2c. Content of Prose Literature (H443/03) - Group 1 - For examination in 2027, 2028 and 2029 (fifth set text cycle) — OCR A-Level Latin
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2c. Content of Prose Literature (H443/03) - Group 1 - For examination in 2027, 2028 and 2029 (fifth set text cycle) explained
2c. Content of Prose Literature (H443/03) - Group 1 - For examination in 2027, 2028 and 2029 (fifth set text cycle) covers 2 specification points, including Cicero, pro Roscio Amerino, 5 (forsitan… and Nepos, Life of Hannibal, 1–13 (… Baebio….
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Open a point below for its explanation and revision guidance.
Cicero, pro Roscio Amerino, 5 (forsitan quaeratis ...) – 29 (… iugulandum vobis tradiderunt)
This row fixes the prescribed portion of Cicero's pro Roscio Amerino for the fifth set text cycle, examined in 2027, 2028 and 2029: it runs from section 5, beginning at the words forsitan quaeratis, to section 29, ending at the words iugulandum vobis tradiderunt. Learn the boundaries precisely, because questions test knowledge of what falls inside this passage and what does not. Read the Latin closely, note Cicero's rhetorical strategies — his appeals, characterisation of the prosecution and defence of Roscius — and be ready to identify, translate and comment on specific lines. Use the exact opening and closing words as anchors when locating a quotation, and check any translation against the Latin rather than relying on memory.
Nepos, Life of Hannibal, 1–13 (… Baebio Tamphilo)
This set text is the whole of Nepos' Life of Hannibal, chapters 1 to 13, ending at the words naming Baebius Tamphilus. Chapters 1–6 trace Hannibal's oath, his command in Spain, the crossing of the Alps and the victories at the Trebia, Trasimene and Cannae. Chapters 7–13 continue past Zama: they cover his post-war career as suffete at Carthage, his exile, his service with eastern kings and his suicide in Bithynia, with Nepos dating his death. Learn the sequence and each agent's actions, and note Nepos' biographical focus on character rather than a full military narrative.
Your focus
- State the exact opening and closing boundaries of the prescribed passage.
- Locate and translate short Latin phrases within sections 5 to 29.
- Identify Cicero's rhetorical strategies within the set portion of the speech.
Show all 6 objectives
- Outline the events of chapters 1–13 in Nepos' order with their agents
- Explain Hannibal's career after Zama up to his death in Bithynia
- Discuss how Nepos' biographical aims shape the presentation of Hannibal
2c. Content of Prose Literature (H443/03) - Group 1 - For examination in 2027, 2028 and 2029 (fifth set text cycle) exam tips
Marking Points
- Identifies the correct opening boundary of the prescribed passage at section 5, forsitan quaeratis.
- Identifies the correct closing boundary at section 29, iugulandum vobis tradiderunt.
- Locates a given Latin quotation within the prescribed sections 5 to 29 rather than outside them.
- Translates a short Latin phrase from the passage accurately.
- Recognises Cicero's rhetorical strategies, such as appeals to the jury and characterisation of the parties, within the set portion.
- Places events in the order Nepos gives them, naming the agent of each action
- Covers the full span from Hannibal's early oath and Spanish command through to his death in Bithynia
- Identifies Hannibal's post-Zama roles, including his suffeteship at Carthage and his exile
- Explains that Nepos writes biography, foregrounding Hannibal's character and career rather than a complete campaign history
Examiner Tips
- 💡Memorise the exact opening and closing words so you can place any quotation quickly.
- 💡Read each option against the Latin text before choosing, eliminating those that fall outside the range.
- 💡When translating, check case, tense and voice carefully rather than guessing from context.
- 💡Note Cicero's rhetorical techniques as you read so you can recognise them in questions.
- 💡Build a chapter-by-chapter timeline naming who does what, so sequence questions are quick
- 💡Learn the post-Zama chapters as carefully as the Italian campaign, since they complete the life
- 💡Note Nepos' evaluative comments on Hannibal's character and use them to support analysis
- 💡Quote or cite only material within chapters 1–13, the prescribed span
Common Mistakes
- Places a quotation outside sections 5 to 29; check the section numbers against the prescribed range.
- Confuses the opening words with the closing words; learn forsitan quaeratis as the start and iugulandum vobis tradiderunt as the end.
- Relies on an English paraphrase instead of the Latin; check the exact Latin wording before answering.
- Assumes the whole speech is prescribed; restrict answers to the set portion.
- Treats chapters 1–13 as only the opening of the biography; recognise that they are the entire work
- Stops the narrative at Zama; include the suffeteship, exile, eastern service and suicide in Bithynia
- Attributes one character's action to another; name the agent of each event in Nepos' order
- Reads the text as a full military history; treat it as biography centred on Hannibal's character