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European Baccalaureate Latin study materials
European Baccalaureate Latin study resources

European Baccalaureate Latin practice questions

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Question 1Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In the European Baccalaureate Latin written examination, which language skill is assessed by asking candidates to translate a passage from a prescribed author into the language of instruction?

  1. Sight reading aloud with correct quantity
  2. Version (translation from Latin into the modern language) Correct answer.
  3. Theme (translation from the modern language into Latin)
  4. Oral commentary on a set text

Explanation

The Latin written paper distinguishes two translation exercises: version, which renders a Latin author into the language of instruction, and theme, which renders modern prose into Latin. Asking for a rendering of a Latin passage into the modern language is therefore a version task, and it is the standard exercise testing comprehension of an unseen or prepared author.

Question 2Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

A Latin written paper asks candidates to explain the metre of a dactylic hexameter line. Which description of the foot is correct?

  1. One short syllable followed by two long syllables
  2. One long syllable followed by two short syllables Correct answer.
  3. Two long syllables
  4. Three short syllables

Explanation

The dactyl consists of one long syllable followed by two short ones, conventionally written - ∪ ∪. A spondee, by contrast, is two long syllables and may substitute for the dactyl in most feet of the hexameter. The final foot is normally a spondee or a trochee.

Question 3Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In the European Baccalaureate Latin examination, a candidate is asked to identify the case and function of 'consule' in the phrase 'consule Bruto'. What is the correct analysis?

  1. Dative of possession with the verb 'esse'
  2. Ablative of agent with a passive verb
  3. Ablative absolute, since the noun is in the ablative without a preposition Correct answer.
  4. Vocative, since the consul is being addressed

Explanation

An ablative absolute consists of a noun or pronoun plus a participle or a second noun in the ablative, grammatically independent of the main clause. 'Consule Bruto' fits this pattern exactly, with both elements in the ablative and no governing preposition. It is conventionally rendered 'when Brutus was consul' or 'in the consulship of Brutus'.

Question 4Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

Which Latin construction corresponds to the English indirect statement 'He said that the city had been captured'?

  1. Gerundive of obligation
  2. Subjunctive in a 'cum' clause
  3. Ablative absolute with a perfect participle
  4. Accusative and infinitive after a verb of saying Correct answer.

Explanation

Indirect statement in Latin is expressed by the accusative and infinitive construction, with the subject of the reported clause in the accusative and the verb in the infinitive. Tense is relative: the perfect infinitive marks action completed before the main verb, giving 'captam esse'.

Question 5Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In the prescribed prose author, a candidate meets 'ut' followed by a subjunctive after a verb of ordering. Which translation is correct?

  1. When he had ordered
  2. Because he orders
  3. As if he were ordering
  4. That he should order Correct answer.

Explanation

After verbs of commanding, requesting, and urging, 'ut' introduces a substantive purpose clause completed by the subjunctive. It is translated 'that ... should' or by a simple infinitive in English. The negative form is 'ne'.

Question 6Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

When scanning a line of dactylic hexameter, which foot position admits a trochee (- ∪) as a rare substitution?

  1. The sixth foot Correct answer.
  2. The fifth foot
  3. The third foot
  4. The first foot

Explanation

The hexameter's final foot is normally a spondee, but a trochee occasionally appears there, giving the so-called spondaic or versus hypermeter variants. The fifth foot is almost always a dactyl, and earlier feet admit spondees but not trochees.

Question 7Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

A candidate must render into Latin the English sentence 'The general ordered the soldiers to fortify the camp.' Which Latin version is idiomatic?

  1. Imperator milites castra munire iussus est.
  2. Imperator milites castra munire iubet.
  3. Imperator militibus castra munire iussit.
  4. Imperator milites castra munire iussit. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Iubere' takes an accusative of the person ordered plus an infinitive of the action commanded. The perfect 'iussit' matches the English past tense, and 'milites' is the accusative plural object of the order. The infinitive 'munire' completes the construction.

