Portuguese Language and Communication
Core ideas
Portuguese questions test formal grammar and careful reading. Review noun–adjective agreement, subject–verb agreement, verbal regency, pronoun placement, tense and mood, and the use of crase. Know the difference between “há” (there is/are, existence) and “a” (preposition or article), and between “mas” (but) and “mais” (more). In reading comprehension, identify the main idea, the author’s purpose, supporting evidence, and implied meaning; do not import outside knowledge. Read the whole passage before answering. In composition, plan a clear thesis, organise paragraphs with topic sentences, use connectives, and leave time to revise for agreement and spelling.
Traps
Frequent traps include confusing “onde” (where, place) with “aonde” (to where, movement), misplacing object pronouns, using the infinitive where the future subjunctive is required, and choosing an answer that is true in general but not stated in the text. In composition, avoid slang, repetition, and long unclear sentences; examiners reward coherence more than unusual vocabulary. Check every verb ending.
Worked example
Choose the correct sentence: “Vou à escola” versus “Vou a escola.” The first is correct because “escola” is a feminine noun and “a” is needed after the verb “ir”; the contraction is “à”. Rule of thumb: test by substituting a masculine noun - if “ao” would appear, use “à” with the feminine.