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WASHINGTON

Washington, the capital of the United States is situated on the Potomac River in the District of Columbia. The district is a piece of land, which does not belong to any one state but to all the States. The district is named in honour of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of America. It is very interesting that Americans never say simply «Washington». They always add «D.C.» as the indication of the location. It is important because there are many towns with the same name all over the country and even one large state in far north-west.

Washington was founded in 1791 as the capital of the United States of America. Washington is quite a new city. The population of the city is nearly one million people. It is not a very large city, but it is very important as the capita! of the USA. There is a law in Washington against building structures higher than the Capitol.

Washington has many historical places. The largest and tallest is the Capitol, where the Congress meets. It is a very beautiful building with white marble columns. Not far from the Capitol is the Library of Congress. It holds five million books.

The White House, the residence of the president is the oldest public structure in the capital and one of the most beautiful. It was built in 1799. It is a two storey white building. Not far from the Capitol is the Washington monument, which looks like a very big pencil. It raises 160 metres and it is empty inside. A special lift brings visitors to the top in 70 seconds, from where they can enjoy the view of the city.

The Jefferson Memorial was built in memory of the third President of the USA Thomas Jefferson, who was also the author of the Declaration of Independence. The Memorial is surrounded by cherry trees.

The Lincoln Memorial is devoted to the memory of the sixteenth President of the USA, the author of the Emancipation Proclamation, which gave freedom to Negro slaves in America.

7. Answer the questions:

1. When was Washington D.C. founded?

2. Where is Washington situated?

3. What state does District of Columbia belong to?

4. What are the most important places of interest in Washington?

5. What is the shape of the Washington memorial?

6. What is the design of Lincoln memorial?

7. What is the population of Washington?

8. Are there any specific laws about the height of the buildings in Washington D.C?

Read and translate the dialogue.

WASHINGTON D.C.

– Well, Donald, could you do me a favour?

– Yes, what is it, Ronald?

– I know you have been living in Washington for about five years. You must know it very well. Could you tell me something about the capital of the USA?

– With great pleasure, Ronald. George Washington, the first President of the USA, after whom the city was named, selected the area for the capital. A hundred square miles were taken from the states of Maryland and Virginia. It was called the District of Columbia (D.C.).

– Is the city well planned?

– Yes, it is. The city is divided into four sections: NW (north-west), NE (north-cast), SW (south-west) and SE (south-east). Numbered streets run north and south: First Street, Second Street... Lettered streets such as A-street, B-street run east and west.

– I'll try to remember it.

– Bear it in mind that every section has an independent street division. If you are looking for Third Street, you should know in what section of the city it is.

– What's the heart of Washington?

– The Capitol is. All the tourists begin sightseeing from the Capitol and see the Senate Chamber, the Representative Hall, and the Statuary Hall and so on.

– Are there any monuments in the city?

– Of course. The Washington Monument which is 555 feet tail is called "Pencil" because of its shape. It is three blocks south of the White House. There is an elevator which will carry you to 500 foot level observation windows. You should also see the Lincoln memorial which is west of the Washington-monument and the Jefferson memorial which is south of the Washington monument near the Potomac River.

– I'll follow your advice. I hear the Library of Congress is worth seeing.

– That's right. It contains millions of books and manuscripts. Are you interested in churches and cathedrals?

– Yes, I am.

– You should see the Washington Cathedral in Massachusetts Avenue, the Arlington National Cemetery which is outside the city limits. John F. Kennedy was buried there. The famous Tomb of the Unknowns is worth seeing too.

Read the text.

NEW YORK

New York, one of the largest cities in the world, was founded three hundred years ago in the mouth of the Hudson River.

The centre of New York is Manhattan Island. In 1626 it was bought from the Indians for a sum of twenty-four dollars. Today Manhattan is the centre of business and commercial life of the country. There are many skyscrapers, banks and offices of American businessmen in Manhattan. Broadway begins here; the Stock Exchange is located here. Very few people live in Manhattan, although the majorities work here. Numerous bridges link Manhattan Island with the other parts of New York.

New York is inhabited by people of almost all nationalities. It is even called «Modern Babylon». At the turn of the 20-th century a lot of people came to the USA from different countries of the world. They entered the USA through New York – the Gateway of America.

New York is one of the leading manufacturing cities in the world. The most important branches of industry are those, producing paper products, vehicles, glass, chemicals, and machinery. The city traffic is very busy.