WASHINGTON, D.C.

Ø 1) What is the capital of the USA? What kind of city is it? What do you know about it? What places of interest are there?

The city of Washington, D. C. is the nation’s capital. D. C. means the District of Columbia. The district covers 67 square miles, and it does not belong to any state. It’s a favourite tourist place, and there is much to see.

The White House is where the President works. His office is called the oval office. He often meets important visitors such as other presidents and ambassadors in his office. The President and his family also live in the White House, but the American people own the White House. They are the landlord and the President is a tenant.

When the British invaded Washington in 1814, they burned the White House. The First Lady was Dolly Madison, and she managed to save many valuable documents before escaping. She also saved a historic portrait of George Washington.

The Washington Monument was constructed after Washington died. It is a tribute to America’s first President. It is possible to climb to the top of the monument. The view from the top is wonderful.

The Lincoln Memorial is a massive marble building. Inside is a statue of Lincoln, looking down at you. It is very impressive.

The Vietnam Memorial was created by a young woman, Maya Lin. It is a huge slab of black granite that forms a wall. The names of all the American men and women who died in Vietnam are carved into the wall. It is a moving tribute to their sacrifice.

Ø 2) Say whether the following statements are true or false and justify your answer:

a) New York is the capital of the USA.

b) D.C. means the District of California.

c) The President of the USA works in the Capitol.

d) The American President and his family live in the White House.

e) The capital of the USA in named after the first president of the USA.

f) The statue of Lincoln is located in New York.

Ø 3) Make up an outline of the text in writing.

NEW YORK

Ø 1) Have you seen or heard of New York? Have you, your friends or relatives been to New York? What is the most memorable impression of New York? What tragic event occurred in New York on September 11, 2001?

Ø 2) Scan the text and name the ideas of each paragraph.

(1) New York is the largest city in the United States. More than seven million people live there. New York has very tall buildings like the Empire State Building. The tall twin buildings of the World Trade Centre were unfortunately damaged during the September 11 attacks.

(2) New York is the biggest port in the world. Thousands of ships come to the port of New York each year. It has Macy’s, one of the biggest stores in the world. New York also has the largest lady in the world – the Statue of Liberty.

(3) New York is a cosmopolitan city. People from many countries come to live in New York. Three quarters, or 75% of the people in New York City come from five groups. The groups are: blacks, Jews, Italians, Puerto Ricans, and Irish. The other quarter, or 25% come from all over the world.

(4) New York City is the centre for culture in the United States. It has the finest museums and best art galleries in the country. If you want to see a play, there are many theatres you can go to on Broadway. The street called Broadway is the centre for the theatre life in the United States.

(5) People call New York City the “Big Apple”. Jazz musicians in the 1920s gave New York this name. When a musician says he is going to the Big Apple, it means he is the best. Today, New York is still the U.S. centre for art, business, and education. One of the most prestigious universities, Columbia University, is located there.

Ø 3) Make a list of proper names and be ready to explain what is what and who is who.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14