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AP Latin — Cheatsheet

Formulas, exam-day tips, and key terms on one page.

How to get a 5

Always scan the first few lines of a poem on the sight reading section; knowing the meter helps with translation and vocabulary.
Pay attention to the context of the passage; knowing the overall storyline of the Aeneid and De Bello Gallico is crucial.
In the short answer questions, always write out the specific Latin word(s) requested, and then provide the English translation/explanation.
Practice translating literally, not loosely. The graders look for your understanding of the precise grammar and syntax.

Dactylic Hexameter — The meter of epic poetry, consisting of six feet (dactyls or spondees).

Chiasmus — Arrangement of words in an ABBA pattern (e.g., adjective, noun, noun, adjective).

Synchysis — Interlocked word order in an ABAB pattern.

Ablative Absolute — A noun and a participle (often) in the ablative case, grammatically independent from the rest of the sentence.

Indirect Statement — Introduced by a 'head verb' (say, think, know); uses an accusative subject and an infinitive verb.

Cum Clause — Introduced by 'cum' + subjunctive verb; translated as when, since, or although.

Purpose Clause — Expresses the purpose of the main action; uses 'ut/ne' + subjunctive.

Result Clause — Introduced by a 'so' word (tam, ita, sic) followed by 'ut' + subjunctive.

Gerundive — A verbal adjective, passive in meaning; often used to express obligation or necessity (passive periphrastic).

Deponent Verb — A verb that is passive in form but active in meaning (e.g., conor, sequor).

Synecdoche — A figure of speech in which a part is used for the whole (e.g., 'tectum' [roof] for 'house').

Metonymy — Substitution of one word for another that it suggests (e.g., 'Ceres' for 'grain').