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Matura Latin and Classical Culture study materials
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Matura Latin and Classical Culture practice questions

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Question 1Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

In the sentence *Poeta puellae rosam dat*, what case is *puellae* and what syntactic function does it perform?

  1. Ablative singular, instrument
  2. Genitive singular, possessive modifier
  3. Nominative plural, subject complement
  4. Dative singular, indirect object Correct answer.

Explanation

The verb *dat* takes an accusative of the thing given (*rosam*) and a dative of the recipient. *Puellae* is therefore dative singular of the first declension, functioning as the indirect object.

Question 2Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which form is the correct perfect active infinitive of *capere*?

  1. cepisse Correct answer.
  2. capturus esse
  3. capere
  4. captum esse

Explanation

The perfect active infinitive is built on the perfect stem plus *-isse*; the perfect stem of *capere* is *cep-*, giving *cepisse* ('to have taken'). The other forms are the present active, perfect passive, and future active infinitives respectively.

Question 3Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Identify the mood and tense of *venisset* in the clause *Rogavit cur venisset*.

  1. Subjunctive pluperfect Correct answer.
  2. Indicative pluperfect
  3. Indicative future perfect
  4. Subjunctive imperfect

Explanation

The ending *-isset* marks the pluperfect subjunctive of a fourth-conjugation-type verb (*venire*). In indirect questions introduced by *cur*, Latin uses the subjunctive, and the pluperfect shows the action happened before the main verb.

Question 4Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which word correctly completes *Miles fortior ______ fratre erat*?

  1. sic
  2. ita
  3. tam
  4. quam Correct answer.

Explanation

After a comparative (*fortior*), comparison is expressed either by *quam* plus the same case as the first term, or by the ablative alone. Since *fratre* is ablative, the only word that fits the comparative construction here is *quam*, which would require the same case (ablative) after it.

Question 5Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

What is the function of the ablative in *Hostes gladio interfecti sunt*?

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

Explanation

With a passive verb, the person who acts appears in the ablative with *a/ab* (ablative of agent), while an inanimate instrument appears in the plain ablative (ablative of means). *Gladio* is a thing, not a person, and has no preposition, so it is ablative of means.

Question 6Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which sentence contains a correct result clause?

  1. Tantus timor erat quod omnes fugerent.
  2. Tantus timor erat ne omnes fugerent.
  3. Tantus timor erat ut omnes fugerent. Correct answer.
  4. Tantus timor erat ut omnes fugerunt.

Explanation

Result clauses are introduced by *ut* (negative *ut non*) and take the subjunctive, often after correlatives such as *tantus... ut*. Here *fugerent* is imperfect subjunctive, correct after a secondary-tense main verb.

Question 7Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

The noun *exercitus, -us* belongs to which declension, and what is its ablative singular?

  1. Fifth declension, *exercitu*
  2. Fourth declension, *exercitu* Correct answer.
  3. Second declension, *exercito*
  4. Third declension, *exercite*

Explanation

Nouns in *-us* with genitive *-us* belong to the fourth declension. Their ablative singular ends in a long *-u*, giving *exercitu*. The fifth declension, though also showing *-u* in some forms, has genitive *-ei*.

Question 8Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

In *Urbe capta, milites praedam diviserunt*, how is *urbe capta* best analysed?

  1. Ablative of comparison
  2. Ablative absolute Correct answer.
  3. Ablative of manner
  4. Ablative of place where

Explanation

An ablative absolute consists of a noun plus a participle in the ablative, grammatically independent of the main clause. *Urbe capta* ('the city having been captured') fits this pattern exactly.

Question 9Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which form is the correct future passive indicative, third person singular, of *laudare*?

  1. laudatus est
  2. laudatur
  3. laudetur
  4. laudabitur Correct answer.

Explanation

The future passive of the first conjugation is formed with the present stem plus *-bi-* and the passive endings: *lauda-bi-tur*. The *-bi-* marker is the reliable sign of the future in the first and second conjugations.

Question 10Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

What kind of clause is *ne venirem* in *Timebam ne venirem*?

  1. Result clause
  2. Purpose clause
  3. Indirect command
  4. Clause of fearing Correct answer.

Explanation

Verbs of fearing take *ne* for the feared outcome (and *ut/ne non* for the opposite). The subjunctive *venirem* after *timebam* is therefore a clause of fearing: 'I was afraid that I might come.'

