Plantagenets and the Code of Conduct

Cloze texts, such as the one created about chivalry in the context of the Plantagenets and English monarchy, serve as an engaging way to introduce students to historical concepts and figures. They encourage active reading, as students must pay close attention to the context to fill in the blanks correctly. This particular text highlights the ideals of chivalry, its significance among the Plantagenet kings, and its impact on medieval society. By focusing on key terms related to chivalry and the roles of notable figures like Henry II and Richard the Lionheart, students can better grasp the complexity of medieval social structures and the values that guided them. The exercise also prompts students to think critically about the contradictions within the chivalric code and its eventual decline. Using this cloze text in a classroom setting can stimulate discussions about how historical ideals of honor and bravery compare to modern values, thereby making the learning experience more relevant to students. Moreover, the task of identifying and understanding key terms can aid in vocabulary building and comprehension skills, which are crucial for historical studies.