Question 8Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In the prescribed poetry, a candidate reads the phrase 'arma virumque cano'. Which figure of speech is present in 'arma virumque'?

  1. Hendiadys Correct answer.
  2. Polysyndeton
  3. Asyndeton
  4. Zeugma

Explanation

Hendiadys expresses a single complex idea through two coordinated nouns, one of which functions as a modifier of the other. 'Arms and the man' conveys the man of arms, a single conception rather than two separate items. The figure is common in epic openings and in Silver Age prose.

Question 9Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

A candidate must comment on the use of the historical present in a prescribed narrative. Which statement best characterises its effect?

  1. It signals reported speech introduced by a verb of saying.
  2. It renders past events vivid by presenting them as though happening before the reader's eyes. Correct answer.
  3. It marks an action as completed before the surrounding narrative.
  4. It expresses repeated or habitual action in the past.

Explanation

The historical present uses a present-tense form for past events to enliven narration and bring the action into the reader's immediate view. It is frequent in Livy, Sallust, and epic narrative. It does not alter the temporal sequence, which is still understood as past.

Question 10Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

Which Latin verb form correctly completes the indirect question 'Rogavit quid ...' meaning 'He asked what he should do'?

  1. faciat Correct answer.
  2. fecerit
  3. facere
  4. facit

Explanation

Indirect questions take a subjunctive verb whose tense follows the sequence of tenses; after a secondary main verb such as 'rogavit', present subjunctive 'faciat' represents an original deliberative present. The subjunctive mood is obligatory in indirect questions regardless of the introductory verb.

Question 11Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In the European Baccalaureate Latin written examination, what does the commentary exercise typically require candidates to do with a prescribed passage?

  1. Scan every line and mark the caesurae only
  2. Translate, then discuss content, style, and historical or literary context Correct answer.
  3. Compare the passage with a modern novel of the candidate's choice
  4. Recite the passage from memory without the text

Explanation

The commentary exercise combines translation with literary analysis, asking candidates to situate the passage in its work and genre and to discuss stylistic features with reference to the Latin. It rewards precise quotation and technical vocabulary. Pure recitation or scansion alone would not meet the assessment criteria.

Question 12Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

Which of these Latin words is a deponent verb, taking passive form with active meaning?

  1. monere
  2. audire
  3. laudare
  4. sequi Correct answer.

Explanation

Deponent verbs have passive endings but active meanings; 'sequor, sequi, secutus sum' means 'I follow'. The other three are ordinary active verbs of the first, second, and fourth conjugations. Deponents must be learned with their passive-looking principal parts.

Question 13Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

A candidate encounters 'eo quod' introducing a clause in a prescribed prose text. What does the phrase mean?

  1. Although
  2. Because Correct answer.
  3. Provided that
  4. In order that

Explanation

'Eo quod' is a causal conjunction meaning 'because' or 'for the reason that', taking the indicative when the stated cause is presented as fact. It is common in later and technical prose. It should not be confused with purpose clauses introduced by 'ut' or 'quo'.

Question 14Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In a prescribed passage, the gerundive 'delenda' appears agreeing with 'Carthago'. How should 'Carthago delenda est' be rendered?

  1. Carthage is being destroyed.
  2. Carthage must be destroyed. Correct answer.
  3. Carthage will destroy.
  4. Carthage has been destroyed.

Explanation

The gerundive with a form of 'esse' expresses necessity or obligation, often called the passive periphrastic. The person on whom the obligation falls, if expressed, stands in the dative. Hence 'Carthago delenda est' means 'Carthage must be destroyed'.

Question 15Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

Which feature distinguishes the Latin of the prescribed poetry from prose in the European Baccalaureate syllabus?

  1. Absence of subjunctive forms
  2. Freedom of word order shaped by metre, with frequent hyperbaton and enjambment Correct answer.
  3. Systematic use of the ablative absolute in every line
  4. Exclusive use of the present tense

Explanation

Poetic word order is constrained by the demands of metre, producing hyperbaton, enjambment, and delayed key words that would be unusual in prose. These features are precisely what commentary questions ask candidates to identify and interpret. Prose, while flexible, is not bound by quantitative metre.

