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Views #1333 | Intermediate (B1)

Portugal in Comparison

Ana talks about how her country is similar to Spain but also quite unique as well.

Michael: So Ana, Portugal is not a very big country, is it?

Ana: No, it's not. We're actually quite small compared to most countries in the world.

Michael: But you are next to some pretty big countries in Europe, right? You're next to Spain, and France, and Germany, which are all bigger countries.

Ana: Yeah. Yeah, we are. Right by Spain. Spain is so much bigger than Portugal. And it kind of covers some of the Portuguese borders, so it's very interesting.

Michael: Okay, yeah. I've even heard Portugal being referred to as a province of Spain. What do you think about that?

Ana: Yeah. And they think it might be in South America or part of Spain, but not really. Actually, Portugal and Spain, they have a lot of things in common but also a lot of differences.

Michael: All right.

Ana: So the people are similar but our food is actually very different.

Michael: How so? What are the differences between Portuguese food and Spanish food?

Ana: Well, I think Portuguese food, we have a lot of grilled fish, and we're right by the ocean so for us, fish is really important.

Michael: Ah, I see.

Ana: Whereas in Spain, I think you get a lot of meat and food that's a little bit less healthy, I think. But maybe that's just my opinion.

Michael: All right. So is Portuguese food very healthy?

Ana: It can be but not always. Our desserts are really rich, so you should be careful. There is a lot of egg and flour and sugar in there. So you don't want to eat too much of that.

Michael: And you like very rich, cured meat, and sausages as well as they do in Spain?

Ana: Yes, we do. Smoked ham, and cheese is also very important.

Michael: Oh, that sounds good.

Ana: But you know there are also a lot of similarities between Portugal and Spain.

Michael: Oh really? What sort of similarities?

Ana: For example, our love for football is very important.

Michael: Ah, of course.

Ana: So both Portugal and Spain have very big football teams that are important in the whole world. And when we play against the rest of the world, Portugal and Spain really unite and we support each other.

Michael: What's the name of that famous football player from Portugal?

Ana: Oh, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Michael: Oh yes, Ronaldo.

Ana: Yeah, yeah. He's really good. I think he won the best player – well, yeah, the title of world's best player recently.

Michael: Really? Wow. Are you big fan of football?

Ana: Yes, I am. I used to be a big supporter of Porto, so that was really interesting. And Portugal also hosted the European tournament a few years ago.

Michael: Ah, I see. And Porto, is that a place in Portugal?

Ana: Yes, it is. It's in the north. Even though I'm from the Lisbon area, I actually support another team.

Michael: And why do you support Porto?

Ana: I don't know. I guess, I just like Porto when I was growing up and that's why.

Michael: All right. Have you visited Porto?

Ana: Yes, I have. It's really a beautiful city.

Michael: Oh well, maybe I should visit there as well when I go to Portugal this summer.

Ana: Yeah, you should.

Answer these questions about the interview.
Audio Lessons about Phrases and Vocabulary

cover

image

And it kind of covers some of the Portuguese borders.

Here, cover means to extend over an area. Notice the following:

  1. The city covers a lot of space.
  2. The park covers almost half the space in town.

border

image

We stopped at the border.

The border is a line seperating two areas. Notice the following:

  1. When you cross the border, show your passport.
  2. Canada and the U.S. share a long border.

province

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Is it a a province of Spain?

A province is an official area in a country, like a state or county. Notice the following:

  1. What province is that in?
  2. Canada has many provinces.

whereas

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Whereas in Spain, I think you get a lot of meat

We use the word 'whereas' to show contrast. Notice the following:

  1. Whereas LA is big, San Diego is small.
  2. The breakfast menu is hot, whereas the lunch menu is cold.

rich

Our desserts are really rich, so you should be careful.

Food or drink that is 'rich' has a lot of fat, spices or sugar in it. Notice the following:

  1. This is a really rich cheesecake.
  2. This sauce is really rich.

similarities

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There are also a lot of similarities between Portugal and Spain.

Similarities are things that are alike or resemble each other. Notice the following:

  1. My mom and sisters have many similarities.
  2. Tokyo and Seoul share many similarities.

support

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I actually support another team.

When you support a team or person, you hope they do well. Notice the following:

  1. My whole family supports Liverpool.
  2. Who do you support in the election?

Vocabulary Quiz

cover • border • province
whereas • similarities • support
  1. Hawaii and Bali have .
  2. The is 1000 miles long.
  3. The mountains half the state.
  4. My mom is strict, my dad is kind.
  5. Which team do you ?
  6. He lives in the of British Columbia.

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1334 Big Neighbor
#1334 Big Neighbor
Ana compares being small to something that is big.
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1335 Tacoma is Home
#1335 Tacoma is Home
Josh talks about his hometown.
1332 Family Routine
#1332 Family Routine
Amy compares lifestyle routines.
1331 Morning Routine
#1331 Morning Routine
Aimee and Paul talk about morning routine.

 

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