Exam paper — Capitulare de Villis (age 17)

Time allowed: 75 minutes. Answer all questions. Use the extract (Capitulare de Villis) to support your answers where required. Marks for each question are shown in brackets.

1. Retrieval (2 marks): Find and copy the sentence that tells stewards what to do with fishponds. Briefly state the three actions the sentence instructs regarding fishponds. (2 marks)
2. Detail (3 marks): List five vegetables or root-crops named in the gardens section that would be used for food (not trees or herbs). (3 marks)
3. Comprehension (3 marks): According to the document, under what conditions may fish from the ponds be sold, and what should stewards do when ponds are not producing? (3 marks)
4. Vocabulary (4 marks): Define in your own words: steward, demesne, tithe, and manor (or manse). Use the document to support each definition. (4 marks)
5. Inference (3 marks): The king orders swans, peacocks and pheasants to be kept "for the sake of ornament." What does this tell you about the social or political role of food and animals on royal estates? Give two points. (3 marks)
6. Language & Tone (4 marks): Find a short passage that shows the king giving commands about labour or punishment. Explain how the language in that passage creates an authoritative tone. Quote one phrase as evidence. (4 marks)
7. Main purpose (3 marks): In one sentence, say what the main purpose of the Capitulare de Villis is. (3 marks)
8. Structure (3 marks): How does the use of lists (e.g. lists of plants, animals, tools) help the reader of this administrative document? Give two clear effects. (3 marks)
9. Effect of detail (4 marks): Choose the passage that lists garden plants (the long botanical list). Explain two effects this long list has on the reader’s impression of royal control and resources. (4 marks)
10. Compare & Contrast (5 marks): Compare the instructions about gardens and turnips with the instructions about wine-presses or mills. What priorities about food and revenue do the differences reveal? Provide two comparisons with brief explanation. (5 marks)
11. Summary (5 marks): Summarise in no more than 40 words the steward’s responsibilities relating to food production (gardens, livestock, fishponds, and storage). (5 marks)
12. Synthesis (6 marks): Using three pieces of textual evidence, explain how the document aims to ensure food security for the royal household. (6 marks)
13. Creative writing (6 marks): Write a short diary entry (about 150–200 words) from the point of view of a steward who has just inspected the fishponds and gardens. Include reference to turnips, one garden herb, and the king’s orders. (6 marks)
14. Grammar/Linguistic feature (4 marks): Identify two imperative verbs or commands in the text and explain how each one stresses obligation. Quote each verb in context. (4 marks)
15. Historical context (6 marks): What does the document reveal about labour relations between stewards and serfs (or the people on the estates)? Give two direct references and explain their significance. (6 marks)
16. Evaluation (7 marks): Assess one strength and one weakness of these rules as a system for managing resources across large estates. Use the text to support your judgement. (7 marks)
17. Paraphrase (3 marks): Put into modern English this instruction: "Two thirds of the Lenten food shall be sent each year for our use..." (3 marks)
18. Word-choice analysis (3 marks): Pick three plant or tree names from the gardens list (for example: rosemary, turnips, mulberry). For each, explain why naming specific species matters in an administrative text. (3 marks)
19. Evidence & analysis (3 marks): Quote one sentence that shows the king’s concern for cleanliness or good preparation of food. Explain briefly how the wording emphasises cleanliness. (3 marks)
20. Extended response (23 marks): "The Capitulare de Villis is as much a manual of control as it is a handbook of management." To what extent do you agree? Write a structured essay (approx. 300–450 words) that evaluates this claim using evidence from the text and considering purpose, audience and historical context. (23 marks)

Short teacher/marking guidance (very brief)

• Q1–Q5 and Q14–Q19: factual and short-analytic answers. Accept paraphrase and any accurate quotes.
• Q6, Q8–Q12, Q15–Q16: expect use of textual evidence; reward precise quotations and clear explanation.
• Q13: assess realism, reference to specified items (turnips, an herb, fishponds) and awareness of steward duties. Credit historical details where accurate.
• Q20 (essay): mark for argument, use of evidence, consideration of control vs. management, and historical insight (e.g. royal power, economy, logistics). Structure: intro, 2–3 analytical paragraphs, conclusion.

Total marks = 100. Suggested time: 75 minutes; allow 35–40 minutes for Q20 and 35–40 minutes for remaining questions.