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WACE Korean Background Language ATAR study materials
WACE Korean Background Language ATAR study resources

WACE Korean Background Language ATAR practice questions

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Question 1Listening and responding

You hear a student say: "이번 주말에 친구랑 등산을 갈 거예요." What is the student mainly telling the listener?

  1. A complaint about a friend
  2. A plan for the coming weekend Correct answer.
  3. A memory of a past trip
  4. A request for hiking gear

Explanation

The ending -(으)ㄹ 거예요 marks a future intention or plan, and 이번 주말에 sets the time as this coming weekend. Together they show the speaker is announcing something they intend to do, not recalling the past or asking for anything.

Question 2Listening and responding

A speaker says: "저는 매일 아침에 30분씩 운동을 해요." Which detail is stated about the speaker's routine?

  1. The activity lasts three hours
  2. The activity happens every morning Correct answer.
  3. The activity is done with a trainer
  4. The activity happens only on weekends

Explanation

매일 means every day and 아침에 means in the morning, so the routine is daily and in the morning. The time expression 30분씩 indicates a duration of thirty minutes per session, which rules out the longer figure.

Question 3Listening and responding

You hear: "죄송하지만 지금은 자리가 없어서요." Where is this most likely said?

  1. At a bus stop
  2. At a restaurant entrance Correct answer.
  3. At a library help desk
  4. At a post office

Explanation

자리 here means a seat or table, and 없어서요 gives a polite reason that none is available. This apologetic refusal is the standard way staff tell a customer there is currently no table.

Question 4Listening and responding

A teacher says to a class: "내일까지 보고서를 꼭 제출하세요." What are students being told to do?

  1. Hand in the report by tomorrow Correct answer.
  2. Rewrite the report next week
  3. Read the report aloud tomorrow
  4. Discuss the report in class

Explanation

까지 marks a deadline, so 내일까지 means by tomorrow. The verb 제출하세요 is the polite imperative of 제출하다, to submit, and 꼭 adds emphasis that it must be done.

Question 5Listening and responding

You hear: "비가 올 것 같아서 우산을 챙겼어요." Why did the speaker take an umbrella?

  1. They thought it might rain Correct answer.
  2. They wanted to lend it to a friend
  3. They lost their raincoat
  4. They were going to the beach

Explanation

The pattern -(으)ㄹ 것 같아서 expresses the speaker's guess or supposition, here that it looks like rain, and it is given as the reason for the action. 챙겼어요 means took or packed something with oneself.

Question 6Listening and responding

A shop assistant says: "이 모자는 사이즈가 작은데 다른 색으로 보여 드릴까요?" What is being offered?

  1. A discount on the hat
  2. A refund of the payment
  3. A look at the same item in another colour Correct answer.
  4. A larger size in the same colour

Explanation

The pattern -ㄹ까요? here makes a polite offer, and 다른 색으로 means in a different colour. 보여 드리다 is the humble form of showing something to a customer.

Question 7Listening and responding

You hear: "어제는 너무 피곤해서 일찍 잤어요." What happened yesterday?

  1. The speaker woke up late
  2. The speaker worked overtime
  3. The speaker skipped dinner
  4. The speaker went to bed early Correct answer.

Explanation

The connective -아서/어서 links a reason to a result, so being tired led to the action. 일찍 잤어요 means went to sleep early, with the past tense marker confirming it already happened.

Question 8Listening and responding

A radio announcement says: "오늘 오후에는 바람이 강하게 불겠습니다." What is the forecast for this afternoon?

  1. High humidity
  2. Heavy snow
  3. Strong winds Correct answer.
  4. Thick fog

Explanation

바람이 강하게 불다 means the wind will blow strongly, and the ending -겠습니다 signals a formal forecast. The time word 오후 narrows it to the afternoon.

Question 9Listening and responding

You hear a friend say: "지하철이 막차를 놓쳐서 택시를 타고 집에 갔어." What happened?

  1. They walked home after the subway stopped
  2. They waited for the next subway train
  3. They took a taxi because the subway was crowded
  4. They missed the last train and took a taxi Correct answer.

Explanation

막차 means the last train, and 놓치다 means to miss something, so the reason clause explains a missed final service. The result clause states they rode a taxi home instead.

