning. When you meet an unfamiliar word, clues in the surrounding sentences often let you guess it accurately.

The stock of words a learner knows and can use. A strong vocabulary across everyday and formal registers supports every section of the exam, from listening to writing.

Korean vocabulary of Chinese origin, such as 학교 or 경제. These words are often formal and abstract, and knowing common Chinese characters helps you guess the meaning of unfamiliar academic terms.

Language used to show respect to an addressee or a person being discussed. Choosing the right honorific verb and address form is essential in formal writing, interviews and the oral examination.

Polite speech directed at the listener, typically ending in -요 or -습니다. It is the default register for strangers, elders and formal settings, and its consistent use is expected in exam responses.

Informal speech used with close friends, younger people or children. Recognising when a text switches into 반말 tells you about the relationship between speakers, which is often the point of a question.

The way people address one another, such as 아저씨, 선생님 or a name plus 씨. Appropriate address terms depend on age, status and closeness, and mistakes can sound rude.

Producing written Korean for a purpose and audience, such as an email, a notice, an opinion piece or a short story. Assessment considers task fulfilment, organisation, range of vocabulary and grammatical accuracy.

How a piece of writing is organised, typically with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. Clear structure with one main idea per paragraph helps the reader follow your argument.

A word that links clauses or sentences, such as 그러나, 그래서 or 왜냐하면. Using a variety of connectives makes writing flow logically and shows control of complex sentences.

The written register, usually ending in -다 or -습니다, used in reports, articles and formal letters. It differs from conversational style, and mixing the two inappropriately weakens a written response.

The spoken register, with contractions and endings typical of conversation, such as -어요 or -지. It appears in dialogue and informal messages but is usually avoided in formal essays.

The standard rules for spelling Korean words. Correct spelling, including spacing between words, is part of accuracy in writing and is noticed by markers even when the content is strong.

The convention of leaving spaces between words and particles in Korean writing. Because particles attach to the preceding word, knowing what counts as one unit is essential for accurate writing.

A particle attached to a noun to mark its grammatical role, such as 이/가 for subject or 을/를 for object. Choosing the right particle is fundamental to clear, accurate Korean sentences.

The system of rules governing how words combine into sentences, including verb endings, tense and sentence structure. Grammatical accuracy is assessed in writing and noticed throughout the oral examination.

The grammatical marking of time through verb endings, such as -았/었- for past and -겠- for future or supposition. Consistent tense keeps a narrative or argument coherent.

The spoken component of the exam, in which you discuss a topic and hold a conversation with the examiner. Fluency, accuracy, range of vocabulary and ability to sustain interaction are assessed.

A structured discussion in which participants present and defend opinions on an issue. In the oral exam you may need to state a view, give reasons, and respond to a counter-argument politely.

A spontaneous exchange between two or more speakers. The conversation part of the oral exam tests whether you can keep talking naturally, ask questions and react appropriately to the examiner.

Stating and supporting a personal viewpoint, typically with reasons and examples. Useful patterns include 제 생각에는 and 왜냐하면, which help you structure an answer clearly under time pressure.

Giving evidence or reasons to support a claim, such as statistics, personal experience or logical argument. Strong oral and written responses justify opinions rather than simply asserting them.

Asking the speaker to repeat or clarify something you did not catch, using phrases such as 다시 한 번 말씀해 주시겠어요? This is a practical strategy that keeps a conversation going.

Introducing yourself with your name, background, interests and goals. A fluent, well-prepared self-introduction is often the opening of the oral examination and creates a strong first impression.

The central subject of a text, recording or discussion. Identifying the topic early helps you predict vocabulary and focus your answer, whether in listening, reading or the oral exam.