Author: andreaalthoff

Health problems

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🧠 Vocabulary Review

Common health problems:

  • a cold
  • a fever
  • a headache
  • a stomachache
  • a sore throat
  • the flu
  • allergies
  • a cough

👂 Asking About Someone’s Health

Here are the most common ways to ask how someone feels:

  • How do you feel (today)?
    → Como vocĂȘ estĂĄ se sentindo (hoje)?
  • How are you feeling?
    → Como vocĂȘ estĂĄ se sentindo?
  • Is everything okay?
    → Está tudo bem?

đŸ—Łïž Typical Responses

When someone asks how you’re feeling, you can respond:

  • I’m fine.
    → Estou bem.
  • I feel sick.
    → Estou me sentindo mal.
  • Not so good.
    → Não muito bem.
  • Not very well.
    → Não estou muito bem.
  • I don’t feel well.
    → Não estou me sentindo bem.
  • I’m sick.
    → Estou doente.

🔍 Asking for More Details

When you see (or hear) someone isn’t feeling well, you can ask:

  • What’s the matter?
    → O que houve?
  • What’s wrong?
    → O que aconteceu?

đŸ§Ÿ Describing What’s Wrong

To say what’s wrong with you:

  • I have + [health condition].
    → I have a headache.
    → I have the flu.
  • I’ve got + [health condition]. (more common in British English)
    → I’ve got a sore throat.
    → I’ve got a runny nose.

(Both forms are correct and mean the same thing.)

✅ Practice Activity

1. Fill in the Blanks

Complete the responses.

a) How are you feeling?
→ __________________________ (not good)

b) What’s the matter?
→ __________________________ (headache)

c) Is everything okay?
→ __________________________ (not well, sore throat)

2. Role Play

Create a short dialogue:

A: Hi! You don’t look so good. What’s wrong?
B: __________________________
A: I’m sorry. Do you need anything?

Practice using the questions and responses from the lesson.

3. Correct the Mistake

a) I am with fever.
→ ________________________

b) She have a sore throat.
→ ________________________

c) He has got cough.
→ ________________________

4. Dialogue

Discuss the following questions:

  • Do you ever get headaches?
  • How often do you catch a cold?

🏁 Wrap Up

  • Go back to your symptom list from the video.
  • Share one health problem you’ve had before and how you treated it.

The Many Uses of Kind, Sort, and Type

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Kinda sorta

In English, there are two main ways to use these words:

  1. To talk about categories or groups of things.
  2. To express uncertainty or approximation — but only with kind and sort (not type).

Watch the video below to see these expressions in action! It explains when to use kind of, sort of, and type of, and show you how kinda and sorta sound in real-life English. It’s short, clear, and full of examples you can start using right away.

1. KIND OF, SORT OF, TYPE OF — Categories or Groups

We use these expressions to describe types, kinds, or categories of things.
They always come with the preposition of.

Examples:

  1. What type of music do you like?
    (Que tipo de mĂșsica vocĂȘ gosta?)
  2. What are the different kinds of spices in this cake?
    (Quais sĂŁo os diferentes tipos de condimentos desse bolo?)
  3. That magazine prints fake news and all sorts of other rubbish.
    (Aquela revista publica notĂ­cias falsas e todo tipo de besteira.)

💡 Tip:
In everyday English, kind of and sort of are often used interchangeably, but type of sounds a little more formal.

2. KINDA & SORTA — Expressing Uncertainty or Softening Statements

When spoken quickly, kind of and sort of often become kinda and sorta.
They can mean a little, more or less, or sort of in Portuguese (“um pouco”, “meio”, “mais ou menos”).

Examples:

  1. Mm, I’m kinda cold. Could you please close the window?
    (Estou com um pouquinho de frio. VocĂȘ poderia fechar a janela?)
  2. Do you like tomatoes? — Mm, sorta.
    (VocĂȘ gosta de tomates? — Mais ou menos.)

They are also used to soften opinions — when you’re unsure or want to sound polite:

It’s kinda expensive. → (É meio caro.)
She’s sorta shy. → (Ela Ă© meio tĂ­mida.)