Question 10Listening and responding

A speaker says: "친구가 약속 시간에 30분이나 늦게 와서 조금 화가 났어요." How did the speaker feel?

  1. Somewhat annoyed Correct answer.
  2. Very relieved
  3. Completely indifferent
  4. Proud of the friend

Explanation

The particle 이나 after 30분 adds the nuance of an unexpectedly large amount, stressing how late the friend was. 화가 나다 means to become angry, and 조금 softens it to mild annoyance.

Question 11Listening and responding

You hear: "이번 시험은 지난번보다 쉬웠던 것 같아요." What is the speaker doing?

  1. Asking for the test results
  2. Complaining about the test schedule
  3. Predicting the next test
  4. Giving a personal impression of the test Correct answer.

Explanation

The retrospective pattern -았/었던 것 같아요 expresses the speaker's own recollection-based opinion rather than a fact. The comparison 보다 indicates they are judging this test against the previous one.

Question 12Listening and responding

A doctor says: "일주일 동안은 무리한 운동을 피하시는 게 좋겠습니다." What advice is given?

  1. Return in a week for surgery
  2. Avoid strenuous exercise for a week Correct answer.
  3. Stop eating for a week
  4. Exercise harder for a week

Explanation

The pattern -는 게 좋겠습니다 gives a polite recommendation, and 피하다 means to avoid. 무리한 운동 refers to excessive or strenuous exercise, and 일주일 동안 sets the period.

Question 13Listening and responding

You hear a student say: "방학 때 아르바이트를 해서 모은 돈으로 여행을 갈 거예요." What is the plan?

  1. To save money by cancelling a trip
  2. To travel using money earned from a part-time job Correct answer.
  3. To study abroad with a scholarship
  4. To work at a travel agency during the holidays

Explanation

The pattern -아서/어서 모은 돈으로 means with the money saved by doing something, linking the part-time job to the travel funds. The final -(으)ㄹ 거예요 confirms it is an intention.

Question 14Listening and responding

A neighbour says: "어제 밤에 윗집에서 발소리가 너무 시끄러워서 잠을 못 잤어요." What is the neighbour describing?

  1. A broken alarm clock
  2. Noise from upstairs that disturbed sleep Correct answer.
  3. A problem with the heating
  4. A party held downstairs

Explanation

윗집 means the household upstairs, and 발소리 refers to the sound of footsteps. The connective -아서/어서 links the noise to the result 잠을 못 잤어요, meaning they could not sleep.

Question 15Listening and responding

You hear: "저는 커피보다 차를 더 자주 마시는 편이에요." What does the speaker say about their habits?

  1. They prefer coffee in the morning only
  2. They drink coffee and tea equally
  3. They have stopped drinking both
  4. They tend to drink tea more often than coffee Correct answer.

Explanation

The comparison pattern 보다 ... 더 marks tea as the more frequent choice, and -는 편이다 softens the statement into a general tendency. 자주 adds the idea of frequency rather than preference alone.

Question 16Listening and responding

A tour guide says: "이 건물은 100년 전에 지어졌지만 아직도 사용되고 있습니다." What is true of the building?

  1. It was rebuilt last year
  2. It has been closed to visitors
  3. It is old but still in use Correct answer.
  4. It was moved to another city

Explanation

The passive forms 지어졌다 (was built) and 사용되고 있다 (is being used) describe the building's history and current state. The connective -지만 contrasts the age with its continued use.

Question 17Listening and responding

You hear a colleague say: "회의 자료는 제가 준비할 테니까 걱정하지 마세요." What is the colleague doing?

  1. Promising to prepare the meeting materials Correct answer.
  2. Asking for help with the materials
  3. Cancelling the meeting
  4. Complaining about the meeting time

Explanation

The pattern -(으)ㄹ 테니까 expresses the speaker's firm intention plus reassurance to the listener. 걱정하지 마세요 means do not worry, confirming the offer is a promise of help.

Question 18Listening and responding

A speaker says: "그 영화는 재미있을 거라고 생각했는데 생각보다 별로였어요." What is the speaker's view of the film?

