Passing the A2 Portuguese Exam.
A2 Portuguese Exam
General Information
Q: Where and when can I take the A2 Portuguese exam?
A: The exam is typically held at institutions like Lisbon University. Exams are scheduled throughout the year, but slots can fill up quickly. It's advisable to check available dates well in advance.
Q: How long does the exam take?
A: The exam is a full-day process, divided into several parts:
1. Reading comprehension and writing (75 minutes)
2. 30-minute break
3. Listening comprehension (30 minutes)
4. Lunch break
5. Oral exam (approximately 15 minutes per pair of candidates)
Q: How many people take the exam at once?
A: While there may be hundreds of people taking the exam on a given day, you'll be placed in smaller rooms with about 20-30 people for the written and listening portions. The oral exam is conducted in pairs.
Exam Content
Q: What are the main sections of the A2 Portuguese exam?
A: The exam consists of four main sections:
1. Reading comprehension
2. Writing
3. Listening comprehension
4. Oral exam
Q: What should I expect in the reading comprehension section?
A: This section involves reading short passages and answering multiple-choice questions. Some questions may seem ambiguous, so careful reading is essential.
Q: What does the writing section involve?
A: The writing section typically includes two tasks:
1. Writing instructions (e.g., how to cook a favorite recipe)
2. Writing a letter (e.g., describing a hotel experience to a friend)
Q: What is the format of the listening comprehension section?
A: This section involves listening to recordings twice and answering multiple-choice questions. The recordings are often fast-paced with background noise, making comprehension challenging.
Q: How is the oral exam conducted?
A: The oral exam is done in pairs. An examiner will ask questions and show pictures for you to describe. You'll need to discuss what people are doing in the images, focusing on actions and appearances.
Preparation and Tips
Q: How can I best prepare for the writing section?
A: Focus on mastering three key tenses: imperative, imperfect, and past participle. These are crucial for completing the writing tasks effectively.
Q: Any tips for the listening comprehension section?
A: Practice listening to fast-paced Portuguese with background noise. This section is often considered the most challenging, so extensive practice is recommended.
Q: How difficult is the exam overall?
A: Many test-takers, including native Spanish speakers, find the exam challenging. Some feel it's closer to a B1 level than A2. Thorough preparation is key.
Q: What's the passing score for the exam?
A: The passing mark is 55%. Scores between 55% and 69% are considered "sufficient."
After the Exam
Q: When will I receive my exam results?
A: Results typically come out about 1.5 months after the exam date.
Q: When can I collect my certificate?
A: You can usually collect your CIPLE certificate (if you pass) about 1 month after the results are released.
Q: Are there alternatives to taking the A2 exam?
A: Yes, you can consider:
1. Taking a certified Portuguese course at a university (200 hours each for A1 and A2)
2. Opting for an online A1 + A2 course (typically 150 hours)
Remember, university courses still require passing an exam with 55%, while online courses usually require 90% attendance for certification.
Additional Advice
- Don't write your name anywhere on the exam paper, even in the letter writing section.
- Manage your time wisely, especially in the writing section.
- If you don't pass, be aware that scheduling another exam immediately may be challenging due to limited availability.
- Many exam-takers are at higher levels, so don't be discouraged if you're still working on your fluency.
Good luck with your A2 Portuguese exam!