SACE Stage 2 Portuguese (continuers) exam-day guide
SACE Stage 2 Portuguese (continuers) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID and confirmation of entry
Bring the identification document your school or examination authority requires, plus any entry or candidate number notice. The exact accepted ID types are set by the provider, so confirm with the provider which documents are valid before the day.
Written confirmation of exam time, room and session details
Check the official timetable and room allocation the day before. Arrive with enough margin to allow for sign-in and seating; confirm the required arrival time with the provider, as it varies between venues.
Approved pens, pencils and eraser
Bring several dark blue or black pens and at least two pencils for any multiple-choice or machine-marked sections. Confirm with the provider whether pencil is required for specific sections.
Clear water bottle with labels removed
A small clear bottle is usually acceptable if the label is removed, but bottle rules differ between venues. Confirm with the provider or your supervising teacher.
Printed dictionary policy check
Some language exams permit a monolingual or bilingual printed dictionary while others prohibit it. Do not assume; confirm with the provider exactly which dictionaries, if any, are allowed and whether they must be inspected beforehand.
No unauthorised electronic devices
Phones, smart watches, earbuds and similar devices must normally be switched off and stored away from your desk. Confirm with the provider where devices must be placed and what happens if one is found.
Prepared listening and reading warm-up
Bring a short list of Portuguese connectors, verb forms and question stems to skim in the minutes before the exam, if permitted materials are allowed in the waiting area. Confirm with the provider whether notes may be brought into the building.
Timing plan for each section
Write a simple minute-by-minute plan for the reading, listening, writing and speaking components, based on the official structure. Confirm with the provider the exact section order and durations for your session.
Speaking component preparation
If your exam includes an oral or conversation component, prepare your introduction and a few topic prompts. Confirm with the provider the format, preparation time and whether notes may be used.
Transport and backup plan
Plan your route and a backup option in case of delay. If you are running late, contact the venue immediately; the provider decides whether late entry is allowed.
Medical or special provisions confirmation
If you have approved adjustments such as extra time or a separate room, bring the written approval. Confirm with the provider that the arrangements are in place before the day.
Rest, food and hydration routine
Eat a normal meal, sleep adequately and avoid last-minute cramming of new material. Bring a light snack for after the exam if your session is long; confirm with the provider whether food is allowed in the waiting area.
Plan the day
Review the official exam structure and confirm the section order, durations and permitted materials with the provider. Build a one-page summary of high-frequency Portuguese grammar, connectors and vocabulary, and practise one full timed section per day rather than rereading notes passively.
Do a timed reading and writing practice under exam conditions, then mark your own work against the criteria you have been given. List your three weakest areas and spend short, focused blocks on them. Check that your ID, pens, dictionary approval and transport plan are all settled.
Confirm the room, arrival time and any device or dictionary rules with the provider. Pack your bag with ID, pens, pencils, water and approved materials. Do light revision only, such as reviewing verb endings and common question words, then stop early and sleep at a normal hour.
Eat breakfast, arrive early and avoid discussing content with other candidates in a way that raises anxiety. Skim your one-page summary only if permitted, listen to a short Portuguese audio clip to activate the language, and follow all sign-in and seating instructions from supervisors.
Read all instructions carefully, check the number of sections and marks, and note the time allocation for each part. If there is a reading time, use it to scan questions and predict likely vocabulary rather than starting to write.
Work to your timing plan and leave a few minutes per section to check answers. For listening, read questions before each recording and note key words; for writing, plan briefly, use varied sentence structures and connectors, and keep to the required word count and register.
Check that every question has an answer, that spelling and accents are as accurate as you can manage, and that your name and candidate details are correct. Stop writing immediately when instructed and follow the supervisor's directions for collecting materials.
Note which sections felt strong or weak while it is fresh, but avoid reworking answers with other candidates. Confirm with the provider any remaining requirements, such as oral components or collection of materials, and then rest.
Rules to check
Bring and display the identification required by the provider. If you are unsure which documents are accepted or what to do if you have lost yours, confirm with the provider before the exam day.
Follow all instructions from supervisors about seating, starting and stopping writing, and handling of papers. Writing after the instruction to stop, or starting before it, is normally treated as a breach of rules; the exact penalty is set by the provider.
Keep phones, smart watches and other electronic devices switched off and stored as directed. Do not bring unauthorised notes or materials to your desk, and confirm with the provider what counts as permitted equipment.
Use only the dictionaries and reference materials the provider allows, and only in the sections where they are permitted. If you are unsure whether a dictionary is allowed, confirm with the provider in advance rather than bringing it.
If you need to leave the room, raise your hand and wait for a supervisor. Toilet breaks and supervision arrangements vary between venues, so confirm with the provider what is permitted during your session.
Speak only in the language required for the oral component and do not discuss exam content with other candidates during breaks. Follow the provider's rules on communication and on leaving the venue.
If you feel unwell or believe an error has affected your performance, tell a supervisor immediately and ask the provider about the process for reporting it. Do not attempt to resolve it after leaving without advice.
Scoring and grading criteria are set by the provider. Read the official assessment information for your language, and confirm with the provider any details about weighting, marking or results that are not clearly stated.