Portuguese Language Upper Intermediate Level

Portuguese Language –Upper Intermediate Level

Language Centre - University of Oxford

Entry Level: B2 (Common European Framework for Languages)

Aims

The Portuguese Upper Intermediate course aims to deepen students’ previous knowledge of the Portuguese language, increase their vocabulary and introduce more complex grammar structures.

By the end of the course students should feel more confident in using the language (should be able to attain C1 level subject to regular attendance), not only in everyday situations but also in more complex environments with agood degree of fluency. They will develop their competence in dealing with various types of texts in order to support their own studies.

There will be plenty of opportunities for the students to practice oral and listening skills.

The program and aims of the course will be adjusted to the particular needs and level of the group.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the academic year, students should be able to:

• Understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization.
• Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
• Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Syllabus

The course will focus mainly on developing complex grammar, such as the subjunctive and subordinate sentences, as well as revise previously acquired grammatical structures and tenses. Focus will be given to current social problems and situations, particularly in terms of oral comprehension and expression. It will further develop students’ understanding of a range of texts, as well as the ability to produce a range of texts and develop a clear point-of-view.

Functions

Vocabulary will be increased inareas listed below, which provide topics for oral and written discussion:

• The environment
• Migration
• (Un)employment
• Plans and dreams
• The search for happiness
• Housing and homelessness
• New technologies (mobile phones; the internet)
• Voluntary work; charities
• The European Union
• Aging
• The press
• Portuguese icons
• Cultural characteristics of different Portuguese-speaking countries
• Pronunciation in differentPortuguese-speaking countries

Course material will be provided by the tutor.Materials and reference grammars in Portuguese are available in the Language Centre Library and in the Language Centre Weblearn site, under the heading ‘Portuguese’.