THE STATUE OF LIBERTY

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 455.

Ex.2. Study the following description from a history book. Put the paragraphs in the correct order.

Ex.1. Work in small groups. Think about the famous Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. What do you think it means to the American people? Provide as many answers as possible.

Share bits of background knowledge on the following statements with your group mates.

Think ahead

READING AND SPEAKING

Part A

NATIONAL VALUES

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

UNIT 5

Ex.5. Work in small groups. Create a fact file on an outstanding US political figure. Write a brief biographical essay.

Ex.4. Read a quotation by an outstanding US President. Explain the message in a short essay (200 words).

Communication: Speaking about the political life in the USA

Grammar Focus: Modal verbs

Language use: Speaking about problems

1. Americans are generally very patriotic.

2. National values and symbols are important for them.

3. A large part of the population has various ethnic backgrounds.

4. Certain national symbols are important not to Americans only.

5. Dedication to values is an all-deserving feature of American life style.

Model

To my mind, the Statue of Liberty can symbolize the desire of the country to become the most democratic in the world.

(A)____ The designer of the Eiffel Tower Alexandre Gustave Eiffel was commissioned to design the massive iron pylon and secondary skeletal framework which allows the Statue's copper skin to move independently yet stand upright. Financing for the pedestal in the USA was not an easy matter, and major newspapers contributed to the campaigning. Finally, financing was completed, and pedestal construction was finished.

(B)____ Sculptor Frederic Bartholdi was commissioned to design a sculpture with the year 1876 in mind for completion, to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. The Statue was a joint effort between America and France and it was agreed upon that the American people were to build the pedestal, and the French people were responsible for the Statue and its assembly here in the United States.

(C) ___ However, lack of funds was a problem on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. In France, public fees, various forms of entertainment, and a lottery were among the methods used to raise funds. In the United States, benefit theatrical events, art exhibitions, auctions and prize fights assisted in providing needed funds. Moreover, the sculptor required the assistance of an engineer to address structural issues associated with designing such as colossal copper sculpture.

(D) ____ The Statue was completed in France in July, and arrived in New York Harbor in June of 1885 on board the French frigate which transported the Statue of Liberty from France to the United States. In transit, the Statue was reduced to 350 individual pieces and packed in crates. The Statue was re-assembled on her new pedestal in four months time. On October 28^th 1886, the dedication of the Statue of Liberty took place in front of thousands. She was a centennial gift ten years late.

(E) ___ The Statue of Liberty National Monument officially celebrated her 100^th birthday on October 28, 1986. The people of France gave the Statue to the people of the United States over one hundred years ago in recognition of the friendship established during the American Revolution. Over the years, the Statue of Liberty has grown to include freedom and democracy as well as this international friendship.

Ex.3.Survey an extract from a travel book. Say why the monument described has great (and controversial) significance.