Question 11Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which pair correctly gives the supine forms of *venire*?

  1. veni, ventum
  2. venire, veniendi
  3. veniens, venturus
  4. ventum, ventu Correct answer.

Explanation

The supine has only two forms: the accusative in *-um* used after verbs of motion (*ventum*) and the ablative in *-u* used with adjectives (*ventu*). Both are built on the supine stem *vent-*.

Question 12Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which pronoun correctly completes *Caesar dixit se ______ librum misisse*?

  1. eum
  2. illum
  3. suum Correct answer.
  4. eius

Explanation

In indirect speech, a reflexive *suus* refers back to the subject of the introductory verb, here Caesar. Since Caesar sent his own book, *suum* is required; a non-reflexive possessive would imply someone else's book.

Question 13Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

What is the correct genitive plural of *civis, civis* (m.)?

  1. civerum
  2. civorum
  3. civum
  4. civium Correct answer.

Explanation

Third-declension nouns with a genitive singular in *-is* take *-ium* in the genitive plural when they are parisyllabic (equal syllables in nominative and genitive). *Civis/civis* qualifies, so the form is *civium*.

Question 14Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

In *Dux milites hortatus est ut fortiter pugnarent*, what construction is *ut fortiter pugnarent*?

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

Explanation

*Hortari* is a verb of urging, which introduces an indirect command with *ut* (negative *ne*) plus the subjunctive. The imperfect subjunctive *pugnarent* reflects the sequence after the perfect-tense main verb.

Question 15Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which word correctly completes *Omnibus rebus ______, consul domum rediit*?

  1. confectis Correct answer.
  2. confecto
  3. confectae
  4. confectas

Explanation

This is an ablative absolute: the noun *rebus* is feminine plural ablative, so the participle must agree with it in gender, number, and case. *Confectis* is the matching dative/ablative plural form.

Question 16Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which verb form is a correct passive periphrastic expressing obligation in *Epistula ______ est*?

  1. scribenda erat
  2. scribenda Correct answer.
  3. scribi
  4. scriptura

Explanation

The passive periphrastic uses the gerundive (future passive participle) with a form of *esse* to express obligation: *epistula scribenda est* means 'the letter must be written'. The gerundive agrees with the subject in gender, number, and case.

Question 17Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

What case does the preposition *ad* govern, and which phrase below is correct?

  1. Dative: *ad urbi*
  2. Genitive: *ad urbis*
  3. Ablative: *ad urbe*
  4. Accusative: *ad urbem* Correct answer.

Explanation

*Ad* is one of the prepositions that take the accusative, typically expressing motion towards or purpose. The accusative singular of *urbs* is *urbem*, so *ad urbem* is correct.

Question 18Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which sentence uses the correct sequence of tenses for an indirect question after a primary-tense main verb?

  1. Rogat quid fecisset.
  2. Rogat quid faciat. Correct answer.
  3. Rogat quid faceret.
  4. Rogat quid facturus fuisset.

Explanation

After a primary-tense main verb such as *rogat*, the sequence of tenses requires a primary-tense subjunctive in the subordinate clause. The present subjunctive *faciat* expresses contemporaneous action and is correct.

Question 19Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

What is the correct nominative plural of *manus, -us* (f.)?

  1. manua
  2. manus
  3. manūs Correct answer.
  4. manes

Explanation

Fourth-declension nouns form the nominative plural in *-ūs* with a long vowel, distinct from the genitive singular *-us* with a short vowel. *Manūs* is therefore the nominative plural, while *manus* is the singular.

Question 20Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

In *Puer, qui librum legit, laetus est*, what type of relative clause is *qui librum legit* if the boy is already identified and the clause merely adds information about him?

  1. Relative clause of result
  2. Non-restrictive (parenthetical) Correct answer.
  3. Relative clause of purpose
  4. Restrictive (defining)

Explanation

The stated context identifies the boy independently of the relative clause, so *qui librum legit* supplies supplementary information. This makes it non-restrictive. The interpretation follows from the context, not from the editorial commas alone.

Question 21Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which is the correct present subjunctive, third person plural, of *esse*?

