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NCEA Level 3 Latin study materials
NCEA Level 3 Latin study resources

NCEA Level 3 Latin practice questions

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Question 1Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In the sentence 'Caesar, ubi ea quae facta erant cognovit, legatos misit', what is the grammatical function of 'ea quae facta erant'?

  1. Object of 'cognovit' Correct answer.
  2. Ablative absolute phrase
  3. Indirect statement after 'cognovit'
  4. Subject of the subordinate clause 'ubi...cognovit'

Explanation

'Cognoscere' is transitive and takes an accusative object; 'ea' is a neuter plural accusative pronoun, and the relative clause 'quae facta erant' modifies it. The whole phrase therefore serves as the object of 'cognovit', while 'Caesar' is the subject.

Question 2Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which case does the preposition 'ob' govern in classical prose?

  1. Dative
  2. Ablative
  3. Accusative Correct answer.
  4. Genitive

Explanation

'Ob' is one of the prepositions compounded with a verb of motion or purpose and regularly takes the accusative, as in 'ob eam causam'. It never governs the ablative, genitive or dative in classical usage.

Question 3Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In the line 'Arma virumque cano, Troiae qui primus ab oris', what is the case and function of 'Troiae'?

  1. Nominative plural, subject of 'cano'
  2. Dative singular, indirect object of 'cano'
  3. Locative, expressing place where
  4. Genitive singular, possessive with 'oris' Correct answer.

Explanation

'Troiae' is a genitive singular depending on 'oris': the man came 'from the shores of Troy'. The genitive of a place name is common in poetry where prose might prefer an adjective.

Question 4Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which verb form is 'audivisset'?

  1. Pluperfect subjunctive active, third person singular Correct answer.
  2. Future perfect indicative active, third person singular
  3. Perfect subjunctive active, third person singular
  4. Imperfect subjunctive active, third person singular

Explanation

The ending '-isset' marks the pluperfect subjunctive active, formed from the perfect stem 'audiv-' plus '-isse-' plus personal endings. It appears chiefly in past contrary-to-fact conditions and in subordinate clauses in secondary sequence.

Question 5Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In 'Dux milites hortatus est ut fortiter pugnarent', what construction follows 'ut'?

  1. A result clause with the imperfect subjunctive
  2. A fear clause with the imperfect subjunctive
  3. An indirect command with the imperfect subjunctive Correct answer.
  4. A purpose clause with the imperfect subjunctive

Explanation

Verbs of urging and commanding such as 'hortor' introduce an indirect command, expressed by 'ut' plus a subjunctive whose tense follows sequence of tenses. Because the main verb is past, the imperfect subjunctive 'pugnarent' is used.

Question 6Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which of these is the correct passive infinitive of 'capio'?

  1. capi Correct answer.
  2. captum iri
  3. captus esse
  4. capere

Explanation

The present passive infinitive of third-conjugation '-io' verbs ends in '-i', so 'capio' gives 'capi'. This distinguishes it from the active 'capere' and from the perfect passive 'captus esse'.

Question 7Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In the sentence 'His rebus cognitis, Caesar castra movit', what is the function of 'his rebus cognitis'?

  1. An ablative of means explaining how the camp was moved
  2. An ablative absolute expressing the circumstances of the action Correct answer.
  3. A dative of agent with a passive verb
  4. An ablative of comparison with 'movit'

Explanation

An ablative absolute consists of a noun and a participle in the ablative, grammatically independent of the main clause and expressing time, cause or circumstance. Here it means 'when these things had been learned'.

Question 8Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which figure of speech is illustrated by 'multa murus aquae' in a poetic line where the speaker refers to a 'wall of water'?

  1. Litotes
  2. Apostrophe
  3. Metaphor Correct answer.
  4. Metonymy

Explanation

A metaphor states that one thing is another, transferring a term from its literal referent to suggest a resemblance; calling a mass of water a 'wall' is metaphorical. Metonymy, by contrast, substitutes an associated term such as 'rostra' for political speech.

