Question 1

A1 Module  -  Beginners

Accepted Answer

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Our Level A1 is the start point for adult students (+16 years old) who had never studied Portuguese before.   
 
No previous knowledge is necessary and it doesn't matter whether you are a seasoned language learner or if this will be the first time you are taking a language course as an adult. 
 
During the course, you will have a Classbook (where most of the classroom work will focus on) and a Workbook (for your homework taks).  This can be bought as a pack and I will send all the details to you once you complete your registration.  It's also a good idea to have a notebook just for the course and a pack of record cards.  
 
In a glance, the course will equip you with three essential tenses (present, past and future) so you can start to interact in Portuguese in a number of topics related to your experiences in Portugal. You will be still conducting small talk in a simple way, but this is a fantastic kick-start !
 
By the end of the first module, you will be able to:

- say where you live, introduce people, talk about possesions, express likes and dislikes.
- describe people and places;
- locate objects , places and people;
- understand menus and place orders in restaurants;
- understand prices and use numbers effectively;
- interact with shop attendants;
- speak about your routine;
- make plans for the future;
- make and reply to invitations;
- understand and give instructions;
- speak about past events
 
and much more!
 
(credit for image: Technology vector created by freepik - www.freepik.com)('https://www.freepik.com/vectors/technology')

Question 2

A2 Module

Accepted Answer

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This is the second module of the Complete Portuguese Course. 
 
Students starting this module are beginning to be able to function in social situations.  They can make simple transactions in shops, post offices or banks; get simple information about travel; use public transport, ask for basic information, ask and give directions, and buy tickets.   
 
Throughout the module, students will learn how to:
 
- Describe events, people and settings related to the past;
- Understand instructions from a variety of services related to the day-to-day activities;
- Understand and express opinions about Portuguese TV and Radio programs and compare them to those from their home country;
- Tell the main events of a story, film, book etc;
- Consolidate the way they describe the weather and discuss consequences deriving from extreme weather events;
- Express predictions for the future, ask questions expressing doubts;
- Express and defend points of view;
- Describe results of opinion polls;
- Report on what has been said;
- Speak about activities that they have been conducting for a while back;
- Understand articles from different written media styles (newspapers, blogs, magazines etc),   
Among many other practical skills!

A2 Module is the last level before moving on to an intermediate level of fluency.

By the end of this module, students will have been exposed to all indicative tenses (present, past, future etc) and the imperative mode.  Hence, students who successfully completes this module may be invited by the teacher to prepare for the CIPLE exam (CAPLE) or to register for the Portuguese GCSE.     
 
This module tipically takes between 36 - 45 hours of guided instruction.

Question 3

B1 Module - Intermediate Level

Accepted Answer

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This is the first module of the Intermediate level.
Students starting this module have already been exposed to all verb tenses in the Indicative Mode (Present, Preterits, Future etc) and are ready to move on to the Subjunctive Mode so they are able to describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
 
By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate that they can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. 
 
The Roadmap: 
 
Throughout the module, students will improve their ability to express the main point they want to make comprehensibly and keep going comprehensibly, even though they may have to pause for grammatical and lexical planning and repair, especially in longer stretches of free production.

Moreover, They will learn how to cope flexibly with problems in everyday life, for example coping with less routine situations on public transport; dealing with most situations likely to arise when making travel arrangements through an agent or when actually travelling; entering unprepared into conversations on familiar topics.

What is included?

Describing wishes, opinion, agreement
Expressing opinions
Expressing agreement/ disagreement
Talking about films and books
Initiating and closing conversation
Checking understanding
Managing interaction (interrupting, changing topic, resuming or continuing)

At level B1 students are able to maintain interaction and get across what they want to express in a range of contexts.   They can also follow the main points of extended discussion around them, provided that speech is clearly articulated in standard dialect.

Question 4

B2 Module

Accepted Answer

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B2 Module has a focus on effective argument. 
 
On the road to fluency! 
 
This module is aimed at an adult audience that intends to deepen and improve their knowledge of the Portuguese language, expanding the lexicon and mastery of certain grammatical and discursive uses and constructions of greater complexity.
 
This module addresses diverse and current topics that serve as a starting point for reading and understanding a variety of authentic texts and for developing oral expression.

Students will further develop their language skills through: 
A. Texts, Contexts and Pretexts;
B. Grammar and Vocabulary;
C. Spelling and Pronunciation;
D. Written Production;
E. Communicative tasks.
 
