SLLC Preliminary

You should be comfortable with the first two declensions, regular verbs in the present, imperfect and perfect tenses, and basic case usage. Most candidates arrive having completed roughly one to two years of study. If you still need a dictionary to identify a nominative from an accusative, spend a few more weeks on accidence first.

Expect a mixture of short grammar and vocabulary items, unseen translation from Latin into English, some English into Latin work, and questions on background material. The precise sections, marks and weightings are set out in the current specification published by the awarding body, so check that document rather than relying on second-hand descriptions.

The prose is adapted or lightly simplified rather than taken from unmodified classical authors. Sentences are short, subordinate clauses are limited, and vocabulary stays close to a defined core list. The challenge is accuracy under time pressure, not literary sophistication, so steady practice with short passages matters more than reading long texts.

Retake arrangements, including any limits on attempts or restrictions on when you may re-enter, are set by the awarding body and can change between sessions. Candidates should consult the official organisation's current regulations or ask their centre's exams officer before planning a resit.

Timing is published by the awarding body, so confirm it in the current specification. As a general habit, read the whole translation passage once for sense before writing anything, then allocate roughly half your remaining time to drafting and half to checking endings. Leaving grammar questions until the end is a common way to lose easy marks.

Start with grammar and vocabulary, since translation depends on both, and keep them running throughout. Add Latin-to-English translation practice early, then English-to-Latin, which is harder and benefits from consolidated accidence. Leave history, culture and literature until the final weeks, when factual material is easiest to hold in memory.

Misreading case endings, ignoring tense, and translating word by word instead of by clause are the classic errors. Others include leaving blanks rather than attempting an answer, writing an over-literal English version that obscures the sense, and neglecting the background section entirely on the assumption that it is optional. Accuracy in small words often decides the grade.

Most introductory Latin specifications define a core vocabulary that candidates are expected to know, and examination passages are usually written within it. Learn it in frequency order and in families of related words rather than alphabetically. Confirm the exact list and any prescribed texts with the awarding body, as these are revised periodically.

No. It is an introductory qualification within its own Scottish framework and is not interchangeable with GCSE, A level or other national Latin examinations. It is best treated as preparation and progression toward further Latin study. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the awarding body.