Getting familiar with the UBT-style practice interface

The UBT-style practice interface on this site lets you answer Korean questions on a screen, in a way that is similar to a computer-based test. You choose an answer for each question, move between questions with a numbered list, flag questions to check later, watch a timer and play listening audio with a button. This guide walks through each part of the screen so that it feels familiar before you practise. The interface at an official test centre may look and work differently, so on test day always follow the instructions you are given there.

Learning mode and timed mode

You can take each practice set in one of two modes.

Learning mode is for study, without time pressure. You can play listening audio as many times as you need. Use it when you meet a new topic or a new type of question.

Timed mode is closer to test conditions. A timer counts down, and each listening clip can only be played a limited number of times. Use it when you want to check your speed and focus.

A good order is learning mode first, then timed mode a few days later.

The main parts of the screen

Question area

Each question shows a short English instruction, the Korean question and four answer options. Some questions also include a sign, a short notice or a passage. Click or tap an option to choose it. You can change your answer at any time before you submit.

Question navigation list

A numbered list shows every question in the set. Select a number to go straight to that question. This is useful when you skip a question and want to come back to it later. Some practice sets may not allow you to go back to earlier questions, so read the instructions at the start of each set.

Answered and unanswered markers

The navigation list shows which questions you have answered and which are still empty. Look at the list before you submit. Every empty question is a question you cannot score on.

Flag for review

If you are not sure about an answer, choose your best option and then use Flag for review. The question is marked in the navigation list, so you can find it quickly later. Flagging does not change your answer. A flagged question with no answer still counts as unanswered.

Timer

In timed mode, the timer shows how much time is left. Check it at fixed points, for example after every five questions, rather than all the time. Our article on managing time in timed practice shows how to plan your pace.

Audio play button and play counter

Listening questions have a play button. In learning mode, you can replay the audio as often as you like. In timed mode, a play counter shows how many plays you have left for that clip, so read the answer options before you press play.

Some listening questions may use a synthetic (computer-generated) Korean voice until a recorded version is ready. The screen labels these clips.

Before any listening practice, take two minutes to check your headphones so that you do not waste a play.

Submit and confirmation

When you finish, press Submit. A confirmation message appears. If any questions are unanswered, it warns you. You can go back and answer them, or confirm and submit. After you confirm, you cannot change your answers.

After you submit: answer review

The review screen shows your result and every question with:

• your answer and the correct answer
• an English explanation of why the correct answer is right and why a likely wrong option is wrong
• for listening questions, the Korean transcript and an English translation

The translation appears only in review, not while you are answering. Treat the review screen as a lesson, not just a score. Our guide on how to review a mock test effectively gives a step-by-step method.

Your first practice run

Try this short walk-through to learn the interface:

1. Open the EPS mixed practice set and choose learning mode.
2. Answer the first question. Then change your answer, to see how choosing works.
3. Flag one question and find it again in the navigation list.
4. Skip one question on purpose.
5. When you reach a listening question, play the audio and adjust your volume.
6. Press Submit and read the warning about the unanswered question.
7. Go back, answer that question, and submit again.
8. On the review screen, read the explanation for every question.

After this run, you will know where everything is. Next time you can focus on the Korean.

The practice interface and the official test

The practice interface is designed to help you get used to answering on a screen. It is not a copy of any official system. At the official test, the layout, the buttons, the way audio is played and the rules for moving between questions may all be different. Listen to the staff, read the on-screen instructions, and check the official notice for your country on the EPS official portal.

What carries over from practice is general skill: reading Korean on a screen, keeping track of time and staying focused with headphones on.

Next step

Visit the UBT practice page for an overview of the practice sets. Then take the EPS mixed practice set in learning mode, using the walk-through above.