Objectives for this topic

To learn the imperfect tense of possum
To learn other irregular verbs (fero, volo, nolo)
To learn how to ask direct questions
To learn about the genitive and dative cases

Introduction

In Topic 1.2 you will be building on the knowledge of Latin cases and tenses that you acquired earlier in the course. You will learn the imperfect tense of the irregular verb possum, I am able, as well as some more irregular verbs. There are only a few irregular verbs in Latin so it is worth learning them well now. You will also learn how to ask questions and add two more cases to your list as well as finding out why some verbs are followed by the dative case and not the accusative. There is also a handy section on how to spot the stem of an adjective which will help you in recognising the different cases that they have.

Working through your coursebook

Start by looking at the vocabulary list on page 116. You will be meeting these words in the passages in this chapter so it will speed things up if you know them. Look carefully at the way that possum forms its imperfect and compare it with the imperfect of sum which you have been using for some time. At the bottom of this page you will meet three new verbs. Look at how they form their imperfect tenses. All except sum has ba between the stem and the imperfect ending, so this should be a clue to help you recognise them. Remember Impy the Limpy Sheep from Year 7 Module 6? Make sure you are doing the exercises to help you to practise using these tenses. Read and translate the story in Exercise 4.3 (page 121) which tells you more of the story of the monster, Cacus, whom you met in Chapter 2.

On page 122 you are introduced to the genitive and dative cases. The genitive shows possession – Cacus’s cave, i.e. the cave of Cacus, whereas the dative shows you for whom something was done, or to whom something was given. It is also known as the indirect object. Study the endings carefully and practise them in Exercises 4.4, 4.5 and 4.6 (pages 122 to 123).

On page 124 you will find some helpful information on how to spot the stem of an adjective. If you can do this you will be able to work out what the ending is more easily. Read and translate the story in Exercise 4.8 (page 126). Cerberus was the terrifying three-headed dog that guarded the Underworld and made sure that the souls of the dead did not escape.

Finally, on page 127 you will find that some verbs are followed by the dative rather than the accusative. If you think about what these verbs mean it will make it more understandable:

Persuadeo, I persuade, i.e. I use my persuasive powers towards someone (dative).

Credo, I believe/trust, i.e. I give my trust to someone (dative).

Make sure you are doing the exercises to practise looking for the correct case after these verbs and the passages in 4.10 and 4.11 (pages 128 to 129). These are really useful for seeing how the language you have used works in context.

The derivation hunt at the bottom of page 127 is a good way to increase your vocabulary in English as well as Latin.

Support activity for this topic

Work through the language exercises on pages 130-136, A4.1 -B4.5.

Extension activity for this topic

Do the Comprehension Worksheet on Exercise 4.8 Cerberus (page 126).

COMPLETE – Cerberus Comprehension

There are Additional Language exercises on pages 137-138, C4.1-C4.3.

Check Your Answers

CHECK – Core Language Answers (pages 112-129)

CHECK – Additional Language Answers (pages 130-138)

Review

Go back over the new verbs and their tenses and the new cases you have learnt in this Module. There is quite a lot so take your time and make sure you really understand and can recognise them all.

When you are sure you can recognise and translate the new information, move on to Assignment 1.