At the B2 level, students should be able to understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialisation.  They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. 
 
Students who successfully complete this module may advance to the last stages of the Portuguese Complete Course and, if invited by the teacher, start preparing for higher CAPLE certificates and English A-Level examination.

Question 5

C1 Module  - Advanced Level

Accepted Answer

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Students at C modules 1 and 2 have good access to a broad range of language, which allows fluent, spontaneous and almost effortless communication.
 
They can produce clear, smooth‑flowing, wellstructured speech, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.

In this module, students will consolidate the following:

Expressing attitudes and feelings precisely
Expressing certainty, probability, doubt
Synthesizing, evaluating, glossing information
Speculating and hypothesising about causes, consequences etc.
Expressing opinions tentatively, hedging Expressing shades of opinion and certainty Expressing reaction, e.g. indifference Critiquing and reviewing
Developing an argument systematically
Conceding a point
Emphasizing a point, feeling, issue
Defending a point of view persuasively
Responding to counterarguments
Discourse Markers Markers to structure and signpost informal speech and writing Markers to structure and signpost formal speech and writing – especially logic markers

Question 6

C2 Module

Accepted Answer

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At the C2 Module, students can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.They can demonstrate a degree of precision, appropriateness and ease with the language which typifies the speech of those who have been highly successful learners.
They can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation and are able to express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
 
No matter how competent a language may be, it is always necessary to reflect on it, exercise it, because language is something alive and its knowledge depends on many factors, including the different way in which each speaker understands it and uses.
The C2 Module allows the improvement of the same in several aspects, especially for a better understanding and clarification of subtleties of Portuguese.

The module is divided into three parts:
1st part: idioms and proverbs
2nd part: verbal rules
3rd part: grammatical structures and contextualization

Why proficient speakers should take this course?

1.  The decoding of idioms and proverbs will allow a deeper knowledge not only of the Portuguese language, but also of the culture of the Portuguese people.

2.   With the practice of the exercises, the learner will be able to use the Portuguese language correctly, either in oral form or in writing.i

3.   The learner will improve his/her understanding of issues of daily and current life in the Portuguese-speaking world through a selection of texts / audios and videos intended for the development of Portuguese as a foreign language, second language and non-native language for students who already know the language

Students studying C2 Module may also start preparing to take the exams of the CAPLE highest certificates and A-Level.

Question 7

When will the CRASH COURSE start?

Accepted Answer

The course will begin on the 8th September  2025, and lessons will run every Monday, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

The course comprises 24 lessons and the exact end date will be confirmed further into the course, when the Christmas break calendar is released.

Check the special page for the Portuguese Beginners Crash Course (https://www.portugueseondemand.co.uk/adult-beginners-courses)for more info

Question 8

Where will the lesson take place?

Accepted Answer

The Beginners Course is delivered in our classroom, in the address below: 
 
The Methodist Church
Emanuel Road
Langdon Hills, Essex
SS16 6EX
You can find a map with the location in the contact page (https://www.portugueseondemand.co.uk/contact)of this website.

Question 9

Do I need any previous knowledge of Portuguese language to join?

Accepted Answer

Not at all, this is a course designed to cater for adult students without any previous knowledge of the language.  
 
You will learn the foundation so the language without the commitment to study it as a full course.   Should you wish to continue your study, then you will be recommended to join the A1 course.

Question 10

It's been a long time since I've left school, will I be able to follow the course? "

Accepted Answer

The course is designed to teach the foundations of Portuguese language to adult students who have no prior knowledge of language study, who wish to try a different laguage for whatever reasons they may have.  
 
Lessons are well paced, according to the group characteristics and student support help is offered via e-mail or telephone to those who wish to obtain extra explanations and help outside the classroom.

Portuguese on Demand works under a strict policy of "no student left behind" and offers many different learning tools to suit many learning styles.   It doesn't matter if you are 20 or 70 years old, you won't be left behind.   My credentials as a language teacher is the satisfaction of my current and past students.   Many of whom have started studying Portuguese at a senior age and had no other language skills apart from English.

Question 11

What is the coursebook like?

Accepted Answer

The book is published by Lidel Editora Técnica, a reputable publisher in Portugal specialised in technical and teaching books.  
 
It brings free downloadable audio tracks accompanying the dialogues which students can play in their mobiles or computers, making it easier to study on the go. 
 
