Begin Your Journey with WALC: The Portuguese A1, A2 Course for Beginners
The Portuguese A1 and A2 course is an ideal starting point for beginners eager to learn the Portuguese language. As the first level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), A1 establishes foundational language proficiency standards. The A2 level builds upon the A1 foundation and introduces more complex sentences and structures for effective communication in routine tasks. This course introduces basic Portuguese vocabulary, grammar, and sentences essential for everyday communication. You’ll explore topics such as introductions, essential phrases, numbers, and common expressions. By completing the A1 A2 Levels, you’ll gain the ability to understand and convey simple ideas, and even engage in basic conversations with native speakers.
A1 Level – Beginner (Breakthrough)
The A1 level focuses on introducing learners to basic language skills, essential vocabulary, and simple communication in everyday situations.
Listening:
- Understanding familiar words and basic phrases related to oneself, family, and immediate surroundings.
- Following slow and clear speech in everyday contexts (e.g., shopping, introducing oneself).
Speaking:
- Introducing oneself and asking simple personal questions (name, age, nationality).
- Engaging in basic conversations on familiar topics (family, hobbies).
- Using simple phrases to describe everyday life, people, and places.
Reading:
- Understanding short texts like signs, menus, and simple advertisements.
- Recognizing familiar words and phrases in basic written texts (greetings, instructions).
Writing:
- Writing simple notes, messages, and postcards.
- Filling in forms with personal details like name, address, and nationality.
Grammar:
- Basic sentence structure (subject-verb-object).
- Present tense of regular verbs.
- Basic prepositions (e.g., in, on, at).
- Articles (definite/indefinite).
- Pronouns (personal and possessive).
Vocabulary:
- Common phrases and expressions for greetings, introductions, and goodbyes.
- Numbers, dates, days of the week, and months.
- Vocabulary related to food, family, colors, professions, and hobbies.
A2 Level – Elementary (Waystage)
The A2 level builds upon the A1 foundation and introduces more complex sentences and structures for effective communication in routine tasks.
Listening:
- Understanding phrases and expressions related to areas of immediate relevance (e.g., shopping, work, travel).
- Following clear speech in slow and standard dialogue about familiar topics (e.g., weather, ordering food).
Speaking:
- Participating in simple conversations about everyday activities, preferences, and needs.
- Expressing opinions on familiar matters like daily routines and personal experiences.
- Describing plans, locations, and people in more detail.
Reading:
- Reading short texts, such as emails, personal letters, and social media posts.
- Understanding simple descriptions of events, directions, and public announcements.
Writing:
- Writing short, simple notes, messages, and informal letters.
- Describing personal experiences, plans, and routines in writing.
Grammar:
- Present and past tense (regular and irregular verbs).
- Basic conjunctions (and, but, because).
- Comparative and superlative adjectives.
- Reflexive verbs (e.g., levantar-se, vestir-se).
- Introduction to future tense (e.g., using “ir + infinitive”).
Vocabulary:
- Expanding vocabulary related to food, shopping, transportation, and travel.
- More complex vocabulary for describing emotions, preferences, and personal experiences.
- Time expressions (e.g., yesterday, today, next week).
Cultural Insights:
- Introduction to Portuguese-speaking countries and their cultures.
- Basic etiquette and social norms in Portugal and Brazil.
- Exposure to traditional music, food, festivals, and holidays.
Assessments:
- Listening and speaking tasks (interviews, role-playing).
- Reading comprehension exercises.
- Writing tasks (personal emails, short essays).
- Vocabulary and grammar quizzes.
This curriculum prepares students for the A1 and A2 certification exams, focusing on practical usage and communication in Portuguese.