Question 16Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

A candidate translating into Latin needs the accusative singular of 'vis'. Which form is correct?

  1. vem
  2. vis
  3. vi
  4. vim Correct answer.

Explanation

'Vis' is an irregular noun: genitive 'vis', accusative 'vim', ablative 'vi', plural 'vires'. Its declension must be memorised because it does not follow the regular third-declension i-stem pattern. The accusative 'vim' is the form required for an object or after a preposition.

Question 17Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In the phrase 'tantus ... quantus ...' used in a prescribed comparison, what relationship is expressed?

  1. Concession
  2. Cause and result
  3. Correlation of size or degree between two clauses Correct answer.
  4. Prohibition

Explanation

'Tantus ... quantus' is a correlative pair expressing degree or size, rendered 'as great ... as'. The same pattern appears with 'talis ... qualis' and 'tot ... quot'. Correlatives link two clauses by matching a demonstrative with a relative.

Question 18Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

A candidate must identify the function of 'quominus' in a prescribed prose sentence. Which description is correct?

  1. It introduces a clause of purpose after verbs of motion
  2. It introduces a concessive clause meaning 'although'
  3. It marks a temporal clause meaning 'before'
  4. It introduces a clause of prevention after verbs such as 'impedire' Correct answer.

Explanation

'Quominus' introduces a subjunctive clause of prevention or hindrance after verbs like 'impedire', 'prohibere', and 'recusare'. It is translated 'from ...ing' or 'lest'. It is one of a set of negative-purpose connectives alongside 'ne' and 'quin'.

Question 19Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

Which Latin construction best renders the English 'He was so brave that he was praised by all'?

  1. Tantus erat quod ab omnibus laudabatur.
  2. Tantus erat ut ab omnibus laudaretur. Correct answer.
  3. Tantus erat cum ab omnibus laudaretur.
  4. Tantus erat ne ab omnibus laudaretur.

Explanation

Result clauses are introduced by 'ut' with the subjunctive after correlatives such as 'tam', 'ita', 'tantus', or 'sic'. The imperfect subjunctive 'laudaretur' follows the sequence of tenses after a secondary main verb. The agent of the passive is expressed by 'ab' with the ablative.

Question 20Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In a prescribed passage, a candidate meets 'ut' followed by the indicative in a narrative. Which use of 'ut' does this most likely represent?

  1. Indirect command
  2. Fear clause
  3. Temporal clause meaning 'when' or 'as' Correct answer.
  4. Purpose clause

Explanation

'Ut' with the indicative commonly means 'when', 'as', or 'since', functioning as a temporal or causal conjunction. Purpose, command, and fear clauses all require the subjunctive. Mood is therefore the decisive diagnostic for this use of 'ut'.

Question 21Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

Which statement correctly describes the treatment of proper names when a candidate translates a Latin passage into the modern language?

  1. All proper names must be left in their Latin form without adaptation.
  2. Proper names must be translated literally by their etymology.
  3. Proper names must be omitted to preserve style.
  4. Proper names are normally adapted to the conventional spelling of the target language. Correct answer.

Explanation

Examination conventions expect proper names to be rendered in the conventional form of the target language, for example 'Carthago' as 'Carthage'. Names are not omitted, since they carry the narrative and historical content of the passage. Literal etymological translation would produce nonsense.

Question 22Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

A candidate must explain the difference between the gerund and the gerundive in a commentary. Which statement is accurate?

  1. The gerund is passive; the gerundive is active.
  2. The gerund is a participle; the gerundive is a noun.
  3. The gerund is a verbal noun; the gerundive is a verbal adjective agreeing with a noun. Correct answer.
  4. Both are finite verb forms used in main clauses.