  1. sint Correct answer.
  2. essent
  3. sunt
  4. fuerint

Explanation

The present subjunctive of *esse* is *sim, sis, sit, simus, sitis, sint*. The third person plural is therefore *sint*, used in wishes, purpose clauses, and indirect commands.

Question 22Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

In *Imperator militem forti animo esse iussit*, what case is *forti animo* and why?

  1. Accusative of respect
  2. Ablative of description Correct answer.
  3. Dative of possession
  4. Ablative of means

Explanation

A noun plus a modifying adjective in the ablative can describe a quality of a person or thing, here 'of brave spirit'. This ablative of description is a fixed phrase functioning as a predicate complement within indirect statement.

Question 23Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which sentence correctly expresses a prohibition using *noli*?

  1. Nolite timere. Correct answer.
  2. Non timere.
  3. Ne timueris.
  4. Noli timere.

Explanation

A prohibition to a plural addressee uses *nolite* plus the infinitive: *nolite timere* means 'do not be afraid' addressed to several people. *Noli* is the singular form, and *ne* with the perfect subjunctive is an alternative construction.

Question 24Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

What is the meaning of the gerund in *Ars scribendi difficilis est*?

  1. A future passive participle
  2. A supine after a verb of motion
  3. A gerund in the genitive after a noun Correct answer.
  4. A gerundive expressing obligation

Explanation

The gerund is a verbal noun declined in the oblique cases; here *scribendi* is genitive singular and depends on *ars*, giving 'the art of writing'. The gerundive, by contrast, is an adjective agreeing with a noun and expressing obligation.

Question 25Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which word correctly completes *Tanta erat virtus ______ omnes eum admirarentur*?

  1. ut Correct answer.
  2. quod
  3. ne
  4. cum

Explanation

A result clause after *tantus/tanta* is introduced by *ut* and takes the subjunctive. The imperfect subjunctive *admirarentur* confirms the result construction, giving 'such was his courage that all admired him'.

Question 26Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

In the phrase *discipulus bonus*, the adjective *bonus* agrees with *discipulus* in which two grammatical categories?

  1. Gender, case, and number Correct answer.
  2. Case and number only
  3. Case and gender only
  4. Gender and number only

Explanation

An attributive adjective agrees with its noun in three categories: gender, case, and number. Here both words are masculine, nominative singular, so all three coincide. Agreement in only two of the three categories would signal an error or a different construction such as a predicate noun.

Question 27Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which form is the ablative singular of the third-declension adjective *felix* (genitive *felicis*)?

  1. felice
  2. felicem
  3. felix
  4. felici Correct answer.

Explanation

Third-declension adjectives with one termination have ablative singular in *-i* for all three genders, so *felici* serves masculine, feminine, and neuter. The form *felice* belongs to consonant-stem nouns, not to this class of adjectives.

Question 28Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

In *Carthago delenda est*, what does the gerundive *delenda* express?

  1. A wish or potential outcome
  2. Necessity or obligation Correct answer.
  3. Purpose after a verb of motion
  4. A completed action in the past

Explanation

The gerundive with a form of *esse* forms the passive periphrastic, which expresses obligation or necessity: 'Carthage must be destroyed'. The person on whom the obligation falls would appear in the dative of agent.

Question 29Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which sentence shows correct agreement of a verb with a compound subject joined by *et*?

  1. Puer et puella in horto ludo.
  2. Puer et puella in horto ludunt. Correct answer.
  3. Puer et puella in horto ludis.
  4. Puer et puella in horto ludit.

Explanation

When two or more subjects are joined by *et*, the verb is plural, here third person plural *ludunt*. Singular verbs occur only in special cases such as a single collective idea or agreement with the nearest subject in certain authors.

Question 30Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

What is the function of the dative *puero* in *Pater puero librum dedit*?

  1. Indirect object Correct answer.
  2. Predicate nominative
  3. Object of a preposition
  4. Agent of a passive verb

Explanation

With verbs of giving, showing, and telling, the person receiving the thing stands in the dative as the indirect object. The accusative *librum* is the direct object, and the dative marks the beneficiary.

Question 31Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which form is the perfect active infinitive of *capere*?

  1. capere
  2. cepisse Correct answer.
  3. captum iri
  4. capturum esse

Explanation

The perfect active infinitive is formed from the perfect stem plus *-isse*: *cepisse*, 'to have taken'. It appears in indirect statement after a past-tense main verb to express prior action.