3. “KINDA-SORTA” — Modern, Playful English

This fun combination — kinda-sorta — is common in casual, spoken English, especially among younger speakers.
It can mean:

  1. A little
  2. A lot (ironically)
  3. Indecision
  4. Laziness or hesitation

Examples:

  1. Who is that actor?
    — Oh, he used to be kinda-sorta famous back in the 90s.
    (Ele costumava ser um pouco famoso nos anos 90.)
  2. How’s my writing paper?
    — Um
 it still kinda-sorta needs some work.
    (Ainda precisa de muitas melhoras.)
  3. So, are you guys, like, together?
    — Well, we’re kinda-sorta boyfriend/girlfriend.
    (Bem, somos meio que namorados.)
  4. Do you wanna go out tonight?
    — Mm
 kinda-sorta, not really, maybe, but yeah, okay.
    (Mais ou menos, nĂŁo muito, talvez, mas tĂĄ, ok.)

🧠 Practice Time

Exercise 1 — Fill in the blanks

Complete with kind of, sort of, or type of.

  1. What _______ job are you looking for?
  2. It’s _______ cold today, isn’t it?
  3. I don’t really like that _______ music.
  4. I’m _______ tired, but I’ll help you.
  5. What _______ food do they serve there?

Exercise 2 — Choose the correct option

  1. She’s _______ shy.
    a) type of  b) kinda  c) sort
  2. What _______ chocolate do you prefer — dark or milk?
    a) kind of  b) sorta  c) kinda-sorta
  3. He’s _______ funny, but not always.
    a) type  b) kinda  c) of kind
  4. They have all _______ of fruit juices here.
    a) sorts  b) kind  c) sorta

Exercise 3 — Express yourself!

Translate and complete these sentences using kind of, sort of, type of, or kinda-sorta.

  1. Eu estou meio cansado hoje.
    → I’m ______________________ today.
  2. Que tipo de filme vocĂȘ gosta?
    → What ______________________ do you like?
  3. Ele Ă© meio estranho, mas simpĂĄtico.
    → He’s ______________________ weird but nice.
  4. Ela Ă© meio que minha melhor amiga.
    → She’s ______________________ my best friend.

Answer Key:

Exercise 1: 1. kind of / 2. kinda / 3. kind of / 4. kinda / 5. type of
Exercise 2: 1. b / 2. a / 3. b / 4. a
Exercise 3: (open answers)

💬 Reflection Question

In what situations do you use kind, sort, or type in your daily life?
Share your example in the comments! 👇

Oktoberfest in Blumenau

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đŸ„š What is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is a German-style festival that takes place every October in Blumenau, Brazil.
It celebrates German culture, with music, food, dance, and lots of fun!

đŸ—ïž Key Vocabulary

EnglishPortugueseExample sentence
Festival / Celebration
Festa / CelebraçãoOktoberfest is a big celebration in Blumenau.
Parade
Desfile
The streets are full of colors during the parade.
CostumesTrajes / FantasiasPeople wear traditional German costumes.
BeerCervejaBeer is a big part of Oktoberfest.
Beer mugCaneca de cervejaMany people drink beer from large mugs.
BreweryCervejariaBlumenau has many local breweries.
Music bandBanda de mĂșsicaThe bands play cheerful German songs.
DancingDançaThere’s a lot of dancing at the party.
Traditional foodComida tĂ­picaYou can try delicious traditional food.
SausageSalsichaSausages are one of the most popular dishes.
Pork knuckleJoelho de porcoPork knuckle is a traditional German dish.
PretzelPretzelPretzels are salty and soft.
StrudelStrudelApple strudel is a sweet dessert.
Waiter / WaitressGarçom / GarçoneteThe waiters wear traditional clothes too.
DecorationsDecoraçÔesThe pavilions are full of colorful decorations.
Music and dance groupGrupo de mĂșsica e dançaFolk groups perform at the festival.
German roots / heritageRaízes / herança alemãThe city celebrates its German roots.
Funfair / Amusement parkParque de diversÔesThere are rides for children and families.
ContestConcursoThere are contests like the “Chope em Metro.”
Cheers!SaĂșde! / Um brinde!People raise their mugs and say “Cheers!”

đŸ—Łïž Useful Phrases

  • Let’s go to Oktoberfest! – Vamos para a Oktoberfest!
  • I love the music and the atmosphere! – Eu adoro a mĂșsica e o clima da festa!
  • What’s your favorite food here? – Qual Ă© a sua comida preferida aqui?
  • The parade is amazing! – O desfile Ă© incrĂ­vel!
  • Prost! (Cheers in German) – “Prost!” (SaĂșde!)

