Castles of Long Ago: Grouping Ideas into Paragraphs

Jun's Report (First Draft)

1Hi! I am Jun, and I am going to write about something really cool. I learned a lot of facts at the library and from my grandmother. You will learn a lot from my report. I hope you like it!

2Building a castle was a giant job. The first castles were often made of wood and dirt, but wood could rot or catch fire. Later, builders used stone because it was much stronger and lasted far longer. Stonemasons cut and shaped the stone blocks so they would fit tightly together. Hundreds of workers, such as stonemasons and carpenters, might work together on a single castle. Some workers dug ditches, while others mixed mortar to hold the stones together. A large stone castle could take many years to finish. Castles were also built to keep the people inside safe. Their stone walls were thick and very hard to break through. Many castles stood on hills, so guards could see anyone coming from far away. Tall towers along the walls gave guards places to stand and watch. Some castles were circled by a moat, a wide ditch that was often filled with water. To get inside, visitors crossed a drawbridge, which could be pulled up to block the way in. A castle was a busy home for many people, too. A lord and lady often lived there with their family. Cooks worked in a hot kitchen, making meals for everyone. Blacksmiths made horseshoes, tools, and nails. Servants carried water, swept floors, and kept the fires burning. Grooms took care of the horses in the stables. Children helped with chores and played games in the courtyard. On special days, people gathered in the great hall for a feast with music.