This is not a phrase book or a "listen and repeat" material.  The coursebook covers the four abilities: reading, writing, listening and speaking and it is in full colour.  It brings, dialogues, texts, exercises,  games, role-play activities, glossary (in 4 languages), revision sheets and a fact-sheet explaining some cultural differences influencing the language learned in class.  
 
It has 5 units and each unit may be covered in 4-5 lessons, giving enough time for the teacher to consolidate the content before moving on to the next unit.

Question 12

What will the lessons be like?

Accepted Answer

Lessons will run for 60 minutes and are typically organised in this way:

First 15 minutes: checking of homework/commentary
40 minutes:  introduction of new content and practice
Final minutes: explanation of homework assignment

During the initial lessons, students usually spend more time taking in information and making sense of the language (pronunciation, construction, intonation, cultural aspects etc) than actually making sentences - this happens because I believe adult students need to have a solid foundation of the content they are being exposed to before they feel confident to produce what they've learned.

However, as we progress into the second unit of the book, this "input" time progressively diminishes and gives way to more practice, with special attention to speaking and listening.

Some lessons will focus on exposure to the language rather than production, other lessons will focus more on the oral practice of the content.   Some lessons will deal with oral drills to consolidate structure, others will allow free speaking.   It all depends on the group's needs and the content being studied.

One thing I can garantee:  you won't feel bored.  :)

Question 13

Do I need to study in-between lessons? - Home Assignments

Accepted Answer

At the end of every lesson, I will assign a short, simple task to be completed for the following session.   Students are expected to work with the language independently for at least  1 hour per week, outside their lessons.  This can be translated into spending some minutes revising content using our paper or eletronic flashcards, watching films, working with Portuguese supermarket brochures, magazines etc. 
This extra study time helps to ensure students retain the content seen in the lesson and return to the classroom feeling more confident and in control of what they have achieved.

Question 14

Will there be a test at the end of the course?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there will be a short, non-compulsory, multiple choice style test at the end of the course.  
 
This test is by no means designed to punish students or add pressure, it is simply a final task to help measure how much they have achieved and which aspects of the course content need to be revised should they wish to continue their journey and enrol in the first level of our regular courses.   
Students will receive a certificate of completion provided they have at least 80% of attendance.

Question 15

Is learning Portuguese difficult?

Accepted Answer

Most students enrol in the course because they have family ties with Portuguese people, or they have a holiday home in that country - or plan to retire in there or like to travel to the country often.   So they come to the course with a lot of interest in the language and motivated to learn.  This makes the whole process much easier as they grow in the language. 
 
The course will cover basic structures of language and simple oral exchanges with vocabulary matching the students' realities and communication needs.
Grammar wise, the course will cover the present tense and the future expression, basic prepositions, questions and answers and some basic expressions. 
 
The progression is paced according to the overal abilities of the members of the group and is made in a logycal order: from the most basic to the more complex.  
 
Students usually are surprised when they realise how much they have achieved by the end of the course.  Since the presentation of content is measured and delivered in systematic building blocks, lesson after lesson, students do not feel overhelmed.

Question 16

What happens if I miss any lesson due to sickness or holidays?

Accepted Answer

As this is a group course, unfortunately catch-up lessons are only available upon payment of a fee.   However, the teacher will let you know what aspets of the lesson you can cover on your own if you give plenty of notice of your planned absence.  In case of unplanned absence, the teacher will send you an e-mail with a summary of the lesson and the task you need to complete for the following session.   Should the student require one to one assistance, private sessions are charged at £28 per hour.  
Please, check the T&C for more information.

Question 17

How do I enrol in the September 2025 CRASH COURSE?

Accepted Answer

Please, kindly fill in the form on the Beginners Portuguese Crash Course (https://www.portugueseondemand.co.uk/adult-beginners-courses)page, and proceed with the payment of the enrolment fee.   
 
Once you submit your details and your payment reaches us, you will receive a confirmation e-mail and your name will be added to the group.

Monthly invoices for the tuition payments will be sent via e-mail.

Question 18

How long does it take to complete a regular course from scratch?

Accepted Answer

This will depend on the following aspects:
a) the length of time students spare to dedicate to the course OUTSIDE their lessons on a weekly basis;
b) the frequency of the lessons;
c) previous language learning experience;

d) the student's attitude towards the language 
Students who spend more hours in contact with the language outside their lessons usually perform better and advance quicker through the 6 stages.   Students who are fluent in another language (other than their own) also tend to navigate through the levels more easily.

