Best B2 Portuguese Books to Learn Portuguese

Learning Portuguese can be a rewarding endeavor, whether for travel, work, or personal enrichment. If you’re at an intermediate level and aiming to reach B2 proficiency, selecting the right resources is crucial. Books designed for B2 learners focus on complex grammar, a broader vocabulary, and more sophisticated texts. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best B2 Portuguese books to help you achieve your language goals.

1. “Gramática Ativa 2” by Isabel Coimbra and Olga Mata Coimbra

“Gramática Ativa 2” is a comprehensive grammar book tailored for intermediate and advanced learners.

Key Features:
– **Clear Explanations**: The book offers straightforward explanations of complex grammatical structures.
– **Exercises**: It includes a wide variety of exercises to reinforce the learned concepts.
– **Answer Key**: An included answer key allows for self-assessment.

Why It’s Good for B2 Learners:
– **Focus on Advanced Grammar**: Helps learners understand and use advanced grammar structures effectively.
– **Practical Examples**: Real-life examples make the learning process more relatable and easier to grasp.

2. “Português Sem Fronteiras 2” by Maria João Lobo and Isabel Coimbra

“Português Sem Fronteiras 2” is part of a well-known series aimed at teaching Portuguese as a foreign language.

Key Features:
– **Integrated Skills**: Combines reading, writing, speaking, and listening exercises.
– **Cultural Insights**: Provides cultural context to deepen understanding of language use.
– **Audio CD**: Accompanied by an audio CD to improve listening skills.

Why It’s Good for B2 Learners:
– **Holistic Approach**: Enhances all language skills, making it ideal for comprehensive learning.
– **Cultural Relevance**: Cultural notes and context make the learning experience richer and more engaging.

3. “Avançar em Português” by Ana Tavares

“Avançar em Português” is specifically designed to help learners progress from B1 to B2 level.

Key Features:
– **Thematic Units**: Organized into thematic units that cover a wide range of topics.
– **Interactive Activities**: Includes activities that promote interaction and practical usage of the language.
– **Current Topics**: Focuses on contemporary issues and real-world scenarios.

Why It’s Good for B2 Learners:
– **Modern Content**: Keeps learners engaged with up-to-date topics.
– **Practical Application**: Encourages the practical use of Portuguese in various situations.

4. “Falar, Ler, Escrever” by Cléa Rameh

“Falar, Ler, Escrever” is a well-rounded textbook aimed at improving speaking, reading, and writing skills.

Key Features:
– **Comprehensive Coverage**: Covers a wide range of grammatical and lexical topics.
– **Practice Exercises**: Offers extensive practice exercises to reinforce learning.
– **Audio Material**: Comes with audio materials to enhance listening comprehension.

Why It’s Good for B2 Learners:
– **Balanced Approach**: Balances all aspects of language learning, making it an excellent all-in-one resource.
– **Audio Support**: Audio materials provide valuable listening practice.

5. “Português em Foco 2” by Isabel Coimbra and Olga Mata Coimbra

“Português em Foco 2” is part of a series designed to help learners focus on specific aspects of the Portuguese language.

Key Features:
– **Contextual Learning**: Emphasizes learning in context, making it easier to remember and use new vocabulary and structures.
– **Variety of Texts**: Includes a variety of texts, such as dialogues, articles, and narratives.
– **Exercises**: Plenty of exercises to practice what has been learned.

Why It’s Good for B2 Learners:
– **Contextual Emphasis**: Learning in context helps with retention and practical application.
– **Diverse Texts**: Exposure to different types of texts enhances reading comprehension.

6. “Gramática de Português Língua Estrangeira” by Maria Helena Damião

“Gramática de Português Língua Estrangeira” is an in-depth grammar reference book ideal for intermediate learners.

Key Features:
– **Detailed Explanations**: Provides detailed explanations of grammatical rules and exceptions.
– **Examples and Exercises**: Includes numerous examples and exercises to reinforce learning.
– **User-Friendly Layout**: Easy-to-navigate layout makes it user-friendly.

Why It’s Good for B2 Learners:
– **Thorough Coverage**: Comprehensive coverage of grammar topics ensures a solid understanding.
– **Practice-Oriented**: Exercises help reinforce the learned material effectively.

7. “Novo Avenida Brasil 2” by Yara Frateschi Vieira and José Francisco Dias

“Novo Avenida Brasil 2” is part of a popular series for learning Brazilian Portuguese.

Key Features:
– **Integrated Approach**: Combines grammar, vocabulary, and cultural insights.
– **Interactive Activities**: Features interactive activities that promote communication and practical use of the language.
– **Audio Resources**: Comes with audio resources to enhance listening skills.

Why It’s Good for B2 Learners:
– **Cultural Focus**: Provides cultural context, making the learning process more engaging.
– **Interactive Learning**: Encourages active use of Portuguese, which is crucial for language acquisition.

8. “Preparar o exame de Português B2” by Ana Tavares

“Preparar o exame de Português B2” is designed specifically for learners preparing for the B2 proficiency exam.

