What is the best way to tackle an unseen translation?
The best way to tackle an unseen translation is with a calm and systematic approach. The student should start by skimming the passage to get a general sense of key themes and content, and also note the meaning of any glossed words. Next they should separate the passage into clauses and try to find the main one. The student should then attempt to translate clause by clause, paying careful attention to the possible functions of each word, especially if it is unknown vocabulary. The most essential element in tackling an unseen is good knowledge of both syntax and accidence, so following an unseen it would be advisable to critically assess gaps in the student's knowledge, going back to basics if necessary to ensure a solid foundation for improvement.
Related Latin GCSE answers
All answers ▸olim Alexander , rex Macedonum , cum exercitu suo ad terras Indorum iter faciebat. - How would you go about translating this sentence?
a. Explain the differences between servos and servi in the following sentences. b. Give the person, number and tense of the verbs percussit and effugerunt.
What is the best way to learn declensions?
For each of the Latin words below, give one English word which has been derived from the Latin word and give the meaning of the English word. One has been done for you.