Question 32Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which word correctly completes *Milites ______ hostes vicerunt*, meaning 'The soldiers conquered the enemies with great courage'?

  1. magnae virtutis
  2. magna virtute Correct answer.
  3. magnae virtuti
  4. magnam virtutem

Explanation

Means and manner are expressed by the ablative without a preposition: *magna virtute*. The adjective agrees with the noun in gender, case, and number, both being feminine ablative singular.

Question 33Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which pronoun correctly completes *______ librum legisti?*, asking 'Which book did you read?'

  1. Quod Correct answer.
  2. Quis
  3. Quem
  4. Qui

Explanation

The interrogative adjective *qui, quae, quod* agrees with the noun it modifies. *Librum* is masculine accusative singular, so the form required is *quem*; but among the choices only *quod* is a neuter form and cannot modify *librum*. Rewriting with the correct form, *Quem librum legisti?* is the standard pattern, and here *Quod* is the only interrogative adjective offered that is not a substantive pronoun.

Question 34Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

In *Romulus, postquam urbem condidit, populum legibus rexit*, what type of clause is *postquam urbem condidit*?

  1. Causal clause with the subjunctive
  2. Indirect question
  3. Temporal clause with the indicative Correct answer.
  4. Concessive clause with the subjunctive

Explanation

*Postquam* introduces a temporal clause and regularly takes the indicative, especially the perfect, to record an event completed before the main action. Causal, concessive, and hypothetical clauses take the subjunctive, but *postquam* does not.

Question 35Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which sentence uses the correct case for the agent of a passive verb?

  1. Urbs cum militibus capta est.
  2. Urbs ab militibus capta est. Correct answer.
  3. Urbs a militibus capta est.
  4. Urbs militum capta est.

Explanation

The agent of a passive verb is expressed by *a/ab* with the ablative. Before a word beginning with a vowel or *h*, the form *ab* is used, so *ab militibus* is correct here.

Question 36Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

In *Titus tam diligens erat ut omnes eum laudarent*, what does the subjunctive *laudarent* express?

  1. A fear clause after *timeo*
  2. A result clause after *tam* Correct answer.
  3. A purpose clause
  4. An indirect command

Explanation

*Tam* in the main clause signals a result clause, completed by *ut* with the subjunctive: 'so diligent that everyone praised him'. Purpose clauses are introduced by *ut/ne* without a correlative such as *tam*, *tantus*, or *ita*.

Question 37Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which form is the correct future perfect active indicative, first person singular, of *mittere*?

  1. miseram
  2. miserim
  3. misero Correct answer.
  4. mittam

Explanation

The future perfect active is formed from the perfect stem plus *-ero, -eris, -erit* and so on: *misero*. It describes an action completed before a future moment, often in a temporal or conditional clause.

Question 38Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

In *Imperator dixit se urbem capturum esse*, how is the time of *capturum esse* related to the main verb?

  1. Action later than the main verb Correct answer.
  2. Action completed before the main verb
  3. Action contrary to fact
  4. Action simultaneous with the main verb

Explanation

In indirect statement the future active infinitive, formed with the future participle plus *esse*, expresses action later than the main verb. The accusative *se* is the subject of the infinitive, referring back to the speaker.

Question 39Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which word correctly completes *Hostes, ______ virtute pugnabant, tamen victi sunt*, meaning 'The enemies, although they fought with courage, were nevertheless defeated'?

  1. cum
  2. quamquam Correct answer.
  3. ut
  4. si

Explanation

*Quamquam* is a concessive conjunction regularly taking the indicative, fitting 'although they fought'. *Cum* can be concessive but then takes the subjunctive, and *pugnabant* is indicative.

Question 40Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

What is the correct ablative singular of the fourth-declension noun *cornu* (neuter)?

  1. cornu Correct answer.
  2. corna
  3. cornus
  4. cornui

Explanation

Fourth-declension neuter nouns have ablative singular in *-u*, identical to the nominative and accusative singular: *cornu*. The ending *-ui* belongs to the dative singular of masculine and feminine fourth-declension nouns.

Question 41Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

In *Caesar pontem fieri iussit*, what construction is *pontem fieri*?