Question 9Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In 'Roma condita est a Romulo', what is the function of 'a Romulo'?

  1. Ablative of separation
  2. Ablative of agent Correct answer.
  3. Ablative of means
  4. Ablative absolute

Explanation

With a passive verb, a personal agent is expressed by 'a' or 'ab' plus the ablative. 'A Romulo' therefore means 'by Romulus', whereas an impersonal means would appear in the plain ablative without a preposition.

Question 10Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which sentence correctly reports 'Caesar dixit: "Veni, vidi, vici"' in indirect statement?

  1. Caesar dixit se venisse, vidisse, vicisse. Correct answer.
  2. Caesar dixit eum venisse, vidisse, vicisse.
  3. Caesar dixit se venturum, visurum, victurum esse.
  4. Caesar dixit se venire, videre, vincere.

Explanation

Indirect statement uses an accusative subject plus infinitive, and a past main verb of speaking calls for the perfect infinitive to express a completed action. A reflexive pronoun 'se' refers back to the subject Caesar.

Question 11Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

What is the metre of the Aeneid, and how is a dactylic foot distinguished from a spondee?

  1. Iambic senarius; a dactyl is short-long, a spondee long-short
  2. Dactylic hexameter; a dactyl is long-short-short, a spondee long-long Correct answer.
  3. Sapphic stanzas; a dactyl is long-long, a spondee long-short
  4. Hendecasyllables; a dactyl is short-short-long, a spondee short-long

Explanation

The Aeneid is composed in dactylic hexameter, six feet in which each foot is either a dactyl (one long and two short syllables) or a spondee (two longs). The fifth foot is almost always a dactyl, and the sixth a spondee or trochee.

Question 12Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In the phrase 'tantus erat timor ut omnes fugerent', what type of clause is 'ut omnes fugerent'?

  1. Indirect command
  2. Proviso clause
  3. Purpose clause
  4. Result clause Correct answer.

Explanation

The correlative 'tantus' in the main clause signals a result clause, expressed by 'ut' plus the subjunctive. The sense is 'such was the fear that everyone fled', describing a consequence rather than an intention.

Question 13Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which of these forms is a supine?

  1. monitus
  2. moniturus
  3. monitu Correct answer.
  4. monuerat

Explanation

The supine has two forms: the accusative in '-um' used after verbs of motion, and the ablative in '-u' used with adjectives such as 'facilis'. 'Monitu' is the ablative supine of 'moneo'.

Question 14Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In 'Carthago delenda est', what is the grammatical analysis of 'delenda'?

  1. Future passive participle used as a noun
  2. Gerund in the ablative, expressing means
  3. Gerundive agreeing with 'Carthago', expressing necessity Correct answer.
  4. Present participle agreeing with 'Carthago'

Explanation

The gerundive is a future passive participle in '-ndus' that expresses obligation or necessity when used with a form of 'sum'. Here it agrees with 'Carthago' in the feminine singular nominative, giving 'Carthage must be destroyed'.

Question 15Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which rhetorical device is used in 'Non ignara mali miseris succurrere disco'?

  1. Hyperbole
  2. Onomatopoeia
  3. Litotes Correct answer.
  4. Anaphora

Explanation

Litotes is the affirmation of something by denying its opposite; 'non ignara' means 'not unacquainted', that is, 'well acquainted'. The figure is a favourite of Virgil and lends emphasis through understatement.

Question 16Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

What is the correct sequence of tenses rule for a subjunctive in a subordinate clause when the main verb is present?

  1. Primary sequence: present or perfect subjunctive Correct answer.
  2. Primary sequence: imperfect or pluperfect subjunctive
  3. Secondary sequence: present or perfect subjunctive
  4. Secondary sequence: imperfect or pluperfect subjunctive

Explanation

In primary sequence, after a main verb in the present, future or future perfect, a subordinate subjunctive expresses contemporaneous action with the present subjunctive and prior action with the perfect subjunctive. Secondary sequence, after a historical main verb, uses the imperfect and pluperfect respectively.

