There are three major types of armor, tournament, parade, and combat armor.  Tournament armor was used mainly in the middle ages and was solely used as protection in a sport called jousting.  Jousting was when two heavily armored knights, normally on horseback, charged at each other with a 15 foot long blunted stick,  trying to knock each other off of their horses. Thick armor, weighing nearly 100 pounds is worn by these knights in order to keep the mortality rate down during these matches.  Parade armor was elaborately decorated armor used by wealthy people in order to show wealth and status.  Armor, especially the parade armor was extremely expensive and unnecessary, worn to parades and some parties they were sparsely used.  Combat, or war armor is the third major type of armor, and has been worn for most of human history.  The main purpose of combat is to protect its user by allowing the person to move around, while still being incased in armor.  During the Medieval time period, knights were able to wear armor that fit around their joints; previously there had simply been a gap around the knees and elbows.  Over time, combat armors purpose has changed dramatically.

    Armor has played a major part in human history, but it has changed a lot since its invention in prehistoric times.  The usage of armor began when people started using individual pieces of armor such as the helmet and the shield.  Over time, more armor was added to the soldier for protection, until the entire soldier was covered in full armor.  Soon muskets were developed, although they were unreliable at first, they changed the use of armor.  The musket is a long distance weapon that when used by many people, could stop a fully armored knight, so these soldiers exchanged less armor for the ability of more agility.  Armor was not used again until the American Civil War, at which point small amounts of armor were being used.  Since the use of armor in the Civil War modern soldiers have been covering themselves in armor.  The use of armor is used in cycles, through periods of no armor, and times of full armor.

    In the Medieval Era, the first fully armored soldier appeared, the knight.  Knights arrived in battle on top their loyal and trained war horses.  Both knight and horse wore armor in order to protect the expensive pair.  The horse would be equipped with its own helmet; it also had armor surrounding the saddle in which the knight would sit.  The knight was dressed in combat armor that fully covered him, but still allowed him to ride with relative ease.  The knight only had a few week points that enemies would aim at, under the arms, and in some places where armor connected and there was a small area of undefended flesh.  Over time, these weak points were reduced but still the cause of most fatalities.  Knights would fight with a 10 to 14 foot long bill, or lance.  With the combined weight of the horse and knight at the end of the lance, it was a vicious weapon.  If a knight's lance was ever broken or dropped, they were also equipped with a sword, which although it wasn't as effective as the lance, still posed as a threat.  The knight was an extremely formidable foe because of its protection and weapons.

    Armor has played an important part in all of our wars and times of peace.  From the beginning of armor, when the first helmets were being used, to the fully armored knight, armor has served to protect people.  Although at some times in our history, armor has not been used due to the inventions of revolutionary weapons, it has always been called upon again whenever the situation calls upon it.  Armor from parade to combat has shaped our history and culture.

Higgins Museum Essay

Evaluation

3 --  Outstanding     2 -- Ok, but could use some improvement     1-- Needed improvement     0 --- Missing

Introduction

    2           Gave the reader background and general information about the museum ---  set the scene.

    3           Transitions to the body of the essay. (Three things that can be learned by a visit to the museum)

Body

   3            Three topics were addressed, each with its own paragraph

    2           Topics were clearly explained and used researched supporting details & vocabulary

Conclusion

      2         Restated topic --- What can be learned at the museum?

      3         Brought closure to essay (Summed up essay)

Structure

       3        Essay format followed the directions for assignment

       3        Spelling

       3        Capitalization (Used correct capitalization)

Comments: Good format to the essay and excellent supporting details. Good introduction, except you don't tell the reader enough about  the museum (like where it is). The body flows well, but you needed more research vocabulary for depth. The conclusion bring closure, but does not go back and revisit the topic (museum)