PAU Latin II (Aragón) exam-day guide
PAU Latin II (Aragón) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Official photo ID
Bring the DNI, passport, or residence card you used to enrol. The centre will check identity before you enter the room; an expired or mismatched document can bar you from the exam. Confirm with the provider which documents are accepted if you hold something unusual.
Printed exam convocatoria / seat assignment
The Aragón convocatoria lists your centre, room, date, and sitting time. Print it or download it to your phone so you can find the correct room quickly. Check the official university or PAU portal for the exact document the centre expects.
Several blue or black ballpoint pens
The Latin paper is written by hand. Bring at least two pens that write cleanly and one spare, plus a pencil and eraser for any marking on the question sheet. Do not rely on a single pen.
Wristwatch (non-smart)
Exam rooms do not always have a visible clock. A simple analogue or digital watch without connectivity helps you pace the translation and the commentary sections. Smart watches are normally prohibited; confirm the centre's rules.
Clear pencil case or transparent bag
Many centres require materials to be visible. Keep pens, pencil, eraser, and ID in a transparent case so invigilators can check quickly. Confirm with the provider whether a clear case is mandatory.
Water bottle with label removed
A small bottle can help during a long sitting, but centres often require the label to be removed or the bottle to be transparent. Check the centre's instructions; if unsure, leave it at home.
Review the prescribed authors and texts
Re-read the set passages and authors named in the Aragón curriculum for Latin II. Be able to identify the text, the author, the genre, and the main theme, because commentary questions often start from a short excerpt.
Memorise core morphology and syntax tables
Drill noun and adjective declensions, the active and passive verb paradigms, pronouns, and the main subordinate clause types (cum, ut, quod, ablative absolute, indirect statement). These are the highest-yield items for the grammar questions.
Practise a timed translation
Do at least one full translation under exam conditions in the final days. Time yourself, then mark the passage for vocabulary, cases, and clause boundaries. This is the section that most often costs marks through poor time management.
Prepare a short vocabulary list
Revise the high-frequency vocabulary from the set texts and the official lexicon for the subject. Learn words in context rather than as isolated lists, so you can recognise them in the passage.
Check the exact exam duration and structure
Confirm the length of the paper and the weighting of each section (translation, grammar, literary commentary, and any cultural or historical questions) on the official Aragón PAU model. Do not rely on memory or on what other students say.
Plan your route and arrival time
Arrive at the centre well before the sitting begins, allowing for transport delays and for finding the room. Confirm the address and the entry point with the centre if you have not sat there before.
Plan the day
Do a full timed mock of the whole paper, then mark it honestly against the official criteria. Identify the two weakest areas and spend the remaining days on those, not on everything at once.
Re-read the prescribed texts and authors. For each one, write a five-line summary covering author, genre, date, theme, and two stylistic features you could mention in a commentary.
Review the grammar checklist: declensions, verb paradigms, pronouns, and the main subordinate clauses. Test yourself by parsing short sentences from the set texts rather than re-reading grammar notes passively.
Do a light vocabulary review and one short translation, then stop. Pack your ID, pens, watch, and printed convocatoria. Check the room, time, and route on the official portal.
Sleep a full night. Do not learn new material; consolidation of what you already know is more valuable than last-minute cramming.
Eat a proper breakfast, arrive early, and skim your own summary sheets for the set authors. Avoid discussing content with other candidates, which can create confusion and anxiety.
Read the whole paper before writing. Note the marks for each section and allocate time proportionally, leaving a few minutes at the end for checking.
Read the Latin passage twice, identify the main verb of each clause, then translate sentence by sentence. Mark cases and agreements in the margin before writing the final version.
Answer the grammar items precisely, naming the construction and giving the form. In the commentary, anchor every claim in the text with a short quotation or line reference.
Check that every question has an answer, that verb endings and case endings are consistent, and that your name and details are filled in correctly. Do not leave blanks where partial credit is possible.
Rules to check
Bring the ID document used at enrolment and present it when asked. If your document is unusual or expired, confirm with the provider before the exam day what will be accepted.
Electronic devices, including phones and smart watches, must normally be switched off and stored away. Confirm the centre's policy on where bags and devices are kept.
Write in the language and script the paper requires, and use only the materials the invigilator permits. If you are unsure whether a dictionary or lexicon is allowed, confirm with the provider in advance.
Do not communicate with other candidates once the sitting has begun. Raise your hand if you need an invigilator, for example to ask for more paper or to leave the room.
Breaks during the sitting are usually not permitted, or only with supervision. Confirm the centre's rules if you have a medical need, and ask about any approved arrangements well before the exam.
Marks are awarded for accurate translation, correct identification of grammatical constructions, and evidence-based commentary. Partial answers that show correct reasoning can earn credit, so write what you know rather than leaving blanks.
Any irregularity, such as bringing unauthorised material or impersonating another candidate, can lead to annulment of the exam. The exact sanctions are set by the Aragón PAU regulations; check the official text.
If you believe there is an error in the paper or a problem in the room, tell the invigilator immediately and follow the official claims procedure published by the provider.