Question 17Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In 'Nemo tam stultus est quin haec intellegat', what does the 'quin' clause express?

  1. A result clause after a negative main clause Correct answer.
  2. A conditional clause
  3. A purpose clause of prevention
  4. An indirect question

Explanation

After expressions of no one or nothing preventing or doubting, 'quin' with the subjunctive expresses a result, equivalent to 'who does not'. Here 'nemo tam stultus est quin...' means 'no one is so foolish that he does not understand these things'.

Question 18Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which of these best describes the 'Golden Age' motif as used by Virgil in the fourth Eclogue?

  1. A return of a blessed era of peace and plenty, associated with the birth of a child Correct answer.
  2. A lament for the death of Julius Caesar in the underworld
  3. A philosophical argument for Epicurean withdrawal from public life
  4. A satirical attack on contemporary Roman politics

Explanation

The fourth Eclogue predicts the return of the Golden Age, a mythical era of peace and abundance, linked to the birth of a child whose identity is debated. The poem draws on Hesiodic and Sibylline traditions rather than satire or Epicurean withdrawal.

Question 19Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In the Aeneid, what is the function of the prophecy of Anchises in Book 6?

  1. It recounts the fall of Troy from Aeneas' perspective
  2. It explains the origins of the Trojan War
  3. It sets out the future destiny of Rome and its heroes Correct answer.
  4. It describes the founding of Carthage by Dido

Explanation

In the underworld, Anchises shows Aeneas the souls destined to become Rome's great figures and articulates the Roman mission of empire and law. The prophecy links Aeneas' personal journey to the historical destiny of Rome.

Question 20Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which of these is an example of a 'cum' clause in the historical construction?

  1. Cum Caesar veniat, milites convocentur.
  2. Caesar, cum venit, milites convocat.
  3. Cum Caesar venit, milites convocantur.
  4. Cum Caesar venisset, milites convocavit. Correct answer.

Explanation

A historical 'cum' clause takes the subjunctive, normally the imperfect or pluperfect, to express circumstances such as cause or time. Here 'cum venisset' uses the pluperfect subjunctive after a historical main verb.

Question 21Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

What is the meaning of the gerund construction in 'ars scribendi'?

  1. The art about to be written
  2. The art written down
  3. The art of the writer
  4. The art of writing Correct answer.

Explanation

The gerund is a verbal noun that supplies the oblique cases of the infinitive; 'scribendi' is the genitive of the gerund, so 'ars scribendi' means 'the art of writing'. It is distinguished from the gerundive, which is adjectival and expresses obligation.

Question 22Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In 'Quid agam?', what does the subjunctive express?

  1. A deliberative question Correct answer.
  2. A future condition
  3. A potential statement
  4. An indirect command

Explanation

A deliberative question uses the subjunctive, usually present or imperfect, in a question of doubt or deliberation, as in 'what am I to do?'. It is often introduced by interrogative particles and may appear in rhetorical contexts.

Question 23Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which of these is the correct way to express 'I am ashamed of what I did' using a causal relative clause?

  1. Pudet me eius quod feci. Correct answer.
  2. Pudet me quod feci.
  3. Pudet me ut fecerim.
  4. Pudet me qui feci.

Explanation

A causal relative clause with the subjunctive is introduced by a relative pronoun such as 'quod' and explains the reason for the main statement. The genitive 'eius' is the object of 'pudet', and the subjunctive 'fecerim' marks the cause.

Question 24Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which statement best captures the role of 'pietas' as a theme in the Aeneid?

  1. Aeneas' sense of duty to gods, family and destiny, often at personal cost Correct answer.
  2. A rejection of religious obligation in favour of personal desire
  3. A philosophical indifference to suffering and emotion
  4. A political loyalty to the Roman Senate as an institution

Explanation

'Pietas' in the Aeneid denotes dutiful devotion to the gods, one's family and the mission imposed by fate, exemplified by Aeneas' endurance and sacrifice. The theme is set against the furor of characters such as Dido and Turnus.

