Comment by dfawcus

What is the problem with that paragraph, other than the long sentence with many comma separated phrases?

The only 'non modern' bits are 'Michaelmas' (which I know is a Christianity related date), and 'undistinguishable' where I'd use 'indistinguishable'. So the note about the student being quizzed to translate to 'modern English' seems moot as it is modern English.

However, I'm English, so a number of the terms are immediately obvious.

I obvious know who the Lord Chancellor is (as the role still exists); as do the Inns of Court, being where Barristers receive their initial training. So I would suggest it is more a case of needing specific cultural knowledge, than needing enhanced language skills.

Bleak House: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1023/1023-h/1023-h.htm

As to the rest of the initial 7 paragraphs.

In P2, I had to look up "aits" (islands); otherwise they are all of no issue other than the length of the sentences, occasionally requiring me to reread a few phrases.

Basically Dickens is modern English, with a few archaic words being used.