Explanation

The gerund is a neuter singular verbal noun declining in the oblique cases, as in 'ars scribendi'. The gerundive is a verbal adjective in -ndus agreeing with a noun, often expressing obligation or, with 'ad', purpose. Confusing the two is a common source of lost marks in commentary.

Question 23Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In a prescribed passage, the poet writes 'multa quoque et bello passus'. Which figure is illustrated by the placing of 'multa' at the start of the line?

  1. Apostrophe
  2. Hyperbaton Correct answer.
  3. Anastrophe
  4. Litotes

Explanation

Hyperbaton is the separation of words that belong together syntactically, often by placing a modifier far from its noun. Here 'multa' is separated from the noun it modifies, a characteristic of Latin verse word order. The figure is closely tied to metrical convenience and emphasis.

Question 24Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

Which Latin form correctly completes the indirect statement 'Dicit se ...' meaning 'He says that he is coming'?

  1. venisset
  2. veniat
  3. venire Correct answer.
  4. venit

Explanation

Indirect statement uses the accusative and infinitive, so 'se' is the accusative subject and 'venire' the present infinitive. The present infinitive represents action simultaneous with the main verb. The reflexive 'se' refers back to the speaker.

Question 25Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

A candidate is asked to comment on the use of 'cum' with the imperfect subjunctive in a narrative passage. Which rendering is most appropriate?

  1. 'Because', since the clause gives the cause of the main action
  2. 'When' or 'since', depending on context, with the subjunctive marking circumstance Correct answer.
  3. 'Although', since the clause concedes a point
  4. 'In order that', since the clause states a purpose

Explanation

The 'cum' clause with the imperfect subjunctive is characteristically circumstantial, rendered 'when' or 'since' according to context; the subjunctive marks the clause as descriptive rather than purely factual. Causal and concessive readings are possible but must be supported by context and often by 'tamen' or similar signals. Purpose is not expressed by 'cum'.

Question 26Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In the European Baccalaureate Latin written examination, the translation passage is accompanied by a list of vocabulary. What is the principal purpose of that list?

  1. To list the grammatical constructions the candidate must identify in the commentary
  2. To provide the scansion of every verse line in the passage
  3. To indicate which words must be left untranslated in the target language
  4. To supply glosses for words the candidate is not expected to know, so that the passage can be translated without a dictionary Correct answer.

Explanation

The vocabulary list is a support for the translation task: it glosses lexical items beyond the assumed core vocabulary so that the passage is accessible without a dictionary. It does not prescribe commentary points, scansion, or words to leave in Latin.

Question 27Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

A candidate must translate into Latin: 'The consul, having dismissed the assembly, returned home.' Which Latin rendering correctly uses the ablative absolute?

  1. Consul, contionem dimissam, domum rediit.
  2. Consul, contione dimissa, domum rediit. Correct answer.
  3. Consul, contione dimittente, domum rediit.
  4. Consul, contionem dimittere, domum rediit.

Explanation

In an ablative absolute the noun and participle both stand in the ablative case, agreeing in gender and number: contione dimissa. The construction expresses an action prior to the main verb and is grammatically independent of the subject.

Question 28Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In the prescribed prose text, a candidate meets the sentence 'Caesar pontem rescindi iussit.' Which analysis of 'rescindi' is correct?

  1. It is a present passive infinitive depending on iussit, expressing what Caesar ordered to be done. Correct answer.
  2. It is a perfect passive participle agreeing with pontem.
  3. It is a future passive infinitive in an indirect statement.
  4. It is a gerundive of obligation agreeing with pontem.

Explanation

Iubere can take a passive infinitive with its subject in the accusative: pontem rescindi iussit means 'he ordered the bridge to be cut down'. Rescindi is the present passive infinitive of rescindo.

Question 29Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

A candidate is asked in the commentary to explain the mood of 'esset' in 'Cum haec dicerentur, nuntius advenit.' Which explanation is correct?

