AP LATIN: VERGIL 2012 SCORING GUIDELINES Question V3 6 This is an excellent, well-organized essay. It makes liberal use of specific, appropriate references from the Latin text throughout the passage, properly cited. These references support the analysis of what the encounter between Venus and Aeneas reveals about each of them and about their relationship. Occasional mistakes need not spoil the general impression of the essay. More important than the number of Latin citations are the quality and completeness of the discussion and the general coherence of the argument. 5 This is a good, strong essay with a discerning analysis of what the encounter between Venus and Aeneas reveals about each of them and about their relationship. Either the discussion is not as sophisticated or the analysis is not as well developed as an essay that earns 6 points, or it is not quite as well supported with textual references from throughout the passage. The references from the Latin, properly cited, appear confident, and the essay reflects more than casual familiarity with the passage. 4 This is an adequate essay with some accurate examination of what the encounter between Venus and Aeneas reveals about each of them and about their relationship. The discussion may be uneven, with emphasis only on individual characters or on the relationship, with little said about the other; or it may be more descriptive than analytical. The Latin references, although perhaps scanty, are specific, accurate, and relevant. 3 This is a limited response that lacks adequate discussion of what the encounter between Venus and Aeneas reveals about each of them and about their relationship, or that only generally discusses the incident. The answer tends to rely on description. In general, the Latin support is weak, possibly misconstrued, inappropriate, not properly cited, or all of these. Alternatively, the student may write a good essay, reflecting knowledge of the passage, but not cite any Latin to support the answer. 2 The student recognizes the passage but presents a vague or weak discussion. Statements may be very general or irrelevant to the question. The student shows only limited comprehension of the Latin cited or does not cite any Latin at all. 1 The student understands the question but presents no meaningful discussion derived from the passage. Although no substantive argument is presented, the response does contain some correct information relevant to the question. The student demonstrates no understanding of the Latin in context or a complete misunderstanding. The answer may contain no Latin or individual Latin words randomly selected. 0 The student gives a response that is totally irrelevant or merely restates the question. Or the response is off task (e.g., drawing, personal letters). The student demonstrates no understanding of the Latin in context. This is an entirely blank space. 2012 The College Board.
AP LATIN: VERGIL 2012 SCORING COMMENTARY Question V3 Overview This question tested students ability to analyze what the encounter between Aeneas and Venus in Aeneid 1.314 315, 318 339 reveals about each of these characters and about their relationship. Sample: 3A Score: 6 This is a strong and well-organized essay, with a thoughtful analysis of Venus and Aeneas as individuals as well as their relationship. The student begins with a discussion of Venus disguise, assumed because even though she is Aeneas mother, she does not want to give him help directly. The student calls Venus tricky and wily because her disguise as a maiden huntress (line 2) is so far from her real self (the goddess of love); yet Venus presents herself in a sexy manner (lines 4 5). Venus is the first to speak (prior, line 6), showing that she is in control. Vergil uses the long story Venus tells about her missing sisters to emphasize the great lengths she goes to in setting up and maintaining her tricky disguise. Aeneas is characterized as a devoted person. He recognizes that she is not a mortal (lines 12 14) and behaves properly and piously (15 17), promising sacrifices to her (line 19), whoever she is, and showing that he is thankful for the gods sympathy and appreciates their aid. He still does not recognize Venus as his mother, but she, maintaining her disguise (lines 20 22), gives him the information he seeks. Venus enjoys playing the game of disguise, but she still helps her pious son on his journey. Sample: 3B Score: 4 This essay contains accurate information and provides an adequate response to the question. Although references to the Latin text are specific and relevant, they do not offer a complete treatment of the characterization of Venus and Aeneas and their complex relationship. For most of the discussion, the Latin references are scanty, and the information about Venus and Aeneas is not linked with the passage. The essay earned a score of 4 because of the failure to utilize most parts of the passage. Sample: 3C Score: 3 This essay recognizes the passage and is able to follow the general course of events in the text but provides a limited discussion of the question. Although references to the Latin text are not misconstrued or inappropriate, they are not specific enough to allow a full characterization of Venus and Aeneas and their relationship. The essay does not demonstrate a firm grasp of the details of the passage and makes little use of the Latin in analyzing the relationship between Venus and Aeneas. 2012 The College Board.