I think I'm going fail my AP Latin exam

amyfox
Thu, 11 May 2017 06:36:51 +0000

Hey sophomore! I’m a junior, and let me start by saying that I’m impressed you actually took the time to write out your story here. You’re venting and I hear you. Actually, I came here for almost the same reason that you did: bad AP Latin Teacher, and not really anyone around me to help, not even online. It’s like everyone else who takes this exam lives in a cave or something haha. Having a combined Latin class with Latin III, IV, and AP sounds horrid. I go to a classical private school, and even though it’s really small, they know not to combine Latin classes like that. AP Latin students require an entirely different focus, because it uses the grammar and vocab foundation learned in Latin III and IV as a launching pad for interpreting entire passages. So it’s literally just me and a senior stuck with a Latin teacher who can teach Latin, but not AP. Same boat as you.
But I do have a couple of tips that I’ve picked up in my battle with translating Vergil and Caesar, as well as a few last-minute tips. I’m not an expert, by any means, but these tips have helped me maintain an A in my class:

1. What textbook are you using for the Aeneid? This is critical. It sounds like for yours, you have to keep a dictionary at hand. For the amount of time you spend translating, you shouldn't have to be wasting time, energy, and focus on constantly looking up words. The one I use consists of 1/3 latin passage, 1/3 built-in dictionary for any unfamiliar words in the section, and 1/3 translation/reference notes on every page. Try to get a similar textbook. This is mine: https://www.amazon.com/Vergils-Aeneid-Books-Latin-English/dp/0865164215

2. Have a solid grammar foundation. A bit rocky on declensions or conjugations? Don't worry, it's never too late to start. But start now. The grammar, as you probably know, forms the basis of the pyramid alongside vocab. If you don't know the difference between, say, subjunctive perfect active and indicative perfect active forms, then it's going to be hard to identify it in readings, much less be able to translate. As an AP student, I confess that I tried to skip this step because I thought my grammar was not "great" but "okay", but I ended up wasting so much time. I would constantly get frustrated, and verbs alone took me several minutes to decipher. Make sure you're solid on your Latin verb endings. And even if it's for ten minutes a day, go over the chants. Over breakfast, in the bathroom, waiting in line for food, find ways to sneak them in the day. I know even 5 minutes is a lot of dedication for us high school students. But if you put in the effort, it will pay off big time.

3. Study the crap out of vocabulary. I know I emphasized a lot on grammar, but honestly, vocab is half the battle. Sure, you might know the grammar, but if you don't even know what the word means, you won't even have a guess. If you're doing last-minute study, then I suggest you pour most of your energy into memorizing vocab. Find vocab lists for high-frequency words in Vergil and Caesar. There are lists for words that are found over 24 times, 12-23 times, and 6-11 times at the back of the textbook I linked you to. If you like, I can link you to my Quizlet sets for these lists. Also, I know that some people out there memorize the genders and all 4 principal parts for every noun and verb. Don't do this. The AP test is primarily designed to test familiarity with Latin words and how you can fit together words to create appropriate English meaning. Focus on gaining a broader but more basic vocab background rather than on fewer but more specific, if that makes sense. Nitpick on grammar, not vocab.

4. Understand that Latin isn't going to always follow the rules. In middle school, Latin looks neat and perfectly organized. In the real Latin world, Latin is ugly and inconsistent. The ablative is going to be translated as genitive. Plural forms are translated as "poetic" singular. Entire verbs are going to be absent. And it gets worse. Don't get caught up with how the Latin is not delivered in a neat little package. Roll with the punches. Write down awkward patterns that you see and take mental notes of possible deviations. Nobody likes a constipated translation. Give it a little room for "error" and it will flow freely LOL. ;)

5. STAY FOCUSED! This is obvious. But important. Like I've said with all my other points lol.

SO…that was super long, sorry about that, but I hope it helped you. I tried asking for help online before but no one responded, and it was kind of crushing to me. I knew I had to answer your distress call when I saw it. Good luck on your test.

(P.S. Writing this out detracted some of my AP Latin study time, so I think you owe me one hehe. I just want to know what you think, and a little update on where you are in your study process, if that’s not too much. Just so I know you’re alive HAHA.)