ap latin essay prompts

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to ap® latin, subject organization, using standards and tags to find questions, question types, exam information, our help center is always available.

• Vergil, Aeneid Book I
• Vergil, Aeneid Book II
• Vergil, Aeneid Book IV
• Vergil, Aeneid Book VI
• Caesar’s Gallic Wars, Book I
• Caesar’s Gallic Wars, Book IV
• Caesar’s Gallic Wars, Book V
• Caesar’s Gallic Wars, Book VI

Free Response Questions

• Vergil, Aeneid , Latin
• Caesar, Gallic Wars , Latin

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Ultimate Guide to the AP Latin Exam

The Advanced Placement (AP) curriculum is a set of standardized courses designed by the College Board and delivered at high schools throughout the country and abroad. Of the 38 available AP classes, eight are world languages and cultures courses. For more information about the Advanced Placement curriculum and why you should consider it, check out CollegeVine’s What is an AP Class?

The AP Latin course, though not hugely popular overall, still attracts a steady stream of students each year, as it has done since its first administration in 1956. In fact, the exam has had a near constant registration of approximately 6,500 students each year since 2010. Prior to 2013, the curriculum consisted of two courses. One of these was a prose course called AP Latin Literature, and the other was a poetry course titled AP Latin Vergil. In 2013, the courses were combined and AP Latin students can now expect to study both poetry and prose during a single school year.

About the AP Latin Exam

The course is intended to provide you and other advanced high school students with a rich and rigorous Latin curriculum, approximately equivalent to an upper-intermediate college or university course. A class of this level would generally be taken during the fourth or fifth semester of college-level studies. In this course, you will learn to read, understand, translate, and analyze Latin poetry and prose.

The previous versions of the class, wherein the two genres were taught separately, made structural sense in that poetry and prose in Latin have distinctly different features. Combining both curriculums into a single course, however, is indicative of the belief that a strong student should understand the broad features of both genres. As such, the syllabus of required readings includes a work of poetry and a work of prose to ensure that students will be confident in handling both.

Each year, the AP Latin course uses the same required selections from the same two classical texts. The poetry selection is always the Aeneid by Augustan author Publius Vergilius Maro (also known as Vergil or Virgil). The prose text is always Commentaries on the Gallic War, by Gaius Julius Caesar, commonly referred to simply as Caesar. During the course, selections from these texts will be studied in both Latin and English. Be sure to check the Required Reading List for exact details about which selections will be required in which languages. In addition to reading and translating these seminal works, you will also need to place them in a greater historical and literary context.

There are no prerequisites for the AP Latin course, though you will need to have enough proficiency in Latin to read and understand the required texts. For most students, this typically means that you’ll need to be in at least your fourth year to undertake the required work.

The AP Latin exam is one of the longer AP exams and lasts for three hours. The first section contains 50 multiple-choice questions, which you’ll have one hour to complete. This section is worth 50% of your total score. The second section, called the free-response section, contains two translation prompts, one analytical essay, and approximately 12 short-answer questions. You will have two hours to complete this section and it will account for the remaining 50% of your score.

In 2016, the curve for AP Latin scores was generally in line with the average AP score curve. Of the 6,500 students who took the exam, 65.6% passed the test by receiving a score of three or higher. Only 12.7% of all students received the highest score of a five, while nearly a third of all students scraped by with a three. Students receiving the lowest score of a one accounted for 11.5% of all test-takers.

Before you begin your studying for the AP Latin exam, review the College Board course description to help shape your understanding of the course content and exam format.

Read on for tips for preparing for the exam.

Step 1: Start with Assessing Your Skills

Start your studying for the exam by taking a practice or diagnostic test. It might seem counterintuitive to dive straight into test-taking when you haven’t even reviewed the material, but the easiest way to narrow in on content areas that need your attention is to get a realistic and objective score through a formative assessment. Check out CollegeVine’s What is a Formative Assessment and Why You Should Be Using One To Study? for more information.

You can find some sample test questions in the College Board course description , but to get a more comprehensive picture of the work ahead, you might choose to also take more practice test questions about Vergil’s Aenid or practice test questions about Caesar’s Gallic War .

Once you’ve taken some kind of diagnostic test, score your answers and make a list of areas that need more studying. Use this list to target content that will shape your studying.

Step 2: Study the Material

In the case of the AP Latin exam, your studying will focus on four major skills applied to the seven major themes of the course. The skills that you will need to develop are: reading & comprehension, translation, contextualization, and analysis of texts. These skills will be used in the context of the seven themes, which include:

• Literary Genre and Style
• Roman Values
• War and Empire
• Views of Non-Romans
• History and Memory
• Human Beings and the Gods

As you study, you should concentrate in part on vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. These hard skills will make it easier for you to prepare and translate the required Latin readings with accuracy. In addition to translating known selections from the Latin texts, you will also be required to read and comprehend passages at sight. This doesn’t mean that you will have to precisely decode each word, but you will need to be able to get the general gist of selections that are not familiar to you.

You will also need to practice your critical reading skills, since the exam will test your ability to build clear and coherent arguments supported by evidence from the text. It will also assess your mastery of the many terms that have been devised by scholars and teachers over the years to describe and analyze Latin grammar, syntax, and literary style.

In order to build these critical analyses, you should be able to place the readings in the broader context of Roman history and civilization. The two required texts ( Gallic War and Aeneid) were selected specifically to allow exposure to some of the important people, events, and literary genres of Roman times, focusing on the core periods of the late Republic and the early Principate.

Aeneid is widely regarded as the most influential work of Latin literature for both its model of Latin poetry and its deep reflection on Roman history and civilization. Similarly, Gallic War provides a pure and straightforward example of prose in the historical context of controversial themes such as war and peace, leadership, and ethnicity.

Unlike the case for most AP exams, it is difficult to find a high-quality, commercial study guide that is widely used for the AP Latin exam. There are many relevant study materials available, but few produced specifically for the exam. The two primary study guides that were produced for the exam are Vergil’s Aeneid: A Fully Parsed Vocabulary Guide for the AP Latin Exam and Caesar’s Gallic War: A Fully Parsed Vocabulary Guide for the AP Latin Exam .

These books were developed by a former university professor who spent several years grading the exam, and they contain complete vocabulary lists and detailed grammatical and historical notes. They do not, however, contain sample questions, quizzes, or practice tests.

More study materials can be found online. Many AP teachers have posted complete study guides, review sheets, and test questions. There is also a large database of materials  used in one high school AP course. Navigate through the menu in the left-hand margin to find materials related to Caesar and Vergil, along with sample multiple-choice questions. Another helpful site for perfecting your grammar and vocabulary  is also available. Although it wasn’t specifically developed for AP studying, this website contains many Latin phrases, abbreviations, proverbs, and maxims along with links to more study materials on other sites.

You should also take advantage of the materials provided by the College Board. Be sure to review the official course Learning Objectives , beginning on page seven of the course description. Also look through the vast compilation of study materials listed on the teacher’s AP Latin Web Guide .

Finally, a fun and easy way to brush up on your vocabulary and grammar can be through the use of the many apps available on your mobile device. These range widely in price and quality, so be sure to read reviews before downloading one. The SPQR Latin app is one that consistently receives high marks.