  1. It was too long to finish
  2. It was worse than expected Correct answer.
  3. It was exactly as expected
  4. It was better than expected

Explanation

The quoted 생각했는데 sets up an expectation, and 별로였어요 evaluates the reality as not very good. The contrast between the two clauses shows disappointment relative to what was predicted.

Question 19Listening and responding

You hear: "동생이 숙제를 다 했는지 아직 확인하지 못했어요." What does the speaker mean?

  1. They know the sibling finished all the homework
  2. They will do the homework with the sibling
  3. They have not yet checked whether the sibling finished the homework Correct answer.
  4. They finished the homework instead of the sibling

Explanation

The embedded question -는지 아직 확인하지 못했어요 means the speaker has not been able to confirm whether the action was completed. The negative 못하다 shows inability, not refusal.

Question 20Listening and responding

A news item says: "이번 주말부터 대중교통 요금이 인상됩니다." What will change?

  1. Public transport fares will rise from the weekend Correct answer.
  2. Public transport will become free at weekends
  3. Bus routes will be cancelled from the weekend
  4. Train services will run later from the weekend

Explanation

대중교통 요금 means public transport fares, and 인상되다 is the passive verb meaning to be raised. The phrase -부터 marks the starting point of the change.

Question 21Listening and responding

You hear: "그 사람은 말은 잘하는데 자기 생각만 이야기해요." What criticism is being made?

  1. The person talks well but only discusses their own views Correct answer.
  2. The person refuses to speak in meetings
  3. The person speaks too quietly to be heard
  4. The person always agrees with others

Explanation

The -는데 ending sets up a contrast between an acknowledged strength and a fault. 자기 생각만 with 만 (only) shows the person ignores other people's perspectives.

Question 22Listening and responding

A speaker says: "지난번에는 준비를 못 해서 아쉬웠는데 이번에는 꼭 해 보고 싶어요." What does the speaker express?

  1. Refusal to try again
  2. Regret about last time and determination for this time Correct answer.
  3. Confusion about the schedule
  4. Satisfaction with last time and doubt about this time

Explanation

아쉬웠다 expresses regret over a missed opportunity, while -아/어 보고 싶다 expresses a desire to try. The contrastive -는데 links the two attitudes across the two occasions.

Question 23Listening and responding

You hear a customer say: "주문한 지 한 시간이 넘었는데 아직 음식이 안 나왔어요." What is the customer doing?

  1. Praising the restaurant's speed
  2. Politely raising a delay with the order Correct answer.
  3. Offering to pay in advance
  4. Asking to change the menu

Explanation

The pattern -은 지 한 시간이 넘었는데 states that more than an hour has passed since ordering, and the -는데 ending softens the complaint while implying a request for action. 아직 ... 안 나왔어요 reports the food has still not arrived.

Question 24Listening and responding

A speaker says: "환경을 생각한다면 일회용품을 줄이는 게 바람직하겠지요." What is the speaker's stance?

  1. Questioning whether recycling works
  2. Defending the use of disposable products
  3. Supporting a reduction in disposable products Correct answer.
  4. Asking for proof about climate change

Explanation

The conditional -다면 sets up a premise about the environment, and 줄이는 게 바람직하다 evaluates reducing disposables as desirable. The tag -겠지요 invites the listener's agreement rather than expressing doubt.

Question 25Listening and responding

You hear: "그렇게 급하게 결정할 문제는 아닌 것 같아요." What is the speaker suggesting?

  1. The decision has already been made
  2. The decision must be made today
  3. The problem cannot be solved
  4. The decision should not be rushed Correct answer.

Explanation

The phrase 그렇게 급하게 means in such a hurry, and -는 아닌 것 같아요 softens the disagreement into an opinion. Together they advise slowing down rather than pushing for an immediate decision.

Question 26Listening and responding

A school announcement says: "내일 체육 행사는 비가 와도 실내 체육관에서 그대로 진행됩니다." What will happen tomorrow?

  1. The sports event will be cancelled because of rain.
  2. The sports event will be moved to next week.
  3. The sports event will be held indoors as planned. Correct answer.
  4. The sports event will take place outside if it is sunny.

Explanation

The phrase -아/어도 means 'even if', so the sentence states that even if it rains, the event continues in the indoor gym. The location is fixed as the gymnasium, not the outdoors.

