Contextualization

Our language has several rules and structures that we use daily, often without realizing it. One of these structures is the sentence. In its most basic conception, a sentence is a linguistic unit of complete meaning that expresses an idea or a thought. Within a sentence, there can be one or more clauses. A clause, in turn, is a linguistic unit with a verb that makes up a sentence.

Now, let's go a little deeper. Each clause is formed by subjects and predicates. The subject is one of the essential elements of a clause. It is the one who performs or suffers an action. There are different types of subject: simple subject, compound subject, hidden subject (or desinential), indeterminate subject, and clause without a subject. Each of these types has its peculiarities and forms of use.

Having a good understanding of these concepts is fundamental to understanding how our language works and how information is structured in it. Thus, we are able to express ourselves in a clearer and more objective way, which is essential in our day-to-day communication.

Being able to identify the different types of subject allows us to have a deeper understanding of the texts we read and how we can structure our own ideas when writing. This is important both in writing an essay for school and in writing a professional email, for example. In addition, it helps us better understand the meaning of a text and its nuances.

Below, you will find a list of resources that can be used to delve deeper into the subject:

1. SOARES, Magda. Portuguese: A proposal for Literacy. 3rd ed. São Paulo: Moderna, 1997.
2. CEGALLA, Domingos Paschoal. New Grammar of the Portuguese Language - 47th Ed. São Paulo: Nacional, 2005.
3. Brasil Escola Website - Portuguese (https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/portugues/)

Practical Activity

Activity Title:

"Subject Type Scavenger Hunt"

Project Objective:

The objective of this project is to allow students to identify the different types of subjects in real texts, working in teams and using digital tools.

Detailed Project Description:

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members. Each group will be tasked with exploring various texts (books, journalistic texts, movie scripts, songs, etc.), searching for examples of the different types of subjects: simple subject, compound subject, hidden subject, indeterminate subject, and clause without a subject.

The groups must identify, highlight, and classify the subjects found, and then prepare a report presenting their findings.

Required Materials:

• Internet access to search for various texts (websites, blogs, magazines, e-books, etc.).
• Computer or notebook with a word processing program to produce the report.
• Portuguese teaching materials for research and reference.

Detailed step-by-step instructions for carrying out the activity:

1. Group Formation: Groups should be formed with 3 to 5 members to encourage collaboration and diversity of ideas.

2. Study of the subject: Groups should study the concepts and classes of subjects. This stage should include group discussions to ensure that all members understand the concepts.

3. Research: Groups should start exploring different texts to look for examples of subject types. The research should be broad and include different textual genres.

4. Analysis and classification: Groups should identify, highlight, and classify the subjects found in the texts.

5. Report Preparation: The group should then work together to prepare a report. The report should include the introduction, development, conclusions, and bibliography used. The report should detail the research and analysis process, explain the conclusions, and demonstrate the practical application of what was learned.

The project must be completed and submitted within one week of its introduction.

Project Deliverables:

Students must submit a written report in digital format, with all required elements (Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography).

In the Introduction, students should contextualize the project, describe the key concepts (sentence, clause, different types of subject), and explain the relevance and application in the real world.

In the Development section, students should detail the practical activity. They should explain the research methodology used, present the examples of subjects found and classified, and discuss the results obtained.

In the Conclusion, students should summarize the main points of the project, discussing what they learned through the activity and its relevance in developing their Portuguese language skills.

Finally, in the Bibliography, students should list the information sources they consulted during the development of the project.

This project will help students acquire technical skills in identifying and classifying subjects in texts, as well as socio-emotional skills such as time management, communication, problem solving, creative thinking, and proactivity.