Published January 16, 2024
Sophie
High School Junior in West Virginia, Avid Classics Enthusiast, Marketing Intern and Blog Writer at Knowt :)
Hey there! This article is all about our tips for how to study for the IB Latin exam to get a solid 7. I'll break down the tricks, so with the right strategies, IB Latin test prep and IB Latin resources, nailing the exam is totally doable!
Hey, no worries if you're in a last-minute cramming session for IB Latin! We totally get it, and trust me, we've all been there too! So, if you're wondering how to ace the IB Latin exam when you're running out of time, here are some awesome resources and IB Latin exam tips created by fellow students that will help you cram like a boss.
This ULTIMATE IB Latin Study Guide - pretty much everything you need to know for the exam, written by a former IB Latin student!
Our Favorite Additional Site for IB Latin
The exam is broken down into FOUR papers (THREE for SL) - here is a breakdown of what you’ll need to know and what to expect from each section:
For Paper 1 of the IB Latin exam, you have two hours to complete it (1.5 for SL). The format includes reading comprehension, translation, and analysis of unseen texts, both prose and verse. You'll be given two passages that you haven't studied before. Your tasks are to understand these texts, translate part of them, and answer questions about their style and content. This paper tests your grasp of the Latin language and your ability to interpret literary texts.
For Paper 1 of the IB Latin exam, while you don't need to memorize specific texts, there are key areas to focus on. You should have a solid understanding of Latin vocabulary, covering a wide range of words. It's also important to be familiar with the grammar rules of Latin. Your translation skills should be honed, practicing translating from Latin to your native language. Additionally, understanding common literary devices and styles in Latin literature will help you analyze unseen texts effectively. Regular practice with diverse texts will strengthen these skills.
For Paper 2 of the IB Latin exam, you'll spend 1.5 hours on a mix of short-answer questions and an extended response. The paper include an extract from a set text that you have studied, and you'll need to answer questions based on this extract. Also, you'll write a longer essay in response to a prompt, which tests your broader understanding and appreciation of the text. This paper focuses on your knowledge of set texts, their themes, contexts, and literary analysis. So, you should be thoroughly familiar with the specific Latin texts assigned for your course. You should be familiar with the set texts you have studied in class. This paper will ask you to answer questions on an extract from one of these texts and to write a longer essay based on a prompt. The essay tests your broader understanding of the text, including its themes and context. You'll need to know the content, literary techniques, and historical background of the set texts to do well on this paper.
For the Higher Level Composition in the IB Latin HL exam, you'll write a creative piece in Latin. This is a chance for you to show off your language skills by making your own work, using inspiration from classical sources. Along with your composition, you'll submit a rationale explaining your choices and how you used your research. The composition itself is shorter, about 100 words in Latin or 120 in Greek, but most of the marks come from your commentary and rationale. This task is unique to Higher Level and doesn't apply to Standard Level.
To get ready for the Higher Level Composition in the IB Latin HL exam, practice writing in Latin regularly. This will help you get more comfortable with the language. Read different Greek texts, both ancient and modern, to learn various styles and themes. This will give you ideas and inspiration for your writing. Then, try creating your own short stories or essays in Latin. Focus on how to express your ideas clearly and creatively in the language. Also, think about why you're writing the way you are and be ready to explain your choices in your rationale.
For the Internal Assessment Research Dossier in the IB Latin course, you will create a collection of 7-9 primary source materials related to a classical topic. This project is a big part of your grade and involves deep research. You pick a topic that interests you in Latin language, literature, or culture, and then gather and analyze sources about it. Your goal is to understand these sources and discuss what they tell us about the ancient world. This task helps you develop research skills and learn how to critically analyze historical texts.
To prepare for the Internal Assessment Research Dossier in IB Latin, choose a topic that really interests you in Latin culture, literature, or history. Then, start researching by reading a lot of primary sources like ancient texts, artifacts, or historical records related to your topic. As you collect these sources, write notes about what they tell us and how they connect to your topic. It's important to think critically about these sources, like asking how reliable they are or what they really show about ancient Greek life. Make sure to organize your sources and notes well, as you'll need to explain them clearly in your project.
For each part of the IB Latin exam, you’ll need to take advantage of different strategies for each paper:
Paper 1: Focus on reading and understanding unseen Latin texts. Practice translation and learn to quickly grasp the meaning of new passages. Study various literary styles and techniques in Latin literature to analyze how authors express their ideas.
Paper 2: Deeply study the set texts. Understand their themes, characters, and historical contexts. Practice answering questions and writing essays that delve into these texts' deeper meanings and significance.
Higher Level Composition: Enhance your Latin writing skills. Draw inspiration from a range of classical sources and practice writing short pieces in Latin, focusing on creativity and adherence to classical language style.
Research Dossier: Develop strong research skills. Choose an engaging topic and thoroughly explore primary sources related to it. Learn to critically analyze these sources, understanding their context and relevance in the ancient world. Make sure to go over the IB Latin exam review and your IB Latin online IB notes to ensure success.
Finally, make sure that you are VERY familiar with the syllabus; IB literally tells you what topics you need to know and which ones you don’t so you don’t waste time studying!
One thing I have learned from 4 years of Latin is that vocabulary and grammar can make or break how you perform in a course. I try to review my vocabulary as often as possible and use spaced repetition so that I never forget them! Additionally, make sure that you know your grammar rules. My holy grail, Wheelock’s Latin, has a comprehensive guide on all 5 declensions, 6 tenses, vocabulary, and translation tips. I would use that text in your preparation for the exam as well. One YouTube channel that has also helped me is LatinTutorial; they have videos on classical literature that will likely show up on your exam.