Step 3: Practice Multiple-Choice Questions

Once you have spent some time focusing on the theory behind the exam, you’ll be ready to put it to use by practicing some multiple-choice questions. You can find 30 sample questions beginning on page 41 of the course description . More are available on the AP Latin teacher’s Sample Passages and Multiple-Choice Questions page.

The multiple-choice portion of your exam will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions that include both readings from the syllabus and sight reading. Approximately 20 questions will focus on Vergil and Caesar selections from the required readings while about 30 will contain sight readings. As you review questions, keep a running list of vocabulary, grammar, and skills that are still tripping you up. These will be areas for further review when you go back over the materials one last time.

Step 4: Practice Free-Response Questions

Before you begin practicing for the free-response section of your exam, make sure that you know what to expect on it. The first two free-response questions will be literal translations of required course readings. You will be asked to translate one given selection from the Caesar text and one given selection from the Vergil text as verbatim as possible. Each selection will be approximately five lines long, and you will be provided with any particularly unique vocabulary terms. It is recommended that you spend about 15 minutes on each of these translations.

The next section of the free-response will require you to write an analytical essay based on a selection from the course’s required readings . As you build your argument, you will need to refer specifically to the Latin text by writing it out and/or citing line numbers. You must also translate, accurately paraphrase, or otherwise make clear in your discussion that you understand the Latin that you are using. It is recommended that you spend about 45 minutes on the essay.

The final two sections of the free-response portion will ask you a series of short-answer questions about one selection from Vergil and another selection from Caesar. In the past, these questions have included translations, identifying stylistic devices, and making inferences about character intentions, among others. You should plan to spend about 15 minutes answering questions for each selection.

The best way to prepare for the free-response portion of your exam is to practice by using the many available free-response questions from past administrations of the exam. You can find all of the past free-response questions dating back to 2013, including authentic examples of student responses, scoring explanations, and scoring statistics available at the bottom of the exam page . Review the free-response questions and the scoring criteria from one year to get started. This should give you a good understanding of what you’ll be expected to perform on this section and how your answers will be evaluated.

Using this knowledge, you should then read and reply to the free-response questions from another year, trying your best to stay within the recommended time constraints. Score your own responses after reading the scoring guidelines for that year, then have a friend score your responses too. It can be difficult giving yourself an objective score, so having a classmate to trade scores with is a good idea. Continue to practice free-response questions from prior years until you feel confident in your approach.

Step 5: Take Another Practice Exam

Though it is difficult to find complete practice tests for the AP Latin exam, you should be able to cobble one together using some of the resources for multiple-choice questions listed above, and the released free-response questions from previous exams. Try to make as realistic a practice test as you can, then score it with a classmate to identify content areas that need more studying or practice.

With your list of areas to review, repeat the steps above to incrementally increase your score.

Step 6: Exam Day

In 2017, the AP Latin exam will take place on Friday (May 12) at 12 PM.

For information about registering for the exam, especially if you have self-studied or are a homeschooled student, read CollegeVine’s How to Register for AP Exams (Even If You Didn’t Take the Course) .

For specifics about what to bring with you to the exam, read CollegeVine’s What to Bring To Your AP Exam .

Want access to expert college guidance — for free? When you create your free CollegeVine account, you will find out your real admissions chances, build a best-fit school list, learn how to improve your profile, and get your questions answered by experts and peers—all for free. Sign up for your CollegeVine account today to get a boost on your college journey.

For more about APs, check out these CollegeVine posts:

• Can AP Tests Actually Save You Thousands of Dollars?
• Should I Take AP/IB/Honors Classes?
• How to Choose Which AP Courses and Exams to Take
• What If My School Doesn ’ t Offer AP or IB Courses?
• Are All APs Created Equal in Admissions?

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FREE AP Latin Practice Tests

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Our free AP Latin Practice Tests are each a selection of 10 to 12 questions, which will give you a cross-section of topics from the AP Latin exam. You might think of them as little quizzes, which you can use to hone your skills.

Free AP Latin Practice Tests

The AP Latin Exam is a three-hour test with two sections. A 50-question multiple-choice section includes 20 questions on syllabus reading and 30 questions on poetry and prose reading. You have an hour to complete the entire multiple-choice section. In section two, there are five free-response questions with translation and analytical essay components that must be completed over a 120-minute period. Each test section accounts for half the exam score. While it’s possible to review past test questions, you can never be certain of what will be covered on each year’s AP Latin Exam. Varsity Tutors’ Learning Tools provides well over 100 Practice Tests by Concept and AP Latin Practice Quizzes. These free AP Latin practice opportunities are invaluable for perfecting your skills and getting accustomed to the test’s format.

The AP Latin review practice questions vary in difficulty and the number of questions presented. Many of them can be completed very quickly. You’ll find quizzes to help you brush-up on adjectives, nouns, prepositions, verb tenses and moods, hyperbole, metaphors, and other concepts in Latin. There are also tests that cover vocabulary, literature, and mythology, plus various aspects of grammar and syntax. Other AP Latin Exam practice tests require you to translate segments of specific passages and also test your comprehension of the content and subject matter. At the most basic level, you can start with completing sentences and choosing the proper words. Varsity Tutors’ Learning Tools AP Latin Exam preparation includes a variety of practice tests that help you identify your abilities and build on your weaknesses.

Varsity Tutors’ Learning Tools free online AP Latin test questions represent a comprehensive snapshot of what the exam covers. You can use them for practice or as formal quizzes. At the end of each practice test, the feedback provides a detailed look at your skill level and how it compares to others. View your percentile and performance on each question. The information doesn’t just tell you the questions that were answered right or wrong--you’ll also see the reasons an answer is correct. These may serve as mini-lessons to add to your study arsenal, and you can easily discover the concepts you may want to spend more time on before taking the AP Latin Exam. You can get even more free AP Latin Exam practice with full-length tests. By completing these full-length 50-question exams, you can work toward mastering the underlying concepts. These full-length AP Latin practice tests also range in difficulty. The benefit is you can test your confidence and endurance so you’re less anxious about the official test.

Another useful asset that has been added to the equation is social media sharing. You can share your results and progress with friends and classmates. The motivation and even a little competition may help make boosting your Latin skills fun! Free online AP Latin practice provides a truly unique advantage, as it covers every aspect of the language and enables you to work on your skills at the most convenient time for you. Varsity Tutors’ Learning Tools AP Latin Exam sample questions are learning and study tools that can be completely integrated with your study plan. From Latin grammar and semantics to literature and mythology, you can easily review a comprehensive set of concepts that every AP Latin student should know.

Practice Tests by Concept

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The Ultimate Guide to Acing the AP Latin Exam

By Eric Eng

AP Exams are administered among high school students in preparation for college. The topics covered in these exams mirror what’s taught in the related AP Courses. The College Board sets the standard for what both the courses and associated exams will include. There are 38 available AP Courses overall. Perhaps the most interesting of the bunch is the AP Latin Exam. Given the specificity of the subject, there’s no question that this AP Course and Exam isn’t the most popular option students have. However, due in part to its practicality in understanding foreign languages and even English, the AP Latin Exam still sees a consistent stream of participants. The test has been administered every year since its genesis in 1956. Roughly, the exam sees 6,500 students enroll each year. Although the AP Latin Exam used to be composed of two parts, it’s been condensed into one course since 2013. Since Latin places a heavy focus on memorization, this AP Exam is well suited for self-studiers who wish to take the exam without taking the AP Latin Course. In this guide, the AdmissionSight team will address students’ most common questions about the AP Latin Exam to give you the best chance of succeeding.