Question 25Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In the phrase 'urbs Roma', what is the relationship between the two nouns?

  1. Genitive of possession
  2. Apposition, with 'Roma' specifying 'urbs' Correct answer.
  3. Ablative of place
  4. Dative of reference

Explanation

Apposition places two nouns in the same case referring to the same entity, one specifying the other; 'urbs Roma' means 'the city, Rome'. Both nouns stand in the nominative here.

Question 26Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which form is the future active participle of 'sequor'?

  1. secutus
  2. secuturus esse
  3. sequendus
  4. secuturus Correct answer.

Explanation

The future active participle is built on the supine stem plus -urus, -a, -um: from sequor the supine stem is secut-, giving secuturus. It declines like a first/second declension adjective and expresses purpose or intention.

Question 27Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In 'Veritus ne hostes advenirent, dux castra munivit', what does the 'ne' clause express?

  1. A concession although the enemy arrived
  2. A purpose so that the enemy would arrive
  3. A fear that the enemy would arrive Correct answer.
  4. A result that the enemy arrived

Explanation

Verbs of fearing take a substantive clause introduced by ne (for positive fears) or ut/ne non (for negative fears), with the subjunctive. Here 'ne hostes advenirent' means 'that the enemy would arrive', i.e. the thing feared, and the sequence follows the primary/secondary rule.

Question 28Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which case does 'utor' govern when it means 'use'?

  1. Dative
  2. Accusative
  3. Genitive
  4. Ablative Correct answer.

Explanation

'Utor, uti, usus sum' is one of the verbs that take the ablative of means or instrument, along with fruor, fungor, potior, and vescor. Thus 'gladio utitur' means 'he uses a sword'. The same construction applies in the passive with the ablative retained.

Question 29Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

What is the correct form of the imperfect subjunctive active of 'esse' in the third person singular?

  1. esset Correct answer.
  2. fuisset
  3. erit
  4. sit

Explanation

The imperfect subjunctive is formed from the present infinitive plus personal endings; for esse the infinitive is esse, giving essem, esses, esset. The imperfect subjunctive of esse is common in indirect questions and result clauses in secondary sequence.

Question 30Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In 'Caesar, cum id audivisset, statim profectus est', what does 'cum' with the pluperfect subjunctive express?

  1. A purpose, translated 'in order to hear'
  2. A circumstance in the past, translated 'when/since he had heard' Correct answer.
  3. A present general circumstance, translated 'whenever he hears'
  4. A future condition, translated 'if he should hear'

Explanation

The historical cum clause uses cum with the imperfect or pluperfect subjunctive to describe the circumstances surrounding the main action. Here the pluperfect 'audivisset' marks an action completed before 'profectus est', so it is translated 'when/since he had heard'.

Question 31Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which of these is the correct passive form of 'laudabunt'?

  1. laudabantur
  2. laudabuntur Correct answer.
  3. laudantur
  4. laudabunt

Explanation

The future passive is formed from the future active stem plus the passive endings -r, -ris, -tur, etc.; 'laudabunt' becomes 'laudabuntur'. The active and passive future first and second conjugation forms are otherwise identical in stem.

Question 32Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

What is the meaning of the gerundive in 'Carthago delenda est'?

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

Explanation

The gerundive is a passive verbal adjective expressing obligation or necessity. In the passive periphrastic construction with a form of esse, it means 'must be' or 'ought to be' done, often with a dative of agent.

Question 33Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In the phrase 'tam fortis quam leo', what does 'quam' introduce?

  1. A comparison of inequality
  2. An indirect question
  3. A comparison of equality Correct answer.
  4. A purpose clause

Explanation

'Tam... quam' expresses comparison of equality, meaning 'as... as'. It is paired with tam, ita, or aeque; comparison of inequality uses plus, magis, or minus with quam.

Question 34Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which of these is a supine in -um used after a verb of motion?

  1. spectandi
  2. spectatu
  3. spectandus
  4. spectatum Correct answer.

