Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Read and critique a native Italian book
4–6 weeks
Read a full book written for adult native Italian readers. Write a critical analysis in Italian, quoting passages. This proves you can read and argue at depth.
Proof required
Submit the book details and a 600-word critical analysis in Italian with quoted passages and page numbers.
What gets checked
- Book written for native adults, 200+ pages
- Analysis argues a thesis, not a summary
- Passages quoted in the original
Common mistakes
- A graded reader instead of a native book
- A plot summary instead of an analysis
- Machine-translated writing
Powstik Guide
A critical analysis of a native Italian book.
Steps
- Pick a book written for adult native readers.
- Mark passages as you read.
- Draft a one-sentence thesis.
- Write the analysis without machine translation.
Template
Book: title / author / pages Thesis: Evidence (quote + page): 1. 2. 3. My evaluation:
What gets sent back
- A book for learners.
- A summary with no thesis.
- Machine-translated text.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Check the book is for native readers
- Check quotes match the pages
- Ask a follow-up question in the language
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Give a presentation and handle expert questions
3–4 weeks
Give a 15-minute presentation in Italian to a native speaker who knows the topic. Take unscripted questions. Record it all.
Proof required
Submit the full recording (presentation and Q&A), your outline notes, and a short reflection in Italian on the hardest question.
What gets checked
- Reviewer is a native or near-native speaker
- Questions are unscripted
- Notes are an outline, not a script
Common mistakes
- Reading a script
- Pre-agreed questions
- A reviewer without topic knowledge
Powstik Guide
A recorded presentation with live Q&A.
Steps
- Choose a topic you can discuss at depth.
- Prepare an outline, not a script.
- Ask the listener for hard questions.
- Record the full session.
Template
Topic: Outline (key points only): 1. 2. 3. Hardest question and my answer:
What gets sent back
- A read-out script.
- Agreed questions.
- No recording.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Check the recording is complete
- Check notes are an outline
- Check the reviewer's level
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Hold an hour of spontaneous conversation
1 week
Have an unscripted 60-minute conversation with a native Italian speaker, covering abstract topics. Record both sides. Reflect on where the language still felt hard.
Proof required
Submit the 60-minute recording and a 250-word reflection on the most abstract topic and where you still hit limits.
What gets checked
- 60 minutes, both sides audible
- Abstract topics, not small talk
- Honest reflection on limits
Common mistakes
- Scripted or rehearsed exchanges
- Only small talk
- Edited recordings
Powstik Guide
An hour of recorded, unscripted conversation.
Steps
- Book a native speaker for the full time.
- Agree broad topics, not questions.
- Record both sides from the start.
- Write your reflection the same day.
Template
Recording length: Most abstract topic: A distinction I could now express: Where I still hit limits:
What gets sent back
- Scripted exchanges.
- Edited recordings.
- Small talk only.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Check the recording is unedited
- Listen at the timestamps
- Check the partner is native or near-native
You'll sign in first, then come straight back here.