Question 27Listening and responding

You hear: "이 약은 식사 후에 드시고, 하루에 세 번까지만 드세요." What is the instruction about the medicine?

  1. Take it with meals exactly twice a day.
  2. Take it only when pain becomes severe.
  3. Take it before meals up to three times a day.
  4. Take it after meals, no more than three times a day. Correct answer.

Explanation

The speaker uses -후에 (after) for timing and -까지만 (only up to) to set a maximum of three doses daily. Both details must match for an option to be correct.

Question 28Listening and responding

A recorded message says: "죄송합니다. 고객님께서 거신 전화는 지금 통화 중입니다. 잠시 후 다시 걸어 주십시오." What should the caller do?

  1. Visit the office in person.
  2. Wait on the line until connected.
  3. Leave a voice message after the tone.
  4. Call back a little later. Correct answer.

Explanation

The phrase 잠시 후 다시 걸어 주십시오 is a request to phone again shortly. The line is busy, so staying on hold is not what is asked.

Question 29Listening and responding

You hear a student say: "숙제를 끝내자마자 농구를 하러 나갔어요." When did the student play basketball?

  1. The next day after the homework
  2. While doing the homework
  3. Right after finishing the homework Correct answer.
  4. Before starting the homework

Explanation

The pattern -자마자 expresses that the second action happened immediately after the first. So basketball followed the completion of homework without delay.

Question 30Listening and responding

A weather presenter says: "오후 늦게부터 중부 지방에 눈이 내리기 시작하겠습니다." What is being reported?

  1. Snow beginning in the central region late in the afternoon. Correct answer.
  2. Clear skies in the central region all afternoon.
  3. Strong winds across the whole country after noon.
  4. Rain starting in the central region in the evening.

Explanation

The verb 내리다 with 눈 means snow falls, and 중부 지방 identifies the central region. The time marker 오후 늦게부터 sets the start as late afternoon.

Question 31Listening and responding

You hear: "저는 주말마다 등산을 하는데, 요즘은 날이 더워서 아침 일찍 갑니다." Why does the speaker go early these days?

  1. Because the mountain is crowded in the afternoon.
  2. Because the weather has become hot. Correct answer.
  3. Because the speaker has work in the afternoon.
  4. Because the trails close early in summer.

Explanation

The clause 날이 더워서 gives the reason: the weather is hot, so the speaker leaves early in the morning. The causal ending -아서/어서 links the heat directly to the early start.

Question 32Listening and responding

A librarian says: "이 책은 오늘은 대출이 안 되고, 내일부터 가능합니다." What does the librarian mean?

  1. The book will be removed from the shelf tomorrow.
  2. The book can be borrowed starting tomorrow. Correct answer.
  3. The book has already been borrowed by someone.
  4. The book must be read inside the library only.

Explanation

The contrast between 오늘은 안 되고 and 내일부터 가능합니다 shows borrowing is unavailable today but allowed from tomorrow. The word 대출 refers to borrowing library materials.

Question 33Listening and responding

You hear a friend say: "어제 영화를 보려고 했는데 표가 다 팔려서 못 봤어." What happened to the friend?

  1. The friend could not watch the film because tickets were sold out. Correct answer.
  2. The friend watched a different film instead.
  3. The friend decided not to go to the cinema.
  4. The friend forgot the time of the film.

Explanation

The ending -려고 했는데 signals an intended action that was not carried out, and the reason given is 표가 다 팔려서 (tickets were all sold). So the film was not seen because of sold-out tickets.

Question 34Listening and responding

A speaker says: "이번 주말 모임은 사람이 너무 많이 올 것 같아서 다음 주로 미뤘어요." Why was the meeting postponed?

  1. Because several members asked to cancel it.
  2. Because the venue was already booked.
  3. Because too many people were expected to come. Correct answer.
  4. Because the speaker will be away next week.

Explanation

The clause 사람이 너무 많이 올 것 같아서 supplies the reason: the speaker expected too many attendees, so the gathering was moved. The ending -것 같아서 marks the speaker's supposition as the cause.

Question 35Listening and responding

You hear a colleague say: "제가 대신 발표를 해 드릴까요?" What is the colleague doing?

