ACARA v9 English mini-lesson for a 13-year-old: Write Carolingian capitulary legalese menu-ordering instructions for the Bishop's Palace swans

Lesson goal

You will write short menu-ordering instructions for the Bishop's Palace swans in the style of a Carolingian capitulary (a formal medieval decree). By the end you will be able to spot the key features of legalese and use them to make playful, formal commands that a swan might 'ring the bell' to order food.

ACARA links and success criteria

• ACARA focus: language features, text structure and audience. Practice using formal register, clear clauses and historical style.
• Success criteria: I can identify features of a capitulary, convert a simple instruction into formal legalese and write a short capitulary that lists menu options for the swans.

Step 1: What is a capitulary style?

A capitulary is a short medieval decree made up of numbered or titled clauses. It uses formal, commanding language, repeats important points, and often begins with a phrase like Let it be known or By the authority granted. For our lesson we aim for the feel of legalese: authoritative, formal, and a little old-fashioned, but still clear.

Key features to use

• Formal opener: e.g. Let it be known, By decree, Hear ye.
• Numbered or headed clauses: Capitulum I, II, III or Clause 1, 2, 3.
• Imperatives and commands in third person: Let the swan, It is ordered that.
• Repetition for clarity: "whenever X, then Y."
• Short, clear phrases rather than long complex sentences.
• Humour allowed: keep it respectful to the subject (swans) but playful.

Step 2: Plan a simple modern menu instruction

Start in plain modern English. Think of 3 menu items the swans could order by ringing their bell. For example:

1. Oat pellet
2. Leafy salad (lettuce)
3. Special treat (a small piece of apple)

Step 3: Turn each modern instruction into a short decree clause

Follow this pattern for each item:

1. Open with a formal phrase: Let it be known that
2. State the action in third person: the swan shall request
3. Give the menu item: 'one oat pellet' or 'a portion of lettuce'
4. Optional extra detail: how many times the bell may be rung, or when it applies

Example conversion

Modern: Ring the bell once for an oat pellet.

Capitulary style: Capitulum I. Let it be known that, when the bell is pulled once by the beak of a resident swan, the keeper shall present unto such swan one measured pellet of oats.

Full sample capitulary for the swans

By the authority of the House of the Bishop and for the well-being of those noble birds that dwell upon the moat, be it decreed:

Capitulum I. Let it be known that, when the left bell is pulled once by the beak of any resident swan, the keeper shall present unto said swan one measured oat pellet.

Capitulum II. Let it be known that, when the right bell is pulled twice in succession, the keeper shall present unto the pulling swan a portion of leafy greens for the sustenance of its brood.

Capitulum III. Let it be known that, when the left bell is pulled thrice and counsel is had with the keeper, there shall be given unto the swan a small fruit treat, not to exceed one piece in a single calling, that health may be preserved.

Capitulum IV. And be it further ordered that the keeper shall not feed other foods unsanctioned, and that these commands be observed in all seasons save where health of bird or keeper forbids.

Step 4: Try it yourself

Write your own short capitulary of 3 clauses using the plan above. Use the swans facts if you like: Grace and Gabriel, the bell at the Gatehouse, cygnets hatching in May, nest-building in February.

Practice prompts

• Prompt 1: Make a clause for feeding time when cygnets are present (think smaller portions or extra feed).
• Prompt 2: Write a clause about ring frequency: what does one ring mean vs two rings?
• Prompt 3: Add a short protective clause about not feeding harmful items.

Quick checklist before you finish

• Do you have a formal opener? (Let it be known, By decree...)
• Are your clauses numbered or headed? (Capitulum I, II...)
• Do clauses use commands in third person? (the keeper shall, the swan shall)
• Is each instruction clear and short enough for a reader to follow?

Extension

Rewrite your capitulary in plainer modern English for visitors to read beside the bell. That shows you understand both registers: old formal legalese and helpful modern instructions.

If you want, paste your attempt here and I will give feedback and show how to make it more like a true capitulary or more user-friendly for visitors.