  1. The subjunctive is required by the indirect statement introduced by nuntius.
  2. The subjunctive is required because cum here means 'although', introducing a concessive clause.
  3. The subjunctive is used because cum with the imperfect subjunctive in a past narrative expresses circumstance or cause, here 'when these things were being said'. Correct answer.
  4. The subjunctive is a deliberative subjunctive expressing a question.

Explanation

Cum with the imperfect subjunctive in past narrative regularly expresses circumstance or cause ('when/since these things were being said'). The concessive use ('although') is possible but would normally be signalled by tamen or by a clearly adversative context, which is absent here.

Question 30Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

Which Latin word correctly completes the sentence 'Omnes cives ... patriae defendendae causa arma ceperunt', meaning 'All citizens took up arms for the sake of defending the fatherland'?

  1. patria
  2. patriae Correct answer.
  3. patriam
  4. patriis

Explanation

Causa with the genitive expresses purpose: patriae defendendae causa, 'for the sake of defending the fatherland'. The gerundive defendendae agrees with patriae in gender, number, and case.

Question 31Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In the prescribed poetry, a candidate reads 'Tityre, tu patulae recubans sub tegmine fagi'. Which metrical feature is illustrated by the elision at 'tegmine fagi'?

  1. Synizesis, where two vowels within a word are pronounced as one syllable
  2. Caesura, where a word break falls within a foot
  3. Elision, where a final vowel or final -m is suppressed before a word beginning with a vowel or h Correct answer.
  4. Hiatus, where a final vowel is left unelided before an initial vowel

Explanation

Elision suppresses a final vowel or final -m before an initial vowel or h, so tegmine fagi is scanned as tegmine fagi with the final -e of tegmine lost. This keeps the hexameter line to its required length.

Question 32Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

A candidate must render into Latin 'He asked me whether I had seen his brother.' Which sentence is correct?

  1. Rogavit me num fratrem suum vidissem?
  2. Rogavit me num fratrem suum viderem.
  3. Rogavit me num fratrem suum vidissem. Correct answer.
  4. Rogavit me quod fratrem suum vidissem.

Explanation

An indirect question uses a subjunctive verb; because the seeing precedes the asking, the perfect subjunctive vidissem is required. Num introduces a yes/no indirect question, and no question mark is used in indirect speech.

Question 33Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In the prescribed poetry, a candidate meets the phrase 'saepe stilum vertas'. Which statement best explains the metaphor?

  1. The stylus is a weapon, and the phrase means 'you would often turn to war'.
  2. The stylus is a writing implement; turning it erases the wax, so the phrase means 'you would often revise your work'. Correct answer.
  3. The stylus is a measuring rod, and the phrase refers to surveying land.
  4. The stylus is a musical instrument, and the phrase refers to changing tune.

Explanation

The stilus was a pointed instrument for writing on wax tablets; its flat end was used to smooth the wax and erase. Saepe stilum vertas therefore advises frequent revision of one's writing.

Question 34Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

Which Latin form correctly completes the indirect statement 'Dicit se ...' meaning 'He says that he is about to leave'?

  1. abire
  2. abiturus
  3. abiturus esse Correct answer.
  4. abiisse

Explanation

An indirect statement after dicit takes the accusative and infinitive. Future time is expressed by the future active infinitive, formed from the future participle plus esse: abiturus esse, 'that he is about to leave'.

Question 35Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

A candidate is asked to comment on the word order of 'multa quoque et bello passus'. Which figure is illustrated by the separation of multa from passus?

  1. Hyperbaton, the deliberate separation of words that belong together Correct answer.
  2. Anaphora, the repetition of a word at the beginning of successive clauses
  3. Hendiadys, the expression of one idea by two coordinated words
  4. Litotes, the expression of an affirmative by negating its opposite

Explanation

Hyperbaton is the postponement or separation of a word from its grammatical partner for emphasis or metrical convenience. Here multa is held back from passus, which it modifies, so the phrase is a clear example.

Question 36Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In the prescribed prose, a candidate reads 'Tantum periculum erat ut omnes fugerent.' Which translation best captures the construction?