What is the AP Latin Exam?

The AP Latin Exam is an advanced placement exam the College Board offers. It is designed to assess students’ Latin proficiency and ability to comprehend and interpret Latin literature. Latin, an ancient language with a rich history, has been widely studied for centuries. The AP Latin Exam allows students to showcase their knowledge and skills in this classical language.

Why is the AP Latin Exam important?

The AP Latin Exam is significant for students passionate about Latin and classics.

Latin, the language of ancient Rome, has a rich history and is considered the foundation of many modern Romance languages. Studying Latin provides a deep understanding of the language itself and offers insights into the culture, literature, and history of the ancient world.

By taking the AP Latin Exam, you can demonstrate your proficiency in Latin grammar, vocabulary, and translation. The exam assesses your ability to read and analyze Latin texts, including prose and poetry, from various authors such as Caesar, Vergil, and Ovid.

Performing well on the AP Latin Exam showcases your dedication to the subject and enhances your college application. Admissions officers recognize the rigor of the AP Latin curriculum and the commitment required to excel in the exam. Your achievement in this challenging course can set you apart from other applicants and demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and academic prowess.

Furthermore, earning college credit through the AP Latin Exam can save you time and money in the long run. Many colleges and universities grant credit or advanced placement to students who achieve a certain score on the exam. This means that you may be able to bypass introductory Latin courses in college and delve straight into more advanced coursework. Not only does this accelerate your academic progress, but it also frees up space in your schedule to explore other subjects or pursue additional interests.

Moreover, the AP Latin Exam provides a valuable opportunity for personal growth and intellectual development. The rigorous preparation required for the exam cultivates critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and the ability to analyze complex texts. These skills are not only applicable to the study of Latin but also transferable to other academic disciplines and real-life situations.

The AP Latin Exam is not just a test of your Latin proficiency; it is a gateway to a deeper understanding of the language, culture, and literature of ancient Rome. It offers numerous benefits, including the potential to earn college credit, enhance your college application, and develop valuable skills. So, embrace the challenge, immerse yourself in the world of Latin, and let the AP Latin Exam be a stepping stone towards your academic and intellectual success.

How long is the AP Latin Exam?

The exam consists of two main sections: the multiple-choice and free-response sections. These sections are carefully crafted to evaluate different aspects of a student’s Latin proficiency.

The AP Latin Exam is a 3-hour long exam:

• 50 questions
• Accounts for 50% of the total exam score
• Includes questions on syllabus and sight readings, and requires students to demonstrate knowledge of Latin vocabulary, syntax, and comprehension of passages in Latin texts .
• 5 questions
• 2 hours, including a 15-minute reading period
• Accounts for the remaining 50% of the total exam score
• Includes translation questions and analytical essays .

The free-response section includes translation, analysis, and interpretation of the Latin text from the syllabus, with specific question formats such as translation, short essays, and analytical essays.

How hard is the AP Latin Exam?

The difficulty of the AP Latin Exam can vary depending on your level of preparation and familiarity with Latin literature. While it is considered a challenging exam, it is conquerable with proper study and practice.

It is important to note that the exam assesses your reading, translating, and analytical skills, so a strong foundation in Latin grammar and vocabulary is crucial. It also helps to have exposure to different works of Latin literature.

Regarding the AP Latin Exam, the difficulty lies not only in the content but also in the time constraints. The exam consists of two sections: the multiple-choice section and the free-response section. The multiple-choice section tests your ability to comprehend and analyze Latin passages, while the free-response section requires you to translate and analyze specific passages from Latin literature.

One of the challenges of the exam is the need for speed. You are given a limited amount of time to answer each question, which means you must be able to read and understand the Latin text quickly. This requires a solid grasp of Latin grammar and vocabulary and the ability to decipher complex sentence structures and identify literary devices.

Another aspect that adds to the difficulty of the exam is the range of Latin literature that can be covered. The exam may include passages from various genres, such as poetry, prose, or historical texts. This means that you need to be well-versed in different literary styles and be able to adapt your translation and analysis skills accordingly.

Furthermore, the exam often includes passages from well-known Latin authors, such as Virgil, Cicero, or Ovid. These authors are known for their intricate language use and deep exploration of themes. To succeed on the exam, you must not only be familiar with their works but also be able to analyze and interpret their writing in a meaningful way.

Preparing for the AP Latin Exam requires dedication and consistent practice. Reading and translating Latin texts regularly is recommended, as this will help you build your vocabulary and improve your comprehension skills. Additionally, working through practice exams and sample questions can familiarize you with the format and style of the exam, allowing you to develop effective strategies for approaching different types of questions.

While the AP Latin Exam may be challenging, it is important to remember that it is designed to assess your skills and knowledge in Latin. With the right preparation and a solid understanding of Latin grammar and literature, you can confidently tackle the exam and showcase your abilities.

What factors affect the difficulty of the exam?

Several factors can influence the perceived difficulty of the AP Latin Exam. One factor is the types of passages selected for the exam. Some passages may be more complex or unfamiliar, making them more challenging to analyze and translate.

When selecting passages for the exam, the College Board aims to provide a diverse range of texts representing different genres, periods, and authors. This ensures that students are exposed to a variety of linguistic and literary styles. The passages may include excerpts from famous works of Roman literature, such as Virgil’s Aeneid or Cicero’s speeches, as well as lesser-known texts highlighting different aspects of Latin language and culture.

Furthermore, the passages may vary in terms of their thematic content. Some passages focus on historical events, while others delve into philosophical or mythological themes. The inclusion of different themes adds an extra layer of complexity to the exam, as students must not only demonstrate their language skills but also their ability to comprehend and analyze the underlying ideas and messages conveyed in the texts.

Another factor that contributes to the difficulty of the exam is your own level of preparation. The more time and effort you invest in studying and practicing Latin, the more confident and well-equipped you will be to tackle the exam.

Preparing for the AP Latin Exam involves memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules and developing strong reading and comprehension skills. This includes practicing the art of close reading, where you carefully analyze the structure, syntax, and word choices in the passages. By engaging in extensive reading of Latin texts, both in and out of the classroom, you can enhance your ability to decipher complex sentences and understand the nuances of Latin literature.

Furthermore, practicing translation exercises and participating in mock exams can help you become familiar with the questions and tasks you will encounter on the exam. This allows you to develop effective strategies for time management and problem-solving, which are crucial for success.

Lastly, individual challenges and strengths can impact the difficulty level. For example, if you struggle with certain aspects of Latin grammar or have difficulty interpreting poetry, these areas may pose greater challenges during the exam.

It is important to identify your weaknesses and work on them diligently. Seeking guidance from your Latin teacher or joining study groups can provide valuable support and resources to help you overcome these challenges. By addressing your weaknesses head-on, you can build a solid foundation and improve your overall performance on the exam.

