Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Keep a native Portuguese media log
4 weeks
Follow Portuguese news and programmes made for native speakers for 4 weeks. Summarise each session in Portuguese. This builds the listening and vocabulary B2 needs.
Proof required
Submit a 4-week log of at least 12 sessions: date, source link, a short Portuguese summary and new vocabulary.
What gets checked
- Sources made for native speakers
- At least 12 sessions over 4 weeks
- Summaries written in the target language
Common mistakes
- Learner-level materials only
- Sessions crammed into one week
- Summaries in English
Powstik Guide
A 4-week native Portuguese media log.
Steps
- Choose two or three native sources.
- Plan three sessions a week.
- Summarise each in the target language.
- Note new words with a context sentence.
Template
| Date | Source link | Minutes | Summary (in Portuguese) | New words | |------|-------------|---------|----------------------|-----------|
What gets sent back
- Learner-only sources.
- Fewer than 12 sessions.
- Summaries in English.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Check source links
- Check dates spread over 4 weeks
- Spot-check two summaries
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Argue a position in writing, corrected
2–3 weeks
Write a 400-word opinion piece in Portuguese on a current issue. Have a native speaker correct it. Rewrite it using their corrections.
Proof required
Submit your first draft, the native speaker's corrections, and your rewritten version.
What gets checked
- A real argument with reasons
- Corrections from a native speaker
- Rewrite fixes the corrected points
Common mistakes
- A description instead of an argument
- Machine-corrected text
- Ignoring corrections
Powstik Guide
An opinion piece, corrected and rewritten.
Steps
- Pick a current issue you have a view on.
- Write the draft without translation tools.
- Get corrections from a native speaker.
- Rewrite and compare.
Template
Draft (400 words) Corrections received: | Original | Correction | Rule | |----------|------------|------| Rewrite:
What gets sent back
- Machine-corrected text.
- No rewrite.
- No real argument.
Resources
Foundationstart here
Depthgo deeper
What a verifier looks for
- Compare draft and rewrite
- Check corrections are human
- Check the argument has reasons
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Hold a recorded 30-minute discussion
1 week
Have an unscripted 30-minute discussion with a native Portuguese speaker on a topic needing opinions. Record both sides. Mark moments where you argued or disagreed.
Proof required
Submit the unedited 30-minute recording and three timestamps where you gave and defended an opinion.
What gets checked
- 30 minutes, unedited, both sides audible
- Opinions argued, not just stated
- Timestamps given
Common mistakes
- Scripted or rehearsed exchanges
- Only small talk
- Edited recordings
Powstik Guide
A recorded 30-minute discussion.
Steps
- Book a native speaker for the full time.
- Agree broad topics, not questions.
- Record both sides from the start.
- Mark three timestamps afterwards.
Template
Recording length: | Timestamp | Opinion I argued | |-----------|------------------|
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
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