On average, a (dedicated, interested) newcommer to language learning will spend approximately 32-36 hours on the first stage.

Question 19

Can I study with my family in a private group?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but note that groups can only be formed if:

- all participants are in the same level AND
- all participants are adult students (over16 yrs)

Children can only study together if:
- They are in the same level  AND
- Their age difference is no greater than 2 years.

Learning is a cognitive process that happens differently in adults and children.  
The method and techniques used to teach a 10 year-old are not the same ones applied in lessons with adults.  In children, age plays an important role, as the brains mature as they grow.  A 9 year old child cannot perform the same cognitive functions a 12 year old is able to.

When teaching different age groups, different methodologies (and objectives) need to be assessed.   Hence, for the sake of everyone's learning experience and enjoyment, I don't work with mixed age groups (adults and children).

Question 20

Can I have lessons in my residence or office?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, I don't teach outside my classroom in Essex.  
You can book online lessons if you cannot come to the classroom.

Question 21

Do you offer beginners courses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. teaching beginners courses is my passion!  You don't need to have any previous knowledge, just motivation and a positive attitude towards your learning.

Question 22

Do you offer courses for all levels?

Accepted Answer

Yes, from the very beginner to the higher, advanced levels.

Question 23

Do you teach European Portuguese or Brazilian Portuguese?

Accepted Answer

I have been teaching both Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese in England since 2006.   However, my experience teaching these two wonderful varieties spans over 23 years! I was brought up, worked and lived in the two varieties, having spent significant time living in Brazil and Portugal.   It doesn't matter which type of Portuguese you wish to learn, I speak, read and write in both varieties fluently.

Question 24

I've never studied languages before, can I still join a course?"

Accepted Answer

I will be very happy to welcome you in the beginners course.   You don't need to have any previous knowledge or special skills to learn a language.  You need to have motivation and time available for your lessons and independent study at home.

Question 25

Do you offer a placement test for no beginners?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you have previous knowledge or experience with the language, I will ask you to sit an informal and brief placement test, so that we can find out what course is best for you.  This placement test can be taken either online or in the classroom.

Question 26

Will I have a coursebook?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and the course materials usually comprises of classbook, homework book and a notebook.  All these materials can be bought online.

Question 27

Do you offer private group courses for adults?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided all participants  belong to the same level.

Question 28

When can I have my lessons?

Accepted Answer

You can book your lessons any day and time within my working hours.  I deliver lessons from Mondays to Thursdays between 1.30pm and 8.30pm  and Fridays between 11am and 4.30pm.

You can start your course once you register, agree on a timetable and pay for the lessons you plan to have on the month you wish to start your study.

Question 29

How often are the lessons?

Accepted Answer

Students usuallly have weekly lessons, but you can book as many lessons per week as you need.   A minimum of two lessons per month applies.

Question 30

Do you offer online tuition?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I am happy to offer all my courses via internet or in person, in my classroom, in Essex.

Question 31

Are the online lessons 'live' with a teacher?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all my online courses happen with the presence of both teacher and student, via skype or zoom

Question 32

How do students and teachers connect?

Accepted Answer

We use SKYPE or ZOOM , all information regarding SKYPE or ZOOM installation and set up is sent to the student upon registration.

Question 33

What equipment do I need to have for online lessons?

Accepted Answer

You will need to have the following:
- a computer (laptop, desktop, tablet) connected to the internet.
- a good internet connection.
- a headphone (microphone and ear phones)
- a camera

Question 34

I don't have a camera, can I still enrol on an online course?"

Accepted Answer

It is important to have a camera connected to your computer, so the teacher can see you.  
Being able to see students is a fundamental aspect not only for online tuition, but for classroom lessons.  You can find cheap cameras online and nowadays they are very easy to install.

Question 35

Can I study online with my partner ?

Accepted Answer

Yes. However, make sure  you have the following:

* a reasonably big screen so both of you can see the teacher and the 'whiteboard'.