💬 Practice

👉 Complete the sentences:

  1. Oktoberfest is a ___________ in Blumenau.
  2. People wear ___________ clothes.
  3. You can eat ___________, ___________, and ___________.
  4. The German word for “Cheers!” is ___________.
  5. The festival celebrates German ___________.

🧠 Cultural Note

Blumenau was founded by German immigrants in the 19th century.
That’s why the city keeps many German traditions, and Oktoberfest is a way to celebrate them with joy, music, and friendship. đŸ‡§đŸ‡·đŸ‡©đŸ‡Ș

Simple Present

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Os verbos em inglĂȘs possuem trĂȘs tempos verbais principais: passado, presente e futuro.

  • O passado Ă© usado para descrever açÔes que jĂĄ aconteceram
    (ex.: yesterday = ontem, last week = semana passada, three years ago = hĂĄ trĂȘs anos).
  • O futuro descreve açÔes que ainda vĂŁo acontecer
    (ex.: later = mais tarde, tomorrow = amanhĂŁ, next week = semana que vem).
  • O presente simples Ă© usado para falar de coisas em geral — açÔes que acontecem com frequĂȘncia ou situaçÔes que sĂŁo geralmente verdadeiras.

Doctors work in hospitals.
(Os mĂ©dicos trabalham em hospitais.) — Verdade geral.

The doctor starts work at 9:00.
(O mĂ©dico começa a trabalhar Ă s 9h.) — Acontece sempre.

Conjugação: muito mais simples que em portuguĂȘs!

Conjugar os verbos em inglĂȘs Ă© bem mais simples do que em portuguĂȘs.
Enquanto em portuguĂȘs dizemos:

eu trabalho, vocĂȘ trabalha, ele trabalha, nĂłs trabalhamos, vocĂȘs trabalham, eles trabalham,

em inglĂȘs, a conjugação no presente muda somente para he, she, it.

Vejam:

PessoaVerbo “work” (trabalhar)
Iwork
Youwork
He / She / Itworks
Wework
Youwork
Theywork

Como formar o presente simples

Usamos o infinitivo sem “to” (forma base do verbo) quando o sujeito Ă©:
I (eu), you (vocĂȘ / vocĂȘs), we (nĂłs) ou they (eles / elas).

Exemplos:

  • I work as a shop assistant. → Eu trabalho como atendente de loja.
  • You work as a cashier. → VocĂȘ trabalha como caixa.
  • We work at weekends. → NĂłs trabalhamos nos fins de semana.
  • They work together. → Eles trabalham juntos.

Para a 3ÂȘ pessoa do singular — he (ele), she (ela), it (ele/ela para coisas ou animais) — acrescentamos “s” ou “es” ao verbo:

  • He works at a school. → Ele trabalha em uma escola.
  • He teaches English. → Ele ensina inglĂȘs.

Formas negativas e interrogativas

Nas frases negativas e interrogativas, usamos o verbo “do” como verbo auxiliar, junto com o verbo principal.

Quando o sujeito Ă© he, she ou it, “do” muda para “does.”

Forma negativa

A estrutura Ă©:
👉 Sujeito + do/does + not + verbo principal.
(Do/does not tambĂ©m pode ser abreviado para don’t/doesn’t.)

Exemplos:

  • We do not work at a school. → NĂłs nĂŁo trabalhamos em uma escola.
    (ou We don’t work at a school.)
  • He does not speak English. → Ele nĂŁo fala inglĂȘs.
    (ou He doesn’t speak English.)

Forma interrogativa

Na pergunta, a ordem das palavras muda:
👉 Do/Does + sujeito + verbo principal + ?

Exemplos:

  • Do you work here? → VocĂȘ trabalha aqui?
    – Yes, we do. → Sim, trabalhamos.
  • Does he speak English? → Ele fala inglĂȘs?
    – No, he doesn’t. → Não, ele não fala.

🟡 Atenção: Não usamos “do/does” em perguntas com o verbo to be (am, is, are) ou com verbos modais (can, might, must, etc.).