On the other hand, recognizing and leveraging your strengths can also contribute to your success. If you have a natural affinity for analyzing syntax or a deep understanding of Roman history and culture, you can utilize these strengths to your advantage during the exam. By capitalizing on your areas of expertise, you can showcase your knowledge and skills, potentially earning extra points.

In conclusion, the difficulty of the AP Latin Exam is influenced by various factors. The selection of passages, your level of preparation, and your individual challenges and strengths all play a role in determining the perceived difficulty. By understanding these factors and taking proactive steps to address them, you can enhance your chances of achieving a favorable outcome on the exam.

What is on the AP Latin Exam?

Since the AP Courses directly inform the skills, concepts, and topics found on the AP Exam, it’s essential to understand the curriculum. This is especially true for students who opt to take the AP Latin Exam without taking the course. The course seeks to provide high school students with a comprehensive and rich Latin curriculum. The required knowledge level of the subject is equivalent to a higher-level intermediate college course. Typically, students approach this type of course towards the end of their second year or at the beginning of their third year of high school. The AP Latin Exam will require students to know how to read, analyze, translate, and understand Latin prose and poetry.

The AP Latin Exam mirrors AP Foreign Language Exams to the same extent that Latin resembles commonly spoken foreign languages. In other words, the general ability to comprehend the language in its basic properties reflects that Latin is essentially a dead language. You won’t be required to speak or understand spoken Latin on the exam as in other foreign language tests . Instead, you’ll be assessed on your ability to handle the language regarding reading, translation, and general understanding.

In the past, the AP Latin Course combined two different study genres. Namely, students either engaged with Latin prose or poetry. This structure was later amended and combined into a single course. The current AP Latin Exam reflects that synthesis. The test will assess your ability to understand the features of both of these genres. It’s the belief of the makers of the exam that the skill to do both is indicative of a strong student. As a result, you’ll notice that the required reading syllabus for the AP Latin Exam includes both prose and poetry works since the test will reflect such.

Today, the AP Latin Exam covers various topics, including various genres of Latin literature. Expect to encounter passages from notable authors such as Caesar, Cicero, and Vergil.

The exam evaluates your ability to translate Latin passages accurately, analyze literary devices, and understand the historical and cultural context of the texts. It also tests your comprehension of Latin grammar and syntax.

When it comes to translating Latin passages, the exam assesses your proficiency in understanding the nuances of the language. You will be challenged to accurately render the original text’s meaning into English, paying attention to the subtleties of word choice and sentence structure.

Furthermore, the exam requires you to analyze the literary devices the authors employ. This includes identifying and interpreting figures of speech, such as metaphors, similes, and hyperboles. By examining these devices, you gain a deeper understanding of the author’s intended meaning and impact on the text.

Understanding the historical and cultural context of the texts is crucial for a comprehensive analysis. The exam may ask you to explain how the events or themes in the passage relate to the broader historical or social context of ancient Rome. This requires you to have a solid understanding of Roman history, politics, and culture.

In addition to translation and analysis, the AP Latin Exam tests your Latin grammar and syntax knowledge. You will be expected to demonstrate a mastery of verb conjugations, noun declensions, and sentence structure. This includes recognizing and applying various grammatical constructions, such as participles, gerunds, and subjunctive clauses.

Preparing for the AP Latin Exam involves not only studying the works of Caesar, Cicero, and Vergil but also immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Roman literature. Familiarize yourself with other influential authors, such as Ovid, Livy, and Horace, as their works may also appear on the exam.

Furthermore, it is essential to develop strong reading comprehension skills in Latin. Practice reading and translating Latin passages regularly to improve your speed and accuracy. Additionally, engage with secondary sources and commentaries to deepen your understanding of the texts and their historical context.

Multiple-Choice Section

The multiple-choice section of the AP Latin Exam consists of 50 questions that must be completed in one hour and account for 50% of the total exam score. 

The section includes questions on syllabus readings, and sight readings, and requires students to demonstrate knowledge of Latin vocabulary, syntax, and comprehension of passages in Latin texts. The multiple-choice section is divided into four types of questions, including 10-12 questions on syllabus reading: Vergil, 10-12 questions on syllabus reading: Caesar, 13-15 questions on sight reading: poetry, and 13-15 questions on sight reading: prose.

Students will be asked to demonstrate knowledge of Latin vocabulary, explain the meaning of Latin words and phrases in context, use specific terminology to identify grammatical forms and syntactic structures, demonstrate knowledge of Latin syntax to read and comprehend Latin texts, scan dactylic hexameter in Latin poetry, identify stylistic features in Latin poetry and prose, identify references to Roman culture, history, and mythology in Latin texts, and demonstrate overall comprehension of passages in Latin texts.

Tackling the multiple-choice section

To tackle the multiple-choice section of the AP Latin Exam, students should follow these tips:

• Review the syllabus readings and sight readings : The multiple-choice section includes questions on both syllabus readings and sight readings. Students should review the texts covered in the course and practice reading and comprehending Latin texts.
• Practice answering multiple-choice questions : Students should practice answering different types of multiple-choice questions, including those on vocabulary, syntax, and comprehension of passages in Latin texts. The College Board provides sample questions on its website, and students can also find additional practice questions from other sources.
• Understand the question format : The multiple-choice section is divided into four types of questions, including 10-12 questions on syllabus reading: Vergil, 10-12 questions on syllabus reading: Caesar, 13-15 questions on sight reading: poetry, and 13-15 questions on sight reading: prose. Students should understand the format of each question type and practice answering them accordingly.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Latin vocabulary and syntax : Students should be able to identify grammatical forms and syntactic structures, explain the meaning of Latin words and phrases in context, and demonstrate knowledge of Latin syntax to read and comprehend Latin texts.
• Scan dactylic hexameter in Latin poetry : Students should practice scanning dactylic hexameter to identify stylistic features in Latin poetry and prose.
• Identify references to Roman culture, history, and mythology in Latin texts : Students should be able to identify references to Roman culture, history, and mythology in Latin texts and demonstrate overall comprehension of passages in Latin texts.

Free-response Section

The free-response section of the AP Latin Exam consists of five questions that must be completed in two hours, including a 15-minute reading period, and accounts for 50% of the total exam score . The section includes translation questions and analytical essays .  The format of the free-response section is as follows:

• Question 1 : A 10-minute translation of a passage from the syllabus reading: Vergil .
• Question 2 : A 10-minute translation of a passage from the syllabus reading: Caesar .
• Question 3 : A 45-minute long essay . The essay requires students to analyze and interpret a passage from the syllabus reading: Vergil or Caesar and demonstrate their understanding of Latin literary concepts, including literary devices, themes, and motifs .
• Question 4 : A 20-minute short essay . The essay requires students to analyze and interpret a passage from the syllabus reading: Vergil or Caesar and demonstrate their understanding of Latin literary concepts, including literary devices, themes, and motifs .
• Question 5 : A 20-minute short essay based on the entire Aeneid (Latin selections and parts read in English) . The essay requires students to analyze and interpret the Aeneid and demonstrate their understanding of Latin literary concepts, including literary devices, themes, and motifs .

Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to translate Latin texts into English, analyze and interpret Latin texts, and demonstrate their understanding of Latin literary concepts .  