* a Headphone Y Splitter, so both of you can listen to the teacher with a better sound quality.
(you find these types of splitters in Amazon o(https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mobi-Lock-Earphone-Headset-Splitter/dp/B01CEZJHKC/ref=asc_df_B01CEZJHKC/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309964054975&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10944070993593928218&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006603&hvtargid=aud-543776533562:pla-592922917884&psc=1)r any other specialised shops. (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mobi-Lock-Earphone-Headset-Splitter/dp/B01CEZJHKC/ref=asc_df_B01CEZJHKC/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309964054975&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10944070993593928218&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006603&hvtargid=aud-543776533562:pla-592922917884&psc=1)
 
Also, you need to buy your individual coursebooks.

Question 36

Are courses delivered online the same as those held in the classroom?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  Courses delivered online and in the classroom follow the same program, the same books and have the same pace.

Question 37

Can I study for GCSE , A-Level or CAPLE exams online?"

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can study all our courses online.

Question 38

How much does the course cost?

Accepted Answer

For information about prices, please check our page here.(javascript:void(0))

Question 39

When does the course start?

Accepted Answer

At the moment, I only offer teen courses for private students, so you can start your course anytime of the year you wish.

Question 40

Where are the lessons delivered?

Accepted Answer

Students can have their lessons online or in the classroom, or even both, by mixing online and face-to-face meetings to suit their needs.

Question 41

Do you offer discounts for siblings studying together?

Accepted Answer

The reduced price for 2 persons from the same family only applies when students are taking the course together, on the same calendar slot.

Question 42

Can my children study together?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if they belong to same level AND if the age difference between them is not significant. 
THis is because the coursebooks and teaching approach changes considerably according to the age group I am teaching.  
E.g., 10 year old children have different interests and learn in a different way when compared to 14 year old teens.  Books and the classroom technique changes to accommodate these differences.

Question 43

What is your availability?  Can I reserve a fixed slot every week?

Accepted Answer

Children and teenager lessons are scheduled on a fixed day of the week and time, that is, parents tell me what their availability is and I will try my best to accommodate that within my working hours.  Any changes are negotiated, if necessary.   
My working hours are stated in the CONTACT PAGE ((javascript:void(0))bottom of the page).

Question 44

Where can I buy the coursebooks?

Accepted Answer

Coursebooks for the Portuguese Young Teens courses are available in specialised bookstores and also on Amazon and E-bay.  All details are sent to the parent upon registration.

Question 45

What video-calling app do you use - for online lessons?

Accepted Answer

I use either SKYPE or ZOOM.

Question 46

My child already understands a bit of Portuguese.  Should she/he start at A1?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how much the child can already produce in Portuguese language.  If necessary, I can run a placement test to find out which of our courses fits better with your child.  We can discuss this further via e-mail.

Question 47

Can parents attend the lesson?

Accepted Answer

Only if they are also learning the language and tuition fees will be adjusted accordingly.

Question 48

My child is 15, can he/she take this course?"

Accepted Answer

Sure!  Fifteen year olds are welcome in the course.  
They start at Level 1 and, if they wish, when they finish the first level, they can switch to a 'young adult' course once they turn 16 - although most prefer to carry on studying with the same book series as it is very engaging.

Question 49

Will my child be able to sit the Portuguese GCSE once she/he completes the level 3?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how well your child does throughout the course and the final assessment.  
If I believe the child is ready for the GCSE, then I will invite her/him to join a Portuguese GCSE preparation course.   You can find out more in here.(javascript:void(0))

Question 50

How do I enrol my child?

Accepted Answer

Please fill in the contact form located in CONTACT p(javascript:void(0))age.  
I will get back to you to proceed with the registration asap.

Question 51

Can you help me find a centre ?

Question 52

Do you offer the course and the Exam?

Question 53

I am an adult student, can I still take the GCSE or A-Level?

Question 54

Can I take the Potuguese GCSE or A-Level examinations with you?

Question 55

How much is the Portuguese GCSE or A-Level examinations?

Question 56

How can I find out whether I am ready or not for a GCSE A-Level exam?

Question 57

What is the Portuguese GCSE exam like?

Question 58

Portuguese GCSE Tiers - How do they work?

Question 59

Portuguese GCSE Exam Registration

Question 60

GCSE Portuguese Paper 1: Listening and understanding in Portuguese

Question 61

GCSE Portuguese Paper 2: Speaking in Portuguese

Question 62

GCSE Portuguese Paper 3: Reading and understanding in Portuguese

Question 63

GCSE Portuguese Paper 4: Writing in Portuguese

Question 64

Portuguese GCSE Preparation Course: delivery

A1 Module - Beginners