Explanation

The supine in -um is the accusative form of the fourth-declension verbal noun and is used after verbs of motion to express purpose, as in 'spectatum veniunt'. The supine in -u is the ablative form used with certain adjectives.

Question 35Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In 'Tanta vis est virtutis ut omnes eam admirentur', what does the 'ut' clause express?

  1. A purpose
  2. A condition
  3. A concession
  4. A result Correct answer.

Explanation

Result clauses are introduced by ut (or ut non) and are anticipated by correlatives such as tantus, talis, tam, or ita. Here 'tanta vis' signals a result: 'such is the power of virtue that everyone admires it'.

Question 36Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which of these best describes the effect of the 'Golden Age' imagery in Virgil's fourth Eclogue?

  1. It celebrates the military victories of Augustus in Spain
  2. It describes the founding of Carthage by Dido
  3. It predicts the fall of Rome to foreign enemies
  4. It evokes a return of peace and plenty associated with the reign of Saturn Correct answer.

Explanation

The fourth Eclogue, often called the 'messianic' eclogue, describes the return of the Golden Age associated with Saturn's reign, marked by peace, agricultural abundance, and the end of labour. The imagery is used to celebrate a hoped-for renewal under the consul Pollio and, by later association, the Augustan order.

Question 37Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In Aeneid 6, what is the function of Anchises' parade of Roman heroes?

  1. It presents Rome's future destiny and moral mission to Aeneas Correct answer.
  2. It names the gods who opposed Aeneas in Italy
  3. It records the founding of Carthage by Phoenicians
  4. It lists the Trojan dead from the fall of Troy

Explanation

In the underworld, Anchises shows Aeneas the souls destined to become Roman leaders and articulates Rome's mission: to rule peoples and impose peace, sparing the conquered and warring down the proud. The parade ties Aeneas' personal journey to Rome's imperial destiny.

Question 38Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which of these is the correct way to express 'He asked where I was going' in Latin?

  1. Rogavit quo irem?
  2. Rogavit quo ibam
  3. Rogavit quo irem Correct answer.
  4. Rogavit ut quo irem

Explanation

Indirect questions take an interrogative word and a subjunctive verb; the tense follows the sequence rule, so a primary-tense question becomes the imperfect subjunctive after a past main verb. 'Quo' expresses 'where to'.

Question 39Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In 'His rebus cognitis, Caesar castra movit', what construction is 'his rebus cognitis'?

  1. An accusative of respect
  2. An ablative absolute Correct answer.
  3. A genitive of description
  4. A dative of agent

Explanation

An ablative absolute consists of a noun or pronoun in the ablative with a participle in the ablative, syntactically independent of the main clause. Here 'his rebus cognitis' means 'when these things had been learned' and modifies the whole sentence.

Question 40Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In 'Non ignara mali miseris succurrere disco' (Aeneid 1), what does 'non ignara mali' mean?

  1. Not unaware of the gods
  2. Not inexperienced in war
  3. Not ignorant of misfortune Correct answer.
  4. Not forgetful of duty

Explanation

'Ignara' is the feminine singular of ignarus, 'ignorant, unaware', and 'mali' is a genitive of the thing known. Dido speaks as one who has herself suffered misfortune, so she knows how to help the wretched.

Question 41Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which of these is the correct translation of 'Nemo tam stultus est quin haec intellegat'?

  1. Everyone is so foolish that he understands these things
  2. No one understands these things unless he is foolish
  3. No one is so foolish that he does not understand these things Correct answer.
  4. No one is foolish enough to understand these things

Explanation

'Quin' with the subjunctive follows expressions of doubt, prevention, or 'no one is so... that... not'. Here 'nemo tam stultus est quin...' means 'no one is so foolish that he does not understand'. The quin clause has a negative force.

Question 42Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which of these best describes the role of 'pietas' in the Aeneid?

  1. Aeneas' sense of duty to gods, family, and city Correct answer.
  2. Aeneas' desire for personal glory above all
  3. Turnus' obedience to the gods of Latium
  4. Dido's loyalty to her dead husband only

Explanation

'Pietas' denotes dutifulness toward the gods, one's family, and one's community; Aeneas is repeatedly called pius because he subordinates personal desire to this duty. The theme is set against furor, as in his conflict with Dido and Turnus.