Tackling the free-response section

To tackle the free-response section of the AP Latin Exam, students can follow these strategies based on the provided search results:

• Read each free-response question carefully : Carefully read and understand each free-response question to ensure a clear understanding of what is being asked .
• Maximize points on multiple-part questions : Free-response questions often involve multiple parts, and it is essential to note that the parts are graded separately. If a student finds themselves struggling with a question, the best approach is to maximize points by answering the parts they are confident about .
• Share thought process : When answering free-response questions, it is beneficial to share the thought process. This can help demonstrate understanding even if the answer is not fully complete .
• Be clear and concise : Provide clear and concise responses to free-response questions. This helps ensure the answers are easily understood and effectively convey the intended meaning .
• Practice with past free-response questions : Review and answer previously administered free-response questions that date back several years. This allows students to familiarize themselves with the format and types of questions that may appear on the exam .
• Mimic test settings : Create a simulated AP Latin Exam environment to practice the free-response section. This can help students become comfortable with the time constraints and conditions of the actual exam.

Here are some samples from previous exams so you’d know what to expect:

What materials should I be familiar with for the AP Latin Exam?

For a complete and updated list of the required reading for the AP Latin Exam and Course, visit the College Board site. Every year, the AP Latin Course focuses on the same selections from two classical works. This is critical for students and self-studiers alike as this can accurately indicate what will be on the AP Latin Exam. The poetry is always a selection from Aeneid by Publius Vergilius Maro, aka Vergil. The prose work is routinely Commentaries on the Gallic War by Julius Caesar. It’s essential to be familiar with these works for the AP Latin Exam and to be able to place them in a broader literary and historical context. While studying these works is important, it’s paramount that students don’t forget to study the structure, grammar, and other aspects of the language itself.

What should I have before taking the AP Latin Exam?

Although there are technically no prerequisites for taking the AP Latin Exam, AdmissionSight does have some recommendations. Ideally, students will have taken and succeeded in the AP Latin Course. This is an excellent foundation that not only familiarizes students with the subject’s rigor but also gives them some idea of what will be found on the exam. However, the subject is conducive to self-studiers who opt to take the AP Latin Exam without taking the course. In this case, we recommend that you have sufficient proficiency in Latin to understand the required texts. For students, this might mean needing to have three or four years of study under your belt. While this varies from person to person, it’s critical to assess yourself and be honest about how prepared you are compared to what you’ll find on the exam.

AP Latin Exam Scoring Breakdown

The AP Latin Exam is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates your understanding of Latin language and literature. It consists of two sections, each contributing to your overall score. The multiple-choice section accounts for 50% of your score, while the free-response section accounts for 50%.

Within the multiple-choice section, you are presented with questions that test your knowledge of Latin grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. This section requires you to carefully analyze passages from various Latin texts, including works by authors such as Virgil, Ovid, and Cicero. Each correct answer earns you points, and there is no penalty for incorrect responses. It is essential to approach these questions with a thorough understanding of Latin syntax and literary devices.

The free-response section of the AP Latin Exam allows you to showcase your mastery of the Latin language and your ability to engage with Latin literature. This section is divided into two parts: the translation section and the essay section.

In the translation section, you are presented with a Latin passage that you must accurately translate into English. Your translation is evaluated based on its accuracy, precision, and understanding of the original text. It is crucial to demonstrate your command of Latin grammar, vocabulary, and syntax in order to produce a faithful and nuanced translation.

The essay section of the free-response portion requires you to analyze and interpret a given Latin text. You are expected to provide insightful analysis, demonstrating your understanding of the author’s style, themes, and literary techniques. Crafting a well-structured essay that effectively supports your arguments is essential for earning points in this section. It is vital to provide evidence from the text to support your claims and to showcase your ability to engage with the nuances of Latin literature.

Overall, the AP Latin Exam is a rigorous assessment that evaluates your proficiency in Latin language and literature. By carefully preparing for the multiple-choice and free-response sections, you can demonstrate your mastery of the subject and earn a high score. Remember to practice translating Latin passages and analyzing Latin texts to strengthen your skills and enhance your performance on the exam.

Topics Covered in the AP Latin Exam

The AP Latin Exam covers a variety of topics, allowing you to showcase your knowledge and understanding of Latin literature. Some of the common themes and genres you may encounter include:

• Epic poetry
• Historical narratives
• Philosophical treatises
• Drama and theater
• Love and relationships

It is essential to familiarize yourself with these topics and read a variety of works from different time periods to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

The course framework delivers a comprehensive and precise outline of the essential prerequisites for students to achieve success. It details the knowledge, skills, and comprehension students need, centered around course themes that encompass fundamental principles of the subject.

The AP Latin framework is structured into eight commonly taught study units, presenting a potential sequence for the course. As ever, you retain the freedom to arrange the course content as you see fit.

The course and exam description for AP Latin delineates specific skills for students to hone throughout the year. These skills are intended to facilitate their ability to think and behave like scholars specializing in classical studies.

How to study for the AP Latin Exam

Determine your skills – Before you can dive into the deep end of mastering the exam material, you have to get an accurate assessment of where your knowledge stands in relation to what’s being asked on the test. One of the most effective ways of judging this is by answering some sample questions or taking some preliminary sample tests. Think of this step as a diagnostic test that will determine what areas you need to study in more depth and which areas in which you’re strong. Without this initial information, you would essentially be studying blind and might end up missing a few blind spots that you have. In the end, this initial step in determining your skills will make it easier to study efficiently and targeted.

The AP Latin Course’s description on the College Board site includes some helpful sample test questions that offer a great launching point. In order to get an even deeper look into your current knowledge of Latin, you could answer some sample questions regarding Vergil’s Aeneid or others regarding Caesar’s Gallic War .

Study the material –  Now that you have an accurate assessment of where you stand, it’s time to tackle the AP Latin Exam’s material. The topics you study should reflect the curriculum of the AP Latin Course. Some of the primary skills that you should practice are the analysis of texts, contextualization, translation, reading, and comprehension.

Unlike other AP Exams, it’s not easy to find high-quality study resources for the AP Latin Exam. While there are several relevant materials out there, only a few are made specifically to help students study for the exam. The two main study guides produced with the exam in mind would be Caesar’s Gallic War: A Fully Parsed Vocabulary Guide for the AP Latin Exam and Vergil’s Aeneid: A Fully Parsed Vocabulary Guide for the AP Latin Exam . You should be able to find more helpful sources online in the form of test questions, review sheets, or study guides that other AP teachers have posted. Here’s an entire database of helpful materials used on a high school course. We recommend students taking the AP Latin Exam also check out this website that features helpful vocabulary and grammar studying tools. It wasn’t designed specifically with the AP Latin Exam in mind, but it still has a lot of material that you’ll find on the exam.

Rehearse multiple-choice questions – When you feel like you’ve got a good grasp on the theory, it’s a good idea to start focusing on answering the various question formats you’ll find on the AP Latin Exam. Although multiple-choice questions are generally assumed to be easy to answer, you shouldn’t overlook the types you’ll find on this exam. Students can find 30 helpful sample questions on page 41 of the AP Latin Exam’s official course description . You can also find more multiple-choice questions and sample passages on this page . There are 50 multiple-choice questions on the AP Latin Exam. 20 of these focus on Caesar and Vergil selections while the remaining 30 revolve around sight readings.