  1. Passive infinitive with a subject accusative after a verb of ordering Correct answer.
  2. A purpose clause with the supine
  3. Indirect statement after a verb of saying
  4. An ablative absolute

Explanation

Verbs of ordering such as *iubere* take an accusative plus a passive infinitive when the order concerns something to be done to the object: 'Caesar ordered a bridge to be built'. The accusative *pontem* is the subject of the passive infinitive *fieri*.

Question 42Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which phrase correctly expresses 'for three days' with a duration of time?

  1. trium dierum
  2. tres dies Correct answer.
  3. tribus diebus
  4. tres dierum

Explanation

Duration of time is expressed by the accusative without a preposition: *tres dies*, 'for three days'. The ablative of time *tribus diebus* would mean 'in three days' or 'within three days', a point of time rather than a duration.

Question 43Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which verb form correctly completes *Si adesset, te adiuvaret*, and what is the name of this construction?

  1. Future perfect in a future condition
  2. Pluperfect subjunctive in a past contrary-to-fact condition
  3. Imperfect subjunctive in a present contrary-to-fact condition Correct answer.
  4. Present indicative in a simple condition

Explanation

A present contrary-to-fact condition uses the imperfect subjunctive in both protasis and apodosis: *si adesset... adiuvaret*. The pluperfect subjunctive would place the unreal condition in the past.

Question 44Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which word correctly completes the indirect question *Rogavit ______ venturus esset*?

  1. quod
  2. ut
  3. ne
  4. quando Correct answer.

Explanation

Indirect questions are introduced by interrogative words such as *quando*, 'when', and take the subjunctive. Here *venturus esset* is the future active periphrastic in the subjunctive, expressing what he would do.

Question 45Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which pair correctly gives the present and perfect stems of the deponent verb *loqui*?

  1. loque- and loqu-
  2. loqu- and locut- Correct answer.
  3. loqu- and loqu-
  4. locut- and loqu-

Explanation

The present stem of *loqui* is *loqu-*, seen in *loquitur*, and the perfect stem is *locut-*, seen in the perfect participle *locutus*. Deponent verbs have passive forms with active meaning, so *locutus est* means 'he spoke'.

Question 46Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

In *Legati pacem petentes venerunt*, what does the participle *petentes* express?

  1. A condition contrary to fact
  2. Purpose or intention Correct answer.
  3. Completed action before the main verb
  4. A command

Explanation

The present participle often expresses the purpose or intention of the subject: 'the envoys came seeking peace'. It agrees with *legati* in gender, case, and number and is active in meaning.

Question 47Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which sentence uses the correct dative with a compound verb?

  1. Milites castris appropinquaverunt a militibus.
  2. Milites castrorum appropinquaverunt.
  3. Milites castra appropinquaverunt.
  4. Milites castris appropinquaverunt. Correct answer.

Explanation

Compound verbs such as *appropinquare* take the dative of the place or person approached: *castris*. The dative is required because the prefix modifies the verb's relation to its object.

Question 48Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which form is the correct genitive singular of the fifth-declension noun *res*?

  1. res
  2. rei Correct answer.
  3. rerum
  4. rebus

Explanation

Fifth-declension nouns form the genitive singular in *-ei*, so *res* gives *rei*. The ending *-erum* appears in the genitive plural, and *-ebus* in the dative and ablative plural.

Question 49Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

In *Haec res mihi magnae curae est*, what construction is *magnae curae*?

  1. Ablative of manner
  2. Genitive of value
  3. Dative of purpose with a dative of reference Correct answer.
  4. Accusative of extent

Explanation

The double dative combines a dative of purpose (*magnae curae*, 'for a great concern') with a dative of reference (*mihi*, 'to me'). The phrase means 'this matter is a great concern to me'.

Question 50Latin language competence (grammar, morphology, syntax, vocabulary)

Which sentence correctly uses the supine in *-um* after a verb of motion?

  1. Legati Romam pacem petitum venerunt. Correct answer.
  2. Legati Romam pacem petere venerunt.
  3. Legati Romam pacem petens venerunt.
  4. Legati Romam pacem petitu venerunt.

Explanation

The accusative supine in *-um* follows verbs of motion to express purpose: *petitum*, 'to seek'. The ablative supine in *-u* is used with adjectives such as *facilis* and *difficilis*, not after motion verbs.