How do I revise E2E stub topic for AQA A-Level?

When analysing passages, always link specific Latin words and phrases to rhetorical effect

What exam tips are there for E2E stub topic? (2)

Structure essays around clear thematic arguments rather than chronological summary

What exam tips are there for E2E stub topic? (3)

Use primary source quotations to support points, but ensure accurate translation and context

What mistakes should I avoid in E2E stub topic?

Confusing the factual details of the trial with Cicero’s rhetorical exaggeration

What are common errors in E2E stub topic exams? (2)

Misidentifying the targets of Cicero’s attacks, assuming all references to women are about Clodia

E2E stub topic

AQA

A-Level

This subtopic delves into the analysis of Cicero’s Pro Caelio, a defence speech that provides insight into late Republican Roman society, law, and rhetoric. Students explore the oratorical techniques used to manipulate the jury, including character portrayal, moral argumentation, and emotional appeal. Practical application extends to understanding the interplay between literature and history, and the construction of persuasive narratives in legal contexts.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for accurate identification of rhetorical devices such as anaphora, tricolon, and rhetorical questions
Expect detailed analysis of how Cicero undermines Clodia’s credibility through innuendo and moralising
Look for understanding of the speech’s structure: exordium, narratio, confirmatio, refutatio, peroratio
Reward contextual knowledge of the Bona Dea scandal and its implications

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for accurate identification of rhetorical devices such as anaphora, tricolon, and rhetorical questions
Expect detailed analysis of how Cicero undermines Clodia’s credibility through innuendo and moralising
Look for understanding of the speech’s structure: exordium, narratio, confirmatio, refutatio, peroratio
Reward contextual knowledge of the Bona Dea scandal and its implications

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡When analysing passages, always link specific Latin words and phrases to rhetorical effect
💡Structure essays around clear thematic arguments rather than chronological summary
💡Use primary source quotations to support points, but ensure accurate translation and context
💡Practice translating unseen sections of the speech to build fluency with Ciceronian style

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing the factual details of the trial with Cicero’s rhetorical exaggeration
Misidentifying the targets of Cicero’s attacks, assuming all references to women are about Clodia
Failing to distinguish between the literary character constructed by Cicero and the historical Clodia
Overlooking the influence of genre and audience expectations on the speech’s content

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Rhetorical strategies and persuasive techniques

Character assassination of Clodia

Roman social and moral values

Structure of an oration

Legal and political context of the late Republic

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