Rehearse free-response questions – Hands down, the best way to prep for the final free-response section of the AP Latin Exam is to review and answer the countless previously administered free-response questions that date all the way back to 2013. All of these questions come along with real student answers and coring explanations. AdmissionSight recommends that students take this studying portion one year at a time and pay close attention to how the responses are graded. This is a helpful window into how you can expect your own answers to be graded.

Mimic test settings – The final stage of your preparation process would be creating your own AP Latin Exam. In other words, you can stage your own version of the real exam in order to get a better idea of how you’ll perform under test-like conditions. You need to put all of your studying materials away, including study guides, notes, flashcards, and your phone. Find a location that’s quiet where you won’t be interrupted for the three hours for which you’ll have to take your own preliminary AP Latin Exam. While it’s difficult to find a complete AP Latin Exam online, you should be able to piece your own together or find one in a commercial study guide. Try your best to make the settings of your practice test as realistic as possible. This will probably give you the most accurate idea of how you’ll perform on test day.

Tips on the day of the exam

The day of the AP Latin Exam can be nerve-wracking, but with these tips, you can approach it with confidence:

• Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the exam location, ensuring you are calm and prepared.
• Read Carefully: Pay close attention to the instructions and passages. Make sure you understand what is being asked before proceeding.
• Manage Your Time: Pace yourself during the exam to ensure that you have enough time to complete all sections. Divide your time wisely between the multiple-choice and free-response sections.
• Answer Every Question: Even if you are unsure of an answer, it is better to make an educated guess than to leave it unanswered.
• Stay Calm and Focused: Take deep breaths and maintain your composure throughout the exam. Remember all the hard work you put into preparing, and trust your abilities.

When is the AP Latin Exam in 2024?

The AP Latin Exam in 2024 is scheduled to take place on Friday, May 17, in the afternoon . Students should verify the exact start/report time with their school, as exams can begin up to one hour after the official start time.

For a complete list of the 2024 AP Exam dates, here’s a full list:

When do AP scores come out?

AP scores are typically released in early to mid-July of the year the exams were taken. The exact release date may vary slightly from year to year, but students who took their AP exams in May can generally expect their scores to become available.

You can check for updates on the College Board’s official AP scores website if you are waiting for your AP scores. They will also email you when your scores are added to your score report. If you haven’t received your scores by mid-August, contacting AP Services for Students is recommended for assistance.

Post-exam tips

After completing the AP Latin Exam, take some time to relax and reflect on your performance. Regardless of the outcome, congratulate yourself for your dedication and effort.

If you are unsatisfied with your performance, use it as a learning experience. Identify areas where you can improve and consider retaking the exam if desired.

Additionally, reach out to your Latin teacher or mentor for feedback and guidance on areas that need strengthening. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations for further study.

The AP Latin Exam is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for students passionate about Latin. By understanding the exam’s format and content, honing your language and analysis skills, and employing effective study strategies, you can excel on this exam and showcase your dedication to the Latin language and its timeless literature. Good luck!

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2024 AP Latin Exam Guide

11 min read • june 18, 2024

Your Guide to the 2024 AP Latin Exam

A quick pep talk before we start.

You've been (likely) prepping for months for this exam! 🤓 One three hour test can never measure everything you've learned from studying Latin for a full year. So please, don't let your AP scores define you!

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's focus a bit more on the actual exam.

We created a study plan to help you crush your AP Latin exam. This guide will continue to update with information about the 2024 exams, as well as helpful resources to help you do your best on test day.  Unlock Cram Mode  for access to our cram events—students who have successfully passed their AP exams will answer your questions and guide your last-minute studying LIVE! And don't miss out on unlimited access to our database of thousands of practice questions. 

Format of the 2024 AP Latin Exam

• Section 1: Multiple Choice- - 50 questions | 1 hour | 50% of score- - 4 types of questions- - Syllabus reading: Vergil (10-12 questions)- - Syllabus reading: Caesar (10-12 questions)- - Sight reading: Poetry (13-15 questions)- - Sight reading: Prose (13-14 questions)
• Section 2: Free Response- - 5 questions | 2 hours | 50% of score- - 2 translation questions where you will literally translate a short passage from Vergil and a short passage from Caesar.- - 1 analytical essay question where you will be asked to analyze the linguistic and literary features of two passages from required readings in comparative analysis.- - 2 short-answer questions where you will be asked to answer 5-7 questions based on one passage from Vergil and one from Caesar. The College Board has said that there is  not a specific weighting by unit, rather that there will be a certain amount of questions from their so-called "syllabus reading," which are the sections mentioned in the syllabus 📜 , and "Sight Reading," which are the sections not covered in the syllabus.

When is the 2024 AP Latin Exam and How Do I Take It?

** The exam is on paper, in school, on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 12:00 PM, your local time.  **

How Should I Prepare for the Exam?

• First, download the  AP Latin Cheatsheet PDF - a single sheet that covers everything you need to know at a high level. Take note of your strengths and weaknesses!
• We've put together the study plan found below to help you study between now and May. This will cover all of the units and essay types to prepare you for your exam. Pay special attention to the units that you need the most improvement in.
• Study, practice, and review for test day with other students during our live cram sessions via  Cram Mode . Cram live streams will teach, review, and practice important topics from AP courses, college admission tests, and college admission topics. These streams are hosted by experienced students who know what you need to succeed.

Pre-Work: Set Up Your Study Environment

Before you begin studying, take some time to get organized.

🖥 Create a study space.

Make sure you have a designated place at home to study. Somewhere you can keep all of your materials, where you can focus on learning, and where you are comfortable. Spend some time prepping the space with everything you need and you can even let others in the family know that this is your study space. 

📚 Organize your study materials.

Get your notebook, textbook, prep books, or whatever other physical materials you have. Also, create a space for you to keep track of review. Start a new section in your notebook to take notes or start a Google Doc to keep track of your notes. Get yourself set up!

📅 Plan designated times for studying.

The hardest part about studying from home is sticking to a routine. Decide on one hour every day that you can dedicate to studying. This can be any time of the day, whatever works best for you. Set a timer on your phone for that time and really try to stick to it. The routine will help you stay on track.

🏆 Decide on an accountability plan.

How will you hold yourself accountable to this study plan? You may or may not have a teacher or rules set up to help you stay on track, so you need to set some for yourself. First, set your goal. This could be studying for x number of hours or getting through a unit. Then, create a reward for yourself. If you reach your goal, then x. This will help stay focused!

AP Latin 2024 Study Plan

Review the unit guides to freshen up your knowledge on the required texts for AP Latin!

⚔️ Unit 1: Vergil, Aeneid, Book 1

To review the Latin, literal and interpretative translations, and quiz yourself on the first book of  Aeneid , use the following study guides.

• 1.0 Unit 1 Overview: Vergil, Aeneid, Book 1
• 1.1 Vergil, Aeneid, Book 1, Lines 1-209
• 1.2 Vergil, Aeneid, Book 1, Lines 418-440
• 1.3 Vergil, Aeneid, Book 1, Lines 494-578

🥗 Unit 2: Caesar, Gallic War, Books 1 & 6

To review the Latin, literal and interpretative translations, and quiz yourself on the first and sixth book of  Gallic War , use the following study guides.