Verbo irregular “to have”

O verbo to have (ter) Ă© irregular e muda na 3ÂȘ pessoa do singular:
👉 he / she / it has (em vez de have).

Este Ă© um verbo muito comum e importante — fĂĄcil de aprender e fundamental para o uso do presente simples.

Agora, assista aos vídeo e pratique o que aprendeu! 🎬✹

PrĂĄtica extra

Complete as frases com o verbo entre parĂȘnteses:

  1. My dad doesn’t work, but my mom ___________ a lot. (to work)
  2. He _________ to stay here. (to have)
  3. Carol _______________ to the gym every single day. (to go)
  4. I’m not OK with that, but my husband ____________ the idea. (to like)
  5. He ___________ his homework in the morning. (to do)
  6. She _____________ to read a book. (to prefer)
  7. The baby ___________ to eat. (to need)
  8. She ____________ to travel abroad. (to want)
  9. My son ______________ in the morning. (to study)
  10. Her daughter ______________ professionally. (to sing)
  11. His kid _____________ TV all day long! (to watch)
  12. She always _____________ to music. (to listen)

✅ Respostas:

1 – works
2 – has
3 – goes
4 – likes
5 – does
6 – prefers
7 – needs
8 – wants
9 – studies
10 – sings
11 – watches
12 – listens

Noun + Noun Combinations

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What are they?

In English, we often use two nouns together to name something.
The first noun describes or gives more information about the second noun — it works like an adjective.

Example:

  • chocolate cake = a cake made with chocolate
  • car key = a key for a car

Word Order Difference

In Portuguese, we usually say:

X de Y → bolo de chocolate

In English, we flip the order:

Y + X → chocolate cake

Think of it as “turning the phrase around.”

Examples by Category

TypePortugueseEnglishExplanation
Materialsapato de couroleather shoesshoes made of leather
Ingredientbolo de chocolatechocolate cakecake made with chocolate
Purposeescova de cabelohairbrusha brush used for hair
Contentcopo de vinhowine glassglass for wine
Placefazenda de cafécoffee farmfarm that produces coffee
TimereuniĂŁo de domingoSunday meetingmeeting that happens on Sunday

Important Notes

✅ The first noun is usually singular, even when it refers to something plural:

  • a shoe store (not shoes store)

✅ If we use nouns that are always used in plural forms (such as shoes, glasses, gloves, etc.) as a modifier for another noun, we have to use them in the singular form:

  • His shoe size is 44.

Shoe is a singular form of the normally plural word shoes used to modify the noun size.

✅ Sometimes two nouns become a compound noun — a single concept that can be written as:

  • one word (toothbrush, toothpaste, bedroom, policeman)
  • two separate words (coffee cup, police station)
  • or hyphenated (mother-in-law, check-in, 15-year-old boy)

There’s no fixed rule for which form to use — it’s based on common usage.
👉 When in doubt, check a dictionary to see if it’s one word, two words, or hyphenated.

Common Mistakes for Portuguese Speakers

salad potato ❌
potato salad ✅

cup wine ❌
wine cup or wine glass ✅

The first noun always comes before the main noun and without “of”.
We only use “of” for possession or abstract ideas (the color of the sky, a friend of mine).

Press play and reinforce your learning!

Practice Time ✏

A. Flip it!
Change from Portuguese-style order to English-style order:

  1. copo de água → ___________
  2. sapato de couro → ___________
  3. bolo de cenoura → ___________
  4. reunião de equipe → ___________
  5. história de amor → ___________

Answers:

  1. water glass
  2. leather shoes
  3. carrot cake
  4. team meeting
  5. love story

B. Complete the sentences:

  1. I need my ________ keys. (car)
  2. She’s wearing a beautiful ________ dress. (summer)
  3. We stayed in a small ________ house. (beach)
  4. This is my favorite ________ shop. (coffee)
  5. He bought a new ________ phone. (cell)

Answers:

  1. car keys
  2. summer dress
  3. beach house
  4. coffee shop
  5. cell phone

Quick Recap

👉 First noun = description (acts like an adjective)
👉 Second noun = main idea
👉 Formula: noun + noun → one concept
👉 In Portuguese: X de Y → In English: Y + X

💡 Tip for Learners

Try noticing these combinations when reading or listening to English — they’re everywhere!
Example: bus stop, flower shop, baby food, school bag, mountain view, etc.