The Writing and Reading component of the CIPLE A2 exam is a 75-minute intensive session that carries 45% of your final grade. While the reading tasks are often straightforward, the written production is where many candidates lose "easy" points due to preventable errors. To secure your "Suficiente" grade and move closer to your Portuguese passport, you must master the two specific tasks: a short note or email (25–35 words) and a longer description or letter (60–80 words).
Here are five common mistakes to avoid in the CIPLE A2 Writing Section:
Mistake #1: Ignoring the Word Count
In the CIPLE exam, word counts are not mere suggestions; they are strict evaluation criteria. For the short interaction task, you must stay within 25–35 words, while the structured production requires 60–80 words. Writing significantly less than the limit suggests you lack sufficient vocabulary, while writing too much often leads to unnecessary grammar mistakes and can result in point deductions for failing to be concise and objective.
Mistake #2: Forgetting the Formal vs. Informal Tone
At the A2 level, you are expected to know which register is appropriate for different social contexts. A common pitfall is using the informal "Tu" (with its corresponding verb conjugations) when writing a request to a landlord or a service department, where a more formal "Você" or neutral tone is required. Conversely, using overly stiff, formal language in a message to a friend can also signal a lack of functional language awareness.
Mistake #3: Basic Grammar Slips
While examiners prioritize function over perfection, consistent errors in foundational grammar can drag down your score. Two areas where points are frequently lost are:
Mistake #4: Misreading the Prompt
The second writing task usually contains three or four specific sub-questions or prompts you must address—for example, describing a holiday, explaining what you liked, and stating when you will return. A common mistake is writing a beautiful paragraph that only answers two of the three points. If you miss a sub-question, you cannot receive full marks for task completion, regardless of how good your Portuguese is.
Mistake #5: Poor Time Management
Because the writing and reading tasks are done in one block, many students spend too long on the multiple-choice reading questions and leave themselves only 15 minutes for the writing. Experts recommend completing the reading section in pencil and then dedicating at least 40 minutes to the writing section in pen. This allows you time to draft your responses on scratch paper and check your word counts before the final submission.
How Prep2go Helps You Win
At prep2go.study, we remove the guesswork from your preparation. Our system provides proven writing templates for the most common CIPLE tasks, such as lost-and-found notes, invitations, and holiday postcards. We also provide examples of "Perfect Score" answers so you can see exactly how to balance word counts, tone, and grammar under real exam pressure.
Want to see what a passing answer looks like? Check our writing templates and start practising with a purpose at prep2go.study.
Source: CAPLE - Camões Institute for Portuguese Language Certification