  1. Refusing to give the presentation
  2. Asking the listener to present instead
  3. Asking whether the listener wants the presentation done on their behalf Correct answer.
  4. Complaining that the presentation was poorly prepared

Explanation

The pattern -아/어 드릴까요 offers to perform a service for the listener, and 대신 means 'instead'. So the colleague is offering to give the presentation in the listener's place.

Question 36Listening and responding

A speaker says: "작년에는 수영을 배웠는데, 올해는 요리를 배우고 있어요." What does this tell us about the speaker?

  1. The speaker has stopped all hobbies this year.
  2. The speaker teaches swimming and cooking.
  3. The speaker gave up cooking last year.
  4. The speaker is learning to cook this year. Correct answer.

Explanation

The contrast -는데 between last year and this year shows a change of activity, and -고 있어요 marks an ongoing action. Therefore the speaker is currently learning cooking.

Question 37Listening and responding

You hear: "그 식당은 맛은 있는데 값이 너무 비싸서 자주 가지는 못해요." What is the speaker's overall evaluation?

  1. The restaurant is too far to visit often.
  2. The restaurant is cheap and the food is excellent.
  3. The food is good but the high price limits visits. Correct answer.
  4. The food is bad but the price is reasonable.

Explanation

The structure 맛은 있는데...비싸서 sets up a contrast: taste is good, yet the price is high. The ending 자주 가지는 못해요 confirms that cost, not distance, prevents frequent visits.

Question 38Listening and responding

A speaker says: "친구가 계속 늦게 와서 이번에는 제가 먼저 가겠다고 했어요." What did the speaker do?

  1. Cancelled the meeting without telling the friend
  2. Apologised for arriving late
  3. Told the friend that the speaker would leave first Correct answer.
  4. Decided to wait longer for the friend

Explanation

The quoted form -겠다고 했어요 reports what the speaker said: that they would go first. The repeated lateness of the friend is the reason for this decision.

Question 39Listening and responding

You hear: "이번 행사는 신청한 사람에 한해서만 참가할 수 있습니다." What does this mean?

  1. People who applied must pay an extra fee.
  2. Applicants may bring one guest each.
  3. Anyone may join the event without applying.
  4. Only people who have applied may take part. Correct answer.

Explanation

The pattern -에 한해서만 restricts the scope to a specific group, here 신청한 사람 (those who applied). So participation is limited to applicants.

Question 40Listening and responding

A teacher says: "보고서는 다음 주 금요일까지 내되, 분량은 다섯 장을 넘지 않게 하세요." What are the requirements?

  1. Submit this Friday with at least five pages.
  2. Submit by next Friday with no more than five pages. Correct answer.
  3. Submit whenever ready, with no length limit.
  4. Submit by next Friday with exactly ten pages.

Explanation

The ending -까지 sets next Friday as the deadline, and -지 않게 하세요 expresses a maximum limit. Together they mean the report is due by next Friday and must not exceed five pages.

Question 41Listening and responding

You hear: "그 사람이 화가 난 것 같아서 아무 말도 안 했어요." Why did the speaker say nothing?

  1. Because the other person asked for silence
  2. Because the speaker did not hear the question
  3. Because the other person seemed angry Correct answer.
  4. Because the speaker was too busy to talk

Explanation

The clause 화가 난 것 같아서 gives the speaker's inference as the reason for silence. The pattern -것 같아서 marks a judgement based on observation, not a direct statement by the other person.

Question 42Listening and responding

A speaker says: "작년에 이사 온 이후로 이 동네 사람들과는 한 번도 이야기해 본 적이 없어요." What is the speaker saying?

  1. The speaker has never spoken with the neighbours since moving last year. Correct answer.
  2. The speaker has often met the neighbours since moving.
  3. The speaker moved here only recently and has many friends.
  4. The speaker plans to move to another neighbourhood.

Explanation

The pattern -은 이후로 means 'since', and -아/어 본 적이 없어요 expresses lack of experience. Combined with 한 번도, the sentence says the speaker has not once talked with local people since last year's move.

Question 43Listening and responding

You hear a guide say: "전시장 안에서는 음식물을 반입할 수 없으니 밖에서 드시기 바랍니다." What are visitors asked to do?