  1. The danger was great enough for everyone to flee.
  2. Although the danger was great, everyone fled.
  3. Everyone fled because the danger was great.
  4. The danger was so great that everyone fled. Correct answer.

Explanation

Tantum ... ut with the imperfect subjunctive expresses a result clause: 'the danger was so great that everyone fled'. The subjunctive is characteristic of result clauses introduced by ut.

Question 37Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

A candidate translating a Latin passage into the target language meets the phrase 'Roma condita'. Which rendering is correct?

  1. By founding Rome
  2. Rome having founded
  3. Rome about to be founded
  4. When Rome was founded Correct answer.

Explanation

Roma condita is an ablative absolute with a passive perfect participle: 'Rome having been founded', i.e. 'when Rome was founded'. The noun and participle agree in the ablative, and the passive sense is essential.

Question 38Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

Which Latin sentence correctly renders 'If he had known, he would have come'?

  1. Si sciat, veniat.
  2. Si sciret, veniret.
  3. Si scivit, venit.
  4. Si scivisset, venisset. Correct answer.

Explanation

A past contrary-to-fact conditional uses the pluperfect subjunctive in both protasis and apodosis: si scivisset, venisset. This is the standard 'third' conditional type.

Question 39Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In the prescribed poetry, a candidate encounters the phrase 'arma virumque cano'. Which term describes the use of -que here?

  1. Interrogative -que meaning 'and?', turning the clause into a question
  2. Relative -que meaning 'who', introducing a relative clause
  3. Demonstrative -que meaning 'this', modifying virum
  4. Enclitic -que meaning 'and', attaching to the second of two coordinated items Correct answer.

Explanation

The enclitic -que means 'and' and is attached to the second of the two words it joins: arma virumque = 'arms and the man'. It is one of the commonest coordinating particles in Latin verse.

Question 40Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

A candidate must explain why 'imperium' in 'imperium populi Romani' is in the genitive in the phrase 'maiestas imperii populi Romani'. Which explanation is correct?

  1. Imperii is genitive because it is the object of a verb of remembering.
  2. Imperii is genitive because it depends on maiestas, and populi Romani is a further genitive defining imperii. Correct answer.
  3. Imperii is genitive because it is the subject of an infinitive.
  4. Imperii is genitive because it is a partitive genitive after a neuter pronoun.

Explanation

The head noun maiestas takes a defining genitive imperii, and imperii is itself defined by the genitive populi Romani. This is a straightforward chain of dependent genitives.

Question 41Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In the European Baccalaureate Latin written examination, which statement best describes the commentary exercise?

  1. It requires candidates to scan a passage of prose into hexameters.
  2. It requires candidates to translate a passage of unseen Latin without a dictionary.
  3. It requires candidates to compose an original Latin speech on a set theme.
  4. It requires candidates to explain grammatical forms and constructions and to comment on literary or historical points in the prescribed text. Correct answer.

Explanation

The commentary exercise tests the ability to analyse the language of a prescribed text and to discuss its content, style, and context. It is distinct from the translation of an unseen passage and from prose composition.

Question 42Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

Which Latin word correctly completes 'Caesar ... flumen pontem fecit', meaning 'Caesar built a bridge over the river'?

  1. per
  2. in
  3. trans Correct answer.
  4. ad

Explanation

Trans with the accusative means 'across' or 'over': trans flumen, 'over the river'. It is the natural preposition for a bridge spanning a river.

Question 43Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

A candidate must render into Latin 'The soldiers were fighting bravely so that the city might be saved.' Which sentence is correct?

  1. Milites fortiter pugnabant ut urbs servaretur. Correct answer.
  2. Milites fortiter pugnabant quod urbs servaretur.
  3. Milites fortiter pugnaverunt ut urbs servetur.
  4. Milites fortiter pugnabant ut urbem servarent.

Explanation

A purpose clause uses ut with the present or imperfect subjunctive, and the verb agrees with its own subject. Here the city is the subject of a passive verb, so urbs servaretur is correct after a secondary-tense main verb.