Key Features:
– **Exam-Focused**: Tailored to the format and requirements of the B2 exam.
– **Practice Tests**: Includes practice tests to simulate the exam experience.
– **Strategies and Tips**: Offers strategies and tips to help learners succeed.

Why It’s Good for B2 Learners:
– **Targeted Preparation**: Focuses specifically on the skills and knowledge needed for the B2 exam.
– **Realistic Practice**: Practice tests provide a realistic exam experience, helping to build confidence.

9. “Contos e Crônicas de Língua Portuguesa” by Various Authors

“Contos e Crônicas de Língua Portuguesa” is a collection of short stories and chronicles by various Portuguese-speaking authors.

Key Features:
– **Diverse Authors**: Features works by a variety of authors, providing different writing styles and perspectives.
– **Annotated Texts**: Texts are annotated to help learners understand vocabulary and expressions.
– **Discussion Questions**: Includes discussion questions to promote critical thinking and conversation.

Why It’s Good for B2 Learners:
– **Exposure to Literature**: Provides exposure to authentic Portuguese literature, enhancing reading comprehension.
– **Variety of Styles**: Different writing styles help learners become more adaptable in reading and understanding Portuguese.

10. “Histórias em Português para Estrangeiros” by Susana Mata

“Histórias em Português para Estrangeiros” is a book of short stories written specifically for intermediate learners of Portuguese.

Key Features:
– **Simplified Texts**: Texts are simplified to be accessible for B2 learners.
– **Glossary**: Includes a glossary of difficult words and expressions.
– **Comprehension Questions**: Each story comes with comprehension questions to test understanding.

Why It’s Good for B2 Learners:
– **Engaging Stories**: Interesting stories keep learners motivated and engaged.
– **Vocabulary Support**: Glossary helps learners understand and remember new vocabulary.

11. “Diálogos em Português” by Ana Tavares

“Diálogos em Português” is a book focused on improving conversational skills through dialogues.

Key Features:
– **Real-Life Scenarios**: Dialogues are based on real-life scenarios, making them practical and relevant.
– **Role-Playing Activities**: Encourages role-playing activities to practice speaking.
– **Audio Support**: Comes with audio recordings of the dialogues.

Why It’s Good for B2 Learners:
– **Conversational Focus**: Helps learners improve their speaking and listening skills.
– **Practical Application**: Real-life scenarios make the dialogues practical and useful.

12. “Português Via Brasil” by Emma Eberlein O. F. Lima and Maria de Lourdes P. Abreu

“Português Via Brasil” is a comprehensive textbook designed for intermediate learners of Brazilian Portuguese.

Key Features:
– **Integrated Skills**: Covers reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
– **Cultural Insights**: Provides cultural insights to enhance understanding of the language.
– **Exercises and Activities**: Includes a variety of exercises and activities to reinforce learning.

Why It’s Good for B2 Learners:
– **Holistic Approach**: Comprehensive coverage of all language skills.
– **Cultural Context**: Cultural insights make the learning process more engaging and relevant.

13. “O Alquimista” by Paulo Coelho

“O Alquimista” (The Alchemist) is a world-renowned novel by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho. While not a textbook, it is an excellent resource for intermediate learners.

Key Features:
– **Engaging Story**: A captivating story that keeps readers engaged.
– **Rich Vocabulary**: Provides exposure to rich and varied vocabulary.
– **Cultural Context**: Offers insights into Brazilian culture and philosophy.

Why It’s Good for B2 Learners:
– **Authentic Text**: Exposure to authentic Portuguese literature.
– **Engaging Content**: Keeps learners motivated to read and learn.

14. “Português para Todos – Nível Intermediário” by João Carlos Pires

“Português para Todos – Nível Intermediário” is a textbook aimed at intermediate learners looking to strengthen their language skills.

Key Features:
– **Structured Lessons**: Lessons are structured to build on previous knowledge.
– **Practice Exercises**: Includes a variety of exercises to reinforce learning.
– **Audio Support**: Comes with audio materials to improve listening skills.

Why It’s Good for B2 Learners:
– **Structured Approach**: Systematic approach to learning ensures steady progress.
– **Comprehensive Practice**: Extensive exercises provide ample practice opportunities.

15. “Caminhos 2” by Ana Tavares

“Caminhos 2” is a textbook designed for intermediate learners aiming to advance their Portuguese skills.

Key Features:
– **Integrated Skills**: Covers reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
– **Interactive Activities**: Encourages interactive activities to practice language skills.
– **Cultural Notes**: Provides cultural notes to enhance understanding.

Why It’s Good for B2 Learners:
– **Holistic Learning**: Comprehensive coverage of all language skills.
– **Interactive Learning**: Interactive activities make learning more engaging and practical.

Conclusion

Reaching a B2 level in Portuguese requires dedication, practice, and the right resources. The books listed above are some of the best options available to help you achieve your language goals. Whether you prefer structured textbooks, engaging stories, or practical dialogues, there’s a resource that will suit your learning style. Invest in one or more of these books, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering Portuguese at a B2 level.