Thanks to the huge success of Harry Potter, many teen
agers dream about living in an ancient castle. These dreams may include beautiful silk dresses, delicious food, servants and of course, magic. However, real life in an English castle was not easy. With thick stonewalls and high towers, castles were built for defence(防御). So they were not good places to live in. In medieval times, castles must have been noisy and smelly places. Horses, cattle, chickens and sheep walked free, blacksmiths did ironwork, soldiers practised sword (剑) fights, and children of all ages played around them. Castles did not have central heating; the only heat came from the fireplace. Even in summer the castle was cool. People living 
in the castles had to use blankets to keep warm while at work.
Life during the Middle Ages began at sunrise. Servants lit the fire, swept the floor and cooked the morning meal. The mid-morning meal was the main meal of the day and often included three or four courses (一道菜). After dinner, everyone continued his or her work. The owner of the castle, the lord, sometimes took his guests hunting or shooting. His wife, the lady, spent much of the day watching the maids (女仆) work, as well as people working in the kitchen. She also kept an eye on the weavers and embroiderers who made clothes for the family. Supper was simple and eaten late, just before bedtime.
You may find some old magic books in a castle as Harry Potter once did. Read them before you go to bed, because when you fall asleep the magic of castle life may appear before your eyes.
小题1: For what purpose were the castles built in England?
A．To defend the city or country against enemies.
B．To provide a working place for blacksmiths.
C．To raise poultry (家禽) and livestock (家畜).
D．To provide a place for teenagers to learn magic.小题2: Why were the ancient castles noisy?
A．Because soldiers practiced sword fights there.
B．Because blacksmiths did ironwork there.
C．Because children of all ages played around them.
D．All of the above.小题3: Which of the following about family life in castles is true according to the passage?
A．The servants in castles lived an easy life.
B．The wife spent much of the day at home.
C．Supper was eaten before sunset.
D．Dinner was eaten in the middle of the day.小题4:The main idea of this passage is ______.
A．castles were not good places to live in
B．castles in novels are different from those in history
C．Harry Potter's story in a castle affected people
D．what real life was like in an ancient castle
