PAU Latin Language and Culture (Catalonia) exam-day guide
PAU Latin Language and Culture (Catalonia) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Official photo ID (DNI, passport, or residence card)
Bring the original document, valid and in good condition. A photocopy or a photo on your phone is not accepted. Confirm with the provider which documents are accepted for your call.
Exam admission slip or registration confirmation
Print or download the document showing your assigned centre, classroom, and timetable. Some centres require a printed copy; confirm with the provider whether a digital version is accepted.
Black or blue pens (at least two)
Write legibly and bring spares. Answers written in pencil may not be accepted; confirm with the provider which writing instruments are allowed.
Pencil and eraser for rough work
Use them only for drafts or annotations on the question paper, not for final answers unless the instructions explicitly allow it.
Clear pencil case or transparent bag
Keep pens, pencil, and eraser in a transparent container so invigilators can check them quickly.
Analogue watch (no smart features)
Exam rooms may not have a visible clock. A simple wristwatch helps you pace the sections. Smartwatches and phones are not allowed at your desk.
Water in a transparent bottle with the label removed
Stay hydrated, especially if the exam is long. Confirm with the provider whether drinks are permitted in the exam room.
Small snack for before or after the exam
Eat it outside the exam room and only if the centre allows it. Do not bring food to your desk unless authorised.
Review the prescribed syllabus and set texts
Check the official syllabus for the exact authors, genres, and passages that can appear. Do not rely on second-hand summaries.
Practise with the official model or past papers
Use only papers published by the organising body or your centre. Time yourself under exam conditions and review your errors.
Plan your route and arrival time
Arrive at least 20–30 minutes before the start. Check transport disruptions and the exact building entrance. Confirm with the provider how early candidates should arrive.
Read the centre's conduct rules in advance
Know what is prohibited (phones, notes, smart devices) and what happens if you arrive late. Confirm with the provider for any rule you are unsure about.
Plan the day
Confirm the exact date, time, and address of your exam on the official admission slip. Check transport and plan to arrive early. Re-read the syllabus to list the authors, works, and skills examined.
Do one full timed practice paper. Use the official model if available; otherwise use a paper from your centre. Mark it strictly and note where you lost marks: translation accuracy, literary commentary, or grammar.
Build a one-page summary of the set texts: author, genre, date, main characters, themes, and three short quotations you can use in a commentary. Keep it concise and accurate.
Review the core grammar and vocabulary you need for translation: case functions, verb forms, common pronouns, and connectors. Practise five short sentences from Latin into Catalan.
Do a light review only: reread your summary and the passages you found hardest. Do not start new material. Check that your ID and admission slip are ready.
Prepare your bag: ID, admission slip, two pens, pencil, eraser, clear pencil case, analogue watch, transparent water bottle. Leave your phone and smart devices at home or switched off and stored away.
Confirm the journey and set two alarms. Eat a normal meal and sleep at your usual time. Avoid last-minute cramming that leaves you tired.
Eat a proper breakfast and drink water. Arrive at the centre 20–30 minutes early. Go to the toilet before entering the room.
Switch off your phone and put it away before entering the exam room. Keep only permitted items at your desk. Listen carefully to the invigilator's instructions.
Read the whole paper first (2–3 minutes). Note the marks for each section and divide your time accordingly. Start with the section you are most confident about, but do not leave the translation until the last five minutes.
For the translation, read the whole passage once, identify the main verb and clauses, then translate sentence by sentence. Leave a blank line between answers and write legibly.
For the literary commentary, state the author and work, summarise the passage briefly, and analyse theme, style, and context with specific evidence from the text.
Reserve the last 10 minutes to check: have you answered every required question, numbered your answers correctly, and copied your final answers onto the answer sheet if one is used?
Rules to check
Bring valid original photo ID. Candidates without acceptable ID may be refused entry; confirm with the provider which documents are accepted.
Electronic devices, including phones and smartwatches, must be switched off and stored away from your desk. Using them during the exam is treated as misconduct.
Only permitted materials may be at your desk. Notes, books, and unauthorised aids are prohibited unless the syllabus explicitly allows a dictionary or text; confirm with the provider.
Follow the invigilator's instructions at all times. Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam, and do not leave your seat without permission.
Arrive on time. Late arrival may be admitted at the invigilator's discretion; confirm with the provider how late arrival is handled.
Breaks are not normally permitted during the exam. If you need to leave the room, raise your hand and follow the invigilator's instructions; confirm with the provider for any specific policy.
Write your answers legibly and in the language required by the paper. Answers that cannot be read cannot be marked.
Scoring follows the official mark scheme for the exam. Do not assume that a particular section carries more weight; check the instructions on the paper and the official syllabus.