• 2.0 Unit 2 Overview: Caesar, Gallic War, Books 1 & 6
• 2.1 Caesar, Gallic War, Book 1, Chapters 1-7
• 2.2 Caesar, Gallic War, Book 6, Chapters 13-20

🔥 Unit 3: Vergil, Aeneid, Book 2

To review the Latin, literal and interpretative translations, and quiz yourself on the second book of  Aeneid , use the following study guides.

• 3.0 Unit 3 Overview: Vergil, Aeineid, Book 2
• 3.1 Book II: The Burning of Troy
• 3.2 Vergil, Aeneid, Book 2, Lines 201-249
• 3.3 Vergil, Aeneid, Book 2, Lines 268-297
• 3.4 Vergil, Aeneid, Book 2, Lines 559-620

🏇 Unit 4: Caesar, Gallic War, Book 4

To review the Latin, literal and interpretative translations, and quiz yourself on the fourth book of  Gallic War , use the following study guides.

• 4.0 Unit 4 Overview: Caesar, Gallic War, Book 4
• 4.1 Book IV: 55 B.C. Chapters 24-25
• 4.2 Book IV: 55 B.C. Chapters 26-28
• 4.3 Book IV: 55 B.C. Chapters 29-31
• 4.4 Book IV: 55 B.C. Chapters 32-35 and First Line of Chapter 36

👑 Unit 5: Vergil, Aeneid, Book 4

To review the Latin, literal and interpretative translations, and quiz yourself on the fourth book of  Aeneid , use the following study guides.

• 5.0 Unit 5 Overview: Vergil, Aeneid, Book 4
• 5.1 Vergil, Aeneid, Book 4, Lines 160-218
• 5.2 Vergil, Aeneid, Book 4, Lines 259-295
• 5.3 Vergil, Aeneid, Book 4, Lines 296-361
• 5.4 Vergil, Aeneid, Book 4, Lines 659-705

🥊 Unit 4: Caesar, Gallic War, Book 5, Part I

To review the Latin, literal and interpretative translations, and quiz yourself on the first part of the fifth book of  Gallic War , use the following study guides.

• 6.0 Unit 6 Overview: Caesar, Gallic War, Book 5, Part I
• 6.1 Caesar, Gallic War, Book 5, Part I, Chapters 24-26
• 6.2 Caesar, Gallic War, Book 5, Part I, Chapters 27-29
• 6.3 Caesar, Gallic War, Book 5, Part I, Chapters 30-32
• 6.4 Caesar, Gallic War, Book 5, Part I, Chapters 33-35
• 6.5 Caesar, Gallic War, Book 5, Part I, Chapters 36-37

🧄 Unit 4: Caesar, Gallic War, Book 5 Part II, Book 6, and Book 7

To review the Latin, literal and interpretative translations, and quiz yourself on the second part of the fifth, sixth, and seventh books of  Gallic War , use the following study guides.

• 7.0 Unit 7 Overview: Caesar, Gallic War, Book 5 Part II, Book 6, and Book 7
• 7.1 Caesar, Gallic War, Book 5, Chapters 38-40
• 7.2 Caesar, Gallic War, Book 5, Chapters 41-43
• 7.3 Caesar, Gallic War, Book 5, Chapters 44-46
• 7.4 Caesar, Gallic War, Book 5, Chapters 47-48
• 7.5 Caesar, Gallic War, Book 6

Exam Practice

Review the following tips and tricks and practice for the AP Latin Exam!

Section 1: Multiple Choice Questions

This section mostly consists of single passages, followed by sets of questions asking about various sections of the passage, such as literary devices 📝, translations in context, and scansion. 

Strategies For the Multiple Choice Section 💪

• Read the questions first before reading the passage.- It's especially important to avoid wasting time reading the whole passage and trying to translate it before looking at the questions. Think about it this way: Keep your end goal in mind. On the exam, your end goal is to answer as many questions correctly as you can, rather than rendering a translation of every passage provided on the exam.
• Understand that you may not be able to translate the entire passsage.- And that is absolutely alright! College Board isn't looking to see how good of a translator you are, they're looking to see how well you can pick out certain elements within a given passage.
• Make ABSOLUTELY sure that you are referring to the correct word in the text (when the question specifies.) - If a question asks you to translate a word or words in context, make sure that you are translating the  right instance of that word. It's critical to double check, especially when that word is a pronoun, like a form of " qui/quae/quod. "
• For sight 👓 passages, quickly scan the passage after reading the questions to see if there are any phrases that you already know from your syllabus reading.- Sight 👓 passages are meant to test your understanding of the full story behind the  Aeneid  and the  De Bello Gallico . What they are NOT meant to do, however, is to see how fast you can translate. That is left to the syllabus readings, which you are expected to have read and translated throughout your time in class.

Sample MC Questions

Questions 1-5 refer to the following passage below:

Arma virumque canō, Trōiae quī prīmus ab ōrīs Ītaliam, fātō profugus, Lāvīniaque vēnit lītora, multum ille et terrīs iactātus et altō vī superum saevae memorem Iūnōnis ob īram; multa quoque et bellō passus, dum conderet urbem, inferretque deōs Latiō, genus unde Latīnum, Albānīque patrēs, atque altae moenia Rōmae. Mūsa, mihī causās memorā, quō nūmine laesō, quidve dolēns, rēgīna deum tot volvere cāsūs īnsīgnem pietāte virum, tot adīre labōrēs impulerit. Tantaene animīs caelestibus īrae? Aeneid*,* 1.1-11

• Translate  vī superum of line 4.A) Of the power of the godsB) With the power of the godsC) The power of the godsD) By the power of the gods
• What is the scansion for  Albānīque patrēs, atque altae ?A) spondee-dactyl-spondee-spondeeB) dactyl-spondee-spondee-spondeeC) spondee-dactyl-dactyl-spondeeD) dactyl-dactyl-dactyl-spondee
• Who is the passage about?A) JupiterB) AeneasC) MarsD) Ascanius
• What is the case of quo in line 8?A) NominativeB) DativeC) AblativeD) Genitive
• What figure of speech is  Arma in the first line?A) MetonymyB) ChiasmusC) EnjambmentD) Tmesis

Answers (Don't peek! 👀)

Section 2: free-response questions.

This section consists of: 

• 2 translation questions (1 from  Caesar and 1 from  Virgil ), which ask you to translate a passage  as literally as possible
• 1 "Long Essay Question," which asks you to compare 2 passages from the syllabus readings and compare their literary features
• 2 "Short-Answer Questions," which ask questions similar to the MCQs, but without answer choices. Since the Short Answer Questions are almost exactly the same as the MCQs, strategies for those also apply here.

Strategies for the Translation Questions 🤨

These can be tough. After answering 50 MCQs, the first 2 questions you're faced with on the FRQ section are these two. However, there are a few tricks to make these questions a bit less daunting.

• Don't be afraid to leave blanks.- It's perfectly fine if you can't translate a certain word/words in a sentence. Leave a space where you think the word/words should go, and come back to it. Sometimes the rest of the sentence will offer some clues as to what those words should be.
• Don't stress about idiomatic translations.- It's especially important, on these translation questions, to focus more on producing a translation that accurately captures the grammar and meaning of the words, rather than the idiomatic meanings of certain phrases. For example, it is totally fine to say "to hold in memory" instead of "to remember" when translating  "memoria tenere."

