How to Ask for Feedback on a University Grade in Brazilian Portuguese — Practice

Ask to understand the feedback

In Brazil, nota commonly means a grade or score, while avaliação can refer to an assessment. Begin by asking about the feedback rather than demanding a different number. That keeps the conversation focused on what you can learn.

Use poderia me explicar…? (could you explain…?) for a polite question. Identify the course and assignment, especially if the professor teaches several groups.

Ask about one specific criterion

A focused question is easier to answer than “Why did I get this grade?” Point to one criterion or comment and ask what would make the work stronger. The professor may refer to a rubric, instructions, or a particular example in your work.

Use o que faltou para…? (what was missing for…?) as a request for clarification, not an assumption that the score is wrong.

Confirm how to improve next time

After you understand the comment, ask what skill to focus on in the next assignment. Repeat the main point in your own words to check that you understood. Asking for feedback does not guarantee a grade change, but it can clarify how the criteria were applied.

If the professor describes a formal review process, follow the university's current instructions and deadlines.

Remember: Ask about a specific comment, listen to the explanation, and confirm one practical way to improve.

Check your understanding

Choose the English meaning of each Portuguese example. Answer before looking back at the tables. These questions check the written examples in this guide; they are not a listening or proficiency test.

Recall the Portuguese, then say it

Read the English prompt and say a Portuguese version before opening the answer. The answer shows the example from the lesson; other natural translations may also work. Compare the meaning and the situation rather than counting a different word as automatically wrong.

1. Could you explain the comment about the conclusion?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Poderia me explicar o comentário sobre a conclusão?

2. I would like to understand the criteria for this assessment better.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Quero entender melhor os critérios desta avaliação.

3. What was missing to develop the argument more fully?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   O que faltou para desenvolver melhor o argumento?

4. Did the analysis of the sources need more examples?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   A análise das fontes precisava de mais exemplos?

5. What should I focus on in the next assignment?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Em que aspecto devo focar no próximo trabalho?

6. So, should I explain the sources more clearly next time?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Então, devo explicar melhor as fontes na próxima vez?

Make the phrase useful to you

Choose one example you could actually use. Say it once from memory, then change one detail that fits your life, such as the person, place, time, or object. Check whether your change also needs a different verb form, article, or adjective ending. If it does, compare it with the pattern in the explanation.

Ask about a specific comment, listen to the explanation, and confirm one practical way to improve.

Return to two prompts tomorrow without opening the answers first. If a phrase still feels difficult, shorten it to a useful chunk and build the complete sentence again.

Sources and your next lesson

This I Speak Portuguese practice guide builds on our How to Ask for Feedback on a University Grade in Brazilian Portuguese lesson on Real Life Portuguese, with written recall tasks and additional speaking practice. The explanations and examples are teaching material; the practice questions are exercises, not a transcript of a recording.

To add Brazilian audio to your routine, choose a lesson in the Real Life Portuguese app. The app offers its own lessons and practice; this page does not imply that every example here has an app recording.