Question 43Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which of these is an example of the historical infinitive?

  1. Milites hostes fugare Correct answer.
  2. Milites hostes fugaverunt
  3. Milites hostes fugant
  4. Milites hostes fugaturos esse

Explanation

The historical infinitive is a present infinitive used as a finite past-tense verb to give vividness to narrative, often in a series. It is common in Sallust and Livy, and its subject stands in the nominative.

Question 44Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which of these best explains the 'clementia' theme in Seneca's De Clementia?

  1. It argues that a ruler should rule by fear alone
  2. It restricts mercy to the Roman senate
  3. It claims that mercy weakens the state and should be avoided
  4. It presents mercy as a virtue that strengthens the ruler's authority Correct answer.

Explanation

Seneca addresses Nero and argues that clementia is the mark of a good ruler, binding subjects through goodwill rather than fear. Mercy is presented as both morally right and politically effective, distinguishing the king from the tyrant.

Question 45Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In Aeneid 4, what does Dido's use of 'coniugium' with Aeneas reveal?

  1. Her plan to found a new city with Aeneas
  2. Her loyalty to the gods of Carthage
  3. Her claim to a marriage that Aeneas does not acknowledge Correct answer.
  4. Her rejection of all ties to Sychaeus

Explanation

Dido calls her union with Aeneas a marriage, while Aeneas treats it as a temporary relationship and later insists he never made a formal pact. The discrepancy exposes the clash between her emotional commitment and his sense of duty to his mission.

Question 46Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

Which of these best explains the 'recusatio' in Roman elegy?

  1. The poet refuses to love and turns to philosophy
  2. The poet abandons elegy for tragedy
  3. The poet declares himself unable to write epic and chooses love elegy instead Correct answer.
  4. The poet rejects Augustus as a patron

Explanation

Recusatio is the poet's polite refusal to undertake a grand genre such as epic, often on the grounds of inability or unsuitability, in favour of the chosen genre. In elegy it typically justifies writing about love rather than war.

Question 47Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In Livy's preface, how does he characterise the writing of history?

  1. As a purely factual record free of moral purpose
  2. As a morally improving task that is useful even if it includes legends Correct answer.
  3. As entertainment for the masses only
  4. As a means of praising Augustus directly

Explanation

Livy presents history as a source of moral examples, noting that even legends about Rome's origins can serve a moral purpose. He hopes readers will learn from the past, especially from the decline of morals in his own time.

Question 48Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In 'Si hoc fecisset, laetus essem', what type of conditional is used?

  1. Future more vivid
  2. Past contrary-to-fact Correct answer.
  3. Present contrary-to-fact
  4. Simple factual

Explanation

Past contrary-to-fact conditions use the pluperfect subjunctive in both clauses: 'if he had done this, I would have been glad' or, with the English idiom, 'I would be glad'. The form 'fecisset' marks the pluperfect, distinguishing it from the present contrary-to-fact.

Question 49Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In the Aeneid, which Latin term names the fated mission Aeneas must fulfil in Italy?

  1. fatum Correct answer.
  2. furor
  3. fama
  4. foedus

Explanation

Fatum denotes the divinely ordained destiny that drives Aeneas toward Latium; Jupiter and the Sibyl both frame the hero's task in these terms. The other words belong to different semantic fields: madness, rumour, and treaty.

Question 50Latin language and literature (Level 3 achievement standards)

In the phrase 'urbem quam statuo vestra est' (Aeneid 1), what is the grammatical role of 'quam'?

  1. dative of possession
  2. vocative address
  3. ablative of means
  4. accusative object of 'statuo' Correct answer.

Explanation

'Quam' is a relative pronoun in the accusative feminine singular, acting as the object of the verb 'statuo' inside the relative clause. Its antecedent is 'urbem', which is attracted into the relative clause in Virgil's line.