Strategies for the Long Essay Question 🖊️

The LEQ is by far the hardest question on the exam. But don't worry! It's definitely not as hard as it looks, and it's certainly not impossible. That being said, here are some strategies to break this essay down.

• Make sure you're making connections between the passages while you're reading.- One of the most important parts of the LEQ is to not only analyze the passages separately, but to look at the two passages together.
• You MUST use the Latin to support your point in the essay. - During your essay, you must use Latin quotes(either direct quotes or line numbers) from both passages, and you MUST either translate or paraphrase the Latin to show that you understand what is being said in the selections you use.

Sample Free Response Questions

• Translate the following passage as literally as possible.

Interea magno misceri murmure caelum incipit, insequitur commixta grandine nimbus, et Tyrii comites passim et Troiana iuventus Dardaniusque nepos Veneris diversa per agros tecta metu petiere; ruunt de montibus amnes. Aeneid 4.160-164

Subductis navibus concilioque Gallorum Samarobrivae peracto, quod eo anno frumentum in Gallia propter siccitates angustius provenerat, coactus est aliter ac superioribus annis exercitum in hibernis collocare legionesque in plures civitates distribuere. Ex quibus unam in Morinos ducendam Gaio Favio legato dedit, Caesar 5.24 1-5

Questions 3-7 refer to the passage below.

sic fatus ualidis ingentem viribus hastam in latus inque feri curvam compagibus alvum contorsit. stetit illa tremens, uteroque recusso insonuere cavae gemitumque dedere cavernae. et, si fata deum, si mens non laeva fuisset, impulerat ferro Argolicas foedare latebras, Troiaque nunc staret, Primique arx alta maneres. Aeneid 2.50-56

Who is the subject of Line 50?

According to line 53, what is ONE and ONLY ONE quality of the spear after it hits the horse?

Translate "si fata deum" (Line 54) in the context of the passage.

What sort of grammatical construction is "uteroque recusso" (Line 52)?

Who else warns the Trojans against the horse, but is ignored by the crowd? 

Answers! (Don't peek) 👀

• It trembles/the sound reverberates throughout the horse
• If the gods' fate OR if the fate of the gods
• Ablative Absolute

More Long Essay Questions are available at College Board's website below!

👉 Past AP Latin FRQs

Key Terms to Review ( 7 )

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About the Course

Explore ancient Roman history and culture as you learn to read and analyze Latin literature. In AP Latin, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of this long-lived language from which all the modern Romance languages (such as French, Spanish, and Italian) arose, while translating passages from the writings of Vergil and Caesar and examining them through class discussions, debates, and presentations.

Skills You'll Learn

Reading and understanding Latin poetry and prose

Translating Latin texts into English

Relating Latin texts to the history, culture, and literary movements of ancient Rome

Analyzing linguistic and literary features of Latin texts

Developing an argument that analyzes Latin poetry and/or prose

Equivalency and Prerequisites

College course equivalent.

An upper-intermediate level (typically fourth- or fifth-semester) college or university Latin course

Recommended Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites, but students are typically in their fourth year of high-school-level study.

Mon, May 5, 2025

AP Latin Exam

This is the regularly scheduled date for the AP Latin Exam.

About the Units

The course content outlined below is organized into commonly taught units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. Your teacher may choose to organize the course content differently based on local priorities and preferences.

Course Content

Unit 1: vergil, aeneid , book 1.

You’ll read passages of the Aeneid that introduce Vergil’s portrayal of leadership and the role of the gods and other peoples in the trials of the Trojans.

You’ll focus on:

• Reviewing and building your Latin vocabulary
• Reviewing and solidifying your knowledge of syntax
• Reviewing and practicing the terminology used to identify grammatical forms and syntactic structure
• Beginning to explore contextualization, analytical, and argumentative skills

Unit 2: Caesar, Gallic War , Books 1 and 6

You’ll read passages of the Gallic War that introduce Caesar’s subtle portrayal of non-Romans in contrast to his native representation of Roman values.

• Continuing to build on your Latin vocabulary
• Explaining the meaning of Latin words and phrases in context
• Understanding Latin morphology when translating Latin texts into English
• Articulating a defensible claim or thesis

Unit 3: Vergil, Aeneid , Book 2

You’ll return to Vergil with Aeneas’s account of the fall of Troy and explore the author’s portrayal of the seen and unseen forces in the characters’ lives and deaths.

• Using the correct terms to identify grammatical forms and syntactic structures
• Scanning dactylic hexameter in Latin poetry
• Reading and comprehending sight passages in poetry
• Articulating and supporting an argument using relevant evidence from Latin texts and readings in English

Unit 4: Caesar, Gallic War , Book 4

You’ll read about the Romans’ first invasion of Britain as you explore themes of leadership and of war and empire in the readings.

• Identifying linguistic and artistic qualities in Latin prose
• Identifying stylistic features in Latin prose
• Understanding differences between Latin and English usage
• Reading and comprehending sight passages in prose
• Using accurate, specific, and relevant references to the Latin texts to support an articulated argument

Unit 5: Vergil, Aeneid , Book 4

You’ll return to Vergil and the love affair of Queen Dido and Aeneas as you explore the views of non-Romans shown in the readings and how those views illustrate Roman values.

• Identifying linguistic and artistic qualities in Latin poetry
• Identifying stylistic features in Latin poetry
• Analyzing the effects of language usage and stylistic features in Latin texts
• Using accurate, specific, and relevant references to the Latin to support an articulated argument

Unit 6: Caesar, Gallic War , Book 5, Part I

You’ll study the first half of the readings from Book 5 as you explore the themes of history and memory as portrayed in Caesar’s literary genre and style.

• Analyzing the effects of language usage and stylistic features in the texts
• Using reasoning to draw conclusions and make inferences based on textual features
• Using contextual knowledge and references to support your analysis in an essay

Unit 7: Caesar, Gallic War , Book 5, Part II, Book 6, and Book 7

You’ll continue with the second half of the reading from Book 5 of Caesar’s Gallic War and explore the theme of leadership in war.

• Identifying references to Roman culture, history, and mythology in Latin texts
• Analyzing Latin texts based on knowledge of products, practices, and perspectives of Roman culture

Unit 8: Vergil, Aeneid , Books 6, 8, and 12

You’ll return to Vergil and explore the themes of literary genre and style and of human beings and the gods in the readings.

Credit and Placement

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Course Resources

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AP Latin Required Reading List

This syllabus lists the minimum number of readings you’ll need to study in Latin and in English.

AP Latin Course and Exam Description

This is the core document for the course. It clearly lays out the course content and describes the exam and AP Program in general.

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Additional Information

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This is a community for discussions related to the Latin language.

AP Latin Exam

I am wondering if it's possible that I could be prepared for the AP Latin exam next May.

I started reading LLPSI in February this year and with daily study I am now on Capitulum undevicesimum.

Does anyone know what I should start reading after LLPSI (I know I'm a ways away)? What's in the AP latin syllabus.

Most importantly, do you think it's possible I could be ready for the exam based off of the amount of progress I've made in the last 4 or 5 months.

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