  1. Buy food inside the exhibition hall
  2. Leave all bags at the entrance
  3. Eat food only outside the exhibition hall Correct answer.
  4. Finish eating before buying a ticket

Explanation

The prohibition 반입할 수 없 (cannot bring in) is followed by the instruction to eat outside. The connective -으니 links the rule to the requested action.

Question 44Listening and responding

A speaker says: "친구는 제가 힘들 때마다 조언보다는 그냥 들어 주는 편이 좋다고 했어요." What does the friend prefer?

  1. Avoiding conversation during hard times
  2. Listening without offering advice Correct answer.
  3. Giving practical advice every time
  4. Changing the subject to something cheerful

Explanation

The structure 조언보다는...들어 주는 편이 좋다 contrasts advice with listening and favours listening. The pattern -보다는 marks the rejected alternative, so the friend values being heard rather than advised.

Question 45Listening and responding

You hear: "지금 출발하면 약속 시간에 겨우 맞을 것 같아요." What does the speaker expect?

  1. Arriving just in time if they leave now Correct answer.
  2. Missing the appointment completely
  3. Arriving comfortably early for the appointment
  4. Being slightly late for the appointment

Explanation

The adverb 겨우 here means 'barely' or 'just', and -ㄹ 것 같아요 expresses the speaker's expectation. Leaving now is therefore expected to result in arriving just on time, with no margin.

Question 46Listening and responding

A speaker says: "그 회사는 처음에는 작았지만 지금은 직원이 오백 명이 넘는 큰 기업이 되었어요." What is described?

  1. A company that has always been large
  2. A company that has recently reduced its staff
  3. A small company that closed down
  4. A company that has grown greatly in size Correct answer.

Explanation

The contrast 처음에는 작았지만 with 지금은...넘는 큰 기업 shows growth over time, and 넘다 means 'to exceed'. The sentence traces a change from small to large.

Question 47Listening and responding

You hear a lecturer say: "이 이론은 널리 받아들여지고 있지만, 반대 증거도 적지 않다는 점을 기억해야 합니다." What is the lecturer emphasising?

  1. The theory has no supporters among scholars.
  2. The theory is accepted but still contested by evidence. Correct answer.
  3. The theory has been completely disproved.
  4. The theory is too new to be evaluated.

Explanation

The concessive -지만 acknowledges wide acceptance while introducing a caveat, and 적지 않다 is a double negative meaning 'considerable'. The lecturer therefore stresses that contrary evidence is substantial despite the theory's popularity.

Question 48Listening and responding

A speaker says: "경제가 좋아졌다고는 하지만, 체감 경기는 여전히 어렵다는 사람이 많습니다." What contrast is being drawn?

  1. Between this year's and last year's tax policies
  2. Between large and small businesses' profits
  3. Between official economic indicators and people's felt experience Correct answer.
  4. Between urban and rural employment rates

Explanation

The quoted -다고는 하지만 concedes the reported improvement while contrasting it with 체감 경기, the economy as people feel it. The sentence opposes statistics to lived perception, not different regions or policies.

Question 49Listening and responding

You hear: "그 제안은 좋긴 한데, 예산 문제를 어떻게 풀지가 관건이에요." What is the speaker's point?

  1. The proposal is good, but solving the budget is the key issue. Correct answer.
  2. The budget matters less than the proposal's design.
  3. The proposal is acceptable and the budget is already settled.
  4. The proposal should be rejected because of its cost.

Explanation

The structure -긴 한데 concedes merit while raising a concern, and 관건 means 'the crux'. The speaker therefore approves of the idea in principle but identifies budget resolution as the decisive problem.

Question 50Listening and responding

A speaker says: "처음엔 실수투성이였는데, 지금은 스스로 알아서 척척 해내더라고요." What change is described?

  1. The person became less willing to work independently.
  2. The person improved from making many mistakes to working independently. Correct answer.
  3. The person made the same mistake repeatedly until now.
  4. The person needed more help as time went on.

Explanation

실수투성이 means 'full of mistakes', and 알아서 척척 해내다 describes handling things smoothly on one's own. The -는데 contrast marks a clear development from early incompetence to self-reliance.