Question 44Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In the prescribed poetry, a candidate reads 'O passi graviora'. Which case and function does 'passi' have?

  1. Ablative plural of the gerundive, expressing means
  2. Vocative plural of the perfect participle, addressing those who have suffered Correct answer.
  3. Nominative plural of the present participle, subject of the sentence
  4. Genitive singular of the present participle, modifying an unexpressed noun

Explanation

Passi is the vocative plural masculine of the perfect participle passus, used as a substantive: 'O you who have suffered heavier things'. The vocative is clear from the interjection O.

Question 45Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

Which Latin construction correctly renders 'He is said to have written many poems'?

  1. Dicit multa carmina scripsisse.
  2. Dicitur multa carmina scripturum esse.
  3. Dicitur multa carmina scribere.
  4. Dicitur multa carmina scripsisse. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passive of dico takes a nominative and infinitive: dicitur ... scripsisse, 'he is said to have written'. The perfect infinitive indicates action prior to the main verb.

Question 46Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

A candidate is asked to identify the case of 'urbi' in 'urbi praeerat'. Which analysis is correct?

  1. Ablative, because praeesse takes the ablative of separation
  2. Genitive, because praeesse takes the genitive of possession
  3. Accusative, because praeesse takes the accusative of place
  4. Dative, because praeesse takes the dative of the person or thing over which one presides Correct answer.

Explanation

Praeesse is a compound verb that governs the dative: praeesse urbi means 'to be in charge of the city'. The dative marks the person or thing over which authority is exercised.

Question 47Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In the prescribed prose, a candidate reads 'Non dubito quin verum dixeris.' Which translation is correct?

  1. I do not doubt how you spoke the truth.
  2. I do not doubt because you spoke the truth.
  3. I do not doubt that you have spoken the truth. Correct answer.
  4. I doubt whether you have spoken the truth.

Explanation

Non dubito quin with the perfect subjunctive expresses a positive certainty: 'I do not doubt that you have spoken the truth'. Quin here is equivalent to 'that' after a negative expression of doubt.

Question 48Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

Which Latin word correctly completes 'Hostes ... flumen castra posuerunt', meaning 'The enemy pitched camp near the river'?

  1. per
  2. ad Correct answer.
  3. ob
  4. sub

Explanation

Ad with the accusative means 'at' or 'near' and is standard with castra ponere: ad flumen castra ponere, 'to pitch camp near the river'.

Question 49Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

A candidate is asked to explain the difference between 'gerund' and 'gerundive' in a commentary passage. Which statement is accurate?

  1. The gerund is passive in form; the gerundive is active in form.
  2. The gerund is a verbal noun declining in the neuter singular; the gerundive is an adjective agreeing with a noun and often expressing obligation. Correct answer.
  3. The gerund is an adjective agreeing with a noun; the gerundive is a verbal noun declining in the neuter singular.
  4. The gerund is a participle expressing time; the gerundive is an infinitive expressing purpose.

Explanation

The gerund is a neuter singular verbal noun (e.g. amandi, amando) used for oblique cases of the infinitive. The gerundive is a passive verbal adjective in -ndus agreeing with a noun, often expressing necessity or obligation.

Question 50Written examinations (including compulsory L1, L2 and Mathematics)

In the prescribed poetry, a candidate reads 'Sunt lacrimae rerum et mentem mortalia tangunt.' Which figure is illustrated by 'lacrimae rerum'?

  1. Onomatopoeia, where the sound of the words imitates the sense
  2. Metonymy, where 'tears' stand for grief and 'rerum' for human fortunes Correct answer.
  3. Zeugma, where one verb governs two objects of different sense
  4. Apostrophe, where the poet addresses an absent person

Explanation

Metonymy replaces a word with another closely associated with it: lacrimae stands for grief or compassion, and res for human fortunes or misfortunes. The phrase is a famous example of compressed figurative language.